libations

fun cocktails, whimsical drinks, new twists on old faves.

a new year’s toast: new york style (think manhattan).

12/31/2011 | 1 Comment | Topics: food., libations

I wanted to like whiskey. bourbon. rye. blends. And thanks to a brilliant Manhattan made at Elemental in Seattle: I was finally ushered in the door. I finally ‘got it.’ And for a gal who claims to wield martinis, well, earning my bourbon badge was a high priority. Suffice it to say, Manhattans have topped my personal chart: they are now my favorite go-to martini, complete with [more]

blackberry lemon drops

12/04/2011 | Leave a comment! | Topics: food., libations

I made these recently. They might be bursting with summer flavors, but the deep reddish hue screams of fall/winter. Besides, you can make it with frozen blackberries and perhaps with a sprig of rosemary—or floating cranberries—it will look just like Christmas. For Halloween I made these in a large batch, put 1-2 drops of black food coloring to darken it—added licorice legs that hung over the martini’s edge—and it… [more]

How to make Brandied Cherries

09/26/2011 | 3 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, libations

2 cups simple syrup 6 cups pitted dark sweet cherries 2 cups vodka 2 cups brandy 1 vanilla bean 1 large cinnamon stick 4-6 whole cloves 4-6 whole allspice Makes 1 quart Brandied Cherries. Bring sugar and water to boil, then boil 1 minute. Place cherries, vodka, brandy, 1 cup of the simple syrup and allspice, if using, in glass/ceramic storage container of at least 4 quart capacity. Cap… [more]

Fancy, summer water.

05/15/2011 | 10 Comments | Topics: libations

In my mind I hear the comedian, Jim Gaffigan (our family favorite) joking about ‘bottled’ water: ‘It’s more watery than regular water’ he remarks, as he forks over well-earned money for this bottled novelty. We mention him often in our day-to-day conversations, whether it is because we are eating bacon (yet again), cracking up about hot pockets or camping. Comedy is always welcome; we are… [more]

Barefoot Bubbly, coffee and tequila… piqued your interest?

01/15/2011 | 2 Comments | Topics: libations, reviews

I am a liquids girl. While spending time on my computer, I like to have a beverage nearby. A coffee, a water, some tea. In my car is no different: a coffee or water nestled into a holder. At home, dinner time and with guests: some wine, a cocktail, an aperitif. Even in college and grad school, I would make myself huge lattes—while plugging my way through homework. Plus… [more]

12 drinks of Christmas

12/25/2010 | 4 Comments | Topics: libations

Merry Christmas! Normally this time of year, we would be waking up to seam-stretched stockings, whip-cream smothered hot chocolate and everyone wearing their coziest slippers—all curled up on the couch. We would each slowly open our gifts, taking our time to stretch out our Christmas morning. We would be filled with Christmas music, bacon and eggs, big smiles and cheery surprises. Our living room would be a mess and… [more]

bloody mary.

12/03/2010 | 5 Comments | Topics: libations

When I was a kid, I sometimes saw adults drink them and thought ‘eeewwww—gross.’ How could they drink tomato juice with ground pepper, spicy white stuff and a celery sticking out the top? Cold!?!?! I was no fan of tomatoes as a child, though somehow I managed to like canned tomato soup: with piles of oyster crackers (for the record: NOW my tomato soup needs to be… well, not… [more]

Pom-tinis & Dropping pombs.

11/12/2010 | 4 Comments | Topics: libations

I am thinking of putting on a cooking class on holiday cocktails. What do you think? It is not-too-distant in my future to host cooking classes. No worries. Before I start promoting classes, I will ask for emails so you can all sign up for a newsletter. THEN you will know what classes are happening when. But for now: a paltry substitute with personality reaching only from my fingertips… [more]

when life gives you lemons… make limoncello!

09/04/2010 | 11 Comments | Topics: Italian food, libations

You have probably already heard that saying. But I kinda like it. Besides, big bushels of lemons make me happy. I was walking around Monterosso—the northern-most city of the big five that make up Cinque Terre—when I got ‘lost’. Every so often, I ‘get lost on purpose.’ It is good for the soul, the discoverer in me, the insatiable curiosity I feel when it comes to: what is… [more]

Italian spritz.

05/23/2010 | 3 Comments | Topics: Italian food, libations

I was in Venice when I finally broke down… and had a Spritz (aka also spelled Spritx). I had read about this drink, walked around this drink, raised my brows while contemplating this neon orange concoction… but hadn’t yet tried it. But on our last sunny day in Venice, with nothing but time on our hands, I gave in. I walked straight up to the bar, asked if I… [more]