Professor Cocktail

Some Holiday Cocktails to Try

The bars are closed on Christmas, but that doesn't mean a festive cocktail wouldn't hit the spot. You just have to mix it up yourself. Here are some suggestions to get you started.

     

Whiskey Highball

2 oz Bourbon or Rye Whiskey
Lemon-Lime Soda or Ginger Ale
4 Dashes of Aromatic or Angostura Bitters

Build over ice in an old-fashioned or highball glass, depending on how much mixer you want. The bitters give it a nice Christmas-spice taste that I find festive and delicious.

Holiday Hiro Cocktail

One part Hiro Sake Red (Junmai)
One part Spiced Rum
One part Apple Cider
Sprinkle of Cinnamon

Combine equal parts sake, rum and apple cider. Either heat together in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Pour into a mug and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Carte Blanche

1 1/4 oz Crown Royal Maple Whiskey
1/3 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 dash Orange Bitters

Shake with ice, then strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Cozy Christmas Cocktail

1 1/2 oz Spiced Rum
3/4 oz Amaretto
1 oz The Perfect Purée Coconut Puree, thawed
4 oz Hot Chocolate

Combine ingredients into a mug. Top with whipped cream, if desired. Serve hot.

Gin Peppermint Fling

2 oz Citadelle Gin
1 oz Heavy Cream
1/2 Egg White
2 oz Peppermint Simple Syrup (see below)

In a shaker, build cocktail in order of ingredients listed. Dry shake (without ice) vigorously until egg white becomes frothy and heavy cream is incorporated. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled, peppermint-rimmed cocktail glass.

Peppermint Simple Syrup

1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 cup Water
10 large Red/White Peppermint Candy Canes

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Dissolve sugar and candies on medium heat, stirring continuously. After sugar and candy has dissolved, heat the syrup to just short of boiling, until it begins to thicken, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow syrup to cool.

Peppermint Garnish

Red/White Peppermint Candy Canes
Peppermint Simple Syrup

Crush candy canes and place on a flat plate. Moisten the edge of the cocktail glass with the peppermint syrup. Dip the edge of the martini glass into the crushed candies and allow rim to dry for one minute.

Lucas Bols Launches 7th Annual Bols Around the World Bartending Championship

Lucas Bols today announces the launch of the seventh annual Bols Around the World competition, the prestigious bartending world championship that seeks to find the world’s most talented and inspiring bartender.

Contenders are invited to compete in three heats over six months for one of 20 spots in the semi-finals which will take place in Amsterdam on May 6, 2013 and  12 spots at the Grand Final, also held in Amsterdam, on May 7, 2013. The contest, which has the widest reach of all major global bartending competitions, went live on  December 1, 2012.

Participating bartenders drawn from 60 countries from all corners of the globe will be asked to create a cocktail recipe using Bols Genever, Bols liqueurs, or both, for a chance to win a trip around the world to four cocktail cities of his or her choice over eight days. The overall winner will also be awarded a Platinum Bols Ambassadorship, including two all-expenses-paid trips to Amsterdam for intensive training.

Twenty finalists will receive a one-year Gold Bols Ambassadorship, including a trip to Amsterdam for intensive Bols Ambassador training and an honorary contract to represent Bols in their own home country across a range of seminars, trade shows and courses. Together with the winner, they will be profiled on the competition’s global website and receive a Bols Around the World National Champion Trophy and a Limited Edition Bols Barrel Aged Genever, signed by Lucas Bols master distiller, Piet Leijenhorst.

To make it to the final, bartenders will be tested on the key attributes of a world-class bartender. In 2012, Gabor Onufer from Hungary was crowned Bols Bartending World Champion from a field of 1,600 bartenders for his The Merchant cocktail and Pass the Dutchie food pairing recipe.

One spot in the finals will be reserved for a member of the Young Talent Program, a unique programme that gives bartenders aged 18-21 (depending on country’s legal drinking age) the chance to compete with the world’s best bartenders. To help them reach this level of expertise, they will receive coaching from the Bols Bartending Academy throughout the competition. Four young talents will then compete in Amsterdam against each other, and only the best will make it through to the Grand Final to compete against the 11 other finalists.

Sandie van Doorne, Lucas Bols creative and communications director comments: “Now in its seventh year and running across 60 countries, Bols Around the World is the widest reaching bartending contest in the world and this year’s Grand Final is set to be more spectacular than ever.”

“The competition celebrates the best in bartending technique and reflects the values taught at the Bols Bartending Academy, from drink knowledge and mixology to hospitality, speed and efficiency. Contestants receive training from the Bols Bartending Academy throughout the competition to foster the innovation and excellence that Lucas Bols stands for.”

Christmas Party Cocktail Recipes

Here are the recipes for the specialty cocktails we served at our Christmas party. They all seemed popular with our guests.

Poinsettia Punch
Adapted from a recipe by Frank Cisneros, Gin Palace in NYC

1 1/2 oz Gin
3/4 oz Lemon Juice
1/2 oz Cinnamon Syrup
1/2 oz Grenadine
1 tsp. St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters

Shake with ice, then strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

Spiced Pear Margarita
Adapted from a recipe by Piero Rodriguez, Zengo in Washington, DC

3/4 oz Reposado Tequila
3/4 oz Pear Liqueur
1 1/2 Spiced Pear Puree
1/2 oz Lime Juice
1/2 oz Simple Syrup

Shake with ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a pear slice.

