Simple Seasonal Cocktail Recipes - Cookie and Kate

Americano Cocktail

Kathryne Taylor — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:23:42 +0000

The Americano cocktail is a fizzy, bittersweet drink with Italian origins. It’s the perfect aperitivo before dinner or a refreshing weekend afternoon sipper. The Americano is a unique spritz that strikes the elusive balance between bitter and sweet. This cold, bubbly drink is lovely on a hot day, yet the complex, warming flavors are equally welcome before Thanksgiving supper.

Americano cocktails are made with Campari, sweet vermouth and club soda. If you love a Negroni, this drink is right up your alley. The Americano is served in a taller glass with club soda instead of gin, and the Negroni is actually a derivative of the Americano. Don’t write off this cocktail if you don’t like Negronis, though (I don’t!). It’s like a Negroni light, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences.

Americano cocktails have nothing in common with Americano coffee, except that they were both popularized by Americans visiting Italy. Apparently, the Americano is based on another drink, the Milano-Torino, which is made with just Campari and Vermouth di Torino. There are several origin stories, and I’m not sure which one is true. All I know is that this is a nice cocktail! I hope you enjoy it.

Americano Cocktail Ingredients

These cocktails require four basic ingredients plus ice.

1) Campari

Campari is a vibrant red amaro. The brand describes the flavors as “Pleasantly bitter with a velvety aftertaste. Intense notes of orange, herbs and wood.” Look for Campari near the liqueurs or other amaros at the liquor store.

2) Sweet vermouth, like Dolin

Sweet vermouth is dark red or brown, not clear. Dolin is my favorite brand for Americanos. It’s not as sweet as others like Carpano Antico.

Vermouth storage tip: Vermouth is wine, so it will go bad with time like all wines do (but will keep longer than a regular bottle, thanks to the brandy). Opened bottles of vermouth will keep well in the refrigerator for one to two months.

3) Club soda

Club soda provides some fizzy dilution. Any unflavored sparkling water will work, though I love Fever Tree or Topo Chico for their plentiful small bubbles.

4) Slice of fresh orange

A slice of orange offers a burst of fresh, familiar orange flavor and aroma. Don’t skip it. To maximize the orange flavor, you can gently run the peel of the orange around the edge of your glass before dropping it in.

How to Make an Americano Cocktail

Americanos are such an easy cocktail to make. You don’t need a cocktail shaker or any bartending experience.

To make one, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in equal parts of Campari and sweet vermouth, then add a big splash of club soda. Gently stir with a spoon, then add a slice of orange. Enjoy.

Watch How to Make an Americano Cocktail

How to Adjust Your Americano Cocktail

The standard ratio is equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth. But who’s to say that you can’t tweak the recipe to your liking?

Make it less bitter

Campari’s bitter notes can take some getting used to. You can reduce the bitterness by using less Campari or balance it with extra sweet vermouth.

Make it less boozy

As written in the recipe below, the Americano cocktail is equally strong as a 1 1/2-ounce drink made with 80-proof liquor like vodka, gin, or tequila. To lower its alcohol content, use more club soda and less Campari and vermouth. Try just 1/2-ounce or 1-ounce each of the Campari and vermouth for a low-alcohol drink.

What to Serve with Your Americano

The Americano is commonly served as an aperitivo. Italian aperitivos are designed to stimulate the appetite before a meal. These cocktails are typically somewhat bitter, carbonated and more dry than sweet.

Serve your Americano cocktails with Italian or generally Mediterranean-flavored appetizers. Campari is bitter, and salty, sweet, creamy or fatty foods will take the edge off. You can’t go wrong with a cheese board.

Here are simple options that pair well:

Olives, Easy Tapenade or Kalamata White Bean Dip
Crusty bread Baked Goat Cheese or burrata (perhaps with olive oil or good jam)
Caponata with Crostini
Caprese Skewers or Mediterranean Tomato & Feta Dip
Fresh fruit, such as grapes, oranges and strawberries

More Fizzy Cocktails to Enjoy

Love the Americano? Here are a few more cocktail recipes I think you’ll appreciate.

Please let me know how you like your Americano cocktail in the comments! I’m always eager for your feedback.

Americano Cocktail

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 drink
Diet: Gluten Free

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review

The Americano cocktail is a fizzy, bittersweet drink with Italian origins. It’s the perfect aperitivo before dinner or a refreshing sipper on a warm day. Recipe yields 1 drink.

Ingredients

1 ½ ounces Campari
1 ½ ounces sweet vermouth, like Dolin
2 ounces club soda*
1 slice of orange, for garnish

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Instructions

Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in the Campari and sweet vermouth, then gently pour the club soda into the glass at a 45-degree angle to preserve the bubbles.
Gently stir with a spoon, and garnish with a slice of orange. Serve at once.

Notes

Make it lighter: For a lower-alcohol drink with a lighter flavor, use 1 ounce or less each of the Campari and vermouth.

Club soda recommendations: James Bond insists on Perrier, but I prefer Fever Tree or Topo Chico for the plentiful bubbles.

Nutrition

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.

The post Americano Cocktail appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Paloma Cocktail

Kathryne Taylor — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:46:39 +0000

Love a good paloma? Me, too. The paloma is a delightfully fizzy grapefruit, lime and tequila cocktail hailing from Mexico. If you enjoy a Greyhound, grapefruit margarita or ranch water, this cooling drink is right up your alley.

South of the border, palomas are typically made with grapefruit soda like Squirt or Jarritos, which taste similar to Sprite to me. Up here, bartenders often mix them with fresh grapefruit juice and sparkling water instead. I prefer mine to be less sweet and more citrusy, so I love the made-from-scratch option.

This paloma recipe is made from scratch with basic ingredients. You’ll need tequila, fresh grapefruit and lime, simple syrup (which is very easy to make), and Topo Chico or sparkling water. Make them at home with top-shelf tequila and you’ll enjoy a better paloma for less money than you’d pay a restaurant.

To make this paloma, we’ll shake everything but the Topo Chico in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shaking the ingredients together yields the kind of paloma you’d receive at a fancy cocktail bar. It’s a brief step that is worth the extra effort.

Finally, we’ll pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice and top it with Topo Chico to retain all those glorious bubbles. You can watch how it all comes together in the brief video below.

Paloma Ingredients

This paloma cocktail is made with five simple ingredients, plus an optional pinch of salt. Serve it over ice in a highball glass. Here’s what you’ll need to make one:

1) Tequila Blanco

Tequila blanco is key. Tequila blanco is also known as tequila plata, or white or silver tequila in English. Since it’s bottled soon after it’s distilled, it’s generally colorless and offers the purest tequila flavor. Aged tequilas (reposado or añejo) taste smoky and will dominate the citrus flavors, so I don’t recommend them for palomas.

For palomas, I recommend Casamigas, Espalon or Milagro. They’re my top brands for all tequila cocktails. Always choose 100 percent agave tequila so you know exactly what you’re buying. Cheaper tequila mixtos contain a blend of alcohols and additives that can contribute to hangovers.

2 & 3) Fresh Grapefruit and Lime

Fresh-squeezed grapefruit and lime taste better than store-bought juices. The fresh citrus juice cuts the taste of the alcohol. To make one cocktail, you’ll need one small-to-medium lime and half of a grapefruit.

