Robby's Afternoon Medicine

Robby's Afternoon Medicine

    

    To celebrate my little brothers (Jenny's brother but now i consider him my brother now as well) birthday I decided to dedicate this Cocktail to you Mr. Robby Limas.  I am so happy to have this man in my corner, I look up to him in a different way then people do.  He shows the strength, sweetness, and spice that makes a man a man.  Like this Cocktail, Robby stands out above the rest (I would be lying if I didn't say you are my family and I know you are going to be the best at whatever you decide to do). Thank you Robby for letting me be part of your amazing family, and your journey through life, I have your back in anything you ever need.  I love you little brother and happy birthday.

    With the ingredients in this Cocktail I decided to use the best for the best.  When choosing the Vodka I picked out my favorite, Tito's Handmade Vodka.  When choosing the fruit you always want to pick the freshest available (if you can ask your produce person if they know how fresh the fruit is).  Strawberries should be a bright red and firm (you don't want to use soft, dark spotted strawberries).  Same with the kiwi fruit, you want semi firm fruit that when you press your finger against the skin it gives a little (just like a ripe avocado feels).  I like using a premade Tri-Pepper blend which you can find in any spice section of your favorite grocery store.  Using fresh lime juice is always best I also found that you can substitute using the 100% lime juice (you know the juice that comes in the bottle shaped like a lime) it lasts longer than keeping fresh limes in your fridge.  

    Now it is time to give you the recipe for this amazing Cocktail.

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka

• 1 whole lime juiced

• dash of Tri-Pepper blend seasoning

• 1/2 fresh strawberry sliced in quarters

• Sliced Kiwi for garnish

    Chill Martini glass with ice water and set aside.  In Cocktail Shaker add Vodka, lime juice, Tri-Pepper blend, and Strawberry, muddle until strawberry is crushed, you aren't trying to make strawberry mash, just trying to break up the strawberry.  Add ice to Cocktail Shaker and hard shake for 5-10 seconds.  Discard ice water from Martini Glass and strain Cocktail into Martini Glass.  Garnish with your sliced Kiwi Fruit.  Now its time to enjoy your Cocktail.  Always remember that you are making Cocktails to enjoy, and best way to enjoy  is with friends and family.  Life is to short not to give thanks to the people around us that make a difference in your life.  Never dwell in the past, life is a gift so always live in the present.  LOVE LIFE and Friends, never let the little things get in your way, if you think life is getting hard, call a friend and tell them you want to celebrate them, invite them over and ENJOY a Cocktail with them and always remember to LAUGH

Martini

MARTINI

    "I've never tasted anything so clean. They made me feel civilized." From Ernest Hemingway novel Farewell to Arms, to the most famous James Bond line "Shaken not Stirred." And even my favorite "He just knows how I like my Martinis... Full of Alcohol." by the perfect Mans-Man Homer Simpson.  The Martini has become one of the most Iconic Cocktails in the World.  The history of this fantastic Cocktail has more stories than quotes about it, but no matter what version you want to believe one thing is for sure, this Cocktail has and will forever be the best way to taste the perfection of the Alcohol in it (all the original versions contained Gin.  It wasn't till the early 1950's that Vodka became popular.)  Nowadays, you will find Thousands of Cocktails calling themselves a "Martini" (you have your Appletini, Lemon Drop Martini, Chocolatetini, or any other drink special someone comes up with when they can't think of an original name) those names usually have to do more with the Cocktail Glass then the ingredients.  

    When it comes to mixing the Martini (this part is VERY important to follow), NEVER shake Gin Martinis (shaking a Gin Martini bruises the Juniper used to make the Gin and will ruin the flavor and integrity of the Cocktail).  When shaking a Vodka Martini you are wanting to shake it so that when you pour it into your chilled Martini Glass it looks almost as if a layer of ice is sitting in the glass.  When chilling the Martini Glass the best way is fill the glass full of ice and add water or soda water to it (adding the carbonated soda water helps chill the glass a little faster than plain water), let the glass chill while building your Cocktail and dumping out the ice water before finishing the Cocktail.

