Mixed Drinks Recommendations

[Grim Reaper]

While I know my beers inside and out, up and down, back and forth... I'm not very familiar with mixed drinks. I know the basics of X+cola, X+tonic, and how to make a real Martini and a "Coffee Martini." Beyond that, i really don't know anything that's great (except a long island and I'm not buying that much stuff). Fire away with any suggestions of some good drinks. Offbeat things are welcome because they're fun and new.

Criteria:
- I'm poor, buying $75 worth of liquor is out.
- Under $30 would be great, I can do slightly more.
- No Tequila
- Gin shouldn't be the base, but is suitable.

What I have:
- 3 piece shaker/strainer
- 2 sided jigger
- Martini glasses
- Pub Glasses
- Shot glasses
- 75% of a 750ml bottle of Korsky Vodka (not good)
- Dry Vermouth
- Chocolate Liquer

This is more for the girlfriend than for me, but she usually likes what i like. She hates "fruity" drinks as any respectable person should. Simple flavorings such as lime, lemon, coffee, etc. are suitable. Whiskey rules! So have at it guys, help me out.

[rikrdo]

2 parts Scotch (a good blend is just fine.....no matter what these single malt snobs will tell ya :wink:)
1 part Drambuie


I like to take the scotch to a shaker full of ice and get it chilled down really fast.
Drain into a glass and add Drambuie and 2 aged ice cubes.
Great for cold weather drinkin'

[OldGrowth]

1 oz - good bourbon
1 drop - spring water

That's about as mixed as I get. :wink: I usually hold the spring water though.

Sorry, couldn't help myself. :lol:

[rktscientist7]

My kneejerk reaction is to tell you to focus on your martini. Just as there are not enough people in this world who know how to properly shave, there are not enough people who know how to make a good martini. But if you feel comfortable with your skill set there... Why not try an Old Fashioned?

An Old Fashioned is a great "unwind in your favorite armchair with a book by a roaring fire" type drink.

Like the Martini, there is some debate as to the proper method, etc. Here's a Wikipedia page that has a good general recipe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Fashioned

You could also try a Sazerac, which is very similar to an Old Fashioned:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sazerac

Enjoy!

[OldGrowth]

My kneejerk reaction is to tell you to focus on your martini. Just as there are not enough people in this world who know how to properly shave, there are not enough people who know how to make a good martini. But if you feel comfortable with your skill set there... Why not try an Old Fashioned?

An Old Fashioned is a great "unwind in your favorite armchair with a book by a roaring fire" type drink.

Like the Martini, there is some debate as to the proper method, etc. Here's a Wikipedia page that has a good general recipe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Fashioned

You could also try a Sazerac, which is very similar to an Old Fashioned:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sazerac

Enjoy!

MMMMMM, Old Fashioned. I ordered one a few months ago when I stopped into a bar while out of town at a conference. You would have thought I gave the bartender $100 or something. He was so excited to make one because he said he hadn't been able to make one for a customer in ages. He later gave me some very nice bourbon, neat, on the house.

[rikrdo]

SIDECAR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidecar_%28cocktail%29)

a "new" one for me, but I like it every now and again.
I use brandy and use Orange Curacao instead of Cointreau.

[rktscientist7]

MMMMMM, Old Fashioned. I ordered one a few months ago when I stopped into a bar while out of town at a conference. You would have thought I gave the bartender $100 or something. He was so excited to make one because he said he hadn't been able to make one for a customer in ages. He later gave me some very nice bourbon, neat, on the house.

The EXACT same thing happened to me! I went out for a quiet cocktail while I was in London, and wandered into this great place just a few blocks off Trafalgar Square. After I finished my Sazerac (I asked for Bulleit), the barman came by with a snifter of 18 year-old Buffalo Sazerac Rye Whiskey and offered it to me for a taste. Delicious!

If you know a thing or two about good spirits and proper cocktails, it WILL benefit you!

[TENroaches]

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=36887 :smile:

[rabidpotatochip]

If you don't mind waiting a few weeks you can make some interesting liqueurs by infusing vodka. I'm going to list a favorite from a book I have in my collection (I'll post the name here later), it's called a jade blossom martini.

1oz green tea liqueur (put 2tbsp loose leaf green tea in a bottle of vodka for 18-24 hours and strain. Sweeten with simple syrup (at room temperature!) and let age for two weeks)
1oz cucumber liqueur (peel and slice a whole cucumber, leave in vodka for a month shaking daily, strain, sweeten with simple syrup (again, room temperature!) and age for two weeks)
1oz lime liqueur (add zest of a dozen limes to a bottle of vodka and leave for two weeks shaking daily, sweeten with room temp. simple syrup and again, age for two weeks)

You end up with a drink that's emerald green in color and surprisingly smooth. At first you taste the lime, but as you're swallowing the cucumber flavor starts to develop and you're left with a light green tea aftertaste. It's extremely important to make sure your simple syrup is at room temperature though, otherwise you'll alter the base flavor of the drink. I used a 750mL bottle of vodka for each of those beverages.

