Tag Archives: Rye

Classic Cocktails at The Peninsula Chicago

Posted on April 9, 2013 | Comments Off

One of the drawbacks of working with cocktails and spirits on a daily basis is deciding what to order from cocktail menus when I go out for drinks. I know; sounds like a horrid problem. But it really is difficult. Often the same handful of classic cocktails appear on the menu with a variety of either way too sweet or way too outlandish signature drink recipes on the opposite side.

Two weekends ago I was fortunate enough to visit one of my favorite Chicago hotel bars; The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago. The Bar is a chosen favorite due to the superior quality of service, its intimate, yet dynamic atmosphere and the attention to detail that goes into the cocktails offered on the menu as well as the manner in which they are served. The Bar’s staff is superb for their cocktail knowledge, skill and the manner in which they regard every guest with special attention.

Though I’ve enjoyed the Vieux Carré cocktail before, I usually enjoy this classic cocktail served up in a martini glass. The Bar serves the Vieux Carré on the rocks as it was originally intended. This 1930’s classic cocktail was the creation of Walter Bergeron and named after an old French term in relation to New Orleans’ French Quarter (le Vieux Carré) meaning, “the Old Square.”

Vieux Carré Cocktail

3/4 ounce Rye Whiskey

3/4 ounce Cognac

3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1 Barspoon / 1 teaspoon Benedictine

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Lemon Twist

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or shake to chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon twist.

How appropriate the Vieux Carré cocktail continues to make an appearance on hotel bar cocktail menus as it was originally created at what now is the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. Its hotel bar, Carousel Bar, sometimes substitutes dry vermouth for sweet vermouth. Try the Vieux Carré drink recipe both ways to see how you prefer it.

Though the Martinez cocktail comes up often in social media chatter, I rarely see this particular drink recipe on cocktail menus. It’s also a cocktail recipe I’ve never personally stirred up and poured for myself. When I saw it on The Bar cocktail menu it was an immediate must-try.

The Martinez

2 ounces Carpano Antica Formula (Sweet Vermouth)

1 ounce Ransom Gin

1 Tablespoon Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur

Dash Angostura Bitters

Lemon Peel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh lemon twist.

The Martinez is fairly sweet with a unique flavor combination achieved with the inclusion of the Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur. This classic cocktail is a predecessor to the classic Martini. Once dry vermouth became plentiful, the Martinez took a back seat to the Martini and bar goers hardly looked back from their Gin Martinis. They just began adding a wider variety of garnish. If you take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll see the Manhattan in its early stages.

Ironically I just talked about the inclusion of the Champs Elysées classic cocktail on another restaurant’s bar menu last week. This is another cocktail I’ve sipped martini style, but The Bar serves on the rocks. I sampled this drink recipe martini style and on the rocks at The Bar in Chicago to test a theory; would it taste differently if it were made exactly the same, yet served differently? The answer; yes it did and I will most likely sip this one on the rocks from here on out. It was that much better in my opinion.

Champs Elysées

1-1/2 ounce Cognac

1/2 ounce Green Chartreuse

3/4 ounce Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

1 dash Angostura Bitters

Lemon Twist – Optional

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

The Champs Elysées recipe I posted last week is a little different than the one here. Last week I modified the classic to my taste preference. This week the recipe appears as it is most often referenced by authorities in classic mixology. This version produces a bit sweeter cocktail than my adjusted variation.

The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago also served another favorite; the Corpse Reviver. This cocktail is often thought of around Halloween time due to its name, but the Corpse Reviver is a refreshing cocktail ideal for leisurely summertime sipping. It’s lightly tart with an almost sparkling lilt to it with its faint absinthe inclusion. It’s a drink recipe that should make every classic cocktail enthusiasts “must-try” list.

There really is something for everyone at The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago. Scotch flights for the whisky enthusiast, signature cocktails for the adventurous cocktail lover, wine and champagne and of course an array of delicious menu items from the hotel’s wonderful restaurants. Be sure to stop in at The Peninsula Chicago whether it’s for an evening’s stay, dinner or for a drink before evening plans. You’ll be treated well.

Thank you to The Bar’s manager, James, and bartenders, Erik, Tim and Loran for magnificent service, entertaining conversation and delicious cocktails while dining and sipping at The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago.

