Tag Archives: Sour Mix

Drink in the Beaches of Blue Hawaii

Posted on March 20, 2013 | Comments Off

With Spring Break in full swing for some, yet the beautiful beaches out of reach for the vast majority it seems appropriate to bring Hawaii to the masses in the form of drink. Perhaps Hawaii is better known for more unusual drinks using ingredients such as papaya or Li Hing Mui, but the Blue Hawaiian is the cocktail with the namesake.

Happy 1st Day of Spring! What better way to celebrate spring than dream about catching a few Hawaiian waves. YouTube video posted by gdaniels32. Be sure to click through and subscribe to the original feed and look up the photography at www.beachboyphotography.com.

In researching the Blue Hawaiian, so many versions surfaced it was difficult to decipher which one was the “real” Blue Hawaiian and which ones were the imposters. What also came to the forefront is another drink often confused for the Blue Hawaiian; the Blue Hawaii. These two drinks share a name so similar it is no wonder they are often confused by many a bartender and patron alike. So let’s break down the difference.

A true Blue Hawaiian never contains vodka, but rather rum. It also uses cream of coconut rather than sweet and sour mix. Adversely, the Blue Hawaii uses vodka instead of rum and sweet and sour mix, but no cream of coconut. Both however share something in common always; Blue Curacao.

Blue Curacao is essentially an orange liqueur infused with the dried peels of the Larahas plant which is derived from the Valencia orange. The difference between Blue and Orange Curacao is the color. Substituting one for the other in a drink will only change the color, not the taste.

The Blue Hawaii has an advantage over the Blue Hawaiian in that it makes for quite the easy party punch as well as individual cocktail drink. Since the Blue Hawaiian traditionally calls for cream of coconut which needs thorough stirring, shaking or blending, it is not conducive to a punch bowl setting.

So, you decide. Pour over ice, stir, shake, or put the blender on puree. Set your sights on the sandy beaches of Hawaii, sit back and sip a tall, cool one. Choose one or try them all.

Blue Hawaiian

1 ounce Light Rum

2 ounces Pineapple Juice

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Cream of Coconut

Pineapple Chunks Garnish

1 cup Ice

Combine liquids and ice in blender. Blend until all ice is thoroughly blended in cocktail. Pour into highball glass or decorative glass. Garnish with skewered pineapple chunks.

Blue Hawaii

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Blue Curacao

1 ounce Sour Mix

1 ounce Pineapple Juice

2 to 3 ounces Orange Juice

Pineapple Chunks & Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir to blend. Garnish with pineapple chunks and maraschino cherry.

Blend both worlds by trying the Blue Hawaii Cocktail.

Blue Hawaii Cocktail

1 ounce Vodka

1/2 ounce Blue Curacao

1/2 ounce Coconut Rum

1-1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

3/4 ounce Lime Juice

Lemon Twist

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

See alternative reader version of the Blue Hawaii drink.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Blue Curacao, Blue Hawaii, Blue Hawaii Cocktail, Blue Hawaiian, Coconut Rum, Cream of Coconut, Fresh Lime, Orange Juice, Pineapple, Pineapple Juice, Rum, Sour Mix, Spring, Spring Cocktails, Spring Equinox, Video, Vodka

Sour Mix

Posted on April 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

There are bottled, ready to pour sour mixes you can purchase or those you can make from fresh ingredients. My preference is fresh. I think it tastes much better and I can control exactly what goes into the mix. Water, sugar, lemon and lime are an easy to pronounce ingredients list as well. No stumbling over chemical additives. The Sour Mix recipe below is just one example of many basic mixes. Find one you like and adjust the recipe to proportions you will use before it’s necessary to make a new batch.

Sour Mix is used in a variety of cocktails, drinks and shots. Find many uses for Sour Mix by following the highlighted link.

Sour Mix

1-1/2 cups Water

1-1/2 cups Sugar

1 cupsFresh Lemon Juice

1 cup Fresh Lime Juice

Combine water and sugar in large saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves. Bring to gentle boil. Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool completely. Add juices. Place syrup and juices in large pitcher. Stir. Cover with lid. Place in refrigerator to chill thoroughly. Will keep for approximately one week.

