The Twelve Days of BOOZEMAS! Holiday Cocktail Humor for a HoHoHappyHour!

 On the first day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the second day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the third day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the fourth day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the fifth day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the sixth day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Six Margaritas,
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the seventh day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Seven Fruity Cordials,
Six Margaritas,
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the eighth day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Eight Fifths of Vodka,
Seven Fruity Cordials,
Six Margaritas,
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the ninth day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Nine Napoleon Brandys,
Eight Fifths of Vodka,
Seven Fruity Cordials,
Six Margaritas,
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the tenth day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Ten Gins a Chilling,
Nine Napoleon Brandys,
Eight Fifths of Vodka,
Seven Fruity Cordials,
Six Margaritas,
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the eleventh day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Eleven Cognacs Warming,
Ten Gins a Chilling,
Nine Napoleon Brandys,
Eight Fifths of Vodka,
Seven Fruity Cordials,
Six Margaritas,
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the twelfth day of BoozeMas my true love gave to me
Twelve Champagnes Bubbling,
Eleven Cognacs Warming,
Ten Gins a Chilling,
Nine Napoleon Brandys,
Eight Fifths of Vodka,
Seven Fruity Cordials,
Six Margaritas,
Five Gold Shakers!
Four Whiskey Sours,
Three French Wines,
Two Shots of Rum,
and an Olive in a Dry Martini.

On the thirteenth day of BoozeMas....
he was out of money and I was so drunk I didn't wake up until New Years.....

HAVE A SAFE, JOYFUL & HAPPY HOLIDAY

from The Martini Diva!

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CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE VODKA & MARTINI!

  Click here for the CHOCOLATE CANDY CANE VODKA  & recipe for the Chocolate Candy Cane Martini

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PUMPKIN CREAM PIE MARTINI & Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka Review

THE PUMPKIN CREAM PIE MARTINI

& A Short Review of Pinnacle's Pumpkin Pie Vodka

I picked up a bottle of Pinnacle's newest flavor, Pumpkin Pie Vodka, the other day to give it a try. I've been doing Pumpkin Pie Martinis for several years now using a variety of pumpkin liquors including Hiram Walker's Pumpkin Pie Spice Liquor and Bol's Pumpkin Smash Liquor.  Last year I made my own Pumpkin Liqueur and used it.

The difference between these and a vodka is, of course, sugar.  The liquors are much sweeter due to sugars being added in the distillation process. There is obviously some sugar in the mix with the Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka as there is a slight stickiness to it, if the cap sticks there's sugar there somewhere! But I'm not one to nitpick if the overall product is good in the end.

And the Pinnacle Vodka is good. BUT it does not taste or smell as much like pumpkin pie as I had hoped. When I opened the bottle I did my regular routine of smell, sip, swirl and swallow.  There was not a hint of pumpkin pie in the nose, in fact I thought it smelled a lot like cream soda!  When I took a sip I tasted cream soda immediately as well, then slowly, on the backtaste along with the slight booze burn, I got a hint of the pumpkin and a tiny waft of pumpkin pie spices, but not enough to live up to it's name.

Overall I really enjoyed this vodka, it went down with just a mild burn and it was not too sweet.  I liked it well enough that I sat and sipped a small glass of it as I relaxed after working. In fact, you can see I've got this bottle already half gone, but this vodka will not make a pumpkin pie tasting cocktail without some work and a lot of help from other ingredients.

Sorry, Pinnacle, this time you missed the mark on your name - but you still made a decent tasting vodka!  I'll keep it in my bar because I can imagine a lot of combinations of flavors in future cocktails and I will definitely use it as a nice sipping vodka!  But maybe you should rename it "Cream Soda Vodka"....

Now, on to the mixing of the martini.  Because the vodka did not bring big pumpkin or spice flavor to the mix I pulled out a can of pumpkin puree and my pumpkin pie spices and got to work.  What I ended up with was another really good pumpkin pie cocktail - this time a little creamier than my others hence:

THE PUMPKIN CREAM MARTINI

2 Oz. Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka

2 Oz. Pumpkin Puree

(Do NOT use pumpkin pie filling!)

1 Oz. Half & Half

1/2 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice (for the martini)

1 Tbsp. Honey

1 Tbsp. Powdered Sugar

1/4 C. Baked Pie Crust Crumbs

1/2 Tsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice (for the rim)

1/8 C. Sugar

Take a handful of baked pie crust and crush it in a plastic bag to a medium to fine crumb. Add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and mix well. Dip your martini glass in some of the pumpkin puree then into this mixture and chill in the freezer.

Pour the pumpkin pie vodka, the pumpkin puree, the half & half, honey, powdered sugar and the other 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in a blender, add 2 ice cubes and blend until smooth.

