RASPBERRY CAKE COCKTAIL

It's been a while since I have done a cake inspired cocktail, but National Raspberry Cake Day has come around again and I figured it was about time to give it a cocktail nod.
Having Driscoll's wonderful raspberries on sale this week didn't hurt either. I'm very partial to Driscoll's berries and scoop them up every time I get a chance. I love putting berries in salads, I love them as snacks and in smoothies but I did manage to save a few for this cocktail.

RASPBERRY CAKE COCKTAIL
INGREDIENTS 1 Oz. Raspberry Vodka 1 Oz. Chambord 1/2 Oz. Cake Vodka 1/4 Oz. Fresh Lemon Juice 1 Dash of Bitter Truth Lemon Bitters Ice
Garnish: Fresh Raspberries
Tools: Cocktail Shaker, Strainer
Glass: Cocktail (Martini) or Coupe
DIRECTIONS Chill the glass in the freezer. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake until chilled. Strain into the chilled glass, garnish and serve.
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:

July 31st is National Raspberry Cake Day.

Updated 7-2021 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

JUNK (aka FAST) FOOD INSPIRED COCKTAILS

JUNK FOOD: Food containing low nutritional value, high levels of calories, sugar, fat, salt and chemical food additives.

FAST FOOD: Food that can be prepared quickly and easily and is sold in drive through restaurants and snack bars as a quick meal or to be taken out.

Although Michael Jacobson, co-founder of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest which was founded in the early 1970's, is most often the person credited with the term "junk food", an article in the Ogden, Utah, Standard-Examiner headlined, "Dr. Brady’s Health Column: More Junk Than Food" appeared in 1948. Either way, this puts the proliferation of junk food smack dab in the middle of the 20th century when "convenience" and "fast" food made it's debut.
I'm not one to judge, but let's face it, if it's wrapped in a greasy bag with a cartoon or logo on it or you drove up to a window to get it, it's probably junk food. I was not immune to the siren call of addictive, quick foods that came in greasy bags. I confess, during the eighties, when I was working 18 hour days, my dog, Shadow, actually thought she was going to get a french fry when I drove up to the bank window to make a deposit.
I have so many junk food inspired cocktails I'm a little embarrassed. My only excuse is I grew up in the era that introduced America to fast/junk food. Before my life time there was no such thing as TV dinners, McDonald's, Taco Bell, pizza chains,  nachos, instant noodles or sour gummy candies. For some reason, after World War II, America became obsessed with instant gratification, and that included instant aka "fast" aka "junk" food. Baby boomers wanted it all and wanted it now. All those food holidays are children of the baby boom as well.
Mea culpa for my era. But if it's any consolation, my entire generation is also obsessed with dieting, blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. These days both myself and my little furry wingmen are on healthier diets, with only occasional forays into the Dark World of Drive-up Fries & Donuts.
I make my concessions, and confessions, at happy hour. I believe on moderation in all things, including junk food.
JUNK FOOD (Fast food Inspired) COCKTAILS BOOZY SLUSHIES, SHAKES, FLOATS BROWNIE MARTINI CAKE COCKTAILS CANDY COCKTAILS CHEESECAKE COCKTAILS CHEESY DOODLE MARTINI CHERRY COLA MARTINI COOKIE COCKTAILS HOT BUTTERED POPCORN SHOOTER ICE CREAM COCKTAILS JELLY FILLED DONUT MARTINI ORANGE JULIUS MARTINI PIE COCKTAILS  PIZZA COCKTAILS
No, you're not getting a link to my Chocolate Cocktails here. I have never, and never will, consider chocolate junk food.

Updated 7-2018

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EDIBLE CHAMPAGNE CAVIAR COCKTAILS aka Caviar Jello Shots

CHAMPAGNE & CAVIAR EDIBLE COCKTAILS Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams in One Bite of Booze
This CHAMPAGNE AND CAVIAR EDIBLE COCKTAIL GEL was inspired by the 1980's Robin Leach program "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" where he always signed off with the catchphrase "Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams". It was program filled with the uber-wealthy and the excesses of the filthy rich. Yes, the eighties were a decade of decadence and flash and "greed is good".
Greed is not so good and decadence is reserved for a very lucky few these days, but that's no reason not to visit luxury every once in a while. These little savory bites of Champagne infused caviar can transport you to a lifestyle of the rich and famous, if only for a short period of time.

