Cotton Candy

Think of it as the grown-up, luxurious cousin of that fluffy childhood treat you loved, with a side of elegance. Simple, yes, it  only 2 ingredients, besides ice. But like all great drinks, it really is all about quality ingredients and the perfect assembly.

You'll need:

• 2 oz premium vodka - we like Skyy, but use your favorite high quality vodka

• 1 melon ball-sized scoop of raspberry sherbet or sorbet (Choose wisely. The sherbet’s sweet, but if you want a little tang, go sorbet.)

Directions::

1. Ice it up. Add a handful of ice to your shaker
2. Place ingredients in your shaker. Channel your inner mixologist and add the vodka and that scoop of raspberry goodness into the shaker.
3. Shake, shake, shake. Go hard, make it icy, and let those flavors mingle until everything's perfectly blended. — This is where we transform this drink from sweet and sugary to a frosty cloud of perfection. You want that "cotton candy" texture, so don’t skip this part. 
4. Strain and serve. Strain the concoction into a chilled martini glass.

Sip and enjoy. 

Decadence Is What You Make It

Decadent drinks start with premium booze.  That's pretty simple.  But, that isn't the extent of it.  The art of decadent mixology is about creating decadence, or better yet, not even considering anything less than decadence in every drink.  Decadence is what you make it.

Scott and I recently returned from a vacation to Fraser, Colorado.  It was a three week trip all told, but ten glorious days in the Rocky Mountains.  While we did enjoy drinks and meals at a few local establishments, and we did  avail ourselves of the local cuisine (yes, much to my surprise, Rocky Mountains Oysters are real...I always thought it was a joke,) most nights we cooked in and made drinks from our own mobile bar.

Before leaving the Keys, we stocked up on 4 bottles of Ron Zacapa rum, the best rum in the world.  It's not easy to find outside of the Keys, so we weren't taking any chances.  Our mobile bar also included a bottle of El Dorado rum, a bottle of Grey Goose and a large Skyy.  When we got to Fraser, we picked up a bottle of Stoli Blueberry Vodka, a couple nice bottles of red wine and 2 bottles of bubbly.  Found a bottle of Orange Bitters in the spice cabinet of the rental house.
That was pretty much the extent of our bar.

Since we were cooking in about half the time, we had some basic ingredients in the 'fridge.  Juices, limes,celery and other assorted fruits and veggies, olives and hot sauce provided ingredients and garnish.  In addition, the rental house had a very well stocked spice cabinet.  Using these basic ingredients, we managed to create and enjoy quite a few Decadent Drinks.

Here are some of our Rocky Mountain Vacation Decadent Drinks -

Rocky Mountain Martini (Blueberry Martini)

As soon as we got to the mountains, the notion of rocky mountain oysters struck us as funny and the jokes just went on and on.  We found a local restaurant serving them, actually tried them (this story will be told at a later time) and the jokes just didn't stop.  At some point we decided that Rocky Mountain - anything - just meant it was made with balls!  

So, a Rocky Mtn Martini is like a regular martini, but made with balls! ... or blueberries. 

Simply shake Stoli Blueberry vodka on ice, strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with 2 blueberries.


Enjoy!  (Best if served while enjoying a view of the Rocky Mountains.)

Goose Balls

Again, it's all about the joke...  

One thing our mobile bar did not include was vermouth.  So, martini's with Grey Goose, a tiny splash of olive juice, and 2 olives became Goose Balls.

The jokes about "Rocky Mountain" drinks even included the bartender at Smokin' Moe's Tavern in Winter Park, the proud server of the aforementioned "oysters."

Something of a mixologist himself, Austin whipped up his specialty, cherry-limeade, for our enjoyment... which we promptly garnished in the appropriate manner... much hilarity ensued ...

Angry Orange

This is a good example of making any drink a Decadent Drink.

Basically a screwdriver.  But, use good vodka, premium "not from concentrate" OJ, and add half a dozen good shakes of some orange bitters, and it becomes so much more than a boring old screwdriver...it becomes the Angry Orange.

Watermelon Mojito's

Another classic example that decadence is what you make it.

Last day in Colorado, we were trying to eat and drink up the ingredients of our kitchen before packing up to start the road trip home the next day.  With a little premium rum remaining, good fresh watermelon from the local market, limes, and some dried mint found in the spice cabinet, Scott made us a couple batches of Watermelon Mojito's.  Yes, he is tending bar in his Star Trek robe...it was a good vacation!