Juicing tips: Quarter the grapefruit and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup. To get the most lime juice from your lime, roll it firmly under your hand against the countertop before slicing. I like to use this citrus juicer to get every last drop, and I squeeze the juice directly into this measuring jigger (affiliate links).

4) Simple Syrup

A small amount of simple syrup brings this cocktail together. It softens the rough edges of the alcohol and citrus and yields a lovely sipper. To make simple syrup, warm equal parts water and sugar (or honey) in a small pan on the stove or a bowl in the microwave. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

5) Topo Chico or Sparkling Water

Topo Chico, with its plentiful tiny bubbles, makes an amazing paloma. Mineragua is another Mexican sparkling water that is equally nice. Otherwise, you can use any unflavored sparkling water or club soda.

6) Teeny Tiny Pinch of Salt

The salt is optional but boosts the overall flavor of the cocktail. Try your drink without it and then with it to taste the difference. Or you can line the rim of your drink with lime juice and salt like you would a margarita.

Watch How to Make a Paloma

Paloma Variations

This cocktail is fantastic as written, but here are some fun ways to change the flavor. Choose one or may two, like a combination of spicy salt and fresh chili pepper.

Make it salty: Line the rim of the glass with lime juice and then salt or Tajín, a Mexican spice blend of chili, lime and sea salt.
Make it spicy: Add one thin round of fresh serrano or jalapeño pepper to the cocktail shaker.
Make it extra refreshing: Add a few cucumber slices to the cocktail shaker.
Make it floral: Substitute St-Germain liqueur or honey simple syrup for the plain simple syrup.
Add vanilla: One drop—no more—of vanilla extract tastes amazing.
Add Aperol: Aperol offers a bittersweet Italian twist that makes the drink bright orange. Since it’s sweet, try 1/2 ounce Aperol and cut the simple syrup in half.
Amp the citrus flavor: Add one to two dashes of Angostura’s orange bitters to the shaker.

Paloma Serving Suggestions

This citrusy Mexican cocktail naturally pairs well with your favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes. For happy hour, serve guacamole, queso or salsa with tortilla chips. For dinner, try enchiladas, tacos or quesadillas.

More Citrusy Cocktails to Enjoy

Paloma Cocktail

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Diet: Gluten Free

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 3 reviews

This paloma recipe is bright, citrusy and refreshing (and not too sweet). Recipe yields 1 cocktail; you can multiply the ingredients and shake several cocktails at once.

Ingredients

2 ounces silver (blanco) tequila
1 ½ ounces grapefruit juice
¾ ounce lime juice
½ ounce simple syrup
Tiny pinch of salt
Topo Chico or other sparkling water
Thin wedge of grapefruit, for garnish

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Instructions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, the tiniest pinch of salt, and optional bitters. Shake well for 10 to 15 seconds, until the shaker is ice cold. Set aside.
Fill a highball glass with ice. Strain the shaker mixture on top. Top with Topo Chico. Give the drink a gentle stir if the mixture does not appear evenly distributed.
Garnish the drink with a thin wedge of grapefruit. Enjoy.

Notes

Suggested tequila: I like Casamigas, Espolòn and Milagro. Blanco tequila is typical in palomas. Aged tequilas will dominate the citrus notes, so I don’t recommend them.

Measuring tips: You’ll need about ½ grapefruit and 1 small-to-medium lime per drink. If you don’t have a measuring jigger, 2 ounces is ¼ cup, 1 ½ ounces is 3 tablespoons, ¾ ounce is 1 ½ tablespoons, and ½ ounce is 1 tablespoon.

Change it up: If desired, line the rim of your glass with lime juice and salt. For a mellow drink, use 1 ½ ounces tequila. For stronger citrus flavor, add 1 to 2 dashes of Angostura orange bitters (not their regular bitters).

Nutrition

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French Blond Cocktail

Kathryne Taylor — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 17:44:26 +0000

Have you ever heard of a French Blond cocktail? Me neither, until last week! I read that it’s Taylor Swift’s favorite cocktail after she recently requested it at a local Kansas City restaurant called Rye. Once I saw the ingredients—grapefruit, gin, Lillet and elderflower, I knew I had to try it. It’s fantastic. The cocktail is well-balanced, citrusy and floral, not too strong and not too sweet.

I’m generally completely oblivious to both pop culture and football, to the point that when my husband came home from a charity event last year and told me he was on a team with Travis Kelce, I said, “Who is that?” But the funniest thing has happened now that Taylor is dating Travis. Suddenly, I’m fascinated by a couple I’ve never met, I’m paying attention to football, and I’m wondering, who am I? Am I a Swiftie now?

Maybe it’s the sheer proximity of it all, like I’ve been to Rye, where Taylor Swift supposedly ordered this cocktail! My friend’s mom saw Travis at the Apple Store the other day! My husband said that Travis was friendly and great with kids, and the only rumor I’ve heard about Taylor is that she is indeed very nice. Maybe it’s because they seem like a great match, so they remind me of when my husband and I started dating.

Maybe it’s because I, like all of Taylor’s fans, imagine that maybe we could be friends if we met in real life. How crazy is that? Taylor, we have cold Lillet in the fridge if you guys want to come by for a cocktail. Now I’ve really lost my mind. Anyway, go Chiefs!

French Blond Cocktail Ingredients

I looked through all of my cocktail books and couldn’t find the French Blond recipe in any of them. The details are vague, but my understanding is that this obscure drink does indeed hail from France. It’s been around since the 1920s (perhaps). If you love a French 75 or bright citrus and gin drinks like a Tom Collins, you have to try this one.

Here’s what you need to make a fantastic French Blond cocktail (and what you don’t). I’ve tried it with various proportions, and you’ll find my favorite version in the recipe at the bottom of the post.

Lillet Blanc

Lillet, pronounced lee-LAY, is a French aperitif wine fortified with a blend of citrus liqueurs. Lillet Blanc, the original variety, is made with a blend of white Bordeaux grapes. Its flavor is difficult to describe, but contains notes of flowers, candied oranges, honey, pine resin & exotic fruits.

Tip: Once opened, you must store Lillet in the refrigerator (same for vermouths, as they are all wines). Lillet will keep for up to one month. Let me tell you, I accidentally left Lillet open on the counter for a few days, and it ruined my next French Blond! Leftover Lillet makes a nice spritz with club soda and a squeeze of citrus.

Grapefruit Juice

Freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice generally yields the best flavor. You can typically squeeze enough juice from one large grapefruit for two of these cocktails. Grapefruit is in season during the winter, so there are some fun varieties available now. I tried several, and the MeloGold (label 3152) is fantastic, with a fragrant floral note that pairs beautifully with the gin and elderflower.

French Redhead Cocktail Variation: Make your cocktail with Ruby Red grapefruit or another red grapefruit, and you’ll end up with a beautiful pink drink called the French Redhead! I loved this option as well.

Gin

Hendrick’s gin is wonderful here. Hendrick’s botanical gin has notes of cucumber and rose, which blend well with our other ingredients. You could also use a dry London-style gin (I tried Kansas City’s Rieger brand), but the gin flavor is a little more present and a bit harsh.

