An Amaretto Ginger Cocktail is a simple adult beverage consisting of amaretto liquor and ginger ale. Serve this cocktail over ice and top with a maraschino cherry. Yields 1 cocktail but can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more.
Looking for a simple cocktail to sip? I’ve got you.
Recently we were out with friends and my longtime friend, Melissa ordered this very drink and I immediately regretted the beer I had ordered. She graciously gave me a sip and afterwards, I ordered my own. And I’ve been making them at home ever since.
It’s the perfect cocktail to sip while reading a book or watching your favorite show or movie. I love the combination of the almond-y flavor with the ginger and the hint of cherry as well as the simplicity of this drink.
Enjoy! And as always, please drink responsibly.
To Make This Amaretto Ginger Cocktail You Will Need:
ice – To keep the cocktail cold.
amaretto – An almond flavored liqueur. I like Disaronno.
ginger ale – Vernors is preferred.
maraschino cherries – Adds subtle flavor that compliments the amaretto.
Fill a rocks glass with ice.
Pour in 1½ ounces of amaretto over top.
Then fill the glass with Vernors.
This adult beverage is great as is…
…but way better when topped with a maraschino cherry!
This cocktail is deliciously refreshing and so simple.
Enjoy! And if you give this recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 1serving
Amaretto Sour Cocktail
An Amaretto Ginger Cocktail is a simple adult beverage consisting of amaretto liquor and ginger ale. Serve this cocktail over ice and top with a maraschino cherry. Yields 1 cocktail but can easily be doubled or tripled to serve more.
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Total Time: 5 minutesmins
ice
1½ouncesamaretto liqueur
6ouncesginger ale, I like Vernors
1maraschino cherry
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Ready to get your game on with these Super Bowl cocktails?
It is the finale to the football season and a good chunk of the population tunes in to watch the Super Bowl. Alone, with a few friends or a full on party…it is a festive occasions (at least until the 4th quarter in a tight game) and people enjoy a beverage. The Super Bowl is a drinking day for most viewers. As you settle into the 59th annual competition and halftime show – game on with these Super Bowl cocktails!
In a nod to the host city New Orleans, a Creole Bloody Mary is the best to pre-func and get right to start watching the game! This is a flavorful way to start the day.
Ingredients
3/4 cup vodka
4-1/2 cups chilled tomato juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4-6 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
Salt and black pepper
Celery for garnish
Create
Fill shaker with ice
Combine vodka, juices, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and hot sauce in shaker
Strain and pour in a tall glass with ice
Garnish with celery stick
Super Bowl Julep
The nice thing about the Super Bowl is you can enjoy day drinking. While a Mint Julep is the drink of the Kentucky Derby, it is refreshing enough for morning football drinking. Plus it is good for the throat after all the cheering.
Ingredients
4 sprigs of mint
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of water
2 oz. bourbon
Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
Create
Muddle the mint, the sugar and the water in a cup
Add the bourbon and stir gently
Fill a glass to the top with finely crushed ice, add the julep mix and garnish with mint
FYI, an ounce of mint simple syrup can be substituted for the mint/sugar/water mixture
Perfect Stormy
Why not combine the classic beer with the cocktail. Mix it up and enjoy this drink…rich in flavor and filling enough you don’t have too many over the course of the game.
Everyone knows hydration is important when plays sports. It is also important for fans, especially if they are celebrating. Gatorade is part of the football culture, dive in with this take on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients
Create
Mix the sugar and salt in a shallow dish
Wet the rims of 4 to 6 rocks glasses with water and then dip in the sugar-salt mixture to coat
Combine the sports drink, limeade concentrate, tequila and blue curacao in a large pitcher and stir
Fill the rocks glasses with ice
Pour the margarita into the glass
Garnish each with an orange slice
Fourth Quarter Rum Countdown
When the fourth quarter hits, it can be a focus time, keep it simple with this classic drink. Quick to prepare, refreshing to drink and the soda is a little caffeine boost after tailgating.
Ready to get your game on with these Super Bowl cocktails?
It is the finale to the football season and a good chunk of the population tunes in to watch the Super Bowl. Alone, with a few friends or a full on party…it is a festive occasions (at least until the 4th quarter in a tight game) and people enjoy a beverage. The Super Bowl is a drinking day for most viewers. As you settle into the 59th annual game, try the best Super Bowl cocktails.
In a nod to the host city New Orleans, a Creole Bloody Mary is the best to pre-func and get right to start watching the game! This is a flavorful way to start the day.
Ingredients
3/4 cup vodka
4-1/2 cups chilled tomato juice
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4-6 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
Salt and black pepper
Celery for garnish
Create
Fill shaker with ice
Combine vodka, juices, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and hot sauce in shaker
Strain and pour in a tall glass with ice
Garnish with celery stick
Super Bowl Julep
The nice thing about the Super Bowl is you can enjoy day drinking. While a Mint Julep is the drink of the Kentucky Derby, it is refreshing enough for morning football drinking. Plus it is good for the throat after all the cheering.
Ingredients
4 sprigs of mint
1 teaspoon of powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of water
2 oz. bourbon
Fresh mint sprig, for garnish
Create
Muddle the mint, the sugar and the water in a cup
Add the bourbon and stir gently
Fill a glass to the top with finely crushed ice, add the julep mix and garnish with mint
FYI, an ounce of mint simple syrup can be substituted for the mint/sugar/water mixture
Perfect Stormy
Why not combine the classic beer with the cocktail. Mix it up and enjoy this drink…rich in flavor and filling enough you don’t have too many over the course of the game.
Everyone knows hydration is important when plays sports. It is also important for fans, especially if they are celebrating. Gatorade is part of the football culture, dive in with this take on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients
Create
Mix the sugar and salt in a shallow dish
Wet the rims of 4 to 6 rocks glasses with water and then dip in the sugar-salt mixture to coat
Combine the sports drink, limeade concentrate, tequila and blue curacao in a large pitcher and stir
Fill the rocks glasses with ice
Pour the margarita into the glass
Garnish each with an orange slice
Fourth Quarter Rum Countdown
When the fourth quarter hits, it can be a focus time, keep it simple with this classic drink. Quick to prepare, refreshing to drink and the soda is a little caffeine boost after tailgating.
We choose this year’s winner of the Best Montrose Brunch.
Best Brunch – Montrose: Októ
Another hit from Sof Hospitality (the team behind Doris Metropolitan and Hamsa), Októ has brought its playful, modern Mediterranean flair to the brunch scene earlier this spring. The menu moves from Lox & Latkes with Osetra caviar and Green Shakshuka with spinach and feta, to Octopus Carpaccio and Frena French Toast with blueberry clove compote. Cocktails and luxe snacks like mini caviar-tinis keep the energy high, even when it’s not patio weather.