Hot Tub Bloody Mary's

Normal Bloody Mary's, made with V8 juice and Louisiana Hot Sauce, garnished with olives and celery ... 

Best when enjoyed while soaking in a hot tub looking at the Rocky Mountains.

Elk Shots

 

Then there were Elk Shots.  We found these fabulous shot glasses that just scream "Rock Mountains!" 

So, shots of "Somethin' in the somthin'" were mixed: some rum, OJ, POM, lime and orange bitters. 

Pour into Elk shot glasses and ... antlers up!  

Antlers down...

Last Day Happy Hour Sangria

It's the last day of vacation, and there is still half a bottle of red wine.  Instead of pouring it out, why not make a Last Day Happy Hour Sangria?

Use the remaining half bottle of red wine, add a good big shot of the last of the blueberry vodka, mix in some orange and pomegranate juices, muddle in a handful of blueberries, squeeze in some lime wedges and add ice.  Serve in a glass made for 2, add 2 straws, cheers!

John Denver Iced Tea

Iced Tea and Vodka with a lime wedge.  Simple as that.  But, brewed, mixed and enjoyed  Rocky Mountain High.

We would love to hear about some of your own Decadent Drink ideas and creations.  

Who Pooped In The Pool?

Yeah, you read that right.  "Who pooped in the pool" is the newest decadent drink for island imbibement.

Inspired by a recent problem...an iguana has decided that the branch directly above our pool is his toilet seat.  Therefore, you guessed, that makes the pool the toilet bowl.  Pretty disgusting.  Had to drain the pool when we realized what was happening.  Now we have to keep it covered to protect it from iguana guano.

True story.

So anyway, Scott came up with this drink idea to serve as the cocktail for a recent Game Night.

It was a big hit!


Who Pooped In The Pool
Equal Parts:
Vodka
HPNOTIQ Liqueur
White Cranberry Juice (Mango Peach, White Grape or any mostly clear juice, but White Cran is best)

Shake over ice or stir in pitcher.  Strain and pour into cocktail glass. Squeeze a lemon wedge, but discard.
Add a Tootsie Roll Midgee.
Enjoy!

(TIP: Don't let it sit too long.  Once the tootsie roll starts to melt it kinda looks like sewage.)

Hey, careful man, there's a beverage here...holiday style.

The Dude himself would love this festive twist on his beloved beverage, the White Russian. 


This "Caucasian" is simply the classic recipe, but instead of milk or cream, substitute eggnog.


Holiday Russian

1 oz Grey Goose Vodka
1 oz Kahlua Especial
2 oz Eggnog
Nutmeg

In a highball glass, or your favorite holiday glass, pour liquors.  Add ice and eggnog.  Stir.  Sprinkle with nutmeg.  Enjoy.

Sunday Bloody Sunday

Happy New Year!  We hope everyone had a safe and happy celebration last night and wish you all peace and prosperity in the New Year. 

 

So, it’s a little after noon, Sunday morning, New Year’s Day.  Considering the Feder’s party last night and today’s cocktail, Scott says we have been tipsy more than half of the year so far. 

We enjoyed a lot of  festive bubbly last night, said goodbye to 2011 and rang in 2012 with family and dear friends.  Today is football, Hoppin’ John, collard greens and, of course, Bloody Mary’s are the drink du jour. 

Sunday Morning Bloody Mary's

In preparation, set the following items out on your counter:

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

Ice

Skyy Vodka

Worcestershire Sauce

Tabasco or Louisiana Hot Sauce

Horse Radish (optional)

A-1 Steak Sauce

Lime Wedges

Olives

Black Pepper

Bloody Mary Mix (Scott is partial to Major Peter’s.  Don’t bother with a spicy mix, you can add your own spices to taste.)

Large Mixing Glass

Tall Serving Glass (Beer Glass or Hurricane Glass are perfect)

Celery Stalks

Cocktail Shrimp (optional)

Rim serving glass with seasoned salt.  Fill glass with ice. 

Add 1 jigger of vodka. 

