cocktails


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Top 10 New Halloween Cocktails

We already told you what kind of beers to drink while handing out candy to the tots. But sometimes there are just SO many kids, and halfway through you can’t help but break out the strong stuff.

Be prepared. Don’t answer that doorbell until you’ve whipped up at least one of these 10 new Halloween cocktails.

10. Peaches and Scream

1.5 oz Old Forester Bourbon
.5 oz Cream
.5 oz Peach Purée
.5 oz Apple Butter Syrup
Pinch of Cinnamon Spice
Brown Sugar Rim
Peach or apple garnish

Muddle and strain over ice into a martini glass with a brown sugar rim. Garnish with a peach or apple slice.

From: W Los Angeles Westwood

9. Honey Boo Boo

2 oz. gin
¾ oz honey syrup
½ oz fresh lemon juice

Shake with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail and enjoy!

From: Brown Palace Hotel, Denver

8. Stormy Weather

1 1/2 parts EFFEN Vodka
1/2 part Triple Sec
1/2 part Lime Juice
3/4 parts Spiced Syrup (see recipe below)
1 dash Angostura® Bitters
Ginger Beer

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice and shake. Strain and pour into a cocktail glass with ice.

From: Effen Vodka

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in Drinks / Holiday / Lists / Recipe 2 comments
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Horror Movies, Here We Come: Halloween Popcorn and Cocktail

With Halloween falling in the middle of the week this year, and a Frankenstorm a-brewing, it’s definitely time for a classic horror movie fest. You’ll need Kubrick’s The Shining, Spielberg’s Jaws, and any Hitchcock film—plus a big bowl of popcorn and some frightfully delicious cocktails to get into the spooky spirit.

Our take on an espresso martini is inspired by the delicious version we order at Lucca on Hanover Street in Boston. It’s a combination of vodka, espresso, slightly sweet Kahlua and a splash of velvety Baileys Irish Cream. While sipping the eerily dark libation, we nibble on decadent sweet and salty popcorn that incorporates two of our favorite guilty pleasures: peanut butter and marshmallow fluff. The combination of the nutty, sticky sweet crunch of the popcorn with the exhilarating zing of the drink is the ideal combination for any movie gathering, especially on a chilly weeknight.

Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Fluff Popcorn

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in Drinks / Holiday / Recipe 3 comments
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Apple Cider Gone Wild! Top 10 Cider Recipes

I had my first real fall moment of the year this morning: drinking apple cider. The crisp, cool, thirst-quenching drink is the perfect inauguration for autumn.  You can have it with any meal, for a snack, or warm it up and froth it if you want to go frou-frou. But did you know it can be enjoyed in more than just a glass?

10. Apple Cider Gravy

Though a bold choice for Thanksgiving, a little sweetness may go a long way with your savory turkey. Not convinced? Have you ever put apples or cranberries in your stuffing? Or enjoy spreading some sweet cranberry sauce on your turkey sandwich? Well now your gravy can do you a personal, sweet, favor.

Recipe: Nourish Network

9. Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake

Summer is over. Pineapple is no longer the seasonal fruit, and apples are in. So what do you do with that huge bag of apples sitting in your garage? Make cake…apple cider upside-down cake.

Recipe: Mid-Century Menu

8. Apple Cider Caramel Cake

More cake. This time, adding some creamy icing and caramel will make this a true dessert. Think of it as an alternative to carrot cake. No chunks of orange…just smooth, sweet and creamy cake. Does it feel like fall for you yet?

Recipe: Simply Fine Living

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in Desserts / Featured / Fowl / Lists / Recipe / Top 10 Lists 3 comments
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Endless Road Trip Seattle: Now That’s a Spicy Cocktail

I’m kind of fickle when it comes to spicy stuff. Sometimes I love it (5-star Thai curries, chipotle peppers, Cholula on my scrambled eggs) and sometimes it’s just too much for me (stirfry drenched in red chili paste, jalapeños on my nachos, super hot BBQ sauce). Where do I draw the line and why? Who knows? I like what I like, and that’s that.

