April 2014 archive

Ahoy, navy gin cocktail

On the south side of Austin, Texas, the folks at Genius Distiller ferment sugar and from it distill two styles of gin. One is a 114-proof “Navy Strength.” The higher alcohol level in this gin pushes the aromas of juniper and other botanical flavors and also inspired the drink’s name. Originally, we used lime juice, […]

 

Texas 71, moonshine cocktail

Texas 71 is a section of state highway connecting the sources of this cocktail: Bone Spirits in Smithville and Rohan Meadery near La Grange. Bone Spirits is a farm-to-bottle operation distilling gin, vodka and two Fitch’s Goat corn whiskeys. One whiskey is a clear Moonshine and we thought it paired well with honey-based mead and […]

 

Abbey, archdeacon cocktail

This is not to suggest that clerics need a drink, it’s just nice to know here’s a tipple they might enjoy. Lillet Blanc, a French wine-based aperitif, has a broader and deeper range of flavors than dry vermouth, and plays well with the juice and bitters in the drink. Abbey 1 1/2 ounces gin 1 […]

 

Galliano Sour, aperitif cocktail

While the list of the herbs and spices used in making the effervescent-yellow liqueur Galliano is a deep secret, one ingredient that pops up when it is mixed with lemon juice is anise. It adds an refreshing taste to this aperitif. Galliano Sour 1 1/2 ounces Galliano 1 ounce fresh lemon juice Pour ingredients into […]

 

Million Dollar Baby, egg white cocktail

The use of egg white in cocktails gives the finished drink a smoother and longer taste. Here pineapple juice provides the slight acidic touch and grenadine a little hue of pink. Million Dollar Baby 1 1/2 ounces gin 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth 3/4 ounce pineapple juice 1 teaspoon grenadine 1 egg white Put all the […]

 

Marconi Wireless, retro cocktail

Cellphones, wifi? Want to blame it all on someone? Or raise a glass in tribute to Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor (born April 25, 1874) whose work led to our wireless world? This pre-Prohibition drink brings back applejack with a pleasing dose of orange bitters. Marconi Wireless 2 ounces applejack 1/4 ounce sweet vermouth 3-4 […]

 

Leading Role, post Oscar cocktail

“And the winner is . . .” Here’s a late (and final) entry for our round of 2014 Oscar cocktails. The ingredient list was an idea from one of our twitter followers, @MBennett117. Kraken is a very dark rum loaded with cinnamon and ginger; like an Oscar winner in a supporting role, the Kraken brings […]

 

Hattie Wallbanger, revised cocktail

Yesterday we offered up the retro classic Harvey Wallbanger. When the drink first appeared in the 1950s gender equality wasn’t where is it today. Hattie’s version, swapping pineapple and rum for the orange juice vodka, should redress the gender issue. Hattie Wallbanger 1 1/2 ounces light rum 3 ounces pineapple juice 1/2 ounce Galliano Pour […]

 

Harvey Wallbanger, retro cocktail

Let us hark back to yesteryear, beyond the line dividing today from retro. We’re talking the 1950s in Los Angeles where a Galliano salesman is promoting a drink named for a Santa Monica surfer. The truth of all this is veiled in retro’s comforting mist. This cocktail classic did, however, rise to great popularity through […]

 

Green-eyed Girl, vodka cocktail

San Luis Spirits, in Dripping Springs, west of Austin, Texas, brands two of their vodkas with the town’s name: one plain and one flavored by hand-grated orange zest. But the Drippings Springs distillery also produces 1876, a corn-based vodka cut with Texas Hill Country water. Though purified, the water still carries plenty of authentic limestone […]

 

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