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
Lime
The Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Brown-eyed Jalisco Maid
The original is called simply “Jalisco Maid”—a tribute to the Mexican state of Jalisco (ha-LEE-sko), where most tequila is made (it may be produced in portions of four other states as well). That version called for tequila blanco, but I used tequila resposado—hence, "brown-eyed" Jalisco Maid. If the sweetener in this recipe were Cointreau or a … Continue reading The Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Brown-eyed Jalisco Maid
Hop Toad No. 2
I’m excited that we finally have some warm weather and can enjoy cocktails on the patio again! And what spirit does warm (even hot) weather bring to mind? Rum, of course. There are several variations on the Hop Toad cocktail, all of them including apricot brandy liqueur and lime juice; the primary difference is which … Continue reading Hop Toad No. 2
Daisy de Santiago: Original Version
Think of this drink as a rum-based gimlet or an herbal daiquiri. It delivers a little less pucker than the gimlet, and the dab of Chartreuse gives the drink a gentle vegetal lift that makes beautiful music with the mint garnish. The sweetness of the rum and simple syrup keep the lime in its happy … Continue reading Daisy de Santiago: Original Version
The Voodoo I Do
I was searching for more cocktail recipes to use up some pineapple we had (because there is just never “a little” pineapple—there’s always more than one needs), and I was captivated by the name of this one. It’s a recollection of the great Sinatra hit, “You do something to me.” In particular: Let me live … Continue reading The Voodoo I Do
Cranberry Margarita
Moving on with more holiday-themed cocktails… Call this one a Christmas Margarita if you like, but heck, it would work at Thanksgiving or any other time of the year for that matter. Cranberries are good for you, too! This recipe's perfectly balanced and extremely enjoyable. CRANBERRY MARGARITA2 oz Cranberry juice1 oz Fresh lime juice1½ oz … Continue reading Cranberry Margarita
Snowbound in Jalisco
I'm breaking out some holiday-themed (at least, loosely holiday-themed) cocktail recipes. The official name of this one, according to Esquire magazine, is "Winter Margarita." However, I prefer "Snowbound in Jalisco." The skim of "snow" on this drink is egg-white froth. If you'd like to read more about using egg whites in your cocktails, visit this … Continue reading Snowbound in Jalisco
I said, THIS IS A “LOUD SPEAKER”
This drink is really delicious—citrusy, but balanced. Lime juice can overwhelm other ingredients, but this recipe is was spot on. You don't see brandy and gin together very often, but it really works. For brandy, I prefer a nice (but affordable) French one over the less expensive California brands, but that's your call. LOUD SPEAKER1 … Continue reading I said, THIS IS A “LOUD SPEAKER”
Wordsmith: The perfect cocktail for … wordsmiths
“You are what you drink.” Or is it, “you drink what you are?” In the instant case, either would make me old, tart, and full of medicine. Pretty close to the mark. I’m one of the minority of humans fortunate enough to have made a living sitting on my brains and bandying words for hire. … Continue reading Wordsmith: The perfect cocktail for … wordsmiths
The Sage Margarita
Winter’s arrival doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the tequila. SAGE MARGARITA3 Fresh sage leaves2 oz Tequila (reposado or better)1 oz Triple sec (Cointreau is ideal)1 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice1 tsp Agave or simple syrup Lightly muddle (to bruise) the sage leaves in the base of a shaker; add the other ingredients and … Continue reading The Sage Margarita
The Libation Lounge 