Tag Archives: Ruby Port

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.

Rosangel: Sipping Sophistication through Rose Tinted Glasses

Gran Centenario’s Rosangel introduction to the spirit world caught the eye of lovers everywhere with its pinkish hue reminiscent of a school girl’s first blush. Don’t be fooled by the mere illusion of innocence and charm. Enjoy the mystique of Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila and delve into the subtly sweet flavor of hand-picked Hibiscus flowers. Roseangel’s sophistication and style propels tequila into a new realm of cocktail culture providing mixologists and home enthusiasts everywhere fresh direction for their creative spirit.

Rosangel Neat 600 - photo copyright Cheri LoughlinJalisco – (Mexican Manhattan)

2 ounces Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila

1/2 ounce Punt y Mes

1/2 ounce Cio Ciaro

1/4 ounce Crème De Mure

1 dash Classic Bitters

Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with cherry.

The Rosangel Ruby Fizz – created by Julie Reiner

2 ounces Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila

1/2 ounce Agave Nectar

1/2 ounce Ruby Port

1 bar spoon Pomegranate Molasses

3/4 ounce Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Egg White

Club Soda

Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids, except club soda, in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass with one large ice cube. Top with club soda. Garnish with cherry.

Official Rosangel Tasting Notes

“Rosangel yields a complex, perfumed nose with ripe fruit and floral notes, plus hints of vanilla.  The palate holds flavors of dried fruits, which leads to a smooth and gentle finish.  The sophisticated sunset pink color visually stimulates the senses and encourages cocktail experimentation.” – Rosangel website

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.