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 Mixers & Garnishes

Tagged Basics, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Homemade Sour Mix, Lemon, Lime, Sour Mix, Sugar, Water

Blue Hawaii

Posted on March 22, 2012 | Leave a comment

In a recent article I asked readers to participate in cocktail discussion about how cocktails are created, mixed, tweaked and served at home. Let’s face it, we all change recipes up a bit whether we’re talking about cooking or cocktails. The changes you make for easier mixing and better flavor just might be the tweak or tip someone else has been searching for. Read “What Are You Drinking?” and find out how to share your cocktail tips and ideas here.

One of Todd Swantek’s all-time favorite drinks is his version of the Blue Hawaii. Though some prefer rum in the drink, Todd prefers vodka only. The original Blue Hawaii calls for both. One less ingredient makes this drink one step quicker than the original.

Blue Hawaii – adapted by Todd Swantek

1 shot Vodka

1 shot Blue Curacao

Splash Sour Mix

Pineapple Juice

Place ice in tall glass. Pour ingredients over ice. Top with pineapple juice. Serve. Todd suggests a fun Tiki mug to make the Blue Hawaii more festive. Photo credit: Todd Swantek

“It was an evening favorite on St. Patty’s Day due to the green color.” ~ Todd Swantek

Why green rather than blue for Blue Hawaii? It all comes down to a matter of ratios within the mix where color is concerned. It also has to do with which sour mix you choose and how much color it has in it or if the sour mix you use is homemade.

Original Blue Hawaii is below for comparison purposes only. Try them both and decide how you would tweak this cocktail to make it your own.

Blue Hawaii

3/4 measure Rum

3/4 measure Vodka

1/2 measure Blue Curacao

3 measures Pineapple Juice

1 measure Sour Mix

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with slice of pineapple. Don’t forget the umbrella. Alternative: Place liquids in blender with 12 ounces ice. Blend until completely smooth. Serve in hurricane glass or goblet. Garnish with umbrella.

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Blue Curacao, Blue Hawaii, Blue Hawaii Cocktail, Blue Hawaiian, Cocktail Tips, Pineapple Juice, Reader Recipes, Rum, Sour Mix, Vodka, What Are You Drinking

Shot of Fun in the Sun

Posted on January 14, 2011 | 3 Comments

A little shot of fun in the sun does wonders to chase away the winter blues. Bring a little sun, sand and surf to your Happy Hour shot glass and enjoy thoughts of ocean breezes and sunny skies.

Blue Lagoon

3/4 ounce Vodka

3/4 ounce Blue Curacao

1/4 ounce Sour Mix

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

Swapna’s Cuisine is a blog devoted to traditional and contemporary Indian and Western recipes. They happen to have recipes for a Blue Lagoon Cocktail and Mocktail (non-alcoholic cocktail) for those interested in more than a little shot of fun. By the way, their photos are strikingly gorgeous! Well worth following the link just to take a peek at the drinks.

Surfer on Acid

1/2 ounce Jägermeister

1/2 ounce Coconut Rum

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

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

Did you know there is actually a website with the name Surfer on Acid? Follow the link and you’ll find this shot recipe in stronger to sweeter variations. An article on Grub Street Los Angeles features bartender, Eric Tecosky, the inventor of the Surfer on Acid shot recipe. He created the shot, but adopted the clever name. Follow the link and read the whole story.

Another interesting variation is served on the rocks rather than as a shot. It uses Fernet Branca rather than Jägermeister. The Cocktail Virgin calls it Bartender on Acid. The last version of the Surfer on Acid is called Dead Surfer on Acid. It’s a batch shot meant to serve approximately six people making it ideal for bachelorette parties, 21st birthdays, Girls Night Out and it’s aptly named for Halloween. Dead Surfer on Acid is posted by Lisa Zara at Eat Like That. If you can get your hands on those cute little crystal skull shot glasses, you’ll have the perfect serve.

[post updated April 12, 2013]

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

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Posted in Shots

Tagged Bartender on Acid, Blue Curacao, Blue Lagoon Cocktail, Blue Lagoon Mocktail, Blue Lagoon Shot, Coconut Rum, Dead Surfer on Acid, Fernet Branca, Jager, Jagermeister, Malibu Rum, Pineapple Juice, Shot-tails, Sour Mix, Surfer on Acid Shot, Vodka

Quick & Easy Drink Pairings for Football Weekend

Posted on November 19, 2010 | 1 Comment

Another week comes to a close and the words rolling off the tongue are thank goodness there’s football! Better yet there are many complementary drink recipes already on the books that go hand in hand with many football teams. It’s just a matter of finding them for clever match-ups.

