Darla

Cuba Libre Cocktail

November 25, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history!

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a healthy squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history!

Is a Cuba Libre Cocktail the same as a Habana Libre Cocktail?

A Habana Libre is a very different drink than a Cuba Libre, and it has a younger past. The Habana Libre has lime, two types of rum, and grenadine. Created in a bar in Miami around forty years ago, it is sometimes ordered by mistake instead of the Cuba Libre.

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history! ~by Wet Whistle Drinks by Darla Bentley

What is in a Cuba Libre Cocktail?

The Cuba Libre has rum, Coca Cola and a big squeeze of lime. Some people think that the lime isn’t necessary. This is simply not true. The acidic, flavorful lime is essential because it cuts through the sugar of the cola and enhances the deep, rich flavor of the dark, aged, rum.

What is the history behind the Cuba Libre Cocktail?

Coca Cola was invented in Atlanta in 1886 by a pharmacist named John S Pemberton. This invention changed the face of beverages worldwide! By the turn of the century, Coca Cola was very popular and was making its way across the nation and the world.

For ten years, Cuba fought for independence from Spain. After Spain finally surrendered, American businesses, as well as American soldiers, made their way into Cuba. Eyewitnesses corroborated the story that an American Captain walked into the American Bar in Havana and ordered a coke with rum and a wedge of lime. The Captain held his glass high in the air and said, “¡por Cuba libre!” to toast Cuba’s freedom. The wise bartender on duty decided to call this tasty, new combination, The Cuba Libre.

Is the Cuba Libre Cocktail still popular in Cuba?

The Cuba Libre is considered the national drink of Cuba even though Cuba is one of two nations where Coke can’t be sold due to U.S. trade embargoes. The other is North Korea. It is currently mixed with a cola-flavored soft drink. It is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and with an origin story like that, it is undoubtedly a taste of history.

10 Cuban and Cuban inspired recipes

Cuba was once a trade port where there were African, Spanish and, Chinese flavor influences. Using Caribbean spices created a very unique and exciting flavor profile that is unlike anywhere on earth.

Take a look at these ten Cuban and Cuban inspired recipes and bring these fascinating and mouthwatering flavors to your own kitchen! And they each pair beautifully with the Cuba Libre!

Cuban yellow rice with peas, cloth napkins, and white elephant salt and pepper shakers — Cuban Yellow Rice by The Complete Savorist

Cuban Yellow Rice by The Complete Savorist

Huevos Habaneros A Cuban Breakfast by Dish ‘N’ The Kitchen

Sticky Sweet Fried Plantains by Delicious Little Bites

Cuban Picadillo by Whip and Wander

Papas Rellenas by What a Girl Eats

Cuban Black Beans and Rice by Cilantro and Citronella

Homemade Mojo Criollo by Sweet Tea and Thyme

Slow Cooker Ropa Vieja (Cuban Beef) by The Magical Slow Cooker

Leftover Pulled Pork Cuban Sandwich by Smack of Flavor

Coquito Acaramelados – Cuban Caramel Coconut Balls by The Schizo Chef

Cuba Libre

A Cuba Libre is so much more than a rum and Coke! Aged, dark rum, a squeeze of lime and Coca Cola combine to create a cocktail with both flavor and history!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword coca cola, cocktails, coke, cuba libre, lime, rum

Ingredients

2 ounces aged, dark rum
2 Tbsp Freshly squeezed lime (about half)
4 ounces Coca Cola

Instructions

Fill an 8-ounce glass with ice
Add in rum and lime juice and stir
Top with Coke and stir with a bar spoon until well blended. Enjoy!

Rosemary Margarita

May 4, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

Add a twist of fun to your next margarita by adding rosemary! It’s light, herbal flair makes this Rosemary Margarita unforgettable!

What is in a classic Margarita?

A classic Margarita consists of tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and salt. It’s a wonderful combination! What happens when you add different flavors to these classic ingredients? Magic! In this Rosemary Margarita, we’ve added lemon juice and rosemary simple syrup as well as a sprig of rosemary for garnish!

What is the origin of the Margarita?

