Did a little housekeeping!
Click here for the recipe.
20110328
20110327
WHAT'S THE BEST VODKA?
VODKA, VODKA, VODKA, VODKA*
I get asked all the time, "What's the best vodka to buy?" and I kind of consider that a loaded question. When it comes to what "tastes good" the first thing to be considered is the subjectivity of flavor. Like food and art, a person's favorite flavors are determined by their own personal preferences, each person's unique palate will determine what "tastes good" to them.
Vodka is considered an excellent alcohol for mixing cocktails by many because it's said to be flavorless** however, that is not completely the case. Traditionally made from fermented substances like grains, primarily wheat and rye, and/or potatoes, vodka is composed primarily of ethanol and water, but each vodka brand has a flavor, nose and backtaste of it's own stemming from the recipe and distillation processes used.
Though these differences are a subtle distinction, most "experts" would tell you that a good vodka has a smooth "finish" while a cheaper vodka will burn as it goes down your throat. As for most of us - the non-experts - the video below is pretty revealing:
In the Happy Hour world of today there are literally hundreds of vodka brands on the market worldwide with new companies jumping on the bandwagon on a weekly basis. The fight for domination of the vodka market continues and everyone wants to enter the fray and become the champion of the most popular liquor of this generation. In order to do this they are pulling out all the stops with new flavor infused vodkas, sexy bottles, expensive packaging and branding campaigns that want to convince you that if your don't drink their vodka you are not Cool, Sexy, Young, Vibrant, Powerful, Intelligent, Rich or whatever other desire they can feed into to sell you their vodka.
So, can I tell you what is and isn't a "good" vodka? Not really. I'm not a "vodka expert" by any means, and judging by the video above, not too many people are. I don't drink vodka straight as a cocktail, for me vodka is my favorite liquor for mixing my martinis and that's because of it's subtle taste. What I can tell you is that a good vodka will not burn as it goes down your throat and the better made vodkas are, in my experience, less likely to leave you with a hangover because they have been filtered more and have removed more of the cogeners (toxins) that cause your body strife. As for taste, I suggest you belly up to the bar at your local bistro and do some taste testing of various vodka brands to see which vodka goes down the smoothest and leaves you with an aftertaste you consider pleasant.
I will also tell you that price does not always reflect quality. Price reflects only two things; how much money was spent on the packaging and branding and what the market will bear. It's a common belief that "expensive is better" and marketing people are well aware of this, it's simply a matter of how they decide to position their brand to their desire target demographic or market.
That being said I have to tell you I'm a sucker for a really cool, sexy or arty bottle - I can't help it, I'm an artist by trade and pretty things appeal to me. So, instead of telling you what a good vodka is I would rather show you some of the coolest looking vodkas out there:
ED HARDY VODKA
Really cool "ink" tattoo art inspired branding with a beautifully designed crystal bottle.
Dan Ackroyd's CRYSTAL HEAD VODKA
An incredible skull head glass bottle inspired by the famous 13 crystal skulls found (to date) around the world. The vodka itself? Filtered through 500-million year-old crystals known as Herkimer diamonds.
MEDEA VODKA
A Technogeek boozers dream, Medea's bottle comes with it's own programmable LED Label! You can program up to six messages of 255 characters each and they will scroll across your bottle sending out whatever message you want to input! You not only get vodka, you get mood lighting and a cool way to light up your thoughts!
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Though these differences are a subtle distinction, most "experts" would tell you that a good vodka has a smooth "finish" while a cheaper vodka will burn as it goes down your throat. As for most of us - the non-experts - the video below is pretty revealing:
In the Happy Hour world of today there are literally hundreds of vodka brands on the market worldwide with new companies jumping on the bandwagon on a weekly basis. The fight for domination of the vodka market continues and everyone wants to enter the fray and become the champion of the most popular liquor of this generation. In order to do this they are pulling out all the stops with new flavor infused vodkas, sexy bottles, expensive packaging and branding campaigns that want to convince you that if your don't drink their vodka you are not Cool, Sexy, Young, Vibrant, Powerful, Intelligent, Rich or whatever other desire they can feed into to sell you their vodka.