It’s the weekend and couldn’t we all use a drink? A glass of Pomegranate Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria is just the thing! Fruity and delicious, this sangria gets its slight sweetness from fresh fruit, juice and with a little warmth from homemade cinnamon simple syrup.
Autumn in a glass.
That’s what this pomegranate sparkling apple cider sangria tastes like to me. You get the robust wine, the tart pomegranate juice mixed with fresh fruit (and juice) and there’s a subtle warms from a homemade cinnamon syrup. SO GOOD.
And beautiful.
To Make This Pomegranate Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria You Will Need:
for the cinnamon simple syrup:
water
cinnamon sticks
sugar
for the sangria:
red grapes
pomegranate arils
red delicious apple
pear
blood oranges (and juice)
Spanish red wine (like Rioja)
pomegranate juice
vanilla brandy
ice
sparkling apple cider
Make the Cinnamon Simple Syrup:
Start by adding 1 cup water to a saucepan with 4 cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil and reduce, simmering for 10 minutes. Strain out the cinnamon sticks, and pour the cinnamon water back into the saucepan. Lastly, add in 3/4 cup sugar and heat on low until dissolved. Remove and cool completely.
This cinnamon syrup can be made a few days in advance and stored covered in the fridge once cool.
Make The Sangria:
In a glass pitcher, add 1 cup red grape halves, 1/2 cup pomegranate arils, 1/2 cup each diced apples, pears and blood oranges. Of course you can just eyeball these.
So colorful!
Open the bottle of Spanish wine and pour it over the fruit. Once while online ordering my groceries, I typed in “Spanish wine” and this was the only option. This is still the only Spanish wine I can find in the stores where I live. But I would think any full bodied wine should work here.
Next, pour in 3/4 cup pomegranate juice.
And then pour in 1/2 cup vanilla brandy.
Add in 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed blood orange juice. If you can’t find blood oranges, regular ones work too!
Lastly, pour in 1/4 cup to 6 tablespoons of the chilled cinnamon simple syrup. I go with 1/4 cup but you can sweeten to your taste!
Stir, cover and chill until ready to serve.
Before serving grab your chilled bottle of sparkling cider.
Fill your glass or glasses with ice and spoon in some of the fruit.
Pour in the sangria. The lid to the pitcher I was using has a stopper sort of thing, keeping the fruit in the pitcher. So be careful pouring!
Fill your glass 3/4 of the way with sangria and then pour in the sparkling cider.
This deep ruby color is absolutely gorgeous.
Slightly sweet and fruity with the warmth of the cinnamon syrup.
Like I mentioned… autumn in a glass.
Enjoy! And if you give this Pomegranate Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 8servings
Pomegranate Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria
It’s the weekend and couldn’t we all use a drink? A glass of Pomegranate Sparkling Apple Cider Sangria is just the thing! Fruity and delicious, this sangria gets its slight sweetness from fresh fruit, juice and with a little warmth from homemade cinnamon simple syrup. Yields 8 to 10 servings depending.
Prep Time: 15 minutesmins
Total Time: 15 minutesmins
FOR THE CINNAMON SIMPLE SYRUP:
1cupwater
4cinnamon sticks
3/4cupsugar
FOR THE SANGRIA:
1cupgrapes, halved
1/2cuppomegranate arils
1/2apple, chopped
1/2pear, chopped
1/2blood orange, chopped (or sub with a regular orange)
1bottleSpanish wine
3/4cuppomegranate juice
1/2cupvanilla brandy
1/2cupblood orange juice, freshly squeezed
1/4cupcinnamon simple syrup, more or less to taste
ice
2bottlessparkling apple cider, see notes
cinnamon sticks, for garnish
FOR THE CINNAMON SIMPLE SYRUP:
Add 1 cup water to a saucepan with 4 cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil and reduce, simmering for 10 minutes.
Strain out the cinnamon sticks, and pour the cinnamon water back into the saucepan. Stir in 3/4 cup sugar and heat on low until dissolved. Remove and cool completely.
Can be made a few days in advance.
FOR THE SANGRIA:
In a glass pitcher, add grape halves, pomegranate arils, diced apples, pears and blood oranges.
Pour in the Spanish wine, pomegranate juice, vanilla brandy, orange juice, and sweeten with the cinnamon simple syrup.
Fill glasses with ice and some of the fruit from the sangria. Fill each glass 3/4 of the way full and then top off with sparkling apple cider.
Serve with a cinnamon stick if desired.
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline. Note:I always have a few bottles of sparkling apple cider in the fridge when I make this. Depending on how full you fill your glasses with sangria will depend on how much sparkling cider you’ll go through.
This recipe was originally posted on November 6th, 2020 and has been updated with clear and concise instructions, new photography and helpful information.
Want something delicious with an “oomph” – these yummy creamy concoctions will make your mouth happy!
Fall is a time of coziness, cuffing and nights in front of the fire. Want better way to accent it with a nice tasty cocktail? Try these delicious autumn cream drinks and enjoy the pre-holiday season. Bailey’s was the commercial first cream liquor and made available to the public in 1971. But Irish monks have blended whiskey with fresh dairy cream since the 14th century. These new and classic connections will bring a smile on crisp nights.
Important note, using cream instead of milk in alcoholic cocktails can significantly enhance the drink’s texture, flavor, and overall experience. Cream provides a richer and smoother texture compared to milk. The higher fat content in cream (typically around 36% or more) creates a luxurious mouthfeel that can elevate the drinking experience.
White Russian
The White Russian’s development took about 30 years. The first mention of the drink is in a newspaper was in 1965 in the Oakland Tribune. The 1961 edition of the Diner’s Club Drink Book included a recipe for a Black Russian, with a note suggesting adding cream to make a White Russian. The White Russian’s popularity increased after the 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, where the main character, Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski, drinks it throughout the film.
Ingredients
2ouncesvodka
1ounceKahlúa
1ounceheavy cream
Create
Add the vodka and Kahlúa to a rocks glass filled with ice
Top with the heavy cream and stir
White Russian cocktail
Churro Cocktails
A churro is a fried dough pastry originated in Spain and Portugal. They are a fast-growing dessert and breakfast item on menus, and are a popular treat at theme parks and sporting events in Europe and North and South America. Somrus, who makes cream liquors, made a cocktail from the flavor.
