Aquavit (alternative spelling: akvavit) is a Nordic spirit--a distillation of grain or potato alcohol, flavored with herbs and botanicals. The most common, dominant flavoring is from caraway, usually with a strong flavor of dill as well. Styles of aquavit vary, and it usually includes other spices as well – anise, coriander, citrus, fennel, and savory … Continue reading The “Last Wörd” – and Intro to Aquavit
The Monte Whiskey Sour – and Egg White Technique
"Sour" cocktails, among other categories and styles, frequently involve egg white in some form, so this is a good time to bring up the matter of egg-white technique. Pay close attention: Breaking the shell isn't the messiest thing you can do with an egg Why use egg white? Because egg whites lend creamy texture to … Continue reading The Monte Whiskey Sour – and Egg White Technique
Armchair Travel: The Whisky Isles by Bike
If you're a Scotch whisky lover, you've heard about Islay (pronounced 'eye-luh') and Jura, and maybe you've been fortunate enough to visit there (I haven't, but that trip's on my bucket list). Here's a YouTube video from the Global Cycling Network of two cyclists seeing those islands up close and personal, gravel roads, mud, shaggy … Continue reading Armchair Travel: The Whisky Isles by Bike
Gin & It
Caught in a short break between a wine tasting and dinner, what does one do for a simple cocktail? Something like this: The "Gin & It" - "It" is short for Italian. As in vermouth. The sweet, flavorful, red kind. Equal parts gin (this time, Sipsmith VJOP - very high test at 57.7% alcohol by … Continue reading Gin & It
Here’s a Bar Bet for You
I posted this on my Facebook page on December 5, 2021, in observance of Repeal Day - the anniversary of the end of nationwide Prohibition in the United States. Among the less fractious barroom debates Americans could have, I propose this question: “What was the biggest celebration the United States has known yet?” Our bicentennial? … Continue reading Here’s a Bar Bet for You
The Bloody Bronx
This post originally appeared on my Facebook page on February 5, 2021. (I cannot testify to whether Wegmans has blood oranges in stock on this date a year later.) Squeezed out yet another blood orange cocktail. Since they're in at Wegmans (at least for now), gotta use 'em up. I give myself a C- on the … Continue reading The Bloody Bronx
The Old Panamanian (a Cuban Ex-pat)
This is a really tasty (and easy) variation on the Daiquiri. It has the basics - rum, lime juice, and sugar (simple syrup in this case) - but it adds six fresh mint leaves in the shaker for flavor (YUM!) and a splash of Champagne to top it off in the glass. Fresh mint leaves … Continue reading The Old Panamanian (a Cuban Ex-pat)
The Alaska Cocktail (or, “The Further Adventures of Genepy”)
The Further Adventures of Genepy: Finally - a non-limey cocktail that showcases Yellow Chartreuse's or Genepy le Chamois's flavor! This is a classic cocktail based on Old Tom Gin and Yellow Chartreuse. I substituted Genepy for the Chartreuse in this, and the slightly stronger flavors of the Genepy pair beautifully with the Old Tom! Here's … Continue reading The Alaska Cocktail (or, “The Further Adventures of Genepy”)
Daisy de Santiago – Genepy Version
Continuing the exploration of Genepy le Chamois (yada yada bike shorts yada yada). This one works. The original recipe for this one calls for Yellow Chartreuse, but I replaced that with the Genepy. Very, very nice! Aiming to try a couple others that should bring the Genepy up front. DAISY DE SANTIAGO 2 oz White … Continue reading Daisy de Santiago – Genepy Version
The Dernier Mot
New spirit adventures! My latest swap with friend Michael involved me giving him some excellent aged Rhum Agricole du Martinique (and a couple of accessories), and he gave me a healthy jar of Dolin Genepy le Chamois - a product of France's eastern mountains. Genepy le Chamois. Yes, it sounds like something I'd squeeze out … Continue reading The Dernier Mot
The Libation Lounge 