Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Just Cocktails


Just Cocktails
Originally uploaded by chipandandy
I was going to try for a Trifecta... Raiders of the Lost Cocktail, Mixology Monday, and Repeal Day. Not because I am lazy and only want to prepare one drink, but instead because I drink I wondered if I was up to the challenge...

I have a drink that includes includes Benedictine, qualifying for Raiders of the Lost Cocktail. And, it includes Creme de Roses, which is another ingredient lost to the sands (and livers) of time. I have a drink I suspect, but can not confirm, is a pre-prohibition recipe. The tome I found it in was published six years after Repeal Day, but the collection of recipes has got to be mostly from before and during. The style of the recipes, the ingredients used, the whole presentation, they all speak to something that survived 'the dry years.'

Lastly, I have a drink to celebrate Repeal Day that would be appropriate to the time. And even if it isn't appropriate for the time, it should be tasty enough to enjoy now.


I offer the Maiden's Kiss.
  • 1 measure Creme de Roses
  • 1 measure Curacao
  • 1 measure Maraschino
  • 1 measure Yellow Chartreuse
  • 1 measure Benedictine


There are no assembly instructions for this, but most everything in the book is shake and strain in to a cocktail glass. I see no reason why this one would be different.

Maiden's Kiss
Well, I cant offer a picture of the final drink because I had to fake some of the ingredients. The resulting cocktail was a horrible color. It tasted good, but I don't think it was what was intended. Creme de Roses is not available so I tried Rose Water. Add to that I only have Green Chartreuse, the end result was something...... different. It has a strange aftertaste that comes from the Rosewater (I think that is where it came from). The Benedictine and Chartreuse play well together each complimenting the herbal qualities of the other and the Maraschino serves to balance the floral notes. The Curacao adds to a wonderful aroma, but I don't see that it does anything specific to the drink. And, using Orange colored Curacao and adding it to Green Chartreuse, well you can imagine why I don't have a picture of the final result.

If anyone would like to offer some feedback on the Creme de Rose I would be most happy. This cocktail sounds like too much fun just to abandon because one of its ingredients is seemingly dead.

Monday, November 26, 2007

Snowball


Snowball
Originally uploaded by chipandandy
OK, giggle if you want. It is a funny word.

And , it is a cocktail that has fallen out of favor generally speaking. Well, not so much as it just kind of got lost to a lot of other drinks with names that are much funnier (or more rude).

Well, this drink drifted back on to my radar after watching a bit of Food TV, or what the wahine and I like to consider the new Porn. This porn analogy goes one further because we were watching Nigella Lawson, who is not only good looking but makes the cooking and eating of food soooo sexy. Nigella was sharing her holiday recipes and was serving Snowballs to get everyone in the mood.

One problem.... Advocaat is not something I keep on my bar nor do I expect any of my local outlets. Well, imagine my surprise when they had not one, but three bottles of the stuff. And the bottles were not covered in inches of dust. So, a trip to the market, a dash home, and....


Snowball

  • 2 ouces Advocaat
  • Lemon-lime soda
  • Squeeze of lime

  • Pour Advocaat over ice in a chimney glass or highball. Top with Lemon-Lime soda and a small squeeze of lime. Enjoy.


    I used sparkling Lemonade and highly recommend it. Sprite works, but it turns out really sugary sweet. The squeeze of lime brightens all of the flavors.

    And, the flavor... Like Eggnog, only refreshing. Advocaat is an egg liqueur, rich and creamy (and about 17% abv). The Lemonade is sparkling and refreshing.

    So, find yourself some Advocaat. I hesitate to call this a seasonal drink, but it is a refreshing alternative to the heavier eggnogs that are so common about now.

    SnowballSnowball





    Sunday, November 11, 2007

    Classic Cocktail - Jewel


    Jewel
    Originally uploaded by chipandandy
    I got this wonderful little tome from ebay a couple of months back and have been enjoying it very much. The other night I found myself in the mood for a cocktail (surprise), so I flip through and find an interesting one with Gin and Chartreuse. It is called a "Jewell" and is Gin, Chartreuse, Italian Vermouth and a dash of Orange bitters.

    Well, as I sit down at the computer to enjoy my cocktail I read that Mixology Monday's theme is Gin. Perfect, I have a classic cocktail that is Gin based that is rather tasty.

    Try the cocktail, then head over to Oh Gosh! to see what everyone else has cooked up.


    Jewell
  • 1 Pony Green Chartreuse
  • 1 Pony Italian Vermouth
  • 1 Pony Dry Gin
  • 1 Dash Orange Bitters

    Enjoy. I did.



    JewelJewelJewel

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