'Twas brillig, and the sippy toves ... No? That's wrong? Okay, how about ... "Beware the Jabberwock, my son!The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!” Could Lewis Carroll—a clergyman, noted poet, and author of children’s classics including Alice in Wonderland—have been sermonizing about gin in his classic poem? He is too long gone to … Continue reading With no apologies to Lewis Carroll, do not beware this Jabberwock
Gin
The Blood Sage Cocktail
This cocktail depends on availability of two ingredients that may not always be in your local grocery store—blood oranges and fresh sage leaves. But when the stars align and they’re both available, grab them and give this a try. Before discovering this recipe on the Difford’s Guide site, I never thought of combining sage and … Continue reading The Blood Sage Cocktail
The Martinez
I’m back after knocking off for a while to polish up a presentation for the vermouth seminar I did at Pinnacle Wine & Liquor on October 26. Some of that material will appear here on the Libation Lounge in upcoming weeks. Meanwhile, back to mixing cocktails! Today’s feature is a minor but (I believe) historically … Continue reading The Martinez
Dear old Aunt Emily
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
Her Majesty’s Favorite: Was she Team Dubonnet or Team Martini?
Royal funerals are certainly more sober events than royal weddings, but just as rare, so I hope everyone will forgive this descendant of English yeoman farmers for being fascinated by the moment. In fact, Nancy and I plan to watch the entire proceeding on Monday, September 19—provided we succeed in recording it all. (We’re interested, … Continue reading Her Majesty’s Favorite: Was she Team Dubonnet or Team Martini?
Cool your heat wave with the White Lady cocktail
When life hands you a lemon, find someone with gin and Triple Sec, and make a White Lady! Actually, life is great, and this only involved an *actual* lemon. Cold, refreshing, lemony ... happy birthday to me!! The White Lady is a cousin of the Margarita and the Sidecar, with a century of history and … Continue reading Cool your heat wave with the White Lady cocktail
What’s the difference between a “smash” and a “crush?”
That’s a burning question…but…who cares, really?? Fresh fruit is a slave driver. ("USE ME! NOW! OR I'LL ROT ON YOU!!") Peaches are in season right now, and a handful of ripe, luscious Lori Ann peaches is really nagging at me, so bring on the smashes and crushes. Here are two delicious summer cocktails—one with gin, … Continue reading What’s the difference between a “smash” and a “crush?”
Gin and tonic been berry berry good to me
There are so many delicious ingredients to combine with gin and tonic water that I decided to focus this post on a theme rather than a specific recipe. The theme? It’s the berries. All kinds of berries. Berry harvesting begins in early summer around the Northeastern United States, and who wouldn’t love to toss some … Continue reading Gin and tonic been berry berry good to me
Fun fact and a special drink for Dad
First, the fun fact. This year—the Year of Our Lord 2022—Father’s Day and National Martini Day fall on the very same day: Sunday, June 19. Coincidence? I think not. So, if you’ve been putting off what to do for Dad this year and woke up this morning with your hair on fire about it (so … Continue reading Fun fact and a special drink for Dad
Watermelon & Basil Cocktail
Oh, there are so many more summer gin cocktail options than a mere gin and tonic. When the earth erupts with fruits, herbs, and fresh vegetables, the menu is boundless. Let's start with watermelon. Many of you have had watermelon and basil salads sprinkled with feta cheese, yes? Well, muddle that salad and pour in … Continue reading Watermelon & Basil Cocktail
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