So, can I tell you what is and isn't a "good" vodka? Not really. I'm not a "vodka expert" by any means, and judging by the video above, not too many people are. I don't drink vodka straight as a cocktail, for me vodka is my favorite liquor for mixing my martinis and that's because of it's subtle taste. What I can tell you is that a good vodka will not burn as it goes down your throat and the better made vodkas are, in my experience, less likely to leave you with a hangover because they have been filtered more and have removed more of the cogeners (toxins) that cause your body strife. As for taste, I suggest you belly up to the bar at your local bistro and do some taste testing of various vodka brands to see which vodka goes down the smoothest and leaves you with an aftertaste you consider pleasant.
I will also tell you that price does not always reflect quality. Price reflects only two things; how much money was spent on the packaging and branding and what the market will bear. It's a common belief that "expensive is better" and marketing people are well aware of this, it's simply a matter of how they decide to position their brand to their desire target demographic or market.
That being said I have to tell you I'm a sucker for a really cool, sexy or arty bottle - I can't help it, I'm an artist by trade and pretty things appeal to me. So, instead of telling you what a good vodka is I would rather show you some of the coolest looking vodkas out there:
ED HARDY VODKA
Really cool "ink" tattoo art inspired branding with a beautifully designed crystal bottle.
An incredible skull head glass bottle inspired by the famous 13 crystal skulls found (to date) around the world. The vodka itself? Filtered through 500-million year-old crystals known as Herkimer diamonds.
A Technogeek boozers dream, Medea's bottle comes with it's own programmable LED Label! You can program up to six messages of 255 characters each and they will scroll across your bottle sending out whatever message you want to input! You not only get vodka, you get mood lighting and a cool way to light up your thoughts!
So, tell me, What's your vodka of choice and why?
*The word vodka comes from the Slavic word voda which translates as water and, according to the Gin and Vodka Association (GVA), it was first distilled in Russia in the late 9th Century. Other sources, such as the Encyclopædia Britannica trace the birth of vodka back only to the 14th Century.
**The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the agency which governs spirits sold in the United States, vodka is defined as a neutral spirit "without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color."
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20110325
TOAST PECAN DAY with Pecan Martinis, Candied Pecans & Pecan Liqueur!
Hi!
Did a little housekeeping and things have moved!
Here's the archived recipes for
and
Enjoy and have a lovely, nutty PECAN DAY!
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20110322
IT'S NATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY so GOOF OFF WITH A MARTINI . . . or 2 or 3 or 4 . . .
Image in the Public Domain
March 22nd is
NATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY!
NATIONAL GOOF OFF DAY!
Martini Excuse #16
What are your plans for Goofing Off??
It's National Goof Off Day so I goofed off and didn't post any cocktails.
However, may I suggest you use my search option at the top right of this site and search for any spirit, flavor or cocktail you might need to help you goof off too.
However, may I suggest you use my search option at the top right of this site and search for any spirit, flavor or cocktail you might need to help you goof off too.
Now, excuse me - I have to get ready to Goof Off the rest of the day. . . . where's my cocktail and the remote?
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20110321
TOAST NATIONAL JACKASS DAY - JACKASS, THE MARTINI
TODAY IS
NATIONAL JACKASS DAY!
I wonder why there is a day to celebrate jackasses. Seriously, are you going to celebrate the fact that you have to deal with jackasses? No, me either. So I prefer to look at National Jackass Day as National Jackass Therapy Day - this is the day you get to toast yourself for having to put up with all the jackasses that pop up in your life!
Now, this martini is not for you good folk who have had to put up with the jackasses - you need to treat yourself to one of my other cocktails. No, THIS martini is for the jackasses themselves - after you read it you'll understand why.
Yes, the recipe is a joke . . . . but putting up with jackasses isn't a joke, so if you have had to deal with one lately (or ever) today is your National Jackass Therapy Day. Shake up one of my non-joke martinis and spend Happy Hour telling stories about the biggest jackasses you've ever encountered.
You can actually make this cocktail, minus the jockstrap and probably the Beano, but, really, who'd want to?