Like most cocktails, there are many origin stories. There are fanciful and fun stories about the origin but no one can be certain. According to Jose Cuervo, the cocktail was invented in 1938 by a bartender in honor of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa

Another common origin tale puts the invention of the Margarita at the Balinese Room in Galveston, Texas where, in 1948, head bartender Santos Cruz created the Margarita for singer Peggy (Margaret) Lee. Margaret in Spanish is Margarita

The origin of the Margarita according to Historians

Cocktail historian David Wondrich believed that the margarita was invented right after the repeal of prohibition. He says that the drink evolved from The Daisy, a cocktail that mixed alcohol, citrus juice, and grenadine.

Margarita means “daisy” in Spanish which is the perfect name for this bright, citrusy, cocktail.

Do you like your Margarita on the rocks or blended?

According to our historian, Mr. Wondrich the original recipe for the Tequila Daisy called for Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and a splash of soda. This evolved into a Margarita on the rocks.

The blended, frozen margarita became popular in the 1950s when blenders were making their way into bars. In 1971, a Texas restaurateur Mariano Martinez created the first frozen margarita machine. You can see his original machine in the Smithsonian.

Why do we salt or sugar the rim of a Margarita?

The salt enhances the flavor of the lime and helps ease the bite of the tequila. In the case of the Rosemary Margarita, the rosemary sugar not only softens the bite of the tequila, but it also adds more rosemary flavor to the cocktail.

Rosemary Margarita

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Cocktail, margarita, tequila

Ingredients

1 1/2 Ounces Tequila
1/2 Ounce Triple Sec
1 Ounce Rosemary simple syrup *see notes
2 Ounces Fresh lime juice
2 Ounces Fresh lemon juice
Rosemary for garnish
Rosemary sugar to rim the glass *see notes

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice.
Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds

Recipe Notes

Rosemary simple syrup- 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar and 2 rosemary sprigs.

Heat water to nearly a boil and add sugar and rosemary. Stir until the sugar is melted. Let cool and add to a jar, leaving the rosemary sprigs in the simple syrup.

Rosemary Sugar- 1/8 cup sugar and a tablespoon of fresh rosemary added to a spice grinder or clean coffee grinder. Grind until smooth.

Grapefruit Rose Martini

April 5, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

This fruity, floral cocktail will be a favorite at your warm weather gatherings! Enjoy the essence of summer with a Grapefruit Rose Martini.

Why create a new cocktail?

April 6th, 1945 welcomed twin baby girls Barbara (my mother) and Beverly. These sisters were very close and loved each other immensely. There’s no doubt that twins have an incredible bond. My aunt misses her sister as much as I miss my mom. So, today I will toast them both with a Grapefruit Rose Martini.

My mom passed away over nine years, and the world lost a little bit of its beauty that day. Every year for my mother’s birthday we buy a big bouquet of roses. My family and I celebrate her life by retelling fun stories about her. This year, I decided to celebrate with a new cocktail.

Why put the flavor of rose in a martini?

Many people enjoy the flavor of flowers, most notably rose. I have seen and tasted many cocktails made with floral flavors, and I am delighted to have created one of my own.

My mother was well known for her ability to grow the most incredible roses. She had every basic color as well as many colors that no one had ever seen before. She had the greenest of thumbs! I cannot pass by a rose of any color and not think of her.

Is grapefruit used in many cocktails?

Grapefruit is used in iconic cocktails like a Paloma or a Gin and Juice! There are many ways to use grapefruit juice in mixology!

Grapefruit was a favorite of my mom’s. I recall that in 1970-something she went on the grapefruit diet for a while. She claims that she had to quit that diet before she started to hate her favorite fruit! That is why grapefruit is the perfect citrus to blend with the flavor of roses for her birthday, cocktail!

My mother, Barbara didn’t drink much liquor. She loved white wine and mimosas, but when she enjoyed a cocktail, it was a very special occasion such as Mother’s Day or her birthday. The Grapefruit Rose Martini is a classy cocktail, perfect for any special event!

To all of the incredible women in the world! Cheers!

