Tag Archives: Mint Leaves

Jack Daniel’s Tailgate Pigskin Punch Recipe

Posted on September 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

Fall weather brings a certain chill to the bone, but the high spirited action of football brings warmth to the air as college teams kick-off a weekend of gridiron play that lasts through to a Monday night football finish of professional play. Tailgate parties and gathering around the big screen with friends call for good food and drinks with little preparation time and lots of great taste. Jack Daniel’s Pigskin Punch can be made ahead for on the go serve for tailgate parties or service from the punch bowl for indoor parties around the big screen. Either way this recipe is fit for a crowd with a non-alcoholic variation included in the directions.

Pigskin Punch

Serves 15-18

1/2 cup Sugar

4 ounces Lemon Juice

6 ounces Orange Juice

4 ounces Grenadine

1 Liter Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

1 Liter Club Soda

Mint Leaves

Ice Mold

Place sugar with lemon and orange juices in pitcher or punch bowl. Stir. Add grenadine and Jack Daniel’s. Stir again. Add club soda and ice mold just before serving. Garnish individual cups with mint leaves. For a non-alcoholic version leave out the Jack Daniel’s and use tea instead.

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.

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Posted in Football & Tailgating, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Club Soda, Football Drinks, Fresh Lemon, Grenadine, Jack Daniel's Whiskey, Mint Leaves, Orange Juice, Tailgating, Whiskey

Shake Your Shamrocks

Posted on March 2, 2010 | Leave a comment

The Batida de Shamrock is created by Tobin Ellis of Bar Magic. Enjoy a safe and delicious St. Patrick’s Day!

March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day

Batida de Shamrock

5 ounces Cachaca Mexicos Shamrock - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services

6 lime halves- fresh squeezed

4 ounces Coconut Syrup

6 ounces Horchata (cinnamon rice milk)

15-20 sprigs of mint

Squeeze the juice of 6 lime halves into blender and add mint sprigs, coconut syrup, and horchata. Add crushed ice to the blender and add Leblon. Blend until smooth. Garnish with a mint sprig. Makes 2.

Cocktail recipe sponsored provided by Leblon Cachaca representatives

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Posted in Sponsored Posts, St. Patrick's Day

Tagged Cachaca, Cinnamon Rice Milk, Coconut Syrup, Fresh Lime, Mint Leaves, St. Patrick's Day

Absolut Berri Acai: Mint Condition Cocktail Spirit

Posted on February 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

From the outset Absolut Berri Acai seems to have missed the mad rush on the super fruit high of the little Acai berry. It has had its ups and downs in the press as to the magical benefits of consuming the little super fruit. In my opinion when mixing Acai with liquor in any form the retention for health benefits becomes debatable, so the remaining factor becomes taste. When it comes right down to it the Acai berry indeed infuses flavor into the spirit. Absolut Berri Acai hit upon something rather unique with this particular flavor that surprised my tingling taste buds.

Aroma: Candy-like, sweet, fruity, slight sweet tart catch-like tickle rises in the back of my throat when breathing in the fruity sweetness. No alcohol burn on the nose.

Tasted Neat: Not sweet at all. Definitely all vodka with some of the tattle tale burn. As much as I hesitate to make the connection – there is the fairest hint of cough syrup flavor lingering in the finish reminiscent of days of youth. I also detect a peculiar mint or refreshing feel in the after effect that I wasn’t quite expecting. It is a minty fresh effect as if having just popped a refreshing berry-mint chewing gum stick in my mouth and breathed in deeply. It is cool, lightly fruited and wafting mint as if lace just lilted over the tongue. Quite surprisingly nice really since there is no sticky sweet in this vodka at all.

Tasted Chilled: Some of the burn fades when chilled straight. Some berry flavors come across round, full and lush. Absolut Berri Acai does not round out in this particular fashion. It is an entirely different breed of character.

Berrily a Mojito – created by Cheri Loughlin

10 Mint Leaves

3/4 part Simple Syrup

4 Blackberries

10 Blueberries

1/2 Lime – Juiced

1-1/2 part Absolut Berri Acai

Club Soda

Mint Garnish

Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in bottom of mixing glass. Add berries. Muddle again three or four times being careful not to completely mash. Add in juice of 1/2 fresh lime and Absolut Berri Acai with fresh ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top with approximately 1-1/2 part Club Soda. Garnish with mint leaf.

