The Intoxicologist

Dan Aykroyd cleverly launched Crystal Head Vodka to the world with a viral marketing campaign late last year that had many skeptics; me included.  Rather than rehash the story of the 13 Crystal Heads, links to all the Crystal Head Vodka articles as originally placed on The Intoxicologist Is In site are listed at the bottom of this post.  A year later this beautiful piece of glasswork with Aykroyd’s legendary vodka finally reaches my bar top just in time for Halloween! 

Crystal Head Vodka aroma is distinctly alcohol overlay.  There is no denying the fact this is bare bones vodka.  Consumed neat the flavor is clean with barely a hint of vanilla, extremely warming with burn in the finish.  By and large I see this as good, clean vodka meant for mixing.  By mixing I mean incorporating the spirit into drink recipes and lively conversation.  The most spectacularly interesting feature about Crystal Head Vodka isn’t how this spirit flavors out.  Quite honestly the first thought in anyone’s mind when they see this particular vodka isn’t the spirit, but the skeletal head. 

There is an intricately woven story surrounding Crystal Head Vodka with the 13 Crystal Heads leading one into the realm of the paranormal making it perfect for Halloween and ghostly stories.  All one has to do is place Crystal Head Vodka out on the bar or kitchen island and guests will begin chattering about what’s in it, wanting to give it a try.  Make sure you have some equally intriguing cocktails to keep their appetite for the mystical satisfied.

Red Eye – created by The Intoxicologist

1 part Crystal Head Vodka

1/2 part DeKuyper Peach Schnapps

3 parts Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice

1 parts Homemade Grenadine

 2 parts Schweppes Club Soda

Combine vodka, peach schnapps and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice.  Top with club soda. 

Sometimes cranberry juice has a tendency to bite in the finish.  With the addition of peach schnapps the cranberry juice edges become rounded and Red Eye ends up with a juicy splash of flavor.  Slightly sweet, but not overly done.  Something to love about this particular drink is the extreme definition of red and white color due to the ice float.  It creates great visual effect making this a fabulous sipper and excellent party serve cocktail.  If you are more of a sipper than gulper and ice tends to water your drink too quickly, strain this into a cocktail glass rather than on the rocks and sip away. 

Skeletal Remains – created by The Intoxicologist

3/4 part Crystal Head Vodka

1/2 part Castries Peanut Rum Crème

1/2 part Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur

1 ounce Heavy Whipping Cream

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

All that remains in Skeletal Remains is someone licking the glass when this cocktail is finished.  The flavor is light peanut butter with a hint of chocolate.  It is almost like consuming peanut butter fluff without the foam.   Crystal Head Vodka’s clean spirit allows nothing but pure unadulterated flavor shine through in this light cocktail.  Easy on the sweet factor while still letting one know there is a bit of dessert in the cocktail glass.

Bare Bones – created by The Intoxicologist

2 parts Crystal Head Vodka

Ice

Skewered Garlic Stuffed Green Olives Garnish

Place vodka in an old fashioned glass with ice.  Place skewered garlic stuffed green olives atop your nothing but bones Crystal Head Vodka to keep the Vampires away.  It’s a sure bet they’ll all want a sip of what you’re having.

With the first few samples of Crystal Head Vodka I didn’t think it was well suited for a straight up martini or consuming ‘bare bones.’  But then I stirred it with a little ice to take the edge of alcohol off and let it aerate a little.  This is definitely nice vodka worth trying as is.  Bare Bones is a tribute to Crystal Head Vodka’s clean nature and the Halloween party season of course.  One last note on the bottle shape: It is designed perfectly for finger position to allow proper pour.  The Crystal Head Vodka bottle might be unique but forethought did go into the design for behind the bar handling with ease.

A few more drink recipes listed below would be a splash hit at your Halloween party where Crystal Head Vodka would not only make a great centerpiece, but also interesting conversation starter and spirited mixer.