    When building this Cocktail I do believe that the Alcohol used should be of better quality (just because you are actually enjoying the Vodka or Gin at its truest form so going cheap will not give you the experience you deserve while drinking a Martini).  So, when choosing a Gin or Vodka (I prefer Beefeater Gin for its drier taste and Ketel One or Titos as my Vodka).  The Dry Vermouth you use is up to you, the prices for Vermouth can be fairly inexpensive to more than the Liquor you have chosen (so I normally go for the cheaper since you really are just "washing" the Martini Glass before you finish building the Cocktail).  The Green Olives are obvious but the way to make your Martini stand out is try stuffing your Olive with an ingredient that compliments the Cocktail (Blue Cheese, Garlic, Jalapeno, or Anchovies are a few) experiment and find what ingredients fit your taste buds.  

    You are now ready for the Ingredients to recreate your version of the fantastic Cocktail

• 2 oz of your favorite Gin or Vodka

• Dash of Vermouth to "wash" your Martini Glass

• 2 Green Olives for garnish

    Chill your Martini Glass by filling it with ice water.  In Cocktail Shaker add Alcohol, if using Gin take a spoon and stir 20 times to chill the Gin.  If using Vodka hard shake for 5-10 seconds.  Dump the ice water out of the Martini Glass and add your dash of Dry Vermouth, swirl around the glass and discard.  Strain your chilled Alcohol into Martini Glass and garnish with Green Olives (I really think Blue Cheese stuffed Olives taste best).  As always remember to enjoy your new Cocktail with close friends and family.  Cherish everyday by laughing, loving, and smiling with people who make you feel good.

     I know what you are thinking, wait what about the other true types of Martinis? I will give you the quick run down for each one

Dirty Martini- Instead of Dry Vermouth create this cocktail by using equal parts of Olive juice and Vodka (2 oz of each) for an Extra Dirty Martini use 2.5 oz of Olive Juice to 2 oz Vodka

Wet Martini- When making a Wet Martini add a little bit of Dry Vermouth to the Cocktail Shaker (more Vermouth makes it wet)

Dry Martini- When making a Dry Martini use a very small amount of Vermouth if any.  Some times just riming the glass with a napkin dipped in Vermouth is best

Extra Dry Martini- When making an Extra Dry Martini just wave a napkin that has Dry Vermouth on it over the Martini Glass.  The less Dry Vermouth the better.

Gibson- Yes a Gibson is still a Martini, instead of Olives the Gibson uses a Cocktail Onion as its garnish.

Vesper-  Try this version made with equal parts Gin, Vodka, and Lillet Blanc (I use a dry white wine in place of this) and garnished with a Lemon twist.

    There you go and ENJOY any of these versions with all of your close friends and family members!!!!  

Sazerac

SAZERAC

    Coming out of New Orleans, this Cocktail is absolutely one of the most complex and refreshing Cocktails I have had in a long time.  My good friend Ben moved down to Louisiana and had a Sazerac for the first time and it made me want to share this amazing Cocktail with all my friends, so thank you Ben for enjoying great Cocktails and inspiring me to share this Cocktail with everyone.  This Cocktail asks for a specific type of bitters "Peychauds" (comparable to Angostura biters, but with a lighter body, sweeter taste, and more floral aroma).  What makes this Cocktail stand alone from other great Cocktails is in it's preparation, it uses two Old Fashioned glasses, with the first being swirled with a dash of Absinthe, while the other Old Fashioned glass is used to build the Cocktail which is then strained into the Absinthe washed glass.  

   Now, you need to know the ingredients needed to recreate this fantastic Cocktail.  When I make my Sazerac I use Rye Whiskey (in New Orleans you may find Cognac being used in some variations of the Cocktail) typically I choose Old Overholt Rye or Bulliet Rye (Old Overholt Rye is a very tasty under $20 bottle of Rye Whiskey).  Next you NEED Peychauds bitters (this is the only time you will here me say don't change this bitters in your Cocktail, it makes the Cocktail).  Absinthe is used in this Cocktail but sometimes this can be very costly, so there are a few substitutions you can use Pernod or Herbsaint are most common (Herbsaint is most common in New Orleans due to the absence of absinthe in the U.S. between 1912 to 2007).  Always use your homemade Simple Syrup (recipe in earlier Blog).  I use a lemon twist for my garnish for the fresh aromatics it gives off.

