The "New" Old Fashioned Cocktail, Holiday Happiness...

Everything old is new again. Mixologists everywhere are scrambling to re-invent, re-mix, re-vitalize Classic Cocktails. I personally love the oldies, well balanced, layers of flavor and richness, unlike the fruity, over the top sweetness of flavored Vodkas, Rums and Juicy drinks that have prevailed recently. Give me the smoky quality of a great Bourbon, Scotch, Rye to get the party going during the Holidays...

A Bourbon Old Fashioned, Delish...

Muddle 1 Slice of Orange, 2 -3 Maraschino Cherries with Juice, 

Splash of Ginger Infused Simple Syrup, Dash Orange Bitters

Top with 3 Ounces Bourbon or Rye

Shake Well

Pour into Glass with Ice, Top off with Gingerale, Add Orange Slice and Cherry as Garnish

Merciless Margarita - Cinco Libations!

This is a twist on a Margarita that is tasty, refreshing and fresh. On Cinco De Mayo what else would you be drinking, mix up a pitcher and enjoy!

Merciless Margarita

Rocks Glass: muddle an orange slice, lime slice and a splash of agave
Add: 2 oz. Tequila Reposado or Anejo
         3/4 oz. Cointreau or you can use Triple Sec, Grand Marnier
         1 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
         Splash OJ
Shake: Pour into a Salt Rimmed Glass over ice or Up Glass

I like to mix the flavored rimming sugars with the salt crystals for different palate pleasers, mix it up, this Margarita is sure to be a hit.

Cinco de Mayo - Let's Get Ready!

Cinco de Mayo, is not the day of Mexican Independence, it is the day that celebrates the Mexican Army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. For many of us, it has come to be a day to hit the local Mexican Restaurant and imbibe on delicious Margaritas and Mexican Food Favorites, accompanied by a Mariachi Band. It is also a great reason to plan a get together with friends and have a party! This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, making it perfect for a late afternoon party with great drinks and some real deal Mexican street fare. I plan to post food and beverage recipes that will truly inspire you to planning a great El Día de la Batalla de Puebla (English: The Day of the Battle of Puebla). Cheers!

Bringing back the dead or hungover, Corpse Reviver Classic Cocktail

Since my son settled into a bartending gig to pay the bills while in school, he has taken a "scholarly" approach to his new position and has jumped head first into mixology and cocktails in the true spirit of the drink. Recipes created when glamour, sophisticated lyrics and tres chic nightclubs were the norm, perfectly mixed, balanced and blended cocktails were the rule of thumb. Here is one of the classic recipes that he cultivated to offer his clientele and bring back a whisp of the days when Cole Porter lyrics were sung by a sultry songstress and the smoke of hand rolled cigarettes in a holder, held by a graceful gloved hand filled the air...

The Corpse Reviver

Served in an Up Glass

- Drop a small amount of Absinthe in the glass and swirl to coat
- In a shaker with ice add equal parts of:

• Gin 
• Lemon Juice 
• Cointreau or Triple Sec 
• Lillet

- Roll the shaker to blend and strain into the glass

I would recommend using the best quality Spirits for this cocktail to ensure a smooth, tasty libation. A great quality Vodka could also replace the Gin if that is your preference. This drink was originally created as a "hair of the dog" solution to a hangover, hence the name "Corpse Reviver".

Enjoy, and let me know what you think

Kick Ass White Sangria

Yesterday I awoke to 82 degrees, beautiful sunny spring/summer day. The day prior was 50 degrees, big gap in a 24 hour period. Anywho, sun shining, blue sky, time for a light, refreshing fruity and delicious libation to keep the mood rolling along.  Headed off to the store to get the ingredients:

From the liquor Store:

1 Gallon Chablis
Apricot Brandy
Blackberry Brandy
Brandy
Peach Schnapps
Triple Sec

Grocery Store:

Oranges
Apples
Strawberries
Lemons
Grapes

Orange Juice

Now to mix this deliciousness, I use a 1 Gallon Tuperware Pitcher and then pour into a decorative glass pitcher as needed.

- Slice the fruits that you like, about 3 cups of fruit per gallon of Sangria
- Cover the fruits with 1 Cup of Brandy and let sit for an hour or so
- Add 1/2 cups of each Peach, Blackberry and Apricot Brandies
- Add 1 cup of Triple Sec
- Pour in White Wine just about to the top, leave about 4 inches
- Top off with Orange Juice

I chill this for several hours and serve over ice with a fruit garnish. This is great for parties, and makes a beautiful and delicious addition to any meal or gathering. Red wine can be used in place of White, it's a personal preference, both are equally delish.