Headshrinker

Book: Good Spirits by A.J. Rathbun

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Blackberry Brandy

1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with fresh lemon twist.

Mind Eraser

2 parts Vodka

2 parts Kahlua

1-1/2 parts Club Soda

Build over ice in an old fashioned glass.  Add a straw and promptly suck it down.  (Please consume responsibly.)

Phantasm Fizz

1-1/2 ounce Vodka

1 ounce Heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 ounce Galliano

Club Soda

Whipped Cream Garnish

Combine vodka, heavy whipping cream and Galliano in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake thoroughly to blend and chill.  Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.  Top with club soda.  Garnish with a ghoulish dollop of whipped cream. 

Top 10 Classic Cocktails – Drink Recipes & Photos – Reviews

Halloween Drink Recipe & Party Idea Guide

Crystal Head Vodka – Hoax or No? – Unearthing Crystal Head Vodka

Special Thanks… – Crystal Head Vodka Rolls Out at Blue Martini in Miami: Video!

Dan Aykroyd Partners with Artist John Alexander to Launch Crystal Head Vodka

Stupid Statements Awards ‘08 Go Down In History – Mine Just Messes With Someone’s Head

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

This pink drink recipe continues the 30 Days of Pink theme with Finlandia Vodka as base spirit and Chambord Liqueur giving the charming color.  Atlantique contains subtle peach aroma with slight vanilla undercurrent in the flavor.  The sweet is balanced with a hint of tartness that remains mild.  The beautiful color depicts the same gentle nature in its flavor. 

Atlantique

1-1/2 part Finlandia Vodka

1/2 part Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 part Chambord

1/4 part Peach Schnapps

Peach Slice Garnish

Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake to blend and chill.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with peach slice on the rim of glass.  Lemon twist may be substituted.

30 Days of Pink – ‘Pink’ Cocktails for October Breast Cancer Awareness

Party for Pink Drink Recipe – Pink Lady Classic Cocktail

Drink Recipe for Lovers: Soul Kiss Cocktail – Beer Drink Recipes for Football Weekend

Jack Daniel’s Gets Pink: Black Raspberry Margarita

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

One must love the succulently sweet taste of pineapple and coconut to thoroughly enjoy this Mocktail creation, but then again, why not?!  Chi-Chi à la mode turns out creamy, smooth and delicious.  It is the non-alcoholic version to its vodka based cocktail hour cousin, Chi-Chi.  Winter may come rapping at the door soon, but don’t let that curb the desire for blended cocktails.  They are still the perfect pick-me-up to winter blues when it is all gloomy outdoors.  Snuggle up under warm blankets by the fire and whip up an easy blender Mocktail or cocktail and remember the days of summer are just ahead. 

Chi-Chi à la mode – adaptation by The Intoxicologist

Serves 4

1/2 Fresh Cored Pineapple

3 ounces Coco Lopez

3 ounces Half & Half

2 cups Ice

Fresh Pineapple Spears Garnish

Whipped Cream

Cut pineapple into chunks.  Place pineapple chunks, Coco Lopez, half & half and ice into blender.  Blend until mixture is completely smooth.  Pour into four cocktail glasses.  Insert pineapple spear garnish.  Top with dollop of whipped cream. 

Chi-Chi

1 ounce 42Below Vodka

1/2 ounce Coco Lopez

1/2 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/2 ounce Half & Half

1/2 to 1 cup Crushed Ice

Fresh Pineapple Garnish

Whipped Cream Optional

Blend liquid ingredients and ice together in blender until mixture is completely smooth.  Pour into Hurricane glass.  Garnish with fresh pineapple and whipped cream if desired. 

