Tag Archives: Sweet Vermouth

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

2 Blood Orange Vodka Spring Drink Recipes

Posted on March 31, 2013 | Comments Off

SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka Bottle with Tasting Glass 097

The classic Negroni cocktail recipe is always a personal favorite go-to drink for summer or winter sipping enjoyment. When it was time to review the SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka, a variation of the Negroni instantly came to mind. Blood orange and grapefruit flavors both go rather nicely with the Negroni flavor profile. They seem to thin the drink recipe out a bit for warmer weather sipping. This makes the drink a great refresher. The cocktail recipe variation below just might be the ticket for soaking up a little sunshine.

By the way, March 31 is Oranges and Lemons Day. A Vodka infused with orange or blood orange would be perfect for the day!

Blood Orange Negroni

1 ounce SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka

1/2 ounce Campari

1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth

2 ounces Club Soda

Orange Slice Garnish

Fill highball glass two thirds full with ice. Add liquids to glass in order given, topping with club soda last. Garnish with orange slice.

If you feel like sipping something a little different (Orange Sorbet, Prosecco, SKYY Blood Orange Vodka and Orange Juice), then check out the Blood Orange Sgroppino drink recipe photographed and described in great visual detail on the Italian La Bella Vita blog. This cocktail looks amazing and sounds delicious!

Orange Breeze

2 ounces SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

Orange Twist or Orange Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist or orange slice garnish. (More drink recipes like this one provided by Campari America on flickr in the SKYY Infusions Blood Orange tag.

What is SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka?

Vodka infused with natural blood orange flavors. SKYY Infusions Blood Orange is made with real blood oranges and SKYY Vodka. It is carefully infused with all-natural ingredients with the goal of irresistibly crisp, fresh taste and lusciously sweet blood orange. – Information printed on bottle label

70 Proof / 35% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price:$15 to $19 range depending on area

Availability: Main market area is United States and Canada.

SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka Tasting Notes

Color: Clear

Aroma: Reminds me of opening a fresh bag of candy sweet tarts. Powdery sweet with bit of sugary tartness. Makes my mouth water a little. No burn.

Tasted Neat: Sweetness, though it is minimal. Very little burn. Orange with hint of bitter, like the oily skin of orange. Not lush. Bit fruity like you might expect from cocktail fruit juice, but not as sweet. Definitely reminds me more of candy flavor rather than natural fruit flavor. Slightly artificial tasting as it doesn’t seem to roll over the tongue with layered lushness. Seems a bit one dimensional in its streamlined flavor.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Campari America

Cheri Loughlin Beverage Consultant & Photography Services

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Posted in Cocktails, Daily Holidays, Reviews

Tagged Blood Orange Negroni, Blood Orange Sgroppino, Blood Orange Vodka, Campari, Campari America, Club Soda, Cranberry Juice, Fresh Lemon, La Bella Vita, Negroni, Orange Breeze, Orange Vodka, Oranges and Lemons Day, Pineapple Juice, SKYY Infusions Blood Orange Vodka, SKYY Vodka, Sweet Vermouth, Vodka

Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry: Southern Cherry Manhattan

Posted on February 2, 2013 | Comments Off

Southern Cherry Manhattan

2-1/4 ounce Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry

3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

Dash of Bitters

Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or shake to chill. Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with cherry.

Recipe provided by representatives of Brown-Forman / Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort on Facebook – Southern Comfort on Twitter

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged Bitters, Brown-Forman, Manhattan, National Cherry Month, Southern Cherry Manhattan, Southern Comfort, Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry, Sweet Vermouth

10 Two Ingredient Cocktails to Mix at Home

Posted on February 1, 2013 | Comments Off

I’m often surprised to find so many people who will mix rum & coke, orange juice and vodka or bourbon and soda, but say they would never just make a cocktail at home. Some feel cocktails are more for a night on the town. Others are a bit intimidated by the thought of pulling out a cocktail shaker (if they have one), icing a glass and mixing the cocktail. In reality, mixing a cocktail is merely a step or two away from cocktails served straight up.

A few steps to remember when making a cocktail; instead of placing ice in your highball or rocks glass, place ice in a cocktail glass with a bit of water to chill the glass or keep a few cocktail glasses in the freezer until time to use them. The other item needed is cocktail shaker with strainer or almost every kitchen has a container with lid and small strainer. Those will both work for the impromptu home bartender.

More Two Ingredient Cocktails to sip your way through can be found in the highlighted link.

The Orange Blossom is an excellent alternative to the popular, but ordinary Screwdriver or vodka and orange juice. Gin brings more flavor to the drink with its botanical mix. Orange juice lessens a bit of the brashness some might expect from gin, making this a great starter cocktail for those just beginning to dabble with gin cocktails.