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Corporate Mixology, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Angostura Bitters, Bartender, Benedictine, Carpano Antica Formula, Champs Elysees Cocktail, Chartreuse, Classic Bitters, Classic Cocktails, Cognac, Corpse Reviver, Fresh Lemon, Gin, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Manhattan, Martini, Mixology, Peychaud's Bitters, Ransom Gin, Rye, Simple Syrup, Sweet Vermouth, The Bar, The Bar at The Peninsula Chicago, The Martinez, The Peninsula Chicago, Vieux Carre, Whiskey

5 on Friday: Halloween Cocktail Recipe Cards

Posted on October 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Printable recipe cards are a great way to let guests know what cocktails are being served and what is in them. Place cards next to premade pitcher drinks or keep them on the bar with proper ingredients so they can make their own.

To download cocktail recipe cards; click on the card to enlarge to proper size. Right click. Save to your photo files. Personal use only please.

Cookie Monster

Devil’s Kiss

Hellfire

Red Death

Snickers

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Posted in Halloween Cocktails, Shot-tails, Shots & Shooters

Tagged Coffee Liqueur, Cookie Monster, Creme de Cacao, Devli's Kss, Five on Friday, Half & Half, Halloween, Halloween Cocktails, Hazelnut Liqueur, Hellfire, Irish Cream, Lime Cordial, Recipe Cards, Red Death, Rum, Rye, Shot-tails, Snickers, Tabasco, Triple Sec, Vodka, Whiskey

Red Rye

Posted on September 6, 2012 | Leave a comment

Jim Beam Rye: Wheaty like a cracker. Grassy, grainy. Not harsh on the nose. 80 proof. This particular rye is sort of non-descript compared to others I have sampled and reviewed. A little spice to it. Taste: Definite burn. Spice like cinnamon bark. Rough around the edges. A little flat. Not a lot of strong character coming through, but fits well as an ordinary rye. Cherry tones. Peach pit possibly buried in the flavor. Slight hint of nut – maybe pecan. Not too pricey, so it makes a great mixer to play with for rye based cocktails.

Red Rye – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/4 ounce Jim Beam Rye

3/4 ounce Red Stag by Jim Beam

Lemon Twist Garnish

Build in rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh lemon twist pinched over drink to ensure essential oils spray into the mixture. Drop lemon twist in glass. Stir.

Slight hint of lemon allows a bit of chocolate in the Red Stag to show through. Sweetness reigns supreme, but not as defined as if Red Stag stood alone. Jim Beam Rye is the real winner here. Wonderful spice warms to the Red Stag rounding out this simply put together drink.

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Posted in Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Fresh Lemon, Jim Beam Rye, Red Rye, Red Stag by Jim Beam, Rye, Whiskey

(ri)1 & the Elusive Heering

Posted on September 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

(ri)1 Straight Rye Whiskey arrived on the scene what seems forever ago, yet in reality this ruggedly handsome rye whiskey is merely a rising star. The whiskey category as a whole excites the imagination as this genre takes off in a new direction with cocktail flair beyond the classics. Whether traditional recipes gain popularity through recreation or new cocktails come to the forefront, the result remains the same: more consumers are drawn to the bronze beverage that goes down with the burning delight of liquid gold, warming the soul and igniting passion for the finer things life offers.

(ri)1 & the Elusive Heering – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces (ri)1 Straight Rye Whiskey

1/2 ounce Heering Cherry Liqueur

1/2 ounce Noilly Prat Original French Dry Vermouth

3 dashes Classic Bitters

Fresh Lemon Twist

Build in a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with fresh lemon twist. Optional: 1/8 ounce fresh lemon juice.

Oiliness of the Noilly Prat carries throughout in this cocktail and continues without diminishing. A hint of Heering Cherry Liqueur shines with its deep, rich character without overwhelming the cocktail or becoming watered down. It is subtle as the notes of cherry weave among the spice of rye. As the ice slowly melts, more cherry tones with its understated hint of chocolate begin to mingle through. However, the (ri)1 is the real show stopper. It displays well with spicy, robust character establishing a strong cocktail to the last delicious drop.

“Elusive” in the cocktail name refers to countless cocktails attempted with whiskey, bourbon, various gins, tequila and vodka using Heering Cherry Liqueur and not arriving at one that suits my creative spirit at the moment until this now. Heering Cherry Liqueur provides countless imaginative cocktails which are rather tasty.