Pour into your chilled and rimmed martini glass and serve.

If you like you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top but, frankly, I just sprinkled on a bit more of the spice as I think this martini was rich enough without the extra cream.

You can find my other Pumpkin Martinis Here:
SMASHED PUMPKIN HALLOWEEN MARTINI
THANKSGIVING PUMPKIN PIE MARTINI

THANKSGIVING PUMPKIN EGGNOG MARTINI
THANKSGIVING PUMPKIN CREAM MARTINI

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CYBER MONDAY DEALS at The Martini Diva Boutique!

HAPPY CYBER MONDAY SHOPPING!

Take Advantage of this One Day Only Sale at

The MARTINI DIVA BOUTIQUE

15% - 60% OFF!!!!

60% OFF ALL POSTERS & CANVAS PRINTS!

50% OFF ALL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS!

50% OFF ALL CARDS, POSTCARDS & INVITATIONS!

30% OFF ALL MUGS!

20% OFF ALL TOTE BAGS & GROCERY BAGS

20% OFF ALL MESSENGER BAGS

15% OFF EVERYTHING ELSE!

SHOP COCKTAIL for CYBER MONDAY!

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NEW COCKTAIL ART - COCKTAIL UP!

MY NEWEST COCKTAIL ART:
COCKTAIL UP!

My latest cocktail art is a playful illustration of a bar full of the various cocktail glasses filled with a party full of drinks in a rainbow of colors in a whimsical and colorful style. Three Variations of the design give you a multitude different choices, you can have just the glasses or just the "cocktail up" text or a combination of both.

You can have just the saying "Cocktail Up" or just the cocktail glasses or both on a wide variety of products for wardrobe, office, home and gifts! From posters and canvas prints, tees & hoodies, fashionable bags & totes, computer cases & skins,  fun home and kitchen products like pillows, coasters, napkins and pitchers (which are perfect for stirring up some of my Martini Recipes!), glasses and cups, all variety of business and personal stationery items and even some playing cards or a dart board!

The panel below shows a preview of all the fun items you can get "Cocktail Up!" on:

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HAPPY CARBONATED CAFFEINATED BEVERAGE DAY!

The Olde Tyme Soda Fountain Comes To Happy Hour

Today is Carbonated Caffeinated Beverage Day.  To me and most of the soda drinking public this means Coke, Pepsi, RC or some generic cola. For some reason (probably branding), my friends, myself and my family all called every cola a "coke", but I digress.

Back in the "olden days" soda jerks (yes, this is what the dispenser of our goodies was called) got creative with what was originally a medicine and added flavored syrups to our soda fountain "cokes".  My favorite of these was the cherry syrup and I thought it might be fun to make a cherry and Coke cocktail. My recipe can't be easier, check it out here:

CHERRY COLA MARTINI

Once upon a time this syrup and soda combo would have been handed to us from a genuine soda fountain - where the soda met the syrup and bubbly sweetness burst forth in a glass. These days we get it from a bottle or a can or a plastic container but anyway you look at it, you have a carbonated, caffeinated beverage in your hand. Happy Carboated Caffeinated Beverage Day!

More Cherry Cocktails

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THANKSGIVING COCKTAILS

Fall is firmly in place, Halloween has come and gone, there's a decided nip in the air and that all means it's time to start planning and drinking Thanksgiving libations. I don't know about you, but when I think about Thanksgiving, I think about the Fall flavors of pumpkin, cranberries, apples and pomegranates.

Seasonal fruits and produce bring with them specific nourishment and nutrients that the human body requires at that time of year. Even though we can often get this produce from other parts of the world at other times of the year, it's the things that grow locally during each season that are the most beneficial for you health wise. This is why I like to create cocktails that incorporate those locally sourced and seasonal products.

Below you will find my recipes that make use of the seasonal flavors. Though not all are necessarily crafted specifically for Thanksgiving, most can be tweaked for Turkey Day events and celebrations by simply adding a holiday garnish or maybe a seasonal spice or two. Many can also be served heated and/or batched to enjoy as punch.

The Official

THANKSGIVING DAY TURKEY COCKTAIL

PUMPKIN COCKTAILS

CRANBERRY COCKTAILS

APPLE COCKTAILS

POMEGRANATE COCKTAILS

FALL COCKTAILS

THANKSGIVING COCKTAILS

(On Recipe Cards)

Have a great Thanksgiving season and don't hesitate to ask for suggestions on how to Thanksgiving up your cocktails.

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Updated 11-2016

Dirty Pickle Martini Recipe

PICKLE MARTINI & DIRTY PICKLE MARTINI RECIPES

What's more appropriate for National Pickle Day then a Pickle Martini or a Dirty Pickle Martini?  After all, they're just a classic Martini made with pickles and pickle juice, instead of olives and olive juice!

