Tag: Cincinnati Bartender

You Must Make This Blackberry-Passion Fruit Margarita!

Happy National Margarita Day! 

If you’ve followed me even a little, than you know that I love tequila! So today is kind of made for me!

So, let’s talk tequila for a quick moment… use whatever brand at whatever price point that you like! Just make sure that somewhere on the bottle says 100% Puro Agave (or Blue Agave).  If it doesn’t say that, please don’t buy it!  I highly recommend Patron, Tequila Ocho, and Espolon, but do some taste testing and find the brands you like the best.  If you want to learn more about tequila, tequila brands, or get some really great information from real tequila masters check out tequilamatchmaker.com

Now for the reason that you’re here, the Margarita.  You only need 3 things for a great Margarita- Tequila, Orange Liqueur, and Lime Juice (make sure it’s fresh squeezed! It really does make a difference!)- but we’re going to take it a step further by adding some Passion Fruit and Blackberries, because it’s a delicious flavor combination. 

If you don’t have blackberries you can use any berries you’d like, throw in a spoonful of your favorite jam, or if you’d prefer just stick to the classic.  One of the great things about Margaritas is how versatile they are, so make sure you make yours how you like it! (And don’t be afraid to (nicely!) get specific about your preferences with your  bartenders.) 

Remember that recipes are guidelines, measure with your heart!

Blackberry-Passion Fruit Margarita

  • 2oz Silver Tequila
  • .75oz Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
  • .75oz Lime Juice (fresh squeezed)
  • .5oz Agave Nectar
  • .75oz Re’Al Passion Fruit Puree
  • 4-5 Blackberries

In a shaker in muddle your blackberries well.  Add the rest of your ingredients and shake with ice.  If desired rim your glass with salt, sugar, or Tajin, and fill with ice.  Strain your Margarita into your glass and garnish with a lime wheel. 

Adjust the Lime Juice to Agave Nectar ratio to fit your liking.

If you like a frozen Margarita, place all the ingredients in the blender with ½-3/4 cup of ice and blend til smooth.

I found all of these ingredients at my grocery store or local liquor store, but if you can’t find the Re’Al brand near you should be able to find in on Amazon.

Tell me what you think!  Will you be making a Margarita soon?

The Best ‘Naughty or Spice Punch’ Full of Christmas Cheer!

I’m making a list.  I’m checking it twice.  We’re making a Christmas cocktail that’s Naughty & Spice!  It’s a little sweet, a little tart, with just enough spice to keep things interesting! 

Are you hosting a holiday gathering?  Do you want to serve a simple (and simply delicious) punch that is sure to please a crowd?  Then let’s get mixing because this is the cocktail for you! 

Naughty or Spice Punch

  • Patron Reposado ¾ cup
  • Cran-Apple Juice 1 ½ cup
  • Gran Marnier ¼ cup
  • Prophecy Pinot Grigio 1 Bottle
  • Lemon Juice ¼ cup
  • Ginger Liqueur ¼ cup
  • Club Soda to top
  • 1 Lemon, Sliced
  • 1 Orange, Sliced 
  • 1 Large Apple, Diced Fuji or Gala preferred
  • 1 Pear, Diced Bartlet or Bosc preferred
  • Cinnamon Sticks

In a large pitcher combine Patron Reposado, Cran-Apple Juice, Gran Marnier, Pinot Grigio, Lemon Juice, and Ginger Liqueur.  Mix well.  Add Lemon, Orange, Apple, and Pear.  Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. 

To Serve – Add ice to your pitcher.  Pour 4-6 oz into a wine glass over ice, be sure to add some of the delicious infused fruit to each glass.  Top with a splash of club soda.  Add a few cranberries and a cinnamon stick.  Enjoy!

Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you- it’s long, but not complicated!  I bet you have many of the ingredients at home right now, and the rest you can find at your grocery store. 