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Posted in Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged (ri)1 & the Elusive Heering, (ri)1 Straight Rye Whiskey, Classic Bitters, Dry Vermouth, Fresh Lemon, Heering Cherry Liqueur, Noilly Prat, Rye, Whiskey

Auntie Mame Inspired Happy Hour

Posted on October 7, 2011 | 1 Comment

Do you ever watch old movies, some of which used to be in black and white and are now colorized? They are still classics, but never quite the same as the first time around. The same may be said for timeless cocktails. The first time we taste them they are marvelous on our taste buds. Every time thereafter, a bit of their mystique fades away. Yet, updated liquors and modernized recipes revamp cocktails to tantalize fading attention.

When I was a young teenager my mother took me to an old fashioned theater to see the production of Auntie Mame starring Rosalind Russell. It was just a film showing at the theater, but it was complete with an intermission where we left our seats to go get popcorn in the basement area. Even the smell of the popcorn seemed different from regular theaters where butter is slathered on in grease loads. As a teenager the experience with my mother was more memorable than Auntie Mame in all her peculiar grandeur on the big screen. But as an adult my children gave the DVD to me for Christmas this past year. It was wonderful watching it again. Was it the same as the experience in that theater with my mother so many years ago? No. But it brought back distinct memories that can never be experienced again.

There was something else I discovered in watching this classic movie; it is fascinating to discover the fashionable drinks of the time in movies that remain timeless in our memories.

Rosalind Russell plays Auntie Mame, a flapper from the roaring 20’s, who lives a carefree, eccentric sort of life. She enjoys life to the fullest even when she is charged with the care of her orphaned nephew, Patrick. Auntie Mame endeavors to save him from the stuffy, conventional executor of Patrick’s father’s estate by teaching him the wild and zany ways of an avant-garde world. Along the way, there are four cocktails I took notice of. I am not so sure that was really the intent of the producers. At any rate, the movie is a must see in my opinion and the cocktails are of course classics any way you look at them.

The rage in the movie was a Daiquiri with honey which Auntie Mame did not like at all. In my opinion a Daiquiri with granulated sugar is absolutely awful since the sugar does not dissolve properly and there is a perfectly good cure for that all; Simple Syrup – 2 parts sugar dissolved in 1 part water.

The Daiquiri (the way it’s supposed to be – according to 10 Cane)

2 measures 10 Cane Rum

1 measure Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

1 measure Simple Syrup

Lime Wheel Garnish

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

Bacardi Daiquiri

1 measure Bacardi Superior Rum

1 measure Lime or Lemon Juice Freshly Squeezed

1/2 teaspoon Sugar

Place ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into chilled cocktail glass or strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.

Oronoco Rum is highlighted in this next Daiquiri recipe as found on theBar.com.

Oro Daiquiri

1-1/2 measure Oronoco Rum

1 measure Fresh Lime Juice

1 measure Simple Syrup

Lime Wedge Garnish

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

And of course, my personal favorite Daiquiri recipe which follows a standard 2:1:1/2 ratio for base liquor, tart or juice, and liqueur or syrup add in.

Daiquiri

2 measures Rum

1 measure Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 measure Simple Syrup

Lime Twist Garnish

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

Autie Mame was fond of champagne. While champagne is marvelous on its own, why not in a cocktail?

Champagne Cocktail –International Bartender Association

4-1/2 measures Chilled Champagne or Sparkling Wine

1/2 measure Brandy

1/2 Sugar Cube

2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Maraschino Cherry & Orange Slice for Garnish

Add two dashes Angostura Bitters to chilled champagne flute and half sugar cube. Pour brandy over sugar cube. Top with chilled champagne. Garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Picon Whiskey Cocktail – Cocktail Data Base

1-1/4 measure Rye or Bourbon Whiskey

1-1/4 measure Amer Picon

1/4 teaspoon Sugar

Lemon Twist Garnish

Place liquids and sugar in mixing glass with ice. Stir to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Lastly there is the Martini that young Patrick learned to make and serve proficiently. While every cocktail under the sun on a drink menu seems to qualify under the term of “martini” these days, the one Patrick served in Auntie Mame was shaken with no olive.

“CEO” Martini – Chopin Extra Olives

2-1/2 measures Chopin Vodka

3 Extra Large Bleu Cheese Stuffed Olives

Place vodka in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives. Optional: Olive brine to taste for Dirty CEO.