Ingredients
1 1/2 parts Somrus Coffee
1/2 part cinnamon whiskey
Create
In an ice-filled shaker, add ingredients and shake
Strain and pour
Brandy Alexander
This is was a classic “go to drink” for X. It was rumored to have been created at the Paris Ritz in 1922. Or it could have been made in 1915 by celebrate pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander during a World Series. It was considered a posh way to end the evening, especially after other cocktails.It’s creamy and boozy or a delicious replacement for dessert for those who like to drink their sweets. In the 2000s, it has moved to the back of the line, but is still a great way to cap off a night drinking.
1 1/2ouncescognac
1ouncedark creme de cacao
1ouncecream
Gratednutmeg for garnish
Create
Add cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream into a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or a coupe glass
For those who are holding on to every last bit of summer, this mango cocktail can add a a little sunshine. The fruit is considered the world’s most popular fruit with over 20 million tons consumed each year. Mangoes are a symbol of friendship and love, which can add to special evening.
Ingredients
2 parts Somrus Mango
1 part citrus vodka
½ part simple syrup
Club soda
Create
Combine Mango liqueur, vodka and simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker
Bonfire Cider is a cozy and refreshing fall cocktail. Apple cider spiked with cinnamon flavored whiskey and topped with vanilla bubbly! This recipe makes 1 cocktail but can easily be doubled to serve more.
It’s feeling more and more like fall these days.
It’s hard to believer that we are a day away from October. But that’s not to say that I haven’t been feeling the fall vibes. My scented candles are lit, sweaters have been out since August (because I do live in Michigan after all), I’ve been making soups and chili and football is on the TV Sunday, Monday and Thursday.
But Fridays are for cozy late night cocktails!
So with that said, cheers to fall with this simple and delicious cocktail. Cinnamon whiskey meets apple cider and vanilla bubbly – SO good!
To Make This Bonfire Cider You Will Need:
ice
cinnamon flavored whiskey – I like Foggy Mountain (not sponsored).
apple cider – If you’re lucky enough to live near a cider mill, get freshly made local apple cider.
lemon juice (freshly squeezed)- Adds acidity and subtle bright citrus flavor.
vanilla dry botanical bubbly – I linked this in the recipe printable at the bottom of this post.
apple slices – for garnish.
cinnamon sticks – for garnish.
You are going to need some cinnamon flavored whiskey. Our good friend Josh got me hooked on this Foggy Mountain Bonfire whiskey (hence the name of the recipe) a couple summers ago and it’s delicious. Delicious over ice as is or mixed in a cocktail.
Bonus. It’s made in Michigan. ✋
Add ice to a glass. I recently picked up one of those ice cube trays that makes giant single cubes so the ice doesn’t water down your drink. It’s cool, but not necessary.
Start by pouring in 1-1/2 ounces cinnamon flavored whiskey.
Next pour in 3 ounces apple cider.
Add a small squeeze of lemon.
Top it off with some vanilla DRY Botanical Bubbly. This is non-alcoholic carbonated flavored soda using just 4 clean ingredients! Not sponsored, I just happened to find this a while ago and love it. I found this at my local grocery store by the tonic waters and canned wines. However it may be by the pop (aka soda) as well.
The most delicious combo of cinnamon, apple and vanilla.
As always, please drink responsibly.
Enjoy! And if you give this Bonfire Cider recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 1drink
Bonfire Cider
Bonfire Cider is a cozy and refreshing fall cocktail. Apple cider is spiked with cinnamon flavored whiskey and topped with vanilla bubbly! Makes 1 cocktail but can easily be doubled.
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Total Time: 5 minutesmins
ice
1½fluid ouncescinnamon flavored whiskey, I love Foggy Mountain
3fluid ouncesapple cider, not vinegar
1small squeeze oflemon
1splashvanilla DRY Botanical Bubbly
3thinapple slices, for garnish
cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Add ice to a glass.
Pour in whiskey, cider and a small squeeze of lemon. Top with vanilla dry bubbly.
Florida has been in the news lately, so why not lean into the sunshine state with some of their signature cocktails
From the Flora-bama to Key West, Florida has a history of snuggling up to the cocktail. The spring break capital, home of Miami and its famous nightclubs, the sunshine state knows how to mix up a good time. From end to end of the state is 838 miles – which gives plenty of room to have a signature bar or 30. And with that comes signature drinks…and here are the best Florida cocktail recipes so you can bask in your own sunshine.
In the great tradition of strong drinks, this one can pack a punch. The drink was created in the 1950s at the Holiday Isle Tiki Bar in Islamorada. The bartenders wanted to get rid of the last few sips of several liqueurs, and this legendary cocktail was developed.
Ingredients
2 cups ice
1 ounce pineapple juice
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce blackberry liqueur
1 ounce banana liqueur
1 ounce light rum
1 ounce dark rum or aged rum
Create
Fill glass with ice
Add the liquid contents and stir
Pour the 151 in the straw or on the top
Serve and sip
The Hurricane
While the drink is supposed to have been developed at Pat O’Brians in New Orleans, the state has had its share of hurricanes. Another powerful drink – this one attracts spring breakers, snowbirds and just people out for a fun Thursday night. The mixture of liquors can be lethal, so be careful on the amount consumed!
Ingredients
1 oz rum
1ozlight rum
1 oz pineapple
2tablespoonslime juice
1cupice
Create
Fill hurricane glass half full with crushed ice
Combine dark rum, light rum, lime juice, and pineapple in a cocktail shaker
Add ice; cover and shake until the outside of the shaker has frosted
Strain into glass
Margarita
Jimmy Buffet made this drink insanely popular. From beach bars to Mexican restaurants, this is a staple in the state with lime grove of variations. Here is an easy version for you to toast to good times and start your mini staycation ASAP.
Crushed ice
3 lime wedges
2 ounces gold tequila
½ ounce silver tequila
1 ¼ ounces Rose’s lime juice
½ ounce Triple Sec
Salt
Create
Combine all ingredients except for the lime into a shaker
Squeeze 2 of the lime wedges into the shaker and then shake well
The Bushwacker is in the vein of the mudslide but with a twist. You can slide up to the Sandshaker bar in Pensacola Beach and enjoy this creamy delight. You will see music lovers (live bands), college kids, locals, tourists and more at this staple stop.
Ingredients
2ounces dark rum
1ouncecoffee liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
1ounce dark creme de cacao
2ounceswhole milk
1ouncecream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
Garnish: nutmeg, freshly grated
Create
Add the dark rum, coffee liqueur, dark creme de cacao, whole milk, cream of coconut and a cup of ice into a blender
Blend until combined and frothy
Pour into a Hurricane glass
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg
The Fuzzy Navel
The sunshine state is the land of oranges, so why not a delicious fruit drink that isn’t a mimosa or a screwdriver – welcome to the Fuzzy Navel.
