Burning leaves and crisp fall air come to mind sipping this bourbon apple ginger martini. The smokey Bourbon delivers subtle hints of caramel and vanilla, and the earthy spice of ginger compliments the apple flavor. Reminiscent of a boozy slice of apple pie, this martini could become one of my favorite autumn cocktails.

I guess it was a little over a week ago I was completing some fall chores in my garden, putting things to bed and harvesting everything I could before a forecasted freeze. I found myself with an abundance of herbs, luckily I caught the eye of a neighbor and offered her some of the harvest. As I was handing her a bouquet of assorted herbage she asked if I liked bourbon, to which I replied of course. About 10 minutes later I heard a knock on the door, and there was my friend holding a small jar of what she explained was ginger syrup and a recipe card for a drink. A day later after a trip to the liquor store and with a bottle of bourbon in hand, I tested the recipe and found it to be incredibly delicious. I think this just might be the perfect cocktail to offer Thanksgiving guests this year.

Bourbon vs Whiskey

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Both bourbon and whiskey are brown liquids and look about the same. And to add to the possible confusion, if you just refer to bourbon as whiskey, you wouldn’t be wrong. Bourbon is a type of whiskey, much the way that Champagne is a type of wine. So all bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon.

What makes Bourbon bourbon

What makes bourbon distinct from other whiskeys is the way it is manufactured and aged. All whiskey is spirit made from fermented grain and then aged in barrels. But the kind of grain and the kind of barrels determines the variety of whiskey. In order to be classified as bourbon, a whiskey needs to be distilled from a mixture of grains or mash that is at least 51 percent corn which gives bourbon its distinctive sweet flavor.

Aged in New Charred Oak Barrels

Bourbon also must be aged in new charred oak barrels, and cannot include any additives or colorings. Other whiskeys can be aged in barrels that have been previously used for other spirits.  Port, sherry, and rum casks are used in the aging process for non-bourbon whiskeys. To be designated “straight bourbon whiskey,” bourbon must be aged in new charred oak barrels for a minimum of two years. When bourbon is barreled it also has to hit a certain proof or alcohol content. The mash must be distilled at 160 proof or less, and aged in barrels until it is no more than 125 proof or less. Before bottling the bourbon is filtered and diluted to no less than 80 proof.

Preparing the ingredients

I decided to purchase a bourbon crafted by the Breckenridge Distillery. I had the good fortune of living near Breckenridge for about 20 years, and remember when they first opened their brew pub in 1990. At that time brewing beer on site to serve was a new concept. I have always had a fond memory of the place so decided to try their distilled product. This bourbon has pronounced aromas of butterscotch, candied orange and apple with subtle notes of vanilla and white pepper making it perfect for this bourbon apple ginger martini.

There really is no special magic to making this cocktail but there are a couple of ingredients that need to be prepared before you can begin mixing.

Ginger Syrup

Ginger syrup is simply grated fresh ginger steeped in simple syrup. Shred a thumb sized piece of ginger on a box grater or enough to equal about 2 – 3 tablespoons, there is no need to peel the ginger. In a small sauce pan over medium high combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white sugar, and the grated ginger. Heat until the syrup comes to a full boil stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature before straining into a jar with a tight fitting lid.  This makes enough syrup for about 8 drinks. The syrup will hold in the fridge for several weeks.

Apple Balls

A Jazz  or honey crisp apple work well for making the balls. Peeling the apple or not is completely up to you. I like leaving the skin on as it adds a touch of color and visually reinforces that the drink is an apple flavor. Cut as many balls as you like placing them in a small jar with a tight fitting lid. Fill the jar with lemon or apple juice to keep them from turning. My neighbor like to hold hers in bourbon for an added pow. The apple balls will last three to four days in the fridge before turning soft.

Shake it up

Fill your bar shaker with ice and measure the ingredients using a shot glass or bar jigger. It is important to measure to get the correct balance of flavors. As a person who tended bar for quite a few years I resist the temptation to free pour. Eye balling is tempting but to get the right flavor combinations just measure. Once everything is in the canister, shake vigorously until the shaker is too cold to hold. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with apple balls and a twist of lemon. Alternatively this bourbon apple ginger martini can also be served on the rocks for an equally refreshing drink.