Belvedere Classic Martini

2 measures Belvedere Pure Vodka

Dash Lillet Blanc

Lemon Twist, Olive or Cocktail Onion Garnish

Place ice in mixing glass. Add Lillet Blanc. Swirl and discard liquid. Add vodka to prepared ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish as desired.

Pravda Perfect Martini

2 measures Pravda Vodka

1 measure Pure Water

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. No need for garnish. It’s perfect.

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.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails

Tagged 10 Cane Rum, Amer Picon, Auntie Mame, Bacardi Rum, Belvedere Vodka, Bourbon, Brandy, Champagne, Chopin Vodka, Classic Bitters, Daiquiri, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Martini, Movie Cocktails, Oronoco Rum, Pravda Vodka, Rosalind Russel, Rum, Rye, Simple Syrup, Vodka

Review: Bulleit 95 Rye

Posted on September 15, 2011 | 1 Comment

Bulleit 95 Rye Tasting Notes

Straight 95% Rye Mash Whiskey

45% Alcohol – 90 Proof

Aroma: Light aroma. Not much notice of spice. Slight medicinal quality. Tang undertone, but minimal.

Taste: Hint of orange. Butterscotch. Very little sweetness. Heat. Some spice.

On Ice: Still uncovers slight medicinal flavor. Sharpness. Spice. Ice mellows the spirit slightly.

This spirit sort of flat-lines for me. Not enough flavor to match the heated wallop. Price point is attractive, but would loved to have seen a bit more flavorful personality out of this spirit.

Bulleit 95 Rye sample for review provided by representatives of the brand.

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Posted in Reviews

Tagged Bulleit Rye, Rye

Must Try Classic Cocktail Alternatives

Posted on June 1, 2011 | 3 Comments

This Manhattan style cocktail contains definite flavor of dry vermouth spilling into the flavor palate. Would perhaps benefit by switching Heering Cherry Liqueur for Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur in my opinion as the Luxardo washes a bit too perfumy in this particular cocktail. Though the flavors meld together nicely the longer the drink sits in the glass. Cynar rather nice fit for this version. Might like hint more, but that is only due to my fascination with the artichoke spirit. Definite must try for bourbon enthusiasts and Manhattan cocktail lovers.

Bensonhurst

2 measures Bourbon

1 measure Dry Vermouth

1/2 measure Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

1/4 measure Cynar Artichoke Liqueur

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

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

Holiday that celebrates the artichoke: National Artichoke Heart Day, March 16

Bensonhurst is a cocktail descendent of the Brooklyn Cocktail which calls for Amer Picon, a rare liqueur. This original adaptation utilizes Cynar. Named for a tough Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn. The original Bensonhurst version below is created by Chad Solomon of Cuffs and Buttons.

Bensonhurst

2 measures Rye

1 measure Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth

2 measures Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

1 teaspoon Cynar

Without Garnish

Amer Picon is a French aperitif with bitter sweet flavors primarily highlighted as herbal and orange.

Brooklyn Cocktail

1-1/2 measure Rye

1/2 measure Dry Vermouth

1/4 measure Maraschino Liqueur

1/4 measure Amer Picon

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

Another variation is the Brooklyn which utilizes Canadian Whisky rather than Rye or Bourbon.

Brooklyn

2 measures Canadian Club Whisky

1 measure Dry Vermouth

Dash Amer Picon

Dash Maraschino Liqueur

Lemon Twist Garnish – Optional

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

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 Classic Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Amer Picon, Artichoke Liqueur, Bensonhurst, Bourbon, Brooklyn, Brooklyn Cocktail, Canadian Club Whisky, Chad Solomon, Cherry Heering Liqueur, Cynar, Dry Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, Manhattan, Rye, Whiskey

Entertaining with Two Ingredient Cocktails

Posted on May 23, 2011 | 11 Comments

Planning a party well in advance or throwing one together on the fly just got a little easier with all the tasty bells and whistles remaining in the glass. Cocktails for crowds don’t have to be extravagantly detailed with lots of ingredients in the glass. Placing the right mix of elements in a cocktail glass for quality taste experience is exactly the same principle as combining the ideal blend of people together for a party. Favorable flavors combine for sensational taste just as complimentary personalities add sensational spark to a party. Two ingredient drinks keep entertaining fun, fabulous and flavorful.

