Tag Archives: Tea

Chai Latte

When I go to the bookstore my first stop is the little coffee shop in back. My hot beverage of choice is almost always a Chai Latte. The only exception is when the seasonal Pumpkin Latte makes its way to the menu board. While my preference is still browsing the bookstore with a great Chai Latte in hand, now I can whip up a quick cup of this delicious brew right at home.

Chai Latte 003 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The recipe mix below is terrific to keep on hand and give as a gift. It’s perfect for welcoming new neighbors to the block, taking to a friend’s home as a hostess gift or gifting to anyone on your holiday list.

Chai Latte 010 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Chai Latte

2 cups Nonfat Dry Milk Powder

2 cups Nondairy Coffee Creamer Powder

2 cups Unsweetened Instant Tea

2 cups Powdered Sugar

2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding (7 ounces total)

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon

1-1/2 teaspoons Ground Ginger

1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cardamom

1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice

1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves

1/8 teaspoon White Pepper

Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl or gallon size Ziplock bag. Mix thoroughly. Blending to get every lump out is optional, but not necessary. Store in airtight bag or container. Place in decorative jars or small canisters with lid for gift giving.

Assemble: Place 2 heaping Tablespoons of Chai Latte Mix in heat proof mug. Top with 8 ounces hot water. Stir. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle of nutmeg if desired.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Prohibition Era Spirit: Aperol

Aperol, introduced in Padua, Italy in 1919, set modern day standards ahead of its time by creating a spirit with a lower alcohol content of just 11%.  The trendy and easily adaptable Aperol inspired an aperitif that went on to become the signature drink of Italy; the Aperol Spritz.  Even today, the Aperol Spritz continues to thrive as a classic.  In a cocktail world spinning with new infusions and creations released on the market every day, a classic which has stood the test of time like Aperol should not be overlooked.

Aperol is a dark orange Italian aperitif with a sweet orange flavor.  It is made from a blend of base spirit, rhubarb, chinchona, genziana and of course the best kept secret of combination herbs.  While the Aperol Spritz is the clear-cut traditional Aperol cocktail to experiment with, there are of course many recipe creations to please the palate.  Hendrick’s Gin fashioned the Unusual Negroni using Aperol rather than Campari giving the classic a unique spin.  Various modern day mixologists have taken this pre-prohibition spirit in many flavorful directions for palate pleasing cocktails sure to delight the senses.  Celebrate Prohibition Repeal Day, Saturday, December 5, with an authentic prohibition era spirit; Aperol.

Aperol Spritz

2 measures Prosecco

1 measure Aperol

Splash of Soda Water

Orange Slice Garnish

Build over fresh ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice if desired. 

Aperol Royal

3 measures Spumante Brut

1 measure chilled Aperol

Lemon Twist Garnish

Pour chilled Aperol into a champagne flute. Top off with chilled Spumante Brut. Garnish with lemon twist spiral if desired.

Aperol Betty

2 measures Aperol

2 measures Orange Juice

1 measure Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit Slice Garnish

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with thin slice of grapefruit on rim of glass.

Aperol Classico

1/2 measure chilled Aperol

Splash Sparkling Water

Orange Peel Garnish

Chill Aperol ahead of time. Add Aperol to chilled cocktail glass or champagne flute. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with orange peel twist.

Aperol on the Rocks

2 measures Aperol

3-4 ice cubes

Orange Slice Garnish

Place Aperol in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a fresh orange slice. Enjoy!

Aperol Orange

1 measure Aperol

2 measures Orange Juice

Orange Slice Garnish

Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange slice if desired.

Aperol Pompelmo

1 measure Aperol

2 measures Grapefruit Juice

Grapefruit Wedge Garnish

Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with fresh grapefruit wedge.

Aperol Vodka

2 measures Aperol

1 measure Vodka

Combine liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Strain into a cocktail glass. 

Rhubarb the Reindeer – created by Junior Merino

1-1/2 measure G’vine Nouaison

3/4 measure Sloe Gin

1/4 measure Aperol or a splash of Campari

1/2 measure Simple Syrup

1/2 measure Lime Juice

1/4 measure Fresh Rhubarb Juice

1-1/2 measure Berry Infused Tea

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice.