“The hardest thing to believe about the Bible is that there were only two jackasses in the ark” - Anonymous
You can actually make this cocktail, minus the jockstrap and probably the Beano, but, really, who'd want to?
“The hardest thing to believe about the Bible is that there were only two jackasses in the ark” - Anonymous
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20110320
SPRING MARTINIS for the 1st Day of SPRING!
Your Martini Excuse #14
IT'S THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING!
March 20th - March 21st, The Vernal Equinox
Celebrate the Beginning of Spring with my
Traditionally those of us in the Northern Hemisphere have celebrated the First day of Spring on March 21st, however astronomers now say Spring usually starts one day earlier, on March 20th. According to the Farmer's Almanac,
"the earth’s elliptical orbit is changing its orientation (skew), which causes the earth’s axis to constantly point in a different direction, called precession. Since the seasons are defined as beginning at strict 90-degree intervals, these positional changes affect the time the earth reaches each 90-degree location in its orbit around the sun."On those years when we have that extra day (think Leap Years here) Spring may fall on March 21st!
All I know is that sometime in the middle of March flowers are starting to sprout, the weather is warming up and all sorts of wonderful seasonal fresh fruits and veggies are showing up in the local markets! That, of course, means they are ending up in my cocktail shaker and martini glasses!
Spring is a time for rebirth, renewal and regrowth and the bounty of the earth at this time of year is particularly good for refreshing and renewing the body after a long winter. I like the idea of bringing all that fresh Spring goodness to my martinis - a healthy martini is yet another excuse to have a martini, right?
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20110319
CHOCOLATE CARAMEL MARTINI
The fun part of this cocktail is the chocolate syrup swirl inside the bowl of the glass. It not only looks pretty but it slowly adds a little more chocolate to each sip.
The
CHOCOLATE CARAMEL
MARTINI
CHOCOLATE CARAMEL
MARTINI
1 Oz Chocolate Vodka
1 Oz Bailey's Caramel Liqueur
1 Oz Creme De Cacao
1 Oz Half & Half
Garnish: Whipped Cream, Dark Chocolate Shavings, Pinch of Sea Salt
Tools: Vegetable Peeler, Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail (Martini)
DIRECTIONS
Chill your glass in the freezer for 10 minutes. Remove the glass from the freezer then drizzle the chocolate syrup in a swirl inside the bowl of the glass. Return glass to the freezer to chill.
Shake the ingredients in an ice filled cocktail shaker until chilled.
Strain into the chilled glass and top off with whipped cream.
Take the vegetable peeler and shave several curls of dark chocolate on top, sprinkle on a bit of sea salt then serve.
20110318
OATMEAL COOKIE MARTINI
Is your favorite cookie an Oatmeal Cookie? If so, then you're in luck because this is my Oatmeal Cookie Martini recipe.
Aren't you glad you stopped by?
The
OATMEAL COOKIE
MARTINI
INGREDIENTS
3 Oz. Butterscotch Schnapps
2 Oz. Irish Cream
1 Oz. Coconut Rum
1/2 Oz. Cinnamon Schnapps
Garnish: Crumbled Oatmeal Cookie on Rim, Oatmeal Cookie
DIRECTIONS
Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake until well chilled.
Pour into your chilled glass.
Garnish and serve.
VOICEOVER VIDEO with Ingredients & Directions:
Updated 4-2021
20110317
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Shillelagh Martini
My final St. Patrick's Martini is the Shillelagh Martini, a naturally green gin martini thanks to the Blue Curacao and orange juice mixers. If this doesn't put the Irish in your day you might just need to get pinched!
Updated March 2016
Updated March 2016
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20110316
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Scarlett O'Hara Martini
The SCARLETT O'HARA MARTINI
The Whiskey Sour gets a touch of TaraThink of the color of Scarlett's eyes, add a little whiskey for her spirit, a little sugar for her charm and some lime for her tart tongue and you have the Scarlett O'Hara Martini. I've taken a whiskey sour and given it a little bit of Ireland, the Old South and Hollywood in one glass.