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Bourbon Apple Ginger Martini

Course Cocktails

Cuisine American

Keyword Bourbon apple ginger martini, Bourbon drinks, Cocktails, Martini

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Ginger Syrup 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Christoph

Equipment

• Box grater
• Melon Baller
• Shot glass
• Bar Shaker & Strainer
• Martini Glass

Ingredients

Bourbon Apple Ginger Martini

• 2 ounces Bourbon
• 1 ounce Unfiltered apple juice
• 1 ounce Ginger Syrup*
• 1 ounce Fresh lemon juice
• Apple Balls and Lemon twist garnish

Ginger Syrup*

• 1 cup Water
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2 - 3 tbsp Ginger root, grated or finely diced

Instructions

Bourbon Apple Ginger Martini

• Fill bar shaker with ice
• Add bourbon, apple juice, ginger syrup, and lemon juice
• Vigorously shake
• Strain into chilled martini glass, garnish with apple balls and lemon twist
• Serve and enjoy!

Ginger Syrup

• Combine water and sugar in a small sauce pan over medium heat
• Add ginger and bring to a slow boil stirring often
• Boil for 2 to 3 minutes
• remove from heat and allow to cool
• Strain cooled syrup into a jar with a tight fitting lid
• Ginger syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Apple Balls

• Using a melon baller cut as many balls as desired from a large apple. Apple can be peeled if you prefer.
• Place the balls in small jar with a tight fitting lid and top with apple juice, lemon juice or bourbon to prevent browning. Apple balls will keep for several days in the fridge.

Notes

• Cocktail can also be served on the rocks if you prefer.
• Candied ginger would also be a tasty garnish
• Try using our Apple Syrup  in place of the ginger syrup for an "over the top" apple cocktail

And  please  remember  to  drink  responsibly.

Fresh blackberries and a sprig of thyme bring an interesting combination of flavors to this sparkling holiday cocktail.  Mixed with your choice of Prosecco or Champagne this refreshing festive drink is the perfect way to toast any special occasion.  Use sparkling water for an non-alcohol version of this delicious drink so everyone can join in the celebration.

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Blackberry Bellini

Blackberries and fresh thyme add an interesting sparkle to this festive holiday drink.

Course Cocktails

Cuisine French

Keyword Champagne cocktail, Cocktails

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Author Christoph

Ingredients

Bellini

• 4 ounces Prosecco or Champagne
• 1 ounce Chambord
• ½ ounce blackberry syrup
• blackberry and spring of fresh thyme for garnish

Blackberry syrup

• ½ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 6 ounce package fresh blackberries

Instructions

Bellini

• Pour blackberry syrup into the bottom of a champagne flute.
• Add Chambord and blackberry
• Fill glass with prosecco or champagne and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

Blackberry Syrup

• Bring sugar, water, and berries to a boil in a small sauce pan over medium high heat, stirring often.
• Using the back of a spoon smash the berries and simmer on low for about 20 minutes.
• Strain syrup with a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds and chill.

Notes

Either Prosecco or Champagne are great for this cocktail.  Prosecco tends to be a bit sweeter.

 

For any recipe like this that calls for a small amount of a liquor we don't normally keep around I purchase a mini bottle for just a few dollars.  The perfect solution!  

For the perfect dessert paring try our Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Smooth and creamy, the Brandy Alexander is a delicious way to end the week. White and innocent in appearance, this “milkshake” is full of dark chocolate flavor with the benefit of a brandy kick. As an after dinner drink, or with dessert, the Alexander will soothe away any concerns that might be lingering and relax you into the weekend ahead.

The Brandy Alexander has been around for a long time and is believed to have been invented in the early 1920’s during prohibition. Bootleg liquor was not always known to be tasty, so drinks using creams and sweeteners became very popular.  As with any cocktail that dates back aways, there of course are differing stories as to the actual origin of the drink. One account is that the drink was created in London to celebrate the wedding of Princess Mary to Lord Lascelles. The story I prefer is that the drink originated in a premier New York City speakeasy and lobster palace, when a bartender by the name of Troy Alexander concocted his creation in order to be able to serve a white drink at a dinner celebrating Phoebe Snow. I know you are thinking this can not be correct, however we are not talking about the “Poetry Man” Phoebe, rather a fictitious character created for marketing campaigns by the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. The company was promoting its use of anthracite, a clean burning coal to power its locomotives, and showed Miss Snow not afraid to travel in a snow-white dress and gloves. Interesting to me that the propaganda for clean coal is nothing new.

