Back to Basics: Aging Liquor

I received an email today from a reader who asks: "Could you please tell me more about the between the ages on spirits, e.g. Glenfiddich 12years, 18 and so on. Does it take them all these years to produce these drinks?"

Photo Credit: c Shannon Graham

Great question and there is really no single answer, but it is essentially yes. The majority of the time with whiskies such as Glenfiddich, they do spend that amount of time aging in barrels before they are ready for bottling. You may notice that the price of older whiskies reflect this extra time and labor.This is why it important for distillers to project well into the future how much they will need to produce in a few years. Knob Creek's shortage a couple of years ago was a good example of demand growing too fast for production.

The only time that we get a little confused on the actual age of a liquor is when it is blended. A great example is Cruzan Rum. For their 2 year old rums they blend rums that have been aged for 2-4 years. The age on the bottle reflects the age of the youngest spirit involved. Chivas Regal is a blended Scotch example, their 25 year old bottling is a combination of whiskies aged at least 25 years, though some may have spent much more time in barrels.

Before you ask... Why isn't rum and tequila aged as long as whiskey? It is all about climate, my dears.

Think about the weather difference between the Caribbean or Mexico and that of Scotland, Ireland, or the majority of North America. In the hot, arid climates it is unnecessary to age liquor for 5 or more years because the heat speeds aging, causing the liquor to absorb the wood essence faster. Since the majority of rum and all tequila is produced in these climates you do not find 10 year old tequila or 30 year rums (for the most part). In the popular whiskey producing regions, where temperatures tend to fluctuate greatly between hot and cold your aged liquors need more time in the barrel to pick up the essence of the wood. You may also notice that, for instance, many Kentucky bourbons will be aged for somewhere around 7-10 years. Go a little farther north and you will find Canadian whiskey that is at its peak after 15-30 years.

None of this is a hard and fast rule as each distillery will set up their own aging standards to reach the optimum product they desire.

I hope that answers the question. Thanks for asking.

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Hot Chocolate Recipes

If you want to make hot chocolate from melted chocolate, then see these hot chocolate recipes. If you want to make instant hot chocolate, hot cocoa from cocoa powder, hot chocolate mix or hot chocolate from chocolate syrup, then read on...

Cocoa Powder / Instant Hot Cocoa Recipes

These easy hot cocoa recipes are all made with instant cocoa mix or cocoa powder.

• If you're looking for a classic hot cocoa recipe, look no further than this easy Hot Cocoa Recipe.
• This Basic Hot Cocoa Recipe explains how to make enough cocoa to serve one or to serve 12.
• Hot Cocoa With Marshmallows is a classic hot cocoa recipe.
• Let Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate simmer while you're cooking a holiday meal or outside enjoying the snow.
• Although it's made with cocoa powder, President's Hot Chocolate has a rich flavor, thanks to the inclusion of light cream and whipped cream.
• Easy Hot Cocoa is prepared with sweetened condensed milk and coca powder.
• Mint Chocolate Tea uses mint tea in lieu of water for a more refreshing, wintery flavor. Similarly, Chai-Peppermint Cocoa uses cocoa powder and peppermint-flavored chai concentrate for a spiced, minty flavor.
• Milk Chocolate & Orange Cocoa gets its distinctive flavor from freshly grated orange zest. It is made with cocoa powder and melted milk chocolate.
• Orange Ginger Hot Chocolate is made with hot cocoa powder, brown sugar, orange zest and chopped ginger.
• Instant Cinnamon Coffee Cocoa is so easy to make, you can even prepare it with a microwave or campfire.
• Spiced Hot Cocoa is enlivened with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.

Hot Cocoa Mix Recipes

Hot cocoa mixes can be made ahead of time for quick, flavorful hot cocoa anytime. They also make good homemade holiday gifts.