This martini is dedicated to the most famous Irish movie character ever to grace the silver screen and my favorite movie heroine, Scarlett O'Hara. I was practically weaned on Gone With the Wind and it is still my favorite movie of all time, so I can't let St. Patrick's Day go by without a nod to this infamous Irish Southern Belle.
It goes without saying that the Tara's Theme, also known as My Own True Love, is one of my favorite songs of all time. Most of you are probably familiar with this iconic song, but how many of you knew that this song, originally written by Max Steiner, had lyrics? Fiddle Dee Dee - you don't know nothin' bout no lyrics?? Well, sing these to the theme below:
My own true love
My own true love
At last Ive found you
My own true love
No lips but yours
No arms but yours
Will ever lead me
Through Heavens doors
I roamed the Earth
In search of this
I knew Id know you
Know you by your kiss
And by your kiss
You've shown true love
I'm yours forever
My own true love
My own true love
Admittedly, the lyrics are not on the same level as the music itself but after a few Scarlett O'Hara martinis, frankly, my dear, you probably won't give a damn!
Get in the St. Patrick's Day Spirit with my
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20110315
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Nutty Irishman Martini
The NUTTY IRISHMAN
A favorite Irish Cocktail lands in a martini glass.
If you're fond of Frangelico and Bailey's you'll love this martini. It's very sweet, almost a dessert cocktail with a creamy texture from the Bailey's and the cream and a nuttiness from the Frangelico. It's quite rich but you can use either half & half or milk in place of the cream for a little less guilt on St. Patrick's Day!
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20110314
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Shamrock Martini
The Midori
SHAMROCK MARTINI
If you're not into green beer or Irish whiskey, why not give my Midori Shamrock Martini a try? It's green like the green beer but this is naturally green from the Midori melon liqueur. The melon flavor is enhanced by using melon vodka as well so you get a double rainbow of goodness for your St. Patrick's Day cocktail!
Irish Toast
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money!
Get in the St. Patrick's Day Spirit with my
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20110313
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Irish Kiss Martini
The IRISH KISS MARTINI
You might think you're not a whiskey drinker but the Irish Kiss Martini might just change your mind. Combined with a chocolate and a mint liqueur whiskey gets a nice little St. Patrick's Day makeover and could make you a whiskey lover. Green and white sprinkles (jimmies) on the rim lend a festive lucky rim and add a bit of sweetness as you sip.
Slán agus beannacht leat.
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20110312
Ménage à Trois Martini
The
Ménage à Trois Martini
Ménage à Trois Martini
(Ménage à Trois: French for Eternal Triangle)
Looking for a little excitement in your life? Has happy hour turned dull and boring? Maybe it's time to "mix it up" by adding a little something extra to your cocktail time, The Ménage à Trois Martini.
I know what you're thinking, now get your mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about shaking up your bar life with a triple threat vodka gimlet. This cocktail has taken a ride on the wild side with two flavored vodkas added to the traditional mix. Using Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka, Lime Vodka and Mandarin Orange Vodka in place of plain vodka, you add some zing and zip to this classic cocktail.
This is not a drink for the timid but if you're in need of a serious sip of vodka with a little excitement thrown in, give it a try. Just don't expect to walk a straight line afterwards.
20110311
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Irish Coffee Martini
BUY The Irish Coffee Martini Recipe Card HERE.
MORE
ST. PATRICK'S COCKTAILS
This martini is inspired by the famous Irish Coffee created and still being enjoyed at The Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. This is a cold version created specifically to enjoy in a delicate martini glass but the lovely Irish Whiskey and espresso come through as a nice iced coffee experience so enjoy!
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20110310
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Emerald Isle Martini
The EMERALD ISLE MARTINI
St. Patrick's Day Martini #2
The Emerald Isle Martini is a fun Green Martini with a tequila base - just in case you're not a whiskey fan. Think "Irish Margarita" with a tropical flair!
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20110309
ST. PATRICK'S DAY MARTINIS - Blarney Martini
Time again for the Green Martinis, Irish Whiskey and some lucky St. Patrick Cocktails as we head towards March 17th. I've put together a fun collection of some tasty Irish Cocktails, starting with my BLARNEY-TINI. A yummy combination of Irish Whiskey and mint liqueur, this one is sure to show you the way to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow!