Both Champagne and caviar can be bought in a wide range of prices but in this case I used American Sturgeon Caviar which retails at about $60 an ounce and a nice bottle of Iron Horse Brut which ran me about $40. Keep in mind that the Iron Horse is not technically a Champagne as it is not from the Champagne region of France, but it is a lovely sparkling wine that pairs very well with caviar.
It's nice to go with higher end caviar if you have the funds, but stay away from the bargain basement varieties. If you can't afford at least a medium quality Champagne and caviar then you aren't going to be enjoying anything close to "Champagne Wishes and Caviar Dreams" in your edible cocktail gel.
I like to serve these with a flute of the Champagne and a side plate of blinis topped with some creme fraiche and more caviar.
I also have a drinkable Caviar Martini just in case you'd rather lift a martini glass.

RECIPE FOR CHAMPAGNE WISHES & CAVIAR DREAMS EDIBLE COCKTAIL GELS
INGREDIENTS Caviar Layer 1 Ounce of Black Caviar 1/2 Cup of Champagne 1.5 Pkg. Gelatin Powder
Champagne Layer 1 Cup of Champagne or Sparkling Wine 1.5 Pkg. Gelatin Powder
Optional Blinis A little creme fraiche to dip the cocktail gel in
GARNISH & PRESENTATION Two Cocktail Picks or Skewers Cyprus Black Lava Mediterranean Sea Salt Flakes Serving Platter(s)
TOOLS Measuring Cups Small Microwaveable Bowl(s) Small Mixing Bowl(s) Non-stick spoon Silicon Candy Molds Non-stick Vegetable Spray Oval Mini Cookie Cutter
CHAMPAGNE & CAVIAR COCKTAIL GEL DIRECTIONS These directions work for both the caviar layer and the Champagne layer, which you will do separately. Do one layer at a time so the Champagne doesn't go flat while you're waiting for the other layer to set! Spray all your molds with cooking spray and set aside. Put the caviar/Champagne or the cup of Champagne in a small mixing bowl and set aside. In a small microwaveable bowl, add the gelatin powder to 2 tablespoons of water. Give this a quick stir and allow to sit for a couple of minutes. Warm this mixture in the microwave for about 25 seconds or so, long enough for the gelatin to completely dissolve, then stir well. Pour the gelatin water into the caviar/champagne (or the champagne) and stir well until the gelatin is completely incorporated in. You can now pour this into your (sprayed) mold or a small pan and place in the fridge to set up. It takes a good hour minimum but 2 hours or longer is better. Once both layers are set you can then pop the gels out of your candy molds or cut out your shapes with the mini cookie cutter and layer them onto your cocktail pick for serving.
GENERAL SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS If you find the cocktail gel a little too gummy candy in texture, you can decrease the gelatin packets to only 1 package instead of 1 and 1/2.
Most cocktail gels can be frozen, depending on the ingredients however due to the delicate caviar I do not recommend freezing this cocktail gel.
National Caviar Day is July18th.


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WISH UPON A STARFRUIT COCKTAIL

I had to do a special for Wish Upon a Star Day, held every July 17th, because my favorite song in the world is "When You Wish Upon A Star" from Walt Disney's Pinnochio. I would make free cocktails forever for Jiminy Cricket!
Why is July 17th Wish Upon a Star Day? Because it's the birthday of the original Disneyland, in Aneheim, which opened July 17th, 1955. I would also make free cocktails forever for Walt Disney, who happens to be one of the top inspirations for my art career.
WISH UPON A STAR MARTINI Your Dreams Come True in a Cocktail Glass
Ingredients:  1 Fresh Star Fruit 1-1/2 Oz. White Rum 1/2 Oz. Cointreau 2 Oz. Orange Juice Ice
Garnish: Starfruit slice, Orange Twist
Tools: Blender
Glass: Cocktail or Coupe
Directions: Slice off one section of the star fruit to get a star shaped slice for your garnish. Peel, deseed then puree the remainder and add it to your cocktail shaker with the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth, pour into the chilled glass garnish and serve.
A Little About Star Fruits:
Star fruits, also known as Carambola, are native to Asia but are now being cultivated in many tropical locations. The whole fruit can be eaten, including the skin though the ribs are usually tough and better cut away. They are tart, sweet and very juicy and taste a little like apples and pears with an overtone of citrus. They are high in anti-oxidants, vitamin C and even have some antimicrobial benefits.
BE AWARE: If you cannot have grapefruit because of certain medications, star fruit may also be counter-indicated for you as it has some of the same enzymes. Also star fruit contains oxalic acid which can be harmful for anyone with kidney disorders!