Bull’s Eye

2-1/2 ounce Beer

2-1/2 ounce Tomato Juice

Cherry Tomato Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with skewered cherry tomato. A few splashes of Tabasco would send this simple version of the Bloody Mary into show stopper mode!

Camparosa

2 ounces Campari

3 ounces Grapefruit Juice

Orange Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange slice. Bitter, sweet and refreshingly excellent!

Depth Charge

2 ounces Schnapps

1 pint Beer

Place schnapps flavor of your choice into chilled beer mug. Top with beer.

Flying Dutchman

2 ounces Gin

1 teaspoon Absinthe

Combine liquids in an Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice. Stir.

Highball

2 ounces Base Spirit of Choice

3 ounces Mixer of Choice

Place base spirit (Whiskey, Vodka, Rum, Tequila, etc…) in highball glass over fresh ice. Top with mixer (club soda, tonic, juice, etc…).

Rye & Ginger

2 ounces Rye

3 ounces Ginger Ale

Place Rye in highball glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger ale. Stir.

Splificator

2-1/2 ounces Bourbon

1/2 ounce Club Soda

Place bourbon in an Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice. Top with club soda to desired taste.

Spritzer

4 ounces White Wine

Club Soda

Lemon Twist Garnish

Place wine in white wine glass with fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with optional lemon twist.

Whisky Mac

1-1/2 ounce Scotch

1 ounce Ginger Wine

Place scotch in an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger wine. Stir.

Never leave guests without a non-alcoholic option…

Italian Soda

2 ounces Italian Syrup – Flavor of Choice

3 ounces Sparkling Water

Lemon or Lime Slice Garnish

Fill highball glass with ice. Add flavored Italian syrup of choice (flavored coffee syrups or flavored simple syrups could also be used). Top with sparkling water. Stir gently. Garnish with lemon or lime slice. Other fruit garnishes could be used to correspond to the syrup flavor chosen.

Enjoy more year round hosting ideas from creative party planners and entertaining specialists:

Cynthia of the Daily Basics: Fabulous daily inspiration for getting back to basics and enjoying life again. @thedailybasics on Twitter The Daily Basics on Facebook

Sandy of Reluctant Entertainer: An inspiration to everyone seeking the confidence to entrain at home, and author of The Reluctant Entertainer. @SandyCoughlinRE on Twitter Reluctant Entertainer on Facebook

Dawn of Party Blue Prints: A great source for planning the perfect party, 1/2 of the Party Blue Prints team and co-author of Plan to Party. @DawnSandomeno on Twitter

Jen of Second City Soiree: Chicago hostess and a wealth of creative ideas for hosting the perfect event. @SecndCitySoiree on Twitter Second City
Soiree on Facebook

Chris of Celebrations at Home: Virginian Event Planner offering fabulous advice for celebrations at home and Celebrations.com starlet. @CelebrateAtHome on Twitter Celebrations At Home on Facebook

Coryanne of Housewife Bliss: @housewifebliss on Twitter Housewife-Bliss on Facebook

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com – Copyright 2011 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved – 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 Cocktails

Tagged 2 Ingredient Drinks, Absinthe, Beer, Bourbon, Campari, Celebrations at Home, Gin, Housewife Bliss, Mocktails, Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Party Blue Prints, Reluctant Entertainer, Rye, Scotch, Second City Soiree, The Daily Basics, Two Ingredient Cocktails, Wine

Whiskey Quotes & Cocktails

Posted on February 16, 2011 | 2 Comments

Whiskey spans the globe in a broad range of styles, flavors and varieties. No matter where the bottle pours it seems the preferred manner of consuming the spirit is neat or on the rocks. However the vast flavor profile of each individual whiskey creates a wealth of opportunity for cocktail sampling and springboard for new creations.

Enjoy a few words of “whiskey wisdom” from spirited drinkers past and present. Whiskey cocktails represent a few whiskies from around the world.

“The true pioneer of civilization is not the newspaper, not religion, not the railroad – but whiskey!” – Mark Twain

Buckaroo

1-1/2 ounce Overproof Bourbon

1/2 teaspoon Angostura Bitters

3 ounces Cola

Place ice in highball glass. Add bourbon and bitters. Stir. Top with cola. Serve with swizzle stick.