Houston Texans fans might be pleased to find the Texsun cocktail served martini style with minimal ingredients. This clever cocktail includes bourbon and dry vermouth. Serve this on the rocks for easier tailgate preparation if you prefer.

Texsun – Difford’s Guide #7

1-1/2 parts Bourbon

1-1/2 parts Dry Vermouth

1-1/2 part Pink Grapefruit Juice

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

Dallas Cowboys fans also get a taste of bourbon, but this time mixed with a little dark rum. The Midnight Cowboy is a darker spirited cocktail with warmer tones. Though it is traditionally served martini style it would make an excellent long drink served on the rocks. Better still, place 2 to 3 ounces of espresso in a tall glass on the rocks and add the remaining ingredients for a terrific early morning eye opening tailgate drink. Please keep in mind football and tailgating can be an all day event, so please consume responsibly.

Midnight Cowboy

2 parts Bourbon

1 part Dark Rum

1/2 part Half & Half or Heavy Whipping Cream

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly. Strain into a cocktail glass. Notation: There is no sugar in this cocktail. If your preference is a little sweet, add a wee amount of simple syrup to taste.

There is a shot by the name of Panther just waiting patiently for Carolina Panthers fans. Unfortunately this particular shot does not carry the same team colors, but perhaps will sip as slyly as a panther instead.

Panther

1 part Peach Brandy

1 part White Crème de Menthe

Place liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a shot or shooter glass.

The St. Louis Rams should plan on shaking things up on the field this weekend. Fans should cheer them on with the Battering Ram. This long drink contains a few more ingredients than the previous recipes, but definitely provides long sipping satisfaction. Battering Ram leans a little toward sweet, so hold off on the sweet and sour mix until last and add it in according to taste preference for sweet factor.

Battering Ram

1/2 part Light Rum

1/2 part Dark Rum

1/2 part Homemade Sweet & Sour

1/4 part Bourbon

3 parts Orange Juice

Tonic Water

Orange Slice Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients except tonic water in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a highball glass filled half with ice. Top with tonic water. Garnish with orange slice.

Milkshakes go back as a personal favorite since childhood, so the Brown Cow recipe was a no brainer for inclusion in football favorites. A little tweak of the recipe and use of Kahlua Especial turns this classic into something special for Cleveland Browns fans.

Especial Brown Cow – adapted by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 parts Kahlua

2-1/2 parts Milk

2-1/2 parts Half & Half

Splash Chocolate Syrup

Combine Kahlua, milk and half & half in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into Hurricane glass over fresh ice. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top.

The Jaguar contains the deeply rich flavor of Galliano blended with velvety ice cream for a lovely concoction for Jacksonville Jaguars fans. Winter chill might be settling in, but it’s really never too cold for a temptingly delicious ice cream treat.

Jaguar

2 parts Galliano

1 part White Crème de Cacao

2 scoops Ice Cream

Whipped Cream Garnish

Blend Galliano, White Crème de Menthe and ice Cream in a blender until completely smooth. Serve in a parfait glass with whipped cream garnish.

San Francisco 49ers fans already know their team is named in honor of miners who headed west in a quest for gold. It’s appropriate to drive the team spirit home with a golden cocktail that takes little preparation so more time can be spent watching the game. Golden Nail is a nice and easy smooth sipper.

Golden Nail

1-1/2 parts Bourbon

3/4 parts Southern Comfort

2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Orange Twist Garnish

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh orange zest.

More football favorite cocktails and shot recipe articles can be found in the Football & Tailgating categories section or listed as individual recipes in the right hand column under Football & Tailgating.

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Posted in Football & Tailgating

Tagged Bourbon, Brandy, Carolina Panthers, Chocolate Syrup, Classic Bitters, Cleveland Browns, Coffee Liqueur, Creme de Menthe, Dallas Cowboys, Dry Vermouth, Football Drinks, Galliano, Grapefruit Juice, Half & Half, Heavy Cream, Houston Texans, Ice Cream, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kahlua, Milk, Orange Juice, Peach Brandy, Rum, San Francisco 49ers, Sour Mix, Southern Comfort, St. Louis Rams, Tailgating, Tonic Water

Welcome National Whiskey Sour Day with the Essential Basic Sour Recipe

Posted on August 25, 2010 | Leave a comment

Sours are one of the most challenging cocktails to nail down in proper proportion. Too much sour in the cocktail recipe and facial features distort as lips pucker to the distinct mouth watering bite in the tart flavor experience. Adding too much sweet to the mix makes the sour drink something new altogether. Though August 25 is earmarked as National Whiskey Sour Day it is possible to substitute a favorite base spirit for whiskey in a basic sour recipe.