Mocktails – Toxi-Tails A-Z – Cocktails – Low Calorie/Low Carb

Drink Recipes & Photos with Mocktail listing – Mocktail Recipes with 10 Fruity Twists

10 Crowd Pleasing Mocktails – 10 POM Wonderful Mocktails & Smoothies

10 Summery Mocktail Recipes

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www.discus.org – Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

In the beginning Aviation Day (August 19) was all about the celebration of flight, Orville Wright’s birthday and congratulating the men and women who made early aviation a reality.  Today celebration of Aviation Day is possible via proclamation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939 and cocktail hour at Joe’s pub or the retro version of the Speakeasy that make modern day celebrations so fun to well, celebrate or at least recognize with a cocktail or two. 

Yesterday on Twitter a fellow ‘Tweeter’ wondered why someone would celebrate Aviation Day if the Aviation cocktail wasn’t the drink of choice since I posted alternative drink recipes loosely based upon the aviator theme.  My thought on the matter is celebration times should embrace everyone.  The Aviation drink recipe calls for Gin which excludes a majority of the population who don’t care for Gin as a base spirit.  Speaking as a writer; many will be writing about the Aviation cocktail and/or Aviation Gin today so right off the bat let’s get them out of the way to get on with more adventurous tours around the cocktail realm.

The Aviation

2 ounces Plymouth Gin

1-1/2 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 ounce Maraschino Liqueur

1 dash Syrup de Gomme

Garnish: Lemon Zest

Fill mixing glass with ice. Add Plymouth Gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur and syrup. Shake well. Strain into martini glass. Add lemon zest for garnish.

Aviation Cocktail No. 1

Adapted from Samuel Kinsey

2 ounces Gin

1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons maraschino liqueur, preferably Luxardo

1/4 ounce Crème de Violette

Lemon twist, for garnish.

Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake to chill well, then strain into a cocktail glass. Drizzle the Crème de Violette into the glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

Which brings us to Aviation Gin.  I had the pleasure of sitting through most of the 21st Century Gin Seminar at Tales of the Cocktail 2009 where the discussion centered on a new classification of Gin.  Ryan Magarian may or may not have won the title of ‘Mr. Popularity’ among Gin enthusiasts that day depending on which side of the fence they decided to perch themselves upon, but he chooses to classify Aviation Gin within the New Western Gin category.  Paraphrasing his words at Tales of the Cocktail:

“Aviation Gin was created to define the area it comes from.  Let’s just be obnoxious.  They wanted to make a gin to be affective, damp, savory, full, organic, like Oregon, dry gin that can be sipped neat.  We wanted to take the classics we love and then we had to train bartenders to use it.  Two styles of gin – distilled and compounded gin.  There is also character or flavor designations.  These are focused on flavors.  New western is how Aviation defines itself.  They’ll stick with that until someone else comes up with something that sounds better than that.  Fun and sexy!”

Flying certainly sounds fun and sexy as long as two feet land on the ground safely.  Gin seems to be taking off within cocktail culture without a hint at taking a breather.  Some have strong juniper overtones while others share a barely there aroma inclusion.  Gin is breaking new ground in the spirit realm.  If you haven’t tried gin recently take a look around at a few of the newer spirits on the market to see this new ‘designation’ that created such a stir at Tales of the Cocktail ’09.

The Aviation Cocktail – Aviation Gin version

2 ounces Aviation Gin

3/4 ounce Maraska Maraschino Liqueur

3/4 ounce Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

In a pint mixing glass add the above ingredients.  Add ice.  Shake.  Strain.  Serve up with a Luxardo cherry.

On to more exciting cocktails that have nothing to do with the word ‘aviation’ but have everything to do with blue skies and flight…

The Cruise Room is Denver’s first bar to open the day after Prohibition was repealed in 1933.  The bar is styled after one of the lounges on the original Queen Mary.  Their bar cocktail menu boasts a listing of classics and contemporary drink recipes.

SKYY Diver Martini

Cruise Room, Oxford Hotel – Denver, CO

3 ounces SKYY Vodka

Splash Rumpleminz Pepperment Schnapps

Place ingredients in a mixing tin with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a martini glass.

