CRANBERRY MARGARITA

My friend Dave (@DaveThePlatypus) pointed out that I had no Cranberry Margarita in my Cranberry Cocktail line up. He was right, somehow I had totally neglected to post up a cranberry margarita.
Seriously, where has my mind been every holiday season??
I correct that omission right now.
CRANBERRY MARGARITA
INGREDIENTS 2 Oz. Blue Agave Tequila Blanco 1/2 Oz. Cointreau 2 Oz. Cranberry Juice 3/4 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice Cup of Ice
Garnish: Sugar and Wild Hibiscus Salt Rim, Lime Wedge. Optional - Few Fresh Cranberries
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Cocktail or Margarita
DIRECTIONS Mix 2 Tablespoons of sugar with 1 Teaspoon of Wild Hibiscus Salt Flakes. Rub glass rim with lime then dip in the sugar and salt mixture. Add all of the ingredients to a cocktail shaker then shake until chilled. Strain into an ice filled glass, garnish and serve.

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MULLED APPLE CIDER Cocktails & Punch

A perfect drink for sipping in front of the Christmas Yule log in your fireplace, this Mulled Cider is a heated holiday version of my classic Apple Martini with the addition of the traditional fruits and spices of mulled cider.

It's a modern version of very old, traditional Wassail*, a beverage of hot mulled cider which evolved from a drink called 'lambswool' where roasted crab apples were dropped into warmed mead. Wassail, a spiced cider or wine, was traditionally drunk as an integral part of wassailing, a Medieval English drinking ritual intended to ensure a good cider apple harvest for the following year.
Wassail! Wassail! All over the town, Our toast it is white and our ale it is brown; Our bowl it is made of the white maple tree; With the wassailing bowl, we'll drink unto thee.
This spiced apple cider classic is one of my most popular holiday cocktails, very nostalgic and comforting on cold nights and ideal for holiday entertaining.

MULLED APPLE CIDER (Serves 4)
INGREDIENTS 4 Oz. Dark Rum 2 Oz. Apple Pucker 8 Oz. Apple Cider 1 Tea Bag of Martinelli's Mulling Spices 1/2 Tsp. McCormick Orange Peel 1/2 Tsp. McCormick Lemon Peel
GARNISH PER DRINK: 1 Dried Apple Slice, 1 Dried Orange Slice, 1Cinnamon Stick
TOOLS: Saucepan, Ladle
GLASS: Tea Cups or Mugs
DIRECTIONS Add the apple cider, mulling spice tea bag, lemon peel and orange peel to your saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and allow to cool while the flavors infuse through the cider. At serving time add the rum and the Apple Pucker, bring the spiced cider back to a simmer. Ladle into your serving vessels, garnish and enjoy.
You can also multiply the recipe and use a crock pot for larger gatherings. Place the cider, spice bags, lemon and orange peel in the crock pot and heat on low for 4 hours. Add the spirits just before serving.
Yes, you can leave out the booze for a non-alcoholic version.
"Old Apple tree, old apple tree; We've come to wassail thee; To bear and to bow apples enow; Hats full, caps full, three bushel bags full; Barn floors full and a little heap under the stairs."
* Old Norse "ves heil", Old English "was hál", which translates to "be you healthy"
      
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CHOCOLATE BUTTERBEER Cocktail Recipe

Served cold in bottles or hot in foaming tankards, Butterbeer is a Wizarding World tipple made famous in the Harry Potter books and movies. The whole idea of butter beer fascinated me whenever mentioned, I would think, "I wonder what that would taste like?"

Well, according to J. K. Rowling herself, "I made it up. I imagine it to taste a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch."
Okey-dokey, slightly sweet, probably should be carbonated, needs a buttery touch. I needed more to go on so I did a little research and discovered there actually was something called "Buttered Beer" back in Tudor times. There is a recipe in The Good Huswifes Handmaide for the Kitchin' (1588) made from beer, sugar, eggs, nutmeg, cloves and butter. Heston Blumenthal used a recipe from The Accomplisht Cook by Robert May (1664), which has a buttered beer with licorice root and aniseeds when he had his Tudor Feast. However, these don't sound much like the Butterbeer of Harry Potter's World to me, these sound like hot beer flips.