• Gourmet Hot Cocoa Mix is a rich blend of cocoa powder, chocolate malted milk and non-fat powdered milk and creamer.
• Spiced Cocoa Mix gets its kick from cloves, cinnamon and cardamom.
• White Hot Chocolate Mix is made with grated white chocolate, white chocolate pudding mix and dried orange peel.
• This Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe includes mini marshmallows.
• This basic Hot Cocoa Mix Recipe is made of nonfat fry milk powder, powdered nondairy coffee creamer, powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder.
• Easy Hot Chocolate Mix is made with chocolate milk powder, powdered milk, non-dairy creamer and powdered sugar.
• Hot Chocolate in a Jar is a fun family project for the holidays.

Chocolate Syrup Hot Chocolate Recipes

As a liquid ingredient, chocolate syrup is much easier to mix into milk or water than cocoa powder. It's a great choice for those who want to make hot chocolate as quickly as easily as possible. All of these recipes use chocolate syrup:

• Coffee Hot Chocolate includes hot coffee, instant coffee, various spices and whipped cream.
• Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate is made with chocolate syrup and smooth peanut butter. It's a good option for kids.
• This Hot Chocolate Recipe is easy enough for kids and teens to make.

For recipes made with melted chocolate, see these hot chocolate recipes.

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New Year's Eve Cocktails

New Year's Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year and this annual occasion is ideal for serving exquisite and impressive drinks. While straight Champagne is a traditional way to celebrate, it's also fantastic to mix in any of the Champagne cocktails available. However, if you don't want to drink sparkling drinks all night, here are a few more "yearly" cocktails that fit the night perfectly as you're ringing in the new year and wishing everyone all the joy and prosperity you wish for yourself.

Happy New Year

Of course, a drink named Happy New Year is going to have Champagne, but would you also expect brandy, port and orange juice? There's a lot going on in this drink and it is fabulous. What better way to say, well you know?

Midnight Martini

Photo Credit: c Grey Goose Vodka

Usually I'll pull the Midnight Martini out for Halloween, but it's just as fitting for New Year's Eve. The coffee profile helps out with the look of midnight and if you choose to go with both the liqueur and a vodka like Van Gogh's Espresso you will be up well past midnight, which isn't such a bad way to bring in the New Year.

Resolution Martini

The Resolution Martini is a simple and elegant way to toast the New Year. Really, you cannot get much more simple than gin, apricot brandy and lemon juice for a finished drink with a perfect balance of dry, sweet and sour. Consider it one last indulgence before you take on those resolutions, which you're sure to keep this year.

Elit Midnight Millionaire

Photo Courtesy of: c Stoli Vodka

The luxurious Elit Midnight Millionaire is one of the easiest ways to dress up a glass of Champagne. It can not get any easier than a shot of silky Stoli Elit vodka topped with Perrier Jouet Fleur de Champagne and a lone raspberry dropped inside.

Twentieth Century Cocktail

We may be well into the twenty first century but that doesn't mean we can't partake in a Twentieth Century Cocktail. This is one of those classics from the beginning of the 1900's and its mix of gin, Lillet Blanc and creme de cacao is quite intriguing and great for any celebration.

Midori Melon Ball Drop

Photo Courtesy of Midori

When the ball drops in Times Square on New Year's Eve, this Melon Ball Drop cocktail is one you may just want to have in hand. In this drink the sweet fruits of citrus vodka and Midori are complimented by, of all things, elderflower liqueur (namely St. Germain) and the result is fantastic.

Good Times

Classic cocktail lovers will appreciate this Old Tom Gin version of the Classic Martini. Whenever I think of a Good Times cocktail the Cars version of Let the Good Times Roll gets stuck in my head, and that's why I chose it for this New Year's Eve cocktail list. After all, the night is all about a "good time" and the "good times" ahead in the new year.

Millennium Cocktail

When the most recent millennium turn over took place there were many "Millennium Cocktails" created and this gin, cherry brandy and orange juice cocktail is just one of them - most of the others include dark spirits like brandy and whiskey and all are quite tasty. Whichever Millennium you prefer, they're all perfect compliments for any new year party.

Countdown Cocktail

Photo Courtesy of: c SKYY Spirits

Dry gin is great but one has to appreciate the sometimes overlooked genever (and old tom in the Good Times above) and I found it to be very nice with blood orange juice in this lowball. I called it the Countdown because it is one of those slow sippers that are great for counting down to the new year.