This Grapefruit Rose Martini is raised to a woman who was incredibly kind and treated plants and animals with the same gentleness with which she treated people. Everyone knew they had a friend in Barbara. I also raise this glass to my sweet aunt, (who doesn’t drink alcohol) she treated me as her own when my mom passed away. You are two amazing women! Happy Birthday, Mama! Thank you for watching over us. Happy Birthday Aunt Beverly, thank you for loving me so much! I love you both!

Grapefruit Rose Martini

This fruity, floral cocktail will be a favorite at your warm weather gatherings! Enjoy the essence of summer with a Grapefruit Rose Martini.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Cocktail, grapefruit, martini, rose

Ingredients

2 ounces grapefruit rose vodka Or 1 ounce rose vodka and 1 ounce grapefruit vodka
1/2 ounce triple sec
3 ounces pre-made grapefruit juice
rose infused sugar see notes

Instructions

Dip the rim of a martini glass into simple syrup and then dip into rose-infused sugar to rim the glass.
In a cocktail shaker add ice, vodka, triple sec, and grapefruit juice. Shake for 20 seconds or more.
Strain into the sugar-rimmed glass and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Rose-infused sugar is easily created by adding 1/2 cup dried culinary grade rose petals, 1 cup of sugar and 1/8 tsp of rose extract to a spice grinder, food processor or mortar and pestle. Blend very well.

Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail

March 13, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

This Irish Whiskey and Melon cocktail will give you the Luck o’ the Irish any time of the year! It is whiskey forward with undertones of sweet melon.

A perfect cocktail for St Patrick’s Day!

There’s a bit of controversy regarding Patty or Paddy. Some people say St Patty’s day and they would be wrong. Patty spelled with two t’s, it’s the nickname for Patricia while Paddy, on the other hand, is the nickname for Patrick. The Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail is perfect for St. Paddy’s Day!

How do Irish whiskey and melon liqueur taste together?

I love Jameson whiskey and so I used Jameson Black Label for this cocktail. Just remember that when you use liquors that you love, you are more likely to create a cocktail that you love. I like a good melon liqueur and chose Midori because I had some left from making Midori Sours.

When you add melon liqueur to whiskey, it transforms into a beautiful springtime flavor. I added some simple syrup to sweeten it up a bit and to highlight the melon flavor.

Can I use American whiskey in place of Irish whiskey?

You can absolutely use any whiskey that you want! You can’t go wrong when you use the liquors that you love!

The main difference between the two whiskeys is their main ingredients. The main ingredient of Irish whiskey is barley. However, American whiskey can be corn, rye, or wheat.

Irish whiskey is lighter and not as sweet as American whiskey.
The Irish age their whiskeys for a minimum of three years while the Americans age their whiskeys for a minimum of two years.

Remember that Bourbon is an American whiskey! It is made from a mash that is at least 51% corn. While generally made in Kentucky, it can be made anywhere in the States.

Can I use Scotch in this cocktail?

Again, the answer is a big yes! The melon in this Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail changes the flavor subtly and with a whiskey forward taste, it’s best that you use a whiskey that pleases your palate!

Scotch whisky is distilled twice, while Irish whiskey undergoes triple distillation. With the exception of Lowland malts as well as a handful of distilleries who do a triple distillation.

Scotch whisky uses peat-smoked mash which gives it the smokey quality Scotch drinkers love. while Irish whiskey uses kiln-dried, raw and malted barley.

Scotch is produced by ‘blending’, while it’s Irish counterpart is produced by ‘vatting’.

Casked asked for at least two years for Scotch. Irish whiskey is kept in the cask for at least three years.

Irish Whiskey and Melon Cocktail

This Irish Whiskey and Melon cocktail will give you the Luck o' the Irish any time of the year! It is whiskey forward with undertones of sweet melon.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Irish Whiskey, Melon

Ingredients

1 1/2 Ounces Irish Whiskey
1/2 Ounce Melon Liqueur
1 Tbs Simple syrup
3-4 Ounces Club Soda

Instructions

Pour whiskey, melon liqueur, and simple syrup into a shaker cup that is half filled with ice.
Shake vigorously and strain into a lowball glass that has been filled with fresh ice.
Add 3-4 ounces of club soda.
Garnish with cherries and enjoy!