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20110307
MARDI GRAS MARTINI for FAT TUESDAY
IT'S MARDI GRAS!
Celebrate Fat Tuesday with the
Inspired by the famous Hurricane cocktail of Pat O'Brien fame, my Mardi Gras Martini is a mini-me version of this classic Carnival cocktail. Chock full of rum and masked as a martini complete with a rainbow sugar rim, you can dress it up even more by twirling some Mardi Gras beads around the stem.
Never been to Mardi Gras? Wondering what all the fuss is about? Read about Mardi Gras on the Mardi Gras Martini Recipe Page and find out exactly why it's called Fat Tuesday.
Never been to Mardi Gras? Wondering what all the fuss is about? Read about Mardi Gras on the Mardi Gras Martini Recipe Page and find out exactly why it's called Fat Tuesday.
LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!
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20110306
THE WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE MARTINI
To each his own, especially at happy hour, I'm not one to judge!
For myself, I add a few drops of some chocolate or coffee bitters and a little extra salt to counteract the sweetness. It's your choice on those small modifications.
The
WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
MARTINI
INGREDIENTS
1/4 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
The
WHITE CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE
MARTINI
INGREDIENTS
1/4 Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 Oz. Vanilla Vodka
1 Oz. White Chocolate Liqueur
(I use Godiva)
1 Oz. White Creme de Cacao
1 Oz. Heavy Cream (or Half & Half)
1 Oz. White Creme de Cacao
1 Oz. Heavy Cream (or Half & Half)
Pinch of Sea Salt
Garnish: Crushed Graham Crackers on Rim, White Chocolate Cheesecake Bite
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail (Martini) or Coupe
DIRECTIONS
Dip the rim of the glass in some of the white chocolate liqueur then into crushed Graham Crackers.
Chill glass in freezer.
Add the ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker, shake until chilled then pour into your chilled glass.
Garnish and serve.
Garnish: Crushed Graham Crackers on Rim, White Chocolate Cheesecake Bite
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail (Martini) or Coupe
DIRECTIONS
Dip the rim of the glass in some of the white chocolate liqueur then into crushed Graham Crackers.
Chill glass in freezer.
Add the ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker, shake until chilled then pour into your chilled glass.
Garnish and serve.
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS
20110305
HAPPY NATIONAL ABSINTHE DAY
It's National Absinthe Day
You've probably heard of Absinthe at one time or another, most likely in the context of the proclaimed "psychotropic dangers" of this unusual alcohol. Possibly you heard it mentioned in relation to such notables as Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, Ernest Hemmingway or Oscar Wilde. It was the darling of Happy Hour during the 17th Century in Parisian bistros, the liquid muse of the free thinkers of the day and it became an integral part of the bohemian culture of the times.
WHAT IS ABSINTHE?
Absinthe is a pale green aperitif with a licorice like flavor that will louche (turn milky) when water is added. It was originally made with grand wormwood (artemisia absinthium) and Green Anise, petite wormwood (artemisia pontica, aka Roman wormwood), fennel, and hyssop. The wormwood oils are what contains thujone, the ingredient thought to be the psychoactive agent that caused all the trouble. The true story is more complicated than that and revolves more around the higher alcohol level of Absinthe (sometime up to 72% alcohol), abuse of the drink, cheaper contaminated versions and the hysteria of the Victorian era.
The name Absinthe is actually of Greek origin, the root word being "apsinthion" which translates as bitter. The bitterness of this liqueur comes primarily from the wormwood.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WORMWOOD & THUJONE
Wormwood is a herb related to the daisy family that grows wild in many areas of Europe. In too high a dose thujone is dangerous but the thujone actually found in absinthe is many thousands of times lower than the dangerous level, especially in today's federally monitored versions.