Leap Year

Granted, every year is not a leap year, but this is a fantastic classic cocktail that deserves a taste at least once a year and what better time than to celebrate a new one? The Leap Year is simply a delightful, sweet version of the classic Martini and it is one of those ageless classics that hasn't been lost to time.

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Playboy's Women of Starbucks

?Related Resources ‧?Fun & Games ‧?Culture ?

?Elsewhere on the Web ‧?Playboy Magazine ?

First it was the Women of Enron, and now Playboy's next corporate homage is to the coffee giant, Starbucks?. Their photo spread of barista babes is slated to hit the stands towards the end of this year, and will likely contain around a dozen photos of the coffee-brewing beauties.

Unfortunately, Starbucks? is less than pleased with this honour. They have made it clear that they do not endorse this, and that no Starbucks? logos or store locations are to be in any of the photos. In past corporate photo spreads, the company in question either agreed to the use of their name or the company was in no financial position to retaliate. Whether Starbucks? will take legal action against Playboy is not yet known.

Other similar features have included the women of Enron, 7-11, the NY City Police Department, Hooters and WorldCom. These type of themed issues are very popular with Playboy readers.

Any female Starbucks? employee over 18 years old may apply, by sending photographs and proof of Starbucks? employment to Playboy. Applications are being accepted until April 1, 2003. Some baristas may be hesitant to apply, fearing that their jobs may be at stake.

Considering the application deadline (April 1st), some skeptics think that this may be an April Fool's Day hoax. I did find a press release on the Playboy website, so I don't think it is just a rumour.

For more on this story:

Playboy Looking for "Women of Starbucks?"

Starbucks? Cool to Playboy's Plans to Bare its Baristas

Starbucks? Says No to Playboy

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Haunting Halloween Cocktails

A lot of what makes Halloween what it is is the creation of a spooky atmosphere and anything and everything involved in a party can be converted from mundane to eerie very easily. Cocktails are no different. These haunting drinks are great ghastly additions to the Halloween theme: some are black as night while others have mysterious creatures hiding in the depths, all are a lot of fun. Also, keep an eye out for Halloween drink accessories like the black cat drink marker or hang glow in the dark fake teeth off the rim.

More autumn cocktails...

Bayou Slime

Photo Courtesy of: c Darko Zagar

The swamps of the bayou can be one of the scariest places and this cocktail has that same mystery of what could possibly be underneath that top layer of slime. It's really a great drink, sort of a creamy Mojito

.

Black Martini

Photo Credit: c 2006 Colleen Graham licensed to About.com

Black is the signature color for All Hallows Eve so why not make your Martini match the occasion? If black raspberry or blackberry flavors are not your thing, try a regular Vodka Martini made with Blavod (a black vodka).

Bloody Rum Punch

Photo Courtesy: c DonQ Cristal Rum

Think of this punch as a blood red sangria that leaves the decorations around the punch bowl open to your creepy imagination. The drink is very simple and will appeal to many palates. By allowing you costumed guests to help themselves you're free to mix and mingle with the goblins and ghouls.

Bloody-tini

Photo Courtesy of: c Veev Acai

Sorry, no blood in this Bloody-tini, but it does have a deep red hue that could make your Halloween guests wonder. It is actually a very pleasant and light, making it an excellent and elegant cocktail for any affair.

Candy Corn

Photo Courtesy of: c Bombay Sapphire Gin

You will find that this cocktail doesn't taste exactly like the sweet candy it is named for, but it is just as sweet and delectable. The key ingredient is a special gin infusion of kettle corn, which is combined with a sweet dessert wine and unique syrup. The real candy corn does come in for a garnish also, giving you something to nibble.

Devil's Handshake

Photo Courtesy: c Shannon Graham

The Devil's Handshake is one of my favorite Halloween-worthy mixed drinks. It's tallk, refreshing and has a spicy ginger side amongst all the sweet fruit.