     And now you are ready for the recipe for the Sazerac Cocktail

• 1 1/2 oz of your favorite Rye Whiskey

• 1/4 oz Homemade Simple Syrup

• Dash of Absinthe for washing the glass

• 2 dashes of Peychauds Bitters

      In an Old Fashioned Glass wash with Absinthe (this means pour a dash of Absinthe into glass and swirl around a few times). Add ice to glass and set aside.  In second Old Fashioned glass, add ice, Rye Whiskey, Simple Syrup, and Peychauds Bitters.  Dump the ice and Absinthe out of the first Old Fashioned glass, pour prepared Cocktail from second glass into the first chilled glass.  Garnish with Lemon twist.  Finally since we are recreating a New Orleans staple you really need to ENJOY this Cocktail with close friends and family.  Life happens and we as people should never let a day slip away from spending time with people that make our life better and happier.  Love Life Always!!!!

Hess's Kumquat Refresher

HESS'S KUMQUAT REFRESHER

    My Best friend Matt Hess was my inspiration for this cocktail.  For some reason I knew he would enjoy a cocktail with Kumquats, this drink is a lot like him, kinda silly (just say the word Kumquat without smiling), down to earth (this is how Thyme is grown), and someone who has always brought out the best of times (what happens when you enjoy this cocktail with friends and family).  When we think of how we should spend time with loved ones, he has always been my go to.  I wanted to show my home skillet (inside joke for us) that ever since I have been able to call him family, my life has just been outstanding and I can't wait for all the great times we will have.  So, when you make this cocktail, find your friends that have been there through thick and thin and see how many amazing memories you can make and enjoy.

    Now, is when I explain to you what you need to repeat this delicious cocktail.  You are going to need Vodka (as always I enjoy Tito's Handmade Vodka), when it comes to Thyme and mint, try and get the freshest available (if you grow your own, make sure you wash it before using it, even if you buy it from a local Farmers Market, always rinse off the Thyme before using).  Fresh Kumquats should be firm to the touch and bright orange with no bruising or dark spots, always use your handmade Simple Syrup (the recipe is in an earlier blog so feel free to use that as a cheat sheet for yours). 

    Alright, now I think you are ready for the measurements used in this Cocktail.

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka (use your favorite Vodka)

• 2 Kumquats cut in half 

• 2 fresh mint leaves and 2 Thyme leaves pulled from the stalk

• 1/2 oz Homemade Simple Syrup

    Rim your Rocks glass with Mint for Aromatics, Once you've rimmed the glass add Kumquats, Mint, Thyme, and Simple Syrup to glass and give a quick muddle (you don't want to muddle so the Mint and Thyme turn into mush, just muddle enough to help bring oils out of Herbs).  Add ice and Vodka to Rocks glass, pour Cocktail into Shaker and give hard shake for 5 seconds.  Pour entire Cocktail back into Rocks glass.  Finally, ALWAYS enjoy these Cocktails with your family and friends.  Please don't forget that life is supposed to be enjoyed every day, even if it is for an hour make sure you always take time to sit back and enjoy yourself!!!!!

Strawbasil Fields

STRAWBASIL FIELDS

    What hot Summer day doesn't consist of Strawberries and Basil.  No matter where you live, Summer doesn't happen until fresh strawberries are picked and Basil is grown.  When you combine these two flavors together, your taste buds receive some of the most refreshing sensation you will experience.  When I first came up with this cocktail a few years ago, people thought I was crazy because I added a pinch of fresh ground pepper.  What most people don't understand is that the pepper will bring the natural juices from the Strawberry as well as open up the Basil.  It ended up being a match made for the ages.