St-Germain

St-Germain is a lovely elderflower liqueur. It’s sweet, so a little goes a long way. I don’t keep a lot of liqueurs around, but St-Germain is absolutely worth the shelf space and looks beautiful, too. You can also enjoy St-Germain in your French 75s in lieu of plain simple syrup.

Lemon Juice and Peel

Most French Blond cocktail recipes call for lemon bitters, but fresh lemon juice is much better. Believe me, I tried three different kinds of bitters, and even one drop dominates the flavor and crushes the subtle botanical notes that make this drink so special.

You’ll also need a twist of fresh lemon peel, which offers loads of lemon flavor. The trick is to twist the peel over the cocktail to release the citrus oil directly into the drink, then run it along the rim of the glass for lemon aroma in every sip.

More Gin Recipes to Try

These delightful gin cocktails are similarly citrusy and refreshing.

Please let me know how your cocktail turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you.

French Blond Cocktail

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1
Diet: Gluten Free

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 8 reviews

The French Blond is made with grapefruit, gin, Lillet and St-Germain. Rumored to be Taylor Swift’s favorite cocktail, it’s citrusy and floral. Recipe yields 1 cocktail; you can double the ingredients and shake 2 at once in a large cocktail shaker.

Ingredients

2 ounces Lillet Blanc
2 ounces grapefruit juice
1 ounce gin (Hendrick’s recommended)
½ ounce St-Germain (elderflower liqueur)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 strip of lemon peel

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Instructions

Chill your coupe glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set your glass aside.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the Lillet, grapefruit juice, gin, St-Germain and lemon juice. Securely fasten the lid and shake the mixture for about 20 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker is absolutely ice cold.
Discard the ice water in your glass and gently shake out any stubborn water droplets. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Gently twist the lemon peel over the drink to release the oils, then lightly draw it over the rim of the glass before dropping it in. Enjoy.

Notes

Recipe roughly adapted from Saveur.

The post French Blond Cocktail appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Whiskey Sour

Kathryne Taylor — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:54:16 +0000

Have you tasted a great whiskey sour? One made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice and quality whiskey? They’re bold yet balanced, with a lovely lemony flavor.

Whiskey sours are one of my favorite drinks to order at swanky cocktail bars. If you have sworn off the whiskey sours of your college days, the ones made with cheap whiskey and fake sour mix, I assure you that legitimate whiskey sours are worth your while.

Whiskey sours are also fun to make at home. Serve them during the holidays, on game days, or for date nights in. If you have already enjoyed my Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour or New York Sour, I have no doubt you’ll love the original.

To make a whiskey sour, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients—good whiskey, fresh lemons, a little sweetener, and an optional egg white. Fancy cocktail cherries, such as Luxardo, are a worthwhile investment and keep for quite a while in a dark cabinet.

Whether you like your whiskey sour with no foam, extra foam, up or on the rocks, you’ll find all the details you need to craft your ideal whiskey sour in the recipe below. Gather your ingredients and your cocktail shaker!

How to Make a Whiskey Sour (Two Ways)

Before you make a whiskey sour, first decide how you want to serve it. You have two options.

Do you want a foamy top and smooth flavor?

If so, you’ll incorporate an egg white and a “dry shake” in the cocktail shaker. This version of a whiskey sour is technically called a “Boston sour,” but it’s generally billed as a whiskey sour on fancy bar menus. It’s best served up in a coupe glass, as pouring it over ice cubes breaks up the foam.

Safety note: Even when mixed with alcohol, there is always a slight risk of salmonella poisoning with raw egg (one in 20,000). To mitigate this risk, you can buy pasteurized eggs at the store, or pasteurize your own eggs before making this recipe. Here’s the CDC’s information on egg safety. Aquafaba, which is the liquid surrounding cooked chickpeas, is often recommended as an alternative to egg whites in cocktails, but I tried it in this recipe and did not enjoy the flavor (it also foamed about half as much).

Or a bold whiskey sour on the rocks?

If so, skip the egg white and the extra shaking step. Your choice of whiskey really shines in this version. At home, I like to make perfect cubes of ice with this ice cube tray.

Watch How to Make a Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour Variations

Whiskey sours have two well-known variations, one for each coast. The New York Sour features a float of red wine on top. New York Sours are so pretty and festive for the holidays.

The second, The Brown Derby, is two variations removed from the classic recipe. Instead of lemon juice, it calls for grapefruit juice, and instead of plain simple syrup, it calls for honey simple syrup. I love this drink and its subtle pink hue so much that I included it in my cookbook, Love Real Food, on page 132.

Simple Flavor Adjustments

You can easily adjust the flavor of your whiskey sour with your choice of sweetener. Plain simple syrup is the classic choice, but imparts sweetness alone.

I love to replace plain simple syrup with maple syrup, which blends right into the drink and offers subtle maple flavor. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—maple syrup and whiskey were made for each other.

Honey lovers, you should try honey simple syrup, which is also complementary in flavor. Straight honey doesn’t mix into cold drinks well, so that’s why we’ll turn it into a simple syrup by mixing it with equal parts hot water (learn more here).

You can also add a dash of cinnamon to your drink, as I’ve done in my Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour. If you’re serving your drink on the rocks, you might like a cinnamon stick garnish.

The Best Whiskey for Whiskey Sours

If you dare, choose a 90-proof whiskey for some extra kick that balances the sweetness of the drink and stands out against the strong lemon flavor. I recommend Bulleit, Buffalo Trace or Weller, which are all 90 proof. These are all bourbon whiskeys (all bourbons are whiskey), so it’s safe to say that bourbon is particularly well-suited for whiskey sours.

For a more mellow whiskey flavor, choose a Canadian whiskey like Crown Royal.

More Whiskey Cocktails to Try

Please let me know how your whiskey sour turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you.

Whiskey Sour

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews

Make the best whiskey sour with this recipe! Fresh lemon juice is key. Serve your whiskey sour up with foamy egg white or on the rocks—the recipe includes instructions for either option. Recipe yields 1 cocktail.

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon whiskey, such as Bulleit
1 ounce lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons maple syrup or ½ ounce simple syrup
Optional: 1 egg white
Orange wedge and Luxardo cocktail cherry, for garnish

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Instructions

Egg white option (Boston Sour served up)

Chill your coupe glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set your glass aside.
Pour the bourbon, lemon juice, syrup and egg white into an empty cocktail shaker. Now we’ll do a dry shake—either shake the mixture well for 30 seconds or for maximum foam, blend it with an immersion blender on high for 30 seconds.
Add a big scoop of ice to the shaker and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is absolutely ice cold.
Discard the ice water in your glass and gently shake out any stubborn water droplets. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with an orange wedge and a cocktail cherry on a cocktail skewer. Serve at once.

No egg white (Whiskey Sour on the rocks)

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the bourbon, lemon juice and syrup. Shake the mixture for about 10 to 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is absolutely ice cold.
Fill a rocks glass with ice. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with an orange wedge and a cocktail cherry. Serve at once.

Notes

Measurement tips: Two ounces is ¼ cup, one ounce is 2 tablespoons, and ½ ounce is 1 tablespoon. I like to use this stainless steel jigger (affiliate link) for measuring small amounts of liquid.