Traditionally Mojitos contain rum, but Absolut Berri Acai leant itself perfectly to this classic cocktail since the berry mint flavor came through astoundingly in the first round of sampling. The Berrily a Mojito takes a few extra seconds to put together due to the muddling, but fresh is best with most cocktails. This one samples out deliciously.

Absolut Berri Acai might not have round, lush and full going for it in the berry realm, but it definitely has creative possibilities for spring and summer cocktails and Sunday brunch champagne cocktails with puree filler. Another definite plus for those Friday night party goers; Absolut Berri Acai will make an excellent base for fun and fruity shots to line the bar.

Absolut Berri Acai Vodka sample for review courtesy representatives of Absolut Vodka.

Since readers already asked a comparison of Absolut Berri Acai Vodka versus Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka seemed necessary for completion of this review. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry contains thicker viscosity, is definitely sweeter and obviously exhibits beautiful color. The cough syrupy flavor and alcohol burn show through a little with the Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry as well when sampled neat. Over all I wouldn’t necessarily say Van Gogh’s flavor is any better or worse than Absolut Berri Acai for cocktail creation. However, the upside of Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry is the color for aesthetics and 70 proof for lower alcohol content. The downside is added sugar. After the bottle has been opened the sugar granulates around the bottle top, so the fact there is sugar retained within the vodka cannot be denied. It also makes it difficult to reopen the bottle since it creates a sugar seal. Added sugar content makes it a little more difficult to add flavored liqueurs and juices for variety drinks without over sugaring cocktails. Color can sometimes become an issue when adding in particular juices and liqueurs as color combines and sometimes one winds up with not so appealing colors of cocktails. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry prices out around $29.99 locally. Absolut Berri Acai has not arrived on shelves locally, but Absolut flavored vodkas price out at $24.99. Representatives for Absolut Vodka and Van Gogh Vodkas have both sent products for review past and present. Neither have been shown preference in this comparison.

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Posted in Reviews

Tagged Absolut Berri Acai Vodka, Absolut Vodka, Blackberries, Blueberries, Blueberry Vodka, Club Soda, Fresh Lime, Mint Leaves, Mojito, Simple Syrup, Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka, Van Gogh Vodka, Vodka

Sweeten the Valentine’s Day Honey Pot

Posted on February 1, 2010 | Leave a comment

Ah, the sweet beginnings of love, love, love… They start with cute grins, fluttering eye lashes, stolen glances and then pet names roll off the tongue like Wookums, Pookie, Love Nugget and Cuppy Cake. Such manifestations of love are better left to the privacy of one’s own home…Sugar Britches! Keep it simple…Honey. It’s perfect. Not too over the top sweet, natural, with just a hint of edginess to it if you put a deep roll to it from the recesses of your throat. Give your Babylicious Poohbear your sexiest kitten eye flutter and he’ll know he’s just the Bee’s Knees in your book without all the Gummie Bear Doll Face names.

Bees’ Knees

2 parts Gin

1/2 part Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur

1/4 part Simple Syrup

1/2 part Fresh Grapefruit Juice

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

Barenjager Honey Liqueur is a honey flavored liqueur with vodka base bottled at 70 proof. It is made in Germany using honey from the Mexican province of Yucatan. This liqueur is a mix of honey and botanicals. The bottle cleverly represents a honeycomb.

The Bären Pear

1 part Barenjager

1 part Pear Vodka

3/4 part Triple Sec

1/2 part Lemon Juice

10 Mint Leaves

1/2 part Simple Syrup

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with floated mint leaves on top of drink.

