Tag Archives: Vanilla Liqueur

Barefoot Chocolate Martini

National S’mores Day has met its chocolate match. The Barefoot Chocolate Martini contains deep rich chocolate tones reminiscent of real chocolate rather than artificial flavored candy bars. Classic bitters add a hint of cinnamon spice to the mix. Barefoot Chocolate Martini - Cheri Loughlin Cocktail Development Services

Barefoot Chocolate Martini – created by Cheri Loughlin

2 measures Barefoot Cabernet Sauvignon

3/4 measure Crème de Cacao

1/4 measure Vanilla Liqueur

2 dashes Classic Bitters – optional

Combine liquids in mixing glass with ice. Stir or shake according to preference. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Cocktail Recipe and Photo commissioned by Barefoot Wine & Bubbly

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Classic Black Russian Variations

Black Russian 6 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

The Black Russian is a bar staple, but it is also the basis for creative flavor manipulation. Vodka creates the blank canvas to begin with and coffee liqueur provides flavor. Fine-tune from this point to suit your flavor palate and possibilities abound.

Classic Black Russian

1-3/4 ounce Vodka

3/4 ounce Coffee Liqueur

Combine liquids in rocks glass over fresh ice. Stir. Optional cherry garnish.

Delicious variations to consider:

Patron Tequila with Patron XO Café Tequila Liqueur

Espresso Vodka with Kahlua Especial

Espresso Vodka with Frangelico, Amaretto or Walnut Liqueur

Anejo Rum with Coffee Liqueur

Also consider Heering Cherry Liqueur, NAVAN Vanilla Liqueur, Benedictine and various bitters as alternatives to begin adapting the Black Russian. Of course don’t forget the Classic Black Russian is the building block drink for the White Russian, Colorado Bulldog and Mudslide.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com – Copyright 2011 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved – All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage contained within are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Be a World Traveler

You don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home to taste the delights of a world traveler. Experience flavors from around the globe as they mingle dramatically in The World Traveler cocktail. Deep spice comes together with just the ideal hint of vanilla. A splash of sparkling sake takes beautiful to exquisite in a way champagne could not. Zipang Sparkling Sake maintains perfect balance with its light rice sweetness.

World Traveler – created by Cheri Loughlin

World Traveler 2 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Reposado Tequila

1 ounce Pomegranate Vodka

1/4 ounce Vanilla Liqueur

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/4 ounce Agave Nectar

1-1/2 ounce Sparkling Sake

Lemon Twist Garnish

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

I used Cielo Tequila, Navan Vanilla Liqueur, Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka and Zipang Sparkling Sake while creating this cocktail.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

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

Peek into the Peculiar

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey is such an unusual find.  The aroma and taste meld together in an extraordinary contradiction of flavor personality.  Those who consume this artisanal spirit with regularity speak of it with enthusiasm that rivals that of cult followings.  It’s just that good, different or remarkable, depending on how one perceives it.  Possibly it is the story behind the beginning of the brand combined with the flavor.  No matter.  Stranahan’s built whiskey from the ground up and continues to produce whiskey enthusiasts search for with vigor and hold in high regard.

Aroma: Maraschino cherry with barely there vanilla.  Perfumed.  Cotton candy sugar-ish like the sweetened lip gloss teenage girls use to wet their lips with for a perfectly polished shine.

Flavor: This is where Stranahan’s becomes exceedingly interesting.  It’s the ‘POW’ factor – the ‘WOW’ factor – the ‘What the heck was that?!’ factor.  Simply stated; Juicy Fruit gum sweet in the front with a beer chaser in the finish.  This is a built in Colorado Car Bomb without all the mixers.  The flavor is so bizarre one sip will never do.  Stranahan’s finishes long and hearty with distinct notes of dark, robust beer head.  Uncanny.  Beyond unusual.  Think along the lines of Western; straw, grasses, saddle and wool with underlying cereal grain.

Colorado Cherry – created by Cheri Loughlin

Colorado Cherry 3 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1 ounce Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey

1/2 ounce Apricot Brandy

1/4 ounce Vanilla Liqueur

1/2 ounce Dubonnet Rouge

Maraschino Cherry Garnish if desired

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake or stir according to preference to chill. Strain into a small cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry if desired.

Ironically there is no cherry added to this concoction only the undertone of Stranahan’s itself, yet it flavors out distinctly cherry-ish with the ever present Stranahan ‘beer fizz’ on the back end.  Extremely peculiar in a rather captivating manner.

Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey sample for review courtesy representatives of Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. 

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.

Royal Panache

 Royal Panache – created by Cheri Loughlin

Royal Panache Cocktail Commissioned for Hiram Walker - created by Cheri Loughlin - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin1-1/4 measures Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

1/4 measures Hiram Walker Amaretto Liqueur

1/4 measures Vanilla Liqueur

2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Maraschino Cherry & Orange Twist Garnish

Build liquids over fresh ice in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with skewered maraschino cherry wrapped with orange 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.