As always, a recipe is just a suggestion- if you don’t like or don’t have tequila, use vodka.  If you don’t have pears, just double the apples.  Swap the Pinot Grigio for Sauvignon Blanc if you prefer, but I would avoid Chardonnay or White Zinfandel for this recipe.  And use Cinnamon Sticks, powdered Cinnamon won’t dissolve well and may make the cocktail feel a little gritty, and that will definitely land you on the naughty list! Happy Mixing!

Make A Delicious, Sweet-Cinnamon Coffee Cocktail This Holiday Season!

The Holidays are here!  The days are speeding by and I still have so much to do!  Shopping, baking, gift wrapping, decorating… this is such a (wonderfully) busy time of the year!

I love coffee, period. But in December – with its short days and full calendar – I need an extra afternoon jolt to help get me through the day.  But it’s DECEMBER!  The HOLIDAY SEASON!  It can’t be just a regular coffee!  I want something special, with a holiday twist! 

The Cinnamon Dulce Café – is the perfect coffee (cocktail) for all of your December needs!  A Christmas or New Year Brunch – An afternoon of gift wrapping – Tree decorating – Card writing – Cookie making – and so much more! 

This cocktail is a favorite of mine and I’m sure you’ll love it too!  Remember that a recipe is just a guide – if you don’t like bourbon, use vodka!  If you’re not a coffee fan, you can use hot chocolate!  If you prefer real cream instead of oat milk creamer, do it!  So, without further ado, let’s get to the good part!

Cinnamon Dulce Café

  • 1.5oz Cincinnati Distilling Bourbon
  • .5oz Disaronna  (amaretto)
  • 2oz Coffee (cold brew, or strong brewed hot coffee cooled to room temp)
  • .75oz Cinnamon Syrup*
  • 1.5oz Oat Milk Coffee Cream
  • .5oz Maple Syrup
  1. In a cocktail shaker (mason jar, Tupperware with tight fitting lid) add your Bourbon, Disaronna, Coffee, and Cinnamon Syrup. 
  2. Add some ice and shake it up. 
  3. Strain it into a martini glass. 
  4. In a small pitcher add your Oat Milk Creamer and Maple Syrup, using a Milk Frother or Immersion blender, blend until it has doubled in volume (or use a clean shaker/mason jar/etc, and shake shake shake until doubled in volume). 
  5. Gently pour over the top of your cocktail. 
  6. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.  And enjoy!

Option 2 –

Serve it over ice!

Follow step 1, but add a little more coffee.  Shake it up, strain into a glass filled with ice.  Follow steps 4-6 and enjoy!

Option 3 –

Some Like it Hot!

In your favorite coffee mug, add Bourbon, Cinnamon Syrup, and Disaronna.  Top with hot Coffee (or Hot Chocolate), and give it a stir.  Follow steps 4-6 and enjoy!

*Cinnamon Syrup – it’s super easy to make – 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cinnamon stick.  Bring to a boil stirring often to fully dissolve sugar.  Once a boil is reached, remove from heat and let cool.  Remove cinnamon stick, and store in a sealable container in the refrigerator. 

Or…. Go to the grocery store, Monin makes a very nice Cinnamon Syrup.  You can usually find it in the coffee section.

Introducing My *Summer Crush* – a Tantalizing Late Summer Cocktail!

It’s Labor Day!  The official End of Summer!  But, are you ready for summer to end?  Because I. Am. Not!  With Covid restrictions and travel bans, it feels like this summer never even got off the ground.

Luckily for us there is still a ton of great summer produce at your local Farmers Market – perfect for cocktail making!

This week at my Market I picked up some beautiful sunflowers, amazing tomatoes, and the stars of this cocktail – a new jar of Honey (local honey is amazing! If you haven’t given it a try yet, you need to!) and a perfect Watermelon! 

This cocktail combines some of my favorite summer flavors – it is perfect for sipping in the shade on a hot July day or enjoying with friends while watching a mid-September sunset.  You will need fresh juiced watermelon, blackberries, honey, lime juice, Club Soda, and the vodka of your choice.  I used one of my favorites, Ohio’s own Buckeye Vodka.  This is super simple and absolutely delicious – I hope you enjoy!