Nutrition

The post Whiskey Sour appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Ranch Water Cocktail

Kathryne Taylor — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:16:30 +0000

Have you tried a ranch water cocktail? If not, let me introduce you! Essentially a tall tequila soda with extra lime, the ranch water is more than the sum of its parts. If you use a great tequila and Topo Chico, it tastes quite special.

The ranch water is like a bubbly, light and totally unsweetened margarita. If even “skinny” margaritas are sometimes too sweet for you, try a ranch water instead. It’s super refreshing and perfect on a hot day. When I’m at a bar without an exciting wine list, the ranch water is my go-to drink order regardless of the season.

Ranch waters hail from Texas, with Ranch 616 in Austin claiming to be “home to the original ranch water.” I honestly can’t recall when I first tried a ranch water—maybe it was during my month in Austin in 2015, or sometime in between. My brother lives in West Texas and I was delighted to discover ranch waters at his wedding reception a few years ago.

Pre-made ranch water cocktails in cans are becoming more popular, but you can’t beat a homemade ranch water made with good tequila, bubbly Topo Chico and fresh lime. They’re so easy to make. Find my recipe below!

Ranch Water Ingredients

The ranch water cocktail is made with three simple ingredients, plus an optional, tiny little pinch of salt. Serve it over tons of ice in a highball glass. Here’s what you’ll need to make one:

1) Tequila Blanco

Tequila blanco is standard in ranch waters, and it’s my personal preference as well. Tequila blanco is also known as tequila plata, or white or silver tequila in English. Since it’s bottled soon after it’s distilled, it offers the purest tequila flavor and is generally colorless. If you have a reposado or añejo (aged) tequila that you love, by all means, try it.

For ranch waters, I recommend Casamigas, Espalon and Milagro. They’re my top picks for all tequila cocktails. Since this cocktail is so simple, the tequila’s flavor really shines through. Always choose a 100 percent agave tequila so you know exactly what you’re buying. Cheaper tequila mixtos contain a mix of alcohols and additives that can contribute to hangovers.

Some online recipes call for an outrageous three ounces of tequila per drink, which is even stronger than a martini. The ranch water should be an easy sipper, which is why my recipe calls for a standard drink pour of 1 1/2 ounces.

2) Topo Chico or Sparkling Water

Topo Chico, with its plentiful tiny bubbles, is perfect for ranch waters. Mineragua is another Mexican sparkling water that is just as good. Otherwise, you can use any unflavored sparkling water or club soda.

I feel compelled to mention that Topo Chico got into trouble a couple of years ago when Consumer Reports found that it was high in PFAS, otherwise known as “forever chemicals.” The next year, they reported that the brand cut levels by more than half. By email, they told me their “more recent sampling of the Topo Chico product was below EPA’s method detection limit of 2.0 PPT.” I’d personally prefer it to be at zero.

Mineragua claims to be formulated without PFAS, though I’m not 100 percent sure that means it’s completely free of them. If you want perfectly pure sparkling water, choose Mountain Valley, which claims zero PFAS (here’s their own test results). Their water is a little more minerally in flavor and the bubbles aren’t as plentiful, but I think it would be good in a ranch water.

3) Fresh Lime

Fresh-squeezed lime, and lots of it, is the only way to go! No stale store-bought lime juice, please. The lime cuts the taste of the alcohol and tastes reminiscent of a margarita. My recipe calls for a little more lime juice than others do, because I think the more lime, the better. Try it my way first and then you can always scale back a little for future drinks.

This recipe calls for 1 ounce lime juice, which is approximately the juice from one small-to-medium lime. Limes vary significantly in their juice output, so measure it in a jigger if you want to be exact. Otherwise, add another splash of club soda if you end up with too much.

Juicing tips: To get the most lime juice from your lime, roll it firmly under your hand against the countertop before slicing. Room temperature citrus yields more than refrigerated, though they keep significantly longer in the refrigerator. I love to use this citrus juicer to get every last drop, and I squeeze the juice directly into this measuring jigger (affiliate links).

4) Teeny Tiny Pinch of Salt

The salt is optional, but really boosts the overall flavor of the cocktail. Try your drink without it and then with it to taste the difference.

Watch How to Make Ranch Water Cocktails

Ranch Water Variations

The classic ranch water is hard to beat, but here are a few ways you can change it up.

Line the rim of the glass with lime juice and then salt or Tajín, a Mexican spice blend of chili, lime and sea salt.
Lightly muddle a few slices of cucumber (refreshing) and/or jalapeño (spicy) in the bottom of the glass before adding ice.
Add a splash of grapefruit juice or soda before filling the rest of the glass with sparkling water.

Ranch Water Serving Suggestions

This light and refreshing cocktail pairs well with your favorite Tex-Mex and Mexican recipes. For happy hour, serve guacamole or queso and salsa with tortilla chips. For dinner, do tacos or enchiladas!

More Bubbly Cocktails to Make

Like the ranch water, these simple homemade cocktails are sparkling and ice-cold.

Please let me know how your ranch water turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you.

Ranch Water Cocktail

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 drink
Diet: Gluten Free

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews

Make the ultimate ranch water cocktail at home with this recipe! You’ll need good tequila, fresh lime, and Topo Chico or sparkling water.

Ingredients

1 ½ ounces silver (blanco) tequila
1 ounce fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for serving
Teeny tiny pinch of fine salt
Sparkling water, preferably Topo Chico or Mineragua

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Instructions

Fill a tall glass to the brim with ice. Pour in the tequila and lime juice. Add a tiny sprinkle of salt to bring out the flavors.
Fill the rest of the glass with sparkling water. Gently stir once with a spoon to mix. Add a lime wedge and serve at once.

Notes

Suggested tequila: I like Casamigas, Espalon and Milagro. Blanco tequila is standard in ranch waters and it’s my personal preference as well.

Measuring tips: 1 ½ ounces is 3 tablespoons and 1 ounce is 2 tablespoons. You’ll need about 1 medium lime per drink.

Nutrition

The post Ranch Water Cocktail appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Classic Martini

Kathryne Taylor — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 22:17:08 +0000

How about a martini? Sometimes a martini sounds just right. I’m often disappointed by restaurant martinis (unless I’m at The Campground in Kansas City—Chris makes the best martini of all time).

So, I’ve been studying the martini and perfecting my at-home martini game. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned!

While martinis may seem intimidating, they are actually the perfect cocktail to make at home. The ingredient list is short and basic. The method is easy—stirred, not shaken, to bring out gin’s best flavors.

Now then, the “perfect” martini is very much determined by your personal preferences. I’ve typed up a foolproof classic martini recipe below. I’ve also provided suggested ingredients and details to help craft your perfect martini.

Whether you like your martini with gin or vodka, wet or dry, with a lemon twist or dirty with olives, this recipe is for you.

Martini Ingredients

You’ll need just a few ingredients to make a martini at home:

Gin

A true martini is made with gin. London dry gin is traditional and offers a balanced blend of juniper and botanicals. Beefeater’s gin is a prime example and an excellent choice, whether you’re serving your martini with a twist or making it dirty.

Gin forms the backbone of martini flavor, so your choice of gin is key. Choose the gin that suits you best. Hendrick’s is an unconventional gin with light cucumber flavor that would be lovely in a martini served with a lemon twist.

