Vampire's Kiss Cocktail

Today we shared a special drink with our neighbors, a 'Vampire's Kiss  Cocktail'. I departed from our standard Mr. Boston's Bartender's Guide for another reference, the Obituary Cocktail, the Great Saloons of New Orleans, a book by Kerri McCaffety just recently republished. The cocktail, according to the book, is from 'The Fatted Calf', a New Orleans bar sporting an upstairs room decorated in gothic. Anyway, I recommend the book and find it (and the drinks therein) very interesting.

The recipe (from page 105):

1 oz Vodka (Absolute)
1/2 oz Raspberry Liqueur (Chambord)
1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
Splash of Grenadine

Shake with ice and strain into a martini glass. I garnished with a cherry and an orange slice.

The four of us agreed that the drink was excellent and well worth having again, an excellent holiday drink.

Sante!

Huntsman Cocktail

As a big storm was making its way toward us, I mixed a 'Huntsman Cocktail' (page 100 of the Bartender's Guide). It was OK but not nearly as impressive as the storm, when it finally made its appearance. It is worth another try at some point. We have found that Myers Jamaican Rum is very tasty in drinks, adding another dimension to the flavor.

The recipe:

1 1/2 oz Vodka (Absolut)
1/2 oz Rum (Myers Jamaican)
Juice of 1/2 lime
Powdered Sugar to taste (I used simple syrup)

Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass.s

Russian Cocktail

Tonight we had a 'Russian Cocktail'. The drink was very drinkable but unremarkable, otherwise; slightly sweet with the gin and vodka not showing up much. Probably will not repeat.

The recipe is on page 152 of the Bartender's Guide.

3/4 oz Créme de Cacao- White (LeRoux)
3/4 oz Gin (Booth's)
3/4 oz Vodka (Absolut)

Shake with ice and strain into cocktail glass. I chose to garnish with an orange slice.

Cheers!

Polynesian Cocktail

The 'Polynesian Cocktail' we had tonight sounded like a wonderful drink, evoking thoughts of warm weather: however it tasted a lot like lime juice. Maybe there was too much added. A wonderful color though!

The recipe (page no. 138 from the Bartender's Guide):

1 1/2 oz Vodka (Absolut)
3/4 oz Cherry Brandy (LeRoux)
Juice of 1 Lime

Rub rim of cocktail glass with lime and dip into powdered sugar.
Shake ingredients with ice and strain into prepared glass.

I only dip one half of the glass into the sugar so you could take your choice when drinking (suggestion from the book "In the Land of Cocktails").

Bloody Mary Cocktail

Tonight we chose a 'Bloody Mary Cocktail'.  My great son-in-law gave me an Absolut Vodka/Bloody Mary kit and it was a good night to use it. Those of you who don't live in Louisiana need to look for a mix called ZingZang for your Bloody Marys.  It is the best!

The recipe I used was loosely based on the Bloody Mary cocktail shown on page no. 42 of the Bartender's Guide.





The Recipe:

1 1/2 oz Vodka (Absolut)
3 oz. Bloody Mary mix (Zing Zang)
1 Dash Lemon Juice (Meyer)
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Horseradish (Prepared)

Shake (well) with ice and strain into old-fashioned glass over ice cubes. A wedge of lime may be added.

As can be seen, I used a taller glass along with a lemon wedge! The drink was excellent. We shared the drink with our neighbors who also really enjoyed it. Since I have a lot of mix and vodka, I will definitely have more of these.