Ingredients
2 ops peach schnapps
6 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
Orange slice
Create
Add a handful of ice to a highball glass
Pour in the peach schnapps, followed by the orange juice
Stir, and garnish with the orange slice.
Hairy Navel
Add an oz of vodka to the above recipes and you transform the drinks to a Hairy Navel.
This cocktail has made the rounds on social media and events….and has become a raging success.
This cocktail has been a honey of a success…and a refreshing change at sporting events. The Grey Goose Honey Deuce is the official cocktail of the US Open. The drink returned this year to a roaring success. The name comes from a word play on the tennis term deuce (a tie score of 40-40) and thehoneydew melon garnish. Refreshing, intoxicating and popular – the drink has been gushing out of court side bars at $23 a pop.
The US Open is a premier tennis tournament sponsored by big hitters like American Express, Mercedes Benz, IHG Hotels and Resorts, Rolex and Emirates Airlines. The well heeled, the super rich and the famous flock to the stands. Anna Wintour was there along with celebrities at Arthur Ashe stadium. Spotted at the event was Phoebe Dynevor, Hugh Jackman, Zoey Deutch, Lindsay Lohan, Alec Baldwin, Kerry Washington, and Alicia Keyes. The crowd knows how to drink and drink well…and this cocktail has done well. This year they ordered over 550,000 Honey Deuces, over 100,000 more than last year. Roughly $12.65 million plus tips were spent over the two weeks of the tournament.
But you don’t have to fly to New York and hobnob with the crowd to have your own. You can make it at home and imbibe. Here is how to make your own Grey Goose Honey Deuce.
Ingredients
1 1.4 oz Grey Goose Vodka
Fresh Lemonade
Premium Raspberry Liqueur
Honeydew Melon Balls
Create
Fill a chilled highball glass with cubed ice and add Grey Goose Vodka
Top with fresh lemonade and raspberry liqueur
Garnish with a skewer of 1 or multiple frozen honeydew melon balls
Beer has been the staple of sporting events, but stadiums around the country have been changing their drinks menu while adding sponsorship dollars to the coffers. In 1989 Evian water wanted to reach hot and thirsty affluent customers, so they became an official sponsor of the US Open. The tennis set has had beverage-centric partnerships ever since. And this has translated to other events from the Kentucky Derby to football adding it to their menu.
Sometimes you want something light that tickles the taste buds but doesn’t weigh down your stomach….here are some refreshing cocktails.
Sometimes you just need to shake things up and get a fresh perspective. Whether a change of seasons, hard day, or just want need some cheer, you need a little fun boost. Well here are the best refreshing cocktails to lighten your spirits!
Spa water usually has cucumbers in it because it is so refreshing. They are healthy with a mild but distinctly crisp and exhilarating flavor. Why not treat yourself to a cucumber martini?
Ingredients
3 thick slicescucumber, plus thin slices for garnish
2 1/2ouncesvodka or gin
1/2ouncedry vermouth
1cupice
Create
Put thick cucumber slices in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or a wooden spoon to muddle to bring out flavor
Add vodka and vermouth
Add ice
Put the top on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds
Strain the mixture into a martini glass
Garnish with a few thin slices cucumber
Brown Derby
Leaning into the great vintage cocktails, this 1930s drink will be a treat to your taste buds. The pairing of bourbon and grapefruit adds complexity and mellow undertones to the flavor.
Ingredients
2ounces bourbon
1 oz grapefruit juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Splash of honey
Create
Combine bourbon, grapefruit juice, honey and simply syrup to a cocktail shaker
Fill it with ice and then shake until very cold
Strain the drink into a cocktail glass
Garnish with grapefruit slice
Whiskey Sour
This historic drink has saved lives. While the recipe first popped up in 1862, believed to have been consumed much earlier. Sea travel was difficult and like of fresh good and clean water lead to scurvy, a potentially fatal disease that was caused, in part, by a lack of vitamin C. It was safe to drink whisky, rum and other spirits on trips and sailors would take vast amounts of citrus food. Cominbing them was natural and a healthy option to avoid disease, now it is just a happy drink!
2 oz whiskey
1 oz lemon juice, fresh squeezed is best
1 oz simple syrup
1 cocktail cherry for garnish
Create
Combine whiskey, lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker
Smash drinks have been around for over a century and include the famed Mint Julep. First noted in Jerry Thomas’s bar guide in the mid-19th century, these drinks are known to be perfect to provide good spirits and cooling atmospheres.
Ingredients
5fl ozSauza Gold Tequila
2fl ozfreshly squeezed lemon juice
.5fl ozfreshly squeezed lime juice
3fl ozhoney simple syrupequal parts honey and water dissolved over medium heat- about 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water
8-10mint leavestorn into small pieces
2cupscrushed ice
Create
Make simple syrup by mixing 3 tablespoon honey and 3 tablespoon water in a small pan. Melt over medium heat until honey dissolves into water (about 1 minute), cool before adding to cocktail shaker
In a cocktail shaker add mint leaves, lime and lemon juice, tequila, and honey simple syrup
Shake for 30 seconds
Fill cocktail glasses with about 1 cup crushed ice and pour in the cocktail mixture
The classic Bloody Mary is a fan favorite, but what about expanding to other savory cocktails?
Savory cocktails are having a moment. Last year saw an uptick with them in the hipster communities of New York City, Los Angeles and even DC. The super sweet staples like Cosmopolitans are still popular, so don’t worry…but drinkers are expanding their palate past sugary flavored beverages. The Bloody Mary has been the poster child for savory drinks with its tomato goodness. The dirty martini is another popular order at bars. And summer brings the bitter Aperol Spritz. But these recipes add another whole taste profile, are you open to try one of the savory cocktails?
Some could call the Bullshot a cousin of the Bloody Mary. This cocktail’s origin story starts in Detroit, the Motor City. The drink emerged around 1952 with the help of John Hurley, a regular at the newly opened steakhouse, the Caucus Club (still a city favorite). John Hurley, a regular at the steakhouse, was an advertising executive and had a new client Campbell’s Soup. They were launching canned bouillon and Hurley needed to sell a lot of cans, and the Bullshot is one of the marketing ideas which became a bar staple.