Using drops to suit taste, add Worcestershire, Hot Sauce, and Horse Radish.  Pour a small amount of A-1 into it’s own cap, then from cap, pour 1 drop into the glass (a little goes a LONG way.)  Squeeze lime, add olive and a dash of black pepper.  Fill nearly to brim with bloody mix, leaving about a ½ inch for the celery garnish.  Pour liquid back and forth from serving glass to mixing glass several times until well mixed.  Add celery stalk and a straw if desired. 

For a really nice touch, and to add some substance, you can garnish with a cocktail shrimp as well.

Well, Scott has just mixed up another round, so it's time to go watch some football and get ready for some black eyed peas. 

Happy New Year!  Cheers!

Grapefruit Juicy-Fruit

Scott came up with this drink years ago.  It is a twist on a Greyhound.  The nutty, sweet flavor of Amaretto combined with the tartness of grapefruit juice is a magical mixture.  It is amazingly refreshing and the perfect accompaniment to a day at the beach.

The first time we went to Haulover Beach in Miami, we drove down from Chattanooga and stayed at a little hotel on the beach.  We had planned to drink Grapefruit Juicy-Fruits on the beach.  We even brought our electric juicer and fresh grapefruits.  We started the day off by squeezing up some juice, making a batch of drinks and heading down to the beach.  There were multiple trips back to the hotel for more squeezing and drink making.  When we ran out of fresh fruit, we bought canned juice from the hotel.  We got trashed.  If you are not familiar with Haulover Beach, it is a nude beach.  The next morning we had aching heads and burnt buns, but what a fun day.

Grapefruit Juicy-Fruit

1 Jigger Skyy Vodka

1 Short Shot Amaretto

Fresh squeezed pink grapefruit juice

Fill highball glass with ice.  Pour in liquors and fill with grapefruit juice.  Stir well. 
Best when enjoyed on a beach.

The name is, of course, from the Jimmy Buffett song.  We take a little license with the lyrics...

"Grapefruit,

No bathing suit,

Chew a little juicy-fruit

Wash away the night

Yeah, you chew a little juicy-fruit

It's good for your soul"

Tee More Marthrinis

While we are still on the subject of martinis, I will admit that the classic and the pama are the faves, but we do like to mix it up a bit from time to time.  Here are tee more marthrini, I mean, three more martini recipes that we think you might enjoy.

#1

The Lemon Drop Martini is basically a lemon drop that is too good to shoot.  You’ll want to sip and enjoy!  Using the Limoncello liqueur, you don’t need to add extra sugar because the sugar is already in the liquor.  And remember, it is a martini, not a fru-fru girly drink so you don’t want it too sweet (not that there is anything wrong with fru-fru girly drinks.)

Lemon Drop Martini

2 shots Vodka

1 shot Limoncello

2 Lemon slices

Prepare glasses in advance by chilling and then dipping the edges in lemon juice then in granulated sugar. 

Pour vodka and Limoncello into shaker, squeeze one of the lemon slices, and add ice.  Shake well.  Serve in chilled, sugar rimmed glasses with a lemon slice for garnish.

“What a twist!”

(A nice twist on this one is to combine it with the PamaTini to make the PamaLemaTini.  Simply split the amount of Limoncello with equal parts Pama pomegranate liqueur.  We found a fun pre-made pomegranate sugar glass rimmer made by a company called Stirrings that is pretty good with the PamaLemaTini.)

#2

Another one we like is the Pear Martini.  We found Absolut Pears, and thought it sounded delicious, and so Scott had the idea for pear martinis.  We made them for a couple of happy hours and they were a big hit.  

Suzi also made them as a DIVA drink one year and they weren’t quite as big a hit.  But they sure were pretty…

Pear Martini

3 shots Absolut Pears Vodka

1 shot Goya Pear Nectar

Asian pear slice

Pour into shaker, add ice and shake vigorously.  Serve straight up in a chilled glass and garnish with an Asian pear slice.

#3

Ok, so we really got into martinis for a while there.  One night we were talking about the classic olive martini and started discussing things other than olives that would be good in a martini.  Of course there is the obvious cocktail onion, some folks like a jalapeno or chili for a little spice.  But then Scott came up with dill pickle, and Dill Pickle Martinis were born.  
This drink goes great with a club sandwich and a bag of chips. 

Dill Pickle Martini

3 shots Vodka

Threaten with Dry Vermouth

Threaten with pickle juice

Pickle slice for garnish

Pour into shaker with ice, shake vigorously, serve up in chilled glasses.  Garnish with pickle slice.