  • *Summer Crush*
  • 1.5 oz Buckeye Vodka
  • .5 oz Lime Juice
  • .75 oz Blackberry-Honey Simple Syrup*
  • 3-4 oz Watermelon Juice*
  • 2 oz Club Soda

In a 16 oz Mason Jar, fill with ice and combine Buckeye Vodka, Watermelon Juice, Lime Juice, and Blackberry-Honey Simple.  Place the lid on the jar and shake to combine.  Top with Club Soda and garnish with blackberries, mint leaves, lime wheel, or whatever you have on hand. 

I love making cocktails in mason jars, you can build the drink and serve in the same glass – no extra dirty dishes!  Plus, if you have guests coming you can prebuild the cocktail then ice and garnish just as your company arrives! 

And you know that I am all about versatility!  This drink is delicious with vodka – but also amazing with your favorite tequila (maybe add a salt rim, for a little extra oomph) and also delicious with rum!  Remember, recipes are just guidelines, tweak to make the final product your very own masterpiece!

*Blackberry-Honey Simple Syrup – In a pot over medium heat combine 6 oz Blackberries with 6 oz of local Honey and 6 oz of water, stirring occasionally to help honey dissolve.  It should come to a low simmer for about 10 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool 15 minutes.  Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a sealable container and refrigerate until ready to use.  (This is also amazing in ice tea or over ice cream!)

*Watermelon Juice – Load up your blender with chunks of de-rinded watermelon, and pulse until it is liquified.  Pour through a fine sieve into a pitcher and refrigerate.

Make Mother’s Day Great Again!

Mother’s Day is here!  And after weeks of lockdowns, quarantines, homeschooling, working from home, and more, the Mother’s in your life deserve something extra special.  I’m going to walk you through mixing up two very special cocktails that mom is sure to love!

When I was growing up my mom didn’t necessarily want gifts.  Don’t get me wrong, if we didn’t get her a card and something special to open, she would not have been happy.  But more than THINGS she wanted to make MEMORIES with us.  I don’t remember ever going to brunch or making breakfast in bed.  What I do remember is when my brother and I were little we would go to Kings Island, our local amusement park.  It was usually our first visit of the year and because it was Mother’s Day the park would be almost empty. 

When we got a little older my mom decided that she wanted to go to the horse track and bet on the ponies.  I remember perfect, warm spring days sitting the sunshine while watching the races all day.  And other years, we would go for just one or two races because of the cool, rainy spring days we can have.  We make $2 bets and have nachos and popcorn.  It is fun and silly.  And that is a tradition that we’ve carried through to this day. 

Well, not this day, technically.  See we’re still in lockdown, stay-at-home, social distancing, and whatever else you want to call it.  The racetrack isn’t open.  Restaurants aren’t open.  We’re still not allowed to gather together to celebrate.  Like so many of our celebrations, Mother’s Day is looking a little bit different this year.

One thing that I (and you) can do, is drop a gift, a meal, a treat, and (of course) a cocktail off to mom.  Do what you can to make this an extra special day.  Really celebrate HER and all the hard work she has done. 

Let’s start with the perfect brunch/breakfast in bed cocktail.  If you want to keep this drink alcohol free, just sub her favorite coffee creamer for the Bailey’s.  And if you don’t have Hot Chocolate Mix, you can substitute Chocolate Syrup or even Fudge topping for ice cream!

Mother’s Day Mocha

  • 1.5oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • 1tbsp Hot Chocolate Mix
  • A few drops of Vanilla Extract
  • Fresh Brewed Coffee
  • Whipped Cream
  • Chocolate Shavings, optional

In her favorite coffee mug combine Bailey’s, Hot Chocolate mix, and Vanilla.  Stir well to combine.  Add Coffee to an inch from top of mug.  Stir again, make sure everything is combined.  Top with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings. 

*Tastes best served in bed. 

