Beet Negroni

If imitation weren't the best form of flattery well this blog wouldn't even exist. Way back in December we were introduced to a beet Negroni in Parm in New York and we couldn't wait to try it out ourselves at home. Finally got our act together in February (we move slowly round these parts) and it was worth the wait. We infused thinly sliced raw peeled beets in gin and let it sit for 3 days. We strained the gin and stirred it with equal parts Campari and Sweet Vermouth and lots of ice with a slice of orange. Very satisfying and such beautiful deep rich reds and oranges.  

This has a very earthy flavor so if you like it lighter I'd suggest infusing it for a shorter time - I just couldn't take my eyes off the infuser to strain it sooner.

Calimocho (Kalimotxo)

I was told about this drink by many a Spanish student during my TEFL years and we finally got to taste it (by the pint load!) on a trip to the Basque country many, many years ago. It has been a staple of our summer beverages since - especially good by the pool on hot days or serving during World Cup matches (cheering for or against Spain - both work!).

1 part red table wine
1 part coca cola
Lots of ice

Coca Cola is the recommended cola, Pepsi would be too sweet and the biggest tip here is not to use a good red wine but the plonkiest of plonk you have left sitting on your wine rack.

Birthday Punch

Want a punch that's going to, well, pack a punch? Well, I found one.

I found the recipe in O magazine. I'll be honest I was surprised to see one so boozy which is probably why I tore the page out to bring on vacation and make on my birthday - hence the name change.

1 medium seedless watermelon, halved and diced
1 pint blackberries
1 cup vodka
1 cup St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1/4 cup lime juice
1 750ml bottle of chilled Prosecco

Place the diced watermelon and blackberries on a lined cookie tray and freeze for at least 2 hours. Pour the vodka, liqueur, lime juice into punch bowl* (with ice if you wish), add frozen fruit and finally the prosecco. Keep enough fruit for a second, or even third batch.

*If you're in a vacation rental use what you can.

The Last Word

First time I tasted this was in the PX speakeasy in Alexandria and I knew I needed to have more; which is what I've been doing a little too much of really...

Equal parts gin, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur and fresh lime juice shaken in a shaker with ice. Change the gin for vodka, tequila, or mescal and a whole new drink is poured. Easy peasy lime squeezy.

Be My Yes

My little Be My Yes hashtag in liquid form. The drink is actually a marriage of two recipes for the same drink (Clover Club); they each shared only the gin and the lemon juice as ingredients. Totally not planned out that way but now that I think of it very apt as I am thinking very strongly of my homeland tonight and anxiously awaiting the marriage referendum results.

2 oz gin
.75 oz dry vermouth
.75 lemon juice
White of one egg (used one for 2 drinks)
1 tsp raspberry jam (more if you like it sweeter)
Fresh raspberry for garnish

Mix all ingredients together with ice, shake well to make sure the jam has dissolved. Strain into chilled cocktail glasses.

Serve with a decent dose of optimism for a bright future for all.

House of Friends

House of Restlessness more like. It was a wet day or a snow day or something - definitely a day when we were stuck inside and we needed to release some energy with the kid.

1.5 oz Tequila blanco
1/4 oz Yellow Chartreuse
1/4 oz Cointreau
1oz Agave Nectar
1 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice

Add all ingredients to shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously, and strain into a cocktail glass. Got the recipe here.

El Añejo

Himself came home with a bottle of Bénédictine and started the search for the perfect drink to make with it. We've had some experimentation but this, THIS is the one. Called Nouveau Carré in PDT Cocktail Book we only had Lillet Rose in the house (chilled as always) instead of the Blanc so we felt that justified a name change.

1.5 oz Añejo Tequila
3/4 oz Lillet Rose
1/4 oz Bénédictine
3 dashes Peychaud's Bitters

Stir with ice (no shaking required) and strain into chilled glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Now he'll have to bring home some more Añejo - we're all out.