Tag Archives: Lemonade

Review: Pucker Me Pleased

Pucker Vodka Tasting - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Flavored vodkas have become a dime a dozen on liquor store shelves. Some are creatively clever with wild infusions from bacon to tarragon and lavender. Standard flavors are relatively easy to interchange no matter which quality brand one chooses from the shelf. When one stares at the rows of flavored vodkas it is a little difficult to choose one brand of vanilla vodka from another. Usually the decision comes down to price point or picking up a tried and true favorite brand. However there are those flavors that stand out a little more than others due uniqueness in flavor.

The line of Pucker Vodkas clearly stands out with their faint sweetness and truly pucker worthy sweet tart flavors. Citrus is no longer just a hint of orange, lemon and lime rolled into one. Citrus Pucker brings “ooo la la” mouth watering excitement to the lips. It defies ordinary. Definitely designed with Girls Night Out in mind and times when flavorful fun happy hour supersedes old fashioned classics.

Citrus Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Dry powder orange / citrus with hint of sweetness.

Taste: Definite pucker worthy sour right from the start! Lemony / orange with bit of artificial feel. Sour to sweet combination is intriguing.

Can see this as a terrific flavored vodka mixing spirit. Great basis for lemon drop cocktails and shooters with nice appeal for various other fruity drinks on the agenda.

Lemon Drop – created by Cheri Loughlin

Lemon Drop - created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 measure Citrus Pucker Vodka

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

3/4 measure O3 Premium Orange Liqueur

1-1/2 measure Lemonade

Lemon Wheel Garnish

Sugar for Rim

Slide lemon around rim of chilled cocktail glass. Dip lemony rim in sugar. Set aside. Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon wheel.

Sour Apple Sass Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Makes the mouth water. Reminds me of apple flavored Jolly Ranchers and apple flavored Laffy Taffy. Smells like sweetly ripened granny smith apples.

Taste: Hint of sweetness. Terrific tart apple flavor. Just marvelous for mixing all sorts of apple cocktails. Caramel covered apple comes to mind right off the bat. Perfect for fun fruity apple shots, too.

Sassy Apple Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin

Sassy Apple Shot - created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 measure Sour Apple Sass Pucker Vodka

1/2 measure O3 Premium Orange Liqueur

1/2 measure Ginger Ale

1/4 measure Lemon Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into two shot glasses.

Cherry Tease Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Not as tart as the other Pucker Vodkas. Bitter cherry with vanilla sweetness. Hint of lush coming through. Not quite “fresh” cherry aroma.

Taste: Smoother and less tart than the other Pucker Vodkas. Vanilla definitely blended into the flavor. Dark cherry, artificial in flavor.

Chocolate Covered Cherry – created by Cheri Loughlin

Chocolate Covered Cherry - created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 measure Cherry Tease Pucker Vodka

3/4 measure White Crème de Cacao

2 measures Cranberry Juice

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Drop in cherry to sink to the bottom of the glass.

Just WOW! Chocolate, cherry and vanilla combine exactly right. Though the spirit comes across a bit artificial in flavor when tasted neat, Cherry Tease Pucker Vodka clearly stands up to the test when mixed in cocktails.

Grape Gone Wild Pucker Vodka

Aroma: Laffy Taffy grape flavor is the automatic first impression. Sweetness, lush aroma. Not fresh grape, but the ideal sweetened grape candy feel.

Taste: Little more artificial with scant taste of perfume. Totally grape in flavor through and through.

Italian Kiss – created by Cheri Loughlin

Italian Kiss - Created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 measure Grape Gone Wild Pucker Vodka

1/2 measure Amaretto

2 measures Cranberry Juice

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Nice flavor. Surprising how well the flavors of grape and amaretto combine in this cocktail. Grape flavored vodka doesn’t necessarily have to mean candied fruit cocktails.

A special Girls Night Out evening recently brought women to the bar to sample the Pucker Vodka line. Sour Apple Sass Pucker Vodka proved to be a huge hit. Ideas for more cocktails and shots were created and sampled on the spot proving the terrific versatility of this particular spirit. Women commented on the pleasing bottle design with its fun factor and sleekness.

