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.