Dark Night

Back to the book.  Continuing on in the Vodka chapter the next drink I tried was the Dark Night.  I must confess that at this point I am looking for drinks that I  have most of the ingredients for.   The cocktail shaker was a Christmas gift as was the drink book.

Dark Night

ice cubes
1 measure Kahlua
1 measure Vodka
1 measure cold Espresso
2 tsp sugar syrup

Put ice into a cocktail shaker and add remaining ingredients.  Shake well and strain into a chilled Martini glass.

Yes, I made the simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar and boil for a couple of minutes).  I did take the easy route with the espresso and made from instant espresso.

If you like coffee then you will like this drink.  The Kahlua and espresso give this drink a rich coffee flavor.

Scotch-Old is GOOD

If you are Scotch OLD is a good thing!

One of things on John's Christmas wish list was this 18 year old bottle of Scotch.  

Having been forewarned that this would cost a little bit more than what was available at the Jewel I headed off to Binny's.  Once there I walked up to the wall of locked liquor and found the wish list Scotch.  Having decided that Christmas comes but once a year I headed to the service desk to release the scotch and place it under the tree.

   I did take a few sips but alas I am not a Scotch drinker and a good scotch is wasted on me.  I must admit that I could sit for quite a while and just enjoy the "nose", a warm spicy and slightly sweet aroma and such a beautiful golden color. 

New Years2011

Yes, I know I missed the opportunity to set the clock at midnight for the New Years photo and  yes, Bob, this is the clock that you made in middle school.  I took this photo  New Years day in MI and was enjoying the drink when I realized I needed to take a picture for the blog.   Mudslides have been around for quit a while I have had the premixed version that you purchase and mix with ice in the blender.  I like Mudslides so it was an easy decision to make this drink next.  I liked this version and will be making it again. 

 

MUDSLIDE

10 ice cubes, cracked

1 measure vodka

1 measure Kahlua

1 measure Baileys Irish Cream

Put 6 ice cubes into a cocktail shaker and add the vodka, Kahlua and Baileys.  Shake until a froth forms. strain into a tumbler and add the remaining ice. 

I normally don't stray from a recipe until I have made it once, but the only Baileys that I had on hand was Baileys Caramel and I didn't have time to go the the store before we left for Michigan.  When I got home I purchased regular Baileys and made the Mudslide according to recipe.  I much preferred the Baileys Caramel, it made for a smooth taste while the Baileys Irish Cream had what I thought was a sharper slightly alcohol taste.  I will be making this drink again using the Baileys Caramel and when the weather turns warm I will bring out the blender and make the frozen version. 

Let the drinking begin

Amazing things happen at the holidays; the lights, the tree, the ornaments collected over the years, family and friends that inspire you to try something new and out of your comfort zone.

This year I received a drink book, "501 Must-Taste Cocktails"  , 2 new martini shakers and some beautiful drink glasses.  While the new book has spurred me on to try new drinks I am starting with a drink I made last Christmas and looks like it will be a holiday tradition, the Polar Espresso Martini.

POLAR ESPRESSO MARTINI- one drink
1 shot Espresso cooled
1 shot White Chocolate Liquer
1/2 shot Peppermint Schnapps
1 shot 1/2&1/2

Mix all ingredients in shaker with ice.
Garnish with whip cream and dust with cocoa powder.

The finished product.

Spode that has been collected over the years.

New martini glasses.

Cool picture of new glasses.