This cocktail is one of my favorites because it is super customizable!  It works beautifully with Vodka, Gin, Bourbon, Tequila, of Rum (but I would stick to white rum, like Bacardi).  So, grab a bottle of mom’s favorite spirit, a handful of her favorite berries, and her favorite mixer and let’s make this

Mother’s Day Smash

  • 1.5 oz Hendrick’s Gin Midsummer Solstice (or her favorite Spirit)
  • 2-3 Strawberries (and/or blueberries, blackberries, raspberries)
  • 2-3 Basil Leaves
  • .25-.5oz Honey (sweeten to taste)
  • Half a Lemon (more or less to taste)
  • Club Soda, Tonic, or Sparkling Wine

In a Mason Jar add berries, honey, and squeeze in the juice from the lemon.  Muddle to release juices and to combine ingredients.  Add Gin and ice.  Put on the lid and shake to combine.  Add a more ice to fill and top with Club Soda, Tonic, or Sparkling Wine.  Garnish with a lemon wheel, fresh berry, and basil leaf. 

*Best enjoyed with her feet up, in the sunshine, while someone else is preparing dinner.

Let’s Stir Up a Manhattan!

Swanning Around Manhattan

There are some classic cocktails that everyone has heard of.  The Martini.  The Old Fashioned.  Gimlet.  And, of course, the Manhattan. 

This year, for the 2020 Woodford Reserve Manhattan Experience Competition, I created MY version of the perfect Manhattan.  I was picked to go to the regionals in Columbus – and, like so many other events, it was postponed until the fall because of the Covid19. 

So, before I share my recipe with you, I want to talk Manhattan.  All in all, this is a simple cocktail.  Three ingredients.  You don’t even have to garnish it.  You can serve it in a beautiful martini glass.  Or in a double old fashioned glass over a giant ice cube.  Like so many of the “Classics” there are no hard and fast rules anymore.  You can experiment until you find exactly how you like it – just be sure to communicate clearly with your bartender if you want YOUR perfect Manhattan out at your favorite bar.

Whiskey.  Vermouth.  Bitters.  That’s all there is too it.  Traditionally – Rye Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, and Angostura Bitters. 

Now, I’m not a huge fan of Rye, I prefer a rich, smooth Bourbon.  I used Woodford Reserve.  It mixes well, and holds up to the other strong flavors in the Manhattan.

Sweet Vermouth… I’ve liked it, in small quantities.  I tend to find it too heavy and overpowering in cocktails.  So I used a mix of Rosso and Bianco Vermouth.  Bianco Vermouth is a bit sweeter than Dry Vermouth, and has some beautiful floral, citrus notes that help to carry some brighter tasting notes to the front of the Manhattan.  If you haven’t found a Vermouth that you love yet, keep trying.  Go to a well-stocked liquor or wine store, and just peruse the many brands.  Each brand has a distinct flavor profile.  Do a little bit of research and pick one or two to try.  I like Martini & Rossi and Dolin.  (And PLEASE, once you open your vermouth PLEASE store it in the refrigerator!)

Angostura Bitters.  They’re great.  If those are the only bitters you have, use them!  Your Manhattan will still be delicious.  If you have other bitters (You can find some great bitters variety packs on Amazon.) play around with the ones you like the best.  Cherry Bitters would be great.  Or even Chocolate.  For my Manhattan I used both Orange and Lemon Bitters.  I like highlighting the citrus notes that appear throughout my ingredients in this cocktail.

So, without further ado –

Swanning Around Manhattan

  • 2 oz Woodford Reserve
  • .25 oz Martini & Rossi Rosso Vermouth
  • .25 oz Martini & Rossi Bianco Vernmout
  • 2-3 drops Orange Bitters
  • 2-3 drops Lemon Bitters

In a mixing glass combine all ingredients.  Add ice.  Stir to properly chill and dilute.  Approximately 10 seconds.  Strain into a Double Old-Fashioned glass over a large ice cube.  Garnish with an orange peel.  (If you have a Luxardo cherry, through it in there!  Those cherries are delicious!)  Enjoy!

