Tag Archives: Orange Liqueur

Dog Days of Summer Heat Up With Cabo Wabo Tequila

Dust off the grill and crank up the sound system because summer is finally here! Yes, sunny days are back, and for hard core music fans, summer is about big rock concerts and tours. With bands on tour this season, arenas will be packed with screaming fans looking to party. To honor your favorite Rock bands Cabo Wabo Tequila created specialty shots inspired by a few favorite bands past and present.Cabo Wabo - Buena Vida photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Created by the legendary Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar’s Cabo Wabo Tequila is hand-crafted from the finest estate grown 100% pure Weber Blue Agave. Winning numerous prestigious tasting awards, it is recognized as one of the finest tequilas in the world. Made with the original Rock & Roll tequila, these Cabo Wabo shots are perfect to get you and your entourage amp’d up at the pre- and post-concert celebrations this year.

A SPACEMAN’S SHOT – inspired by The Killers

1-1/2 ounce Cabo Blanco Tequila

3 dashes Tabasco Sauce

Cover the bottom of a shot glass with Tabasco sauce and fill the rest with Tequila. Finish with a lime wedge.

ALL I WANT IS THIS SHOT – inspired by U2

1 ounce Cabo Blanco Tequila

1/2 ounce Orange Liqueur

1/2 ounce Irish Cream

Carefully layer each ingredient in the following order: orange liqueur, Cabo Tequila, Irish Cream. Slam the shot.

SAMMY SLAMMER – inspired by Chickenfoot

1 ounce Cabo Reposado Tequila

1/2 ounce Almond Liqueur

Splash 151 Proof Rum

Layer Cabo Tequila and almond liqueur in a shot glass. Float 151 proof rum. Light a flame on top and serve. Extinguish flame and shoot.

HELLA GOOD SHOT – inspired by No Doubt

2 ounces Cabo Añejo Tequila

Orange Slice

Powdered Cinnamon

Wet the rim of a chilled shot glass with the orange slice.  Dip into powdered cinnamon. Place tequila in shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into chilled shot glass. Slam the shot and bite into the orange slice to finish.

** These recipes do not imply any type of celebrity endorsement or official involvement with the artists, their music or their tours.  – Text, recipes and photos provided by The Rose Group

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon – str8upcocktails @ gmail.com – ©2012 Cheri Loughlin-The Intoxicologist, All Rights Reserved.

Margarita Martini

Pre-bottled margarita mixes have become quite popular lately. Some are marketed as lower calorie without skimping on the authentic taste of the classic Margarita. However, sour mixes (sweetened with sugar or sugar substitute) usually interfere with the genuine flavor of premium margaritas. Pre-bottled margaritas also take away the option of which tequila one chooses. And really, isn’t it the tequila that provides much of the flavor base to a margarita? There are many varieties of Tequila to choose from for smoky, grassy, earthy, floral…flavors. Mix your own handmade margarita and taste the difference.

Margarita Martini – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

Margarita Martini - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin2 measures Blanco Tequila

1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

Whole Lime – cut into wedges

Salt Rim

Lime Twist Garnish

Wet half of rim of chilled martini glass with lime. Dip into salt. Set aside. Muddle lime wedges in bottom of mixing glass. Add liqueur and tequila with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into prepared martini glass. Garnish with lime twist.

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.

 

70’s Cocktail Memories

The 70’s brings back memories of wood paneled station wagons, mood rings, platform shoes, discos, the Beatles, Star Wars, the Fonz and being a football fan, who could forget quarter back Joe Namath appearing in a Beautymist hosiery commercial wearing panty hose.  Since this is a liquor site however, I would be remiss if I excluded the cocktails of the 70’s. 