Supposedly Butterbeer, which is low in alcohol content, makes house elves drunk but humans have to drink a lot to get inebriated. Well, boo to that. A glass or two of Butterbeer that doesn't get Harry, Ron or Hermione tipsy might be okay for underage students at Hogwarts, but we Muggle adults need a little ABV to get through our magic deprived world ... especially these days.

There are a few boozy concoctions out there for "Butterbeer" that make use of rum and butterscotch syrup or liqueurs. These are basically uninspired recreations of Hot Buttered Rum which is a made from rum, butter, hot water or cider, some sweetener, and spices. Seriously? That doesn't sound at all like J.K. Rowling's idea of Butterbeer. Where's the BEER?? May they be consigned to Slytherin House by the Sorting Hat for those abominations.
We must all face choice between what is right and what is easy. ~ Albus Dumbledore Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

I had to take matters into hand and give us all a viable Butterbeer option before Valdemort joined the fray and added even more nasty potions to the mix. So I grabbed my cocktail wand and cast a little chocolate spell and added some real spirits to the recipe.
Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress. Adventure. ~ Albus Dumbledore Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter's Great Goblet of CHOCOLATE BUTTERBEER
INGREDIENTS 10 Oz.  Rogue Chocolate Stout, Icy Cold  1 Oz. Jefferson's Bourbon,  Chilled 2 - 4 Tbsp. Butterbeer Simple Syrup (Recipe below* The amount of syrup you use depends on whether you prefer to enjoy the bitterness of the stout or like a sweeter cocktail. Start with 2 tablespoons and add to taste.) Dash of Sea Salt Ice
Topping: Chocolate Bourbon Whipped Cream (Recipe below**)
Garnish: "Spell Glitter" (Wilton Edible Glitter, Gold Stars), Magic Wand Stir Stick
Tools: Cocktail Shaker
Glass: Large Goblet, Tankard or Beer Mug, Chilled
DIRECTIONS Fill the cocktail shaker with ice the add the bourbon and Butterbeer Simple Syrup. Shake until chilled then strain into your chilled mug or goblet. Add the chocolate stout, top with the Chocolate Bourbon Whipped Cream, garnish and serve.
Prefer a less potent version for those fledgling wizards in your house? Here's a magical but non-alcoholic version:
Harry Potter's Great Goblet of CHOCOLATE (Egg Cream) BUTTERBEER (This one's for you "Little Pea"!)
INGREDIENTS 10 Oz. Cream Soda, Icy Cold  2 Tbsp. Torani Chocolate Syrup 1 Tbsp. Torani Butterscotch Syrup 1/3 Cup Whole Milk 2 Dashes Sea Salt Ice
Topping: Whipped Cream
Garnish the same as the adult Butterbeer but use a different magic wand stir stick.
DIRECTIONS Pour the milk into an ice filled goblet. Slowly add the syrup, then gently add the cream soda. Using a long spoon, stir well, garnish and serve.
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. Phrase to work Maurauders Map Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
BUTTERBEER SIMPLE SYRUP In a small sauce pan, mix together 1 tablespoon of turbinado sugar with 1 teaspoon of dark cocoa powder and 1/3 cup of chocolate stout. Mix in 2 tablespoons of Torani Butterscotch Syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Warm over medium heat until blended. Lower heat and reduce, stirring constantly, until the syrup coats the back of a spoon. (About 5 minutes.) Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. This will keep for a few weeks in the refrigerator and is great on ice cream and pancakes!
CHOCOLATE BOURBON WHIPPED CREAM 1 C. Heavy Cream 1/2 Tsp. Sugar 1/4 Tsp. Vanilla Extract 1/2 Tbsp. White Creme de Cacao  1/2 Tbsp. Bourbon
Tools: Hand Mixer, Mixing Bowl Chill all the ingredients, bowl and tools. Beat to soft peaks. Will keep for up to 2 days refrigerated.
Why don't we go and have a butterbeer in the Three Broomsticks, it's a bit cold, isn't it? ~ Hermione Granger Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
October 31,lst is the end of the First Wizarding War (October 31, 1981) and the first defeat of Voldemort and his Death Eaters by an infant Harry and the original Order of the Phoenix. May 2nd is the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts (May 2, 1998) where Voldemort was finally defeated by Harry, ending the Second Wizarding War. July 31st is the birthday of Harry Potter and his creator, J.K. Rowling.