Girls Night Out Tasting - Pucker Vodka

Pucker Vodka samples for review and Girls Night Out tasting provided by representatives of Beam Global Wine & Spirits. Please email Cheri for more information about featuring specific brands in Girls Night Out parties.

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2011 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

 

Gridiron Greats Football & Tailgating Cocktails & Drink Recipes

Customize your game day football watching experience with cocktail recipes First Down Shot created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlinthat follow football action play by play.

First Down Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Voyant Chai

1/2 ounce Godiva White Chocolate

Layer in shot glass in order given. – Give the first round your best shot.

Fuzzy Field Goal – created by Cheri Loughlin

Fuzzy Field Goal created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Jagermeister

1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps

3/4 ounce Bacardi Peach Red

2 ounces Orange Juice

Orange Slices Garnish

Build over ice in highball glass. Garnish with orange slices.

Gridiron Lemonade – created by Cheri Loughlin

Gridiron Lemonade created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounce Jagermeister

1/4 ounce Hot Damn Cinnamon Schnapps

1/2 ounce Buttershots

3 ounces Lemonade

Lemon Wheel Garnish

Build over ice in highball glass. Stir. Garnish with lemon wheel.

Hail Mary – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

Hail Mary - Jim Beam Black - adapted by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounce Jim Beam Black

2 dashes Worcestershire Sauce

5 dashes Tabasco Sauce

2 dashes Angostura

1/4 ounce Lime Juice

3 ounces Clamato Juice

Jalapeno Stuffed Olives Garnish

Build over ice in highball glass in order given. Stir. Garnish with jalapeno stuffed olives or garnish of choice. – Ride on heritage and team spirit.

Necessary Roughness – created by Cheri Loughlin

Necessary Roughness - Tequila - created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounce Tequila

1/2 ounce Peach Schnapps

1/2 ounce Crème de Cassis

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

Lime Wedge Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into margarita glass rimmed with salt. Garnish with lime wedge. – Classic ventures beyond ordinary.

Red Zone Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Hot Damn Cinnamon Schnapps

1/2 ounce Goldschlager

Layer in shot glass in order given. – A moment in the hot spot.

Spearing the Stag – created by Cheri Loughlin

Spearing the Stag created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Coconut Rum

1 ounce Jagermeister

1-1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

Pineapple Spear Garnish

Build over ice in rocks glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple. – Easiest penalty you’ll ever sip.

Strong Safety – created by Cheri Loughlin

Strong Safety - Coffee Mocktail - created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri LoughlinBarspoon Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup

Barspoon Hazelnut Syrup

Hot Coffee

Whipped Cream

Cacao Bits

Place chocolate syrup and hazelnut syrup in heat proof mug. Fill with hot coffee. Top with Whipped cream. Sprinkle with Cacao bits. – Tailgates begin early and go long; caffeine to keep your wits.

T-formation – created by Cheri Loughlin

T-formation - created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounce Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea

1/2 ounce Southern Comfort

1/4 ounce Peach Schnapps

2 ounces Apricot Nectar

2 ounces Lemonade

Squeeze of Half a Lemon

Lemon Wheel Garnish

Build over ice in highball glass. Stir. Garnish with lemon wheel. – Southern style with wicked twist.

Third & Long – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

Third and Long adapted by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 part Tequila

1/2 part Light Rum

1/2 part Vodka

1/2 part Triple Sec

3/4 part Lemon Juice

1-1/2 part Cola

Lemon Wedge Garnish

Build in a tall glass over ice. Top with cola. Garnish with lemon wedge if desired. – Three spirits, long on taste.

Quick Count Rattler – created by Cheri Loughlin

Quick Count Rattler created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Yukon Jack

1/2 ounce Apricot Brandy

3/4 ounce Southern Comfort

1 ounce Apricot Nectar

1/4 ounce Lemon Juice

Build in rocks glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon wheel. – Sip too fast & this might bite!