Cocktails from the 70’s have played as big a part in memory as bellbottom pants and the leisure suit.  Visions of Harvey Wallbangers complete with the tall bottle of Galliano hitting the back bar and surf boards come to mind.  Or how about freshly grated nutmeg atop a frothy Brandy Alexander?  But really, I would be negligent to leave out the Tequila Sunrise, Pina Colada, Grasshopper, Pink Lady, Stinger, Manhattan, Rob Roy, Pink Squirrel, Martini, Bacardi Cocktail, Old Fashioned, Merry Widow, Rusty Nail, Daiquiri, Paradise Cocktail, Bronx, and Side Car.  Then again there were also Cuba Libres, Salty Dogs and Grey Hounds, Screwdrivers, Gin and Tonics, and Tom Collins.  Let’s not forget the Slow Comfortable Screw that had a most descriptive and unique twist in the 1991 Michael J. Fox movie, Doc Hollywood.  While these cocktails were around sometimes decades before the 70’s they were all quite popular in the 70’s. 

Why do they come to mind at this moment?  Rhonda from California wrote in:

“Hey there!  You are a wealth of information!  I stumbled across your articles and I have a feeling I will be spending free moments…reading more.”

Rhonda goes on to tell me she is hosting a dinner party for her martini and margarita loving gourmet cooking club and wants to set the mood for a 70’s Cocktail Party theme.  She has already thought out a clever scheme of vintage cocktail glasses.  These have been collected for some time through yard and estate sales and thrift stores.  Ingenious!  People have been doing this mismatched place setting thing for ages with tea settings.  Why not try this with martini glasses?!  Stemware is gorgeous.  There is no rule that says it all has to match.  What an excellent way to keep everyone’s glasses distinctive without the need for stem markers and tags. 

When planning a party the quick thought is always party punch.  Punch leaves a hostess free to mingle with guests.  However, Rhonda’s idea leans toward the presentational.  She wants cocktails; trendy yet a throw back to the 70’s.  This does not bring to mind party punch.  My suggestion for Rhonda is the same as I do at my own parties.  I plan four or five cocktails and print them on a menu for my guest to browse.  Before the party I prepare the cocktail ingredients without ice in pitchers and refrigerate.  I also prepare all garnishes ahead of time.  That way when my guests arrive and make their cocktail choices, I am not measuring from three or four individual bottles and ingredients.  I make one pour from a pitcher and then shake and strain.  Their cocktail is perfectly measured and complete within seconds rather than being a time consuming chore.  As the hostess, I am free to enjoy my time with guests and still make fabulous cocktails.  I do not have to choose between the two.  I never have a punch bowl with dipper filled with a fruity red sugary punch.  My guests are treated to genuine glassware with unique garnishes and shaken cocktails.  With a little leg work and preparation your next cocktail party will be a memorable event rather than just another party that seems like everyone else’s. 

We cannot forget the recipes which is really what Rhonda wanted most.  A great cocktail stands tall or falls short with the recipe and the quality of ingredients you choose.  My article 21 Must Try Drinks covers recipes for the Bacardi Cocktail, Harvey Wallbanger, Manhattan, Martini, Old Fashioned, Rob Roy and Salty Dog.

What about the rest?  The list is vast… 

Merry Widow

Dash of Absinthe

2 ounces Gin

1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth

Dash of Angostura Bitters

Dash of Benedictine

Flamed Lemon Peel Garnish

Season a chilled martini glass with the Absinthe. Toss once. Set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake gently. Strain into seasoned martini glass. Garnish with flamed lemon peel.

Alexander (Brandy)

Brandy Alexander photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Gin or Brandy

1 ounce Dark Crème de Cacao

2 ounces Heavy Cream

Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Combine first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with nutmeg.

Mark your calender. January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day.

Grasshopper

1 ounce Green Crème de Menthe

1 ounce White Crème de Cacao

2 ounces Heavy Cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass.

Greyhound

Greyhound 9 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounces Vodka

4 ounces Grapefruit Juice

Pour ingredients together in a highball glass filled with ice. 

Tequila Sunrise

1-1/2 ounces Blanco Tequila

4 – 5 ounces Fresh Orange Juice

Grenadine

Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in tequila and then orange juice, leaving room to top off with a float (approximately 1/2 ounce) of grenadine.

Stinger

2 ounces Cognac or Brandy

1 ounce White Crème de Menthe

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.

Sidecar

Sidecar Bar Tonique 1 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Brandy

1 ounce Premium Orange Liqueur

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Flamed Orange Peel for Garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well.  Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with the flamed orange peel. * If served ‘up’ – strain into a small cocktail glass with a sugared rim.