…or vodka

While gin is classic, you might prefer vodka. I get it. Sometimes I’m more in the mood for a vodka martini. Vodka is less complex than gin so it yields a simpler drink. Any high quality vodka will do, such as Tito’s or Grey Goose.

Dry vermouth

It’s easy to think of a martini as a glass of straight liquor, but vermouth is absolutely key. Dry vermouth is clear or very pale yellow in color, so it blends in visually with the rest, but offers complex botanical flavors that you might describe as citrusy, herbaceous or floral. Dolin dry vermouth is light and citrusy and just right for martinis, in my opinion.

Compared to sweet vermouth, which is red, dry vermouth is made without any added sugar—hence the term dry. Perhaps confusingly, a “dry martini” is made with less dry vermouth than usual.

Tip: Vermouth will keep well in the fridge for up to three months. If you find yourself with extra, you might enjoy it over the rocks or mixed with sparkling water for a spritz.

Garnishes

Now then, are you serving your martini with a twist or green olives? There’s no wrong answer, but you must choose one of the two. Unless you’re making a dirty martini (option provided within the recipe), in which case olives are the definite choice.

Tip: If you’re opting for a twist, try to twist your lemon peel directly over the drink before dropping it in. Twisting it releases some of the oils, which will impart extra flavor to your drink.

Don’t forget the ice

No matter how you like your martini, we surely agree that we want it ice cold. Some prefer their martini on the rocks, but I always opt to serve martinis up in a martini glass. That way, they don’t get too watered down over time.

Even then, we’ll fill our cocktail glass with ice and water to chill it before serving, and we’ll also use plenty of ice (and plenty of stirring) while mixing the martini. Once the martini is properly chilled and lightly diluted by the ice, strain it into the chilled glass and savor it.

Watch How to Make a Martini

Martini Gin to Vermouth Ratios

The ratio of liquor to vermouth has a big impact on the final flavor of your martini, and you can tweak the ratio to suit your preferences. When you’re mixing, consider that liquor offers a strong bite of alcohol (typically 40% alcohol), and vermouth is about half that (Dolin dry is 18% alcohol).

Classic

2:1 ratio. The classic ratio is entirely up for debate, but two parts gin and one part vermouth seems perfectly balanced to my palate.

Dry

4:1 ratio. Dry martinis contain less vermouth than “classic” martinis, and again the ratio is debatable (anywhere from 3:1 to 9:1).

Fifty-Fifty

1:1 ratio. Equal parts gin and vermouth yield the the most mellow sipper of the bunch.

Upside-Down

1:5 ratio. Julia Childs liked her martinis upside-down (otherwise known as reverse or wet martinis). She preferred much more vermouth, specifically Noilly Prat vermouth, to gin.

James Bond-Style

This one is interesting! “Three measures of Gordon’s [gin]; one of vodka; half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it over ice, and add a thin slice of lemon peel.”

More Classic Cocktails to Make at Home

Here are a few of my favorite well-known cocktails. You’ll find plenty more, including fun seasonal options, in my cocktail archives.

Please let me know how your martini turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you. Cheers!

Martini

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail
Diet: Vegan

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 3 reviews

Make a classic martini at home with this foolproof recipe. Whether you like your martini with a twist of lemon or dirty with olives, this recipe is for you. Yields 1 cocktail as written; you can mix several at once if you’d like.

Ingredients

2 ounces gin or vodka
1 ounce dry vermouth
For a dirty martini: 1 to 3 teaspoons olive brine
Garnish: Strip of lemon peel (for a twist) or 2 cocktail olives

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Instructions

Chill your martini glass by filling it to the brim with ice and water. Set it aside while you prepare the cocktail.
Next, fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in the gin and vermouth. If you’d like a dirty martini, start with 1 teaspoon olive brine.
Use a mixing spoon to stir the mixture in a circular motion until it’s ice cold, about 30 seconds (which will seem like a long time, but it’s worth it). If you’re making a dirty martini, taste and add more brine by the teaspoon if desired.
Discard the ice and water in your martini glass. Strain the cold martini mixture into the cold glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olives. Enjoy!

Notes

To make a dry martini: Decrease the amount of vermouth. Try ½ ounce for a balanced but dry cocktail.

Suggested ingredients: London-style gin, such as Beefeater’s, yields the most classic martini. For the vermouth, Dolin dry is excellent. Gin is the traditional choice, but you can use vodka if preferred—try Tito’s or Grey Goose.

Measurement tips: Two ounces is ¼ cup. One ounce is 2 tablespoons. I like to use this stainless steel jigger (affiliate link) for measuring small amounts of liquid.

Nutrition

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18 Festive Holiday Cocktails

Kathryne Taylor — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 17:44:12 +0000

Cheers to the holidays! I’ve rounded up my favorite holiday cocktails for you. Whether you’re hosting friends and family or looking for a festive drink to enjoy by the fire, you’ll find plenty of fun options below. Don’t miss this not-too-sweet holiday punch, or the mulled wine that makes your home smell like Christmas, or the fresh cranberry margaritas.

Looking for non-alcoholic options? Check out my hot chocolate, ginger tea (add a cinnamon stick) and hibiscus mocktail.

Before I go, here are some simple snacks and treats to round out your evening:

1) Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch

Reposado tequila or bourbon

“Made it tonight for our Christmas eve family time and a virgin version for my kids. So wonderful! Sent a jar to a neighbor friend and got rave reviews. Will be making this for years to come. I did sub in bourbon because that’s what I had. Such a beautiful drink either way. Thank you!!” – Malia

2) Maple New York Sour

Whiskey and red wine

“These cocktails were perfect for game night. The flavors were well balanced and the wine float presentation just adds that extra something. Our friends mistakenly thought we knew something about cocktails! Thanks, Kate!” – Leigh

3) Classic Mulled Wine

Red wine and brandy

“Made this last night to drink by the campfire, we all loved it! And the house smelled like Christmas, can’t wait to make it again, I have a feeling I’ll be drinking mulled wine all winter long. It feels like such a special treat but is so quick and easy” – Brooke

4) Best Irish Coffee

Irish whiskey

“Wow- my husband and I loved this recipe. Tasted just like the Irish coffees we had in Ireland. We used Paddy’s Irish Whiskey and Peet’s Holiday Blend.” – Jessica

5) Manhattan Cocktail

Bourbon or rye and sweet vermouth

“Excellent and easy! Perfect for a cold winter evening.” – Caroline

6) French 75 Cocktail

Gin and Champagne

“Light, fresh and perfect. I added rosemary for garnish. Thank you!” – Brittany

7) Moscow Mule

Vodka

“Best drink I’ve had in a long time. Used your recommendation and my mule turned out fantastic. I loved it. Fever tree ginger beer and Tito’s vodka make for a winner in my bar. Thank you” – Doris

8) Hot Toddy

Whiskey

“This is really good! I liked it because the flavors all blend well, and the whiskey doesn’t bite back! Right now my husband is also declaring this to be, “Nice drink! Hits the spot. Insides nice and warm!” LOL” – Barbara

9) Dairy-Free White Russian

Vodka and coffee liqueur

“What a treat! I soaked the cashews this morning and we toasted Christmas Eve with White Russians tonight. So delicious. I decided to make a thicker cashew cream and didn’t add the second cup of water. Added a few grains of salt that mine seemed to need. It was heavenly. Thank you, Kate!” – Janie

10) Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour

Whiskey

“Amazing & simple new classic cocktail. It was a smashing success this Thanksgiving at small family gathering. Used High West Prairie Bourbon, no ground cinnamon but garnished with cinnamon bark and it was amazing. Making again for big Christmas party.” – Jeremiah

11) Blood Orange and Pomegranate Sparkling Sangria

Sparkling rosé and brandy

“I made this today and it was so delicious! I found I didn’t need any simple syrup-using a sparkling rose and brandy (both from Trader Joe’s) made it just sweet enough. Thanks for the great recipe!” – Jen

12) Classic Martini

Gin or vodka and vermouth

This classic martini features a two-to-one ratio of gin to vermouth. Try it and leave a comment to let me know how it turns out for you!