Like Mikey says, "Try it, you'll like it." - especially if you're fond of dill pickles.

Cheers, and Happy National Pickle (Martini) Day!

Go drink yourself out of a few pickles.

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Updated November 14, 2016

PEANUT BUTTER MARTINIS for National Peanut Butter Lovers Month

 November is

NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER LOVERS MONTH

and so I have gathered together all of my Peanutty Martinis for you to enjoy!

One of the best liqueurs for you peanut butter lovers is Castries Peanut Rum Creme - a rum based, peanut infused alcohol that is the epitome of peanut happy hour enjoyment!  This is a somewhat difficult liquor to get. If you cannot find it you may substitute Frangelico, but it's not quite the same thing as Frangelico is a hazelnut liqueur.  It will, however, do in a pinch!

The reverse applies also - some of these recipes used Frangelico and you can replace that with the Castries for even more peanut-ty flavor!

Here are my
PEANUT & PEANUT BUTTER MARTINIS

May the peanut butter never stick to the roof of your mouth!

Updated 8-2018 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from The Martini Diva

 

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A New CANDY CORN MARTINI for This Halloween!

 JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN

THE SPARKLING CANDY CORN MARTINI

&

RECIPE FOR CANDY CORN VODKA!

What you thought I'd fallen off the face of the earth and you weren't getting your new Halloween Martini this year?  Have no fear, I'm still here, I've just been really busy working on new cocktail book (still am) but I can't let Halloween go by without something fun and new for you to do!

First of all - you get to make CANDY CORN VODKA and it's so easy to do and quick to make you can literally wait until Halloween morning (but don't, you might want to make extra for hostess gifts for those Halloween parties you're going to!

Then you get to put that Candy Corn Vodka into the

SPARKLING CANDY CORN MARTINI!

Now go grab those candy corns and that vodka and have some fun!

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HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN FLAVORED LIQUEURS

Liqueur Facts,
Production Methods and
HOMEMADE LIQUEUR RECIPES

You may wonder what is a liqueur? What makes it different from just any old liquor*? Merriam-Webster defines liqueur as: "a sweetened alcoholic liquor (such as brandy, whiskey, vodka, etc) flavored with fruit, spices, nuts, herbs, or seeds".  You can also add cream or milk products to produce a cream liqueur such as Irish Cream.  There is a subset of liqueurs called cordials and these would be the liqueurs made with fruits and/or fruit juices.

There are four different methods of producing a Liqueur:

• Distillation - where the flavoring elements and the spirit are blended together and then distilled**.
• Maceration - where the flavoring ingredients are mixed with the alcohol and allowed to infuse together.
• Infusion - where the flavoring elements are "infused" with hot water to release their natural flavors then mixed with the alcohol.
• Percolation - where the alcohol is pushed through the flavoring agents to absorb their flavors.

Some examples of liqueurs you can purchase would be:

• Grand Marnier - a combination of cognac and orange.
• Cointreau - a combination of brandy and oranges.
•  Drambuie - a combination of Scotch whisky with heather honey and herbs.
• Triple Sec - an orange flavored liqueur made from the dried peels of bitter and sweet orange.
• Irish Cream - a combination of whiskey, cream and flavorings (usually chocolate and coffee).
• Chambord - a blend of black raspberries, cognac, berry and fruit extracts and proprietary spices.
• Southern Comfort - a blend of bourbon, orange and peaches.
• Kahlua - a sugar cane (rum) and coffee liqueur.

How To Make Your Own Liqueurs:

You can make a ton of your own liqueurs. Some are extremely easy and take only a little patience, time and work. To make your own liqueurs you simply combine a base liquor with a flavoring ingredient to which you may add a sweetening ingredient.

Some of My
Homemade Liqueur
Recipes

BERRY LIQUEURS
BLACKBERRY LIQUEUR
BLUEBERRY LIQUEUR
BLUEBERRY MINT BOURBON LIQUEUR
CANDIED PECAN LIQUEUR CANDY CORN LIQUEUR
CARAMEL INFUSED LIQUEURS
CHOCOLATE CAKE LIQUEUR
CHOCOLATE VODKA & LIQUEURS
CHRISTMAS CANDY LIQUEUR
CRANBERRY LIQUEUR
GINGERBREAD LIQUEUR
GOOD & PLENTY LIQUEUR GUMMY CANDY LIQUEUR
INDIAN CANDY CORN VODKA IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR
KAHLUA STYLE LIQUEUR RECIPE
LEMONCELLO
ORANGECELLO
PUMPKIN LIQUEUR
QUICK PUMPKIN LIQUEUR
RASPBERRY LIQUEUR VANILLA BEAN LIQUEUR   There are tons of recipes online for homemade liqueurs, including the famous liqueurs you pay a nice chunk of change for. Don't be afraid to experiment with making your own customized liqueurs. Try a combination of your favorite fruits, spices, herbs, nuts, even add some cream if you want.  Just remember that if you add creams or milk products you will want to keep your liqueur refrigerated and drink it up fast as these liqueurs (homemade AND store bought) do have a shelf life and require refrigeration.