Here’s something spicy that I really like: the spicy tequila cocktails at Poquito’s. I’ve written about this hip and delicious restaurant/bar before, back when I lived in Seattle, and they keep finding ways to make me happy. One particular thing I keep coming back to is the La Fiona: their boozy, fruity, and yep — very spicy — cocktail concoction made of passionfruit purée, habañero-infused tequila, and agave nectar, complete with a chipotle-sugar rim.

While it’s offered as a cocktail, I usually order the La Fiona as a shot (left). And then I don’t even shoot it, but gingerly sip. Why? Well, as the menu warns us, this drink is “Extra spicy! Order at your own risk!” and they aren’t kidding. Sometimes I like to do a little one-two punch and get my La Fiona shot alongside another milder drink such as their delicious Fresa margarita made with strawberry-infused tequila (right).

I’ll be the first to admit that Seattle isn’t exactly known for its Mexican scene, but I promise a visit to the Poquitos bar can change that. Mouth-burningly spicy, tropical and tangy thanks to the passionfruit, and a bit smoky and sweet thanks to its rim, the La Fiona is a complex party of flavors in your mouth (and liver). Pair it with some of Poquitos’ incredibly fresh, made-to-order guacamole and crispy tortilla chips, or perhaps their luxurious ceviche, and enjoy.

Poquitos / 1000 E. Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122 / 11:30a-2:30a

Also on The Endless Road Trip: Seattle
1. The Most Powerful, Brouwerful Hour
2. Clucking Great Fried Chicken
3. Porky Passion at Paseo
4. Hipster Hangover Brunch

in Drinks / Food Travel / Restaurants 0 comments
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Cocktail O’Clock: Waquila

One of the best things about summer is buying a big, ripe striped green watermelon on a scorching afternoon. While a few slices are great, the remaining bright pink interior remains, calling to you on the kitchen counter. So what do you do with it? Make it booze!

Last summer, we decided to feature the leftover fruit in a cool and refreshing cocktail, pureeing the watermelon with tequila and a splash of lime. Our friend, Kristen thought of the clever name, ‘Waquila.’ It has since become a summer staple for us, perfect for any summer fiesta.

Waquila

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in Drinks / Endless Cocktails / Recipe 1 comments
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Endless Cocktails: The Huggie Bomb

 

Did anyone know that Little Hug Fruit Barrels are still around? I don’t think I ever drank these as a child; or if I did, it was always at friend’s house, or school, or whoever was paying to give their kids sugary artificially flavored water. I generally remember the boys in school bringing these in their lunches, then having those red juice rings on their lips. But adults drinking these? Yes, it’s happening. Because fermenting juice wasn’t enough, now bars are turning these childhood treats into alcoholic drinks.

The method:

1) Choose “flavor” (I chose red, duh. When given color options instead of flavor options, always choose red)

2) Bartender stabs open the foil covering and pours about a shot of the “juice” down the drain

3) Bartender pours vodka straight into plastic juice barrel

4) Consume

 

I ordered one of these solely because we couldn’t seem to get our bar bill past the $10 credit card minimum (75 cent Miller High Lifes make for a good night), but I was kind of impressed. If I ever become a parent, I might pretend to buy these for my kids so I can sip away on a Huggie Bomb at the playground. I don’t think I could figure out how to funnel vodka into a Capri Sun.

 

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Attack of the Oreo…Cocktails!

I’ve never been one of those people who can’t say no.  I have no problem saying it.

 

{In school}

Can you copy my test? I think not.

Lunch money?  Ain’t got none (clearly our school system is failing).

 

{As an adult}

Need help moving?  I’m busy that day.

Oh, I also can’t help you paint your house.  I got a thing.

Yeah, I can’t babysit your kid ’cause I don’t wanna.

Your birthday is coming up?  I’m no good at cakes.

Also, I have given to a charity already this year, so not today, seedy people who approach me at the gas station.

 

Yeah, there’s a lot more stuff to say no to as an adult. But, when your co-worker of 5-plus years asks you to make some of your “very delicious Oreo truffles, pleeeaaasse” for her son’s wedding on a budget…sometimes you gotta suck it up and say yes.

Months go by and I’m dreading it and dreading it. Ugh.  Today is the day. OK, so I’m gearing up to make a million truffles, but clearly I need to make a stop at the liquor store to get through this madness.  I texted my brother updating him on my situation.  Then he said the best thing ever.

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in Drinks / Featured / Recipe 1 comments
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