Honey Tea-ni

1-1/2 parts Sweet Tea Vodka

1 part Bärenjäger

1/2 part Lemon Juice

Lemon Wheel Garnish – optional

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

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Posted in Valentine's & Lover's Cocktails

Tagged Barenjager, Fresh Lemon, Gin, Grapefruit Juice, Honey Liqueur, Mint Leaves, Pear Vodka, Simple Syrup, Sweet Tea Vodka, Triple Sec, Valentine's Day

Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila: The Slow Dance

Posted on June 3, 2009 | Leave a comment

Gran Centenario did not cut corners when infusing their Rosangel. This delightful blend uses the Gran Centenario Reposado as starting base before the infusion process begins. Take a look at hibiscus flowers sometime. They are gentle, delicate, flowing even. This is the feel one gets with the first sip of Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila. Rather than yielding a highly perfumed floral spirit, Rosangel lilts on the tongue with a bit of fruit, soft floral and the slightest touch of something deeper; the Reposado it is built upon.

The Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila is the first flavored tequila I believe I may have ever tasted with the exception of Tabasco Tequila. Each is positioned at opposite ends of the spectrum regarding taste and character. The comparison is pointless and only made in the spirit that they both fall in the flavored tequila category. Tabasco Tequila is built for fun, revving up the night and stoking the fire of frivolity. Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila takes the infusion process to a new height of art, complexity and desirability. Rosangel is not built for speed, shooters or tearing down the house. It is a slow dance on the tongue that strokes the senses gracefully as it develops further to stir deeply with the zest of its foundation spirit.

Tread lightly when creating with the Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila. Due to the lightness of Rosangel it is quite easy to overwhelm the flavor of the hibiscus with strong flavored herbs or by using too many heavily sweetened liqueurs. Fresh fruits and herbs in small quantity with gentle or more subtle flavors may work better than more abrupt flavors.

Angel Eyes– created by Jennifer Queen

1-1/2 ounce Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila

1/2 ounce Crème de Violet

1/2 ounce Agave Nectar

4-5 Muddled Blackberries

Squeeze of Lemon

Rose Champagne

Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle blackberries, lemon juice and agave nectar in cocktail shaker. Add tequila, crème de violet with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Fine strain into champagne flute. Top with champagne. Garnish with mint sprig.

Mama Cita– created by Jane Damskey

1-1/2 ounce Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila

3 ounces Mama Cita Mix

2 ounces Cava

Lemon, Lime & Orange Slice Garnish

Build over ice in tall wine glass. Garnish with slices of squeezed lemon, lime and orange.

Mama Cita Mix – (batch)

4 Parts Hibiscus Simple Syrup (32 ounces)

1 Part Orange Juice Concentrate (8 ounces)

1 Part Pineapple Juice Concentrate (8 ounces)

3 Parts Fresh Lemon Juice (24 ounces)

Mix in large pitcher. Seal. Keep refrigerated.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Agave Nectar, Blackberries, Champagne, Cinco de Mayo, Creme de Violette, Fresh Lemon, Gran Centenario Tequila, Hibiscus Simple Syrup, Mexican Independence Day, Mint Leaves, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice, Rosangel Tequila, Tequila

Hornitos Tequila Invites You to Mischieve

Posted on May 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

Tequila brings out the best, worst and yes, the mischievous spirit in some. Hornitos Tequila tempts the impish sprite within you to mix up some magic within a cocktail glass for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Sinful creations are mere moments away when Hornitos is in hand. Whether you prefer to mix up traditional favorites or tempt fate with wicked creations the quest for mystery and mischievous intrigue are left up to you. Hornitos sparks the imagination with two enticing cocktails to get the festivities started. Now see what mischief you can create…within a cocktail glass that is.

Hornitos Juan Collins

2 ounces Hornitos Plata Tequila

1 ounce Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Superfine Sugar

3 ounces Club Soda

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in a Collins glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon twist.

Hornijo

2 teaspoon Sugar

6-8 Mint Leaves

Club Soda

1 Lime – halved

2 ounces Hornitos Reposado Tequila

Mint Sprig Garnish

Muddle mint leaves and sugar in the bottom of a Collins glass. Fill with ice. Squeeze in half a lime and discard peel. Add tequila and top with club soda. Stir. Garnish with mint sprig.

Recipe provided by Hornitos Tequila representatives

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Posted in Long Drinks

Tagged Cinco de Mayo, Club Soda, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Hornitos Tequila, Mexican Independence Day, Mint Leaves, National Tequila Day, Sugar, Tequila

Ultimate Ketel One Mojito

Posted on May 5, 2009 | Leave a comment

Always worth the extra effort…

Ultimate Ketel One Mojito

2 ounces Ketel One Vodka

1-1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

1 Fresh Lime

8 – 12 Mint Leaves

Club Soda

Mint Sprig & Lime Wheel Garnish

Muddle mint leaves, simple syrup and lime juice in mixing glass. Add vodka and ice. Shake to blend. Pour into highball glass. Top with club soda. Garnish with mint spring and lime wheel.

