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
Lemon
José’s gin and tonic
As previously noted, it’s officially G&T season, and there’s so much more to gin and tonic than lime wedges! This G&T is credited to none other than master chef, restaurateur, and amazing humanitarian José Andres. The fruits and herbs should be readily available in most locales. Here in Rochester, I’ve gotten lemon verbena plants at … Continue reading José’s gin and tonic
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
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
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”
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”
Between the Sheets
By rights, I should start a short series by posting the more classic Sidecar (Cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice), but I love this one even a little more because it adds rum (I love rum!), and I mixed one of these for my tasting at CHM last Saturday, so I’m in the mood for … Continue reading Between the Sheets
The Elder Aviator
This is a riff on the classic Aviation cocktail (gin, Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur, crème de violette, lemon juice), but dropping the sweet, floral violette and adding the more herbaceously floral (and health-giving!) notes of elderflower liqueur. THE ELDER AVIATOR2 oz Gin (good stuff, please)⅔ oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur¼ oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur½ oz Freshly … Continue reading The Elder Aviator
The Libation Lounge 