    Now that you know the history, it is time for me to share the ingredients needed to remake this refreshing, mouth watering, delicious cocktail.  We always start with the fresh ingredients, if you are lucky enough to have your own Strawberry and Basil plants, then you already have the freshest around (if your a normal human then getting your produce from a local farmers market or local grocery store will do).  When choosing a fresh Strawberry remember these tips to make sure it is the freshest you can get (Firm to the touch,bright red, free of bruising or mold, and the caps should be bright green and fully attached to the stem).  For the Basil always look for fresh vibrant green leaves with no dark spots of withering (you can store your basil by layering it in damp paper towels in a zip lock bag for up to four days).  For the best part of the cocktail, the vodka ( I will always stand by Titos Handmade Vodka) choose the perfect one for you but never go to cheap because of the hangover the super cheap vodkas give you (you know the one's that are named after a time of day).  Pure sugar cane is best to use in this recipe and not your homemade Simple Syrup because fresh sugar cotes to the Strawberries bringing out extra sweetness.  Always use your fresh lime juice you have in your bar, and with the black pepper I really like to grind my own into the cocktail because I know exactly how much I am putting in.

    I think you are ready to get the recipe for this amazing Summer Cocktail.

• 2 oz of your favorite Vodka ( I choose Titos)

• 2 Basil leaves torn in half

• 1 Fresh Strawberry cut in quarters

• 1/2 oz Pure Sugar Cane

• 1/2 a lime juiced

• Dash Black Pepper (2 grinds on a grinder will work) 

    Always rim your glassware with Basil to bring out more aromatics, in Old Fashioned glass, put the Strawberry, Basil, Sugar, Black Pepper, Lime juice, and a dash of water (this helps dissolve the sugar).  Muddle lightly to break up the Basil and Strawberry (we are not trying to make Jam, just releasing the flavors), add your Vodka and ice, pour mixture into Cocktail Shaker and hard shake for 5-10 times.  Strain Cocktail into an iced Old Fashioned glass and garnish with Fresh Strawberry slice.

     Finally, as always remember to enjoy your cocktails with people that make you happy and ALWAYS ENJOY LIFE.  Life is to short not to enjoy an amazing cocktail with the ones we love!!!!!  

Turn Down For What!!!

TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!!

   With the Holiday weekend coming up I really wanted to share a cocktail that means a lot to me, especially when it comes to spending a weekend with friends and family.  The weekend began June 13, 2014, a weekend that would change a group of men's lives forever.  It was my brothers bachelor party and one of the greatest celebrations any of us would experience.  This cocktail I created was because of my brother Nic Angell.  Like that amazing weekend we all had in Lake Tahoe, this cocktail will be sure to add memories (lots of them) with any group of people you decide to spend the Holiday weekend with.  We sometimes forget what celebrating really means, and then something happens inside that takes us back to pure happiness (with all of the crazy things going on in the world I believe that everyone needs to stop sometimes and just spend time with people that really matter to you), this cocktail will remind you that joy comes from celebrating with people you truly want to be around.  Trust me, you will have stories upon stories, and who knows maybe you will have a memory of a celebratory weekend like the one I will never forget thanks to my older brother and his friends.

    Now that you know the history behind this wonderful cocktail, I will share with you what you will need to recreate it.  First I will start with the liquors we will be using and the importance of good spirits.  When it comes to the Vodka (I really like using Titos because it is very smooth and made in Texas not imported so the price isn't inflated) if you have your own favorite Vodka please feel free to use it.  When choosing a Rum for the float ( I love Appleton Estate Reserve because of the slight fruit hints you get from the aroma mix well with the fresh fruit juice) you want to choose one that has great aromatics and a slight fruit to vanilla taste.  Again, Cointreau is a very good Triple Sec so unless you are drinking it "neat", Triple Sec adds the same flavor.  Always use fresh fruits when available, Fresh Grapefruit juice is really good but, you can find cans of 100% grapefruit juice that work just as well.  Personally, I enjoy Dole Pineapple Orange juice in my cocktails just because its almost impossible to get really good fresh Pineapple juice.  Always use your homemade simple syrup (recipe in an earlier Blog) that you already have stocked in your bar. 

    I think you are now ready for the recipe of this fantastic cocktail.