Spiced Pear Puree

2 whole pears peeled and diced
1 quart of water
Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to taste

Place all ingredients in a pan and bring to a boil and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Blend all ingredients and strain. Cool before use.

Grand Cherry Tiki
Adapted from a recipe by Jonathan Pogash, The Cocktail Guru 

1 1/2 oz Grand Marnier Cherry
3/4 oz Lime
3/4 oz Orgeat
1/2 oz Pineapple Juice
2 Dashes Angostura or Tiki  Bitters

Shake with ice, then strain into an ice-filled double old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and a maraschino cherry.

Maui Mai Tai

1 1/2 oz Gold Rum
1/2 oz Orange Curaçao
3/4 oz Orgeat 
3/4 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Orange Juice
1/2 oz Lime Juice

Shake with crushed ice, then pour (unstrained) into a double old-fashioned glass. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Christmas Party Cocktail Menu

Here's the drinks menu from our big Christmas party last weekend. The most popular were the Spiced Pear Margarita and Grand Cherry Tiki. The only one I had was a Poinsettia Punch, and it was delicious. I'll share the recipes later this week.

Tiki Lounge
Christmas Party

Today's Specials

Tom and Jerry
A 19th-century variation on Egg Nog, served warm.
Brandy, Dark Rum, Eggs, Milk

Hot Buttered Rum
Sounds gross, but is quite delicious!
Rum, Sugar, Butter, Bitters

Spiced Pear Margarita
Pear and spice, tastes real nice.
Tequila, Pear Liqueur, Spiced Pear, Lime, Sugar

Apple Crisp
An autumnal twist on the Sidecar.
Applejack, Cointreau, Lemon

Poinsettia Punch
A vibrant cocktail inspired by the holidays.
Gin, Lemon, Cinnamon, Grenadine, Allspice Dram

Brandy Old-Fashioned
Beloved by Wisconsinites around the world.
Cognac, Sugar, Bitters, Orange, Cherry

Grand Cherry Tiki
The delicious flavors of the islands.
Grand Marnier Cherry, Lime, Orgeat, Pineapple

Maui Mai Tai
A Hawaiian spin on the Mai Tai.
Gold Rum, Curaçao, Pineapple, Orange, Orgeat

Apple Cosmopolitan
Also available in caramel.
Stoli Apple Vodka, Licor 43, Cranberry, Lime

 Classics Always Available
Daiquiri, Manhattan, Martini, Mai Tai, Assorted Highballs

 David J. Montgomery, Proprietor

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Non-Booze

Last week, we ran our holiday gift guide, with suggestions for spirits in different categories. We had posts with rum recommendations, bourbon recommendations, gin recommendations and other spirits recommendations. Today we're closing out the list with non-booze gift suggestions.

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Non-Booze

You want to get that special tippler in your life a gift, but you don't want to actually give booze. Here are some suggestions that will get you started.

Dale DeGroff's Pimento Aromatic Bitters ($19)

The newest addition to the bitters landscape, crafted with the help of King Cocktail himself. These bitters really spice up classics like a Manhattan and are my new favorite for Tiki drinks.

Oxo Double Jigger ($9)

One  of the keys to making great cocktails is precise measuring. For that, you need a good jigger. This is my favorite one.

Jim Meehan's The PDT Cocktail Book: The Complete Bartender's Guide from the Celebrated Speakeasy ($16)

One of the best cocktail books to come along in recent years, this makes for both a useful guide and a fascinating read. Plus, it's a beautiful book.

Waring IC70 Pro Ice Crusher ($79)

I've been using this for over a year now and I still love it. If you want to crush ice in style, this is the way to go. (See our original review.)

Tovolo King Cube Ice Trays ($8)

Great for making big cubes, which are very useful in cocktails. Pop one into an Old-Fashioned or Manhattan and it will cool the drink fast, but melt slowly.

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Other Spirits

This week we're running our holiday gift guide, with suggestions for spirits in different categories. So far we've offered our rum recommendations, bourbon recommendations and gin recommendations. We're closing the week with other spirits.

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Other Spirits

Here is a variety of suggestions for booze that didn't fit into the other categories, but would make great gifts.

Grand Marnier Natural Cherry ($40)

A limited edition flavor from the masters of orange liqueur. One of the most delicious cherry liqueurs you'll find. Buy some before it disappears from shelves. (The regular Grand Marnier always makes a great gift as well.)

Avión Silver ($40)

My favorite tequila, and the winner of our Tequila Taste Test. Makes brilliant cocktails or can be savored on its own.

Karlsson's Gold Vodka ($30)

Vodka with flavor and nuance? Who'da thunk it! Made from seven different kinds of potatoes, this is primo stuff. Leave the Grey Goose on the shelf and give this instead.

