When I think of an Irish cocktail, the first one that comes to my mind is an Irish Coffee. Usually I am thinking about Irish Coffee around St. Patrick’s Day, but they’re great anytime during the year to warm you up. The keys to a good Irish Coffee are the quality of Irish whiskey (such…
DRINKS
Honey Lux Martini
On St. Patrick’s Day 2014, I stopped by one of my favorite neighborhood restaurants, 33rd Street Bistro in East Sacramento, to pick up their special of the day, Corned Beef Dinner. While I was waiting for my takeout order, I noticed the drink special of the day, a “Honey Lux Martini”. I asked the bartender…
Gin & Tonic
A Gin & Tonic with a lime is such a refreshing drink for summer…well actually it’s good any time of the year. Most diehard gin enthusiasts would say that the brand of gin determines what makes the perfect drink, but I think it is also the tonic water. A while back we got turned on…
Hawaiian Punch Cocktail
Hawaiian Punch Cocktail is an adult version of the kids’ classic Hawaiian Punch we all grew up with. It is remarkable how much this cocktail tastes like the original. If you liked “Hawaiian Punch”, you’re going to love this drink. I first discovered this drink years ago when I tended bar at TGI Friday’s. I…
Ginger Martini
The Ginger Martini……what a great find. This unique drink was on the cocktail menu in the lobby bar at the San Francisco Marriott on Union Square when I stayed there a while back. It was made with a premium gin and ginger liqueur, and it was refreshing and delicious. I watched the bartender make our…
Simple Syrup
Today, with so many cocktails requiring simple syrup, this is a “must have” recipe. This recipe is easy to make, only two ingredients, ultrafine sugar and cold water. There are two methods for making simple syrup. Some people like to use the heat method, heating until the sugar is dissolved into the water. The way…
Dark ‘n’ Stormy
On my first visit to Bermuda, I was introduced to the national drink, the “Dark ‘n’ Stormy”. I had never heard of it before, even in my bartending days back in Wisconsin. I was kind of intrigued by the name, so when my friend ordered it at our first cocktail stop on the island, I…
Classic Martini
The perfect martini…what is the answer? I would say that would be a matter of personal preference. It all depends on the ratio of gin to vermouth. It can be 1 to 1, all the way up to 100 to 1, depending on how dry you like it. I use a 3 to 1 ratio…