Dracula's Kiss

Photo Courtesy of: c www.CocktailTimes.com

Here's a highball straight from Dracula's lips to yours. The red and black layers recreate the frightening atmosphere of a castle deep in Transylvania. At the door of this fortress smooth flavors of black cherry cola greet you and are accented with sweet grenadine that surges from the depths of the concoction.

Green Ghoul

Photo Courtesy: c Midori Melon Liqueur

Sweet and spicy, the Green Ghoul will be a hit at your monster bash. The key to the beautiful and ghastly cocktail is the webbing of black licorice, which by the time you get to the bottom of the glass is infused with sweet melon and snappy herbs.

The Halloween Hpnotist

Photo Courtesy of: c Hpnotiq Liqueur

A drink with a haunting, eerie blue glow. What more could you want for a Halloween party? This simple, elegant Martini pairs the bright blue hue of Hpnotiq with vodka and lemon juice, but it's the garnish that makes it. To finish off this drink, simply grab some blue glow sticks, turn down the lights and sip away.

More Halloween Cocktails

• Black Cat
• Black Magic
• Black Widow
• Corpse Reviver
• Devil Cocktail
• Devil's Punch
• Frog in a Blender
• Ghostbuster

The list continues... go to page 2 >>

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Absinthe FAQs and Cocktails

What is Absinthe?:

Absinthe is an anise-flavored spirit that was originally 136 proof and made with grande wormwood. It is typically made by distilling neutral grain spirits with herbs, predominately anise, florence fennel and grande wormwood. Other herbs such as angelica root, coriander, dittany leaves, hyssop, juniper, nutmeg, melissa, star anise, sweet flag, and veronica are also used.

The color of the distillate is clear and is often bottled this way in a style known as Blanche or la Bleue or as a bright green. The coloring is added, either through the chlorophyll from steeping herbs like hyssop, melissa and petite wormwood in the liquor or adding artificial coloring. Other absinthes are available in red or blue hues.

Absinthe in History:

This potent liqueur was outlawed in many countries for years following multiple instances of harmful effects and even deaths of its drinkers, most of which were due to over indulgence of the green spirit. Since the 95 year absinthe ban was lifted in the United States in 2007, many brands have been released with lower thujone levels. During the bans homemade absinthe kits became popular, however this can be dangerous. For instance too much wormwood or the use of wormwood extract can be poisonous.

There have been a number of famous absinthe drinkers throughout time, most notably among artists and other creatives in the 19th century. Pablo Picasso, Edgar Allen Poe, Arthur Rimbaud, Ernest Hemingway, and Oscar Wilde made this list and absinthe is often found or has influenced their work. Possibly the best known absinthe imbiber was Vincent Van Gogh, who drank it for years (presumably addicted to it), painted still lifes of absinthe, and some believe he was under its influence when he cut off his ear.

Absinthe Facts:

Abisante, Anisette, Pernod and Herbsaint are often used to replace Absinthe in cocktail recipes.

Absinthe is commonly classified as a liqueur, however it does not contain any sugar and is actually a liquor.

Absinthe is also known as absinth and the 'green fairy.'

National Absinthe Day is March 5.

How to Make Absinthe - from Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide to Chemistry

Absinthe Brands:

Since the shift of legality regarding absinthe we have seen many brands become available throughout the world. These are just a few:

• Absinthe Abtshof
• Kubler Absinthe
• La Fee Absinthe
• La Sorciere
• Lucid Absinthe
• Mansithe Absinthe
• Mata Hari Absinthe
• Obsello Absinthe
• Pernod Absinthe
• St. George Absinthe Verte

DrinkingAbsinthe:

It is not recommended to drink absinthe straight because of its potency and pungent taste. Consider it fair warning that if you do take a straight shot of absinthe, you may not taste anything for a day or two. A better way to drink absinthe is to use the preparation often called the absinthe ritual. It is a far more gentile option that involves water, a sugar cube and specially designed spoons and glasses.