This is simply the Classic Olive Martini made dirty, but instead of an olive and olive juice, use a slice of dill pickle and pickle juice.  

Shaken Not Stirred

Martinis are a favorite around here.  PamaTinis, featured in the previous post, are standard happy hour fare, running neck and neck with the classic olive martini.  There is, without a doubt, an art to making a really great martini.  Most bars use too much vermouth or none at all.  The trick to the perfect martini is just the right amount of vermouth, vigorous shaking and good quality olives.  You want fresh vermouth too.  A bottle sits a long time on most bars and it will go stale.  Replace it ever so often even if it’s not empty.  For a while there, we were having a terrible time finding good olives.  They were hard, thick skinned, or bitter.  One drawback of living on an island is that we sometimes have limited supplies available to us.  We have settled on Iberia Spanish Olives, the small, pimento stuffed variety.  Scott is a purist and likes the solitary olive floating in the drink.  Suzi wants at least 3 olives, preferably speared on a toothpick, and if they happen to be stuffed with bleu cheese, that is even better. 

Classic Olive Martini

3 shots Vodka

Dry Vermouth … measurements can get tricky as this is really a taste thing.  You can experiment, but Scott says he gives it somewhere between “Threaten” and a “Splash.”  (Approximately ½ teaspoon at most for a 3 oz martini would be a good guideline.) 

Pour liquids into shaker, add ice and shake vigorously.  (The shaking is key here.  It is important to “bruise” the liquor, basically meaning, it becomes well aerated.)  Serve in chilled up glasses with olive(s) for garnish.

Remember, we use soup bowl glasses.  If your up glasses are smaller, you might need to cut back on the measurements or use a sidecar for the extra.

To make a dirty martini, instead of putting olive juice in the drink itself, try putting a juicy olive in the shaker along with the ice and other ingredients.

PamaTini

We were first introduced to pomegranate martinis in Chattanooga.  The girls took Suzi to lunch at a place downtown called Food Works once when she was visiting and they ordered pomegranate martinis.  If you know Suzi, you know that getting a buzz at lunch is one of her favorite things (she says, “It’s just so festive.”) 

A few months later, back in Chattanooga with Scott for her big 40^th celebration, she made the now legen- (wait for it) -dary plan of bar hopping downtown and drinking all day…the day before the BIG party.  It was a fabulous day of pomegranate martinis at nearly every bar in downtown Chattanooga.  With the benefit of hindsight, probably not such a hot idea, but a fabulous day nonetheless.

And so, pomegranate martinis became a favorite.  However, while we have tasted some very good ones in some nice bars, none of them quite lived up to expectations.  If you look up recipes, many of them call for ingredients like grapefruit juice.  It makes for a tasty drink, but just not pomegranatey enough to suit us.  Scott stepped up to the challenge and came up with the ultimate, juiciest pamatini using good pomegranate juice, and it has become a staple around our bar.  We have even squeezed and strained fresh pomegranate juice, and it was wonderful but a lot of work. 

They have been called dangerous, they’ve been called truth serum…they go down like kool-aid and they are delicious.

PamaTini

2 parts Skyy Vodka

1 part PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur

1 part POM Wonderful pomegranate juice (any quality 100% pom juice will work)

Pour all ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake well and serve straight up in chilled glasses.  A pitted black cherry makes a very nice garnish.

PamaTini’s were the featured drink in the Electric Swinging Pussycat Lounge at Gary’s 60’s Flashback Party, served by Austin Powers himself. 

"Cheers Baby, Yeah!"

Yucca

We were first introduced to this drink at Timberline Resort in Crossville TN, the first nudist resort we ever visited.  It is a particularly memorable experience to have shaken the Yucca jar with a group of naked people… centrifugal force and all…

This was also another DIVA drink.  Suzi tried to get the girls kicked out of their condo complex the first year by making this her happy hour drink. 

Complaints to management included, “They are gyrating their hips” and “They have a watermelon.”  To this day, we aren’t sure why anyone was so offended by gyrating hips or by a watermelon. 

If they had known that the towel wrapped package being shaken by a bunch of drunk gyrating women was actually a glass jar not a watermelon at all, they really would have had something to complain about!



The next time you have a group of scantily clad (or less) people and want a group activity drink, get out your suntea jar, squeeze some lemons, get shaking and have some fun in the sun!