“I’m a simple man. All I want is enough sleep for two normal men, enough whiskey for three, and enough women for four.” – Joel Rosenberg, Science Fiction/Fantasy Author

Gall Bracer

1 ounce Bourbon

1 ounce Rye Whiskey

1/8 to 1/4 ounce Grenadine

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Place liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Drop in maraschino cherry as garnish. Notation: To make this drink go long, add splash of club soda and serve in tall glass.

“Haven’t you learned yet that I put something more than whisky into my speeches?” – Winston Churchill

Churchill

1-1/2 ounce Scotch

1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

Orange & Lime Slices Garnish

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

“We borrowed golf from Scotland as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good.” – Horace Hutchinson, Golfer

Ring of Kerry

1-1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey

1 ounce Irish Cream

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

Grated Chocolate Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with sprinkling of grated chocolate on top.

“Whiskey is by far the most popular of all remedies that won’t cure a cold.” – Jerry Vale, American Singer

Pamplemousse

1-1/2 ounce Canadian Whisky

1/2 ounce Southern Comfort

2 ounces Grapefruit Juice

1/4 ounce Pineapple Syrup

Grapefruit Twist & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with skewered cherry and fresh grapefruit twist.

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much of good whisky is barely enough.” – Mark Twain

“Trust me, there’s nothing like drinking

So pleasant on this side of the grave

It keeps the unhappy from thinking

And makes all the rest the more brave.”

-Toasts & Quotes

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Posted in Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Bourbon, Canadian Whisky, Classic Bitters, Coffee Liqueur, Cointreau, Cola, Fresh Lime, Grapefruit Juice, Grenadine, Horace Hutchinson, Irish Cream, Irish Whiskey, Jerry Vale, Joel Rosenberg, Liquor Quotes, Mark Twain, Pineapple Juice, Rye, Scotch, Southern Comfort, Sweet Vermouth, Whiskey, Winston Churchill

A Toast to the Legends of Rock

Posted on February 3, 2011 | 2 Comments

Three music idols died in a tragic airplane crash, February 3, 1959. This date is forever known as The Day the Music Died. Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and the Big Bopper helped shape Rock music in the early days and continue to live on through the generations who remember the then and now of modern music of the time. A tribute to the Golden Oldies…

Golden Oldie

3/4 ounce Dark Rum

1/2 ounce Crème de Banana

4 ounces Pineapple Juice

Place ice in highball glass. Add liquids in order given. Stir.

Though smoking was among Buddy Holly’s vices, it is said that drinking alcoholic beverages was not due to a stomach ulcer. Buddy Holly still inspires a little creative cocktail experimentation behind the bar through his music. Sift through the archives for a little musical cocktail pairing today. Buddy Holly formed a band later known as The Crickets.

Cricket

1 ounce White Crème de Cacao

1 ounce Green Crème de Menthe

1 ounce Heavy Cream

1/4 ounce Brandy

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass or serve in rocks glass over fresh ice. Notation: Minty fresh. Cool. Like sipping and nibbling at the center of an Andes candy without the chocolate. Immensely satisfying.

One of Buddy Holly and The Crickets well known songs; “Peggy Sue” which was performed on television variety shows, The Ed Sullivan Show and on The Arthur Murray Party.

Peggy Martini

2 ounces Gin

1 ounce Dry Vermouth

1/4 ounce Absinthe

1/4 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

Orange Twist Garnish

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

Richie Valens short career of eight months pioneered a rock ‘n roll movement for Spanish speaking fans. “LaBamba” is one of Valens most notable recordings. Valens also recorded “Donna” in homage to his high school sweetheart. The official Richie Valens website relates Donna’s memory of Valens Old Spice aftershave; A favorite that brings back memories for many no doubt.

Though there is a ‘real’ Old Spice recipe. It doesn’t come highly recommended as it supposedly replicates the aroma of Old Spice in the flavor. So something classically spiced in its honor is so much more appropriate.

Spicy Old Fashioned

1-1/2 ounces Rye

1-1/2 ounces Bourbon

1 slice Orange

2 Maraschino Cherries

Teaspoon Simple Syrup – optional

3 dashes Angostura Bitters

1 dash Angostura Orange Bitters

Muddle orange slice, cherries and optional simple syrup in mixing glass. Add rye, bourbon, bitters and ice. Shake to blend. Pour into large rocks glass.

Find more interesting daily cocktail holidays by following the link. High resolution digital photo downloads are available for brand, cocktail menu creation use and individual use at www.cheriloughlin.com within the Beverages category.