Rusty Nail

2 ounces Scotch

3/4 ounce Drambuie

Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice.  Pour in scotch.  Float Drambuie on top.

Bronx Cocktail

1-1/2 ounces Gin

1/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1/4 ounce Dry Vermouth

1-1/2 ounce Fresh Orange Juice

Orange Peel for Garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with the orange peel. 

Tom Collins

Vodka Collins photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounces Gin

3/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1 ounce Simple Syrup

4 ounces Club Soda

Orange slice for Garnish

Cherry for Garnish

Shake the first three ingredients with ice and strain into a Collins glass. Add the soda and stir. Garnish with the orange slice and cherry.

Pink Lady

Pink Lady 1 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounces Gin

1/4 ounce Grenadine

3/4 ounce Simple Syrup

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. 

Pink Squirrel

3/4 ounce Crème de Noyaux

3/4 ounce White Crème de Cacao

1-1/2 ounce Heavy Cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a martini glass. 

Pina Colada

1-1/2 ounce Light Rum

1 ounce Myers’s Rum

2 ounces Coco Lopez

4 ounces Pineapple Juice

Dash of Angostura Bitters

1 cup Crushed Ice

Garnish: Pineapple Wedge & Maraschino Cherry

Place all ingredients except garnish into a blender. Blend until frothy and smooth. Pour into a specialty glass such as a poco-grande and garnish with the pineapple and cherry. To make this into a Chi-Chi substitute the Rum for Vodka.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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.

Classic Cocktail Basics

It is worth noting there is a reason particular drinks make the classic cocktails list. Classics are mixed frequently by professional bartenders around the world due to the notoriety of the cocktail and superb flavor. Some cocktails have a history so intertwined within the roots of the liquor industry that they cannot be ignored and will never become outdated.

Cocktails can be placed in categories of pre-dinner, after-dinner, long drink and popular. Cocktails within these categories range from the not so surprising Whiskey Sour, Manhattan and Old Fashioned to trendier drinks such as the Margarita, Cosmopolitan and Sex on the Beach. All of these drinks have taken their place in popular culture at one time. They rise and fall in popularity, yet have the staying power as foundation drinks of bartending.

Try a new favorite by sampling the rich history of classic cocktails.

Paradise Cocktail – pre-dinner cocktail

Paradise photo copyright Cheri Loughlin2 measures Gin

3/4 measure Apricot Brandy

3/4 measure Fresh Orange Juice

2 dashes Orange Bitters

Orange Twist Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist.

French Connection – after dinner cocktail

French Connection photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 measure Cognac

1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

Place warm water in brandy snifter. Swirl to warm glass. Discard warm water. Add liquids to heated glass. Serve.

Bull Shot – long drink

Bulls Eye 5 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 measure Vodka

Dash of Orange Juice

4 dashes Tabasco Sauce

Dash of Pepper

4 measures Cold Beef Broth

Orange Twist Garnish

Place all ingredients except garnish in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange twist.

Japanese Slipper – popular cocktail

1 measure Melon Liqueur

1 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1 measure Fresh Lemon Juice

Honeydew Melon Slice Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with honeydew melon slice.

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.

 

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.

 

Reader Question: What is Kirsch?

Boston Shakers photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Kirsch, also known as German Kirschwasser or cherry water, is a clear, unaged brandy distilled from the fermented juice of black morello cherries.  The crushed pits or stones of the cherries are included in the process of making this fruit brandy, instilling in it a pungent flavor that is shy of being too sweet.  The cherry flavor of Kirsch is distinctively different from the cherry flavoring in cherry puckers and schnapps.  Puckers and schnapps tend to lean toward the heavy, medicinal syrupy sweetness.  Kirsch delivers a clean, subtle cherry aroma with a full fruit feel without being overpowering and artificial.  This makes Kirsch a perfect liqueur for sipping or cooking.  It is often used in fondue, as the creamy filling in a Black Forest cake, or memorably flambéed for cherries jubilee.  