From ancient times thujone has been prized as one of the most valuable medicinal herbs. An Egyptian papyrus from 1600BC praises the medicinal qualities of wormwood, Pythagoras believed that wormwood leaves in wine would ease childbirth and Hippocrates recommended it for anemia and rheumatism. Today, wormwood oil, the oil obtained from Artemisia absinthium can be found in many over the counter remedies here in the U.S.
PANIC IN THE BARS OF EUROPE
Thanks to the sensationalism of the Lanfrey Murders, the movement to ban the liqueur, fueled by the Temperance Movement and the morals of the times, turned Absinthe into the evil green devil of the day. It was blamed for madness, murder and mayhem - some even said it was Absinthe that drove Van Gogh to chop off his ear! After many petitions and powerful opposition to the liqueur, Absinthe was made the scapegoat of much of the insanity and infamy of the era and the pressure was on to remove it from the reach of the public. First banned in the Congo Free State in 1898, then in Brazil and in Belgium in 1906, Holland followed in 1908, Switzerland in 1910, the USA in 1912 and finally in France in 1915.
Recently these bans have been lifted in many countries in Europe, including France, the United States and Canada and Absinthe is enjoying a Renaissance in the cocktail world.
WHAT IS ABSINTHE?
Absinthe is a pale green aperitif with a licorice like flavor that will louche (turn milky) when water is added. It was originally made with grand wormwood (artemisia absinthium) and Green Anise, petite wormwood (artemisia pontica, aka Roman wormwood), fennel, and hyssop. The wormwood oils are what contains thujone, the ingredient thought to be the psychoactive agent that caused all the trouble. The true story is more complicated than that and revolves more around the higher alcohol level of Absinthe (sometime up to 72% alcohol), abuse of the drink, cheaper contaminated versions and the hysteria of the Victorian era.
The name Absinthe is actually of Greek origin, the root word being "apsinthion" which translates as bitter. The bitterness of this liqueur comes primarily from the wormwood.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WORMWOOD & THUJONE
Wormwood is a herb related to the daisy family that grows wild in many areas of Europe. In too high a dose thujone is dangerous but the thujone actually found in absinthe is many thousands of times lower than the dangerous level, especially in today's federally monitored versions.
From ancient times thujone has been prized as one of the most valuable medicinal herbs. An Egyptian papyrus from 1600BC praises the medicinal qualities of wormwood, Pythagoras believed that wormwood leaves in wine would ease childbirth and Hippocrates recommended it for anemia and rheumatism. Today, wormwood oil, the oil obtained from Artemisia absinthium can be found in many over the counter remedies here in the U.S.
PANIC IN THE BARS OF EUROPE
Thanks to the sensationalism of the Lanfrey Murders, the movement to ban the liqueur, fueled by the Temperance Movement and the morals of the times, turned Absinthe into the evil green devil of the day. It was blamed for madness, murder and mayhem - some even said it was Absinthe that drove Van Gogh to chop off his ear! After many petitions and powerful opposition to the liqueur, Absinthe was made the scapegoat of much of the insanity and infamy of the era and the pressure was on to remove it from the reach of the public. First banned in the Congo Free State in 1898, then in Brazil and in Belgium in 1906, Holland followed in 1908, Switzerland in 1910, the USA in 1912 and finally in France in 1915.
Recently these bans have been lifted in many countries in Europe, including France, the United States and Canada and Absinthe is enjoying a Renaissance in the cocktail world.
THE ABSINTHE RITUAL OF LA LOUCHE
Image by Eric Litton (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-2.5 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
La Louche is the classic ritual of drinking Absinthe where a perforated spoon holding a cube of sugar is set over the glass of the aperitif, and cold water is slowly poured over the sugar and spoon turning the translucent green liqueur into a milky, opalescent drink. The cold water serves two purposes, first it dilutes the strength of the powerful alcohol and second, it purportedly released "The Green Fairy" i.e. the hallucinogenic qualities of the wormwood in the Absinthe. The Green Fairy was more than a nickname for Absinthe, in the late 1800s it was also a symbol of artistic enlightenment and exploration, of poetic inspiration, of free thinking and changing social orders, thus making it the "Green Muse" or "Green Goddess" of artists and writers alike.