Satan's Whiskers 004

Orange Blossom

1-1/4 ounce Gin

1-1/4 ounce Orange Juice

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

Perhaps the Cornell Cocktail would be an intermediate gin cocktail to sample since it moves away from fresh fruit ingredients and uses liqueur to complement the gin. Some cherry liqueurs can come across a bit perfumed, others taste a bit more chocolate covered cherry-ish. Sample a few and find your favorite.

Cornell Cocktail

2 ounces Gin

1/2 ounce Cherry Liqueur

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

Pink Gin captures the attention of the true gin enthusiast. Gin is forefront and center with lots of spice added to the glass with the classic bitters inclusion.

Pink Gin

2-1/2 ounces Gin

6 dashes Angostura Bitters

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

For those already immersed in the world of gin and lovers of peated smokey scotch there is the Smokey Martini. Instead of filling the cocktail glass with ice and adding water to chill, fill your cocktail glass with ice and add the scotch. Allow to sit for a few moments. Then swirl to coat the inside of the glass.

Smokey Martini

2-1/2 ounces Gin

1/2 ounce Laiphroaig Whisky

Place ice and whisky in chilled cocktail glass. Swirl & toss. Place gin in mixing glass with ice. Stir to chill. Strain into prepared cocktail glass.

If the deep peated flavor of Laiphroaig is just too much for your palate, try the Dusty Martini with a lighter scotch expression. Just remember the olive is garnish. This isn’t Dirty Martini style with splash of olive juice added.

Dusty Martini

2-1/4 ounce Gin

1/4 ounce Scotch

Olive Garnish

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

For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, the Stinger is a classic cocktail with a bit of wintry feel with its minty liqueur inclusion. Feel free to use clear or green crème de menthe. The difference is merely color.

Stinger

2-1/2 ounce Brandy

1/4 ounce White Crème de Menthe

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over fresh crushed ice or strain into chilled cocktail glass according to preference.

If sweeter (sweet vermouth sort of sweet) is more your thing, this cocktail just might send your taste buds soaring. Even though this is a chilled cocktail, it’s nice and warming as it is savored.

Bob Danby

3 ounces Dubonnet Rouge

1-1/2 ounce Brandy

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

This cocktail is appropriately named in my opinion. Fresh squeezed orange juice balances the lightly spiced cocktail with refreshing zest. This is also one of those cocktails that would be equally refreshing served on the rocks. Just don’t let the ice melt too much or it becomes a bit of a watery mess by the time you reach the bottom of the glass.

Appetizer

3 ounces Dubonnet Rouge

1 Orange – freshly squeezed

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

Flavored brandies are a terrific way to step your cocktail experience up a notch. One of my favorites is apricot flavored brandy. It is wonderful as flavorful inclusion in a classic Daiquiri.

A.J.

1-1/2 ounce Apple Brandy

1 ounce Grapefruit Juice

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

This last cocktail is an interesting mix of brandy and dry vermouth. I suggest allowing just a bit of maraschino cherry juice to stay on the cherry when it’s time to garnish. This will bring a hint of sweetness to the cocktail.

Carroll Gardens Cocktail

2 ounces Brandy

1/2 ounce Dry Vermouth

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

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

I think the most important thing to remember when mixing cocktails at home is keep it simple to start and experiment a lot! A recipe is not etched in stone. Tweak it to how you like it. Then it’s perfect for you!

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Posted in Cocktails

Tagged 2 Ingredient Drinks, A.J. Cocktail, Appetizer Cocktail, Apple Brandy, Bob Dandy Cocktail, Brandy, Carroll Gardens Cocktail, Cherry Liqueur, Classic Bitters, Cornell Cocktail, Creme de Menthe, Dry Vermouth, Dubonnet, Dusty Martini, Gin, Grapefruit Juice, Laiphroaig, Orange Blossom Cocktail, Orange Juice, Pink Gin Cocktail, Scotch, Smokey Martini, Stinger Cocktail, Sweet Vermouth, Two Ingredient Cocktails, Whisky

Count Camillo

Posted on January 16, 2013 | Comments Off

Negroni lovers can now enjoy the fabulous flavor of the classics with a few less calories. Lovely Campari dry bitterness combines with grapefruit juice in a truly glorious way. Splash of orange juice brings this cocktail together for beautiful sipping.

Count Camillo – created by Cheri Loughlin

1 measure Campari

1/2 measure Sweet Vermouth

1-1/2 measure Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

1/2 measure Trop50 Orange Juice

Grapefruit Twist Garnish

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

Approximately 128 Calories

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Posted in Low Calorie

Tagged Campari, Count Camillo, Lower Calorie, Negroni, Orange Juice, Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice, Sweet Vermouth

Silver Sunset

Posted on January 4, 2013 | Leave a comment

The coffee notes of this savory cocktail mingle nicely with the fresh orange juice. Slight bitterness displays on the back end with lingering sweetness in the finish. Fullness in the heart of the flavor. Faint hint of smokiness. Spice and orange weave together nicely with the tequila. Fantastic aroma!