Winter G’ubilee – created by Junior Merino

1-1/2 measure G’vine Nouaison

1/4 measure Aperol or Campari

3/4 measure Pineapple Juice

3/4 measure Pomegranate Juice

1/2 measure Simple Syrup

3/4 measure Lemon Juice

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

G’indian Summer

2 measures G’vine Gin

3/4 measure Aperol

1 measure Pomegranate Juice

1 measure cold Green Tea

1/4 measure Simple Syrup

Orange & Lemon Slices Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange and lemon wheels.

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.

 

Eye Opening Hot Holiday Coffees, Ciders & Tea Recipes

There is no rest for the weary on Thanksgiving morning. Cooks across the country will rise early and be thankful for the eye opening warmth of caffeine in their cups as baking and basting begin for Turkey Day. Find a few coffee, cider and tea recipes to warm your holiday spirit throughout the early morning hours or save these temptingly delicious treats for after dinner dessert by the fire.

Castries Coffee

2 ounces Castries Peanut Rum Creme

4 ounces Fresh Brewed Coffee

Nutmeg and/or Chocolate Shavings Garnish

Combine ingredients in a pre-heated mug, sprinkle with nutmeg or garnish with chocolate biscotti.

Official Site Tasting Notes:  Warm, robust coffee flavor with a creamy peanut finish.  Enjoy anytime, anywhere.

Mexican Coffee

1 ounce Agavero

Cup of fresh brewed coffee

Dollop of fresh cream

Place Agavero in heat resistant mug. Add fresh brewed coffee. Garnish with fresh cream.

Café Pacifico

1-1/2 ounce Partida Blanco Tequila

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

4 ounces Freshly Brewed Hot Coffee

3 Bar Spoons Cinnamon & Sugar Mix

Heavy Cream

Prepare small warm wine glass.  Add Tequila and Coffee.  Mix in the cinnamon sugar.  Float heavy cream on top of the coffee.  Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar mix on top and a cinnamon stick.  Note:  The cinnamon sugar mix is 4 parts granulated white sugar to 1 part ground cinnamon.  Mix them together in a bowl.

Kentucky Coffee

1 part Maker’s Mark Bourbon

1 part Starbucks Cream Liqueur

1/4 part Frangelico

Fresh Brewed Coffee

Whipped Cream Garnish

Place spirits in large heat proof mug. Top with fresh brewed coffee. Top with dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Enjoy this classic winter warmer at just 96 calories by following the recipe below.

Irish Coffee w Splenda copyright Cheri LoughlinIrish Coffee

1-1/2 ounce Jameson Irish Whiskey

Fresh Brewed Black Coffee

Splenda (to sweeten if you feel you need it)

Stir ingredients in a preheated mug and enjoy! Notation: Irish Coffee is a weekend staple in my home.  After the first pot of coffee is gone, the second pot is for sipping with Jameson Irish Whiskey; no sugar needed.

Hard Rocker Cider – makes 6 servings

1 cup Cabo Wabo Reposado Tequila

4 cups Apple Cider

1 cup Cranberry Juice Cocktail

1/4 cup Triple Sec

1 teaspoon Nutmeg

Cinnamon Sticks, for garnish

Heat cider, stirring continually. Add cranberry juice cocktail and nutmeg. If using a crock pot, simmer on low just until hot for 2 hours. Do not boil. When ready to serve, turn on high for 10 minutes and stir in tequila and liqueur. Serve in heat proof mugs. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. For quick serve, this may be prepared in the microwave.

King’s Cider

1-1/2 ounce Crown Royal

2 ounce Heated Cider

1/4 ounce Honey

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Cinnamon Sprinkle Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in heat proof mug. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Stir with cinnamon stick. Serve.

Cozy PAMA Cider

2 ounces PAMA

3 ounces Hot Mulled Apple Cider

Cinnamon

Super Fine Sugar

Orange Spiral

Heat white wine glass with hot water. Empty. Rim with Cinnamon and Super Fine Sugar.  Add PAMA and Hot Mulled Apple Cider. Garnish with Orange Spiral.

Heated Affair

2 ounces Partida Anejo Tequila

6 ounces Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Heavy Cream

In a small warm wine glass add Tequila and hot apple cider.  Float heavy cream.  Garnish:  Grate fresh Nutmeg over cream.