Basic Sour Recipe

2 ounces Base Spirit

3/4 ounce Sour (Fresh Lemon or Lime Juice)

1 ounce Sugar or Simple Syrup

Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake hard to chill completely and create frothy texture. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon twist or orange slice with maraschino cherry. When shaken properly, sour and sugar combination create fizzy top to the drink without the need for added egg white.

There are stories that circulate as to how the Whiskey Sour came into play within history. According to some, the Whiskey Sour’s creation was in direct correlation to sailors fighting scurvy due to vitamin deficiency. Preservation of the fruit due to long periods at sea made the creation of sour drinks part of natural progression. Another tale weaves the story of an English steward who opened a bar in a Peruvian city. His signature drink creation became known as the sour for its tart taste. No matter the historical record of the Whiskey Sour or how sours in general came to be established in the saga of cocktails, there are always variations to the basic sour recipe for the sheer enjoyment of flavor delight.

Whiskey Sour – The Flowing Bowl, William Schmidt 1892

Place juice from half a lemon or lime in bottom of mixing glass.

Squirt of Seltzer

Sugar to Taste

Drink of Whiskey

Ice

Mix well. Strain and serve.

Big Fellow Apricot Sour – Stephen Siebert, Philadelphia, PA

1-1/2 parts Michael Collins Single Malt

3/4 part Honey Syrup

3/4 part fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 part fresh Orange Juice

1 bar spoon Apricot Jam

1 small Egg White

3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Wide Orange Twist Garnish

Combine all ingredients (except bitters and garnish) in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to blend and chill. Double strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with bitters and orange twist.

New York Sour

2 ounces Rye Whiskey or Bourbon

Juice of half a lemon

1/4 Simple Syrup to Taste

1/2 ounce Red Wine

Egg white Optional

Lemon Slice & Fresh Cherry Garnish

Combine whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup (egg white optional) in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Float red wine over top. Garnish with lemon slice and fresh cherry.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Daily Holidays, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Apricot Jam, Basics, Bourbon, Classic Bitters, Classic Cocktails, Egg White, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Honey, Irish Whiskey, Orange Juice, Rye, Simple Syrup, Sour Mix, Whiskey, Wine

Embarrassing Truth about the Cocktails & Shots We Order

Posted on May 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

The scandalous truth about the cocktails and shots we ordered once upon a time in an embarrassing and awkward moment of shameful abandon is we actually remember the sordid details long into the future. Surprisingly enough it doesn’t take liquid courage to recount the flash of tacky tippling. Mat shots as a rite of passage, the call of a blow job shot quieting the bar and girlie fru fru drinks in the hands of manly men are all no brainers after the fact, but x marks the spot when friends are calling the shots.

Readers fessed up to The Intoxicologist on Twitter and Facebook about the most embarrassing shot or cocktail they ever ordered, what made them do it and ultimately what they learned. Answers tickled and induced the ‘blech’ factor.

Lilly Pad consisting of Malibu Rum, Midori, Blue Curacao and pineapple juice seemed a good idea at the time to Ben Newton-Syms. According to Ben, “The official excuse; the bartender looked like he’d massacre anything classic and make me angry. The guilty truth; I wanted a drink garnished with a gummy frog. Oh dear.” Gummy bears, worms, octopi and frogs might be on my list of chewy, fruit musts when I’m in the mood for ripping limbs from helpless candies, but never a good idea for cocktail garnish. When in doubt of a bartender’s ability to build a classic, go for the straight pour and ask for a side dish of gummy Froggers.

Speaking of Midori in the Lilly Pad, Theresa Dobey mentions the Ninja Turtle. This little number contains Midori and Pina Colada. Theresa describes it as, “Super gross, not good, not good at all.” Ya think?! I can just imagine swirls of green sweetened liqueur swimming around in milky, creamy Pina Colada mix. Ewww! However a Pina Colada in its finest form is another story altogether. Skip the girlie umbrellas, frilly straws and pre-made mixes and go for the well built cocktail ala Dale DeGroff.

