Paloma Old Fashioned
I love seeing a cocktail converted into a different style of drink. It’s a fun challenge but also can showcase the original in a new light. As the name suggests, this one converts the classic agave-based highball into an OF-style drink. The grapefruit flavor comes from a delicious grapefruit liqueur, and the lime/citrus presence comes from the bitters. The base spirit is a bit of personal preference (mezcal and/or tequila), just like with the classic. I chose a lovely mezcal that is on the lighter/cleaner side and split it with a bit of reposado for depth and a hint of vanilla/oak.
Bold-evardier
I was a beer nerd long before going down the Spirits rabbit hole. Many beer lovers I know eventually lock onto IPAs, some of the most bitter beers. Liquor seems to follow a similar trajectory, which probably explains why Fernet is so loved among many bartenders and the like. (I am curious to know if anyone started their alcohol journey with a really bitter palate, though!).
Squashface
I’ve enjoyed all the spooky/seasonal posts lately, so it’s about time I gave one back. Not that is spooky, but certainly appropriate for Halloween. The drink stars a squash-infused whiskey (using a lovely rye aged in bourbon barrels gifted from @ewingyoungdistillery). I used kabocha squash, which I think has a richer, earthier flavor compared to, say, butternut or pumpkin (though either would work just fine). I dehydrated thin slices of the squash and infused a few in the whiskey for ~2 days.
I Dream of Greenie
Anyone in the mood for a mezcal martini? What if it’s herbaceous, a little funky, and just the right amount of savory? I assume you’ve already scrolled past if your answer is no, so keep reading. I was sent a lovely bottle of mezcal by @mezcalamaras, which isn’t as assertive (ie smoky) as some others— which allows it to be the feature spirit in this stirred format without completely overtaking the more subtle flavors.
Supermom Spritz
I made this drink for my wife (definitely a Super Mom) for her last girl’s night/birthday celebration— the first of two signature drinks. It’s a tequila-based highball, sweet with a touch of spice (like someone I know…). Strawberry is the flavor that brings it all together as there are notes in the Aperol, Lillet, and of course, the shrub. Add in some vanilla/agave and bittersweet tonic to top it off… it’s a tasty number.
Seasonal Envy
Oh September… that pesky time of the year in Texas where my mind wants it to be Fall but it’s still hot and not quite Fall. Here’s one that keeps me eagerly waiting those cooler temps.
Cherry Cheers
I am excited to post this mocktail as part of a broader effort by a group of fellow drinkstagrammers today— we are led by my friend @shelby.mastro , who has very openly shared her experiences with alcoholism. I truly appreciate her honesty and candor, and she is graciously supporting a worthy charity, Shatterproof, that helps address addiction in various ways. Thank you Shelby.
Stoplight
Yes, this is one of those Instagram Drinks that is unnecessarily complicated in order to get visual appeal (stay tuned for @bestcocktails League Finals tomorrow!). Sorry not sorry. With that being said, this drink is actually really tasty and refreshing and even after stirring it up there is still a bit of a gradient (as opposed to a murky brownish color, which often happens after disrupting layered drinks).
‘75 Southsidecar
I’m actually curious what this car would look like, if it were real. I’m thinking… generic muscle car? Classic towncar that’s realistically too big to parallel park? Use your imagination. It’s actually the name of my submission to this month’s awesome @homebarawards challenge: cocktail mashups.
Herbazerac
Though I admit the anise flavor profile has not always been my favorite, I’m coming around to it. If you feel the same way, the Sazerac is a great classic cocktail to give you just a hint of the flavor, especially if you like the boozy/Old Fashioned style of drink. I’ve learned that I much prefer anise if it’s in an herbal context— so this riff tries to take the classic Sazerac and make it more herbal.