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
Lime
The Pedro Martinez
I found this recipe in Imbibe Magazine a couple of years ago, enjoyed another one last night, and I love absolutely everything about it—even the absinthe, which is an acquired taste that’s grown on me over the past decade. Michael Shea, at the Rum Club in Portland, Oregon, gets credit for creating this drink. The … Continue reading The Pedro Martinez
Tequila Mockingbird
Puns have been called the lowest form of humor (wrongly, I insist), but I nominate this cocktail for “highest form of libation," punnish name and all. Watermelon is in season as we speak, and there’s no shortage of great watermelon cocktails out there on the internet. If you love watermelon as much as I do, … Continue reading Tequila Mockingbird
A day late, but never a daiquiri short
Yesterday (July 19) was Daiquiri Day. I hereby claim authority to dismiss any tickets you get from the cocktail police for celebrating a day late. Or days late. Seriously, I try to stay up on all the cocktail “holidays,” but I almost missed this one. I apologize. I happened to drop in on http://www.diffordsguide.com for … Continue reading A day late, but never a daiquiri short
The “Pastry War Margarita”
You read that right, and with this recipe you get a free history lesson. (“Make it a double, bartender—this is gonna take a little while!”) I confess needing to look up what the Pastry War was, and thank you to Wikipedia for telling us all we need to know about this quaint, three-month fracas. Top … Continue reading The “Pastry War Margarita”
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
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
Egg me with some rum: Casablanca No. 1
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
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”
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 