Homemade Liqueurs made excellent gifts too!

Make up a large batch, pour into some pretty bottles and add a custom label!!  I have a ton of fun Cocktail Themed Labels you can customize and personalize for all your Liqueur Gifts

I've not only made homemade liqueurs, I've created many infused spirits, what I call my little "moonshinin' hobby":
MOONSHINE MADNESS

*Definition of Liquor: a usually distilled rather than fermented alcoholic beverage

**Distillation: the process of separating, concentrating, or purifying liquid by boiling it and then condensing the resulting vapor.

October 16th is

NATIONAL LIQUEUR DAY.

Updated October 2017

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CARAMEL CUSTARD EDIBLE COCKTAILS (Custard Jello Shots)

 October 3rd is

NATIONAL CARAMEL CUSTARD DAY

You really didn't think I was going to let that pass by without doing something fun, did you?

CARAMEL CUSTARD EDIBLE COCKTAIL GELS

Complete with a caramel sauce and a saucy burnt caramel garnish (instructions included!)

If you love caramelized custard here's a way you get to have it as a cocktail!  This jello shot aka cocktail gel is smooth, creamy, rich and dripping in decadent burnt sugar and caramel sauce!

Treat your friends to a truly unique dessert the next time they come over for dinner!

INGREDIENTS
1 Small Box of Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 Pkgs. Knox
1-1/2 cups cold whole milk
1 C. Cake Vodka minus 3 Tablespoons
3 Tablespoons of Caramel Sauce
Caramelized Sugar Decoration*
Spray Cooking Oil

TOOLS
Measuring Cups & Spoons
8"x8" Cake Pan
Large Spoon
Medium Mixing Bowl
Hand Whip
Sauce Pan
Fun Shaped Cookie Cutters

GARNISH & PRESENTATION
Burnt Sugar Garnish*
Caramel Sauce
Serving Plate

DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING THE CUSTARD COCKTAIL GEL

Spray your cake pan mold and set aside.
Mix the caramel sauce in with the cake vodka and set aside.
Place the milk into your saucepan and sprinkle the Knox in, stir and allow to settle for a minute or two.
Heat on low setting until the gelatin is completely dissolved, about 2 to 3 minutes or so.
Set the gelatin milk mixture aside.
In a separate bowl add the remaining 1 cup of milk and the pudding mix and beat for about 1 minute or until the pudding is completely incorporated.
Add in the gelatin milk mixture, mix well.
Immediately add the 1 cup of cake vodka/caramel sauce and mix for another minute.
Pour into your greased cake pan and let set for at least an hour.
Once your pudding gel has set up you are ready to cut out your shapes.

PLATING
Pour some caramel sauce into your serving dish then carefully place your Caramel Custard Cocktail Gel in the center and top off with your delicate burnt sugar garnish.

* How to Create the
Caramelized "Burnt" Sugar Garnish:

Ingredients
2 C. Sugar
1 C. Water

Tools
Measuring Cups
Saucepan
Metal Spoon
Silpat or Parchment Lined Baking Sheet

Directions
Mix the sugar and water in a small saucepan and place on medium heat. Heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and starts to turn a light, golden caramel color (it will read 310 F on a candy thermometer).
Remove immediately from the heat and allow to cool until the mixture thickly coats the back of a spoon but is dripping off in a continuous stream.
Quickly dip the spoon into the molten sugar and start drizzling fun shapes onto your silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Do the whole sheet as some will break or not be as pretty as you would like - this way you get to pick and choose!
If the burnt sugar cools off too quick you can reheat it until it's molten again as long as you don't burn it - burnt sugar is very dark and very bitter!!
Allow the shapes to cool and store in a very dry place until ready to garnish.

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HAPPY NATIONAL CHECKER'S DAY - Cocktails & Politics?

CHECKER'S MARTINI

No Silly, It's Not About the Game - It's About A Dog ...

and a COCKTAIL! Read on!

September 23rd is now recognized as Checker’s Day. Most people might immediately wonder why we have a day delegated to a simple board game and the fact of the matter is we don't - or if we do it's not September 23rd!

