Tag Archives: Nutmeg

Easy Barefoot Mulled Merlot

Mulled wine might be most closely be associated with holiday celebrations, but ironically has a single day in March devoted to celebrating its spicy warmth.

March 3is National Mulled Wine Day.

Pull out all the stops (pans, graters, measuring cups and timers) to make an old fashioned traditional mulled wine in an hour or so, or cut right to the chase and enjoy a satisfying and enjoyable cup of Easy Barefoot Mulled Merlot in a few minutes. The choice is yours. Cheers!

Easy Barefoot Mulled Merlot – created by Cheri Loughlin

3 ounces Barefoot Merlot Wine

2 teaspoons Brown Sugar

1/2 ounce Orange Juice

Pinch Ground Cloves and Ground Nutmeg

Cinnamon Stick Garnish

Place liquids and spices in heatproof measuring cup. Microwave for 30 to 60 seconds to warm. Stir with cinnamon stick. Recipe can also be multiplied and slow heated in sauce pan over low heat for multiple serve.

Cocktail recipe commissioned by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly@BarefootWine on Twitter – BarefootWine on Facebook

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The Kiss

The Kiss photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Sometimes a simple kiss says it all.

The Kiss – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 ounce Spiced Rum

1/2 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

1/2 ounce Praline Pecan Liqueur

1-1/2 ounce Apricot Nectar

Fresh Ground Nutmeg Garnish

Orange Twist

Build liquid ingredients over ice in rocks glass. Stir. Garnish with fresh ground nutmeg and orange twist.

I used Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum and Grand Marnier while creating this cocktail.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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Fireside Cappuccino

This mocha flavored cappuccino mix hits the spot on a chilly morning or as a late night treat. Sipping fireside is just an additional bonus if the crackle of a fire is your thing.

Fireside Cappucino 026 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Fireside Cappucino mix is easy to put together and keep on hand rather than run out to the local coffee shop for a quick fix. It’s also a wonderful gift for friends, family or new neighbors.

Fireside Cappucino 018 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Fireside Cappuccino

1 cup Powdered Chocolate Milk Mix

1 cup Nondairy Coffee Creamer Powder

3/4 cup Unsweetened Instant Coffee

3/4 cup Sugar

1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1 Tablespoon Dried Orange Peel – optional

Combine all ingredients in gallon size Ziplock bag. Shake to thoroughly blend. Mix can be placed in blender or food processor to mix if desired. Store in sealed jar or canister.

Assemble: Place 2 heaping Tablespoons of Fireside Cappucino Mix in heatproof mug. Top with 8 ounces hot water. Stir. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles if desired.

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Chai Latte

When I go to the bookstore my first stop is the little coffee shop in back. My hot beverage of choice is almost always a Chai Latte. The only exception is when the seasonal Pumpkin Latte makes its way to the menu board. While my preference is still browsing the bookstore with a great Chai Latte in hand, now I can whip up a quick cup of this delicious brew right at home.

Chai Latte 003 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The recipe mix below is terrific to keep on hand and give as a gift. It’s perfect for welcoming new neighbors to the block, taking to a friend’s home as a hostess gift or gifting to anyone on your holiday list.

Chai Latte 010 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Chai Latte

2 cups Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

2 cups Nondairy Coffee Creamer Powder

2 cups Unsweetened Instant Tea

2 cups Powdered Sugar

2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding (7 ounces total)

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

1-1/2 teaspoons Ground Ginger

1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom

1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice

1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves

1/8 teaspoon White Pepper

Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl or gallon size Ziplock bag. Mix thoroughly. Blending to get every lump out is optional, but not necessary. Store in airtight bag or container. Place in decorative jars or small canisters with lid for gift giving.

Assemble: Place 2 heaping Tablespoons of Chai Latte Mix in heat proof mug. Top with 8 ounces hot water. Stir. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.

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Caffeinated Coffin Break

Morning Brew - Coffee 011 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Halloween treats aren’t just about the candy. Sometimes one needs a little caffeinated “coffin break” in between all the sugary sweets and sticky snacks.

Cardamom & Anise Coffee offers a variety of alternative coffee styles for discerning taste buds. Take this simple flavored coffee recipe and serve with or without spirits, with or without sweetener and even as an iced coffee.

Coffee service for a crowd made easy: Copy recipe variations to notecards. Place recipe cards, necessary ingredients and utensils on the coffee station at your next party or brunch affair. Guests can easily make their own specialty coffee according to their preference leaving you more time to mingle.

Black Cardamom - Anise Coffee 019 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Cardamom & Anise Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin

3 heaping tablespoons Ground Coffee

4 Black Cardamom Pods

2 Anise Stars

4 cups water

Gently crush cardamom pods so they open slightly. Add coffee, cardamom pods and anise to coffee maker basket with filter. Fill coffee maker with 4 cups water. Brew. Makes approximately 4 servings depending upon coffee mug size.

Black Cardamom & Anise Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Spiced Rum

Brewed Cardamom & Anise Coffee

Place rum in heat proof mug. Top with brewed coffee. Stir.

Sweetened Cardamom & Anise Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Spiced Rum

1 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

Brewed Cardamom & Anise Coffee

Whipped Cream & Grated Nutmeg Garnish – optional

Place rum and hazelnut liqueur in heat proof mug. Top with brewed coffee. Stir. Top with whipped cream and grated nutmeg if desired. Non-alcohol alternative: Skip the rum and use hazelnut syrup found on the coffee aisle to sweeten the cup.

Iced Black Cardamom - Anise Coffee 028 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Iced Cardamom & Anise Coffee – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 ounce Spiced Rum

1 ounce Hazelnut Liqueur

2 ounces 2% Milk

Brewed Cardamom & Anise Coffee

Fill large highball glass with ice. Top with rum, liqueur and 2% milk. Add cooled Cardamom & Anise coffee. Stir. Non-alcohol alternative: Skip the rum and use hazelnut syrup found on the coffee aisle to sweeten the cup.

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Alexander and Big Brother

Quality of liquor during the days of Prohibition wasn’t quite on par with what it is today. The use of heavy cream and sweetening agents played a huge part in helping mask the undesirable flavor found in inferior spirits. Quality of liquor has certainly changed in modern times, but many still prefer sweetened cocktails to disguise the taste of the liquor they consume. Some things never change. The original Alexander calls for gin by design, but this classic cocktail has been recreated numerous times with different spirits. Some books refer to the gin version as an Alexandra with variations in measurements.

January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day.

Alexander

Apple Tartlet 5 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 measure Gin

1 measure White Crème de Cacao

1 measure Heavy Cream

Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg if desired. Notation: Another variation is Alexander’s Sister which exchanges Green Crème de Menthe for the Crème de Cacao.

Alexander’s Big Brother reaches a bit farther off the classic path.

Alexander’s Big Brother

2 measures Gin

1/2 measure Blue Curacao

1/2 measure Heavy Cream

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

More variations include the Brandy Alexander, which is said to have been among John Lennon’s favorite cocktails and inspired the non-alcoholic Lennon’s Milkshake. The Cherry Vanilla Alexander and Alexander Frappe bring fruit and ice cream to the classic for more varied flavor. January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day. Cheers!

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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.

Kahula Cognaccino

Kahlua Cognaccino

1 ounce Kahlúa Coffee Cream

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1 ounce Martell V.S. Cognac

Nutmeg Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into chilled flute. Garnish with dusting of nutmeg.

February 27 is National Kahlua Day. Will you raise a toast to celebrate?

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