Updated 4-2019

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Review: Best Damn Brewing Co. Cherry Cola Ale

REVIEW OF

BEST DAMN CHERRY COLA ALE

When I was out shopping the other day I spied an interesting ale from the Best Damn Brewing Company called "The Best Damn Cherry Cola You Ever Had". If you read this blog a lot you know that I am not a huge beer drinker which means I don't troll the beer aisle all that often. I like an occasional ice cold beer on a hot summer day in a frosty bottle, no canned suds, thanks; and my beer of choice is Bohemia. However, I am learning to appreciate fine ales and stouts, and I love cherries so that piqued my interest. It was also 108° here, perfect brewski testing weather.
At almost $11 for a 6-pack, my interest waivered back and forth a bit until I remembered I get to deduct my booze purchases. Into the cart those Best Damn bottles went. WTH, live a little. If I hated it, maybe I could throw it into some funky chili or weird-ass beer can chicken. Plus I suspect it is a seasonal product and I didn't want to miss my opportunity to try it out.
Once home I froze a little extra chill on the Tucson summer warmed six pack by popping it in the freezer for ten minutes. Then I popped the cap on a bottle, took a sniff and definitely got those cherries right up front. A hint of some warm spice also tickled my nostrils, but an odd, metallic aroma teased at me, one I couldn't quite place. I actually sniffed a couple more times because that metallic smell was thumbing it's nose at my olfactory memories. I let it go because, often as not, the nose is not always a perfect indicator of flavor, and took a sip out of the bottle.
The cherries immediately confirmed their dominence and I was extremely pleased to find a nice bitter bite instead of the cloying sweetness I expected (like the syrup overdose I got from Not Your Father's Root Beer.) However that metallic tinge crept into the flavor as well, just bugging the devil out of me, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste that pushed the ale's more natural and appreciated bitterness out of the way.
It nagged my palate much like artificial sweeteners do, hitting me only on the sides of my tongue, not over the whole tongue like real sugar does. There is no nutrition labeling on alcoholic beverages*, so I had no way to tell if artificial sweeteners had been used, but it's the only explanation I can think of for that chemical bitterness.
I didn't get the cola flavor until the second beer, which I poured into a chilled glass. At this point the sweetness level kicked up a notch as well and I finally got the taste of cherry cola. The metallic aftertaste faded as well. Maybe this ale just needs to breath a little?
The appearance is a dark, brick colored brown and what head there was when poured quickly dissapated. With a 5 5% ABV its light enough to be able to tip back a couple of bottles and sit out and watch the hot sun set which is exactly what I did.

Summary: All things being equal, I found I actually enjoyed "The Best Damn Cherry Cola You Ever Had". It's strong on real cherry flavor, is surprisingly not that sweet and has a credible depth of flavor. I could also see this being a great mixer with whiskeys and some beautiful barrel aged tequila or mezcal.
Woud I buy it again? Possibly, especially if I come up with a great cocktail that makes use of its particular qualities. If I do, I'll update this post with a link to that recipe.
UPDATE! Yes, I found a great way to incorporate this into a cocktail: The SKIP & GO NAKED Or how to take a Surfer Dude meets Prom Queen Pop Cocktail into the 21st Century.
Would I keep it on hand as my beer of choice? No, but it is a nice change if you're looking to experiment.
Best Damn ever? I have no idea since I have not seen another cherry cola beer available. It's pretty easy to be "best damn" when you're the only damn one on the market, but it makes for clever marketing.
* Alcoholic beverages do not fall under the FDA purview and thus, at this point in time, do not require nutritional labeling.

