With a name like "Aunt Emily," you might expect this to be a riff on the Old Fashioned or a Dubonnet Cocktail—or a glass of wine. But nope. However old she is, Aunt Emily is a happenin' chick and somewhat of a boozer. Between the liqueur and the grenadine, this cocktail is on the sweet … Continue reading Dear old Aunt Emily
Apricot Brandy
The Slope
Last week, I poured a whiskey tasting at Basin Wine & Spirits in nearby Bushnell’s Basin, NY, and the whiskeys were (frankly speaking) fairly pedestrian. That is not to say they were bad; they are solid, reasonably priced, readily available spirits: Evan Williams 1783 (a “more aged” version of the distillery’s Evan Williams Black); Evan … Continue reading The Slope
The Silk Road
Road trip!! It's been a couple of years of little or no travel, so doesn't hitting the Silk Road sound amazing? That network of ancient trade routes spans China and Asia, into the Middle East and southeastern Europe, and it brought us spices that are the roots of our modern cuisine ... and beverages. Long … Continue reading The Silk Road
Paradise—two tickets optional
That's the name of the drink: Paradise. Tip of the hat to the late Eddie Money for the ticket reference. This is one of a few recipes I have that call for “apricot brandy liqueur,” and the most common brand of that spirit you’re likely to find around my region is Hiram Walker—which is fine, … Continue reading Paradise—two tickets optional
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 Apricot Rickey—and why it’s called a “Rickey”
Spring is officially here in the Northern Hemisphere, at least on the calendar, and it’s even starting to look and feel like spring here in Rochester, NY. Lawns are greening up and growing, I see buds on a couple of the shrubs around my yard, and I see bicyclists here and there on our roads. … Continue reading The Apricot Rickey—and why it’s called a “Rickey”
The Libation Lounge 