13) The New Old Fashioned Cocktail

Bourbon or rye

“I shared this with my husband because I am not a big fan of the brown liquors. I told him that everything I cook from your website and cookbook are always a hit with our family. I’m happy to report that he said this was amazing!! And so much easier because he didn’t need to make simple syrup. Thanks for adding a new cocktail to the lineup.” – Erica

14) Spiced Apple Margaritas

Reposado tequila

“I just got back from Austin where I had margaritas every night… but it is a week before thanksgiving, so I was also craving something with “fall flavors”. I searched google and this recipe came up. I made it tonight with Unfiltered Honeycrisp Apple Cider from Trader Joe’s. I left the sugar out of the rim garnish (just salt and cinnamon) and OMG it was sooooooo good! I plan to bring these as my contribution to the family Thanksgiving meal. So yummy!!” – Ina

15) Ruby Red and Rosemary Honey Cocktail

Vodka or gin

“This cocktail is perfect. Simple to make with easy to find ingredients. It is eloquent and sophisticated in flavour with the perfect hint of honey. Will be making this at our next holiday party. Thank you for sharing.” – Averie

16) Fresh Cranberry Margaritas

Tequila

“My husband and I made these tonight. What a treat! We both loved them. Thank you” – Mae

17) Homemade Wassail

Bourbon

“We hunted and tested recipes for wassail and yours won – Last week we served up gallons of your recipe at our wassailing party and it was a huge hit!” – Cricket

18) The Best Mimosa (Plus Tips & Variations!)

Prosecco or Cava

“I served these today for Mother’s Day brunch. Thanks for the recipe, especially the recommendation for Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava, which was readily available for less than $10.” – Carole

Enjoy responsibly. Wishing you a merry and safe holiday season!

The post 18 Festive Holiday Cocktails appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch

Kathryne Taylor — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 21:59:47 +0000

This holiday punch is unlike any I’ve ever had, and I think you’re going to love it. It’s not too sweet. It tastes like pear, vanilla, spice and everything nice. It’s a smooth, easy sipper, even with tequila inside. Yep, tequila!

This pitcher of cocktails was inspired by an oldie but goodie, my Pear Nectar Cocktails with Reposado Tequila. That cocktail is proof that simple ingredients can yield a delightfully complex cocktail. If you’re just making one or two drinks, follow that recipe instead.

You won’t need any fancy liqueurs for this holiday punch recipe, just some pear juice, reposado tequila, plus a few basic ingredients—lemon juice, club soda, cinnamon and vanilla extract.

If you’d like to batch some cocktails for your family or friends, this punch is just the ticket. Serve it at your holiday party! You could also share some holiday cheer by dropping off a jar of cocktails with friends or neighbors. I wrote the recipe to yield eight drinks, and you can divide or multiply it as you’d like.

Christmas Punch Ingredients

Pear Juice or Pear Nectar

I like Ceres brand of pear juice and R.W. Knudsen’s pear nectar. I can’t tell much difference between the two, so I don’t think “nectar” is categorically different from “juice.” Buy what you can find.

Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila tastes quite a bit different from the blanco tequila used in margaritas. Reposado is Spanish for rested, which means that reposado tequila is aged for a short time (between two months and a year) in oak barrels. Bourbon is also aged in oak barrels, so naturally, bourbon and reposado tequila share some of the same oaky flavors. Reposado tequila is just more mellow.

Since we’re making a whole pitcher of drinks, yes, I’d say this cocktail is absolutely worth buying a bottle of reposado tequila for if you don’t have it at home. If you have a favorite bourbon, that’ll do, too. There’s a chance that gin might play nicely with these flavors, but I haven’t tried it.

Club Soda or Sparkling Water

Fizzy water offers some hydration and bubbles, both welcome additions in a cocktail.

Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon juice really brings this cocktail to life.

Honey Simple Syrup

Pure honey doesn’t stir into ice-cold drinks very well, so we’ll make honey simple syrup. It’s super easy. We’ll just warm equal parts honey and water until the honey blends into the water. We’re using a small amount of honey simple syrup, almost more for the honey flavor than the sweetness itself.

Vanilla Extract & Ground Cinnamon

Just a tiny amount of two common baking ingredients makes this punch taste like the holidays!

Garnish with Fresh Lemon Rounds, Rosemary & Cranberries

The rosemary and cranberries are more for a festive appearance than for flavor. You could get by with one or the other if you’re in a pinch.

Holiday Punch Variations

Swap bourbon for the tequila, to suit your preferences (I like tequila a bit better).
If you want no bubbles, omit the club soda. If you dare, use dry Prosecco or Cava in place of the club soda.
Omit the cranberries for a cool-weather party drink suitable for game days, birthdays, and the like.
Omit the honey simple syrup for a less sweet drink, though we aren’t using much as it is. This drink is naturally sweetened regardless.

More Holiday Cocktails to Enjoy

Please let me know how your drinks turn out in the comments! I love hearing from you and hope you’re enjoying the holiday season.

Vanilla-Pear Holiday Punch

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 drinks

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 19 reviews

Make this pear punch for your holiday get-togethers! It’s not too sweet, but full of cheer. Recipe yields 8 cocktails (about 48 ounces total). Divide or multiply the recipe as necessary (for a single serving, follow this recipe).

Ingredients

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
24 ounces (3 cups) pear juice or pear nectar (I like Ceres or R.W. Knudsen brands)
12 ounces (1 ½ cups) reposado tequila (I like Espolón or Milagro)
8 ounces (1 cup) club soda or sparkling water
4 ounces (½ cup) lemon juice
1 to 2 tablespoons honey simple syrup*
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Suggested garnishes: Lemon rounds, short fresh rosemary sprigs, ½ cup fresh cranberries
Ice cubes, for serving

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Instructions

Place the cinnamon into your pitcher or punch bowl. Add a splash of the pear juice and whisk until the cinnamon is mixed into the liquid.
Pour in the remaining pear juice, tequila, club soda, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of the honey simple syrup, and the vanilla extract. Gently stir to combine. Taste, and add the remaining simple syrup if you desire a sweeter or more mellow drink.
Garnish as desired. Pour individual servings into glasses filled with ice. Cheers.

Notes

Recipe adapted from my Pear Nectar with Reposado Tequila.