Absinthe Spoons: Compare Prices

Absinthe Cocktails:

It is not recommended to drink absinthe straight. In fact there is an "appropriate" way to drink absinthe complete with specially designed spoons and glasses. Besides that 'ritual' there are many great absinthe cocktails available. When mixing with absinthe it is important to remember that the anise is a strong flavor and it is recommended to measure its portion according to the recipe. Also, be sure to properly clean any bar tools that have contained absinthe as the

• #26 Cocktail
• Absinthe Cocktail
• Absinthe Drip
• Brazilian Sangria
• Broad Stripes and Bright Stars
• Champagne Antoine
• Charmides
• Chrysanthemum
• Dorflinger
• Dutch Duchess
• Early Autumn
• French Pearl
• Halfpipe
• Irish Tea Party
• La Berceuse
• La Canne Creuse
• La Dame Blasee
• Lucid Garden
• Mile High Manhattan
• Monkey Gland
• Morning Glory
• Mystic Chocolate
• Obituary Cocktail
• Palin's Christmas Punch
• Rimbaud's Left Hand
• Royal Wedding Punch
• Saratoga Brace Up
• Sazerac
• Sour Witch
• Starlet Cocktail
• Waldorf
• Wolf Bite
• Yellow Fairy

In August 2011, absinthe was the subject of the monthly cocktail contest. Check out the submissions for more recipes...

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Green Acres Punch

The Green Acres Punch is a simple drink to throw together for a party. It is similar to a classically designed rum punch such as the Medford Rum Punch, yet in this instance green tea dilutes the aged rums of Flor de Cana .

The recipe below makes a small batch of punch, just enough to make about three 3-ounce servings so you will need to adjust the proportions according to the number of servings you need. Also, this is intended to be served cold after a day of steeping everything together. However, I like the option of serving it warm and to do so I would store the prepared punch in a large pot overnight and warm it up gently just prior to serving. Do not let the punch or the tea come to a full boil as this can add an unwanted bitterness.

Prep Time: 5?minutes

Total Time: 5?minutes

Yield: 1 Punch Bowl

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Flor de Cana 4-year old rum
• 1oz. Flor de Cana 18-year old rum
• 0.75 oz. rich demerara simple syrup
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 6 oz. hot, strong green tea
• 1 mint sprig

Preparation:

1. All of the ingredients should be combined and left in a container over night.
2. Strain the next day.
3. Refrigerate and drink at leisure.
4. For party punch service: Pour the punch into a glass and garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.

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Best Chai Recipes

If you're like me, you probably gravitate toward "chai tea" (masala chai) as the weather cools down. Comforting, warming chai spices seem like the perfect antidote to cold weather, and I can't seem to help but tinkering with various spice combinations and balances when the temperature drops.

In preparation of this year's cold weather, I recently assembled this list of the best chai recipes on About.com. It includes recipes for simmered masala chai, herbal chai, chai cocktails, chai frosting and more. Of course, if I concoct any more tasty chai recipes this fall, they might get added to the list! But in the meantime, I hope you enjoy this collection of the best chai recipes on About.com.

Photo (c) Lindsey Goodwin
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Banana Coffee Cake

Not just bananas, but a hint of cocoa and coffee in this coffee cake recipe. Its a lovely soft cake that any guest will enjoy having when they stop by for some coffee.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cup cake flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 2 bananas, soft and mashed
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbs instant coffee, dissolved in 1 tsp water
• 1 tsp vanilla

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350F, and grease a 10-inch Bundt pan. In a large mixing bowl, combing flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. In another small bowl, mix bananas and sour cream. In yet another bowl, beat butter and sugars together until fluffy. Add eggs to the butter mixture, 1 at a time, mixing in between. Beat in espresso and vanilla. Beat in flour mixture, alternating with the banana mixture. Pour batter into bundt pan and bake for 50 minutes. Let cool before removing from pan.

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Coffee, Tea and Religion

Dietary rules and restrictions are a common part of many world religions, and usually involve the avoidance of various forms of meat (pork or beef, typically). But in a few instances, coffee and tea do fall under some religious restrictions.

Islam
The only time when coffee or tea is restricted for Muslims is during Ramadan, a month of spiritual fasting. From dawn until dusk, no food or drink is allowed, even water is forbidden. It's pretty clear-cut, with no gray areas.
More on Ramadan, from the About Islam Guide.

