"cocktail recipes" news and stories

When life hands me lemons, I make freshly-squeezed lemonade. When life hands me a grapefruit, I make a Hemingway Daiquiri. When life hands me a grapefruit, limes, Maraschino liqueur, a couple of bottles of Cuban rum (they were a gift -- I swear!) and a few sugar canes all at the same time -- well, I kinda have to take that as a mixological edict straight from Papa.

Whether or not one's a fan of Ernest Hemingway's barrel-chested prose, it's still entirely possible to appreciate his contributions to the cocktail lexicon. As an ex-pat in Havana, Hemingway spent much of his time bellied up to the El Floridita Bar, reportedly gulping down six of these babies if just out to be social, and a dozen doubles (bump up the rum portion, and you've got yourself a Papa Doble) if drunkenness were the mission's objective.

More, plus two recipes after the jump.

As pumpkin season lands upon us with a slightly squishy thud, allow me to share this recipe for pumpkin cocktails. These are always a huge hit at Thanksgiving, but also enjoyably appropriate for Halloween. Be aware that you need to prepare in advance to give the vodka time to infuse....

Stylelist assistant editor / former CBGB bartender Phebe Hunnicutt stepped away from the shoe closet for a sec to share her recipe for a crowd-pleasing Bloody Mary. Post your favorite variations in the comments below.

With the possible exception of the Martini, there is no cocktail more personal than the Bloody Mary. Love it or loathe it, everyone seems to have an opinion about this tomato-based drink. After years of bartending and bringing along my personal variation to countless friendly gatherings, I have come up with what I can confidently call a crowd-pleasing mix. If you're already a Bloody Mary-lover there's no doubt you'll have your own personal tweaks, but if you're new to the mixology of the Mary, this recipe is guaranteed to provide you with a yummy starting point.

Recipe after the jump.

Yesterday I reviewed Vya Vermouth and so today I would like to give you some aperitif cocktail recipes to try out.


Extra Dry Vya
2 ounces Vya Extra Dry
Pour over ice.
Add a twist of lemon or orange.

More recipes after the jump.

Three simple coffee based cocktails - a great end to a meal

Cafè Amaretto

• 1 shot Amaretto Liqueur
• 1 shot coffee liqueur
• top up with filter coffee

Place liqueurs in a glass and top up with coffee. Float lightly whipped cream on top.

Cafè Gates

• 1 shot Grand Marnier
• 1 shot Coffee Liqueur
• 1 shot dark crème de cacao
• top up with filter coffee

Again mix all in a glass and float lightly whipped cream on the top.

Cafè Toledo

• 1 shot Chocolate syrup
• 1 shot Irish cream liqueur
• 1 shot coffee liqueur
• top up with filter coffee

And agian mix, top with hot coffee and float cream on the top.

[Image is a fridge magnet available from Get Unique for $5.99]