Checker's Day - note the apostrophe - actually refers to a dog, a Presidential Dog no less. You see, in on September 23rd, 1952, President Richard M. Nixon made his famous Checkers Speech in which he refers to a gift of a little black and white Cocker Spaniel:

“One other thing I probably should tell you, because if I don't they will probably be saying this about me, too. We did get something, a gift, after the election. You know what it was? It was a little Cocker Spaniel dog ... black and white, spotted, and our little girl Tricia, the six year old, named it Checkers. And you know, the kids, like all kids, loved the dog, and I just want to say this, right now, that regardless of what they say about it, we're going to keep it.”

~ President Richard Milhous Nixon

 

In honor of “Checkers” – who sadly went to the Rainbow Bridge in 1964 - here is my CHECKERS MARTINI. Unlike politics, this cocktail really is black and white!

CHECKERS MARTINI

INGREDIENTS

3/4 Oz. Coffee Liqueur

1/4 Oz. Dark Crème de Cacao

1-1/2 Oz. Half & Half

Ground Espresso Beans

DIRECTIONS

Dip the rim of your cocktail glass into some of the coffee liqueur and then into the ground espresso beans. Chill the glass in the freezer.

Pour the coffee liqueur and the dark crème de cacao into the glass.

Take a bar spoon, turn it upside down and hold the tip against the inside of the glass bowl then gently pour the half & half over the spoon onto the coffee liqueur and dark crème de cacao.

Allow this to settle for a few moments and the layers will settle down to their own levels.

Serve up with the story about the late Checkers the Dog.

Updated November 2015

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NATIONAL PECAN COOKIE DAY COCKTAIL

Happy National Pecan Cookie Day

Pull out that bottle of Candied Pecan Liqueur you made, here's another great dessert cocktail for it:

THE PECAN COOKIE MARTINI RECIPE

National Pecan Cookie Day is a perfect excuse to pull out my bottle and create another martini using my recipe for Candied Pecan Liqueur.  I did myself in when I created that liqueur because I love it, my Happy Hour friends love it and I can't just run to the liquor store and pick up a bottle, lol.

It is easy enough to make, you just have to be patient for the results and let it infuse for a few weeks! It uses my recipe for Candied Pecans (Nuts) and both that and the recipe for the Candied Pecan Liqueur are HERE.

This time I got to rim the dish with a favorite cookie of mine from childhood - Pecan Sandies.  These were one of the only "store bought" cookies ever to grace our cookie jar when I was a kid because my mom loved them.  As a result we got a lot of these cookies because they didn't require my working mother to spend an hour or so over a mixing bowl and a hot stove after schlepping home from work!  Funnily enough I picked up a package of them the other day in a fit of nostalgia - I had no idea how handy that little bit of food memory indulgence would be a few days later!

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Updated 8-2016

NATIONAL APPLE DUMPLING DAY COCKTAIL!

 September 17th is
National Apple Dumpling Day!

Let's do it the cocktail way with my

APPLE DUMPLING MARTINI

1 Oz. Apple Vodka
1 Oz. Bailey’s Caramel Liqueur
2 Oz. Apple Cider
¼ Oz. Lemon Juice
Slice of Apple
Pinch of Ground Cinnamon
Pinch of Ground Nutmeg
Caramel Sauce
1 Tbsp. Crushed Pie Dough for Rim
2 Tbsp. Brown Sugar for Rim

Dip your glass in some of the caramel sauce and then into the brown sugar/pie dough mixture, then chill in the freezer. Add one cup of ice to a cocktail shaker then pour in the apple vodka, Bailey’s Caramel Liqueur, apple cider, lemon juice and the spices and shake vigorously until well chilled. Pour into your martini glass, Float an apple disk on top and drizzle apple with caramel sauce.

Want some edible Apple Dumplings to go with your martini? Click over to The Diva of Tiny Foods for the easiest Apple Dumpling Recipe ever!.

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CINNAMON RAISIN COCKTAIL

When I think cinnamon I think raisins so I thought I'd give that flavor combo a whirl as a cocktail.  I received a bottle of Pinnacle's Atomic Hots® Vodka for review and decided this was a great use for it.  This is a pretty perky cinnamon liquor so I decided to tame it down a bit with some lemon juice and muddle in some raisins to add a little mellow sweetness and richness.

After I tasted this combo I decided it did need a bit more sugar so I added the red sugar rim.  I almost added cinnamon in the sugar rim but the Atomic Hots vodka doesn't need any help in the cinnnamon department.

CINNAMON RAISIN MARTINI

2 Oz. Pinnacle Atomic Hots® Cinnamon Vodka*
¼ Oz. Of Lemon Juice
¼ C. of Raisins
Red Sugar for Rim
Extra Raisins for Garnish
Lemon Twist

Rub a slice of lemon around the rim of your glass then dip the rim into the red sugar. Chill your martini glass in the freezer. Muddle the raisins in lemon juice in the bottom of your cocktail shaker, pour in a cup of ice cubes, add the cinnamon vodka and shake until well chilled. Pour into your chilled martini glass, add a twist of lemon then skewer a few raisins on a cocktail pick and drop in and enjoy!

