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Over the past few years I’ve become enamored with making my own delicious cocktails and other drinks.  From a super simple gimlet to a slightly more complex punch (or even a sour or fizz with frothy egg whites), I’ve learned to love experimenting with different flavors and spirits and have started a pretty impressive list of cocktail recipes (particularly featuring gin and whiskey).

But let’s not forget mocktails and even more importantly other types of non-alcoholic drinks…especially delicious coffee drink recipes.  From my best iced coffee ever to healthy smoothies to trying out different simple syrup flavor combinations, I’ll admit that quite a bit of my caloric intake is liquid!

Not sure where to start??  Here are a few of my fave cocktail recipes to begin with…

  • Basil Gin Gimlet Cocktail
  • A Classic “Army and Navy” Gin Cocktail
  • Bourbon Milk Punch Cocktail
  • Rye Port Manhattan Cocktail

You can see the full list in my recipe index or a more visual index here, or you can browse through the archives below.

“43 Flip”: Creamy Whiskey Cocktail with Licor 43

March 11, 2021

Today we’re playing around with two different things that are pretty unique on their own…a traditional flip cocktail, and the vanilla-flavored liqueur, Licor 43.

Licor 43 is a Spanish liqueur, named after the 43 different flavoring ingredients (not just vanilla, but citrus and other fruits, spices, etc).  I was first introduced to it by a bartender in Chicago who made us coffee cocktails with it (delish!).

"43 Flip": A Licor 43 Cocktail with Bourbon | This twist on a flip cocktail with bourbon and a whole egg is creamy and indulgent without any heavy cream. This bourbon cocktail has got warm vanilla and spice notes and a boozy kick. A much better alternative to eggnog, drink recipe ideas. What to make with Licor 43 liqueur. #licor43 #flipcocktail #drinkrecipe #cocktails

What is a flip cocktail?

So I’d actually had one before (in Scotland), and didn’t realize that it was a classification rather than what the bartender had named that particular cocktail.  Today it’s a basically just a combination of spirit (or fortified wine), a form of sugar, and a whole egg shaken together with ice.

The much longer history is kind of weird, involving sailors, hot alcohol, ale, molasses, and egg…a heated iron rod, multiple pitchers, and…honestly, you have to read it yourself. 

I’ll definitely take today’s version.  Like eggnog without the cream (or my delicious milk punch minus the sweetened condensed milk), this is a rich and indulgent dairy-free creamy bourbon (in this case) cocktail.

With its vanilla flavor and warm spices, Licor 43 pairs nicely with whiskey and the rich “oomph” of a flip cocktail.  It’s like a less thick version of eggnog, without the cream that deadens the flavor.  It’s indulgent but not heavy. 

The sweet aromatics in a good bourbon pair nicely with the vanilla and spices as well…this cocktail is definitely a winner.

What to make with Licor 43 - cocktail ideas READ THE POST

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Black Raspberry Irish Coffee Cocktail

February 18, 2021

I have issues with alcohol + hot.  Seemingly-insurmountable issues.  You can keep you hot toddies and your mulled wine.  But I keep hearing about how amazing authentic Irish coffees are and felt like I had to truly give them a fair shot.  

Then I ran across this black raspberry Irish coffee cocktail and was INTRIGUED.

Black Raspberry Irish Coffee | This delicious twist on a classic Irish coffee cocktail uses Chambord syrup and Chambord whipped cream along with the Irish whiskey. It's really easy to make on your own, and perfect for St. Patrick's Day, National Irish Coffee Day, and more...a great hot cocktail to warm up with! #irishcoffee #chambord #whiskey #cocktail

What makes it different than a regular Irish coffee??  Mostly it’s the addition of Chambord liqueur, in a couple guises.

Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur made in France, aged in old cognac barrels.  It’s super delish and you can use it in an easy Chambord Royale (with champagne).  But this is a more unique application, bringing something special to a traditional cocktail like the Irish coffee.

This recipe comes from Slane Irish Whiskey, and the addition of Chambord’s rich black raspberry flavor highlights the fruity and vanilla notes in the whiskey (to me at least).  

How to make a black raspberry Irish coffee...super easy cocktail

The pictures aren’t much (it’s hard to make this cocktail look sexy), but there is a lot to love about this interesting take on the Irish coffee.  I’m still not necessarily a “hot cocktail” fan, but this drink could maybe convert me! 

Though I kept thinking…hmm, would this be delicious as an cold coffee cocktail??

Black Raspberry Irish Coffee | This delicious twist on a classic Irish coffee cocktail uses Chambord syrup and Chambord whipped cream along with the Irish whiskey. It's really easy to make on your own, and perfect for St. Patrick's Day, National Irish Coffee Day, and more...a great hot cocktail to warm up with! #irishcoffee #chambord #whiskey #cocktailREAD THE POST

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A Different Take on Poinsettia Punch (Berry, Lemon, & Spice Gin Cocktail)

January 1, 2021

Doesn’t that just look lovely??  I was recently introduced to this poinsettia punch cocktail by a coworker, and immediately fell in love with it. 