*How to make honey simple syrup: We have to turn honey into simple syrup because it won’t stir into the liquid well on its own. Simply combine 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon water in a small, microwave-safe bowl or your smallest saucepan. Warm the mixture over low heat in the microwave or on the stovetop, just until you can stir the honey into the water. That’s it.

Change it up: Want it more boozy? Add more tequila. Outside of the holidays, simply omit the cranberries for a delicious drink that works from fall through winter. Alternative garnish options include cinnamon sticks and thin slices of pear (like this).

Make it vegan: Omit the honey, or substitute half as much maple syrup for the honey simple syrup. Verify that your choice of liquor is vegan.

Nutrition

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The New Old Fashioned Cocktail

Kathryne Taylor — Sat, 05 Dec 2020 18:52:18 +0000

Who wants a drink? It’s been a long week. Let’s relax with an Old Fashioned, one of the oldest cocktails around. The Old Fashioned is for whiskey lovers, certainly, but it also might convince naysayers to become whiskey cocktail drinkers after all.

Like mulled wine, the Old Fashioned is perfect during the holidays, on chilly evenings, and basically any time you find yourself sitting around a fire. It’s a bold, dynamic drink that’s a little citrusy and a little sweet.

I came up with one delicious twist on the classic recipe, which also happens to be a shortcut. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, I bet you can guess what it is.

That’s right, I used maple syrup instead of simple syrup. Historically, Old Fashioned cocktails are made with a sugar cube or simple syrup. I’m here to tell you that they taste better with maple syrup, which complements bourbon’s caramel notes and stirs in like a dream.

Back when the Old Fashioned gained popularity, maple syrup was not readily accessible. Lucky for us, it is now. This recipe yields the best Old Fashioned you’ll ever make at home. I hope you’ll give it a try!

Old Fashioned Cocktail Ingredients

Bourbon

Bourbon whiskey is the principle ingredient in your Old Fashioned, so choose a good one. Low-quality bourbons are just too harsh here.

One of the best bourbons for Old Fashioned cocktails is Four Roses. It’s 80-proof, so it’s not overpoweringly strong. It’s also affordable and blends beautifully into cocktails, offering notes of cinnamon spice and vanilla.

Note: Rye also works in Old Fashioned cocktails, but I prefer bourbon’s sweeter flavor to rye’s astringency. You do you.

Maple Syrup

Like I said, most Old Fashioned recipes call for a sugar cube or spoonful of simple syrup. Sugar is gritty; simple syrup is an extra step; they’re both just sweet.

Real maple syrup is easy to mix into the drink and tastes wonderful. We won’t use much of it, so the flavor is subtle.

Angostura Bitters

Bitters are made with a blend of botanicals and just a couple of drops lend a ton of flavor and complexity to the drink. You cannot go wrong with classic Angostura bitters.

Oftentimes, bartenders will add another dash of bitters from a different brand, so you can come up with your own combination if you’d like.

Ice

Ice cools down the drink and dilutes it a bit, which mellows the sharp bite of alcohol. I prefer to use extra-large ice cubes that I freeze in this ice cube tray (affiliate link). Large ice cubes are ideal because they melt more slowly, and you’ll only need one per drink.

Orange Peel

No classic Old Fashioned is complete without a twist of citrus. I prefer orange to lemon, but you can use either one. Or, use both orange and lemon peel for a combination dubbed “rabbit ears.”

Optional: Cocktail Cherry

A cocktail cherry is optional. Splurge on a jar of Luxardo cherries for an excuse to make more whiskey drinks. Try a Manhattan next!

More Bourbon & Whiskey Drinks to Sip

Like this Old Fashioned, all of these cocktails are naturally sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup or honey.

Please let me know how your cocktails turn out in the comments. I love hearing from you.

Old Fashioned Cocktail

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 1 drink

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 19 reviews

This Old Fashioned cocktail recipe calls for maple syrup instead of plain simple syrup. It’s the best Old Fashioned you’ll ever have! Recipe yields 1 drink. See note on how to make in bulk.

Ingredients

2 ounces bourbon (I like Four Roses)
½ to 1 teaspoon maple syrup, to taste
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Ice, preferably large cubes
Orange peel, for garnish
Optional: 1 Luxardo cherry or other cocktail cherry, for garnish

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Instructions

In a lowball glass, pour in the bourbon, ½ teaspoon maple syrup and a couple dashes of bitters. Stir to combine.
Add a large ice cube or several small, and gently stir in a circular motion until the drink is very cold, about 20 seconds. Taste, and stir in ¼ to ½ teaspoon more maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.
Use a vegetable peeler to remove a hefty strip of orange peel. Gently twist it, skin side down, over the drink to release the oils. Then place the orange peel in the glass. Enjoy.

Notes

Measurement tip: Two ounces is ¼ cup. I like to use this stainless steel jigger (affiliate link) for measuring small amounts of liquid.

*How to multiply: You can make a batch of Old Fashioned cocktails. Place a handful or two of ice cubes in a pitcher. Multiply the base ingredients (bourbon, maple syrup, Angostura) as necessary and stir them together. Pour into glasses with fresh ice.

Nutrition

The post The New Old Fashioned Cocktail appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Classic Mulled Wine

Kathryne Taylor — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 22:36:51 +0000

Let’s cozy up with some mulled wine. Turn on some music, build a fire or light some candles, throw some spices and wine in a pot, and embrace the holiday season. It’s really that simple.

I’ve always associated mulled wine with holiday parties, but a single batch is perfect for two to four people. Mulled wine is unbelievably easy to make, even on a weeknight, and fills your home with holiday fragrance.

This mulled wine is for wine lovers. I’ve encountered a few mulled wines over the years that tasted like sweet potpourri, but not this recipe. It’s fruity and spiced, but the wine still shines through.

You just might even have all of the ingredients at home! If so, you’re just fifteen minutes away from mulled wine. Let’s make some.

How to Make the Best Mulled Wine

Follow the foolproof recipe below, and your mulled wine will turn out perfectly every time. Here are some key tips:

1) Choose your wine carefully.

Use an affordable bottle of Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha. You’ll find more wine details in the ingredients section below.

2) Heat gently.

Resist the urge to crank up the heat on your mulled wine! If your wine is steaming, it’s hot enough. Wine is delicate. Heat it too long or too high, and eventually your wine will taste too spicy, syrupy and almost raisin-like, and the alcohol will evaporate over time.

3) Go easy on the spices.

You might be surprised by how few spices we’re adding, but they are potent. Upon first sip, you might think, “This doesn’t taste spicy enough,” but I promise you’ll change your mind by your second glass.

Mulled Wine Ingredients

Keep in mind that these ingredients are very easily multiplied. One bottle of wine will yield five drinks (enough for two to four people), two bottles yield 10 drinks, and so on.

Red Wine

Wine forms the backbone of this recipe, so naturally, your wine selection is important. Some red wines that you might enjoy at room temperature will not taste so nice when heated. Do not use expensive wine for mulled wine, since we’re adding so much to it. Just choose a quality wine (say, 10 to 20 dollars per bottle) and select the varietal carefully.

The best red wine to use for mulled wine is Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha (also called Grenache). These wines are dark, fruity and full bodied, which means they can support all of the flavors we’ll be adding. Look for labels that describe the wine as “jammy” or with “notes of vanilla.”