Mojito

February 20, 2019 By Darla Leave a Comment

This refreshing cocktail tastes of lime and mint! Add a great rum, sugar and, club soda and, you’ll have all that you need for this classic Mojito.

The Mojito is popular!

A Mojito is a cocktail that brings happy memories with every sip! Those memories keep me warm on long winter days. I picture myself sitting at my favorite bar in the Caribbean soaking in the rays, watching the waves break and, digging my toes into the sand.

Ernest Hemingway loved Mojitos from his favorite bar in Cuba, La Bodeguita. He could be found at La Bodeguita on hot days, drinking a Mojito. On the wall in this tavern, you will find the famous quote “My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita”, engraved by Hemingway himself.

Where did the Mojito come from?

The simple ingredients of a Mojito have a quite common theme in cocktail history, and it was initially used for medicinal purposes. In the 16th century, Sir Frances Drake was sailing in the Caribbean when his crew was afflicted with scurvy and dysentery.

Some accounts say that Drake was planning to pillage Cuba and was thwarted. There are enough conflicting accounts that no one is quite certain. We do know that his crew had scurvy and dysentery.

Sailors knew that the Islanders had remedies for tropical afflictions. Drake sent a small crew to the island. They came back with a very rustic type of rum, limes, mint leaves, and sugar cane juice.

If you use silver rum and add some club soda, you have a modern-day Mojito.

Where did the Mojito get its name?

It wasn’t called a Mojito in the 16th century. Sir Frances Drake called it “El Draque” after himself. The word “mojito” could have come from the Spanish Cuban word mojo which is a spice blend with lime added. Also, it could have come from the word mojar which means “to soften.” Mojito could also come from mojitado which means “a little wet.”

No matter the name, it is a fabulous cocktail!

Mojito

This refreshing cocktail tastes of lime and mint! Add a great rum, sugar and, club soda and, you'll have all that you need for this classic Mojito

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Cocktail, mojito

Ingredients

8-10 Mint Leaves
1/2 Lime (sliced)
1 T Sugar
2 oz White Rum
3-4 oz Club Soda
Ice

Instructions

In a high-ball glass add mint leaves, lime slices, sugar and a splash of club soda. Muddle together gently.
Add ice to 2/3 full.
Add rum and top with club soda.
Use a long spoon to stir.
Garnish with mint and lime slice.

Caramel Apple Whiskey Toddy

January 30, 2019 By Darla 1 Comment

There’s nothing like a steamy, Caramel Apple Whiskey Toddy to warm your bones during the cold winter months. Wrap your hands around the mug and enjoy!

It’s cold outside!

The temperature gauge in my car read seven degrees this morning! Too cold to walk the dogs or spend more than two minutes outside. It’s the type of cold that stings your face and makes your bones feel brittle. It’s Hot Toddy weather! In this case Caramel Apple Whiskey Toddy!

What is the history of the Hot Toddy?

The origin of the Hot Toddy is truly unknown. There are legends about it coming from British occupied India in the early 1600’s. It is believed to be adapted from a hot drink called a taddy which had a spirit, water, and spices. It is believed that British soldiers brought the idea home, made it with whiskey and called it by the original word, taddy.

What are other versions of the origin of the Hot Toddy?

Another version of the origin of the Hot Toddy is that an Irish physician named Robert Bentley Todd prescribed it so often that his patients and subsequently, the rest of the world named it after him.

There is another version of the origin of the Hot Toddy! It is said that in the 1700s, the Scottish folks added sugar and spices to whiskey to make it more palatable.

Why are there so many versions of a Hot Toddy?

The result of it being such a simple drink, it is possible that each of these things happened independently of one another. Either way, it is a fabulous cocktail and my Caramel Apple Whiskey Toddy is my favorite version of the Hot Toddy. The key is a great caramel sauce and my favorite whiskey!

The best caramel sauce?

My favorite caramel sauce is incredibly easy to make! It doesn’t use corn syrup. Michelle De La Cerda from The Complete Savorist has this great Easy Caramel Sauce recipe. I keep it on hand at all times!

