If you’ve flirted with drinking dry Martinis but stopped short of fully embracing them, I can’t blame you; everything about the classic Martini is an acquired taste—the gin, the dry vermouth, and the olive. But the Martini has some siblings and cousins you may enjoy all the way through to the last sip, and the … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Tuxedo No. 2
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Old Fashioned & its many riffs
What it is and why we call it “Old Fashioned” The name of the Old Fashioned cocktail is a textbook example of truth in labeling. We call it that because it was, indeed, the earliest form of American cocktail. During the pre-revolutionary and pre-refrigeration era, when whiskey and rum were coarse and often offensive to … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Old Fashioned & its many riffs
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Two “session” cocktails and tips for New Year’s Eve
With a look ahead to Dry January You may have guessed by now, but my motto is "Moderation in all things—including moderation." We’re almost there, folks. All of the November and December excuses for excess, except New Year’s Eve, are behind us. Here comes 2024, ready or not, and after the Day of Endless Bowl … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Two “session” cocktails and tips for New Year’s Eve
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Here comes cocktail Santa Claus
There are dozens and dozens of holiday-themed and holiday-appropriate cocktails one can make to please and amaze family and friends at this time of year. I’ll begin with my very favorite, which I originally posted on this blog a year ago, and then move on to a few others. And my very favorite holiday cocktail … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Here comes cocktail Santa Claus
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Blackthorn and Other Sloe Gin Delights
The holidays are upon us, and too often this is a season of excess, so if you’re interested in beverages you can sip all evening without shooting holes in your liver and brain, I have two words for you: Sloe. Gin. “Sloe Gin? I’ve heard of that—what is it, anyway?”Sloe gin isn’t quite gin; it’s … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Blackthorn and Other Sloe Gin Delights
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Ramos Gin Fizz
Fair warning that this cocktail is more complicated to make than most of the drinks we’ve featured so far—but the holiday season is upon us, and what better time to impress your family and friends with rich, creamy, delicious cocktails? And aren’t they worth it? Aren’t you?? The Ramos Gin Fizz has a long, colorful … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Ramos Gin Fizz
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Peat’s Dragon
It’s December again. Well, not quite—but there was snow in the air and on the ground in Western New York early this week, so I call the horseshoes rule: It’s close enough. But you didn’t click over here for a weather report; either you’re here and know this already, or you aren’t and you don’t … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Peat’s Dragon
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Sumo in a Sidecar
…and a little about other ways to enjoy sake—a great ingredient to have when you're drinking more than one! I love sake, and I love using sake in cocktails. Too many Americans think of sake only as the warmed-up, often less-than-pleasant beverage typically served in Japanese-themed chain restaurants. There’s an entire, wonderful world of sakes … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Sumo in a Sidecar
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: the Surf and Turf Cocktail
I see no steak. I see no lobster. So what’s with this cocktail's name? It was created only recently by Simon Difford (of Difford's Guide fame), but it's a riff on a drink that's at least 125 years old - the Turf Club Cocktail, which was named after one of the saloons that first merchandised … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: the Surf and Turf Cocktail
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Champs Élysée
This cocktail recipe is almost 100 years old (at least) as it appeared first in the recipe collection “Drinks Long and Short” in 1925. It took an appearance in Harry Craddock’s 1930 Savoy Cocktail Book, to popularize the drink. For my fellow travelers who never took French classes—click here to learn the correct pronunciation. The … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Champs Élysée
The Libation Lounge 