Avoid red wines that are high in tannins or super oaky in flavor, like Cabernet Sauvignon (I say this as someone who generally enjoys Cabernet Sauvignon). Also avoid very light red wines, like Pinot Noir, because they don’t offer enough body to carry the spices.

Brandy

Brandy amps up the alcohol content a bit, though we aren’t using much. It’s more for warming flavor and a little bite than anything else. I used E&J VSOP, which is affordable and fine.

You can omit the brandy if you don’t want to buy it, though you may want to keep a bottle around for sangria.

Fresh Oranges

We’re going to squeeze some of the fresh orange juice into the mixture, then slice the rest to make rounds. Oranges are in season during the cold months, so you should be able to find nice, juicy oranges at the grocery store.

Buy two small oranges if you can, just because smaller rounds fit better into mugs. Or, one large will do—you just might need to slice your rounds into half-moons to fit.

Whole Spices

We’ll need whole cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. Whole spices, rather than ground, are absolutely key to mulled wine. The good news is that whole spices keep longer than ground spices (a few years, even). I hope you have these in your pantry already—if not, they’re worth keeping around for spiced ginger tea or hot toddies.

Maple Syrup or Honey

Alcohol flavor becomes more harsh when heated, so we’ll balance out the flavors which just a tablespoon or two of real maple syrup or honey. Wine lovers will love this naturally sweetened mulled wine recipe because it is not too sweet.

I honestly can’t decide whether I like maple syrup or honey better. They both offer some extra flavor that plays wonderfully with the other ingredients.

Garnishes

To make mulled wine look even more festive, I love to throw a handful of fresh cranberries into the pot before serving. You might also like to serve individual servings with additional orange rounds or half-moons, cinnamon sticks and/or star anise.

Suggested Serving Equipment

This section contains affiliate links:

Cook the mulled wine in a medium heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or stainless steel pot. My 3.5-quart Le Creuset is large enough to accommodate several batches at once. Dutch ovens are great because they retain heat well and just look so pretty when you’re serving straight out of the pot.

Or, warm your mulled wine in a slow cooker. Simply combine all of the ingredients, cover, and cook on low heat until the wine is steaming hot (about 30 minutes to 1 hour). Once it’s sufficiently warmed up, reduce the heat to “warm” or the lowest possible setting so it doesn’t get too spicy.

Serve your mulled wine with a ladle. In a pinch, you can use a heatproof measuring cup to scoop. Place a dark tea towel on a plate to give your guests somewhere to place the ladle when it’s not in use.

Lastly, serve your wine in mugs. Glass mugs are fun because you can see the mulled wine inside. I got my pretty glass mugs from Crate and Barrel, but they seem to be out of stock. Here are more great options.

Watch How to Make Classic Mulled Wine

Mulled Wine Serving Suggestions

This mulled wine is lovely on its own before meals or after dinner. Here are a few snacks that would pair well with it:

More Warming Holiday Drinks to Enjoy

View all of my cocktail recipes here. Please let me know how your mulled wine turns out in the comments! I love hearing from you.

Classic Mulled Wine

Author: Cookie and Kate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 5 drinks

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 27 reviews

Warm up with this classic mulled wine recipe! It’s so easy to make. Gather a few basic ingredients and you’ll be sipping mulled wine in 15 minutes! Recipe yields 1 bottle’s worth of mulled wine (about 5 servings); multiply as desired.

Ingredients

2 small oranges or 1 large
1 bottle of affordable Merlot, Zinfandel or Garnacha (also called Grenache)
¼ cup brandy
1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste
2 whole cinnamon sticks
3 star anise
4 whole cloves
Optional garnishes: Fresh whole cranberries (about ¼ cup), cinnamon sticks, additional orange rounds or half moons

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Instructions

To prepare the oranges, if using 2 small, slice one orange into rounds and slice the other in half. If using 1 large orange, slice it in half through the round middle, then slice one of the halves into rounds. Place the rounds into a medium heavy-bottomed pot or small Dutch oven. Squeeze the juice from the remaining oranges into the pot.
Pour the wine into the pot, followed by the brandy. Add 1 tablespoon of the sweetener for now. Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise and cloves.
Warm the mixture over medium heat until steaming (about 5 minutes), and keep an eye on it. When you start seeing the tiniest of bubbles at the surface, reduce the heat to the lowest of low.
Carefully taste, and add another tablespoon of sweetener if it’s not sweet enough for your liking. If it’s not spicy enough to suit your preferences, continue cooking over very low heat for 5 to 10 more minutes.
Serve in mugs with your desired garnishes! If you’re adding cranberries as I did, you can add them to the pot to make it look extra festive.
If you expect to polish off the mulled wine within 20 minutes or so, you can keep it on the stove over extra-low heat (it will become more spicy with time). Otherwise, remove it from the heat, cover, and rewarm over low heat if necessary. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days, covered (pour it through a strainer if you don’t want it to become any more spicy than it already is).

Notes

Slow cooker option: Combine the mixture in your slow cooker, cover, and cook over low heat until steaming, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Nutrition

The post Classic Mulled Wine appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Simple Seasonal Cocktail Recipes - Cookie and Kate

Americano Cocktail

Americano Cocktail Ingredients

1) Campari

2) Sweet vermouth, like Dolin

3) Club soda

4) Slice of fresh orange

How to Make an Americano Cocktail

Watch How to Make an Americano Cocktail

How to Adjust Your Americano Cocktail

Make it less bitter

Make it less boozy

What to Serve with Your Americano

More Fizzy Cocktails to Enjoy

Americano Cocktail

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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Paloma Cocktail

Paloma Ingredients

1) Tequila Blanco

2 & 3) Fresh Grapefruit and Lime

4) Simple Syrup

5) Topo Chico or Sparkling Water

6) Teeny Tiny Pinch of Salt

Watch How to Make a Paloma

Paloma Variations

Paloma Serving Suggestions

More Citrusy Cocktails to Enjoy

Paloma Cocktail

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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French Blond Cocktail

French Blond Cocktail Ingredients

Lillet Blanc

Grapefruit Juice

Gin

St-Germain

Lemon Juice and Peel

More Gin Recipes to Try

French Blond Cocktail

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Whiskey Sour

How to Make a Whiskey Sour (Two Ways)

Do you want a foamy top and smooth flavor?

Or a bold whiskey sour on the rocks?

Watch How to Make a Whiskey Sour

Whiskey Sour Variations

Simple Flavor Adjustments

The Best Whiskey for Whiskey Sours

More Whiskey Cocktails to Try

Whiskey Sour

Ingredients

Instructions

Egg white option (Boston Sour served up)

No egg white (Whiskey Sour on the rocks)

Notes

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Ranch Water Cocktail

Ranch Water Ingredients

1) Tequila Blanco

2) Topo Chico or Sparkling Water

3) Fresh Lime

4) Teeny Tiny Pinch of Salt

Watch How to Make Ranch Water Cocktails

Ranch Water Variations

Ranch Water Serving Suggestions

More Bubbly Cocktails to Make

Ranch Water Cocktail

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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Classic Martini

Martini Ingredients

Nutrition

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Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition

Nutrition