Ingredients
The Everything Martini
The everything bagel has spawned an entire mini-industry. Some cooking influencers have have said they only use the “everything bagel” spice and Pringles has come out with an everything bagel chip. The super savory cocktail almost acts like an appetizer.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon everything bagel spice
1 teaspoon simple syrup
3 ounces gin or vodka
0.5 to 0.75 ounces olive juice, to taste
0.5 ounce dry vermouth
3 stuffed olives
1 sprig fresh rosemary
Create
Fill martini glass with ice and water to chill
In a mixing glass, add gin or vodka and olive juice and fill with ice
Stir for 45 seconds until the mixing glass is frosted and ice cold
Working quickly, discard the ice from the martini glass and place the everything bagel spice on a plate. Using a small brush or the edge of a napkin, wipe simple syrup under the rim of half of martini glass and immediately roll it in the everything bagel spice
If any of the spice is on the inside of the rim, wipe it away, preventing bits of of spice floating into the drink
Add the vermouth to the martini glass. Roll the glass so the inside is coated with vermouth, then discard
Strain the alcohol and olive juice mixture into the glass
Garnish with 3 stuffed olives skewered onto a sprig of rosemary
Grin & Carrot
This drink makes the most of trips to the Farmer’s Market. First made at Dukes, the produce forward eatery in Healdsburg, California. It is almost like a club version of a smoothie!
Ingredients
4–5 caraway seeds
1½ ounces gin
1 ounce carrot syrup (recipe below)
½ ounce lemon juice
¼ ounce dry vermouth
Fennel frond or carrot top with leaves, for garnish
Carrot Syrup Ingredients
4 ounces fresh carrot juice
2 ounces simple syrup (1 part water to 1 part sugar)
Create Carrot Syrup (Makes enough for 6 cocktails)
Stir together carrot juice and simple syrup
Use immediately
Create
In a cocktail shaker, use a muddler to crack the caraway seeds
Why not cut the sweetness of an old friend? The classic mint julep can be refreshing – but what about giving it a deeper, richer flavor by muddling a jalapeño into it and cutting some of the sugar?
Ingredients
2 1/2 ounces bourbon
1/2 half of a jalapeño
1 ounce simple syrup
4-6 mint leaves
1 splash soda water
Create
In a julep or rocks glass, add mint leaves, jalapeños and simple syrup
Gently muddle mint and jalapeños
Add enough crushed ice to fill the glass two-thirds of the way
Pour bourbon over top and stir gently to mix
Fill with more crushed ice to mound over top.
Top with a splash of soda water
Garnish with a slice of jalapeño and a sprig of mint
After checking out these recipes, are you open to try one of the savory cocktails?
Some classic autos need to be honored in a special way – and here is an example with these car cocktails named after some great vehicles. They definitely will put you on the highway to fun!
Automobiles raced on the scene in the 1920s and people were fascinated. Cocktails named in their honor followed including the sidecar, the La Mans, and more. What better way to kick back and take a relaxing trip by savoring some of this flavorful concoctions. Some have faded in and out of menus, but all maintain a place in drink history. This weekend take these car cocktails for a spin.
The granddaddy of car cocktails is the Cadillac margarita. A go to when you want the sweet, sour power of tequila and sunshine all in a frosted glass. Its history starts at the Cadillac Bar in Nuevo Lardo, Mexico, but hit the big time thanks to a risque lads magazine. The power concoction appeared in the 1979 Playboy Bartender’s Guide, but its premiumization came by way of cranberry liqueur, not Grand Marnier, which pulled in later.
Ingredients
The Sidecar
The famed drink appeared during WWI at a bar in either London or Paris. Created in honor of a dashing captain and the sidecar he had on his motorbike. This rich drink with a hint of sour has had its ups and downs, but it still a staple in cocktail bars worldwide.
Ingredients
1 1/2ouncescognac
3/4ounceorange liqueur such as Cointreau
3/4ouncelemon juice, freshly squeezed
Garnish with an orange twist
Create
Coat the rim of a martini glass or champagne coupe with sugar, if desired, and set aside
Add the cognac, orange liqueur and lemon juice to a shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled
Strain into the prepared glass
Garnish with an orange twist
The Mercury Cougar
A fun classic drink for weddings, anniversaries or just hanging out, this drink will have you on the highway of fun quickly.
Ingredients
1 1/2oz gin
1/2ozCointreau
1/2oz fresh cucumber
1/4oz simple syrup
2sprigs of rosemary
Create
Muddle stripped rosemary and simple syrup
Combine ice, gin, cointreau, and cucumber juice, shake well
A great auto deserves a cocktail – and Italy did it right with this delicious simple drink. The bitters combination is made for those who live life in the fast lane.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz Fernet-Branca
1 ½ oz Campari
Create
Combine in a mixing glass with ice
Stir for at least 20 seconds
Pour into a chilled glass over ice
Enjoy these classic car cocktail, but be careful getting behind the wheel.
A Paloma Slush is an icy version of the popular cocktail. Freeze grapefruit juice into cubes and blend it with more juice, tequila, lime juice and simple syrup. Serve in a salt rimmed glass and enjoy! Yields about 4 glasses.
Cool down these final days of summer with a Paloma Slush.
This Michigan summer has been hot. So why not beat the heat with an icy adult beverage? I cannot think of a better way.
A Paloma is a tequila based cocktail mixed with tart grapefruit juice and lime. Freeze some grapefruit juice into cubes and pureeing everything in a blender for a slushy version of the classic cocktail. Easy and delicious!
Summer in a glass.
To Make This Paloma Slush You Will Need:
grapefruit juice
salt
grapefruit (cold pressed or freshly squeezed)
tequila
simple syrup
lime juice
ice
Fill an ice cube tray or two with grapefruit juice and freeze for a few hours or over night.
When you’re ready to make the cocktails, start by adding a little salt to a shallow dish. For this drink, I’m using fine pink Himalayan salt, however you can use margarita salt too.
Rim your glasses with a wedge of grapefruit or lime.
Dip in the salt.
Repeat with remaining glasses.
In your blender pour 1 cup grapefruit juice. Fresh squeezed, cold pressed… whichever.
Then add 1/2 to 3/4 cup tequila (depending how strong you want it), 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/2 cup simple syrup. Add 3 to 4 heaping cups of grapefruit juice ice cubes.
And puree until slushy. If too thin add more ice. However if you find it too icy, add a splash of grapfruit juice until the mixture is slushy and pourable.
Pour into glasses.
Garnish.
Sip. And repeat.
Even if they melt a little, they’re still delicious!
Enjoy! And if you give this Paloma Slush recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 4servings
Paloma Slush
A Paloma Slush is an icy version of the popular cocktail. Freeze grapefruit juice into cubes and blend it with more juice, tequila, lime juice and simple syrup. Serve in a salt rimmed glasses and enjoy!
