Sunny Toddy
This drink is dedicated to all of you still experiencing winter. I’ll try not to rub in the fact that we have been in the 80s this week. Okay, maybe I’ll throw a little shade to go with this super sunny hot toddy riff. I did enjoy it fireside not *that* long ago when temperatures were a bit cooler.
Need A Vacation
Okay, we’re getting to that point in winter when a vacation sounds really nice. Not that I have to deal with any snow or anything😆 But regardless, this is a great tropical-leaning old fashioned that’s hard not to like. It’s admittedly a riff on myself (“Still on Vacation”, 5/18/22), but if you still haven’t tried it, a little bit of pineapple juice in a stirred drink is incredible. Yeah yeah all you purists out there, I didn’t come up with the concept but I’m happy to debate its merits.
Cosmic Harmony
I know flavored vodkas often get a bad rep, but like with any spirit, there is a wide spectrum of quality out there. I want a vodka that is still clean and not overly sweet, with authentic flavor representation. The lychee, coconut, and jasmine vodka that the folks at @chakravodkas kindly sent me fits that order nicely. It has a ton of depth and the three flavors represented are in perfect harmony.
Paloma Old Fashioned
I love seeing a cocktail converted into a different style of drink. It’s a fun challenge but also can showcase the original in a new light. As the name suggests, this one converts the classic agave-based highball into an OF-style drink. The grapefruit flavor comes from a delicious grapefruit liqueur, and the lime/citrus presence comes from the bitters. The base spirit is a bit of personal preference (mezcal and/or tequila), just like with the classic. I chose a lovely mezcal that is on the lighter/cleaner side and split it with a bit of reposado for depth and a hint of vanilla/oak.
Bold-evardier
I was a beer nerd long before going down the Spirits rabbit hole. Many beer lovers I know eventually lock onto IPAs, some of the most bitter beers. Liquor seems to follow a similar trajectory, which probably explains why Fernet is so loved among many bartenders and the like. (I am curious to know if anyone started their alcohol journey with a really bitter palate, though!).
Squashface
I’ve enjoyed all the spooky/seasonal posts lately, so it’s about time I gave one back. Not that is spooky, but certainly appropriate for Halloween. The drink stars a squash-infused whiskey (using a lovely rye aged in bourbon barrels gifted from @ewingyoungdistillery). I used kabocha squash, which I think has a richer, earthier flavor compared to, say, butternut or pumpkin (though either would work just fine). I dehydrated thin slices of the squash and infused a few in the whiskey for ~2 days.
I Dream of Greenie
Anyone in the mood for a mezcal martini? What if it’s herbaceous, a little funky, and just the right amount of savory? I assume you’ve already scrolled past if your answer is no, so keep reading. I was sent a lovely bottle of mezcal by @mezcalamaras, which isn’t as assertive (ie smoky) as some others— which allows it to be the feature spirit in this stirred format without completely overtaking the more subtle flavors.
Supermom Spritz
I made this drink for my wife (definitely a Super Mom) for her last girl’s night/birthday celebration— the first of two signature drinks. It’s a tequila-based highball, sweet with a touch of spice (like someone I know…). Strawberry is the flavor that brings it all together as there are notes in the Aperol, Lillet, and of course, the shrub. Add in some vanilla/agave and bittersweet tonic to top it off… it’s a tasty number.
Seasonal Envy
Oh September… that pesky time of the year in Texas where my mind wants it to be Fall but it’s still hot and not quite Fall. Here’s one that keeps me eagerly waiting those cooler temps.
Cherry Cheers
I am excited to post this mocktail as part of a broader effort by a group of fellow drinkstagrammers today— we are led by my friend @shelby.mastro , who has very openly shared her experiences with alcoholism. I truly appreciate her honesty and candor, and she is graciously supporting a worthy charity, Shatterproof, that helps address addiction in various ways. Thank you Shelby.