• 1 1/2 oz Vodka

• 1/2 oz Triple Sec (Cointreau if you want)

• 1/4 oz Grapefruit Juice

• 1/4 oz Pineapple Orange Juice

• 1/2 oz Homemade Simple Syrup

• 1/4 oz Dark Rum for float  

    In a cocktail shaker, add Vodka, Triple Sec, Grapefruit Juice, Pineapple Orange Juice, Simple Syrup, and ice.  Hard shake for 5-10 seconds, pour entire mixed cocktail into Pint Glass and top with more ice.  With the back of a spoon, slowly pour Dark Rum over the top of the cocktail.  Garnish with a lime twist or orange slice (this garnish can change depending on your preference).  Finally, make a cheers with the family and friends you are enjoying the cocktail with and remember ENJOY LIFE!!!!!!

    

Sherbet Rum Punch

SHERBET RUM PUNCH

   With Summer quickly upon us, I felt that I would share something that bothers me when drinking outside, at BBQ's, or just sitting on your porch enjoying your favorite beverage.  ICE melting and watering down your favorite Spirit (no matter how amazing of a cocktail the Sun always wins).  So I fixed all of your problems with something that is simple and delicious, SHERBET!  When I made this Rum Punch cocktail I never thought I would get so many people asking me for the recipe, fortunately for all my followers, I think that it would be rude not to share this secret.  Using FRESH ingredients, your favorite Rum, and adding the Sherbet to help keep the cocktail cold and adding a nice sweet flavor as it melts, makes this one of my favorite cocktails during the late Spring and all of Summer months.

    When recreating this cocktail, I suggest you use your favorite Light Rum ( I really like using Appleton White Rum which is a very affordable Rum, if you want to spend a little more money for a sipping Rum as well, 10 Cane White Rum), Triple Sec(If you want to spend a little more money you can always use Cointreau), next you will need your trusty homemade Simple Syrup (Recipe can be found in a previous Blog), FRESH lime (1/2 of a lime juiced), you can use FRESH squeezed Orange Juice (I like using Minute Maid Fresh Squeezed, well because its really good),and finally YOUR favorite Sherbet ( I like using Rainbow Sherbet because it makes the drink look more exciting to drink.)  If you like your cocktail more Citrus flavored then you might like the Lime Sherbet.  I have found the Orange Sherbet doesn't give off a lot of flavor to hold up to the rest of the Cocktail.

    Now you are ready for this wonderful poolside, patio, BBQ, or just hanging out on the porch recipe for the Sherbet Rum Punch

• 2 oz of White Rum

• 1/2 oz Triple Sec

• 1/2 oz Homemade Simple Syrup

• 1/2 Lime juiced

• 1/2 oz Orange Juice

• Three scoops of your favorite Sherbet

    Rim the top of your glass with lime wedge for aromatics (treat all your cocktails like wine, aromatics are your friend 90% of a cocktail starts in the nose.  When you smell a real fresh cocktail your brain already becomes happy)  In Cocktail Shaker add Rum, Triple Sec, Simple Syrup, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, and ice.  Give it a hard shake for 5-10 seconds.  Strain Cocktail into your favorite cocktail drinking s (I have found that a Hurricane Glass or Highball Glass make the Cocktail pop the best, the other 10% of where a Cocktail begins its Journey).  Remember, Cocktails are just like food, we drink with our eyes first (So if the Cocktail doesn't appeal to the eye, then your friends probably won't be as impressed).  Finally, as I always remind you, ENJOY!!!!!  The main purpose of creating amazing Cocktails is to enjoy them with Family and Friends.

Pisco Sour

PISCO SOUR

    Originating in Lima, Peru this cocktail was created by an American bartender in the early 1920's, when a time that Manhattans were all the craze, this cocktail brought a compelling contrast from the darker based cocktails and opened up a whole new quality of cocktail.  Seeing how most people nowadays are terrified of trying new cocktails, I thought it would be good to open your eyes to a cocktail that is not only delicious but also give your taste buds an experience that will keep you wanting more.  The egg whites in this cocktail give it a silky texture and frothy head that make it very appealing to the eye.  Topping it with the bitters takes this cocktail to the level of excellence that one looks for in cocktails.

