ROOT BEER FLOAT COCKTAILS

Thanks to the onset of root beer flavored ales, there are several ways of making an easy root beer float cocktail. You can simply add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to any root beer flavored beer. Not complicated but not all that interesting either.   Another option? Back in the seventies we used to drop a jigger of root beer schnapps right into a pint of regular beer for an alcoholic root beer treat and all you'd have to do is add a scoop of ice cream to that. Pretty darn sweet, but it works as well.   However, my favorite root beer cocktail is this version. Thanks to the addition of some bitters it is less sweet and has way more depth of flavor.  

The ROOT BEER FLOAT MARTINI
Ingredients: 1-1/2 Oz. Vodka 1 Oz. Root Beer Schnapps 1 Scoop Vanilla Ice Cream 2 Dashes Chocolate Bitters   Directions: Shake the vodka, root beer schnapps and bitters with ice until chilled. Add the scoop of ice cream to your chilled glass. Strain the chilled vodka and root beer vodka over the ice cream. Add a spoon and straw then serve.   TheROOT BEET FLOATCOCKTAIL: Simply switch to a highball or Collins glass, fill with ice and top the chilled vodka, root beer schnapps and chocolate bitters with some actual root beer just before adding the ice cream.(I prefer to add the ice cream at the end because adding it before the root beer creates too much soda foam.)
VOICEOVER VIDEO WITH INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS:

  National Root Beer Float Day is August 6th.  
Updated 8-2021 PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY  

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 for Walt Disney, who happens to be one of the top inspirations for my interest in art.
WISH UPON A STAR(FRUIT) 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: Sugared Rim, Starfruit slice, Orange Twist
Tools: Blender
Glass: Cocktail or Coupe
Directions:Slice off sections of the starfruit to get star shaped slices for your garnish.Rub the rim of your cocktail glass with one slice of starfruit then dip in cocktail sugar and chill glass in the freezer. 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.
WARNING: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 7-2025

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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