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.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Club Soda, Mint Leaves, Mojito, Simple Syrup, Vodka

Taste the Luck of the Irish: Michael Collins Irish Whiskey Cocktail Recipes

Posted on March 15, 2009 | Leave a comment

Though St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the most recognized patron saint of Ireland and is a national holiday of Ireland, the well-known holiday is celebrated in many countries. Often referred to as ‘amateur night’ by seasoned drinkers, St. Patrick’s Day brings out the young and old touring pubs, watering holes and night clubs with Irish themes of green beer, cocktails and every sort of Jello shot or drinking game one could possibly imagine. With cocktails and shots flowing freely on such a festive occasions, please keep in mind the need to consume responsibly and designate responsible drivers so everyone arrives home safely.

March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day

Beginning shot for St. Patrick’s Day:

Collins Cream

1 part Michael Collins Blend First Down Shot created by Cheri Loughlin photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1 part Irish Cream Liqueur

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a shot glass. Enjoy with a glass of stout. You might also like the Irish Car Bomb.

“Michael Collins is the dawning of a new age of Irish Whiskey; combining the best of Ireland’s long history of distilling with today’s demand for premium quality and unique style. Distilled at the last Irish independently owned distillery, Cooley, Michael Collins Irish Whiskeys are double distilled to retain the flavor characteristics of their premium ingredients. Aged in small bourbon seasoned casks, they are refined, flavorful and well-balanced. Michael Collins Single Malt is bold with a distinctive and unexpected lightly peated style. Aged for a minimum of eight to over twelve years, it has aromas of chocolate malt with light citrus and honeysuckle notes. Well-rounded and complex with rich maltiness, it finishes long with a hint of chocolate and a wonderfully settled smoke that lingers on the palate.” – Michael Collins Media Release Notation

Irish Smash

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

3/4 part Simple Syrup

3 lemon wheels

6 – 8 mint leaves

Muddle 3 mint leaves, simple syrup and two of the lemon wheels in a cocktail shaker. Add Michael Collins Blend and shake well with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with the remaining lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh mint.

Frisky Whisky

1 part Michael Collins

1 part Honey Liqueur

1 part Orange Juice

1/4 part Simple Syrup

2 Dashes Classic Bitters

Lemon or Orange Spiral Garnish

Build over ice in a highball glass. Garnish with lemon or orange spiral.

Irish Mint Julep

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

1/2 part Simple Syrup

6 – 8 mint leaves

Dash of Classic Bitters

Place the simple syrup and three mint leaves in a cocktail shaker with the Angostura bitters. Using a back of a bar spoon, bruise the mint leaves. Add Michael Collins Blend and stir gently. Strain into a tall glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Irish fizz

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

1 part Lemon Juice

1/2 part Premium Orange Liqueur

1/2 part Simple Syrup

2 parts Club Soda

Lemon Wedge Garnish

Shake the Michael Collins Blend, fresh lemon juice, orange liqueur and simple syrup well over ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Irish Blond– created by Dale de Groff

2 ounces Michael Collins Irish Whiskey

3/4 ounce Orange Curacao

1/4 ounce Fino sherry

Dash of Orange Bitters

Flamed Orange Peel Garnish

Stir all the ingredients in a bar glass with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.

Michael Collins Honeysuckle

1-1/2 parts Michael Collins Blend

2 teaspoons Honey

1-1/4 parts Sauvignon Blanc wine

1-1/2 parts Apple Juice

1/4 part Passion Fruit Syrup

1/4 part Lemon Juice

Apple Slice Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled glass. Garnish with thin apple slice.

Collins Royale

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

1 part Sour Apple Schnapps

1/2 part Lemon Juice

1 part Brut Champagne

Green Apple Slice Garnish

Combine Michael Collins Blend, sour apple schnapps and fresh lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into champagne flute. Top with dry sparkling wine. Garnish with a green apple slice.