    When preparing this cocktail you need to remember that Freshness and Quality are very important.  The original cocktail asked for key limes, but knowing that most people don't have them laying around, I substituted regular limes and have found that integrity of this cocktail is not ruined.  Choosing a good Pisco (which is a white brandy made in Peru from muscat grapes) is easy, there are a few that are inexpensive but really tasty.  I like using Pisco Porton or Capel Pisco, both have a very velvety and smooth taste (your at home bar will look nice with the addition of either).  Since you already have your homemade Simple Syrup (which I gave you the recipe in my last blog) stocked in your bar fridge, bitters (you can use your favorite kind of bitters in this cocktail.   Experiment and find which one you enjoy best) I found Angostura for the traditional taste or Peychauds for more of a berry taste work best, and always have fresh limes stocked in your bar, you are ready to make this great tasting and smooth cocktail.  

    Now you get the recipe for the Pisco Sour

• 1 1/2 oz of Pisco muscat Brandy

• a whole lime juiced

• 1 egg white

• 1/2 oz homemade Simple Syrup

• Dash of Bitters for garnish

    To start separate your egg whites (the best way I found is crack the egg and roll the yolk between the cracked shell allowing the whites to pour into the cocktail shaker), add the Pisco, lime juice from a whole lime, and Simple Syrup to the shaker.  Dry shake (this means you shake without ice first to help aerate the egg whites) for 10 seconds, add ice and hard shake for 15-20 seconds (you want the egg white to froth and almost appear foamy).  Strain your cocktail into a Highball glass or Champagne flute (these glasses will give your drink the best presentation), drop two drops of bitters on top of your cocktail.  Finally, ENJOY the cocktail with your friends and family.

Simple Syrup

SIMPLE SYRUP

   In cocktails all over the world one major ingredient is Simple Syrup, as the name states it is very easy to make and is a critical piece to any well crafted bar.  Simple Syrup is generally used as a substitute for raw sugar in cocktails.  Seeing how raw sugar doesn't dissolve as fast in cold beverages making a simple syrup adds the sweetness without having your guests chew on sugar particles in there cocktails.  Simple Syrup also plays a huge part in cutting the bitterness of fresh citrus that is used in common cocktails.  (Buying Simple Syrup at the store may seem like it will be more time saving, but, lets think you already have water in your faucet, and a bag of sugar is usually under $5.00.) With a batch of home made Simple Syrup lasting up to six months, the reality is making your own will save you money and time in the long run. 

    Now, here is what you will need to make your very own Simple Syrup.  I personally like to keep my ratios 1-1 (equal parts sugar to water) but, if you like sweeter drinks you can also go 2-1(sugar to water ratio).

     Here is the recipe to make a batch of Simple Syrup that could last you up to six months (depending on how many get-together's you decide to have this year).

• 8 cups hot water (doesn't have to be hot but it helps dissolve the sugar faster if it is)

• 8 cups of sugar (i use traditional white cane sugar but you can use your favorite type of sugar)

    In a large sauce pan pour in the hot water and slowly add the sugar stirring while you do to start the dissolving process(you never want to put the sugar in and put it right to the burner, or you might start having a little burnt sugar forming on the bottom of the pan).  Next, bring Simple Syrup to a boil and let boil for 3 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow time to cool.  Pour Simple Syrup into air tight container and put in refrigerator.  I would label your final product just in case you forget about it and want to make sure it is good when you find it in the back of your refrigerator.

     

    Adding flavor to your Simple Syrup may seem to be challenging to you but that is why I am here to make life easy as possible.  I am going to give you a few hints on what has made me so successful in creating wonderful flavor combinations of unique Simple Syrups.

    First, try coming up with combinations that pair well together (think of your Simple Syrup as a base to a marinade.  Think of what you may be drinking and create from there.  If it is a nice summer day and your are out back drinking Mojito's try a blend of Strawberries and basil in your Simple Syrup.  If it is middle of the winter and you are drinking bourbon try a dark berry and herb that will compliment the Bourbon.  If you would like me to give you a few of my favorite flavored Simple Syrup recipes just leave me a comment in the comment section and i will gladly help you with your flavorings.