Apple Cider Preparation:In a pot add Organic Apple Juice.  Add winter spices like cloves, cinnamon stick, all spice and orange peel.  Start off by adding a few cloves, one cinnamon stick, etc… so as to find the right spiced apple cider flavor.  You can always add more spice later.  Bring everything to a low heat for about 15 minutes.  Taste for flavor.  When the desired flavor is reached then take off stove.  Strain out all the spices and orange peel.  Serve warm and enjoy!

Basil Hayden Spice

1-1/2 ounce Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

1-1/2 ounce Apple Juice

1-1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice

Steaming Hot Water

Pour all ingredients in a pre-heated* glass coffee mug. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

*To pre-heat a glass or mug, simply fill with hot water and empty just prior to filling with ingredients.

Passion Tea

1-1/2 ounce Leblon Cachaça

1/2 ounce Cointreau

1/2 ounce Monin Red Passion Fruit Syrup

5 ounces Hot Black Tea

Brew the black tea. Pour Leblon into heat proof cup followed by Cointreau and Monin Red Passion Fruit Syrup. Top with hot tea. Stir thoroughly.

The recipe below serves chilled, but opens the door to the holiday season ahead. Cheers!

Egg Nog - photo property of Cheri LoughlinMaker’s Mark’s Holiday Eggnog

1 liter Maker’s Mark

1 quart milk

1 quart heavy cream

2 dozen eggs

1 1/2 cups sugar

Nutmeg for garnish

Separate eggs and beat yolks until creamy. Whip sugar into yolks. Beat whites until they stand in peaks, adding 1/2 cup additional sugar, if desired. Beat yolks and Maker’s Mark together, add whites. Beat cream. Add cream and milk to mixture. Add nutmeg to taste and garnish each cup with nutmeg. Makes 2 1/2 gallons.

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.

Explore Prohibition Cocktails with Canadian Club & Boardwalk Empire

Try to stop the flow of liquor to throngs of people and what happens?  Someone somewhere finds a source and supplies the demand.  Canadian Club Whisky may have been the unofficial sponsor of Prohibition in America by default due to proximity to the border, but Canadian Club officially scored a lucrative position with bootleggers, mob bosses and those wanting to smuggle a little spirited action over the border during the roaring 20’s.  Canadian Club legally produced liquor during the 20’s in Canada.  Underhanded and wily men such as Al Capone operated lucrative smuggling operations using illegally made United States liquor and spirits obtained from over the border.  The new HBO series, Boardwalk Empire, explores the era of Prohibition.  Look closely and you’ll see Canadian Club incorporated throughout the show.

Boy’s Club Cherry Sour – created by Cheri Loughlin

Boy’s Club Cherry Sour with Canadian Club created by Cheri Loughlin - The Intoxicologist2 parts Canadian Club Whisky

3/4 parts Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 part Fresh Orange Juice

1 part Maraschino Cherry Juice

2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters

Orange Wheel and Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously until frothy.  Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice.  Garnish with orange wheel and maraschino cherry.  Optional egg white may be added in cocktail shaker with liquids if desired for more froth effect.

Boardwalk Manhattan – adapted by Cheri Loughlin from classic Manhattan

Boardwalk Manhattan with Canadian Club adapted by Cheri Loughlin - The Intoxicologist2 parts Canadian Club Whisky

3/4 part Red Vermouth

1/2 part Apricot Brandy

Barspoon Maraschino Cherry Juice

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Place barspoon maraschino cherry juice and maraschino cherry in well of chilled martini glass.  Set aside.  Place remaining liquid ingredients in mixing glass with ice.  Stir until chilled.  Strain into prepared martini glass.

Tea-Totaller Teaser – created by Cheri Loughlin

Tea-Totaller Teaser with Canadian Club created by Cheri Loughlin - The Intoxicologist1-1/2 part Canadian Club Whisky

1/2 part Blackberry Brandy

3/4 part Cassis

3/4 part Fresh Lemon Juice

3 parts Blackberry Sage Tea or Plain Tea

Lemon Wedge – optional

Build ingredients in tall glass over fresh ice leaving tea as final topper.  Garnish with lemon wheel if desired.