Contrary to popular believe, setting the sugar cube on fire was not part of the original ritual, but is a more recent addition.
ABSINTHE MAKES IT'S COMEBACK FROM INFAMY
Made legal again here in the U. S. in 2007, today's versions of Absinthe contain less than 10mg of thujone per litre (in keeping with the EU regulations), and the alcohol volume is considerably lower. There is a great resurgence of interest in this aperitif and you'll find it popping up in chic bars and restaurants all over the country.
You can now enjoy Absinthe Cocktails and even the Ritual of La Louche without fear of flashbacks or insanity (or loss of ears) from enjoying this unusual and historical apertif.
SOME ABSINTHE COCKTAILS TO ENJOY
DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON
ENCHANTED FAERIE
TUXEDO II
THE ABSINTHE MARTINI
aka The Obituary Cocktail
2 oz. gin
1/4 oz. dry vermouth
1/4 oz. absinthe
Combine ingredients over ice and gently stir. Garnish with a lime twist.
ABSINTHE CHRYSANTHEMUM
ABSINTHE CHRYSANTHEMUM
2 oz dry vermouth
1 oz Benedictine
1 Tsp. absinthe
1 oz Benedictine
1 Tsp. absinthe
Stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
1888 ABSINTHE COCKTAIL
1 tsp gomme syrup (simple syrup)
1 dash Boker's bitters
1 dash anisette
1 oz water or seltzer
3 oz absinthe
1 dash Boker's bitters
1 dash anisette
1 oz water or seltzer
3 oz absinthe
Shake. Strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist. Serve.
ITALIAN ABSINTHE
ITALIAN ABSINTHE
1 oz absinthe
1 oz anisette
3 dashes Maraschino liqueur
1 oz anisette
3 dashes Maraschino liqueur
Add ice to a tall tumbler, pour in the ingredients, fill with ice water, stir slowly and serve.
Updated 3-2017
20110304
POUND CAKE MARTINI for National Pound Cake Day
Once upon a time my recipe for this was similar to many others and included pineapple juice. Pineapple Juice? Okay, it tasted good but it didn't taste like a classic pound cake. And what was I thinking by not adding an egg white to add body, balance the acid and create that lovely foam cap? Fortunately I am older and wiser now.
The
POUND CAKE
MARTINI
INGREDIENTS
1-1/2 Oz Cake Vodka
POUND CAKE
MARTINI
INGREDIENTS
1-1/2 Oz Cake Vodka
1/2 Oz. Vanilla Vodka
1/4 Oz. Amaretto
1/2 Oz Lemon Juice
1 Egg White*
1 Egg White*
Garnish:
Powdered Sugar Glazed** Rim
1" Cube of Pound Cake
Cocktail Cherry
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail or Coupe
DIRECTIONS
Dip the rim of the glass the powdered sugar glaze (recipe below).
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail or Coupe
DIRECTIONS
Dip the rim of the glass the powdered sugar glaze (recipe below).
Chill glass in freezer.
Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice then dry shake (no ice) to emulsify the egg and build your foam.
Add ice and shake until chilled.
Strain into the chilled glass, garnish and serve.
Strain into the chilled glass, garnish and serve.
(*You can use pasteurized egg whites if you prefer.)
Voiceover Video with Ingredients & Directions:
**POWDERED SUGAR GLAZE FOR RIM
2 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar
1 Drop of Vanilla Extract (or Vanilla Vodka)
1/4 - 1/2 (+/-) Teaspoon Milk
Slowly add the milk so you don't make the glaze too thin to stay on the rim!
A LITTLE HISTORY ON POUND CAKE
Traditionally pound cakes were made with apound each of four ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. This made quite a bit of pound cake so people probably cut the measurements, but having an equal parts recipe was most likely an easy way to remember and pass down the recipe during a time when most people could not read.
Dating back to the early 1700s, the pound cake is a British creation, though there are variations on the basic recipe from countries the world over. After rising agents were invented in the 1800s, recipes for pound cake changed in order to create lighter versions and to create unique flavors and tastes.
Enjoy your Happy Hour and remember, neither this martini nor the cake itself are called pound cake because they pile on the pounds.