Mojito

MOJITO

    Ernest Hemingway's favorite cocktail was the Mojito, and history says that he even made a bar called La Bodeguita del Medio famous and even wrote "My Mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita" in honor of this cocktail.  The Mojito may be one of the most recognized cocktails in the world because of its fragrance and look.  The orgin of the Mojito is not 100% clear but seeing that Havana, Cuba is the birthplace of the Mojito, the one I most believe and sounds most accurate is that the name Mojito stems from the word Mojo (which is a Cuban seasoning made from lime and is used to flavor dishes).  Now that you have a little knowledge of the history of the Mojito, I would love to show you what you need to recreate this amazing cocktail.

    The first thing you will need is a good White Rum, personally I enjoy Journeymans Roads End Rum (if your aren't able to get this rum, there are plenty of nice affordable rums such as Captain Morgans White Rum or Bacardi White Rum).  Now that we have our Rum we need to focus on the important ingredients, MINT.  I can not stress enough on the importance of great quality mint, (if mint is out of season then you probably shouldn't be drinking Mojitos).  The fresher the mint the better quality cocktail you will have.  You will also need simple syrup (my blog on how to make really good and easy simple syrup will be coming soon).  And finally, you will need FRESH lime juice. (Never use that shitty lime juice you buy in a bottle named after a flower).  

    Now you are ready for the recipe that will change your Mojito tastebuds forever.

• 2oz of your favorite White Rum

• 1/2 fresh lime juiced

• 3/4 oz simple syrup

• 6 Fresh mint leaves

• Soda water (to top cocktail)

    In a highball glass (I use highballs because it is visually more appealing), rim the top with a piece of mint.  Slap your mint leaves (you do this because just tossing them in the cocktail doesn't do anything, slapping them releases the lovely mint aroma) add the mint, lime juice, and simple syrup into highball glass.  Now muddle lightly to help release even more mint oils. (A light muddle is all you need, you don't want to shred the mint just bring out the oils.) Now, add your ice and White Rum, pour cocktail into shaker and shake 5 times (you always shake cocktails that have citrus to help take off the bitter lime face most of us make).  Pour cocktail back into highball, re-ice and top with soda water.  You are now ready to enter a state of pure joy.... ENJOY and share with your friends at your next summer event.  

       

Spicy Limas

SPICY LIMAS

    Now, I would like to introduce you to one of my original creations.  This cocktail is a play on the Margarita, my inspiration for this cocktail is my amazing girlfriend Jenny.  This is my favorite cocktail I have created to date, with Jenny always being in my corner and pushing me to start this blog and write my book I feel that she deserves more than a cocktail but this is a great start. To pay recognition to my soul mate, her heritage, and her favorite foods (cheese and peppperoncinis).  I wanted to show her in a glass, Spicy, Sweet, and always having you wanting to come back for more. I love you my baby. With Cinco De Mayo coming up in a few weeks, try this cocktail to liven up the party and I can promise you, you will be the talk of the party. This cocktail goes great with any Mexican food especially guacamole or chorizo dip (two of my favorite foods to offer at any great Cinco De Mayo celebration).
Now that I have shared with you on my reasons for coming up with this cocktail, its time to get to the serious stuff ans what you will need to recreate it. First is the importance of a good Tequila (if you think that Tequila which comes with a funny red hat as its top is a good Tequila, you shouldn't be drinking it). Personally I really enjoy Don Julio silver (it can be a little expensive), so if its out of your budget a very good Tequila under $30 is Milagro silver or even 1800 silver. Next, you want to have Cointreau (a really good version of Triple Sec). When you get the pepperoncini, Queso Fresco, and lime juice please remember FRESHNESS, there is no reason not to use the best and freshest ingredients, NEVER cheapen the integrity of the cocktail on sale items. Ancho powder is best bought in the spice section and will also help you with the foods you are offering at your Cinco De Mayo party.
And now you are ready for the recipe.

• 2 oz Tequila
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 1/2 lime juiced
• Dash of Ancho powder
• Juice of two pepperocinis
• Queso Fresco stuffed pepperocinis as garnish

-Rim cocktail glass with pepperoncini for aromatics. In cocktail shaker add Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice (cut a lime in half and squeeze into cocktail), ancho powder, simple syrup, pepperoncini juice, and ice. Hard shake for 10 seconds. Pour into rocks glass and garnish with Queso Fresco stuffed pepperocinis.