*If you can't find the Atomic Hots you can substitute another cinnamon flavored spirit but you might have to adjust for balance.

Updated 9-2017

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Quick & Easy HOMEMADE MARASCHINO CHERRIES RECIPE

Better Than Store Bought
Homemade Maraschino Cherries

EASY DRUNKEN MARASCHINO CHERRIES
THE EASY VERSION
1 C. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
1 Jar of Trader Joe's Morello Sour Cherries, Drained
(Or you may use 1 Pint of Fresh Marasca Cherries or Sour Cherries, Pitted - Remove Stems if you like)

Bring the Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur to a simmer in a small pot. Just as it starts to boil remove it from the heat and add the cherries. Let mixture cool, then let it "distill" in the refrigerator for a couple of days.

This should give you a good pint or so of lovely, delicious Homemade Maraschino Cherries!

You can store these in the fridge for up to a month but I doubt they'll last that long!

Life is just a bowl of Maraschino Cherries!

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NATIONAL PEANUT DAY COCKTAILS

TODAY IS

NATIONAL PEANUT DAY!

Go Nuts With

PEANUT INSPIRED MARTINIS

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NATIONAL BLACKBERRY DAY COCKTAILS

TODAY IS

NATIONAL BLACKBERRY DAY

Let's enjoy the last of the fresh, seasonal blackberries in some cocktails, shall we?

CHECK OUT ALL MY
BLACKBERRY COCKTAILS

SOME OF THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BLACKBERRIES:

• Blackberries are high in fiber which can reduce your risk of heart diseases and diabetes. They also help digestion.
• Blackberries contain Vitamin K which helps in the absorption of calcium and helps your blood clot.
• Blackberries contain Vitamin A and E which promote the healthy function of your brain and heart.
• Blackberries contain many minerals, including iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium, which are important to the natural development and maintenance of bones and tissue.
• Blackberries contain Omega-3, a fatty acid that is essential to the body that must be acquired from outside sources. Omega-3 aids in the prevention of heart disease, arthritis, some types of cancer and high cholesterol.

Shake up a Healthy Martini - À VOTRE SANTÉ!

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STAR TREK INSPIRED COCKTAILS - BEAM ME UP SOME VODKA, SCOTTY!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY STAR TREK!

I am a HUGE Star Trek Fan so to honor my favorite TV show of all time I am bringing you some Star Trek Inspired Martinis & Cocktails:

FEDERATION PHASER SHOT*

1/2 Oz. Midori Melon Liqueur
1/2 Oz. 'Andorian' Whiskey
1/2 Oz. Irish Cream Liqueur
Bacardi® 151 Rum Float

Pour in the Irish Cream, then the Whiskey, followed by the Midori and stir until mixed. Add the float of 151, light it with a long barbecue style lighter. Please read flaming drink precautions below.*

SPOCK'S PLOMEEK PULVERIZER

1 Oz. Terran Cucumber Juice

1 Oz. Terran Tomato Juice

Splash of Lemon Juice

1-1/2 Oz. Gin

2 Dashes of Chipotle Sauce

Lemon

Cosmic Celery Salt

Rub the lemon onto the rim of your cocktail glass then dip rim in the salt.  Pour the remaining ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until ice cold. Strain into your glass and garnish with a lemon twist and a pickled green bean.

JAMES TIBERIOUS KIRK-TINI

2 Oz. 'Saurian' Brandy

1/4 Oz. Sweet Vermouth

4 Dashes of Orange Bitters

1 Sugar Cube

Muddle the sugar with the bitters and the water in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add ice, pour in the brandy and the vermouth, shake then strain into a chilledcocktailglass. Garnish with a twist of orange and some brandy soaked cherries.

BEAM ME UP, SCOTCHY

1-1/2 Oz. Scotch

1/2 Oz. Sweet Vermouth

1 Dash Cherry Bitters

1/4 Tsp. Orange Simple Syrup

Stir ingredients with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry.

CHEKOV'S CAVIAR COCKTAIL

2 Oz. Ice Cold Wodkah

1/4 Tsp. Russian Caviar

Shake the wodkah with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.  Drop in the Russian Caviar. Serve with some blinis and Crème Fraîche topped off with more caviar.

THE UHURA KISS

1 Oz. Chocolate Vodka

1 Oz. Dark Creme de Cacao

2 Oz. Chocolate Milk

Dash of Chocolate Bitters

Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until ice cold. Pour into a martini glass, sprinkle on some dark chocolate shavings and drop in a chocolate kiss.