Bull by the Horns – created by Cheri Loughlin

Bull by the Horns created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Red Stag by Jim Beam

1 ounce Jagermeister

2 ounces Red Bull

Maraschino Cherries Garnish

Build over ice in rocks glass. Garnish with maraschino cherries. – Two stags & bull battle for perfect play.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Friday Night Favorite Shot Recipes

Shots are in interesting breed of drink. Many consumed them in youth & continue to do so as Friday night ritual when out with friends.  These little gems may also be converted into true cocktails served straight up or on the rocks.  Current question asked on The Intoxicologist Facebook Fan page and Intoxicologist Twitter page: What is your current favorite shot flavor or favorite shot you remember consuming from days of youth?  Only one shot appeared more than once – Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot – adaptation by Cheri Loughlin

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Shot - adapted by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1/2 ounce Pineapple Vodka

1/4 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

Splash Licor 43

Maraschino Cherry

Drip several drops maraschino cherry juice in bottom of shot glass.  Slit bottom of maraschino cherry and prop on rim of shot glass.  Set aside.  Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into prepared shot glass.

The current fad sweeping trendy NYC and Cali bars received one mention – the Pickle Back shot.  This Intoxicologist is not completely convinced with the long term popularity of the Pickle Back shot yet, but the mind is still open if the spirit is willing.  It definitely has not caught on in Middle America or in an Irish bar where I recently discovered locals of Kansas City throw back a double shot referred to as the Bear Shot.  The recipient of a Bear Shot first downs an Irish Car Bomb followed quickly by a Jager Bomb.  The Jager Bomb consists of a shot of Jagermeister dropped into a glass of Red Bull.  This concoction is a regular feature at O’Dowd’s Little Dublin in Kansas City, MO.  The bartender says he usually limits customers to one Bear Shot per night.

LAZERLIBBY from Twitter clues us in that “Jack’s Bistro in Baltimore has a Peanut Butter and Jelly shot!  It’s awesome!!”  Peanut butter is an eternal favorite and classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches seem to return everyone to memories of youth, freedom and fun days of carefree living.  No wonder this shot is such a hit.  Though Jack’s recipe isn’t available here, I’ve crafted a version of the Peanut Butter and Jelly Shot and hope hits the spot.

PB&J Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin

PB and J Shot - created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Frangelico

3/4 ounce Cassis

1/4 part Castries Peanut Liqueur

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake. Strain into two shot glasses or one shooter.

The Chocolate Cake shot is another favorite of many.  It is the perfect liquid birthday cake in case anyone is out celebrating.  Chocolate Cake is mentioned in the Top Ten Popular Shot Recipes post with several more popular shots such as the Buttery Nipple, Tweaked Buttery Nipple and Purple Hooter.

Friday and Saturday nights were designed for smaller sips where this sweet tart concoction is concerned.  There are many variations of the Lemon Drop Shot from so simple with just citrus vodka and triple sec to downright involved with citrus vodka, triple sec, sour mix, simple syrup, Rose’s Lime and fresh lemon.  The Lemon Drop Shot recipe below uses four ingredients plus optional garnish for quick build and fantastic pucker up lemon drop sweet tart flavor.

Lemon Drop Shot – created by Cheri Loughlin

Lemon Drop Shot - created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin3/4 ounce Citrus Vodka

1/4 ounce Triple Sec

1/4 ounce Limoncello

1/4 ounce Simply Lemonade

Sugar

Lemon Wedge

Dip half of lemon wedge in sugar.  Set aside.  Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into shot glass.  Shoot.  Bite lemon and enjoy the sugar.

Three Olives Bubble Vodka reaches wide audiences with its bubblicious bubble gum fruit flavor.  Tiffany LaRue Spooner from Facebook mentioned her preference for Three-O Bubble Vodka with Watermelon Pucker.  Several Three-O Bubble cocktails and four shots have been designed including the Mad Melon Bubble Gum Shot.

Bob Stafford suggested an interesting Bandana Shot: Fill a shot glass half full with Coke.  Spread a bandana tightly over the glass.  Float Captain Morgan’s Rum through the top of the bandana.  This creates a two layer effect with the Coke chasing the rum leaving one with a nice vanilla and Coke aftertaste… “and a cruddy bandana at the end of the evening.”

Many thanks to everyone who chimed in with favorite shots: Angelique Martin-Osorio, Bob Stafford, Robert H. Dicks II, Neon Lothmann, ilovepapercuts, LAZERLIBBY, John Bartlet, James Anderson, Scott Galbiati, GlaceLuxuryIce, CruiseMaven, Tiffany LaRue Spooner, Danielle Spedale and Robert Haynes-Peterson.  Enjoy evenings out, happy hour and a shot now and then, but always sip responsibly.

