cocktails

Cocktail Advent 22: Cali Midnight

Sips

As dark as a long winter’s night, this stunner would probably work slightly warmed, too!

Image via Caliche Rum

Image via Caliche Rum

Cali Midnight

  • 1 1/2 oz Caliche Rum
  • 3/4 oz Port Wine
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Triple Sec
  • Cinnamon stick for garnish

 

Only, do yourself a favor and buy a bottle of Cointreau instead of using Triple Sec. Your taste buds will thank you!

I’d say (since they didn’t) stir this up. Either increase it to pitcher proportions over ice or put it in a slow-cooker on low or warm and serve as mulled wine.

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

Cocktail Advent 21: Mistletoe Martini

Sips

I say you make this next one a double, serve the second to your significant other, and not worry about where the mistletoe is!

Image via Devotion Vodka

Image via Devotion Vodka

Mistletoe Martini

  • 1.5 oz. Devotion Vodka Black & Blue
  • 1 oz. Kahlua
  • 1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • 1 oz. White Crème de Cocoa

Pour all ingredients into a martini shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain mixture into a martini glass, and garnish with chocolate shavings.

Devotion Black and Blue is a blackberry and blueberry flavored vodka. Interesting to pair it with the coffee and cream elements. I’d still be tempted to put this together in a blender with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream for a… (I’m trying to come up with a portmanteau of alcohol(ic) and smoothie and nothing’s sounding right–smoothahol(ic), alcosmooth, smocohoolie, it’s just not happening, is it?) something tasty! Maybe.

***This recipe was submitted by a representative of Devotion Vodka. I am not affiliated with the 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 19: Lady in the Garden

Sips

Here’s another cocktail idea courtesy of North Hollywood’s Bow & Truss Restaurant and Bar. They propose this as an alternative to eggnog.

Image via Bow & Truss

Image via Bow & Truss

Again, no measurements given, but we’re dealing with a twist on the classic Pisco Sour, so it’s not hard to figure out.

Lady in the Garden

  • 3 oz Pisco
  • 3 Basil leaves
  • 1 oz Simple Syrup
  • 1 oz Orange Juice
  • 1 Egg White
  • Orange Blossom Water and a small Basil sprig for garnish

In the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle the basil in the pisco just enough to release some of the oils. Add in the orange juice, and the egg white and dry-shake (meaning, use no ice) for about 15 seconds or so. Then add ice to your cocktail shaker and shake again to chill. Strain into a prepared cocktail coupe and top with a few drops of orange blossom water and a pretty basil sprig.

If you’ve never tried Pisco before, it reminds me of tequila–they both have that innate warmth and rich mouth-feel to me. While I think it’s a stretch to call this an egg-nog substitute, I certainly wouldn’t turn one down if it were offered to me!

***This “recipe” was provided by a representative of Bow & Truss Restaurant and Bar. I am not affiliated with the establishment nor have I been compensated for the sharing of this recipe or image. As always, we encourage responsible refreshment and the use of the Designated Driver. No drunken monkeys, please!***

Cocktail Advent 18: Warm and Toasty

Sips

Another cider drink perfect for chasing away the chill. If you don’t have access to The Perfect Puree-brand cranberry puree, I’m fairly certain you can come up with a substitute in a pinch. I think blended, frozen raspberries would work equally well if that’s what you happen to have closer to hand.

Warm and Toasty
Source: Manny Hinojosa

  • • 1 1/2 oz. Bourbon
  • • 1 1/2 oz. The Perfect Purée Cranberry Puree, thawed
  • • 5 oz. hot apple cider
  • • Whipped cream
  • • Dash of ground cinnamon
  • • Apple slice (for garnish)
  • • Orange wheel (for garnish)

In a coffee mug, combine apple cider, cranberry puree and bourbon. Stir and top with whipped cream and cinnamon. Garnish with apple slice & orange wheel.

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

Cocktail Advent 17: Ol’ Fashioned Holiday Maple

Sips

The reason people are constantly creating new spins on the old classic cocktails is because those classics have stood the test of time.

Knob Creek® Ol’ Fashioned Holiday Maple
Created by Michael Symon

  • Pinch of Raw Sugar
  • Orange Peel
  • 3 Dashes Bitters
  • 1 ½ parts Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon
  • 1 part Calvados Boulard® Apple Brandy

1. Drop a pinch of raw sugar, orange peel, and 3 dashes bitters into a rocks glass and muddle.

2. Add Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon and Calvados Boulard® Apple Brandy and stir with ice.

As far as the parts go, I’d go with an ounce per part, and I can’t see why they didn’t just write it that way. *shrug* The featured spirit here, the Smoked Maple Bourbon, was released last fall (2013) and appears to still be available. It certainly sounds tasty enough to hunt down!

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