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Additional Time: 8 hourshrs
Total Time: 8 hourshrs5 minutesmins
grapefruit juice, fresh or cold pressed
fine salt, I used pink Himalayan
1grapefruit, cut into wedges
1/2cuptequila blanco
1/2cupsimple syrup, see notes
1/4cuplime juice
In advance: Fill an ice cube tray with grapefruit juice and freeze for a few hours until solid or overnight.
When ready to serve: Fill a small shallow dish with salt.
Run a wedge of grapefruit (or use lime) around the rim of each glass. Dip the wet rim into the salt and set aside.
In a blender add; grapfruit juice, tequila, simple syrup and lime juice.
Add 3 to 4 cups grapefruit ice cubes and blend. Add more ice if needed. If too icy, add a splash of grapfruit juice until the mixture is slushy and pourable.
Pour into prepared glasses, garnish with a wedge of grapfruit (if desired) and serve immediately.
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Independence Day is time for fireworks, family, bbqs, travel and fun! The biggest holiday during the summer is also one of the booziest – and here are the cocktails to enjoy!
The Fresh Toast – Here are the best 4th of July cocktails to enjoy at every event. These are easy and will be a big hit!
July 4th is the big holiday in the summer and people make the most of it! Travel, bbqs, fireworks, parades all on the buffet of fun! And the centerpiece for most is a good drink….it is the 4th booziest holiday of the year. It is also a big weekend for marijuana, but with gatherings, most people reach for something cold. Here are the best 4th of July cocktails embracing the hot weather, tasty flavors and simple classic.
Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit – crispy, flavorful and hydrating, it has been a sticky favorite for years. This cocktail gives it a great twist for outdoor actives. Just be careful – it can be lethal!
Ingredients
Firecracker Shots
This could be the most delicious shot to celebrate Independence Day. A little effort will make a big splash when you arrive these taste treats! Great to kick-off the party or an extra special dessert!
Ingredients
Blue Layer
Red Layer
Create
Squeeze the grapefruit segments into a shaker and drop in the fruit (or add fresh juice)
Add the gin, sweet vermouth and Campari to the shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled
Place ice in a rocks glass and curl the grapefruit peel around the inside of the glass
Strain into the prepared glass
Rosé Spritz
Quick, easy and delicious – this is good for small and large groups as it can be assembled on the fly.
Ingredients
Mint for garnish
Create
Fill a white wine glass halfway with ice
Add Prosecco, seltzer, orange liqueur and grapefruit juice and stir
Garnish with a grapefruit twist and a sprig of mint
The Mint Julep is an All-American classic drink celebrating horse racing, morning drinking and good bourbon! What better beverage to have at 4th of July BBQ?
Ingredients
8fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
¼ to ½ounce simple syrup (you can make ahead)
2ouncesbourbon
Crushed ice
Create
In a julep cup or glass, muddle the mint leaves in ¼ ounce simple syrup
Add the bourbon and fill the cup with crushed ice
Garnish with mint
Simply Syrup
Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat
Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar has dissolved.
Allow to cool, place in fridge to be cocktail ready
Remember to be careful on your consumption and drink plenty of water. Have a great Independence Day!
Red, White and Blue Sangria is light and refreshing! White wine, cointreau, sparkling water and fresh berries for a crisp and festive adult beverage. Makes 1 pitcher serving 8+ depending on glass size.
As the weather starts warming up, I love a glass of chilled sangria. Red or white, doesn’t matter. The thought of sitting on my front porch, glass of sangria in one hand and a book in the other sounds like the perfect way to unwind.
However this sangria is also a great adult beverage for serving a crowd.
In this festive white wine sangria, fresh berries are added to white wine, cointreau and sparkling water sangria for a festive touch and as a bonus, a snack after you’ve finished your glass.
Wine soaked berries, yes please.
Here’s what you need for the red, white and blue sangria:
white wine – I like sauvignon blanc, especially Nobilo. (not sponsored)
cointreau – Adds a distinct orange/citrus flavor.
lime sparkling water – Or lime soda if you want a sweeter sangria.
fresh berries – Use strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
ice cubes – Needed to keep your sangria cold.
mint – Used for serving.
What is Cointreau?
Once called Curaçao Blanco Triple Sec, Cointreau is a orange flavored liquor. Typically consumed as an aperitif (before dinner) or digestif (after dinner) or mixed with other ingredients to make several different types of cocktails like margaritas, cosmopolitans and sidecars – and white wine sangrias 😉.
When I was shooting this, I did things a little backwards. It’s not a huge deal if you add your berries first or last. But I prefer to add them after I stir, as to not break up those delicate raspberries.
With that being said, in a large pitcher pour in the bottle of chilled white wine
Add 6 ounces cointreau.
And lastly, and 2 cans (also chilled) lime sparkling water. Stir to combine.
NOTE: For a sweet sangria, use 7-up or Sprite.
Now is when I would add in half of all the berries, if I was paying attention. 😂
Finally serve this gorgeous red, white and blue sangria!
To do that, fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria overtop. Then add a few of the extra berries and a sprig of fresh mint.
Enjoy! And if you give this Red, White and Blue Sangria recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 8servings
Red, White and Blue Sangria
Red, White and Blue Sangria is light and refreshing! White wine, cointreau, sparkling water and fresh berries for a crisp and festive adult beverage. Makes 1 pitcher serving 8+ depending on glass size.
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Total Time: 5 minutesmins
1bottlewhite wine, like sauvignon blanc, chilled
6ouncescointreau
30ouncessparkling lime water, (like spindrift)
8ouncesstrawberries, sliced fresh
6ouncesraspberries
6ouncesblueberries
ice, for serving
8sprigsmint, for serving
In a large pitcher, add the wine, cointreau and sparkling water and stir to combine.
Next add in half of the berries.
Add ice to glasses and pour in the sangria. Add reserved fruit and mint to glasses for garnish.
Nutrition Disclaimer:All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.
What can you do – the heat is raging but you want a cold cocktail – here are some of the best to keep you semi-hydrated
The temperatures are soaring, but it is still summer – time for beach trips, parties poolside and bbq. You want a cocktail, but you have to be careful about dehydration. Here are the best hydrating cocktails for a hot weekend. Alcohol will dehydrate you some – but here are some better choices. And try to drink a glass of water for every drink you have.
Coffee, tea and energy drinks are to be avoided. According to the Mayo Clinic, “As a chemical, caffeine increases production of urine, which means caffeine is a diuretic.” Which means the espresso martini is definitely a no no. Also, beer is consumed in larger volumes, which may give a false sense of hydration.
Vodka & Soda
The best, hydrating drink in the heat is a vodka with club soda and fruit. The minerals in the club soda are hydrating and vodka has fewer amounts of byproducts making it less likely to lead to major dehydration or a hangover.