Caramel Apple Whiskey Toddy

There's nothing like a steamy, Caramel Apple Whiskey Toddy to warm your bones during the cold winter months. Wrap your hands around the mug and enjoy!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Apple, Caramel, Toddy, Whiskey

Servings 1 1

Ingredients

2 Ounces Whiskey
6 Ounces Apple Cider
2 tsp Caramel Sauce
1 Apple sliced
Cinnamon Sticks

Instructions

In a small saucepan combine apple cider, 4 apple slices, and cinnamon stick. Heat until just about boiling.
Drizzle the caramel sauce into a large mug.
Pour Whisky into the mug and add in the hot apple cider.
Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

Homemade Raspberry Vodka Liqueur

December 20, 2018 By Darla Leave a Comment

This Homemade Raspberry Vodka Liqueur is tasty enough to drink straight! The vanilla beans and frozen raspberries beautifully flavor your favorite vodka.

Is it difficult to make flavored liqueurs?

I have become obsessed with making my own liqueurs! It is shockingly easy! I needed a raspberry liqueur for a cocktail, and I decided to make it the way that I wanted it to taste. Since, I have made several liqueurs so that my cocktails are extra special.

Frozen or fresh raspberries?

I used frozen raspberries in this liqueur, but fresh would work beautifully. If raspberries were in season, I would go berry picking myself!

Should I use real vanilla or imitation vanilla?

I deeply love vanilla. It can’t be just any vanilla, and it absolutely cannot be imitation vanilla. Because of this obsession of great vanilla, I used the most aromatic, perfect pods.

The vanilla gave the homemade raspberry vodka liqueur a lovely flavor that is easily drunk on the rocks.

It is essential that the combined ingredients for the raspberry vodka liqueur are left to rest in the refrigerator for at least five days! Make sure to shake it two to several times per day. I set the jar on a shelf so that I see it every time I open the refrigerator door. Doing this reminds me to shake it often.

How does the homemade raspberry vodka liqueur get that pretty color?

I don’t use any food colorings in the liqueurs that I make. The idea behind making your own liqueurs is that there are very few ingredients and nothing artificial!

You can use this raspberry liqueur in any cocktail that calls for raspberry liqueur. I daresay that you will be delighted with the outcome. Making this Homemade Raspberry Vodka Liqueur will elevate your cocktails! Cheers!

Homemade Raspberry Vodka Liqueur

This homemade raspberry vodka liqueur is tasty enough to drink straight! The vanilla beans and frozen raspberries beautifully flavor your favorite vodka.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Liqueur, Raspberry, Vodka

Ingredients

750 ml Vodka
2 Cups Frozen or Fresh Raspberries
2 Cups White sugar
1 Vanilla Bean

Instructions

Wash the vanilla bean. Gently slice the vanilla bean and open. Scrape the seeds into a quart jar and drop in the pod.
To the quart jar, add raspberries and sugar.
Fill the quart jar with vodka. There will be some remaining.
Shake the jar until the sugar dissolves and place in the refrigerator. Leave for no less than five days. Shake the jar twice daily.
After five days or more strain the liqueur into a bowl. Using a funnel, pour the liquid into a container of your choice and top it off with the remaining vodka. Or pour it directly into the vodka bottle that contains the remaining amount.

Peach White Balsamic Old Fashioned

December 11, 2018 By Darla Leave a Comment

The perfect twist on a classic Old Fashioned is to add Peach White Balsamic. The flavor is truly phenomenal. One sip and you will be hooked!

What’s the perfect twist on a classic Old Fashioned?

What happens when you are a balsamic lover who has a passion for mixology? You put the balsamic in a cocktail!

It was a fabulous idea because the cocktail is shockingly good. One of the best twists on an Old Fashioned that I have ever tasted!

This post is sponsored by We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City, Utah. I received the delicious products to review. However, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Putting balsamic into a classic cocktail is a fun way to punch up the flavor and add an interesting as well as delicious taste!

What’s the history of the Old Fashioned?

The first “Old Fashioned” cocktail was first mentioned by Jerry Thomas in his 1862 book Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks. The big difference was that instead of whiskey or bourbon, It was Old Holland Gin as the main ingredient.