Pina Colada – Dale DeGroff, Craft of the Cocktail

1-1/2 ounce Bacardi Light Rum
1 ounce Myers’s Rum
2 ounce Coco Lopez
1 ounce Heavy Cream
4 ounce Pineapple Juice
Dash of Angostura Bitters
1 Cup Crushed Ice
Garnish – Pineapple Wedge & Maraschino Cherry

Combine all ingredients except garnish into a blender and blend until all ice is completely mixed in. Any chunks get caught in straws, so be sure to mix very well. Pour into either a hurricane glass or a poco-grande glass. Place pineapple and cherry on a garnish skewer and place in the drink. The Intoxicologist Notation: To send this cocktail into total ‘yum’ factor add an additional 1/2 to 3/4 ounce Myers Rum float to the top of the finished cocktail.

The Blow Job shot always seems to come up (no pun intended) when shots are spoken of in any conversation. Many Twitter and Facebook readers mentioned this shot as the one that caused their most embarrassing moment. Whether the name of the shot itself caused deafening quiet to filter across the crowd as the shot was called out or due to the way the shot is downed on knees, no hands at the foot of a stranger by brides to be or their entourage of giggling friends. However, one reader comment regarding the Blow Job shot truly stole the show.

“BJ…and drank it with no hands…I really don’t need to explain right? What did I learn….Well..Either one can make you choke. (You asked :)” – Ginger Sanders

Enough said. Let’s get off the Blow Job and Orgasm shots for a change and move on to something a little less obvious for giggles and grins like…

Deep Throat – from X-Rated Drinks

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1/4 ounce Coffee Liqueur

Whipped Cream Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake. Strain into two shot glasses. Top with whipped cream.

G-Spot – from X-Rated Drinks

1/8 ounce Vodka

1/4 ounce Licor 43

1/2 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

Dash Sour Mix

Dash Club Soda

Combine all ingredients except club soda in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake. Strain into shot glass. Top with club soda.

Time for you to play along and tattle on your shameful tipples. What cocktail or shot tickled your tonsils while inducing the discomfort level? The article that inspired the entire discussion stemmed from Modern Drunkard: You Want a What?

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Posted in Cocktails, Long Drinks, Shots

Tagged Classic Bitters, Club Soda, Coconut Cream, Coffee Liqueur, Licor 43, Myers's Rum, Pineapple Juice, Raspberry Liqueur, Rum, Shot-tails, Sour Mix, Vodka

Mischievous Margarita

Posted on February 22, 2010 | Leave a comment

For those with mischievous plans and naughty deeds on the mind, Hornitos Tequila whips up the perfect Margarita for partying ‘til dawn in celebration of National Margarita Day.

Hornitos Margarita

1/2 part Hornitos Tequila

1/2 part Triple Sec

3 parts Sour Mix

Salt for rimming if desired

Lime Wedge Garnish

Rim rocks glass with lime. Dip into rimming salt. Set aside. Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into salt rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

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Posted in Daily Holidays

Tagged Hornitos Tequila, National Margarita Day, Sour Mix, Tequila, Triple Sec

Jingle My Bells Christmas Cocktails

Posted on December 1, 2009 | 1 Comment

The holiday spirit abounds from the time Thanksgiving weekend begins to the time New Year counts down. Cocktail parties for the office, friends and neighbors provide occasions for gatherings with differing needs. One might need punches and coffees for neighbors stopping in for a moment or two with greetings. Family and friend type holiday parties require classic cocktails and specifically chosen martinis to suit particular palates since the gathering means hours of nibbling finger food and chatting over good times. Office parties might suggest simpler martinis and cocktail recipes with fewer ingredients that still keep within the classic style yet appeal to a broader audience.

Put a little Holiday Cheer into your season with a few of the seasonal drink recipes below. Stay tuned to The Intoxicologist site for more festive cocktail recipes for all your party needs.

Christmas Fizz

2 ounces Right Gin

2 teaspoon Cranberry Jam

1 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

1 Egg White

1 dash Peychaud’s Bitters

2 ounces Sparkling Water

Lemon Wedge and Cranberry Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients except sparkling water in mixing glass with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy. Add sparkling water to highball glass over fresh ice. Top with strained cocktail shaker mixture. Garnish with lemon wedge and cranberry.

Jack Frost

2 ounces Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

2 Tablespoons Cherry Juice or Grenadine

1/4 cup Orange Juice

1/4 cup Sour Mix

Maraschino Cherries Garnish

Combine all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with maraschino cherries.

p.i.n.k. Christmas Cocktail

1-1/2 ounce p.i.n.k. Vodka

1-1/2 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 ounce Half & Half Cream

Splash of Frangelico

Splash of Chambord

Red Raspberries Garnish

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until frothy. Pour into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered red raspberries.