Pisco Portón ($35)

Pisco, the brandy of South America, is a spirit on the rise, and Portón is the best one I've tasted. Would make a great gift for the drinker who likes to try new things.

Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth ($27, 1L)

The champion of all sweet vermouths. Makes delicious cocktails, including perhaps the best Manhattan. It's pricey, so a lot of people wouldn't buy it for themselves. That's why it makes a great gift.

We've included links for each suggestion to K&L Wines (where available). K&L is a great spirits store, with impeccable service and a sterling reputation. You can order from them with confidence. Send them an email to see if they ship to your state. (Note: We're not being compensated for these links.)

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Rum

This week we're running our holiday gift guide, with suggestions for spirits in different categories. So far we've offered our bourbon recommendations and gin recommendations. Today we're doing rum.

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Rum

Rum doesn't get the respect that whiskey does, but it's just as wonderful a spirit. Although it shines brightest in cocktails, the right rum is also delicious on its own.

The Bacardi Alternative: Cruzan Aged Light Rum ($14)

Both better and cheaper than the ubiquitous Bacardi, this rum is aged for two years and then filtered to remove the color. A very good all-purpose rum.

The Best Jamaican Rum: Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year-Old ($35)

My favorite rum for a whole slew of cocktails, including the Mai Tai, this is also great all by itself. Everyone needs some in the cabinet.

Sip, Sip Away: El Dorado 12 Year-Old ($26)

Rich, balanced and bursting with flavor, this is my favorite sipping rum. One of the best buys in all of spirits. Try finding a 12 year-old Scotch this amazing for under 30 bucks.

The Ultimate White Rum: Banks 5 Island ($26)

A great addition to any cocktail. It will make your Daiquiris, Mojitos and everything else sing.

Rum for Whiskey Fans: Mount Gay Extra Old ($40)

Convert the whiskey lover in your life to rum with this dry, complex spirit. Hailing from Barbados, the birthplace of rum, everything Mount Gay makes is good and this is probably their best.

We've included links for each suggestion to K&L Wines (where available). K&L is a great spirits store, with impeccable service and a sterling reputation. You can order from them with confidence. Send them an email to see if they ship to your state. (Note: We're not being compensated for these links.)

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Bourbon

This week we'll be running our holiday gift guide, with suggestions for spirits in different categories. Yesterday we offered up our gin recommendations. Today we're doing bourbon.

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Bourbon

We're in the midst of a bourbon renaissance, with a plethora of fine whiskeys on the market. There are many wonderful brands you could pick, but I narrowed down my recommendations to these four.

A New Everyday Bourbon: Larceny ($23)

This new bourbon from Heaven Hill, introduced earlier this year, is now a favorite of mine. A variant of Old Fitzgerald, this is a delicious wheated bourbon that is great in cocktails or on its own.

For the Connoisseur: Eagle Rare 10-Year Old ($25)

This was the second highest rated whiskey in our bourbon taste test. (The top rated has been discontinued.) Any bourbon fan would love to have a bottle, and the price can't be beat.

 For the Budget Shopper: Evan Williams 1783 ($15)

Evan Williams bourbon is always tough to beat, and this is one of my favorite expressions. It tastes so much more expensive than it costs. A wonderful bourbon that you can drink any time -- pick up an extra bottle for yourself.

For the Collector: Four Roses 2012 Limited Edition Small Batch ($87)

John Hansell said this was the best bourbon of the year. I wouldn't know, since it's almost impossible to find. But in case you do see it, this is the one to get. (Or if you can find a bottle of Van Winkle or the Buffalo Trace Antique Collection, snap it up.)

We've included links for each suggestion to K&L Wines (where available). K&L is a great spirits store, with impeccable service and a sterling reputation. You can order from them with confidence. Send them an email to see if they ship to your state. (Note: We're not being compensated for these links.)

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Gin

The holidays are upon us once again. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or all three, you want to find the perfect gift to give to those you care about. If that special someone enjoys a good tipple, your task is that much easier. Just give them booze!

This week we'll be running our holiday gift guide, with recommendations for spirits in different categories. First up is gin.

 

Professor Cocktail's Holiday Gift Guide: Gin

Gifting a bottle to a gin lover is simpler than with most spirits. There aren't as many choices as there are with Scotch (for example), and most of the brands are damn good.

Can't-Miss Gin: Tanqueray ($19)

One of the world's most ubiquitous gins is also one of the best. The classic gin of the London dry variety, Tanqueray is always welcome.

Perfect All-Purpose Gin: Plymouth ($30)

Virtually any cocktail that calls for gin can be deliciously made with Plymouth. Softer and a little sweeter than Tanqueray, every bar (and every gin drinker) needs a bottle on the shelf.

The Gift for the Gin Connoisseur:  North Shore No. 11 ($32)

A truly unique gin that most haven't heard of, North Shore No. 11 has the classic flavors of a London dry, augmented with amazing herbs and spices. Makes a one-of-a-kind delicious gin and tonic.

We've included links for each suggestion to K&L Wines (where available). K&L is a great spirits store, with impeccable service and a sterling reputation. You can order from them with confidence. Send them an email to see if they ship to your state. (Note: We're not being compensated for these links -- but we should be!)