The flavor combo of berry, lemon, and warm spices is right up my alley, and the substitution of gin made it a no-brainer for me. 

Poinsettia Punch cocktail with gin, lemon, Chambord, & spices

I hadn’t heard of poinsettia punch before, though in doing some digging apparently the more traditional version has an orange and cranberry flavor profile, and often champagne.  It’s a fairly common cocktail around the holidays (hence the name)…and honestly this recipe is entirely different.  So much so, I’m not sure how it has the same name!  

A Different Take on Poinsettia Punch | This delicious gin cocktail with Chambord (berry), lemon, and allspice is perfect for any occasion, very different than the traditional poinsettia punch recipe. #cocktail #gin #punch #chambord #lemon #allspice #drinkrecipeREAD THE POST

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Best Cocktail Gifts: For the At-Home Bartender or Mixologist

December 8, 2020

It’s no secret that I’ve been in love with learning how to mix up delicious cocktails and exploring different mixology flavors and techniques.  And I’ve amassed quite a few different gadgets and pretty things that make it easier and more fun. 

So if you have a budding home bartender in your life, here are some of the best cocktail gifts and fun gift ideas to inspire, enable, and make them smile!

Best Cocktail Gifts...for the Home Bartender in Your Life | As someone who's obsessed with delicious drinks at home, here are useful and fun gift ideas for the at-home bartender, DIY mixologists, and even just casual drinkers. Cocktail gift ideas, how to make cocktails at home, cocktail-themed gifts, gift ideas for men, holiday gifts for women...something for everyone! #giftideas #cocktails #drinkrecipes

Make it happen

Every at-home mixologist needs good tools, so if you’re starting with the best cocktail gifts you have to start here.

Cocktail shaker – It seems weirdly hard to find one I like, but this one is practical and beautiful, and has become my go-to shaker.  Bonus, it’s a bit bigger than most so it can very easily make 2-4 drinks at a time (DON’T JUDGE). 

An all-in-one kit for the beginner – Never a bad thing, if you’re really dealing with a less experienced home bartender then this has everything they’ll need to get started!

Cocktail mixing glass – I got this several months ago for those cocktails that you don’t shake, and I think it’s so pretty.  Whip yourself up some of my Rye Port Manhattans and enjoy!

READ THE POST

Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Drinks: Cocktails & More, Kitchen Gear

The Best Thanksgiving Recipes: 20+ Of My Family’s Favorites

November 8, 2020

Thanksgiving is a BIG deal in my family.  And that includes the food…which is why I feel like I have some of the best Thanksgiving recipes around.  You know, the tried-and-true ones that the family requests over and over. 

See, I have a big extended family, and we spend the day before baking, cooking, and prepping.  The morning of Thanksgiving is always insane—my mom’s up super early with the turkey, then leaves around 10:30 to get down to my grandma’s.  I get up a little later, go for a run, finish up all the remaining dishes, and head down around noon.

We eat a huge lunch, then graze all afternoon and have leftovers for dinner.  We play football, watch football, play cards, and talk.  Chase the kids around.  

When you’re cooking for a big crowd (anywhere from 25 to 50 in past years; usually around 25-30 these days), there are some realities in the kinds of dishes that make sense.  Anything super time-intensive that doesn’t yield a lot of servings is automatically out.  

So these are some of my favorite relatively easy Thanksgiving recipes that I’ve contributed over the years, and it’s all about the sides, breads, desserts, and cocktails.  Turkey just…exists.  Hope you enjoy and everyone has a safe, happy (American) Thanksgiving with family and friends!

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Leave a Comment CATEGORIES // Bread Recipes, Desserts, Drinks: Cocktails & More, Family Secret Recipes, Go-To Recipes, Side Dishes & Veggies

A Whiskey Cocktail for Fall: Preservation Punch

November 2, 2020

First of all, the look of this cocktail is just dreamy.  Second, it’s absolutely delish and you need it in your life immediately.

What we have here is “preservation punch”, a lovely whiskey cocktail where sweet berry preserves are offset with acidic lemon juice and balsamic vinegar.  The result is a balanced drink that makes me think of the transition between seasons.  

Preservation Punch: A Lovely Fruity Whiskey Cocktail | I tried this Slane cocktail from a bartender in Oakland via @thirsty, and loved the balance of sweet and acidic. A perfect fall cocktail using whiskey, jam, lemon juice, and a bit of balsamic vinegar. #cocktail #fallcocktail #drinkrecipes #whiskey

Beyond how pretty it is, this is a flavor profile that really works for me.  Partly because I’m a well-known lover of jam.  But also just because it doesn’t *taste* like jam. 

Once shaken with the other ingredients, the jam ends up providing texture and body without adding much sweetness. 