Holiday Sangria – created by Chef Ryan Scott

1 bottle Dry Red Wine

1/4 cup Brown Sugar

1 cup Orange Juice

1 Orange, thinly sliced

1 Lemon, thinly sliced

2 whole Pink Grapefruit, peeled, seeded and segmented

1 Papaya, diced

1 Mango, diced

3/4 cup Red Grapes, halved

2 bottles Zipang Sparkling Sake

4 cups Ice cubes

Place wine and brown sugar in large pitcher. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved. Add in orange juice and fruits. Let mixture stand for 30 minutes. Divide between 8 serving glasses. Pour over fresh ice. Top with sake.

Corzo Holly

1-1/2 parts Corzo Reposado Tequila

3/4 part Fresh Lime Juice

1 part Simple Syrup

3 Fresh Strawberries – Quartered

3 Fresh Basil Leaves

1/8 part Balsamic Vinegar

Fresh Strawberry Garnish

Muddle strawberries, basil leaves and vinegar in mixing glass. Add remaining liquid ingredients with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with fresh sliced strawberry.

Cazadorez Mistletoe Margarita

1-1/2 parts Tequila Cazadores Reposado

2 parts Pomegranate Juice

1/2 part Sour Mix

1/2 part Triple Sec

1/2 part Grenadine

Splash Fresh Lime Juice

Lime Wedge Garnish

Salt for Rim

Rim edge of rocks glass with salt if desired. Set aside. Combine all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with lime wedge.

Silent Dos Lunas Night

1 ounce Dos Lunas Silver Tequila

1 ounce Pomegranate Juice

Chilled Champagne

Place tequila and pomegranate juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute. Top with champagne. Stir gently.

42Below Holiday Punch

1-1/2 parts 42Below Passionfruit

1 part Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 part Martini Rosso

1/2 part Benedictine

1 part Red Wine

1 part Spiced Syrup* (cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, orange peel, clove and star anise)

2 part Pink Grapefruit Juice

Garnish with fruits of choice.

*Spiced Syrup – 2 parts Sugar, 1 part water: Dissolve over low heat with cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, orange peel, clove and star anise spices added in. Allow to cool.

Place all ingredients in large pitcher. Stir. Add large block of ice. Serve immediately.

G’ingle Bell

1 ounce G’vine Nouaison

1/4 ounce Lillet Blanc

1/2 ounce Apple Liqueur

1/2 ounce Simple syrup

1/4 ounce Lime Juice

Place ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into cocktail glass.

Sleigh Ride

4 ounces Hot Apple Cider

1 ounce Averna

2 ounces Whiskey

1/2 teaspoon Honey

Cinnamon Stick

Place Averna and whiskey in heat proof mug. Add hot cider and honey. Stir with cinnamon stick. Allow cinnamon stick to infuse into drink for a few minutes before serving.

Christmas Snowball

1/4 ounce Anisette or Pernod Absinthe

1/4 ounce Crème de Violette

1/4 ounce Heavy Cream

1/4 ounce White Crème de Menthe

1 ounce Plymouth Gin

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into chilled champagne flute.

Tinsel Bellini

2 ounces HPNOTIQ

1 ounce Limoncello

1 ounce Champagne

Splash of lime juice

Sugar for Rim

Rim chilled champagne flute with sugar. Set aside. Place Hpnotiq, limoncello and lime juice in mixing glass with ice. Stir or shake to chill. Strain into sugar rimmed champagne flute. Top with champagne.

White Christmas

1 ounce Right Gin

1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1/2 ounce Bénédictine

1/2 ounce Half & Half

Fresh Grated Nutmeg and Cinnamon Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in mixing glass with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into cocktail glass or dessert wine glass. Dust with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Candy Cane Swirl

1 ounce SKYY Infusions Raspberry

3 ounces Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Grenadine

1/2 ounce Peppermint Schnapps

Sprite or 7Up

Candy Canes

Rim chilled martini glass with crushed candy cane. Combine SKYY Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Cranberry Juice and Grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously to chill. Strain into candy cane rimmed martini glass. Top with splash of Sprite. Garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

Berry Merry Christmas

1-1/4 ounce Right Gin

3/4 ounce Pomegranate Liqueur

2 ounce Pomegranate Blueberry Juice

1/4 ounce Blueberry Syrup

3 dashes Blood Orange Bitters

2 wedges Lime (squeezed)

1 ounce Sparkling Wine

Fresh Strawberries and Blueberries Garnish

Place all liquids except sparkling wine into cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Top with sparkling wine. Garnish with sliced strawberries and blueberries.

