Tag: simple syrup

The Classic Mint Julep

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I’m back in the new year for a classic cocktail that in many ways isn’t even a cocktail. The Mint Julep is basically just an excuse to drink 4 ounces of Kentucky straight bourbon. Not that you really need a good excuse, but either way it’s one of those drinks that’s perfect as long as you buy the right product. Pick up your favorite bourbon and make this sometime. Need a suggestion on which one? Old Granddad, Wild Turkey, or Makers Mark. Ok? Good. Now drink up.

Alcohol Taste Rating: 10/10 (it’s basically straight bourbon anyway)
Overall Rating 9/10

Mint Julep

4 oz Bourbon
1 tsp Simple Syrup
12-14 Mint Leaves
1-2 Mint Springs

Muddle mint leaves and simple syrup in the bottom of a tumbler glass. Add ice and bourbon. Stir well. Garnish with 1 or 2 mint springs.

mint julep
“A classic southern sipper”

Frozen Blizzard

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Here’s something a bit different to close out “Blended Cocktail Week.”

I realize it might seem a bit redundant to say “Frozen Blizzard” but it it important to note that this drink can be make shaken with ice, or blended with it. The drink also calls for 3 ounces of bourbon or blended whiskey which are two very different categories of whiskey which could shift the drink to either side of the taste spectrum. For this variation I decided to mix both the blended whiskey and the bourbon for a more well rounded taste (and also because my bourbon is 100 proof).

The drink has a strong and unblemished whiskey aroma which to any lover of the spirit is quite welcoming. This unique blended cocktail starts off a little sour, then leaves you with a tart whiskey taste on the mid palette and the finish. I do think the drink lacks a bit of flavor complexity despite the mixing of blended whiskey and bourbon. However, if you’re looking for something to blend that isn’t a vodka or rum based drink, this is well worth the try.

Alcohol Taste Rating: 8/10
Overall Rating: 8/10

Frozen Blizzard

3 oz Bourbon (or Blended Whiskey) [1 1/2 oz of each used]
1 oz Cranberry Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
Lemon Slice

blended blizzard
“Extra Chilly! To warm you up.”

Combine all ingredients in a blender with 1/2 cup of ice. Pour into a tumbler or wine glass. Garnish with a lemon slice (wheel).

 

Black and Mint Shot

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I’ll be the first to admit that a shot isn’t really a solo drink. In fact it’s not one that is even a “smart” choice on most occasions. However, the art of layering a shot really fascinates me. Specific gravity of different alcohols cause the higher percentages to float over more sugary and dense liquids. I modeled the Black and Mint after both taste and a strong visual component.

The drink starts with a hard bite, rolls into a powerful refreshing mint, and drops off with a sweet finish.

Alcohol Rating: 9/10
Overall Rating: 7/10
Make it Again? Currently on the Menu (but shots are more for parties)

 

black and mint shot

Black and Mint

Simple syrup
Green crème de menthe
Peppermint schnapps
Dark rum

Standard Shot Glass: Start with a dash of simple syrup at the bottom of the glass. Layer in crème de menthe to just under half, add peppermint schnapps until almost full. Splash dark rum on top

Ballet Russe

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Coming in pretty late this evening with the “Ballet Russe.” A Vodka and Creme de Cassis based cocktail with a sour tart flavor and a dark and mysterious color. The citrus juices create a foam when shaken that decorates the top of the drink, and smells slightly of sweet/sour mix.

A tart berry taste quickly moves to a sour and bitter finish as the taste of black currents rolls through your palette. Very few drinks I’ve found use any more than 1/2 an ounce of the stuff, but the citrus juices and syrup round this drink out well. I believe this drink could easily be remixed with other flavors such as raspberry, mint, or coconut (rum).

Alcohol Rating: 5-6/10
Overall Rating: 7.5/10
Make it Again? Yes, possible menu option

Ballet Russe

1 oz Vodka
3/4 oz Creme de Cassis
1 1/2 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Simple Syrup

Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

ballet russe
“Wait, why am I tasting cranberries?”