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Brandy Alexander

White and innocent in appearance, this “milkshake” is full of dark chocolate flavor with the benefit of a brandy kick.

Course Cocktails

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz brandy or cognac
• 1 ½ oz dark crème de cacao
• 1 ½ oz half-n-half

Instructions

• Measure all ingredients into a shaker filled half full of ice.
• Shake hard, and strain into a chilled martini glass.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh ground nutmeg.

Notes

This drink is also sometimes blended with crushed ice and served frozen.

I wish everyone a great weekend no matter what you do.

Life is short, so try to make some time to relax.

I must confess, the warm sunny spring weather we are having lately is making me a bit thirsty. As I sat outside on the porch a couple of days ago enjoying the sun on my pale winter face, the thought of a margarita crept into my head. Then yesterday at the store, I saw a mountain of beautiful Ruby Red grapefruits, and suddenly I had a plan, Grapefruit Margarita’s. Well the plan worked brilliantly. The tart yet sweet flavor of the grapefruit works perfectly with the lime to make an amazingly fresh, well-rounded drink. I can’t wait to stir up a pitcher of these for some friends, maybe it is time to plan a backyard barbecue. In the mean time, I probably better test a few more myself, just to make sure.

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Grapefruit Margarita

A citrus version of the classic margarita.

Course Cocktails

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Jose Cuervo Silver Tequila
• ½ ounce Cointreau
• 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice

Instructions

• Salt the rim of a martini glass.
• Add all ingredients into a shaker half full of ice.
• Shake well and strain into glass.
• Garnish with fresh grapefruit and lime.

I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday weekend.

Life is short, make some time to relax and enjoy!

Few things seem to shout spring has arrived to me like fresh herbs, and what better way to savor the flavor of the season than with a Lemon Basil Martini.  Light and refreshing, this cocktail is a great way to leave the week behind and usher in the weekend. Who knows, it might even inspire you to plant a herb garden in your yard this year.

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Lemon Basil Martini

Light martini with the fresh garden flavor of basil

Course Cocktails

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 3-4 large basil leaves coarsely chopped
• 2-3 slices of lemon
• 1/2 oz. of simple syrup
• 3.5 oz. citron vodka
• Splash of orange flavored liquor
• Splash of Orange Juice

Instructions

• In a cocktail shaker, muddle chopped basil leaves with 2-3 slices of lemon.
• Add 1/2 oz. of simple syrup, vodka, and crushed ice.
• Shake vigorously.
• Strain mixture into a martini glass and serve.

I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Well here we are, the Friday before one of the most famous party holidays of the year. You might be surprised to know that while St. Patrick’s day is often thought to be one of the biggest drinking days of the year, it actually appears down the list a ways, with Thanksgiving eve ranking #1 among the hoisting holidays.

Because St Patrick’s day falls on a Sunday this year, you can expect that happy hour today will most likely kick off a three-day brawl for many. Bars and pubs will be shoulder to shoulder full of patrons dressed in green, speaking in tongues, and probably spilling about half as much of some green drink as they consume.  Sounds like a party I hate to miss, but since I have a fear of bag pipes…….. I guess I will be content to stay home.  But there is no reason I can not celebrate in my own fashion, with a Dublintini, that way if I get a wee bit flathered or knackered, I won’t have far to be a going.

December 15, 2018 – A little update to our post.  We are very excited to have had our drink included by USA TODAY in their Thanksgiving & CO. America’s Home for the Holidays drink guide.

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Dublintini

An Irish spin on the martini. This one will definitely get you in the mood for the wearin’ of the green.

Course Cocktails

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz Irish Whiskey
• 1 oz sour apple schnapps
• 2 oz white cranberry juice

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a shaker.
• Add ice and shake vigorously until your hands are frozen.
• Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a slice of fresh green apple.

And if you are going out, here are a few toasts that might come in handy:

May your home always be too small to hold your friends.

May you never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten.

May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

Here’s to you and yours and to mine and ours. And if mine and ours ever come across to you and yours, I hope you and yours will do as much for mine and ours as mine and ours would do for you and yours!

Here’s to a long life and a merry one.  A quick death and an easy one.  A pretty girl and an honest one.  A cold beer – and another one!

May misfortune follow you the rest of your life, but never catch up.

May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.

I hope every one enjoys a safe and fun weekend!  Sláinte!