Traditionally pound cakes were made with apound each of four ingredients: flour, butter, eggs, and sugar. This made quite a bit of pound cake so people probably cut the measurements, but having an equal parts recipe was most likely an easy way to remember and pass down the recipe during a time when most people could not read.
Dating back to the early 1700s, the pound cake is a British creation, though there are variations on the basic recipe from countries the world over. After rising agents were invented in the 1800s, recipes for pound cake changed in order to create lighter versions and to create unique flavors and tastes.
Enjoy your Happy Hour and remember, neither this martini nor the cake itself are called pound cake because they pile on the pounds.
National Pound Cake Day is March 4th.
Updated March 2022
20110303
THIRSTY THURSDAY - Celebrate with a Martini!
Thirsty Thursday was instituted by college students who didn't have class on Fridays and could party Thursday nights without worrying about dealing with their education while hungover. It's now migrated to the real world and even has it's own hash tag on Twitter (#ThirstyThursday).
Technically it should properly be spelled THURSTY Thursday as it was a melding of Thursday+thirsty, but most people use the alternate spelling.
Technically it should properly be spelled THURSTY Thursday as it was a melding of Thursday+thirsty, but most people use the alternate spelling.
Though I did not come up with the idea, I am not above using it as another excuse to enjoy a cocktail - I'm admit to blatant opportunism here.
Celebrate Thirsty Thursday with one of my craft cocktails. Use my search bar to find your favorites.
Updated 3-2017
20110302
BANANA CREAM PIE MARTINI for Banana Cream Pie Day
Love Banana Cream Pie? Then today is your day because it's National Banana Cream Pie Day, which means, of course, here at The Martini Diva Blog it's Banana Cream Pie Martini Day!
BANANA CREAM PIE
MARTINI
MARTINI
INGREDIENTS
1 Oz. Vanilla Vodka
1-1/2 Oz. 99 Bananas Liqueur
1/2 Oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 Oz. Heavy Cream or Half & Half
1 Oz. Vanilla Vodka
1-1/2 Oz. 99 Bananas Liqueur
1/2 Oz. Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
1/2 Oz. Heavy Cream or Half & Half
Garnish: Crushed Graham Crackers for Rim, Banana Slice
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail (Martini) or Coupe
DIRECTIONS
Rim glass with 99 Bananas then dip in crushed crushed graham crackers, chill glass in the freezer.
Add the ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker.
Shake until chilled.
Strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish with the banana slice and serve.
Rim glass with 99 Bananas then dip in crushed crushed graham crackers, chill glass in the freezer.
Add the ingredients to an ice filled cocktail shaker.
Shake until chilled.
Strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish with the banana slice and serve.
Voiceover Video with Ingredients & Instructions:
- A cluster of bananas is called a hand and consists of 10 to 20 bananas, which are known as fingers.
- Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fiber.
- Bananas have no fat, cholesterol or sodium.
- Alexander the Great discovered bananas in 327 B.C. during his conquest of India, making this one of the first records of the banana.
- Bananas do not grow on trees, they grow on a plant which is technically an herb with the banana being a berry.
- Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body.
National Banana Cream Pie Day is March 2nd.
You might also enjoy my rum based
More
Updated 1-2022
20110301
3 PEANUT BUTTER MARTINIS for Peanut Butter Day
Today is
National Peanut Butter Lover's Day*
Yet Another Excuse to Enjoy a Martini!
If you're fond of peanut butter you're in luck today because it's all about peanut butter here to celebrate Peanut Butter Lover's Day.
A few facts about Peanut Butter:
- Peanut butter is the leading use of peanuts in the United States.
- Peanut butter was first introduced to the USA in 1904 at the Universal Exposition in St. Louis by C.H. Sumner, who sold $705.11 of the "new treat" at his concession stand.
- Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of getting peanut butter stuck to the roof of your mouth.
- The patent for peanut butter was awarded to Dr. John Harvey Kellogg in 1895
HAPPY NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER LOVER'S DAY!
*Ever wondered about where all these special commemorative holidays come from?
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