Summer Soiree

Ingredients:
1 1/2 oz Zacapa 23 Rum
1/2 oz ginger liqueur
4 dashes orange bitters
2 oz orange-guava juice

Directions:
Combine Zacapa 23 Rum, ginger liqueur, orange bitters, and orange-guava juice into a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Cover and shake until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a rocks glass.

Courtesy of Zacapa Rum.… Read more

Delft Blue

It’s Mixology Monday time again, and this month we are hosted by Adventures In Cocktails with the theme – “Niche Spirits”. So that means no basics: no vodka, tequila, gin, rum, brandy or whiskey.

We said, “Hey, how about a nice Genever Cocktail from our new book – DIY Cocktails?”

Genever, AKA “Holland Gin”, is the Dutch predecessor from which the more ubiquitous “London Dry” gin evolved.

Ingredients:
2 parts Bols Genever
1 part Creme … Read more

American Dad

If your Dad is a fan of classic whiskey cocktails, this new creation with a strong, traditional flavor may be the one to mix him for Father’s Day.

Using the ratio for a Manhattan as inspiration, I started with a rye base and played with the sweet/dry balance that the vermouth usually offers. Amer is a French aperitif with flavors of bitter orange and gentian root. (AMERican Dad, get it? Ha?) Dry vermouth is often … Read more

The Happy Dad

Here’s one from the archives.

What to get dear old dad for Father’s Day? Another tie, some after shave, a bottle of scotch? Forget that, we say mix pops up a fancy cocktail. He’ll be impressed with your bar skills as you shake him up this tangy mixture of vodka, Cointreau and Campari.

After two, you’ll certainly have a happy dad!

Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Oval Vodka
¾ oz Cointreau
1 oz Campari
Orange twist … Read more

Spring-Time Manhattan

Ingredients:
1 ½ parts Maker’s Mark
½ parts Maurin Quina Liqueur
1 bar spoon Stirrings Ginger
4 dashes Peychauds Bitters
1 heaping bar spoon of orange marmalade

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Fill with ice and shake until frost forms on the tin. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh orange twist.

Recipe by Josh Lewis (Blush). Courtesy of Maker’s Mark Whisky.… Read more

La Estrella

This is the time of year before summer  gives us the kind of good weather that makes for lazy afternoons on the deck or at a backyard barbecue. For laid-back sipping, I like this refreshing and light cocktail that’s like margarita’s mellow cousin.

I used the beautiful Rio Star red grapefruits that are available right now, along with fresh lime, mint, tequila and triple sec. Estrella means star in Spanish, so I gave the drink … Read more

Gabrielle’s X-Rated Kiss

Such a luxurious, simple drink, for such a high-maintenance housewife with high- society standards. A one time model, Gabrielle Solis wasn’t satisfied with one man, so she added the yard boy to her roster of lovers. But unlike Mrs. Solis, you’ll be a bit more faithful to this cocktail, though we can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to have just one.

Ingredients:
1.5 oz X- Rated Fusion Liqueur
1.5 oz Skyy Vodka
Drizzle of raspberry … Read more

Kahlua Mocha Freeze

Ingredients:
1 oz Kahlúa Mocha
2 oz chilled coffee
2 oz milk or cream

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth. Serve in a large highball or tall glass.

You can also substitute two scoops of ice cream for the milk/cream.

Courtesy of Kahlúa.… Read more

Death by Fire

Known to make a grown man cry.

Ingredients: 
½ oz Goldschlager
½ oz DeKuyper Hot Damn 100 or other spicy cinnamon liquor 
½ oz Bacardi 151 rum

Directions:
Mix. Serve in a cordial glass.

Courtesy of Dee Ann.… Read more

White Elephant

… Read more