*to stuff pepperocini with Queso Fresco, cut ends off pepperocini and discard seeds, take a chunk of cheese and stuff into pepperocini.*

The Caipirinha

CAIPIRINHA

        Known best as the national drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha name comes from the word Caipira, which in Portuguese means someone from the countryside, or the equal to the US word hillbilly. Typically in this cocktail Cachaca liquor instead of rum.  Even though both  spirits are made from sugarcane products, Cachaca is made out of fermented fresh sugarcane and then distilled while, rum is most likely made out of refinery products such as molasses.    

     Now that you know a little history on the Caipirinha, now I will explain how to make the most refreshing cocktail that you and all of your friends will be enjoying on any Spring day through even the hottest Summer days.  First, you will need to have a Cachaca liquor to craft this amazing drink (personally I enjoy Leblon Cachaca because of its balance of sweetness to liquor taste).  Once you have your Cachaca you need FRESH lime juice (don't think cheating and buying that fake bar lime juice will cut your time and give you the same flavor... IT WON'T, trust me).  Some people say the traditional way to properly make this cocktail is using key limes. If you have the time and patience to cut and muddle a few dozen for your friends, perfect, but if you are like the average person you don't have time for all that.  So I use a half of a lime per cocktail (to get the most juice out of the lime roll it on the counter in the palm of your hand before cutting to help bring out the juices).  Finally you need sugar, pure sugarcane will work just fine. (If you have access to sugar packets even better because it makes you very consistent on every cocktail you make).

    Now its time to share the recipe for this cocktail:

• 2 oz. of your favorite Cachaca 

• 1/2 a lime cut in quarters

• 3 packets of pure sugarcane (3 teaspoons)

• Splash of soda water

    In an old fashioned glass put the quartered lime, sugar, and a dash of water (just enough water to help disolve the sugar).  Muddle the lime and sugar between 5-7 times to help bring out the lime juice.  Add the Cachaca liquor and ice.  Pour the whole cocktail into a shaker and slowly pour a little liquid back into the glass, swirl, and pour back into shaker (this is done to help get any sugar still in the old fashioned glass).  Now cover shaker and give it a good hard shake 5 times to help mix all ingredients.  Pour entire cocktail and add ice to fill glass, top with soda water and enjoy. 

The Manhattan

THE MANHATTAN

      One of the most famous cocktails of the past century, The Manhattan is the most influential cocktail of our era.  With the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness The Manhattan is a base of many cocktails and bartender creations in the world.

      Now is where I will teach the the best way to make a Manhattan that will wow anybody and everybody that has a chance to enjoy this beverage with you.

       What you will need to create your version of The Manhattan are as followed.  A nice rocks glass, a great Bourbon, (personally I enjoy Woodford Reserve), a nice sweet vermouth (Dolin is a very nice vermouth and not to expensive), bitters (Angostura is the most popular, but, in this Manhattan I really prefer Peychaud's bitters because of the light berry notes in it), and very last cherries (2 cherries for garnish, and two drops of the juice in The Manhattan. I like using Maraschino cherries, the gernaric kind works just find for this cocktail).

       Now its time to share the recipe for this cocktail: 

THE MANHATTAN

• 2 oz. of your favorite Bourbon
• 1/4 oz. sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes of bitters
• 2 drops of cherry juice (Never pour cherry juice into the cocktail, it is not a cherry drink.  The cherry is to sweeten the cocktail not to flavor it.)
• 2 cherries for garnish

In your rocks glass fill completely with ice, add your bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, and cherry juice.  Stir with a spoon (NEVER shake a Manhattan, NEVER. Shaking ingredients is only needed and used when you are not layering the cocktail.) The key is to stir just enough so the drink isn't that harsh but not to long so the drink tastes watered down. Garnish with two cherries (the reason you use 2 cherries for garnish is because that is how my Grandma taught me and she was always right on anything).  Once you have garnished, ENJOY the best Manhattan you have ever had.