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!!!!!!