Tag Archives: Valentine’s Day

Flying solo on Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2010 | Leave a comment

More and more singles are embracing February 14 as their evening to hit the town, romance the night and party till dawn.  Valentine’s Day is no longer a couples only evening.  Single status no longer means sitting at home in bathrobe, house slippers and hair rollers with a box of Kleenex and half eaten tub of ice cream.  Single means short skirts, silky shirts and high heels partying with girlfriends with cocktails in hand.  It’s flirting with whomever one chooses, whenever one wants.  Erin Meanley, writer for Glamour.com, highlights more benefits of staying single in a coupled up Valentine’s Day world.  Erin says, “Being single makes your social life less complicated in a way.”  It couldn’t be truer for Valentine’s Day.  Enjoy your single self and shake things up a bit.

Rouge Noir

1-1/2 ounce Combier Rouge

1/2 ounce Combier Orange Liqueur

4 ounces Brut Champagne

Orange Zest Garnish

Place Combier Rouge and Orange Liqueur in cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake briefly to chill.  Strain into champagne flute.  Top with champagne.  Garnish with orange zest.

Combier Rouge contains hints of pepper and licorice.  It’s blend of guignes and Morello cherries give it deep ruby color and spicy sweet cherry flavor.  Combier Rouge contains no added sugar.  The sweetness stems naturally from the fruits used to create this 400 year old liqueur.

Noir by definition refers to genres of crime prose or film featuring cynical characters in austere settings.  Rouge is the reddish coloring of cheeks or lips.  It would certainly be a crime to allow the fiery glow of Valentine’s Day go to waste while singles mingle it up at bars and clubs around the country enjoying the freedom of flying solo.

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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Rainforest Romp Rendezvous

Posted on February 12, 2010 | Leave a comment

You find the one who makes your toes tingle and heart flutter.  The catch; the one is not your existing significant other.  A secret rendezvous might seem like a good idea, but think twice.  No one likes to get caught, but it is definitely the nature of the game when affairs of the heart are concerned.  Christopher Beam of Slate.com explores the pitfalls of the best laid plans of those politically connected when affairs of the heart come into play.  Rather than take the wayward course with ‘Dear John’ letter as end result, check out VeeV Acai Spirit’s Rainforest Romp for a tryst of the cocktail kind.

Rainforest Romp

2 ounces VeeV Acai Spirit

Ginger Ale

Splash of Pomegranate Juice

Rose Petal Garnish

Build in a rocks glass over fresh ice.  Garnish with rose petal. Stir.

Ah-SIGH-ee You Checking Me Out

2 ounces VeeV Acai Spirit

1 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1 ounce Simple Syrup

3 dashes Grenadine

Champagne

Rose Petal Garnish

Combine all ingredients except champagne in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a martini glass.  Top with champagne.  Garnish with rose petal.

VeeV has been created from 100% organic Idaho grains, is infused with Acia Berries, uses renewable wind power for its distillation process and recycled materials for its bottle and labeling. VeeV Acai Spirit donates $1 of every bottle sold back to the rainforest. 

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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Thinking About a Fresh New Beau

Posted on February 11, 2010 | Leave a comment

It doesn’t matter whether the man sharing bed space has been in a woman’s life for a week, a month or years; she still wants to know what goes on inside his head.  No matter how much chatter goes on in the kitchen, living room or cocktail bar the real burning question women want to know is ‘do these jeans make me look fat?’  All kidding aside, everyone has insecurities as well as desire to fulfill fantasies.  The only way to appease the apprehension of what a man might be thinking is to ask.  Judy Dutton, writer for Redbookmag.com, did exactly that.  Judy cut right to the chase and got to the heart of the matter by asking men what they really think about during sex.  This insight into what men think will have anyone primed for a steamy evening for two.

New Beau

1-1/2 ounce Lucid Absinthe

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

Club soda

Cucumber wheels

Kiwi fruit

Cucumber

Place two cucumber wheels, two peeled kiwi wheels and simple syrup in bottom of double rocks glass.  Muddle.  Add ice and Lucid Absinthe.  Top with club soda.  Garnish with unpeeled kiwi wheel on rim of glass.

The Lucid Garden utilizes fresh fruit and vegetable flavors bringing youthful freshness to your romantic cocktail hour.  Lucid Absinthe is the spirit brand responsible for bringing Absinthe back to the United States in 2007 after a lengthy ban on Absinthe. 

