Aviator (revised)

Generally, the Aviator is a bit too dry for me. The balance of maraschino liquor against creme de violette is more bitter than sweet. So, tonight I reversed the proportions of the two-3/4 oz creme de violette and 1/2 oz maraschino liqueur. Still a dry and citrusy drink, but not quite so bitter, and more colorful too. That's a Luxardo cherry at the bottom. On my list, making brandies cherries. Sounds like a good winter activity to me!

The Barbados Swizzle!

Love this new one. Wonderful hot August day refreshment. Used Zaya rum for this cocktail, which I love alone on the rocks too. Got the recipe from Jennifer Fiedler's The Essential Bar Book that Tom gave me for Christmas. 

Sweet Heat

I was doing my regular run through at Home Goods when I came across Rokz Ginger Cardamom infusion. Yum, I thought, so I took it home, added Tito's vodka, letting it infuse in freezer for three days. Then I strained the ginger/cardamom mix out of the vodka, and voila! a tasty but sweet vodka emerged. The ginger is strong in flavor, which I love. For those that do not like ginger, this is not for you.

I knew that I would need a cocktail to make with my new creation, so I went online to the Rokz website which promised to have recipes for their infusions. I settled on their Sweet Heat.

It was definitely delicious and the lime juice takes the edge of the infused vodka. When I make it again tonight, I will be adding more vodka to it (at least a half ounce) as it was a bit weak for my tastes (my husband and guests agreed).

Since I didn't have the Rokz "sweet heat" sugar, I made my own from raw sugar, cayenne pepper and black pepper, wetting the rims of the glasses with Agave Nectar to coat.

Here are our neighbors being my guinea pigs for this new tipple to my repertoire! ;-) Thanks for being such great sports, and bringing that delectable smoked salmon chipotle dip, which added some heat of its own!

Vieux Carre

Apparently a NOLA oldie, this is an easy sipper. Robust and earthy, yet sweet like honey. Warms the chest on a cold, late winter night. 

The Beachcomer

Wishing for warmer climes and a use for my maraschino liqueur. A bit on the tart side. Note: Use less lime juice next time. 

Later this evening... Much better after adding a little simple syrup and grenadine. Just a dash to take the tartness off. And prettier too. 

Moscow Mules tonight

A well stocked bar, and the request tonight is Moscow Mules. Why have I put off buying this copper mugs?!

Satan's Whiskers

Haven't had this one in a while. So good. Perfect blend of liquids with a touch of tart, just a touch. Reminded lately why I like gin so much, it adds so much character to a drink. 

Today was a day I just couldn't get the chill out of my bones and this is just what the doctor ordered. For some reason the recipes call for 1/2 ounces which would make a tiny tipple. I added a quarter ounce of each ingredient. Still not enough to fill my coupe. Next time I'll do full ounces. 

Also I used Grand Marnier not orange curaçao although I have a delicious orange liqueur by New Holland Artisan Spirits called Clockwerk Orange. Mmmmm. 

Below is pic of two recipes I have. One is from The Bartender's Deck and the other from a book Tom gave me for Xmas-The Essential Bar Book. The other is my drink, you can see the size - after only one sip. See why I need to increase ounceage!? And behind is Tom's emptied drink. Still love our Christofle barware all these years later.