Southern Belle (Mocktail)

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With so many heavy hitting drinks on the blog here, I decided it was about time to post a drink that someone of any age can enjoy. The “Southern Belle” is a refreshing minty drink right in time for a warm spring. The fresh mint builds an aromatic start with a traditional taste of ginger ale. As it reaches the back of your taste palette you’ll get more of the sweet mint flavor (especially if you grab a mint leaf as you sip).

This is a great one for all ages, and perfect for sitting in the afternoon sun.

Alcohol Rating: N/A
Overall Rating: 9/10

Make it again? Yes.

Southern Belle (Mocktail)

3-5 Mint Leaves
1/2 oz Sweet/Sour
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
Ginger Ale
Mint Spring

Muddle sweet/sour/ mint leaves, and simple syrup together in a rocks glass. Add ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with a mint spring.

southern belle
“Be our guest…”

*For an alcoholic version you may want to add in 1.5 oz of bourbon.

Ruby Red Herring (Mocktail)

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Today I bring you the first original drink in quite awhile. This is my first Mocktail creation for the morning mixologist.

Recently I bought a little white grapefruit juice to find out that as a mixer it’s far inferior to its sweeter ruby red brother. So I’ve been mixing it with simple syrup to cut back on the sourness that it inherently brings to the table. With a little grenadine and cranberry you’ve got yourself a…

Ruby Red Herring (Mocktail)

1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 oz Grenadine
3 oz Cranberry Juice
Top with White Grapefruit Juice

Straight build in a lowball glass (ice if desired)

ruby red herring mocktail
No ratings, because it’s all just juice…

Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster (Geek and Sundry Version)

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Don’t Panic!

This week I’m featuring an additional drink as I forgot to post last Monday.
Recently I tried Mitch Hutt’s version of the “Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster” from his recent Geek and Sundry Vlog.

The drink is a unique sea foam green color with a citrus and gin aroma. The cocktail starts sweet and goes quickly to sour. Then you get a moderate gin flavor and it finishes with a tart bourbon taste.

Alcohol Rating: 6-7/10
Overall Rating: 8/10
Make it Again? Yes!

Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster

1/2 oz Bourbon
3/4 oz Gin
1 oz Sour Apple Pucker
1/2 oz Blue Curacao
1 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist

pan galactic cocktail
At least this variation won’t kill you…

The Fitzgerald

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Today’s cocktail “The Fitzgerald” is a great Gin drink that doesn’t limit the spirit to the summer months. While many Gin drinks are refreshing for a late summer’s afternoon, this one’s use of bitters makes it much more mellow. Despite the abundance of lemon juice, I wouldn’t categorize this as a sour drink. Instead look at this as a highlighter to your bitters, as the flavor comes through from the aromatics. While I made this drink with Angostura Bitters, I believe it’s worth trying with a variety of other flavors (orange specifically is what came to mind).

Fitzgerald Cocktail

½ oz Simple Syrup
1 ½ oz Gin
1 ½ oz Lemon Juice
3 Dashes of Bitters (Aromatic)

Shake with ice strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Fitzgerald Cocktail
Sweet and Bitter at it’s best!

Canadian Cocktail

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Today’s cocktail of the week is a mellow classic that tastes great shaken and poured in a cocktail glass, or straight built in a rocks glass with ice.

Canadian (Canada)
1 1/2 oz Canadian Whiskey
1/2 oz Triple Sec
2 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
1 oz sweet ‘n’ sour

Shake and Strain Into a Cocktail Glass OR Straight Build in an ice filled tumbler.

canada cocktial
~Tasty, Eh?

Classic Daiquiri

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This week I bring you one of my favorites. The Classic Daiquiri is a sour limey drink with a nice bite. Most people are familiar with the “Frozen Strawberry” variety, but the traditional is a shaken smooth cocktail perfect for any occasion.

Classic Daiquiri (shaken)

2 oz white rum
1 oz Lime Juice (1/2 a lime)
½ oz simple syrup

Shake with ice serve in a cocktail glass

classic daquri
It’s just that simple (syrup)

Ideally you’ll want to use fresh lime juice for the best taste, but I tend to keep a bottle on hand for longer term use and not having to keep buying limes every week.