In 1895 Modern American Drinks, written by George Kappeler, was published with a Whiskey Old Fashioned. It read, “Dissolve a small lump of sugar with a little water in a whiskey-glass; add two dashes Angostura bitters, a small piece of ice, a piece of lemon-peel, one jigger whiskey. Mix with small bar-spoon and serve, leaving spoon in glass.”

The cocktail has been a classic cocktail since that book was published.

Should I put ice in my Old Fashioned?

That is entirely up to you! The earliest references to the Old Fashioned does not have ice. It dilutes the spirit making it more palatable for some and too watered down for others.

This is why I add a big hunk of ice! I like it diluted as well as cold!

The Peach White Balsamic from We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City is the perfect way to punch up the flavor of an Old Fashioned! Don’t forget to add it to a nice bourbon or whiskey.

Peach White Balsamic Old Fashioned

A twist on a classic! Peach White Balsamic, muddled with peaches, sugar, and basil are perfect with bourbon!

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Balsamic, Bourbon, Cocktail, Old Fashioned, Peach

Ingredients

2 Ounces Bourbon
1 Tbsp Peach White Balsamic
1 Tbsp Club Soda
2 Peach Slices
2-3 Sugar Cubes
2 Basil Leaves

Instructions

In a pint glass or the small cup from a Boston Shaker, muddle peaches, basil, sugar, Peach White Balsamic, and club soda
Strain into a low ball glass
Add bourbon and ice
Stir with a bar spoon to chill
Garnish with a peach slice

Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail

November 29, 2018 By Darla Leave a Comment

The Citrus Spice Balsamic Cocktail tastes like the holidays. Citrus Spice Balsamic, ginger, bourbon and a squeeze of orange is perfect for a wintry night.

Citrus Spice Balsamic is very versatile!

I am in love with this Citrus Spice Balsamic from We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City. I was there recently and was told that I should try it. As soon as the flavors touched my palate, I knew that I would use this in many dishes and even a cocktail.

The first thing that I used this balsamic in was a roast that I slow cooked.

I made a balsamic reduction for the roast as well. The Citrus Spice Balsamic is very versatile, and so I couldn’t wait to put it in a cocktail.

Have you ever put balsamic in a cocktail?

Because the Citrus Spice Balsamic tastes like the holidays to me, I wanted to create a cocktail with cranberry, ginger, and bourbon. Although they are flavors that I love all year round, I adore using them during the holidays.

When they are combined with just a splash of freshly squeezed orange juice, the effect is heavenly.

A new favorite holiday cocktail!

The Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail has quickly become a favorite for my husband and I. We enjoy sipping and sitting by the fire or finding something fun to watch on TV.

I am so glad that I went into We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake after they got the shipment of Citrus Spice Balsamic.

If you haven’t tried balsamic in a cocktail, you’re missing out! Try this recipe, and you’ll be hooked on this Citrus Spice Balsamic!

Cheers! And Happy Holidays!

We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City, Utah did not sponsor these posts by providing compensation and/or product for their development. Each participant purchased all ingredients and created these recipes of their own accord based on pure product love. However, in the interest of full transparency, Michelle De La Cerda Nash, Christina Lakey, and Darla Bentley do have a professional relationship with We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City, Utah outside the scope of these recipes.

A Full Menu Using Citrus Spice Balsamic Vinegar

Four friends and colleagues attending a holiday media event at We Olive and Wine Bar in Salt Lake City got talking about how they would use this newly sampled vinegar.

Hi, we’re those four friends and colleagues.

We decided to not just talk the talk but actually create our newly thought up recipe idea.

Welcome to the Citrus Spice Balsamic Vinegar Progressive Meal.

Darla Bentley of Wet Whistle Drinks created Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail. This cocktail tastes like the holidays! Citrus Spice Balsamic, ginger, bourbon, and a squeeze of orange is perfect for a wintry night.

Michelle De La Cerda of The Complete Savorist created Citrus Spice Balsamic Roasted Sweet Potatoes. A sweet potato side dish deliciously intensified by roasting them in a glaze made from citrus spice balsamic vinegar.

Ned Adams of Dutch Oven Daddy made Citrus Spice Prime Rib Roast. This roast is a sure bet while hosting your holiday feast.

