Probably one of the most popular cocktails in existence, the margarita cocktail comes in many varieties. From classic to frozen, fruit-infused to layered, salted rim to sugar-crusted, this cocktail is extremely versatile. At the same time, however, it can be as unique as the individual drinking it. There isn’t much better than a pitcher of these tart-n-trendy cocktails with a plate of nachos 😉
While we could debate the ‘perfect’ margarita, I truly believe that simple is better. Start with a simple three-ingredient cocktail–tequila, agave nectar, and fresh lime juice. From there, you can add other ingredients such as Cointreau, Gran Gala, and fruit juices (mango, pineapple, …). Makes me thirsty just thinking about the possibilities.
We can all agree that the ‘perfect’ margarita is the one you are currently drinking 😉
Fall weather calls for dark liquors. It’s time to put away the Summer tiki cocktails and gin-infused libations. Cooler weather inspires mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike to concoct liquid expressions of the season. There are many classic cocktails to keep us warm during the cooling months of Autumn. Only a few brown liquor cocktails arouse the senses, and recall flavors of Fall. This Manhattan-inspired cocktail is Autumn in a glass.
This Manhattan-inspired cocktail is Autumn in a glass.
For me, Fall is a season of baking spices, earthy citrus, and fiery colors. So… in that spirit, I set out to create a cocktail that pays homage to the season. The Autumn Leaves cocktail is smooth and inviting. The cinnamon spiced bourbon is framed perfectly by the Aperol, while the sweet vermouth gives a nostalgic characteristic to the cocktail. It all comes together perfectly with the addition of several dashes of orange bitters.
Autumn Leaves
2 oz. Cinnamon Spiced Bourbon (I prefer Jim Beam Red Stag Spiced Bourbon)
Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake. That’s right… I said shake. The bourbon Gods frown upon the very idea of shaking a cocktail, but this is an exception. The syrupy Aperol doesn’t mix well enough (for my taste) during a classic Manhattan-style stir. Also, I prefer the complete integration of the ingredients along with the semi-frothiness and opaque Fall colors from shaking this cocktail.
Strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Here is an exciting twist to reintroduce this ‘Sex and the City’ revived classic cocktail… the Cosmopolitan. The prickly pear flavor is a perfect compliment to the citrusy flavors of fresh lime juice and sweet orangy-ness of triple sec. You can find prickly pear syrup online, but nothing compares to syrup created from fresh fruit. The cocktail is simple, with very complex and exotic flavors.
Prickly Pear Cosmopolitan
2 oz. Vodka (I prefer Titos for this cocktail)
1 oz. Homemade Prickly Pear Syrup (recipe below)
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds, and strain into a martini glass. Enjoy 😉
Homemade Prickly Pear Syrup
Prickly pears, as it turns out, aren’t pears at all. They are actually a member of the cactus species Opuntia genus. Fortunately, this cactus fruit can be found needle-free in the produce section of your favorite supermarket.
You will need: Prickly Pears, Granulated Sugar, Water, Fresh Lemon Juice
Opuntia, or prickly pear catus. (Photograph from Encyclopædia Britannica)
The process to make prickly pear syrup is pretty simple.
1. Peel the prickly pears and cut the peeled fruit into large chunks.
2. Place the fruit in a saucepan and add just enough water to cover the fruit.
3. Bring to a rapid boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Strain the juice to remove all of the seeds, flesh and pulp. You may need to press the fruit through several layers of cheesecloth, screen or coffee filter. Get creative, no one is watching 😉
5. Return the liquid to the saucepan and add the sugar. In a typical simple syrup recipe, you would add equal amounts of water and sugar. The prickly pear juice, however, is already pretty sweet, so add half the amount of sugar as there is liquid (2 parts liquid to 1 part sugar).
6. Add the juice of half a lemon (3-4 prickly pears). The lemon juice cuts the sweetness slightly while acting as a preservative.
7. Bring to a boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar. Let boil for a few minutes, then remove from the heat to cool.
This syrup, if refrigerated, can last for weeks. I recommend using a glass container.
As for martinis, there are two distinct and very vocal camps. Historians and cocktail purists believe that a true martini can only be made with gin. Vodka lovers, of course, stand completely opposed with their many variations of the vodka martinis. And according to James Bond, they should be shaken… not stirred. Personally, I only shake cocktails that contain fruit juice. Always shake a Cosmopolitan, but never a Manhattan 😉
The Slo Gin Fig Martini is a riff on the Vesper Cocktail first introduced in Ian Fleming’s James Bond classic–Casino Royal. The addition of Slo Gin and Figenza Mediterranean Fig Vodka creates another level of complexity.
Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a coupe-style or martini glass. Add a long slice of lemon peel and enjoy.
Finding the right pre-dinner cocktail can sometimes be a challenge. As with wine, there is a difference between ‘right’ and ‘right now.’ Sometimes we succumb to convenience… and choose the ‘right now’ option. A pre-dinner cocktail should set the tone and expectations for the upcoming culinary experience. As a side note, I consider every meal (including pizza delivery) a culinary experience if you are sharing it with friends and family.
The Blood & Bourbon Cocktail has everything you need to get those tastebuds working. The blood orange liquor provides just enough citrus, while the tarragon gives the subtle herbiness to put bring cocktail to the next level.
The Blood & Bourbon Cocktail
2 oz. Bourbon (my wife prefers Basil Hayden)
1/2 oz. Blood Orange Liquor
1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
4 to 6 Dashes Orange Bitters
Pinch of Crushed Tarragon
Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a coupe-style or martini glass. Keep everything close by because you’ll want another one 😉
SOMM&SOMM 
You must be logged in to post a comment.