Michael Collins Old-fashioned

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

2 dashes of Classic Bitters

1/2 part Simple Syrup

1/2 part Club Soda

2 Orange Slices

2 Maraschino Cherries

Muddle the simple syrup, bitters, one orange slice and one cherry in an old fashioned glass. Fill with ice and add Michael Collins Blend. Top with club soda. Garnish with remaining orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Michael Collins Manhattan

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

1 part Sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Classic Bitters

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Stir to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Michael Collins Irish Ale

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

3 Lime Wedges

3 parts Ginger Ale

Pour Michael Collins Blend and two of the lime wedges over ice in a highball glass. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with remaining lime wedge. Try with fresh ginger beer for a spicier alternative!

Collins Apple-tini

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

1 part Peach Liqueur

1 part Pressed Apple Juice

Squeeze of Fresh Lemon Juice

Green Apple Slice Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with slice of green apple.

Irish Sunrise

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

3 parts Orange Juice

Splash of Grenadine

Squeeze of Lemon Juice

Orange Twist & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Pour the Michael Collins Blend over ice in a rocks glass. Top with fresh orange juice and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add a splash of grenadine and garnish with an orange twist and a maraschino cherry.

Irish Rose

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

1 part Simple Syrup

3/4 part Lemon Juice

2 dashes Grenadine

Lemon Twist Garnish

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon zest twist.

Cocktail recipes sponsored by representatives of Michael Collins Irish Whiskey.

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Posted in Cocktails, Sponsored Posts, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Apple Juice, Champagne, Classic Bitters, Club Soda, Collins Apple-tini, Collins Cream, Collins Royale, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Frisky Whisky, Ginger Ale, Grenadine, Honey, Honey Liqueur, Irish Blond, Irish Cream, Irish Fizz, Irish Mint Julep, Irish Rose, Irish Smash, Irish Sunrise, Irish Whiskey, Manhattan, Michael Collins Honeysuckle, Michael Collins Irish Ale, Michael Collins Manhattan, Michael Collins Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, Mint Leaves, Old Fashioned, Orange Bitters, Orange Curacao, Orange Juice, Passion Fruit Syrup, Peach Liqueur, Premium Orange Liqueur, Shot-tails, Simple Syrup, Sour Apple Schnapps, St. Patrick's Day, Sweet Vermouth, Wine

St. Patrick’s Day for the Tequila Minded: El Diamante del Cielo

Posted on March 4, 2009 | Leave a comment

Though widely celebrated, St. Patrick’s Day is not a nationally recognized holiday in the United States. One would hardly discern this fact with all the fan fare that goes on from day break to last call, March 17, as busses roll into Irish pubs across the U.S. for “tours”. This typically green holiday no longer remains for the Irish only. Cocktail culture frequently pushes the limits of conventional holidays by continually fine-tuning, modifying and revamping the “norm” or ordinary into the exceptional. Rather than the usual shot of Irish Whiskey, Irish Car Bomb or green beer this St. Patrick’s Day show your green spirit with these emerald hued 100% agave cocktails.

Tequila Mojito

3 ounces Blanco Tequila

Juice of 1 Lime

1/2 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

1-1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

5 fresh Mint Leaves – chopped

Club Soda

Mint Sprig Garnish

Quarter lime. Muddle half of lime in mixing glass with mint leaves. Add tequila, liqueur and simple syrup. Stir to chill. Pour into white wine glass. Top with soda water. Garnish with remaining lime and mint sprig.

Paradise lost

1-1/2 ounce Reposado Tequila

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

2 ounces Sprite or Tonic Water

1/8 cup Crushed Pineapple

1/2 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

5 Mint Tops plus 1 Mint Sprig Garnish

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake gently to combine, being careful soda does not bubble over. Pour into Old Fashioned glass. Top with additional ice if necessary. Garnish with mint sprig.

Diamond Margarita

1-1/2 ounce Añejo Tequila

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Grand Marnier

2-1/2 ounce Fresh Sour Mix

1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Wheel Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Pour into salt rimmed martini glass. Garnish with lime wheel.

Don’t let your St. Patrick’s Day celebration turn into what some term “amateur night.” Please be responsible in your celebrations.