Ingredients
Fill glass with ice
Add vodka and soda
Garnish and enjoy
Gin Negroni
Gin was the drink for the British in the heat of tropics. This refresh drink can also be a delight to your system. The grapefruit Negroni sticks with gin, sweet vermouth and Campari, but it tweaks the ratio, calling for more gin and less Campari. This adjustment yields a less bitter drink than the original.
Ingredients
2 peeled ruby red grapefruit segments (or 1ounce fresh ruby red grapefruit juice)
1 1/2ouncesgin
1ouncesweet vermouth
1/2ounceCampari
Garnish: long, wide swath of grapefruit peel
Create
Squeeze the grapefruit segments into a shaker and drop in the fruit (or add fresh juice)
Add the gin, sweet vermouth and Campari to the shaker with ice, and shake until well-chilled
Place ice in a rocks glass and curl the grapefruit peel around the inside of the glass
Strain into the prepared glass
Pink Gin Spritz
The Gin & Tonic is the classic drink of the hot, humid, envoricemewnt. Originally made to hide the taste of quinine, the power was mined with soda and sugar, creating tonic water. And then they mixed it with gin. Here is a fun update for a hot day for you – something summer, fresh and a delight!
The cocktail hero at Churchill Downs during the heat, the Oaks Lily is a great replacement to the heavy mint julep. The juice is good for your system and the taste is easy without being too sweet.
Ingredients
1 ounce vodka
½ ounce orange liqueur
½ ounce simple syrup (See Notes)
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
3 ounces cranberry juice
Lemon wedges, for serving
Fresh blackberries, for serving
Create
Fill a Collins or highball glass with ice
Add vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup and cranberry juice
Stir to combine
Garnish with a lemon wedge and a fresh blackberry
Remember to be careful on your consumption and drink plenty of water. Have a great summer.
Authentic dive bars, not merely the spaces that have adopted the aesthetic — those pretenders are filled with vintage neon signs and serve marked-up cans of domestic beer — are plentiful in Chicago. There’s a dedicated cohort of independent tavern owners who take pride in keeping these shot and beer spots alive.
On the other hand, the city’s cocktail bars have been dominated by larger hospitality groups. While customers can see semblances of DIY culture in many of those bars, some can be more glitz than substance. In recent times, Chicago’s bar scene has experienced a revolution, with taverns like Lemon and West Town and Moonflower in Portage Park showing drinkers that not all independents need to have sticky floors like a dive.
A case in point is Truce, an intimate drinking den that debuted before Memorial Day at 1935 N. Damen Avenue in Bucktown. The opening was pushed back a few times, but the final product is worth it. Stepping into the narrow space along Damen Avenue visitors will find a unique warmth rarely seen at a bar open for only a few weeks. The staff is friendly, the menu offers many options without feeling like a dense atlas, and nothing feels out of place — including the customers; there’s a welcoming and accepting vibe.
Two couples run and own the spot: David Mor and Matthew Hunnel, plus Rami Ezzat and Sarah Kmiec. Their hospitality experience runs the gamut, including from Robert et Fils, Bavette’s, and Cindy’s.
Mor is behind the drink list. He’s associated with Zubair Mohajir, the chef behind the casual Lilac Tiger and the Indian tasting menu restaurant the Coach House, both in Wicker Park. Mor is also a partner in Mohajir’s upcoming Mexican-Indian restaurant, Mirra — opening this summer around the corner from Truce. He’s using Mohajir’s masala chai recipe in his triple chai daiquiri, a viscous concoction made with Mount Gay rum. Mor put serious thought to the fancy drinks on the menu, but his bartenders quietly suggest more folks drink the simple strawberry vermouth and sparkling water. Truce celebrates various cocktail cultures, including Chicago’s. That explains a shot — RBF, which is made with cacao, Aperol, lemon, and Jeppson’s Malört. For folks who stay away from the famously bitter spirit, RBF does the unthinkable — it delivers a bright and sweet flavor while retaining a hint of that famously bitter flavor. Making Malört would strip the spirit of its essence,
Truce is also open in the mornings with coffee from Valparaiso, Indiana-based Yaggy Road Roasting Company. It’s the base for several “latte-like” drinks, which are also available later in the day for folks who don’t want to drink alcohol. There are small bites like bagels and overnight oats, too.
Walk through the space below. Truce is now open.
Truce, 1935 N. Damen Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, and 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. from Thursday to Monday
Honey Lime Margaritas are the perfect cocktail for sipping and celebrating! Tequila and lime juice sweetened with a super simple honey syrup and served over ice. This recipe yields 2 servings.
What’s better than a few cocktails at 4 in the afternoon?
Absolutely nothing. And that’s exactly what I did this past Tuesday. Totally random and totally fun. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?
Years ago two of my sisters and I got a little tipsy from a few-too-many of these here honey lime margaritas. That night my oldest sister earned the nickname “Tequila Kelly” and I learned that I can cook and drink at the same time. After mentioning that night in a post, I was asked by a few of you for the recipe for the delicious margs. Well since Cinco de Mayo is only a days away, I figured now was a good time as any to share it.
This recipe makes two glasses, or one giant one (if you know what I mean 😉). However this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled even.
To Make These Honey Lime Margaritas You Will Need:
limes – Freshly squeezed for juice, a wedge for rimming the glasses and a few slices for serving.
chili lime seasoning (aka tajin) – Or use margarita salt.
ice – Because nobody wants a room temperature margarita.
honey syrup – This is just equal parts honey and warm water, shaken until combined then cooled.
tequila blanco (silver) – Use your favorite. I like Casamigos or Espolòn.
Rim your glasses with a lime wedge.
Then dip the moistened rim of the glass into a shallow plate of chili lime salt (tajin) or margarita salt.
I have to say, my favorite part about drinking margaritas is the salty rim. Period. That’s why I like to dip the whole rim in tajin or salt. If you’re not so much of a salt fan then just dip a portion of the rim or none at all.
Fill to the top with ice and set aside.
Divide 1/2 cup of tequila among the two glasses.
Combine 1 ounce honey syrup (more or less to taste) with 8 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice. Then divide the honey lime mixture among the glasses.
How Do You Make Honey Syrup?
Simply add equal parts honey and warm water in a bottle or jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake well to combine and then let cool or chill.
Garnish with lime wheels.
Sip, smile and repeat.
And as always, drink responsibly.
Click Here and check out my other margarita recipes!