If you're looking for something simple, put a few cinnamon sticks in some vodka for a few weeks. It gets a lovely red color and goes great in cola.

[boboakalfb]

My kneejerk reaction is to tell you to focus on your martini. Just as there are not enough people in this world who know how to properly shave, there are not enough people who know how to make a good martini. But if you feel comfortable with your skill set there... Why not try an Old Fashioned?

An Old Fashioned is a great "unwind in your favorite armchair with a book by a roaring fire" type drink.

Like the Martini, there is some debate as to the proper method, etc. Here's a Wikipedia page that has a good general recipe: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Fashioned

You could also try a Sazerac, which is very similar to an Old Fashioned:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sazerac

Enjoy!


Great suggestions, and since you like Whiskey, a Manhattan would be another good one to try.

[stobes21]

Another suggestion is the whiskey sour. The quality of this drink very much depends on the quality of the sour mix -- make your own. There's no need to use real high-end whiskey here, but something like Bulleit is great, and even basic bourbon does fine too: I like Evan Willaims.

[theperfectstorm]

If you can make a Martini you can make a Manhattan. Added bonus is you can not only use Knob Creek and other expensive bourbons, but you can also use inexpensive Canadian Whiskeys like Black Velvet and CC and it still makes a fine drink.

If you can get good Ginger Beer, from Central market or World Market or where ever, you can add vodka and make Moscow Mules, very nice for when the weather warms up. Don't use Ginger Ale use good English or West Indies Ginger Beer.

[TENroaches]

If you can make a Martini you can make a Manhattan. Added bonus is you can not only use Knob Creek and other expensive bourbons, but you can also use inexpensive Canadian Whiskeys like Black Velvet and CC and it still makes a fine drink.

If you can get good Ginger Beer, from Central market or World Market or where ever, you can add vodka and make Moscow Mules, very nice for when the weather warms up. Don't use Ginger Ale use good English or West Indies Ginger Beer.

Moscow Mule is my FAVORITE drink. I use Jamaica's Finest Ginger Beer, made in Natrona, PA. It's the spiciest and gingeriest ginger beer I've had. I'm into ginger beer as much as I am into shaving.

Luckily, I live near Natrona, so I can go pick it up. It's more expensive on their website (http://www.natronabottlingcompany.com/) because of shipping (glass bottles can get pretty heavy). So this option is probably out for The Grim Reaper, but maybe not theperfectstorm!

[Edcculus]

My motto should be: "there is always an episode of Good Eats"

I couldn't find the video, but the episode "Raising the Bar" gives a great intro to basic mixology as well as recipes for a true daquari, martini (stirred not shaken) and mint julep.

Here is a link to the transcript:

AB's Cocktails (http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/Season9/cocktail/raising_the_bar.htm)

[Tiggercat]

My two favorites are rum-based:

Dark & Stormy

Simple, like rum and coke, but much more depth of flavor.

1 jigger (maybe a touch more) Gosling's Black Seal Rum
1 bottle Reed's Extra Ginger Ginger Brew (or other strong ginger beer)
A few ice cubes

Combine in a tall glass and enjoy.


Mojito

I'm amazed how many people claim to hate mojitos. Every hater I have ever met loves mine.

2 jiggers light or amber rum (8-year-old Rhum Barbancourt rocks)
1 jigger simple syrup (cane syrup is even better)
1 tbsp sugar
1 large lime
mint to taste - I like a lot, like 2 - 3 large stems' worth
club soda
ice

In a shaker, combine sugar, rum, juice of 1/2 lime, and mint leaves. Muddle well (crush the mint to impart the flavor to the liquid). A good muddler is a few bucks at most restaurant supply stores. Add the other 1/2 lime, cut into wedges. Mash that with the muddler to extract juice and essence from peel. Add ice and simple syrup, cover, and shake well. Pour into either two rocks glasses with ice or two martini glasses straight up. Splash in some club soda. Get ready to make more. :biggrin: You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste, especially on the lime, simple syrup, and mint.

[Grim Reaper]

I'm debating all of these. Great sounding stuff guys, thanks a lot.

[jellywerker]

Damn, I wish I could drink ^.^ The Moscow Mule especially sounds good. I have a thing for a good ginger beer.

[haiti222]

If you get into the brown liquors (which does not include many dark rums and tequilas that have caramel coloring added), getting age for a good price is important. Some good bargains that are not overly harsh, but also not overly expensive:

French Napoleonic Brandy rather than Cognac....Brands include St. Remy and Raynal. These are aged the same, but use wine from many places, not just Cognac, a region of France. $9-14 a bottle. Mix with juice or soda.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/21/WIGK0DQHQP1.DTL

Barbancourt Rum- Three or Five Star varieties. $15-25 per bottle. This is aged Haitian rum. It is made just like Cognac, but with pressed sugar cane juice instead of wine. It is great for mixing with juice or soda as well, but is also delicious with fresh lime juice and sugar (in a mojito, see Tiggercat above).