If you like the SKYY Diver Martini you might like the Blue Kamikaze also using the base spirit vodka.

Blue Kamikaze

2 ounces Vodka

3/4 ounce Blue Curacao

3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Add all ingredients to a mixing tin with ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a martini glass.

Champagne is a favorite, so it had to be added to the listing of drinks of the day.  It isn’t possible to have Air Mail without the invention of flight.  Paper airplanes don’t count. 

Air Mail

1 part Golden Rum

2 spoons Runny Honey

1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice

1/2 part Fresh Orange Juice

Brut Champagne

Mint Leaf Garnish

Combine rum and honey in a mixing glass.  Stir to dissolve honey.  Add juices and ice.  Shake to chill.  Strain into a martini glass.  Top with Brut Champagne.  Garnish with mint leaf. 

One cannot forget the B52 shot, named after the large bomber.  This drink recipe built for two should be built for a crowd considering the B52 is such a large machine and shots are better spent on large gatherings rather than one or two people.  So, duplicate this recipe or better yet, don’t.  Take The Intoxicologist advice and make peace with the B52 recipe and build a better bomb. 

B52 (original)

1 ounce Kahlua

1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1 ounce Grand Marnier

Place liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake, shake, shake.  Strain into two shot glasses.  Shoot away.

OR….

B-B52 – classic cocktail revised by The Intoxicologist

Inspired by the classic B52 shot drink recipe

1 ounce Buffalo Trace Bourbon

1/4 ounce Kahlua Especial

1/4 ounce Baileys Irish Cream

1/4 ounce Grand Marnier

1 ounce Half & Half

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake thoroughly to combine and chill. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.  Sip soothingly to enjoy completely.  Feel the warmth of Buffalo Trace Bourbon appease the soul rather than rain down and bomb on the parade.

Grab your Aviator’s and head out into the sun to soak up some rays or grab a few bottles of spirits and mix up this beautifully vibrant cocktail of the same name.  The Aviator relies on five simple ingredients of all equal parts.  To keep it simple my ratios consisted of 1/2 ounce each with 1 full twist around the lemon.  Each spirit plays off the other in perfect harmony for a complex yet vibrant mix of delicate sweetness, gentle balance and oh, such ingenious play of flavor.

Aviator

1 part Plymouth Gin

1 part Dry Vermouth

1 part Sweet Vermouth

1 part Dubonnet Rouge

Lemon Twist Garnish

Combine all ingredients with ice in a mixing tin.  Stir.  Strain into a martin glass.  Garnish with a lemon twist.

If you like the Aviator you might also like the Flying Scotsman if darker spirits are more your thing.  According to The Bartender’s Bible, the Flying Scotsman is named for the famed British steam train that became the first non-stop train from London to Edinburgh in 1928. 

Flying Scotsman

1-1/2 ounce Blended Scotch

1 ounce Sweet Vermouth

1/4 ounce Simple Syrup

1/4 ounce Angostura Bitters

Place all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.  Stir well to mix and chill.  Strain into a cold martini glass.

Chocolaty, orange with deep tones of spice; that is when Flutter starts to slip in across the sides of your tongue and meander down the middle, floating along the back until you realize the sip is gone and you must, must, must have another of this luscious concoction.  This is a terrific example of a drink recipe that uses a handful of ingredients to the utmost of their ability.  Kudos to Tony Conigliaro for whipping up this amazing cocktail recipe!

Flutter – created by Tony Conigliaro

Lonsdale House – London, England (2003)

2 parts Partida Tequila

1 part Kahula

1-1/4 part Pressed Pineapple Juice

Orange Zest Twist Garnish

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Fine strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with orange zest twist. 