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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Pink Elephant

Posted on February 10, 2010 | Leave a comment

February 14 has become a dreaded day for some due to the demands to go to extravagant lengths to demonstrate undying devotion.  Yet, Valentine’s Day is becoming more and more like the white elephant in the room.  The term White Elephant refers to a gift whose cost or upkeep exceeds its value.  Apply the term to Valentine’s Day and it becomes a real eye opener.  While there is indeed value in couples keeping romance alive, there is no need to keep that notion to one day.  Since the spirit of flirtation, love and hooking up whether it is short term or for the long haul is alive and well in singles and couples it makes sense to include all in the spirit of what Valentine’s Day. 

Pink Elephant

1-1/2 ounce Amarula Cream

1 ounce Chocolate Liqueur

3 ounce Raspberry Puree

2 ounce Merlot

3 ounce Heavy Cream

2 teaspoon Sugar

Mint Sprig & Raspberry Garnish

Place Amarula Cream, chocolate liqueur, raspberry puree and Merlot in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a chilled martini glass.  In a separate shaker add cream and sugar.  Dry shake (no ice) vigorously.  Carefully layer cream on top of liquid in martini glass.  Garnish with fresh skewered raspberry and mint sprig. 

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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Enjoy a Naked Lady

Posted on February 9, 2010 | Leave a comment

People think up wild and crazy ideas for Valentine’s Day gift giving.  One blaringly obvious idea that should be at the top of everyone’s ‘what not to do’ list has been justifiably covered by Cosmopolitan writer, Mina Azodi, in 8 Reasons Not to Make a Sex Tape.  It is slightly hilarious that there had to be an editor’s note at the beginning of the article stating that there is information of a sexual nature contained within the commentary.  Wouldn’t that be obvious with the title of the article, ’8 Reasons Not to Make a Sex Tape’? Just saying.  The piece is quick and to the point while hitting the high notes of why this sort of exhibitionism is just not a good idea when really all your guy really desires is a Naked Lady…

Bacardi Naked Lady

1-2/5 parts BACARDI Superior Rum

1-2/5 parts Sweet Vermouth

1/5 part Apricot Brandy

1/5 part Grenadine

1/5 part Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

Lemon Zest Garnish

Place all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake until well chilled.  Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with lemon zest. 

Granted, this is ‘just’ a Naked Lady cocktail recipe and your guy might have other things in mind if you bring up the subject of naked ladies and sex tapes this Valentine’s Day.  Please flirt sensibly and enjoy your Naked Lady responsibly.

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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San Valentin

Posted on February 8, 2010 | Leave a comment

In 5 Times You shouldn’t Text Him, Number 2 – Don’t text ‘When you’re drunk’ hits the nail on the head.  The rule applies to everyone; in a relationship, out of a relationship, brother, sister, best friend or otherwise. Just because someone is listed in your phone on speed dial or otherwise doesn’t mean they want to hear from you at 3am slurring words or giggling asking for a drink recipe (yes, happens to me frequently).  It isn’t funny, attractive or cute.  It is just plain annoying and wakes people from a good night’s sleep.  Oh, and prospective guy or girlfriends most likely won’t stick around long with frequent drunk texting either.  It will certainly nix your chances for that great Valentine’s Day date just around the corner. 

Jot down the recipe and have it at the ready.  Don’t call to ask.  CAZADORES Tequila makes this drink recipe easy enough for anyone to look like a pro with a just handful of ingredients combining for a winning sparkling sensation.

Cazadores’ San Valentin

1 ounce Cazadores Reposado Tequila

1-1/2 ounce Pink Guava Nectar

3/4 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

Martini & Rossi Prosecco

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine Cazadores Tequila, nectar and liqueur in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a champagne flute.  Top with Martini & Rossi Prosecco.  Garnish with lemon twist. 

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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Lure Him in for a Midnight Rendezvous

Posted on February 7, 2010 | Leave a comment

We have all seen THAT woman, THE one who walks into a bar and attracts the eye of every man in the room.  She never pays for a drink, collects more business cards and phone numbers than the Yellow Pages and only leaves alone if it was her intention from the get go.  She is a man magnet.  Christie Griffin, writer for Cosmopolitan Magazine and wingwoman extraordinaire, gives six tips on How to Be a Total Man-Magnet for the woman who is genuinely interested in delving a little deeper than the average pick up line.  This isn’t for the gold digger, bubble head or those who think small talk is permission to rat out the faults of all the other women in the joint.  Ms. Griffin’s guide just might be the perfect starter guide for those looking for a Midnight Rendezvous with the choicest hottie at the bar.