How do you put your own personal touch on a classic cocktail?

Lucky 36

There are so many celebrations that we are missing out on in this topsy-turvy, social distancing, quarantined world.  Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations and more.  Opportunities to see and celebrate with family- opportunities that, even if postponed, are gone forever.  As we find our way in what is becoming the new “normal” we find ways to make those moments special.  My birthday was at the end of March.  And it will definitely be one that I will always remember.

I’ve had some pretty amazing birthdays.  Last year, when I turned 35, my Partner-In-Crime planned an overnight to one of the Casino Riverboats in Indiana and surprised me with a stop at the Neely Family Distillery for a tasting and I got to bottle my own bourbon. 

The year before we went to Columbus for another overnight.  After stopping on the way at Hardees for my favorite Hot Ham and Cheese, I knew we weren’t rushing to a restaurant.  After checking in to the hotel, he rushed me out the door and surprised me (with help from one of our most fantastic liquor reps) with a private tour of Middle West Spirits Distillery and dinner at their restaurant.  They are, hands down, one of my favorite distilleries ever- you have to try their Oyo Vodka, especially the Honey-Vanilla Bean. 

My 30th was a trip to Las Vegas.  Super, over-the-top, fancy-pants seafood buffets.  Blackjack.  And a Battleground Vegas 80’s Action Movie shooting experience.

My birthday this year was just as memorable, if not more so.  This year, my 36th Birthday happened on day 3 of Ohio’s “Shelter-in-Place” order.  No surprise trips.  No fabulous restaurant meal.  No distillery visit.  Not even a get together at O’Neal’s with my amazing friends. 

This year was quiet.  Was slow.  It was a time to look around and really think about everything I’ve accomplished in the past year.  This year the weather was warm, a spring breeze was blowing.  Change and growth were in the air.  And all I wanted was to go for a walk and have a picnic.  I wanted to enjoy the fresh air and get a nice dose of Vitamin D.

 My Partner-in-Crime took me to Fresh Market, we got a rotisserie chicken that they very kindly cut into pieces for us, the best chocolate chip cookies, mac’n’cheese, risotto cakes, and spicy crab- cucumber sushi.  All of my favorites!  Then we went to a local park and we watched the ducks and picnicked in the sun.  We finished the experience with a cake/card hand off with my parents.  It was so nice to see them, even at a distance.

Once back home I knew I wanted to make myself a super extra-special Birthday Cocktail. 

I call this one-

*Lucky 36*

  • Bubbly Brut Cuvee
  • 1 small scoop Aglamesis Champagne Italian Ice
  • 2-3 drops Lemon Bitters
  • 3-4 drops Orange Flower Water

In your favorite coupe glass, place scoop Champagne Italian Ice.  Fill glass with Brut Cuvee.  Top with Bitters and Orange Flower Water.  Garnish with a fresh strawberry or raspberry, if you have one.

It was my birthday; I couldn’t have just one.  So next one I made was a riff on one of my all time guilty pleasure drinks.

*Not-So-Cosmo*

  • 1.5 ounces Tito’s Vodka
  • 4-5 Drops Orange Flower Water
  • 3-4 Drops Lemon Bitters
  • 2.5 ounces Ocean Spray Pink Cranberry Juice

In a mixing glass combine all ingredients, add ice and stir to combine.  Strain into a chilled coupe and garnish with a lime wheel.  Enjoy in the Springtime sun!

*** I want to make certain to note that my birthday adventure 2020 occurred before the stricter Shelter-In-Place recommendations by the CDC and State of Ohio went in to place. 

Rubus y Sol

I’ve really been enjoying entering all of these cocktail contests. It’s been nice to challenge myself, use new ingredients, and learn new techniques. Below you will find my entry for the Diageo World Class Competition. The challenge was to show off my Bubbly Personality and create a Highball or a Spritz. I chose decided on a Spritz; a compact, effervescent cocktail that can pack quite a punch of flavor! I hope you’ll enjoy reading the story of how my Rubus y Sol came to be.