THE HARVEY MUDDSLIDE

1-1/2 Oz. Vodka

1-1/2 Oz.Frangelico

1-1/2 Oz. Kahlua

1-1/2 Oz. Half & Half

Crushed Oreo Cookies

Dip the rim of your cocktail glass into some Kahlua and then into the crushed Oreos.  Pour the vodka, Frangelico, Kahlua and half & half into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.  Pour into your glass and slide a full Oreo onto the rim.

WARP DRIVE

1 Oz. Cherry Vodka

1 Oz. Berry Vodka

1 Oz. Hpnotiq

1 Oz. Blue Curacao

1" Cube of Dry Ice

Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a Blue Raspberry Twizzler. Drop in the dry ice cube and drink with caution.

And, lest we forget,

Romulan Ale


Where's the Tranya?
Check out my
STAR TREK COCKTAILS Part Two

DRINK LONG & PROSPER!

*FLAMING DRINK PRECAUTIONS

• Do NOT drink this while the cocktail is still on fire! Extinguish all flames before consumption!
• Cap off all liquor bottles and move away from the area before lighting any cocktail on fire. Remove any other flammable items and watch out for your clothing and hair.
• Do not use a delicate or crystal glass because they are more prone to shattering from the heat and flame. Use a cheaper and heavier glass instead.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, glass of water or some other fire suppression method at hand.  Should the glass explode the flaming alcohol could run all over and start a very bad fire, remember, alcohol IS a fire accelerant!
• Do NOT stick any part of your body in or near the drink until you are positive the flames are extinguished. If it's too light outside you may not see the flames clearly as alcohol flames burn blue.
• Do not serve this to someone who has clearly had too much to drink. 
• Do not do this in the presence of children.  Don't give them any more dangerous ideas!

 P.S. STAR WARS FANS MAY GET THEIR COCKTAILS HERE.
  Updated 5-2021 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY  

BERRY SHORTCAKE JELLY SHOT EDIBLE COCKTAILS

The very last of the summer berries are featured in my newest Edible Cocktail, the

BERRY GOOD SHORTCAKE EDIBLE COCKTAILS

A Jello Shot that will make for a Berry Delicious Happy Hour!

TOOLS
Measuring Cups
Non-stick Medium Saucepan
Non-stick Vegetable Spray
Spoons
Mold(s) for gels.
Large Metal Strainer
Mixing Bowls
Cookie Cutters (about the same diameter of the molds you are using for the gels)
Sheet Cake Pan (for baking the shortcake)

PREP

Spray your cocktail molds with a spray cooking gel.
Drop 3 or 4 Fresh Berries into your chosen cocktail mold.

MAKE THE GELATIN MIXTURE 
INGREDIENTS:
1 Small Box of Berry Flavored Gelatin Dessert Mix
2 Pkg. Unflavored Gelatin Powder
1 Cup of Mixed Berry Fruit Juice
1 Cup of Berry Vodka

DIRECTIONS for Gels:
 In a medium saucepan, add the gelatin to the mixed berry fruit juice and allow to dissolve for a few minutes.
Heat this mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved - about 2 to 4 minutes. DO NOT BOIL.
Turn off the heat, stir in the Berry Flavored Gelatin and stir until dissolved.
Quickly add the cup of Berry Vodka.
Pour the gel mixture over the fresh berries in the molds and allow to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

WHILE YOUR GELS SET
Make your Mixed Berry Coulis (recipe just below) and your Bisquick Shortcakes (recipe for shortcake mixture is on the Bisquick box).

SHORTCAKES
Follow the directions on the Bisquick box for the shortcake recipe BUT do not roll and shape shortcakes. Spread the mixture into the greased sheet cake pan about 1/2" deep. Bake at the box temperature but check every 5 minutes as this is thin and likely to bake much faster than regular biscuits or shortcakes. When this is cooled you will be cutting out shapes to fit the bottom of your cocktail gels.

MIXED BERRY COULIS
INGREDIENTS: 
2 C. Assorted Fresh or Frozen Berries
3/4 C. of Sugar
1/8 C. of Lemon Juice

DIRECTIONS for Mixed Berry Coulis
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer on medium-lo until the berries begin to break down and the mixture thickens (about 15 minutes), stirring occasionally. Press the mixture through a large strainer, over a bowl, to remove the seeds & sediment. (Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to a week in the refrigerator.)
Yes, you can prepare this without cooking as well - the only difference is a slightly smoother texture with the cooked but a higher nutritional value with the uncooked. I lower the sugar content on the uncooked if my berries are sweet enough!

ASSEMBLING YOUR EDIBLE COCKTAIL GELS:
Once your gels are set up, cut out a disc of the shortcake to fit the bottom of your gel, set the gels on top of these shortcake discs.
Pour some of the Mixed Berry Coulis on your serving plates.
Arrange 2 or 3 gels on each plate.
Top the gels with whipped cream and a few fresh berries.
Add a couple of extra dollops of whipped cream for the leftover berry coulis.
Serve with a spoon so your guest can eat the leftover coulis!