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Ultimate Ketel One Lemonade

Easy breezy adults only lemonade stand…

Ultimate Ketel One Lemonade

Sorrento Sling photo copyright Cheri Loughlin - Cocktail Stock Photography www.cheriloughlin.com2 ounces Ketel One Citroen

4 ounces Lemonade

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon twist.

Recipe provided by representatives of Ketel One Vodka

Cheri Loughlin is a leading cocktail and photography resource for beverage companies, event planners, businesses and individuals. High resolution cocktail and beverage stock photography images are available in downloadable digital format in the newly redesigned Stock Photography Gallery at www.cheriloughlin.com.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Raz-ade

Raz-adeParadise photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

2 ounce Raspberry Vodka

2 ounces Lemonade

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Forbidden Fruit Cocktail

Forbidden Fruit CocktailWild White Tea 1 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Pomegranate Vodka

4 ounce Lemonade

Lemon Wedge Garnish

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Pink Lemonade

Pink LemonadeTight Snatch Shot 3 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Sour Mix

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into shot glass.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin.

Blue Citrus Martini

Blue Citrus Martini

3 ounces Citrus VodkaThree Olives Citrus photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Lemonade

Lemon Wedge Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

The Intoxicologist is a blogger & corporate mixologist who creates and photographs the best cocktails and mixed drinks for home entertaining and bar use.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka & Mango Rico: Perfect on the Palate

A friend of mine made a trip to Hawaii a month or so ago and brought back a bottle of Mango Rico Liqueur as a gift for my birthday. I had been searching for real mango liqueur locally and online, but had been coming up empty handed. The Mango Rico was not only a perfect gift, it is completely wonderful!  It is so light and delicate; it barely breezes by the taste buds. Although this is a liqueur, the sweetness is extremely low key. I have had a difficult time playing with it in cocktails due to the delicate flavor. The mango seems to disappear in every cocktail no matter the ratio. 

Then I began thinking of Van Gogh Vodka. Van Gogh makes a rich line of super premium flavored vodkas that are extra special.  I have not tried every flavor Van Gogh creates, but the ones I have are spectacular.

I picked up a bottle of Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka not too long ago. My taste buds cannot handle too much bottled pineapple juice due to the acidity. However, there are an astounding number of cocktails with pineapple in them. I am always on the lookout for something to tweak a cocktail or take the place of something else. The Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka has been just the pineapple flavor I have needed in place of pineapple juice on occasion. It is subtle and light, yet the flavor is carried throughout this super premium vodka. The Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka is definitely one anyone could sip neat, straight up or on the rocks, but my delight is in dreaming up new cocktails. This is exactly what I did with the Mango Rico Liqueur and Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka.

Man-Gogh Rico – created by Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

VGPineapple Mango 3 - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin - Cocktail Stock Photography www.cheriloughlin.com1/2 ounce Mango Rico Liqueur

6 One Inch Chunks Fresh Pineapple

2 ounces Pineapple Vodka

Garnish:  Speared piece of dried mango or small cubes of alternating pineapple and mango on a skewer

Muddle six pieces of fresh pineapple and Mango Rico Liqueur in the bottom of cocktail shaker.  Add Pineapple Vodka and cracked ice. Shake until cold and frothy. Strain into a well chilled martini glass. Garnish with desired garnish. 

Slippery Banana Pineapple Martini

1-1/2 ounce Van Gogh Banana Vodka

3/4 ounce Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka

1/4 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

2 ounce Orange Juice

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass.

The QueenTini

2 ounces Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka

2 ounces Lemonade

Splash Grenadine

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass.

The Intoxicologist is a blogger & corporate mixologist who creates and photographs the best cocktails and mixed drinks for home entertaining and bar use.

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Cherry Squirt

Cherry Squirt is a 3 ingredient drink ideal for a relaxed night of fun.

Cherry SquirtCocktail 5 - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Cherry Vodka

2 ounces Lemonade

1/2 ounce Triple Sec

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2013 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.