The summers of my childhood were spent outside, soaking up the sunshine and fresh air.  We’d pick honeysuckle vines and twist them into necklaces and crowns.  The July the grass would tickle then crunch under our dusty, bare feet.   White puffy clouds in a bright blue sky, a slight breeze rustling the leaves of the trees behind me; carrying with it the scent of the newly bloomed chrysanthemums and hint of pine.  The low buzz of a nearby bumble bee punctuated with the occasional bird call drifted through the humid air.

Guided only be our imaginations we would spend the afternoons on grand adventures, wandering through the woods behind my house and if we were lucky, we would stumble upon an undiscovered briar patch.  Before long, our mouths and fingers would be stained purple from the sun ripened blackberries.  I’d reach deeper and deeper into the prickly thicket, earning another scratch in the process, to be rewarded with the perfect berry.  The sweet juice would explode across my taste buds and I’d chase it with a sip of perfectly chilled lemonade; a flawless blend of sweet and tart.

My cocktail Rubus y Sol, is inspired by those never-ending, sweltering midsummer days.  The bold, full bodied citrus and chamomile notes of Tanqueray No. Ten are brought to life with fresh blackberries, turmeric, fresh lemon and a bit of heat from the ginger liqueur; topped with a splash of perfectly chilled prosecco, for a crisp and refreshing libation.   

The Rubus y Sol is adventurous; familiar with a hint of mystery, which is what I hope to convey to my guests.  Just as the prosecco carries notes of orange blossom and lemon throughout my cocktail, the whimsical and joyful parts of my character begin to sparkle at the chance to create sip-able experiences.  When you pull a stool up to my bar, I’m inviting you to join me on an adventure; a wander down the path less traveled, and perhaps, if we’re lucky, we’ll stumble upon a secret briar patch of our own. 

  • RUBUS y SOL
  • 1.25 oz Tanqueray No. Ten
  • .5 oz Lemon Juice
  • .25 oz Ginger Liqueur
  • 4 Blackberries
  • 2 tsp Local Honey
  • 5-6 drops Orange Flower Water
  • 1 2-inch sprig Rosemary
  • 1 Pinch Turmeric
  • 1 oz Dry Prosecco
  • 1 oz Soda Water
  • *Garnish- 1 Sprig of Rosemary, Lemon Peel and Orange Peel (cut into flower shapes, if desired)
  • In a shaker tin add Blackberries and Honey and muddle until berries are crushed and honey is fully emulsified.  To the tin add, Tanqueray No. Ten, Lemon Juice, Ginger Liqueur, Orange Flower Water, Rosemary, and Turmeric.  Add a small scoop of ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a 5.5oz coupe glass.  Top with Prosecco and Soda Water.  Garnish by attaching sprig of Rosemary, Lemon Peel and Orange Peel to the rim of the glass with a mini clothespin. 

Hot White (Christmas) Chocolate

Who remembers playing outside in the snow as a kid?  Sledding?  Making Snowmen?  Snowball fights?  Just staying outside in the crisp, cold weather crunching through the snow until your cheeks were pink and your nose was froze?  When it was finally time to go inside the perfect way to warm up was a steaming mug of Hot Chocolate.  How did you top yours?  Marshmallows?  Whipped Cream?  Or were you a purist, and drank yours with no garnish at all? 

Growing up we had a really good homemade Hot Chocolate Mix.  My mom had the recipe in an old church cookbook.  It might have been my dad’s mom’s church cookbook, but I’m really not sure.  I just remember that it was delicious.  I made it a couple of years ago, and it was still good.  But not as good as I remember.  So I decided to create a new, easy, amazing Hot Chocolate. 