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MORE BEER COCKTAILS

BEER [beer] /bɪər/ noun. An alcoholic beverage made by brewing and fermentation from cereals, usually malted barley, and flavored with hops.
 “Most people hate the taste of beer, to begin with. It is, however, a prejudice.” ~ Winston Churchill
Thanks to the huge craft beer movement I have finally learned to enjoy beer. Not the garden variety, watery, canned suds I grew up with, but the beautifully crafted, small batch ales, lagers and stouts that are popping up for sale on a daily basis these days. Thank you, hipsters, I can now enjoy some brewski with the rest of America, albeit a brewski that's been dressed up.
I've discovered raspberry ales, peach lagers, chocolate stouts, apple beer and cherry cola ale, among a few. I now know what IPA (India Pale Ale) and IBU (International Bitterness Units) stands for and my brain doesn't shut down when I hear "hops" or "barley". I've learned the difference between types of beers* and now hunt the beer aisles for the latest hip sixer or growler to hit the market. Who'd a thunk it?!
I can toss back a tallboy with the best of them but I have also discovered beer as a cocktail ingredient. It's a great day when that barley pop you only bought for frat parties and keggers suddenly becomes a delightfully flavorful inspiration for a new drink.
"He was a wise man who invented beer.” ~ Plato
Pass me the beer.
BEER COCKTAILS   BEER MARGARITAS CERSEI'S REVENGE CHOCOLATE PORTER BEER FLOATS  DECADENT DUTCH COCKTAIL FLOAT FRANKENSTEIN OF HORROR CHERRY COLA ALE GREAT GOBLET of CHOCOLATE BUTTERBEER  MICHELADA & RED EYE MINT SHANDY  PEACH MELBA BEER FLOAT REALLY DRUNK BROWN COW Beer Float ROMULAN ALE The SIMPSONS DUH-OH MARTINI SAMCRO BLOODY BOILERMAKER SKIP & GO NAKED UPDATED WILDLING WASSAIL   “Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

   Updated 9-2018 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

PECAN PIE MARTINI and Homemade Pecan Pie Vodka Recipe

Got a sweet tooth? Love pecans? If you do then you'll love my Pecan Pie Martini recipe. It has all the same ingredients as a pecan pie except the crust. You get that rich, deep caramel flavor of the pecan pie filling and the pecan nut rim brings it home.
P.S. Here's my recipe for Candied Nuts that I make my Candied Pecan Liqueur with:

(P.S. make an extra batch of these delicious nuts to serve alongside the cocktail. Dipping them in a nice dark chocolate is also very good.)

PECAN PIE MARTINI
Ingredients: 2 Oz. Homemade Candied Pecan Liqueur 1 Oz. Kentucky Bourbon 1 Oz. Heavy Cream 2 Dashes El Guapo Chicory-Pecan Bitters
Garnish: Crushed Pecan Rim
Tools: Cocktail shaker
Glass: Cocktail or coupe
Directions: Dip glass rim in some of the pecan liqueur and then into the crushed pecans. Chill glass in freezer. Combine the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake until well chilled. Strain into the chilled glass and serve.
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS & DIRECTIONS:

A LITTLE HISTORY OF PECAN PIE
 Pecan Pie is a classic southern dessert said to have originated when the French migrated to New Orleans and were introduced to nuts by the native population, though the Karo Syrup company claims it created pecan pie as a way to use it's syrup. The first record of a pecan pie recipe was in 1925 though it didn't show up in recipe books until the 1940s.
I hope it doesn't need to be said that if you have nut allergies you don't try this martini? If you don't have a nut allergy than go nuts and enjoy.
LOVE SOME CHOCOLATE WITH YOUR PECAN PIE? Then you should try my CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE MARTINI
National Pecan Pie Day is July 12th.

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MOJITO COCKTAIL RECIPES

The origins of the Mojito start around the time of Sir Francis Drake's visitations to the Caribbean and the original drink, then called a Draquecito, is supposedly named after him. Also called a Drake or a Draque, it was a concoction of an aged rum called Garapo (aguardiente de caña) mixed with sugar, lime and mint. Enjoyed by the Cuban sugar cane workers, it is the earliest known rum drink from the Caribbean, first mentioned sometime around the latter part of the 1800's. When the Bacardi Rum Company started up in 1862, they replaced the Garapo with their signature white rum, some soda and ice and took the drink mainstream.   As for the Mojito being Ernest Hemingway's favorite drink, sorry, that's all a hoax that started with a forgery. Papa liked his rum and his favoritecocktail was a Papa Doble or the Hemingway Daiquiri.   Where the name Mojito comes from is a matter up for debate, but several sources claim that it stems from a Cuban seasoning made from line called mojo. It might also be a derivative of the Spanish "mojadito" which translates to "a little wet" or the African word "mojo", which means to cast a little spell.   Whatever the case, I live in a desert so I'm all for some refreshing, wet coolers with a little rum mojo in them and I definitely enjoy them in a variety of flavors as well as the simple and elegant original version:
The OriginalMOJITO   All my MOJITO VARIATIONS   BLACKBERRY MOJITO CHERRY BASIL MOJITO CHIPOTLE WATERMELON MOJITO CHOCOLATE MOJITO GRAPEFUL DEAD MOJITOS GRILLED PINEAPPLE MOJITO MERRY BERRY MOJITO MARTINI MIXED BERRY MOJITO Mind Your Ps & Qs CUCUMBER PEA SHOOT MOJITO   If you really love Mojitos you'll want to check out my MOJITO ART & GEAR

Yes, I do have a Mojito Coloring Page in my Color Your Cocktail's Coloring Book!