Every formal affair needs an appropriate drink to dress the occasion in style.  The classic Old Fashioned needn’t be served in a martini glass to demand respect.  This particular drink demands attention with its sophistication and flair, much like gentlemen dressed to the nth degree with top hats and tuxes with tails.  Feel free to serve this drink for any circumstance (formal or casual) since it is a continual favorite of whiskey lovers everywhere.

The Top Hat – adapted by Cheri Loughlin from the classic Old Fashioned

The Top Hat with Canadian Club adaption by Cheri Loughlin - The Intoxicologist2 Maraschino Cherries

1/2 thick sliced Fresh Orange

4 dashes Angostura Bitters

4 dashes Orange Bitters

2 parts Canadian Club Whisky

Place fruits and bitters in cocktail shaker with ice.  Muddle.  Add Canadian Club Whisky and ice.  Shake vigorously to blend.  Strain into rocks glass over fresh ice to remove unnecessary pulp.

Find Canadian Club Whisky on Facebook and @cc_whisky on Twitter.

Canadian Club Whisky provided for the purpose of cocktail sampling and creation courtesy SHIFT Communications

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.

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

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.

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.

901 Tequila: It’s Low Calorie Tea-quila Time

901 Tequila Neat - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

Pageantry, spectacle and flickers of cameras surround celebrities pushing them further into the limelight, but when celebrities hype liquor brands the character of the spirit becomes a little unclear.  The question arises as to whether the spirit’s quality stands solid or if the value is so lacking that it must have the backing of celebrity to push sales through the market.  Such is the case with 901 Tequila.  Celebrity publicizes it, tradition crafts it.  Just like any celebrity, every day Joe on the street or spirit in a bottle, getting to know it is familiarizing oneself with it personally.

901 Tequila Bottle - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin901 Tequila comes off grassy, light with some spice, yet unoriginal and ordinary.  There is slight sharpness in the lingering finish.  This leaves the chest with an immediate warming sensation.  A small amount of vanilla disappears a split second after the initial trace of its existence is detected.  Tattle tale tequila bite is very evident with every sip.  Sweetness at the start, but it does not stay consistent with the follow through.  Thin, without much body.  Some roundness in character, but not a huge amount of depth.  901 would most likely make good generic tequila cocktails, but add nothing to premium signature cocktails as namesake. 

What I do like about non-descript silver tequilas is the versatility.  Vodkas have ruled the cocktail scene for quite a while for good reason.  Vodka fades into the background allowing the consumer to combine any number of mixers into a cocktail glass and drink freely without tasting the base spirit.  Silver tequilas change things a bit by adding a hint of vanilla and kick without bringing too much alcohol burn to the nose. 

901 Tea-quila Time – created by Cheri Loughlin

901 Tea-quila Time - created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/2 ounce 901 Tequila

4 ounces POM Light Pomegranate Hibiscus Green Tea

Build over ice in a highball glass. 

While this is virtually unremarkable as far as layering of a cocktail, it is light and refreshing.  The slight flavor of agave tequila comes through under the tea.  Of course bumping the tequila up a notch to 2 ounces would bring the flavor up just a wee bit more, but not very much since the character of the tequila runs faint as it is.  The purpose here isn’t strong tequila flavor.  901 Silver’s use seems to be that of mixer.    The real gem in this cocktail is the low calorie content.  The four ounces of POM Light Green Tea contains only 18 calories.  On average tequila comes in at around 96 calories for 1.5 ounces.  Total calories for the 901 Tea-quila Time cocktail: 114

As is the case of this 901 Tequila or any other celebrity status spirit, sample it for yourself.  See if you like it, but don’t just follow the crowd because some celebrity says so or reviewer says so for that matter.  It does not make a difference who says something tastes good or what the price is on a bottle.  The deciding factor should be if you like what flows from the bottle into your glass.

901 Tequila sample for review courtesy representatives of 901 Tequila. 

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.

LA Iced Tea

LA Iced TeaTexas Iced Tea-Quila - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

2 ounces Grape Vodka

4 ounces Sweetened Iced Tea

Lemon Wedge Garnish

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with lemon wedge.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

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.