Preservation Punch whiskey cocktail for fall

READ THE POST

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The Best Iced Coffee Ever…Using An Aeropress

September 29, 2020

I have a deep and abiding love for great coffee.  But historically I haven’t had a lot of iced coffee.  One here or there, but it wasn’t a habit.  Until the last six months of being at home due to coronavirus, when all the sudden I became a total master at making iced coffee at home using my Aeropress.

How to Make the Best Iced Coffee at Home | Making an iced coffee with the Aeropress is easy & delicious | finding time for cooking

And I somewhat accidentally discovered my hack for the best iced coffee ever…using sweetened condensed milk.  Now it’s not like I’m the first person to ever think of that (in fact, it’s a staple of Thai and Vietnamese coffee and iced tea).  

But I had some sweetened condensed milk sitting in my fridge from making a delicious bourbon milk punch cocktail, and wasn’t sure what to do with it.  On a whim I decided to use it instead of simple syrup, and realized that it added a lovely rich velvety quality, enough sweetness, and didn’t water down the end result like milk does.

Aeropress iced coffee, best and easiest at home

A long, long time ago I posted about the Pioneer Woman’s cold brew iced coffee recipe, and hadn’t really tried anything else until this Aeropress style.  It tasted fine enough but not amazing, and was kind of a pain to make, so I just never ended up doing it often. 

Just as I was about the publish this post, I found this article on Epicurious that explains why cold brew *doesn’t* give you the best tasting iced coffee, and it finally made sense to me.  It creates a more deadened, kind of stale flavor, uses way more coffee beans, and gets oxidized over time. READ THE POST

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Basil Gin Gimlet Cocktail

September 18, 2020

Apparently I’m not the only one with a basil gin gimlet on the brain.  I hadn’t even heard of them until a couple weeks ago, when I saw an article about them that intrigued me.  I created a blog post draft because I have a stupid amount of fresh basil to use.

Then I tried out an awesome new restaurant last weekend and they just so happened to have a basil gimlet on their menu.  Serendipity for sure.  I tried out my own recipe the next day and I have to say that I AM IN LOVE.

Basil Gin Gimlet Cocktail | This easy basil gin cocktail recipe is tart, herby, and refreshing. A twist on a gimlet cocktail made with gin, it's a great way to use up basil, perfect for late summer's abundance of basil. It only takes a couple ingredients and is an amazing easy cocktail recipe. Gin, lime, basil, and simple syrup! #cocktail #gimlet #basil

A delicious basil gin cocktail, this twist on a gimlet

I’ve already talked a little bit about the gimlet cocktail in my French gimlet post…this is an herbaceous twist on the tart and boozy classic and it’s perfect for this time of year. READ THE POST

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Bohemian Cocktail (Gin, Elderflower, & Grapefruit)

August 30, 2020

As someone who has a gin and tonic with grapefruit garnish as my go-to drink, I always end up with peel-less grapefruits that need thrown away.  But it’s a shame to throw away all that delicious juice, so I keep my eyes out for a good recipe to use it in…ENTER THE BOHEMIAN COCKTAIL.

What is that, you might ask?  I honestly hadn’t heard of it either until recently.  It’s a simple gin, elderflower, and grapefruit cocktail that is totally delicious.  And that you need to make STAT.

I’ve adjusted the proportions slightly, to amp up the grapefruit a bit and back off the elderflower…to me it balances out the tart and sweet better and keeps it from being too sickly sweet. 

bohemian cocktail from above with a fun gin coasterREAD THE POST

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A French Gimlet Cocktail With Gin

August 8, 2020

I distinctly remember the first time I ever had a French gimlet.  I’d been visiting my BFF in L.A. for a pre-bachelorette weekend just the two of us. 

A French Gimlet Cocktail with Gin...easy 3-ingredient cocktail | This easy drink recipe is sweet, tart, and boozy. Just good gin, fresh lime juice, and St. Germain elderflower liqueur. A perfect cocktail for summer, cocktail with lime juice, how to use St. Germain. #gimlet #gincocktail #gin #cocktail #drinkrecipe #summercocktail #limejuice #stgermain

We’d been shopping all day for honeymoon necessities, and her (now) husband made us homemade pizzas while we rested our weary feet.

We scarfed pizza and she made us French gimlets…strong, tart, sweet.  We had one, then another, then a third.

And then she gave me a steely-eyed long look over the top of her glass, paused for a second, and said, “I can’t drive you to the airport.”  Thus began my $60 Uber to LAX…they pack a boozy punch.

A beautiful French gimlet cocktail with a sunset

What is a French gimlet?  It’s basically a regular gimlet, but with the addition of St. Germain liqueur…the elderflower adding a “je ne sais quoi” to the traditional gin and lime juice combo.

I can’t find an exact origin of the cocktail, but the regular gimlet is said to originate from the Royal Navy in the late 1800s or early 1900s as a way to get sailors to take their lime rations and avoid scurvy.  SIGN. ME. UP.READ THE POST

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About Me

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! I created this blog for people who love cooking & baking but are challenged to find the time and energy to do it. Recipes run the gamut from super healthy to indulgent, but the focus is on using REAL food no matter what.

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