Variations of the Classic Alexander

Though the classic Alexander originally contained gin as the primary base spirit, it is most commonly mixed with Brandy in today’s cocktail culture and ordered as a Brandy Alexander. As was the case with many classic cocktails, the Alexander was born out of necessity so to speak. Prohibition made way for back alley haphazard poor quality style gin which left a rather bad taste in many people’s mouths. The bad taste didn’t stop the masses from drinking, but it did set the wheels in motion for more creative mixing.

This little cocktail is so popular it has its own holiday. January 31 is Brandy Alexander Day.

Brandy Alexander photo copyright Cheri LoughlinAlexander

1 ounce Gin

1 ounce Crème de Cacao

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Notation: Some books reference the gin version of this drink as an Alexandra while others call it an Alexander, each with varying measurements.

Cherry Vanilla Alexander – adapted by Cheri Loughlin from the classic Brandy Alexander

Cherry Vanilla Alexander 8 photo copyright Cheri Loughlin3/4 ounce Brandy or Cognac

1/2 ounce Vanilla Liqueur

1/2 ounce White Crème de Cacao

1/4 ounce Heering Cherry Liqueur

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Maraschino Cherry Garnish

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and frothy. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry. Notation: Half & Half may be substituted for the heavy cream. Additional variations to the classic Brandy Alexander can be made by decreasing the Crème de Cacao and supplementing a favorite flavor such as amaretto, hazelnut, raspberry… the possibilities are endless. Experiment with something new!

Alexander Frappe

1 ounce Brandy, Cognac or Gin

1 ounce Crème de Cacao

1 ounce Heavy Cream

Large Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream

Grated Nutmeg Garnish

Place liquids and ice cream in blender. Blend to smooth consistency. Pour into large chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

The spirited cocktail calendar mentions January 31 as National Brandy Alexander Day. The Brandy Alexander is said to have been one of John Lennon’s favorite cocktails. More variations include a Coffee Alexander which exchanges coffee liqueur for the base spirit and the non-alcoholic Lennon’s Milkshake. Find more interesting daily cocktail holidays by following the link.

Cheri Loughlin Photography - Cocktail Development & Photography Services

Find The Intoxicologist on Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon or Email: str8upcocktails@gmail.com – Copyright 2011 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved – All opinions, reviews and spirits’ coverage contained within are the personal opinion and decision of Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist

Hot Chocolates for Happy Holidays

There’s nothing more richly satisfying than coming in from bone chilling temperatures to find a nice warming cup of liquid chocolate waiting to satisfy the taste buds. Wrapping frigid fingers around a steaming hot cup of cocoa feels pretty darn nice, too!  Slip into something darkly decadent, richly rewarding and comfortingly creamy this holiday season.

Jack’s Cozy Cocoa

3/4 ounce Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey

Splash of Peppermint Schnapps

Hot cocoa

Whipped Cream

Chocolate Shavings Garnish

Pour Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey and peppermint schnapps into prepared hot cocoa. Add dollop of whipped cream on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings.

Deep Chocolate

1-1/2 ounce Leblon Cachaça

1/2 ounce Jago Cream Liqueur

1/2 ounce Navan

4 ounces Hot Chocolate

Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings Garnish

Place Cachaca and liqueurs in large heat proof mug. Add hot chocolate. Stir. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Angel’s Beso

1-1/2 ounce Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila

Ghiradelli Hot Chocolate

Cocoa Powder for Rim

Warm heat proof goblet by filling with heated water. Empty. Rim goblet with cocoa powder. Add tequila and prepared hot chocolate. Stir and serve.

Hot Chocolate Delight

1-1/2 ounce Basil Hayden’s Bourbon

3/4 ounce DeKuyper Hazelnut Liqueur

1/2 ounce DeKuyper Crème de Menthe – green

Hot chocolate

Whipped Cream

Place bourbon and hazelnut liqueur in preheated mug. To with prepared hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream garnish. Drizzle green crème de menthe over top.

Cuppa Good Cheer

1-1/2 ounce SKYY Infusions Cherry

1/2 ounce White Creme de Cacao

4 ounces Hot Chocolate

1 ounce Half and Half

Whipped Cream

Red Sprinkles

Maraschino Cherry

Place vodka and liqueur in large heat resistant mug. Add steaming hot cocoa and half & half. Stir. Top with whipped cream. Add sprinkles. Plop maraschino in middle for a festive holiday hat topper.

Hot Chocolate at Chaz photo property of Cheri LoughlinCastries Cocoa

2 ounces Castries Peanut Rum Creme

4 ounces Hot Cocoa

Whipped Cream and Chocolate Sprinkles Garnish

Combine ingredients in a preheated mug.  Top with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.  For a twist, add a splash of banana flavored liqueur.

Official Site Tasting Notes:  Milk chocolate flavor with a creamy blend of peanuts.  Add a touch of banana liqueur for a tropical touch.  Indulge on cold winter nights, preferably with a warm body.