Enjoy! And if you give this Honey Lime Margaritas recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Yield: 2servings
Honey Lime Margaritas
Honey Lime Margaritas are the perfect cocktail for sipping and celebrating! Tequila and lime juice sweetened with a super simple honey syrup and served over ice. This recipe yields 2 servings.
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Total Time: 5 minutesmins
lime wedges, for rubbing on the rim and for garnish
chili lime seasoning (tajin), or margarita salt
ice
1/2cuptequila silver, or blanco
1/2cuplime juice, freshly squeezed
1 to 2tablespoonshoney syrup, or to taste
Rim two drinking glasses with a wedge of lime before dipping the wet rim into a small plate with chili lime seasoning or margarita salt. Fill each glass full with ice.
Combine the honey syrup and the lime juice
Divide the tequila among both glasses (1/4 cup each per glass) and then divide the honey lime mixture.
Garnish with lime wheels and enjoy!
How To Make Honey Syrup: In a bottle or jar with tight fitting lid, add equal parts honey and warm water. Shake well to combine.
This recipe was originally posted on April 12, 2013 and has been recently updated to provide clear and concise instructions, new photography and helpful information.
SNEAK is opening soon in the Elizabeth neighborhood of Charlotte.
Courtesy of SNEAK
Charlotte is home to several speakeasies around the city, but now a new “sneakeasy” is opening soon.
SNEAK, a sophisticated cocktail lounge, will be coming to the Elizabeth neighborhood in just a few weeks, as first reported by Charlotte Business Journal.
Designed to be more of a “sneakeasy,” the team says the mission is about “preserving the speakeasy’s mystery, but offering a more relaxed, accessible vibe resembling a lounge.”
“Nestled in the charming Elizabeth neighborhood, SNEAK is an extraordinary find, offering a delightful twist on classic cocktails alongside our unique signature creations,” the cocktail lounge’s website says.
“Upon stepping inside, prepare to be embraced by an intimate yet elegant ambiance that exudes just the right amount of vibrancy to match the atmosphere you seek. Adding to the experience, we’ve curated various custom and themed playlists infusing our space with an electrifying energy.”
The Edge of the Garden cocktail from SNEAK. Courtesy of SNEAK
In the beginning, the team’s goal wasn’t to open a “sneakeasy.” Team members originally had plans of opening a deli and cocktail concept, and later a sneaker lounge. But that vision evolved into what’s to come as SNEAK, a spot they hope will become a beloved nightlife spot in the city.
“I thought we’d do something a little bit more different, something a little bit more fun, something with more energy to it,” managing partner Jamil Whitlow told CharlotteFive. “It’s a concept that has all the components — a lot of the components — of a speakeasy with a high energy lounge.”
Once opened, SNEAK — which will be nestled next to Bang Bang Burgers — will have a full bar with a menu of 10 signature cocktails, beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks, along with bar bites, too.
“I think people will really gravitate toward what we’re really trying to bring to the market,” Whitlow shared. “Our goal is to compliment what’s already kind of existing … and bring our own flavor to the Elizabeth market.”
An official opening date has yet to be announced, but the team expects it’ll be within the next few weeks.
This story was originally published March 21, 2024, 3:10 PM.
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Chyna Blackmon is a service journalism reporter for The Charlotte Observer. A native of the Carolinas, she grew up in Columbia, SC, and graduated from Queens University of Charlotte. She’s also worked in local television news in Charlotte, NC, and Richmond, VA. Support my work with a digital subscription
It is a time to celebrate and relish in your heritage…wear green, tip a glass and enjoy some of these St. Patrick’s Day cocktail.
St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday where people wear green, make merry and imbibe…often heavily. In Ireland, up until the mid-twentieth century, the holiday remained modest and grounded in religion. It was not until the swinging 1960s when in Ireland it became the raucous celebration it is today. To help carry on the tradition, here are the best St. Patrick’s Day cocktail recipes.
You can’t get more of a St. Patrick’s Day drink than a boilermaker. Originally call the Sean O’Farrell, it was created in the 1890s in Montana. When the beer is served as a chaser, the drink is often called simply a shot and a beer.
Ingredients
1ouncewhiskey (usually bourbon or rye)
8ouncesbeer
Create
Pour the whiskey into a shot glass
Fill a pint glass halfway with beer.
Drop the shot glass into the beer.
Drink
Irish Car Bomb
A variation of the Boilermaker with a little dark history. It hit the scene in 1979 in Wilson’s Saloon in Connecticut by Charles Burke Cronin Oat. Originally created as a mixed shot drink called a Grandfather combining Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlúa. On St. Patrick’s Day March 1977 he added Jameson Irish Whiskey to the drink, calling this drink “the IRA.” In 1979, Oat spontaneously dropped this shot into a partially-drunk Guinness, calling the result a Belfast Carbomb or Irish Carbomb. And history was made.
It’s rarely a good idea to chug anything, but the Irish Shot is an exception, as it benefits from quick consumption. That’s because the Irish cream will react with the acidic beer and begin to curdle if allowed to sit for more than a few seconds. And nobody wants curdled cream in their drink.
Ingredients
1/2ounce Irish whiskey
1/2ounceBaileys Irish cream
Guinness beer
Create
Add the Baileys and whiskey into a shot glass, pouring slowly to create a layered effect.
Drop the shot into a pint glass filled half to three-quarters with the Guinness. Drink immediately.
Vodka Stinger
While not a traditional St. Patrick’s Day cocktail, it does have a new green coloring and has the popular vodka as a base. Created ink 1890, a stinger is made with brandy, crème de menthe, and simple syrup. It is first noted in William Schmidt’s 1892 cocktail book The Flowing Bowl. Immediately popular with New York social set, it spread across the country. A “vodka stinger”, also known as a white spider, uses vodka instead of brandy.
½ oz of white creme de menthe (green if you want the Irish version)
Create
Load a shaker with ice cubes
Pop in all your ingredients, vodka and crème de menthe
The Chicago River is green today and green is the color of celebrations today! So how to make green beer – well, it isn’t hard. Legend has it, Dr. Thomas Curtincreated green beer we drink today. Dr. Thomas Curtin, a coroner’s physician and eye surgeon, first colored beer for a St. Patrick’s Day party at the Schnerer Club of Morrisania in the Bronx in 1914. It has been popular every since and the green does not change the flavor.
Ingredients
12ounces light color beer like a pilsner and witbier
1drop green food coloring
Create
Find a clear beer class
Add the food coloring to the bottom of the glass
Pour in the beer
Toast to your friends
May you have all the happiness and luck that life can hold
And at the end of all your rainbows
May you find a pot of gold.
May the roof over your head always be strong
May you be in Heaven a half hour before the Devil knows you’re dead!