National Mojito Day is July 11th.

      Updated 7-2021 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

STRAWBERRY SUNDAE MARTINI Cocktail Recipe

There's nothing better for dessert then a strawberry sundae, except this Strawberry Sundae Cocktail. When strawberries come in season this is the first cocktail I make. With strawberry vodka, fresh strawberries and strawberry liqueur, it's all the strawberry flavor you can pack into one drink.   When you're looking for a strawberry liqueur Fragoli is where you stop looking. It's the best strawberry liqueur out there, a sweet Italian fruit liqueur, made with hand picked wild strawberries, produced in small batch lots. Each bottle contains a minimum 16% of the real, tiny wild strawberries, handing you a built in garnishing element.

The

STRAWBERRY SUNDAEMARTINI INGREDIENTS:1 Oz. Strawberry Vodka1-1/2 Oz. Fragoli Strawberry Liqueur2 Fresh Strawberries1 Oz. Half & Half1/2 C. Ice Garnish: Whipped Cream and some of the Wild Fragoli Strawberries (or, if you opted for another strawberry liqueur, half a regular strawberry) Tools: Small Strainer, Blender Glass: Cocktail or Coupe DIRECTIONS:Strain the Fragoli through the strainer into the blender. Set the wild strawberries aside for garnish.Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and pulse until smooth.Pour into a chilled glass, top with whipped cream and the wild strawberries you set aside. Fragoli is fabulous on it's own, perfect with some bubbly for a Strawberry Mimosa. Add those sweet, drunken baby strawberries and you can't miss. I use it in all of my Strawberry Cocktail Recipes where strawberry liqueur is called for, including my Strawberries and Cream Martini and my recent Star Spangled Tiki Cocktail.  

VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:

National Strawberry Sundae Day is July 7th.   Updated 7-2021 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY  

Patriotic Red, White & Blue FOURTH OF JULY COCKTAILS

Sparkling, Patriotic FOURTH OF JULY COCKTAILS to light up your Independence Day celebrations.
All the Fun, Delicious Uncle Sam Inspired, Red,White & Blue Colored, Flag Waving Drinks You'll Need for July 4th:

The STAR SPANGLED COCKTAIL A Red White & Blue Tiki Drink

RED, WHITE and B'LURE MARTINI A Cherry Martini with Butterfly Pea Flower Extract

RED, WHITE & BOOZESICLES Raspberry Martini, Coconut Colada, Blueberry Margarita Cocktail Popsicles

RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRY EDIBLE COCKTAILS Raspberry, Blueberry & Whipped Cream Patriotic Jello Shots

5 MORE FOURTH OF JULY COCKTAILS RECIPES on Convenient Postcards

Updated 6-2018 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRY EDIBLE COCKTAILS Patriotic Jello Shots

This patriotic Red, White and Blueberry Edible Cocktail Gel (jello shot) started with a package of blue raspberry dessert gelatin. I don't always use the branded gelatin mixes but they do come in some really fun colors and flavors so I bought all the colors and flavors I could find for my ingredient treasure chest. 

Another influence might well have been that I did this particular recipe just a few weeks before the Fourth of July and I just happened to have a silicone candy mold in the shape of stars. From there it was just a Yankee Doodle of a dandy jump to this tribute to the Stars and Stripes!  
When I first plated this up I did a fun brush stroke of the raspberry puree across a big plate, set some blueberries down the thin end of the stroke and a few of the pearls into the top end and LOVED the look. I was going to plate 3 of the Cocktail Gels on the plate. Then I dropped the whole thing on the way to the photo studio and had to change my plating design because I had stupidly given away all the rest of the gels to a neighbor for a party and I only had one gel left to work with. So, I plopped some raspberry puree on a smaller plate, then slid my gel onto that and only then did I realize the raspberry puree covered up the whole red layer of my cocktail gel.   It was still a pretty presentation - it just didn't show off the layered gel. C'est la gare - I lost the battle but won the war because I ate the darned thing after I got the photos! Let this be a lesson to anyone out there - don't give anything away until you're finished with it!  