Red Hot Chocolate – created by John Ginnetti

1 ounce Campari

2 ounces Brandy

3 ounces Whole Milk

1/2 ounce Heavy Cream

2 tablespoons Dark Chocolate Chips

Hand-cut Marshmallow or Peppermint Stick Garnish

Place milk, cream & chocolate chips in milk frothing cup used for espresso. Froth milk as you would for cappuccino.  When milk is hot remove frothing wand and whisk vigorously until chocolate is completely melted. Add Campari and Brandy.  Pour into large heat resistant mug.  May be garnished with 1 large hand-cut marshmallow or red peppermint stick. Originally served at 116 Crown in New Haven, CT.

Coco Loco

2 ounces Flor de Caña 7-year-old

1/2 ounce Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur

Thin slice of Habañero Chili

Dash of Cinnamon

2 teaspoons of Brown Sugar

2 ounces of milk

Grated Pistachios Garnish

Whipped Cream – optional

Place rum, liqueur and milk in small pot set to simmer. Add chili, cinnamon and sugar. Stir continuously until heated. Pour mixture into heat resistant mug. Add whipped cream and grated pistachios garnish.

MexiCabo Hot Chocolate

1-1/2 ounce Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila

4 ounces Hot Chocolate

1/2 ounce Coffee Liqueur

Whipped Cream

Place tequila and coffee liqueur in large coffee mug. Top with steaming hot prepared cocoa. Stir. Top with dollop of whipped cream.

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.

Sip Like the Stars: Moët & Chandon Golden Glamour Cocktail

Katie Lee, author of “The Comfort Table” and culinary personality, created Chinese Five Spice popcorn to pair with Oscar Gold and Moët’s “Golden Glamour” signature cocktail which will be served on the red carpet and at the Governor’s Ball.  Sip and nosh like the stars on Oscar night.

Golden Glamour

4 ounces Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne

1/4 ounce Navan

1-1/2 ounce Passion Fruit Juice

Fresh Mint Garnish

Combine vanilla liqueur and juice in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into champagne coupe. Top with champagne. Garnish with sprig of fresh mint if desired.

Chinese Five-Spice Kettle Corn – created by Katie Lee

Katie says, “I eat popcorn almost every night and I like to experiment with different flavors. I make this Chinese Five-Spice Kettle Corn to enjoy with cocktails and also package it up in take out boxes for a party favor for my guests.”

3/4 cup popcorn

1/4 cup canola oil

3 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons Chinese 5 Spice powder

2 teaspoons salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

In a pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat, combine popcorn, oil, sugar, 5 Spice powder, and salt. Shake constantly. When popcorn begins to pop, lower heat to medium-low. Continue to shake until popping begins to slow and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with melted butter.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings – Prep Time: 5 minutes – Cook Time: 5 minutes

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.

White Chocolate Bliss is Pure Indulgence

NAVAN created a blissful treat sure to please the vanilla and chocolate lover.  The NAVAN White Chocolate Bliss plays on the seductive flavor of natural vanilla, decadent richness of white chocolate and tops things off with edible gold to indulge the senses.  This cocktail pairs perfectly with an assortment of white, milk and dark chocolate truffles.

White Chocolate Bliss

2 ounces Vanilla Liqueur

2 ounces White Chocolate Liqueur

Shaved White Chocolate

Oro Fino Edible Gold

Combine liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with shaved white chocolate and edible gold if desired.

Recipe courtesy representatives of Navan.

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.

Lounging Poolside with 10 Cane Rum

10 Cane Rum on the Deck - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin

When weekend temps reach Caribbean-like warmth, leisurely breezes and birds flutter through trees, the lazy days of summer finally seem within grasp. Warmer seasons bring thoughts of iced rum cocktails and long sips poolside. After all, the scent of charcoal grill flames licking at something succulent to munch when the sun goes down works up a thirsty girl appetite.

Sip something basic…

10 Cane Daiquiri – Cheri Loughlin adaption

10 Cane Rum Daiquiri - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin2 ounces 10 Cane Rum

1 ounce Lime Juice

1/2 ounce Simple Syrup

Stir stick

Combine all liquid ingredients over ice in a rocks glass.  Insert stir stick.  Leisurely stir.  Sit back.  Relax.  Enjoy the sound of the crickets.

Go long and refreshing…

10 Cane Colada Fresca – ala 10 Cane Rum

10 Cane Rum Daiquiri Rocks - photo copyright Cheri Loughlin2 ounces 10 Cane Rum

4 ounces Coconut Water

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

Pineapple Wedge and Cherry Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Pour into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with pineapple wedge and cherry.

If you’re classically inclined…

10 Cane Hurricane – ala 10 Cane Rum

1 ounce 10 Cane Rum

1 ounce Vanilla Liqueur

1 ounce Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

1 ounce Cranberry Juice

Splash of Lime

Orange and Cherry Spear Garnish

Place liquids in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with orange slice and speared cherry.

Long into the dark night…

10 Cane Light ‘N Stormy – ala 10 Cane Rum

2 ounces 10 Cane Rum

3 ounces Ginger Beer

1/2 ounce Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Lime Wedge and Candied Ginger Garnish

Place rum in highball glass filled with fresh ice. Top with ginger beer. Add squeeze of fresh lime. Garnish with fresh lime wedge and candied ginger.

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.