Nibbles & Sips

Fun with food and beverages: recipes and opinions about what, how, and why we eat.

Cocktail Advent 13: Toasted White Cranberry

Sips

This is another one of those “skinny” aka low-calorie (under 200) cocktails. Do with that what you will, I say enjoy one at full strength without the funny business of artificial sweeteners and be happy rather than saving a few calories and sacrificing flavor.

But that’s me.

EFFEN® Vodka Toasted White Cranberry

1 ½ parts EFFEN® Salted Caramel Vodka
1 ¾ parts Ocean Spray White Cranberry Juice
¼ part Fresh Lemon Juice
¼ part South Beach Zero Calorie Simple Syrup
Garnish: Toasted Coconut Flakes

Method:In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and shake with ice.  Strain into a rocks glass over ice.  Garnish with toasted coconut flakes.

Even though I never fully boarded the salted caramel train, this combination certainly sounds tasty!

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of EFFEN Vodka. I am not affiliated with the brand nor have I received any compensation for sharing this recipe, not even by review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 12: Devoted Nutcracker

Sips

Here’s a concoction that just might have you dancing in your nightgown. It’s okay, we won’t tell.

Image via Devotion Vodka

Image via Devotion Vodka

Devoted Nut Cracker

  • 1.5 oz. Devotion Vodka
  • 1 oz. Amaretto
  • 1 oz. Frangelico
  • 1 oz. Crème de Cocoa

Pour all ingredients into a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain mixture into a martini glass garnished with cocoa powder on the rim.

Anything that combines Amaretto and Frangelico already has me pretty well on its side–those are two of my favorite sweet liqueurs. In fact, this reminds me quite a bit of my Candy Bar shot. Although, since this is 100% alcohol, I’d suggest stirring it over shaking it.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Devotion vodka. I am not affiliated with this brand nor was I compensated for posting this recipe, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 11: Gingerbread Crunch

Sips

I was craving gingerbread just the other day, pondering how one would make a gingerbread syrup, perhaps, to add to their morning coffee. I’ll let you know if I actually give it a whirl. Until then, here’s a beverage more suited to winding down the day than beginning it!

Image via Kilbeggan

Image via Kilbeggan

Kilbeggan® Gingerbread Crunch
Recipe by Gillian Boyle of Fade Street Social in Dublin, Ireland.    
Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 parts Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey
• 1 3/4 parts Freshly Pressed Apple Juice
• 2/3 part Cinnamon Syrup
• 1/3 part Lemon Juice
• 1/4 part Brown Sugar Syrup

Method:
For Cocktail:
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake and double strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish rim with crushed gingerbread biscuit and brown sugar.
For Garnish:
Place gingerbread cookies/biscuits in a bag and use a rolling pin to crush. When fine, add brown sugar into mix.

Yup, that outta ’bout do it, don’t you think?

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey. While I was not compensated for this post, I have reviewed Kilbeggan in the past. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 10: Oaxaca Chacas

Sips

You may not be able to pronounce it (my best guess is WOX-a-ca CHA-ka) but I’m betting this Mexican twist on the usual spiked hot chocolate will have tequila lovers rejoicing!

Image via Milagro Tequila

Image via Milagro Tequila

Oaxaca Chakas

2 parts of Milagro® AÑEJO
¾ parts agave nectar
1 part heavy whipping cream
2 parts milk
1 part oaxacan chocolate powder
freshly whipped cream

On medium heat, combine all ingredients except for the whipped cream, stirring casually until the mixture comes to a boil. Pour heated mixture into a coffee cup and top with whipped cream. Garnish with a stick of cinnamon.

See, now, there’s a “parts” recipe written correctly! By using relative measures of each item you can easily make this for one or many by deciding what your basic “part” measurement would be. I’d start off with part=1 ounce to end up with a an approximate 6-ounce serving for one.

This past weekend was warm and humid–not very holiday appropriate to my mind, but now that the cooler temperatures have returned I’m thinking this cocoa needs to be tried, pronto! And if you can’t put your hands on the oaxacan chocolate powder, mix up your own by combining cocoa powder, ground cinnamon, and powdered vanilla.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Milagro tequila. I was not compensated for posting this recipe, though I can say I’ve purchased Milagro tequila in the past and it is a brand I’d recommend. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 9: Plum Tart

Sips

I tried to make a plum pudding–the steamed variety–one Christmas several years back. I’m still not 100% sure that I did it correctly or that that was how it was supposed to taste, but it was a fun experiment all the same. This cocktail might be a bit simpler to execute.

Image via Bombay Sapphire Gin

Image via Bombay Sapphire Gin

Plum Tart
— Created by Bombay Sapphire Miami’s Most Imaginative Bartender Winner, Philip Khandehrish of The Setai Bar in Miami.

  • 2 oz plum wine
  • 1 oz Bombay Sapphire Gin
  • .75 oz cranberry juice
  • 3 drops of orange bitters
  • 3 lime wedges
  • 2 bar spoons of Demerrara sugar

Directions
Muddle lime and sugar in glass.
Add rest of ingredients.  Shake well and strain into Martini Glass
Top with lime wheel with dried cranberries

Plum wine can often be found in the sake section of your local wine shop.

***This recipe was provided by a representative of Bombay Sapphire Gin. I am not affiliated with this brand nor was compensated to post this recipe, not even with review samples. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***