The Yale

Tonight, I searched my book for the perfect fit, finding none, I decided to try the Yale as the use of Blue Curacao intrigued me, and of course, Gin - my new fave.

The color is supposed to pay homage to the Ivy League institution, but I think the flavor really nails it. All I could think after the first sip was blue blood. The mixture of Gin, dry vermouth, blue curacao and orange bitters creates a semi-dry, colorful yet refined taste.

I feel transported to another life. And isn't it just beautiful?

The Classic Gin Martini

A bit delayed in writing this post. This was last weekend's cocktail. I have been an avid Vodka gal for many years, shunning Gin for its mediciny flavor. But this night, I decided to give a try, adding bleu cheese olives, of course, as no martini would be complete without. Perhaps its is that I'm aging and my taste buds aren't as sensitive, or perhaps they are more discerning, whichever it may be, I enjoyed the "herbal" flavor of this martini! But only one please or I'll be on the floor. ;-) 

Gin is my new Vodka, perhaps I'll start a trend. 

Silver Bell

I swear I usually don't drink this much, but how can I not celebrate the impending snow day here tomorrow, especially after a walk in the winter wonderland that has taken over our neighborhood?

A crisp outdoor adventure calls for an equally crisp tipple. I made these for our holiday party several weeks ago and they are a treat. I was in search of a cocktail with cinnamon among it's ingredients and discovered the Silver Bell. It requires making a cranberry spice simple syrup in advance and is topped with ginger beer with "silver" Tequila as it's base. It definitely has a kick!

Stay warm this week!

Bourbon Street Special

Date night with my hubby! Saw the new flick, American Hustle - brilliant! Then dinner at The Quarter Bistro. In keeping with the NOLA theme, and my new affinity for dark liquor cocktails, I ordered the Bourbon Street Special from their martini menu. Loved it! Not too heavy, nor too sweet, and a good complement to the heavy cream sauce dish I ordered.

The Abbey

The Abbey sounded more interesting that it actually was. Basically it's a gin screwdriver, not worth the energy of crafting. I am starting to enjoy gin though - must be Bombay Sapphire.

In case anyone is wondering about where I am finding these cocktails, they are from a book my husband gave me for Christmas - The Architecture of the Cocktail.