Latter-Day Saints (Mormons)
The LDS restrictions involving coffee and tea are fairly well known, though I'm sure most people don't really know the details behind it. Coffee and tea are specifically prohibited, as written in the Word of Wisdom: "Hot drinks are not for the body or belly" (D&C 89:9) It has been interpreted by the Church that Joseph Smith was referring to coffee and tea with this statement, as they were the only hot drinks commonly available at the time (early 1833). Some LDS members feel this is based on caffeine content, and then also feel that all caffeine is to be avoided. Some feel that the rule should be taken at face value, and therefore only refers to coffee and tea. The LDS church has no official position about caffeinated products other than coffee and tea.
More on the LDS caffeine issue, from the About Latter-Day Saints Guide.

Judaism
There are no specific rules against either coffee or tea in Judaism, except for the broader rules of kosher eating. Both tea and coffee are kosher on their own, but there may be many other considerations to remember when enjoying your cup. One is flavoured coffee. Whether you are using flavoured beans, or adding syrups, you cannot be sure the kosher status of the many ingredients used to make these products. Many syrup manufacturers do offer kosher certified products. Another kosher issue can arise from decaffeinated coffee. Ethyl acetate is one chemical often used in the decaffeination process. One component of ethyl acetate is ethanol, which comes from grain. This would make coffee processed this way not kosher during Passover. There are several other aspects of coffee and tea that fall under kosher rules.
Star-K Kosher Certification has a good article with more information.

Seventh-Day Adventist
The Seventh-Day Adventist's believe strongly in the importance of a healthy and wholesome diet, free from alcohol, narcotics and other stimulants. Caffeine was once officially prohibited, but no longer. It is still recommended that caffeine be avoided.
More on SDA dietary guidelines

Rastafarianism
Like the Seventh-Day Adventist's, the Rastafarians follow a pure and wholesome diet. This excludes coffee, alcohol, salt, tobacco, meat and other processed foods. The foods eaten by Rastafarians (grains, fruits, vegetables) are all "ital" foods.
More on Rastafarianism, from the About Alternative Religions Guide

I am not an adherent to any of these religions, and I have done my best to understand the nature of these dietary restrictions. I apologize if I have used terminology improperly or represented any beliefs in an incorrect manner.

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Red Apple & Bourbon Fizz

Chef Laurent Tourondel, famous for his BLT restaurants, recently published Fresh from the Market, Seasonal Cooking with Laurent Tourondel. This cookbook is packed with fantastic recipes, but even better, it contains some delicious and creative cocktail recipes. Here is Chef Tourondel's Red Apple and Bourbon Fizz recipe which features Makers Mark bourbon. Try one this fall and see just how delicious this is for yourself.

: 5?minutes

Total Time: 5?minutes

Yield: 1 cocktail

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Makers Mark bourbon
• 1 oz apple juice
• 1 oz apple syrup, preferably Monin brand
• 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• splash of Ginger ale
• 2 thin red apple slices

Preparation:

1. Combine the Makers Mark bourbon, apple juice, apple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake with ice and strain over fresh ice in a highball glass.
3. Top with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with the apple slices.

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This Week in Cocktail News

There is a lot going on in the cocktail world as of late, here is a run down of news stories and other tidbits that I've ran across in the last week...