The post TGIF with a Dublintini first appeared on James & Everett.]]> https://jamesandeverett.com/2013/03/15/tgif-with-a-dublintini/feed/ 0 2065 https://jamesandeverett.com/2013/03/01/tgif-with-a-brown-derby/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tgif-with-a-brown-derby https://jamesandeverett.com/2013/03/01/tgif-with-a-brown-derby/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:32:04 +0000 https://jamesandeverett.com/?p=1831 I guess it was a couple of weeks ago while doing a bit of research on the history of the Oscars that I stumbled upon this delight, the Brown Derby, an interesting, slightly sweet bourbon drink with a surprisingly fresh citrus finish. The Brown Derby …

I guess it was a couple of weeks ago while doing a bit of research on the history of the Oscars that I stumbled upon this delight, the Brown Derby, an interesting, slightly sweet bourbon drink with a surprisingly fresh citrus finish.

The Brown Derby became popular in the 1930’s in Hollywood, but not where you might guess.  The cocktail was actually created at a Tinsel Town hangout named the Vendome Club, a rival of the Brown Derby and a popular haunt of Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, as well as many other famous stars.

 

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Brown Derby

Refreshing bourbon martini with a citrus sweet kick

Course Cocktails

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Ingredients

• 2 ounces Bourbon
• 1 1/2 ounces fresh Ruby Red Grapefruit juice
• 3 /4 ounce Honey Syrup

Honey Syrup

• 1 part honey
• 1 part water

Instructions

Honey Syrup

• Simmer together in a sauce pan until almost boiling.
• Allow to cool before using.
• Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Mix

• Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake to mix, strain, and serve up in a chilled cocktail glass.

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Life is short, get out and have some fun!

The post TGIF with a Brown Derby first appeared on James & Everett.]]>

There is something very magical about the idea of a white Christmas, almost every mental image we have of this holiday includes drifts of frosting like snow.  Dreaming that I’ll be home for Christmas by arriving in a one horse open sleigh, traveling through a winter wonderland, only to find chestnut roasting on an open fire, is something that we have harmonized about for years.  And snowmen, sleigh bells  reindeer, and Santa all depend on piles of the white flakes.

This year is seems like a lot of the country may not have snow for Christmas.  I realize there are many parts of the world that never have seen a flake, and they are able to celebrate the holiday just fine. I guess I am just a dreamer when it comes to Christmas.  Well I guess if we are not going to have snow on the ground for the holiday, we can still have a White Christmas in glass.

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White Christmas Cocktail & Southern White Christmas

Creamy, dreamy and white. This holiday drink captures the flavors and feelings of the holidays.

Course Cocktails

Cuisine Holiday

Servings 4

Ingredients

White Christmas Cocktail

• 1 quart egg nog
• 1/2 cup white rum
• 1/2 cup white chocolate liqueur
• 1 cup whipped topping
• Grated white chocolate garnish
• Pumpkin pie spice garnish

Southern White Christmas

• 4 oz Eggnog chilled
• 1/2 oz White Chocolate Liqueur
• 1 oz Southern Comfort
• white chocolate flakes garnish

Instructions

White Christmas Cocktail

• In a large pitcher combine egg nog, rum and white chocolate liqueur.
• When you are ready to serve, whisk the egg nog to make it frothy and pour the mixture into cups. Place a heaping tablespoon of the whipped topping into each cup.
• Garnish each with the grated white chocolate and a sprinkling of pumpkin pie spice.

Southern White Christmas

• Stir together lightly in a martini glass or even a snifter.
• Top with white of dark chocolate flakes.

Notes

White Christmas Cocktail recipe from Sandra Lee

Merry Christmas Everyone!

It was not until I moved to the alpine environment of Dillon, Colorado that I had ever heard of Hot Spiced Wine.  Growing up on the plains in central Nebraska I personally had never been exposed to such a thing.  I am sure it existed (with all the ethnic diversity found in a rural farming community), and very well may have been a part our neighbors’ holiday traditions, however the knowledge of this drink had somehow escaped me.

Within hours on my first shift working at the ski resort, I was bombarded with requests for drinks that sounded very odd to me.  Glue wine?  Mold wine?  Neither sounded very good, and I could not help wondering why people would choose to drink something that contained adhesives and spores.  Of course my naive inquiry’s led to laughter (at my expensive of course), but I was quickly educated on this seemingly strange multi-named beverage, and after sampling it for myself, everything became clear.