Cocktail recipes sponsored by representatives of El Diamante del Cielo Tequila.

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Posted in Sponsored Posts, St. Patrick's Day

Tagged Club Soda, Cointreau, Diamond Margarita, Fresh Lime, Grand Marnier, Lemon Lime Soda, Margarita, Mint Leaves, Mojito, Paradise Lost, Pineapple Juice, Premium Orange Liqueur, Simple Syrup, Sour Mix, St. Patrick's Day, Tequila, Tequila Mojito, Tonic

42BELOW Kiwi: Flavor Beyond “Compear”

Posted on February 10, 2009 | Leave a comment

My first impression – Wow! 42BELOW Kiwi vodka really gets the grasp of the kiwi. The aroma is much stronger than expected with the sweetness of the fruit wafting to the nose rather than alcohol burn. Tasted chilled the freshness is clear. Imagery of an unsullied fuzzy kiwi fruit just before slicing instantly comes to mind. However, there is clearly no sweetness to this vodka. As the infused vodka sits for a moment the juicy scent of the kiwi fills the air with pleasant distinction. Ripe, perfect kiwi. The taste buds tickle and the mouth floods with anticipation. If you could only imagine a flawlessly ripened kiwi with its tiny black seeds and succulent emerald flesh waiting to be savored, appreciated for each minute detail of flavor as it converges with the palate; this is the treat your taste buds are in for with 42BELOW Kiwi Vodka.

Asian Garden contains a light sweetness to it, but with a rather odd bitterness that remains long after the liquid has left the tongue. Sip after sip I could not put my finger on the culprit. After all, each of the cocktail ingredients had an agreeable influence on the palate individually. When I finally went back to the original sample shot of kiwi vodka neat the answer became clear. The bitterness lies within the kiwi aftertaste that I somehow missed in the initial sampling.

Asian Garden

1-1/2 measure 42BELOW Kiwifruit

1/3 measure Limoncello

1/3 measure Pineapple Juice

1/4 measure Lime Juice

Lychee Slice Garnish

Chopped Lime leaf

Muddle lychees and lime leaves. Add vodka, limoncello and juice with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Fine strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lychee slice.

The Red Delicious looks in fact like a tweaked up Cosmopolitan with apple liqueur rather than orange liqueur. I happen to like the Cosmo recipe for the sheer fact it is so diverse and can be fine-tuned, modified, altered and topped off into a variety of scrumptious cocktails. The Red Delicious proves this point. The apple liqueur gives ample sweetness while the touch of lime and cranberry bring in the edginess that help take the bitterness out of the kiwi that I noticed before. My only recommendation for this drink is to up the apple liqueur a tiny amount and decrease the lime juice according to taste.

Red Delicious

1 measure 42BELOW Kiwifruit

1/2 measure Apple Liqueur

1/2 measure Cranberry Juice

1/2 measure Lime Juice

Lime Twist Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh lime twist.

Beyond Compear

1 measure 42BELOW Kiwifruit Vodka

Dash Amaretto

5 measure Pear Juice

8 Mint Leaves

Mint Sprig Garnish

Place mint leaves, vodka, amaretto in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Pour into highball glass. Top with pear juice and additional ice if needed. Garnish with mint sprig.

42BELOW Vodka sample for review courtesy representatives of 42BELOW Vodka representatives. All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage contained within are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist.

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Posted in Reviews

Tagged 42Below Vodka, Amaretto, Apple Liqueur, Asian Garden, Cocktail World Cup, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lime, Limoncello, Lychee, Mint Leaves, Pear Juice, Pineapple Juice, Red Delicious

Tag Archives: Mint Leaves

Jack Daniel’s Tailgate Pigskin Punch Recipe

Shake Your Shamrocks

Absolut Berri Acai: Mint Condition Cocktail Spirit

Sweeten the Valentine’s Day Honey Pot

Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila: The Slow Dance

Hornitos Tequila Invites You to Mischieve

Ultimate Ketel One Mojito

Taste the Luck of the Irish: Michael Collins Irish Whiskey Cocktail Recipes

St. Patrick’s Day for the Tequila Minded: El Diamante del Cielo

42BELOW Kiwi: Flavor Beyond “Compear”

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