Affordable no hassle take on Flutter: Use Azul Tequila or Lunazul Tequila.  Both are 100% agave tequilas under $20.  Bottled pineapple juice may not taste exactly like fresh pressed or muddled pineapple, but it still tasted pretty astounding in this cocktail with both the Azul and Lunazul Tequilas.

Find eight more SKYY Vodka: Aviation Day drink recipes here (article post) or click straight to the photo recipe slideshow by clicking here: Aviation Day Drink Recipes Featuring SKYY Vodka.  A new category has been placed in the right hand column of this site titled ‘Photos & Cocktail Recipes’.  These links take you directly to photo recipe slideshows for quick reference and easy access.  Have a fabulous Aviation Day!  Enjoy your flight…of cocktails that is.

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Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved

It often causes one to question why there are new vodkas introduced so often when shelves are already brimming with vodkas.  Take one look around Facebook and type in a simple search of “vodka” and discover all the vodka fan pages and one will discover just why companies continue to dole out ‘new’ vodkas with updated packaging with such frequency.  The better question to be asked is why are vodkas continually reviewed if the notion continues in some circles that base spirit vodkas contain no color, no scent and no flavor?  If that were indeed true wouldn’t every base spirit vodka essentially be identically since distillation strips away all impurities?  The answer is, no two spirits are identical just as vodka truly is not aroma free without any flavor at all.  Lack of color is a given with clear spirits.

Orzel Vodka: Just another Polish vodka lining the store shelves vying to make a name for itself as top Polish vodka in the marketplace.  Or is it “just another” like all the rest?

The aroma gives way to virtually no alcohol burn on the nose.  When taken in deeply, great richness is detected that stirs tickling in the back of the throat.  Tasting Orzel neat is pleasurable.  The vodka is thin with a small amount of burn and hint of vanilla roundness in texture that does not carry through in flavor.  Orzel is clean with medium feel over the tongue.  There is a wee bit of coconut milk residue in the finish. 

This vodka makes an excellent straight up martini with wash of vermouth in the glass.  The Martini is exceedingly clean and smooth, almost like water with no burn whatsoever.  Lemon peel adds just a hint of freshness.  The warmth is all that lets one know there is alcohol involved here.  Orzel could be most dangerous with the ease with which it goes down.  Quite honestly it could be sipped neat for those inclined to be hardcore about their vodka consumption.  Orzel does not rag on the senses in a metallic or heavy sort of way with any harshness around the edges.  It is smooth and silky without feeling too refined for mixing purposes or everyday imbibing.  

Morela Eagle – created by The Intoxicologist

2 ounces Orzel Vodka

1 Tablespoon Dickenson’s Lemon Curd

1-1/2 ounce Apricot Nectar

1/4 ounce Fresh Lemon Juice

3 Dried Apricots – Garnish

Combine Orzel Vodka, lemon curd, apricot nectar and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until thoroughly combined.  Strain into a cocktail glass.  Garnish with skewered dried apricots. 

Morela Eagle is named in recognition of Orzel’s Polish roots.  This cocktail contains gentle sweetness with a light, airy tone.  The lemon almost carries a butter cream tone/feel to it with the apricot as a whispering side note.  However, this cocktail recipe does nothing to highlight Orzel as a special vodka except that it can carry the weight of this particular drink recipe’s lightness and mixes well without any alcohol harshness that some vodkas are known to convey.  Orzel allows cocktail creation for flavor while maintaining body that mere juices could never begin to achieve alone. 

A quick online search finds Orzel Vodka priced within the $35 to $40 range.  This premium spirit deserves the premium price tag as it clearly enriches the experience for the consumer by defining the terms of what vodka standards should be by classification.  We all look for value in products and define that often by price as compared to others within the same category.  Orzel Vodka definitely maintains excellence for those who appreciate a clean martini and balanced cocktails without any alcohol residue or underlying characteristics in taste from the vodka itself.

·         www.orzelvodka.com

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Copyright 2009 Cheri Loughlin – The Intoxicologist – All Rights Reserved