Hot Spiced wine, Glühwein, Glögg, Gløgg,  Glögi, Mulled wine, Vin Chaud, Quentão, Svařené,  Vin Brulé,  Glintwein, and Caribou are just a sampling of some of the names this consumable pot of simmer potpourri goes by. The exact origin of the drink is unclear, but appears to date back as far as people have been making wine, and is thought that to have been invented by placing a red-hot fire poker into a glass of wine to kill the bacteria (early fermenting processes left a lot to be desired).  Fruits and herbs were added to enhance the taste. The drink was also considered a digestive, and a way to warm the soul on the long dark winter days.

Not long after making the transition from a flat-lander to a mountain boy, hot spiced wine became part of one of my winter traditions, the making of holiday wreaths.   I discovered that I enjoyed the aromatic and warming effects of a glass of mulled wine after returning from gathering boughs and branches in the forest behind my house.

Few things I have ever experienced are as wonderful to me as spending time in the winter woods.  There is a deafening silence that’s only broken by the crunch of snow under foot, and the sound of your own breath that brings a complete sense of tranquility. I find solitude while at the same time feel somehow embraced by the needled giants that surround me. It is one of my favorite place to be, and maybe that is part of the reason I started making my wreaths, as an excuse to go into the woods.

I was delighted to share this tradition with my good friend and kindred spirit Kathy.  With empty packs on our backs and armed with our clippers and cross-country skis, we would head out of the back of the house across the small meadow into the woods.  Fall scouting missions had mentally marked the spots for the best blue spruce and jack pine boughs, holly and mistletoe, and willow branches.  After carefully trimming each plant so as not to cause harm or visible damage, we would offer thanks to each of them for their contribution, and rush back home to a pan of simmering hot spiced wine.

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Hot Spiced Wine

A warming aromatic and festive drink of red wine and spices.

Course Cocktails

Prep Time 1 hour hour

Servings 24

Ingredients

• 2 bottles Merlot or other fruity red
• 1 bottle Chablis or other sweet white
• 8 ounces cognac or brandy
• 2 cup water
• 1 cup sugar or more to your liking
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 orange sliced
• 1 lemon sliced
• 1 apple sliced
• 1 cup raisin
• 1 cup blanched almonds
• 8 cinnamon sticks
• 1 vanilla pod
• 25 whole cloves
• 20 cardamom seeds
• 4 star anise
• 2 tablespoon whole allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon mace

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a large sauce pan and simmer for at least one hour before serving.
• Ladle into cups and garnish with an orange twist and a cinnamon stick.
• Add water as needed if the wine becomes thick.

Notes

There are as many different recipes for hot spiced wine as there are pots to cook it in. This is simply my version that I have adapted over time that I think you might like. As with many recipes, this is merely a map to get you started, feel free to add, omit, or adjust any of the ingredients to your personal taste.

I like to make a sachet with cheese cloth to hold all of the spices to prevent small pieces in the drinks.

One winter I made a wreath and sent it to my sister which she hung on the front of her house for the holidays. About the end of January she had decided that enough was enough, and as much as she had enjoyed the fresh wreath it was time for it to go. When she went to remove the wreath, she discovered that a house wren had built a nest in the wreath, and to her surprise there was a baby hatch-ling and several eggs, so she snapped a quick picture and left everything untouched. The wren family lived in the wreath until the babies were big enough to fly away. I don’t think I could have ever received a bigger compliment on a wreath than this!

Crisp and sparkling the Noel Spritzer heralds the season in style. Bubbly, fresh, and light, this festive drink is the perfect thing to serve at your holiday mixer.

December 15, 2018 –  A little update to our post, we are very excited to have had our drink included by USA TODAY in their Ultimate Christmas Dinner recipe compilation.

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Noel Spritzer

Crisp and sparkling the Noel Spritzer heralds the season in style. Bubbly, fresh, and light, this festive drink is the perfect thing to serve at your holiday mixer.

Course Cocktails

Cuisine Holiday

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 part chilled chardonnay
• 2 parts chilled cran-apple juice
• 1 part chilled sparkling water
• apple slice and mint sprig for garnish

Instructions

• Mix wine, juice, and water in a pitcher or punch bowl.
• Pour over ice and garnish with apple slice and a sprig of fresh mint.
• Freeze some of the Noel Spritzer in a mold to use for the ice in your punch bowl.

Notes

This recipe can be adjusted for any size group.  Mix individual drinks or make a punch bowl full of the festive beverage.