By Phillip D. Johnson
As we enter the last days of 2013, we all have something to celebrate. If you have had a very good year (especially on the financial front), more power to you. If your year has been less than perfect, then you really need a good party and high hopes for 2014. If, like Queen Elizabeth II in 1992, you have had an annus horribilis, a terrible year; then you really need to have a party to celebrate the hopefully brighter future. The cocktail drink and winter season recipes below came courtesy from many sources but they all have one thing in common: You are likely to fall in love with them and add them your party drink arsenal. Whether it’s a party of one, a family gathering, cocktails with friends or a year-end celebration in a professional setting, there’s something here for everyone. Salud.
The book, Aphrodisiacs, with a Twist! by Mark Sexauer, is designed for both home and professional bartenders, foodies, cocktail enthusiasts, couples, entertainers and theme parties. Fruits, vegetables, spices and herbs that are historical aphrodisiacs are used in making nearly 100 original “craft” style cocktail recipes that are creatively approachable to home bartenders while keeping the attention of the professionals. Recipes by Mark Sexauer
Rompope (i.e. Mexican Eggnog)
“There are hundreds, if not thousands of recipes and variations for Rompope in books and on the internet. In Mexico you will see flavored versions usually with almonds, cinnamon or strawberries. I’m not a big fan of most variations of Rompope because I love the basic recipe at its foundation so much. The recipe is simple (if you don’t count the hard shaking involved) and offers a familiar flavor profile to eggnog that people will instantly be thinking of as they close their eyes and savor the taste.” – Mark Sexauer
- 1 1/2 ounces brandy
- 3/4 ounces agave syrup
- 1/4 ounces smoky mezcal (optional, but super worth it)
- 1 whole egg
- 3 ounces whole milk
- dash pure vanilla extract
- dash almond extract
- pinch of powdered cinnamon
- top angostura bitters swirl, as garnish
PREP: Combine all ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice and shake very VERY hard to emulsify the egg. Strain into a glass of your choice (double old fashioned and small wine glasses work well) and top with angostura bitters using a straw to swirl a design.
Preparation Notes: If you are making this drink as a single recipe, which is how it reads (although easily multiplied) there is a bit of showmanship here with the use of the whole egg. There are still a large number of people who are not familiar (grossed out) with the use of whole eggs in drinks yet are eager to eat raw cookie dough? Trust me, not only are you 100% safe but it will open you up to many more amazing whole egg and egg white cocktails.
Mulled Wine (i.e. Spiced Wine)
“Few things get people in a positive mood for the long cold winter months like mulled wine. Most commonly called spiced wine here in the United States or sometimes glühwein in German speaking countries it is a great addition to any winter menu or holiday party.”
“Mulled wine in its many forms through time was created, like vermouth, because wine went bad much faster before refrigeration and vacuum sealed wine corks. Adding spices and herbs to wine was common even well into the 20th century. There are countless recipes available and even pre-packaged “mulling spices” you can buy at most grocery stores. Of course there is no way around it but the best spiced wines are made from scratch.”
I have used the recipe below for many years with people begging for the recipe after parties. I like to use brown sugar in place of cane sugar; I feel a hint of molasses makes this recipe even more iconic for the holidays. I also use a Syrah (Shiraz) for my base wine because even though it is a dry wine, as most reds are, Syrah’s are medium in tannins, medium in acidity, have rich full aromas of dark plums and ripe fruit all of which are perfect for mulled wine.
The use of whole milk instead of cream lightens the drink without comprising the idea or general flavor. In fact, I am happy to drink a number of these in one sitting as they are much lighter then they read on paper. The mezcal is optional but gives this drink more depth. – Mark Sexaeur
Mulled Wine
- 1 bottle syrah (I used a big syrah with notes of plums)
- 1 cup brown sugar (how come you taste so good….)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- Zest and juice of one orange
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 4 whole cloves
- 8 whole peppercorns
- 8 whole allspice
- 3 small cinnamon sticks
- 1 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon honey
PREP: Pour the entire bottle of wine in a large pot with a lid over medium-low heat. Put cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, and allspice into a pan over medium-high heat and roast until a strong aroma is apparent. Some popping is normal but do not burn. After roasting the spices put them into the pot with the wine. Combine the remaining ingredients and turn heat to low and simmer covered for one hour. Remove from heat and let cool for 10-20 minutes to finish infusing spices into wine. Strain and pour wine into a sealable container. It is much better if you refrigerate overnight if you have the time to let the flavors infuse completely but either way make sure to serve warm, it’s not so good cold?
Preparation Notes: Do not boil the wine, it will tasted oxidized! Taste often, especially if you are deviating from the recipe. The longer the spices sit, the stronger they will infuse into your wine which can be good or bad depending on the spice and be especially careful with cloves as they are very potent.
When serving, I find that using a soup warmer, crock pot or even a cleaned out coffee pot works well to keep the wine warm throughout the night.
Variation: Mexican Spiced Wine: You can spin the base recipe above, like any recipe, a number of ways. One fun way is make a Mexican Spiced Wine substituting some of the ingredients with others for a different flavor profile. For example I used tequila instead of brandy as the fortifier. Agave instead of brown sugar, mostly, and adding spices like cumin. The flavor profile is not extremely different then the above recipe but it shows that if you get creative you can come up with your own unique spiced wine to fit any purpose, theme or meal.
Mexican Spiced Wine
- 1 bottle malbec (a big one with spiciness)
- ½ cup amber agave syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup reposado tequila
- Zest and juice of one orange
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- Zest and juice of two medium limes
- 4 whole cloves
- 8 whole peppercorns
- 8 whole allspice
- ¼ teaspoon whole cumin
- 2 small cinnamon sticks
- 1 Tablespoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon almond extract
Follow the same preparation as the mulled wine recipe.
If you haven’t heard the buzz, premium spirits and wine company Pernod Ricard recently launched a new,
experimental brand of vodka called, ODDKA by Wyborowa. ODDKA Vodka has six distinct flavors (Apple Pie, Electricity, Fresh Cut Grass, Salty Caramel Popcorn, Wasabi and Original) that will be sure to excite, delight, and spark an ODD conversation. ODDKA Vodka has created these recipes with the unique and “odd” individual in mind. With flavors like these, your cocktail bar is sure to spark a fun festive conversation.
Last & First
Last & First
- 50 ml / 2 Oz ODDKA Apple Pie
- 30 ml /1 Oz Fresh lemon juice
- 20 ml / 3/4 Oz Simple Syrup
- 40 ml / 1 1/2 Oz Fresh pineapple juice
- 3 Raspberries
- 3 Blackberries
PREP: Pour all ingredients and ice into a shaker. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a fresh berry. Continue reading
Fashion + Lifestyle 