When adding fresh herbs to cocktails, like basil or mint, many reach for the muddler and proceed to crush the herbs into pieces in the base of the cocktail shaker. There’s really no reason to do this and you probably shouldn’t because overly crushing the herbs may introduce unwanted bitterness in the cocktail.
Read MoreI feel like the Last Word was a super hip cocktail a few years ago (like 2017-2018?) but I’ve hardly made one since. A friend recently asked me for a refreshing gin cocktail and I decided to shake one up for her– then I promptly made one for myself too. It actually made me kinda nostalgic for simpler times.
Read MoreI was really fascinated by the “creaminess” of this gin, so I thought it would make a refreshing martini riff. I added just a few drops of sarsaparilla bitters to the finished cocktail, so when you take the first sip you’re instantly reminded of cream soda or even an old-timey cola.
Read MoreOf course, the drink itself doesn’t actually freeze. Since a martini is mostly spirit (in my case gin, but sure you can go with vodka) the liquid will just get nicely chilled without solidifying. When you’re ready to serve or enjoy, just remove the bottle from the freezer and pour into a glass along with lemon zest.
Read MoreOnce referred to as a “forgotten classic,” the Aviation became one of the most popular gin cocktails in bars across America for a time. The earliest written mention of the drink was in Hugo Ensslin’s book published in 1916, titled "Recipes for Mixed Drinks." The recipe called for gin, lemon juice, Maraschino and a then-obscure French liqueur, crème de violette.
Read MoreThe Sour is a standard cocktail template that you can use with nearly any spirit. It simply calls for: spirit, citrus and sugar. For this particular recipe I am using gin– so we’re calling this a Gin Sour. However, simply by swapping out the gin for whiskey, you’d have a Whiskey Sour. Makes sense, right? Other popular drinks like the Margarita and Daiquiri are also considered Sours because they follow that same formula: spirit, citrus, sugar.
Read MoreFor this recipe, I wanted to make like a Last Word + Piña Colada sort of thing. I initially felt like it was my weakest recipe, but it ended up being the clear favorite of the night. Funny how that goes!
Read MoreRefreshing and eye-catching, and featuring gin and mezcal, the Cadillac Swizz comes to us from the creative bar staff at Bibo Ergo Sum in Los Angeles. This stylish bar has a slightly Art Deco vibe, and is somewhat hidden in Robertson Plaza between West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Find the Cadillac Swizz on the menu under the “Neon” section, which lists various drinks described as “the life of the party.”
Read MoreDon’t be disappointed when you try squeezing a lemon peel over your drink! Just take the peel in your hands and gently squeeze. You should see a very light mist of fragrant citrus oils that will rest over the top of your finished cocktail.
Read MoreWelcome to Bible Club, a speakeasy-esque Portland bar that is often described by both the staff and regulars as a swanky Prohibition-era museum that you can drink-in. There isn’t a sign out front but don’t let that deter you, simply walk right up to the door of this little 1920’s house in a SE Portland neighborhood. No need to knock or utter a secret password, just step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve entered into a black and white photograph.
Read MoreIt doesn’t matter where you’re at, if you order an Empress Gin cocktail, it’s going to turn some heads. There’s just something so mesmerizing about that color. I always have a deeper appreciation for a spirit after meeting the makers & seeing the where & how it was made. After visiting Victoria Distillers in BC in Sept. 2018, it’s been fun using their naturally indigo gin in various cocktails like this one.
Read MoreDespite the popularity of butterfly pea blossom in cocktails these days, there are still a lot of people who have never seen a naturally occurring color quite like this before. There is nothing artificial or radioactive about this color… it’s all from a small blue flower.
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