GENERAL SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS
Cookie cutters don't need to be heated and silicone molds do not need to be heated to release either - but don't forget the cooking spray before you pour your gelatin into any mold!
Most cocktail gels can be frozen, depending on the ingredients.
If you're preparing these for a party that will have children present create some without alcohol simply by replacing the liquor with the same amount of a non- alcoholic liquid or puree of a complimentary flavor, BUT be sure to make the non-alcoholic ones look very different from the ones with alcohol.

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FOR MY SISTER on NATIONAL SISTERS DAY

HOW MY SISTER TURNED ME INTO THE MARTINI DIVA

The first Sunday in August is always National Sister's Day. It's a day to celebrate your sisters, whether they be sisters in blood or sisters in your heart.  My sister was both for me. She was my only birth sister and she was also my friend.  Having lost Patti in 2005, I pay tribute to her memory here today with a little story about how she is the person responsible for the very existence of The Martini Diva.

First, you have to know that Patti was my older sister by seven years and ten months and I drove her crazy when we were growing up.  Our family lived in a small little brick house in Wichita, Kansas and she and I shared a bedroom.  As a teenager Patti was horribly taxed by having a little sister in her personal space on a daily basis. I did not help the situation by being curious, rambunctious and always under foot - or under the bed, but I'll get to that in a minute.

I idolized my older sister. She had lots of friends, she went fun places like formal dances and toga parties. She got to wear pretty dresses, make-up and high heels PLUS she worked in a movie theater and could eat all the free popcorn she wanted!  She was always pretty, always with friends and always doing something interesting and I wanted to be just like her, so I followed in her footsteps - literally.  I was constantly on her heels trying to butt into her life and desperately trying to become part of her world.

I not only dogged her every move, I once hid under her bed while she entertained one of her boyfriends (with the door open of course, this was the fifties). I was constantly hunting for her diary to read so I could get all the private dish on her life.  I was relentless in my pursuit, I was clever and sneaky and I was a royal pain in the ass. I tried to copy her outfits, I imitated her mercilessly and whatever she had I wanted to have, whatever she did I wanted to do.

This included wanting to have a cocktail like the one she was drinking at a small party she gave. Of course I wasn't invited but that didn't stop me!  I surreptitiously crashed the party, snuck up to where Patti's glass sat and sneaked a little sip of her daiquiri when she wasn't looking. I loved it!  It was sweet, it tasted like a peach and it was frozen like the slushies I loved from Dairy Queen!  Patti caught me in the act and, instead of smacking me upside the head and chasing me out of the party, she grabbed a small shot glass and poured me my own little drink!  (Yes, she was underage, yes, our parents were gone and yes, my sister probably let me stay at the party so I wouldn't tattle on her!)

That little tumbler of my sister's daiquiri was my first taste of a cocktail. As a result of having that little shot I went and set up a "bar" in our basement the next day with table leaves, boxes and my little tin glass and tray set.  I then charged all the neighborhood kids a dime for Kool-Aid cocktails which I made with 7-up instead of water and garnished with Maraschino cherries I had copped from the party leftovers! Yeah, I was kind of a pill.

Daiquiris were not the only cocktails my sister introduced me to. My first taste of a Tom Collins, and Drambuie can also be attributed to her.  Like I said, whatever she did or had I wanted to have or do.

I crashed that party the same day Patti had caught me playing with a music box of hers that played "Love Letters" by Pat Boone. So, either she was trying to get me sick with my mini-daiquiri or she was bribing me or she had simply forgiven me for my trespass. Sadly, I will never know which because I never got a chance to ask her.  Patti died before my life as The Martini Diva began and it wasn't until I got hooked on martinis then began creating my own original and bespoke craft cocktails that I remembered that time from my past. 

Patti was not here when I began my journey into mixology and the world of martinis and she is not able to share The Martini Diva lifestyle with me now, that is something I regret every day at cocktail hour. I would love to be able to sit down at five o'clock, place a couple of martinis in front of both of us, share a drink and have a conversation with my sister.  If there was anyone in my life who would have truly enjoyed a fun martini and an hour or two of yakking - and deserved to share in them - it was my sister.

As a result of these childhood events I shall always consider Patty to be the inspiration for my fascination with all things happy hour. That first sip of daiquiri was my initial step towards becoming The Martini Diva and I have my sister to thank for it.

Patty, I hope you're enjoying a nice cold cocktail up there with the angels.

"My Sister is laughter even on the cloudy days of life." ~ Lillian Gish

Updated January 2016

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