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Posted in Christmas Cocktails

Tagged Absinthe, Amaro, Apple Liqueur, Balsamic Vinegar, Benedictine, Bitters, Blueberry Juice, Champagne, Chocolate Liqueur, Cider, Creme de Menthe, Creme de Violette, Egg White, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Gin, Grapefruit Juice, Grapes, Grenadine, Half & Half, Hazelnut Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Honey, Hpnotiq, Irish Cream, Lemon Lime Soda, Lillet Blanc, Limoncello, Orange Bitters, Orange Juice, Passion Fruit Vodka, Peppermint Schnapps, Pomegranate Juice, Raspberry Liqueur, Raspberry Vodka, Sake, Simple Syrup, Sour Mix, Strawberries, Tequila, Triple Sec, Vodka, Whiskey, Wine

Holiday in a Glass: Fall to Thanksgiving Cocktails, Martinis & Drink Recipes

Posted on November 23, 2009 | Leave a comment

The whisper of winter’s arrival surrounds us with wisps of wind, sprinklings of snowflakes and the smoky aroma of toasted firewood rising from neighborhood chimneys. Though fall has not officially passed us by, Thanksgiving gives way to the last rich tastes of the season and glorious opening to celebrations that continue ahead. Embrace the season and all its sipping delights.

Autumn Wind

2 parts Gekkeikan Haiku Sake

1/2 part Gekkeikan Plum Wine

3/4 part Honey

2 parts Pomegranate Juice

1/2 part Fresh Lemon Juice

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist and green apple slice.

Haiku Jasmine Green Tea Saketini

3 parts Gekkeikan Haiku

2 parts Jasmine Green Tea or regular green tea

Splash of sour mix

Garnish with lime or lemon

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lime or lemon wedge.

Baileys Cherry Cafe

2 ounces Baileys with a hint of Coffee

1/2 ounce Captain Morgan Rum

1 dash Maraschino cherry juice

Rim a martini glass with cinnamon and sugar. Then drizzle cherry juice in the glass to layer. Shake Baileys and Captain Morgan with ice, strain and enjoy.

Amor de Cosmos

1-1/2 ounce Canadian Club Whisky

1 Tablespoon Grenadine Syrup

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

Splash Ginger Ale

Splash Club Soda

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine whisky, syrup and juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Add splash each of ginger ale and club soda. Garnish with maraschino cherry

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie

2 ounces Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka

1/2 ounce Crème de Banana

1/2 ounce Chocolate Liqueur

1 ounce Eggnog

Cinnamon Stick Garnish

Shaved Chocolate Garnish

Place all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into rocks glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick and shaved chocolate.

Amaretto Crème Brulee

1-1/2 ounce Van Gogh Vanilla Vodka

1 ounce Licor 43

1/2 ounce Amaretto

1 splash Cream

Brown Sugar & Lemon Wedge Garnish

Rim lip of glass with lemon wedge and dip into brown sugar. Set aside to dry. Chill glass. Pour all liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass.

Mon Cheri

2 ounces Blanche Armagnac Laubade

3/4 ounce Cherry Liqueur

1-1/4 ounce White Crème de Cacao

1/2 ounce Dark Crème de Cacao

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Place Armagnac, cherry liqueur and white crème de cacao in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into cocktail glass. Carefully drizzle outer edges of cocktail with 1/2 ounce of dark crème de cacao. Drop maraschino cherry in center of cocktail for garnish.

Chocolate Espresso

1/4 ounce Vanilla Vodka

1/4 ounce Amaretto Almond Liqueur

1/4 ounce Godiva Chocolate Liqueur

1/4 ounce Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1/4 ounce Frangelico Hazelnut Liqueur

1/4 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1/2 ounce Espresso

2 dashes Chocolate Syrup

Swirl chocolate syrup around inside of martini glass. Chill. Place remaining liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled martini glass.

Drambuie Espresso Martini

1-1/2 ounce Drambuie

1 ounce Creme de Cacao

1 ounce Espresso

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