• A Change in California Law - Last week California finally changed a Prohibition-era law that prevented bartenders from serving housemade infusions, tinctures, and bitters to patrons. I have been hearing about this controversy for a few years from frustrated California mixologists who wanted to offer creative additions to their drink menus and I have to say it is about time. There are other states who are dealing with this issue as well and most of the concern - from what I gather - has to do with health code standards and the fact that in-house mixers are not labeled with their ingredients. At any rate, this is one step in the right direction for creative mixology and with luck other states will follow suit and take care of these outdated laws and allow professionals to (legally) share the craft of modern cocktails. Read more at The New York Times' Diner's Journal blog...
• Ken Burns Documentary on Prohibition - I have been anticipating this event. The reknowned documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has taken on Prohibition in his latest series and it begins showing on PBS this Sunday evening. I've always admired Burns' work but am most excited about this three-part series (read Imbibe's interview with Burns). It's guaranteed that he has dug up some fantastic images and stories filled with gangsters, bootleggers,? speakeasies, and the heart wrenching act of pouring barrels of booze into the sewers. Read more on PBS. org...
• Solidified Campari - If you do not follow Camper English's blog Alcademics, you should, that's first and foremost. He's always up to something and lately it has been experimentation with making liquids solid. I've been following this and you will be pleased to know he developed Campari Fruit Roll-ups - imagine, the bitter aperitif boiled down and mixed with applesauce then dehydrated into a leather, yum! It is quite cool to say the least and the whole "Solid Liquids Project" is fascinating. Read more at Alcademics.com...
• Cocktail Typewriter - This is just strange and proof that some people have too much time on their hands - though it may be creative time that ends up with some cool results. You may have seen the Cocktail Typewriter as the YouTube video did go viral last week, but it's worth a mention. It seems that Morskoiboy has created a machine to mix your drinks for you, all you have to do is type the letter associated with a specific ingredient. Interesting? Yes, as a creative project that stretches the bounds of mixing drinks into a whole new world. Practical? Not really if you think about the time needed and the limit in ingredients that can be hooked up to the typewriter. Read more at The Cheezburger Network...
• The Jigger Cube - Forget the floating hand picture (I came across this product on Photoshop Disasters), this is a unique jigger design that looks neat but I wonder about its practicality. It is a 6-sided cube, each side with a different measurement. The design is intriguing, its boxy and that seems to be a little awkward for people used to handling round objects (think of the bar: tools, bottles, glasses are all round), but my main issue with this innovation is in the pour. I'm all about ease of use and tend to dump from my jiggers so this design seems - again - awkward because for a clean pour you have to go out of a corner. I do like the novelty and put it into the category? of the Alessi Anomino shaker (here): good eye candy, but usefully impractical. Check out the Jigger Cube on vidafine...
• Sake Day and Vodka Day - Just so you know (and don't feel left out of the loop) two of those special? spirited 'holidays' are approaching.? International Sake Day is this Saturday, the 1st - get prepared with a primer on sake and a few cocktail ideas: What is Sake? Then, on Tuesday the 4th we have National Vodka Day. I'll have more vodka stories next week, but for now check out a vodka cocktail or two.

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Frisco Sour

The Frisco Sour is very similar to the classic Whiskey Sour. The difference is that the Frisco uses blended whiskey along with the Cognac-based Benedictine. Add lime to the lemon and you have one great sour drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz blended whiskey
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz Benedictine
• lemon slice for garnish

Preparation:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a sour glass.
4. Garnish with the lemon slice.

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Pumpkin Pie Coffee Creamer Mix Recipe

Pumpkin Pie Coffee Creamer Mix

• 4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 cup non-dairy creamer

Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container. Use 1-2 tsp per cup of coffee.

More Mix Recipes

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A Rum Punch For All

Where there is rum, there is punch. It is the one spirit that makes the most appearances in punches, whether they be classic or modern recipes. Rum is just perfect for punch and you will often see two rums in one punch - typically a light or medium rum and a dark rum. Today happens to be National Rum Punch Day and to celebrate, I thought I would share a selection of great rum punches:

White Peach Sangria Punch
Photo Courtesy: Hiram Walker

Classic Recipes:

• Bishop Cocktail
• Fish House Punch
• Medford Rum Punch
• Planter's Punch
• Zombie Punch

Modern Recipes:

• Don Q Bloody Rum Punch
• Fall Into Navan Punch
• Flip Flop Punch
• Green Acres Punch
• Honey Spiced Punch

There is a little note that I probably should make when it comes to punch: not all 'punch' recipes are necessarily going to be a large batch. Over the years it was common for bartenders to transform popular punches into individual cocktails and the drinks keep the punch name. Going between the two quantities is easy with some simple math. See How to Turn a Cocktail into a Party Punch for more information. At any rate, any single serving cocktail with 'punch' in its name is ideal for the party punch transition and may have started out that way.

More Punch Recipes...

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