  
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VETERAN'S DAY COCKTAILS

For all our troops, past and present, Thank you for your service and sacrifice while defending our freedoms and way of life.
The Mottoes of the branches of the United States Military: United States Army: "This We'll Defend" United States Coast Guard: "Semper Paratus" United States Navy: "Honor, Courage, Commitment." United States Marine Corps: "Semper Fidelis" United States Air Force:"Aim High...Fly, Fight, Win"

VETERANS DAY COCKTAILS
ARMY NAVY COCKTAIL AVIATION JUNGLE JUICE NAVY GROG RED, WHITE & B'LURE MARTINI STAR SPANGLED COCKTAIL TRIPLE RUM PUNCH U. S. MARINE CORPS MARTINI
Did you know that Happy Hour has its roots in military history?
There is actually something called the Coast Guard Cocktail, however this is not a drink but a nickname for sea sickness.
ABOUT VETERANS DAY
According to The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs: "World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”"
This is why we celebrate Veteran's Day every November 11th. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11th was officially made a holiday on May 13, 1938, dedicated to world peace and to honor the soldiers of World War I. However, in 1954, after the sacrifice of troops during WWII and Korea, Congress changed "Armistice" to "Veterans" and November 11th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars.
If there is some confusion as to what day Veteran's Day is celebrated make no mistake, according to the Department of Veteran's Affairs it is always November 11th: "The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968, and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel, recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October 25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th, 1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978. This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."
*It is interesting to note that our allies, Canada and Australia, also observe November 11th as a Remembrance Day for their troops.

As to why the poppy is associated with Veteran's Day, this poem by John McCrae should tell the story:
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie, In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields. ~ John McCrae 1915

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The U. S. MARINE CORPS MARTINI

At the Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia there sits an exact replica of the original Tun Tavern, the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps. In this present day Tun Tavern they have served the U.S. Marine Corps Martini for over 50 years. This cocktail is sometimes also referred to as a 5:4:3:2:1 Martini because of the ingredient ratios.
On this day, the birthday of the United States Marine Corps, it seems appropriate to serve this cocktail honor of those who served and those who continue to serve our country as proud Marines.
Semper Fi and Cheers!
The U. S. MARINE CORPS Martini
INGREDIENTS 5 parts Vodka 4 parts Gin 3 Ice Cubes 2 parts Pale Dry Sherry 1 part Water
DIRECTIONS Place all the ingredients in a mixing glass and freeze several hours. The water and ice cubes allow for some dilution and should create a slight freezing of the ingredients. Do not shake or stir. Strain into chilled martini glass and serve. No garnish is served with this cocktail.

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IDEAL COCKTAILS for DAY OF THE DEAD, DIOS DE LOS MUERTOS!

October 31st is the official start of an annual three day, Mexican holiday Diá de los Muertos aka Day of the Dead.
It's my favorite time of the year, first Halloween and Diá de los Muertos. I have a thing for both holidays as knell as the skeletons, skulls and cocktails that go with them. In fact, I've done quite a few skeleton and skull themed drinks in my tenure as The Martini Diva. I just love a cocktail with good bones. Make no bones about it, these are the best cocktails for the Halloween, Day of the Dead Season.
Pardon the bone puns. I'll stop now.

DAY OF THE DEAD COCKTAILS for DIÁ DE LOS MUERTOS BLOODY BOILERMAKER CORPSE REVIVER LIVES AGAIN DEM BONES, DEM BONES SHAKE DRUNK SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET GRAPEFUL DEAD MOJITO GRINNING SKULL NAKED SKULL MARTINI RATTLED SKULL COCKTAIL SKELETON'S DELIGHT MARTINI SPARKLING SKELETON SANGRIA ZOMBE ANEURYSM SKULL SLUSHY

Updated November 2017

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