  HOORAY FOR THE RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRIES EDIBLE COCKTAIL A Raspberry & Blueberry Flavored Edible Cocktail Gel aka Jello Shot   INGREDIENTS   Raspberry Layer 1 C. Water 1 C. Raspberry Vodka 2 Pkgs. Knox Gelatin 1 Pkg. Raspberry Dessert Gelatin   Whipped Cream Layer 1 C. Milk 1 C. Whipped Cream Vodka 2 Pkgs. Knox Gelatin   Blue Star Inlays 1 C. Water 1 C. Blueberry Vodka 2 Pkgs. Knox Gelatin 1 Pkg. Blueberry Dessert Gelatin   Garnish & Presentation Cooking Spray Pearl Cake Decorations 1 C. Raspberry Puree American Flag Cupcake Decorations Fresh Blueberries Serving Platter   TOOLS   Measuring Cups Blender (to puree the raspberries) Non-stick Medium Saucepan Non-stick spoon Star Silicone Candy Mold 9" x 6" Glass Cake Pan Sharp, Thin Blade Knife BASIC GEL DIRECTIONS   Spray all your molds with cooking spray and set aside. Measure out all your ingredients and get your tools ready. Pour your non- alcoholic liquid (juice, water, puree, milks, creams, etc.) into your saucepan, stir well and let this sit for a few minutes. Place the saucepan on a burner, turn the heat to low and warm the mixture, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. This takes about 2 to 4 minutes. Do not boil, it's not necessary. Remove the pan from the burner and, if the recipe calls for a package of dessert gelatin, stir it in. Next, quickly stir in your alcohol ingredient. Pour gelatin mixture immediately into whatever mold(s) you plan on using.Place in the refrigerator to set for at least an hour. You can then pour on additional layers, if any. Once all layers are set, you are ready cut, press out with a cookie cutter and/or release the elements of your cocktail gels and plate.   GENERAL SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS   If you are molding in a cake pan, dip your knife blade in hot water and slide it around the edge of the cake pan. Do the same when you cut out the separate pieces. Use a flat metal spatula to lift your gel out of the pan.    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.   SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS & TIPS FOR RED, WHITE & BLUEBERRY GELS   Don't give your gels away. Okay, I'll let go of that issue now.   Make and pour the raspberry layer first. Then make your blue stars. (You'll have a lot of the blue left over so pour that into another mold to use for another gel recipe or cut out some cute shapes with cookie cutters and serve those as well.)    Once both the raspberry (red) layer and the blue stars are set, unmold your blue stars and place them on the red layer about an inch to an inch and a half apart. Press down a bit so they'll stick better. You want to leave enough room around the stars for a nice size white border.   Next prepare and pour your white whipped cream layer onto the red raspberry layer and let this set. Warm your knife blade in a HOT glass of water, wipe it off and start cutting out your squares.   I'm not going to go into the details on the plating, you can go for my first idea of the pretty brush stroke of raspberry puree or you can do the floating gel idea in the photo. Just don't tell me if you manage not to drop your plate on the way to the table.   Updated 7-1-2018 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY    

The STAR SPANGLED COCKTAIL - A Red White & Blue Tiki Drink

Nothing says Happy Fourth of July like a beautiful layered, frozen Tiki drink in patriotic colors. Especially when it's made with strawberries, coconut, vodka and rum. So, here ya go - all red, white, blue, Made in the U.S.A. and patriotically presented with the appropriate Tiki accouterments.

The STAR SPANGLED COCKTAIL
BLUE LAYER 1 Oz. Strawberry Vodka 5- 10 Drops B'Lure Peaflower Extract 1 Tablespoon Orgeat Syrup 1/2 Cup of Crushed Ice Blend until smooth, pour into a chilled low ball glass and set aside.
WHITE LAYER 1 Oz. White Rum 1 Oz Coconut Milk 1 Tablespoon Coconut Cream 1/2 Cup of Crushed Ice Blend until smooth, pour into a low ball glass and set aside.
RED LAYER 1/2 Oz. Fragoli Wild Strawberry Liqueur 4 Fresh Strawberries 1/2 Oz. Grenadine 1/2 Cup of Crushed Ice Blend until smooth, pour into a low ball glass and set aside.(NOT fond of strawberries? Try fresh raspberries and raspberry vodka.)
DIRECTIONS FOR LAYERING To a chilled Hurricane glass add the Red Layer. Gently spoon on the White Layer then the Blue Layer.
Garnish with a fresh strawberry, a patriotic swizzle stick, cocktail umbrella and straw then serve.
FUN GARNISH TIP: Light a sparkler and light it as you serve if you like, just be safe about it. Clean up any alcohol spills and keep the flame and sparkler away from any open liquor bottles, clothing and kids.
Happy 4th of July!!
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:

 

Updated 7-4-2021PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY