Archive for Cocktails
Raspberry-Elderflower Warmer
by Dennis Mayer on January 13th, 2012 | Cocktails, Crafty Bartender, Liquor
In the warm, summer months, mixing drinks with fresh fruit flavors can be as easy as walking outside and picking whatever you grow in your yard -- or perusing the seasonal fruits in the produce section of your supermarket. Finding those same kinds of flavors in the winter can be a challenge, but you can still do it. Jarred fruit preserves (of the preserve, jam, or jelly variety) are made and processed at the fruit's peak ripeness, so the finished product captures the flavors we love in the summer. The same stuff you spread on your peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich can
151 Proof Rum
by Dennis Mayer on January 5th, 2012 | Ask the Bartender, Cocktails, Liquor
On a cocktail menu, I saw that a Zombie had 151 proof rum in it, which explains the name. Obviously this rum will succeed in making someone intoxicated quite quickly, but is there any value to having that liquor in my cabinet?
It's true. The main value in overproof rums is the high-octane alcohol content -- almost twice that of a normal rum. Many folks would see an intrinsic value in stashing a bottle of that ilk somewhere in the back of their liquor cabinet. (Those are the sort of folks who anticipate, with glee, an impromptu visit from one
It's true. The main value in overproof rums is the high-octane alcohol content -- almost twice that of a normal rum. Many folks would see an intrinsic value in stashing a bottle of that ilk somewhere in the back of their liquor cabinet. (Those are the sort of folks who anticipate, with glee, an impromptu visit from one
Kamikaze Shots
by Dennis Mayer on December 28th, 2011 | Bomb Shot, Cocktails, Liquor
Shooters are a young drinker's game, and probably should be. Mixing up multicolored, oddly flavored concoctions designed to be consumed as quickly as possible? Somehow, this is considered good bartending instead of neglect. I've made plenty of money off of "shot" recipes, but you'll never hear me bragging about my Slippery Nipples, my Red-Headed Sluts (ahem), or my Washington Apples. They're a terrible idea, they almost always lead to problem drinking, and the cheap, imitation liqueurs used to flavor them taste funky, and lead to a terrible hangover in the morning.
So why are we talking about kamikaze shots? Well,
So why are we talking about kamikaze shots? Well,
Christmas Cocktail
by Dennis Mayer on December 22nd, 2011 | Ask the Bartender, Cocktails
Last year, my wife and I attended a Christmas party where the hosts made a fabulous candy cane martini as the featured beverage. We are hosting a party this year for the same group of people, and I would like to make a cocktail that has the look and feel of the holidays. If it helps for brainstorming, we are serving hot and cold appetizers.
Many times, it's just the details that make a special-occasion cocktail memorable. Mix up an ounce of vodka with a half-ounce of creme de menthe, and it's basically mouthwash. Garnish it with a tiny candy
Many times, it's just the details that make a special-occasion cocktail memorable. Mix up an ounce of vodka with a half-ounce of creme de menthe, and it's basically mouthwash. Garnish it with a tiny candy
Bloody Mary
by Dennis Mayer on December 13th, 2011 | Cocktails, Events, Mixed Drinks
The holiday season seems like as good a time as any to address the Bloody Mary -- the quintessential (almost to the point of cliché) morning-after hangover remedy.
You probably already have a fairly strong opinion on the Bloody Mary -- either you love it, or you can't stand it. Some people find the salty, spicy bite from the drink wakes up a bleary palate after a too-short night of boozy sleep. (Personally, I'm not sure it works any better than a strong cup of coffee.) Some people feel like the tomato juice, along with the celery garnish, make the
You probably already have a fairly strong opinion on the Bloody Mary -- either you love it, or you can't stand it. Some people find the salty, spicy bite from the drink wakes up a bleary palate after a too-short night of boozy sleep. (Personally, I'm not sure it works any better than a strong cup of coffee.) Some people feel like the tomato juice, along with the celery garnish, make the