I don’t know about you, but as an adult Hot Chocolate is a pretty big treat.  My hot drinks tend to stay on the sensible side- coffee or tea.  And if I’m craving Hot Chocolate, sometimes the powdered packet is just fine… but let’s face it, even the best powdered mixes aren’t that good.  So, if you are going to have Hot Chocolate do yourself a favor, and make it a real treat.  A rich, creamy, decadent (SPIKED) treat. 

I love this recipe because it’s a little different.  It features White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder.  You get all of these delicious layers of chocolate and it’s not too sweet.  It’s amazing on its own, but even better if you spike it with a little smoethin’ somethin’ it’s even better.    

  • Hot White (Christmas) Chocolate
  • 1 bag (11oz) High Quality White Chocolate Chips
  • 1 ½ Tablespoon Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder
  • 8 cups 1% Milk
  • 1/3 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • A couple of drops of Vanilla Extract
  • Pinch of Kosher Salt

In a heavy bottomed pot combine the heavy cream, about half the milk, the cocoa powder, and whisk well to combine.  Add the rest of the ingredients.  Stir often and keep an eye on the heat, you don’t want to scald the milk.  Once the chips are melted and everything is heated through, give it a taste test.  Add more cocoa powder, milk, or vanilla as needed. 

You can also make this in a crockpot.  Follow the same directions, but over low heat stirring every 30 minutes.  Once hot, switch to the warm setting.

Serve with marshmallows, whipped cream, or nothing at all in your favorite mug!

This is amazing and child friendly, as is.  Now let’s make it adult friendly.  Some of my favorite additions are – Candy Cane Infused Vodka (as made in a previous post), Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey (who doesn’t love peanut butter and chocolate?), Fireball (cinnamon and chocolate for a little extra spice), your favorite bourbon (bourbon and chocolate pair so well together), Rum Chata (for a more mild, extra creamy addition), Kahlua (for a mocha-type drink)….. the possibilities are really endless.  Let me know what your favorite is!

My favorite? LOTS of marshmallows and a healthy glug of Maker’s Mark.

Winter Warm-Ups

 So, this post is delayed by a few days.  I was going to make a nice post about some of my favorite winter warm-up drinks, like hot toddies and how they are not only delicious, but also medicinal… I made my drinks, I took my pictures, and then my throat started to hurt, I began to feel achy and chilled, and before I knew it, I was hit with a cold/flu/nastiness.  I have been sleeping as much as possible and drinking lots of hot water/lemon/honey/ginger and I’m already feeling much better. 

So, what is a hot toddy?  A mixed drink, served hot traditionally made with whiskey, lemon, and honey. 

I enjoy a traditional toddy when the weather starts getting chilly but by December, I’m ready to shake it up a little bit.  I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I love pairing blackberry and whiskey.  So, I made a Hot Blackberry Ginger Toddy… it just what I needed.  The blackberry and honey mix so well, and with the fresh lemon juice it doesn’t get too sweet.  Beam Black is my go-to for a drink like this- big enough flavors to stand up through the blackberry/ginger, but it still blends well into the cocktail.  The ginger is absolutely necessary for me, but feel free to leave it out if you don’t have any or don’t like it.  I need the bite of fresh ginger to balance the other flavors, but I understand fresh ginger is too much for many people. (ps – sorry for the not-great phots… this is all that I got before I accidentally drank it in my haze of oncoming sickness.)

  • Hot Blackberry-Ginger Toddy
  • 1oz Honey (locally sourced is best, thank you Don Popp’s Honey Farm)
  • .5oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 4 Blackberries
  • ¼ – ½ inch piece of fresh Ginger, peeled and rough chopped
  • 1.5oz Beam Black
  • 5oz near boiling water

In a heat proof measuring glass combine Honey, Lemon Juice, Blackberries, and Ginger.  Muddle the blackberries into the honey and lemon.  Add Beam Black. Top with water and carefully stir to combine.  Cover the top of the glass and let steep for 4 minutes.  Pour through fine mesh strainer into your favorite mug and enjoy.

Do you have a favorite take on the Hot Toddy?

Up next… my Favorite White Christmas Hot Chocolate….