Midnight Rendezvous

Blackberries

1 Meyer Lemon

1 ounce Averna Amaro

1 ounce Orange Flavored Vodka

2 ounce Ginger Beer

Orange Wheel Garnish

Muddle blackberries in bottom of a cocktail shaker.  Add juice of one Meyer lemon, Averna and vodka with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.  Top off with ginger beer.  Garnish with orange wheel.

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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Plan a Happily Ever After Date Night

Posted on February 5, 2010 | Leave a comment

Men usually take the heat when Valentine’s Day rolls around.  It is high time the tables turn and the ball lands in the ladies court for a change.  Ashley Womble of Cosmopolitan magazine suggests eight ideas for dates guys will remember forever.  While some might sound a bit cheesy (ie: renting a Vespa – Go for a Harley if you’ve got the dollars and expertise) the idea is take control, be the bad girl he desires and turn the Hallmark moment day into one he’ll never forget.  Purchase tickets to his favorite sporting event, join him for an afternoon out at the shooting range and then hit a beer and food pairing dinner.  Don’t forget the appropriate attire and smooth moves to assure your Happily Ever After Valentine’s Day ending.

Happily Ever After

1-3/4 ounce Rhum J.M. Blanc

3/4 ounce Cynar

3/4 ounce Cherry Heering

1/4 ounce Averna

2 Dashes Rhubarb Bitters

1 Dash Whiskey Barrel Bitters

Combine all ingredients except bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass filled with fresh, crushed ice.  Drop bitters on to.  Stir and serve.

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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Hit the G’Spot Jackpot

Posted on February 4, 2010 | Leave a comment

Women often say men don’t share enough about themselves, but Ryan Barnett from Cosmopolitan magazine sets the record straight on a particularly touchy subject; the bedroom.  Men from AskMen.com chimed in to clarify the parallel universe of what she said/what he hears in 10 Things Men Don’t Want to Hear in Bed.  The innocuous goes from irritation to obnoxious in the time it takes to say “My ex used to…” Don’t be that girl if you want to hit the jackpot with your guy. 

The G’Spot cocktail recipe makes the perfect drink for Valentine’s Day for obvious reasons with its ideal name.  It hits the spot with refreshing taste, too.  G’Spot is balanced between the flavors of sweet and tart with the underlying unique character of G’vine Gin coming through in the finish.

G’Spot

1-1/2 ounce G’Vine Floraison Gin

1/2 ounce Raspberry Liqueur

1/4 ounce Simple Syrup

1/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

3/4 ounce Lemon Juice  

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine all liquids in a mixing glass with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with lemon twist.

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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One Good Pinch Punch & Other Secret Signals

Posted on February 3, 2010 | Leave a comment

Keeping the spark alive in relationships is a full time task.  Though it is difficult at times, the reward is in knowing the embers still glow bright beneath all the responsibilities of life.  Poker players have subtle ‘tells’ that give away when they are bluffing or have a fabulous hand.  Men have the same slight signals that let their partner know their value and importance.  Perhaps it is as gentlemanly as holding doors open or as charming as bringing morning coffee in bed.  It might be as obvious as a pinch on the fanny or full on playful butt grab in public for the heck of it.  Reading your man’s secret signals is like having an ace up your sleeve.  Glamour.com gives twelve more gestures men make that might indicate the level of their commitment.

One Good Pinch Punch – created by Phil Ward

2 ounces Flor de Caña 7 year-aged rum

1 seedless Watermelon

One good pinch of Cayenne Pepper

4 Sugar Cubes

1 ounce Lime juice

1 ounce Club soda

Dissolve sugar cubes in club soda.  Add watermelon to mixture.  Muddle.  Add remaining ingredients one at a time and stir.  Chill.  Multiply recipe to fill a traditional size punch bowl if desired.

Flor de Cana Rum is the only rum from Nicaragua.  Flor de Cana rums are naturally aged for the number of years printed on the bottle.  There are never additives used to accelerate the aging process.

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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