Casablanca … Recite with me: “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine ... and orders a rum drink.” Eggs and rum have an interesting relationship, rather like Rick and Ilsa in the classic film. During the winter holiday season, eggs take the lead in their … Continue reading Egg me with some rum: Casablanca No. 1
Recipes
Dead Parrot Colada
With summer almost upon us (a boy can dream can’t he?), it's time for frozen tropical drinks. DEAD PARROT COLADA1½ oz Gin1½ oz Coconut water½ oz Akvavit½ oz Blue Curaçao Liqueur¼ oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur½ oz Fresh lemon juice½ oz Simple syrup Blend all ingredients with crushed ice and serve in a Collins glass with … Continue reading Dead Parrot Colada
Kumquat & clove gin and tonic
As promised in “Think beyond the lime,” here’s another easy and delicious gin and tonic idea. At our local Wegmans, when they’re in season, you’ll find kumquats on the exotic fruit table in the produce department. KUMQUAT & CLOVE GIN AND TONIC3 Kumquats, cut in half3 to 5 Cloves3 oz High-proof gin—I prefer Sipsmith VJOP … Continue reading Kumquat & clove gin and tonic
St. Croix Sunset
We're a long way from the Caribbean, but there's steel drum music on the Bose and strong rum in the cupboard just aching for some sunshine and warm weather (as we all are). This cocktail is refreshingly acidic and citrusy, with layered flavors and the rich color that gives it its name. ST CROIX SUNSET … Continue reading St. Croix Sunset
The Lucien Gaudin
When I made this recipe the first time, I kiddingly described it as a “warm-up” cocktail—the one you have while you mix your “real” one—due to its diminutive size. It tops out at 3 ounces, including ice melt. But it’s a cocktail with history, created in Paris almost a century ago (when 3 ounces was … Continue reading The Lucien Gaudin
I don’t name them, I only mix them: “Adios Motherfucker”
I assume everyone reading this is over 21, yes? Apologies if the name furrows anyone’s brows. My beloved, 90 percent proper First Niece tells me that back in nursing school they referred to this more simply as the "AMF." That works, too, although for me that conjures memories of stinky bowling alleys. Also, apologies if … Continue reading I don’t name them, I only mix them: “Adios Motherfucker”
Think beyond the lime for your tonic drinks
As we get into warmer weather, I’ll be featuring more and more seasonally appropriate cocktails, including all manner of tall, icy tonic drinks. Let’s do a level-set on this category, shall we? No doubt, everyone who loves cocktails of any type knows the classic recipe for a gin and tonic: A couple ounces of your … Continue reading Think beyond the lime for your tonic drinks
Yes, I’m pushing “The Panic Button”
This is a great mix for the kind of in-between weather we’ve been having in Rochester for the past couple of weeks—a bourbon cocktail with interesting bitter and sour notes, served on a big old rock. This is the "Panic Button," which Imbibe magazine credits to the Living Room Bar at Charleston's Dewberry Hotel. THE … Continue reading Yes, I’m pushing “The Panic Button”
A *Tequila* Martini? Of course!
If you think tequila is only for shots or Margaritas, oh please—walk with me here for a little while. Set aside those bottom-shelf tequilas that are only half agave, and let’s see what a person can do with a rich, textured 100% agave tequila from a couple of shelves up. Tequilas are not all alike. … Continue reading A *Tequila* Martini? Of course!
Cinco de Mayo riddle: What’s Mexico’s favorite tequila drink?
And, oh yes—happy Cinco de Mayo, to those who celebrate. If your answer to that headline question is “the Margarita” … you are sadly wrong. It’s the Paloma, at least according to cocktail historian and raconteur David Wondrich. Truth told, it may not be either cocktail, because the Paloma and Margarita are both chronological infants … Continue reading Cinco de Mayo riddle: What’s Mexico’s favorite tequila drink?
The Libation Lounge 