Presented by Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor Today (July 11) is World Rum Day, so let’s celebrate! And who wouldn’t love a cocktail that shares its name with a Scorsese film? This one is "The Departed." Sorry, though - no Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, or Leonardo DiCaprio in sight.To be honest, … Continue reading World Rum Day Cocktail of the Week: The Departed
Mezcal
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Here comes cocktail Santa Claus
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
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Peat’s Dragon
It’s December again. Well, not quite—but there was snow in the air and on the ground in Western New York early this week, so I call the horseshoes rule: It’s close enough. But you didn’t click over here for a weather report; either you’re here and know this already, or you aren’t and you don’t … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Peat’s Dragon
Spice up your cocktails with mezcal. Heck, make it the star!
My personal mezcal stash, because I identify as a millenial ... Ask anyone in the spirits and wine industry, and you'll hear that agave spirits—principally tequila—are selling like crazy and gradually taking over retail shelf space from other categories (sorry, brandy and rum). According to Statista, U.S. sales of tequila more than doubled over the … Continue reading Spice up your cocktails with mezcal. Heck, make it the star!
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
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”
Review: Agave Gin (I know. I was shocked, too.)
If gin flew to Mexico and had a fling with mezcal, this would be their love child. Stick with me, because this love story takes a little explanation, starting with a 30,000 foot review of how gin is made before we get into the particulars of Gracias a Díos (GAD) Agave Gin. “Daddy, where does … Continue reading Review: Agave Gin (I know. I was shocked, too.)
Melinda’s Margarita
Happy National Margarita Day! This is my favorite Margarita—Melinda’s Margarita—and the trick to it is getting the heat just right. Trust me; I made the the overkill variation once. Once. Melinda is my friend who suggested improving another recipe I used by muddling 2-3 jalapeño slices in the shaker before adding ice and shaking the … Continue reading Melinda’s Margarita
The Dead Poet
My Facebook posts about this cocktail always elicit comments about or quotes from Robin Williams' iconic performance in Dead Poets Society, but I can't prove on paper that there's any connection between the drink and the film. Likewise, with the tequila and mezcal front and center, one might expect this was a tribute by some … Continue reading The Dead Poet
The Libation Lounge 