It is important not to confuse Kirsch with crème de Kirsch which is a sweet cherry liqueur.  While there is not a direct alternative or substitute for Kirsch, there are other fruit based brandies to try if you would like other options of flavored brandies; Apple Brandy, Apricot Brandy, Blackberry Brandy, Peach Brandy…

Lollipop

3/4 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

3/4 measure Green Chartreuse

3/4 measure Kirsch

Dash Maraschino Liqueur

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or Shake according to preference. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Frozen Maraschino Singapore Sling

2 measures Gin

1 measure Kirsch

1 teaspoon Benedictine

1 teaspoon Cognac

3 Maraschino Cherries

2 Tablespoons Maraschino Cherry Juice

1 Tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice

1 Teaspoon Simple Syrup

1/4 Cup Club Soda

2 Teaspoons chilled Ruby Port

Place all ingredients except Ruby Port in blender with 2 cups cracked ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into two cocktail glasses or wine goblets. Top with float of Ruby Port on each cocktail.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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.

5 o’clock Scholar

Sage gives this refreshing cocktail its fresh, summery feel. Great color, terrific aroma with light touch in flavor.

5 o’clock Scholar – created by Cheri Loughlin

Five o clock Scholar created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin4 Fresh Sage Leaves

2 measures Brandy

1/2 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

1/4 measure Lemon Juice

2 measures Peach Nectar

Sage Leaf Garnish

Combine liquids and 4 sage leaves in mixing glass with ice. Shake vigorously to bruise herbs and chill liquids. Double strain into chilled cocktail glass. Float sage leave on top of cocktail as garnish.Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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.

Blueberry Buckle Shot

Lots of blueberry sweetness featured front and center in this beautifully hued shot. Light, fruity and shoots straight to thrill. It’s enough to make you weak in the knees.

Blueberry Buckle – created by Cheri Loughlin

Blueberry Buckle created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 measure Blueberry Vodka

1 measure Blueberry Passion Schnapps

1 measure Triple Sec

1 measure Lemonade

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

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.

 

National Grand Marnier Day

Ok, so you think you’ve tasted THE Cosmo… maybe you have. It isn’t bright pink by the way. It isn’t so sugary sweet that you pucker up as you swallow it down. That’s something else entirely… The Lady’s Cosmo sets the tone for classic with orange bitters that hit the high note of “yea, that’s what I’m sayin’”. If there isn’t an orange sitting around to zest or flame for that matter, no worries. Bitter up and call it good. This one is a go getter all on its own.

Ladys Cosmo - National Grand Marnier Day - photo copyright Cheri LoughlinLady’s Cosmo

1-1/2 measure Citrus Vodka

1/2 measure Premium Orange Liqueur

3/4 measure Cranberry Juice

1/2 measure Fresh Lime Juice

3 dashes Orange Bitters

Orange Peel Garnish

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

July 14 is National Grand Marnier Day. Celebrate!

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.

 

Review: Van Gogh Coconut Vodka

Van Gogh Coconut Vodka 1 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Van Gogh Coconut Vodka Tasting Notes

35% Alcohol. 70 Proof.

Aroma: Light coconut. Vague sweetness. Heat this in summer sun and definite sun tan lotion factor rises to the nose.

Van Gogh Coconut Vodka 2 photo copyright Cheri LoughlinTaste: Extreme sweetness. Burn when sampled neat. Toasted coconut. Butterscotch. Oatmeal. Hint of toffee mixed with cinnamon, but extremely faint. Much depth to this. Digging the toasted aspect. Reminds me of shredded toasted coconut and perfectly roasted marshmallows combined. Definitely no suntan lotion here!

Coconut vodka and rum are extremely popular for carefree cocktails and summer living. Ilina Ewen of Dirt & Noise recommended combining the following ingredients for a most delicious sip. Though Ilina and I didn’t discuss exact measurements and style of drink, I took a guess and the completed cocktail turned out rather lovely. The cocktail turns out quite sweet, but most certainly delicious. Give it a whirl on the rocks if you prefer.

Coconut Sunburst

Coconut Sunburst measurement adapted by Cheri Loughlin - photo credit Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 measure Van Gogh Coconut Vodka

1/2 measure Banana Liqueur

1/4 measure O3 Premium Orange Liqueur

1-1/2 measure Pineapple Juice

Pineapple Wedge Garnish

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

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.