Silver Sunset – created by Cheri Loughlin

1-1/2 measure Camarena Silver Tequila

1/2 measure Sweet Vermouth

1/2 measure Dry Vermouth

1 measure Orange Juice

1/4 measure Grenadine

Orange Twist Garnish

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

Cocktail Recipe commissioned by Camarena Tequila Representatives

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Posted in Cocktails, Corporate Mixology

Tagged Camarena Tequila, Cinco de Mayo, Cocktail Development, Corporate Mixology, Dry Vermouth, Grenadine, Mexican Independence Day, Orange Juice, Silver Sunset, Sweet Vermouth, Tequila

Review: Hiram Walker Caramel Apple Liqueur

Posted on November 10, 2012 | Leave a comment

30 Proof / 15% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: $10 to $14 range depending on location

Tasting Notes

Color: Light gold with pumpkin orange highlights

Aroma: Smells like a caramel apple; go figure. Apple notes – white flesh of Honey Crisp apple with faint tartness of Granny Smith apple. Caramel is light rather than overly honeyed. Reminds of silky smooth caramel found in center of gooey caramel covered chocolate candies.

Tasted Neat: Extremely sweet. Almost like straight flavored melted sugar. Lots of apple notes. No burn. Just sweetness of apple. No tart or zing. More honey overlaying the caramel inclusion.

Mouth Feel: Thin

Comparable Spirit: My first thought was Mother’s Apple Pie liqueur, but this isn’t exactly like that. Something close.

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: Definitely for mixing. Might be nice with whiskey and hot tea for a warmed winter drink. Caramel Apple cocktail martini style for sure. Pairs nicely with cranberry juice.

The Big Apple

2 ounces Bourbon or Whiskey

3/4 ounce Caramel Apple Liqueur

1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth

3 dashes Classic Bitters

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in mixing glass. Stir to chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass or strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with maraschino cherry.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Hiram Walker

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Posted in Fall & Thanksgiving, Reviews

Tagged Apple Liqueur, Bourbon, Classic Bitters, Hiram Walker, Hiram Walker Caramel Apple Liqueur, Manhattan, Sweet Vermouth, The Big Apple, Whiskey

Review: Ron Miel Honey Rum Arehucas

Posted on November 8, 2012 | Leave a comment

Rum with Honey Liqueur. Made in the Canary Islands.

40 Proof / 20% alcohol

Suggested Retail Price: Within the $15 range.

Availability: Not sure of wide availability, but have found it at a few online liquor stores.

Tasting Notes

Color: Dark auburn. Rich red tones.

Aroma: Black tea. Honey. Dark Molasses

Tasted Neat: Extremely sweet. Both rum and honey flavors come through. Also detecting hints of black tea. So much sweetness though. It is difficult to pick out distinct flavors other than syrupy sweetness.

Mouth Feel: Medium

Possible Uses, Pairings and / or Cocktails: This might be useful for sweetening tea. Something with a bitter edge would probably pair nicely with this since it is so overly sweetened.

Old Spaniard

1-1/2 ounce Golden Rum

1 ounce Ron Miel Honey Rum

1/2 ounce Lime Juice

5 to 8 Fresh Mint Leaves

Dash Classic Bitters

Mint Sprig Garnish

Combine liquids and mint in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend & chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with additional mint sprig.

Ron Miel Sling

1 ounce Ron Miel Honey Rum

1 ounce Gin

1/2 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

Dash Classic Bitters

Ginger Ale

Mint Sprig & Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball or sling glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger ale. Garnish with mint sprig and cherry.

Review sample courtesy representatives of Copa Spirits Company

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Posted in Cocktails, Reviews

Tagged Classic Bitters, Fresh Lemon, Fresh Lime, Gin, Ginger Ale, Honey Rum, Mint Leaves, Old Spaniard, Ron Miel Honey Rum, Ron Miel Sling, Rum, Sweet Vermouth

Rob Roy

Posted on August 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Rob Roy is similar to the Manhattan, but only uses Scotch as the base spirit. It can also be made Sweet, Dry or Perfect. When ordering a Rob Roy out, the sweet version is primarily what a bartender assumes. Rob Roy Dry uses dry vermouth in place of sweet. Rob Roy Perfect uses equal measures of dry and sweet vermouth. Play with each variation and find your ideal Rob Roy.

Rob Roy

1-1/2 ounce Scotch

3/4 ounce Sweet Vermouth

2 to 3 dashes Classic Bitters

Lemon or Orange Twist Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake or stir according to personal preference. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Twist fresh lemon or orange peel over top of cocktail as garnish.

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Posted in Classic Cocktails, Whiskey Cocktails

Tagged Classic Bitters, Classic Cocktail, Dry Vermouth, Manhattan, Red Vermouth, Rob Roy, Scotch, Sweet Vermouth

Apple Pie

Posted on June 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

The jingle, “baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and…” comes to mind when summer rolls around. May your 4th of July be filled with spirited fun, good food and a cocktail that embraces the flavors of home to mind.