Christina Lakey of Food Apparel whipped up a No-Bake Cheesecake Cookie Dip Recipe with Balsamic Drizzle. This easy no-bake cheesecake cookie dip recipe will literally come together in minutes. Dress it up fancy with a sweet balsamic reduction to truly impress!

We hope you all enjoy this menu.

Citrus Spice Balsamic Holiday Cocktail

The Citrus Spice Balsamic Cocktail tastes like the holidays. Citrus Spice Balsamic, ginger, bourbon and a squeeze of orange is perfect for a wintry night.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword Balsamic, Bourbon, Citrus Spice, Cocktail, Orange

Author Darla

Ingredients

1.5 Ounces Bourbon
2 Ounces Cranberry Juice
2 Ounces Ginger ale
1 Tablespoon Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
2 teaspoons Citrus Spice Balsamic

Instructions

Add Ice to a shaker cup.
Put all the ingredients into the shaker cup and stir with a bar spoon for several turns.
Strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with candied ginger and/or orange

Wet Whistle Drinks is also on Facebook and Instagram

The Complete Savorist is also on Facebook and Instagram

Dutch Oven Daddy is also on Facebook and Instagram

Food Apparel is also on Facebook and Instagram

Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss

November 20, 2018 By Darla 2 Comments

Barb’s Amaretto Kiss aka Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss has a unique twist of cherry to enhance the amaretto. It pulls the flavors together so that this drink dances across your tongue and makes your lips smile.

Barb’s Amaretto Kiss

I wanted to make a birthday drink for my dear friend, Barb, but it needed to be perfect! I know that she loves amaretto and vodka which lead me to do a twist on an Amaretto Kiss. That part was easy but how to make it uniquely Barb?

Which flavors pair well with Amaretto?

Barb’s Birthday is right around Thanksgiving, so I wanted to incorporate some of those flavors into her drink. Cranberry goes well with amaretto, and so I wanted both cranberry juice and Betty’s Cranberry Sauce (the best cranberry sauce I have ever tasted) by Michelle from The Complete Savorist who is a brilliant part of our Tribe.

I also wanted a flavor that brought it all together. My mother used to make a cherry almond tart, and that lead me to cran-cherry because the almonds and cherries are perfect together. This is how the Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss came to be.

Why make a pitcher of cocktails?

Barb’s Amaretto Kiss, aka Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss, also needed to be in a large pitcher so that it can serve many. Barb is warm and welcoming and often has her friends over for food, drinks, crafting or just hanging out on the deck watching the sunset.

She is someone who is always willing to help whether it is watching a sick dog, helping with kids, bringing food when illness has left one of us in bed or to be a listening ear.

Cocktails and Friends!

Barb is incredible in so many ways. She is highly intelligent and always wants to learn. She’s both humble and a natural leader.

She is creative, fun, loving, and kind. Her beautiful family is her world, and it shows on the faces of her “men” (which is what calls her husband, Sam and their two boys Rhett and KJ.)

Barb adores her dog Luna who is the sweetest dog alive. She’s a Bernese Mountain Dog who is lucky to have a mom that is also addicted to hiking!

I feel so grateful to have Barb and the rest of our Tribe, in my life. These strong, amazing women help keep me grounded and sane in this crazy world.

Having these close, strong, steady friendships can be a miracle in a time of life that is overrun with responsibilities. We can lose touch with what it means to have people in our lives that have our backs.

Happy Birthday, Barb! I hope that Barb’s Amaretto Kiss gives you some of the same warm fuzzies that you give to the people in your life! You are wonderful and you are loved!

5 from 1 vote

Cran-Cherry Amaretto Kiss

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Ingredients

5 Cups Cran-Cherry Juice
3 Cups Vodka
1 1/2 Cups Amaretto Liqueur
1 Cup Cranberry Sauce
1/2 Cup Prepared Orange Juice
Garnish Candied Mandarin Oranges

Instructions

Start a party! Birthday or otherwise.
In a very large pitcher combine all of the ingredients, stir, and refrigerate until ready to use.
Add ice to a shaker cup. Stir the contents of the pitcher and pour 4-6 ounces (depending on glass size) into the shaker cup.
Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass
Garnish with candied mandarin orange or an orange slice
Makes 14-22 servings