The OC Iced Tea

The O.C. Iced TeaTease Me 1 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

1 ounces Passionfruit Vodka

2 ounces Sweetened Iced Tea

1 ounces Lemon Lime Soda

Lime Wedge Garnish

Build in highball glass over fresh ice. Stir. Garnish with lime wedge.

Recipe courtesy Three Olives Vodka

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.

Political Mixology: Punch for Change

Punch for Change

1-1/4 measure Brandy

1/4 measure Rye

1-1/2 measure Unsweetened Iced Tea

1 measure Lemon Juice

2 teaspoons Sugar

Dash Classic Bitters

Lemon Peel Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into punch cup (no ice). Garnish with lemon peel.

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.

Christiania Crowns Shakes Things Up with Blackberry Cocktail Contest

Recently Christiania Crowns website sponsored a contest for cocktail of the month.  The ingredient to shake up with their ultra premium Christiania Vodka: blackberry.  Since I love playing with new cocktail recipes and can hardly pass up a challenge, I entered two cocktails in the contest. I have no idea if either come close to winning the match up against any number of cocktail enthusiasts who entered as well, but it certainly was an entertaining and tasty endeavor.  After all, the success is not really in winning the contest.  It is in the experimentation. 

The cocktails I chose to create began with fresh blackberries.  Plump juicy in-season blackberries are hard to beat when it comes to flavor.  They are naturally sweet when fully ripe and the color is extraordinary.  Both characteristics carry over well in these cocktail creations. 

The first cocktail is the Christi Bramble.  This drink concoction consists of muddled lemons and lightly muddled blackberries. The blackberries alone did not carry enough weight against the lemon so I chose Black Haus Blackberry Schnapps to enhance the blackberry flavor. Due to the muddling and pulp, this cocktail has to be double strained. However for all your efforts, the Christi Bramble goes the extra mile. This cocktail may be sipped as is or topped off with champagne if you are in a more celebratory mood. 

Christi Bramble – created by Cheri Loughlin

Christi Bramble w Champagne - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1/2 to 2/3 Fresh Lemon (cut into small chucks leaving rind on)

5 Large Fresh Blackberries (Thumb size)

2 measures Christiania Vodka

1/4 measure Black Haus Blackberry Schnapps

1/4 measure Simple Syrup

Lemon Wheel & Blackberry Garnish

Muddle lemons in bottom of mixing glass. Add blackberries and muddle gently. Add remaining liquids with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Double strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with thin sliced lemon wheel and fresh blackberry.

Take this over the top by adding 1 to 1-1/2 measures Brut Champagne as the crowning jewel to bring this into the celebratory range.

Oslo Iced Tea is a little something different. This particular recipe takes a little time at first glance in making the tea and simple syrup base, but again your efforts will be rewarded. Using tea for flavoring gives this drink a slight sharpness that otherwise would never be there. It is thirst quenching, colorful and nicely rounded with the blackberry flavor and faint hint of sage. The Oslo Iced Tea is also served in a highball glass over ice as tea rather than a martini glass.

Oslo Iced Tea – created by Cheri Loughlin

Oslo Iced Tea 1 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin - Cocktail Stock Photography www.cheriloughlin.com2 measures Christiania Vodka

1 measure Blackberry Sage Syrup*

3/4 measure Fresh Lemon Juice

1-1/4 measure Cold Blackberry Sage Tea**

3 Fresh Blackberries cut in half

Lemon Wheel, Blackberry & Sage Leaf Garnish

Combine ingredients (including cut blackberries) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with thin sliced lemon wheel, blackberry and sage leaf.

Blackberry Sage Syrup

Bring one cup of water to boil. Add two round bags of The Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage flavor tea to the water. Let steep for approximately ten minutes. Remove the tea bags. Add one cup of super fine sugar. Stir until dissolved. It may be necessary to place mixture in the microwave for 30 – 60 seconds to reheat. Stir well. Refrigerate to chill. Keep refrigerated between use for up to two to three weeks.

Blackberry Sage Tea

Bring water to boil. Place three round bags of The Republic of Tea Blackberry Sage flavor tea in a two cup measuring cup. Pour boiling water over tea bags and allow to steep for approximately ten minutes. Remove tea bags. Refrigerate to cool. Keep refrigerated between uses.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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.