Jose Cuervo Black Label- About $20- Tequila, like rum is sold in both aged and unaged varieties. This blend has an average age longer than almost all tequila in this price range.

House Brand Liqueurs - $5-8 a bottle. These are fun for adding flavor and sweetness to a drink. Triple Sec and Blue Cuaraco are common. I like Melon Liqueur (similar to the name brand Midori). Buy one and add to harder liquor and juice or soda.

[denissawyer]

My two favorites are rum-based:

Dark & Stormy

Simple, like rum and coke, but much more depth of flavor.

1 jigger (maybe a touch more) Gosling's Black Seal Rum
1 bottle Reed's Extra Ginger Ginger Brew (or other strong ginger beer)
A few ice cubes

Combine in a tall glass and enjoy.


Mojito

I'm amazed how many people claim to hate mojitos. Every hater I have ever met loves mine.

2 jiggers light or amber rum (8-year-old Rhum Barbancourt rocks)
1 jigger simple syrup (cane syrup is even better)
1 tbsp sugar
1 large lime
mint to taste - I like a lot, like 2 - 3 large stems' worth
club soda
ice

In a shaker, combine sugar, rum, juice of 1/2 lime, and mint leaves. Muddle well (crush the mint to impart the flavor to the liquid). A good muddler is a few bucks at most restaurant supply stores. Add the other 1/2 lime, cut into wedges. Mash that with the muddler to extract juice and essence from peel. Add ice and simple syrup, cover, and shake well. Pour into either two rocks glasses with ice or two martini glasses straight up. Splash in some club soda. Get ready to make more. :biggrin: You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste, especially on the lime, simple syrup, and mint.

your recipe sounds very delicious I have been drinking quite a few of these in preperation for my trip to CUBA!!!!

[LiquidStrike]

My two favorites are rum-based:

Dark & Stormy

Simple, like rum and coke, but much more depth of flavor.

1 jigger (maybe a touch more) Gosling's Black Seal Rum
1 bottle Reed's Extra Ginger Ginger Brew (or other strong ginger beer)
A few ice cubes



I would like to second the recommendation for the Dark and Stormy. I have spent many a Saturday afternoon enjoying this cocktail with good friends and good food. Hell - my wife and I like them so much, we decided to get married in Bermuda cause it's the national drink!

[Tiggercat]

your recipe sounds very delicious I have been drinking quite a few of these in preperation for my trip to CUBA!!!!

Thanks! Make sure you try Havana Club rum, especially the Havana Club Anejo 15 Anos, and if you make it to the HC museum, the San Cristobal de la Habana.

[denissawyer]

I have havana white and the 7 year one at home cant recall the name.

[theperfectstorm]

+1 on the Barbancourt.

It can be an acquired taste, though. If it is not for you, try Appleton (Jamaican) and Mount Gay (Barbados).

A liter of tawny Mount Gay can usually be had for $15. It is your best rum value. Gosling Black is a close second value-wise.

[Tiggercat]

I have havana white and the 7 year one at home cant recall the name.

I just noticed you're in Canada. No Havana Club for us in the US. :frown: (Yes, they do sell a brand here called Havana Club, but it's a blatant knock-off made by Bacardi.)

[Brewman]

2 parts Scotch (a good blend is just fine.....no matter what these single malt snobs will tell ya :wink:)
1 part Drambuie


I like to take the scotch to a shaker full of ice and get it chilled down really fast.
Drain into a glass and add Drambuie and 2 aged ice cubes.
Great for cold weather drinkin'

+1 to this.

And greetings to a fellow Drambuie drinker. I don't know too many.
But if you don't have the makings on hand, you'll need to shell out some coin. Drambuie last time I checked, was pretty expensive.
MMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm.......Drambuie.

I love ordering a rusty nail and watching the bartender fish out the cocktail manual!

[denissawyer]

I just noticed you're in Canada. No Havana Club for us in the US. :frown: (Yes, they do sell a brand here called Havana Club, but it's a blatant knock-off made by Bacardi.)


Oh I suppose with the embargo.

[Tiggercat]

Oh I suppose with the embargo.

Yep. Drink some 15 anos for me!

[denissawyer]

Yep. Drink some 15 anos for me!

I think they have it at the big Liquor Store here, theres one in town that has alot of specialty items them might carry that thankfully they have a website!

[denissawyer]

Just checked their site :( no 15 anos...

[ScottS]

Great suggestions, and since you like Whiskey, a Manhattan would be another good one to try.


I think that's an underappreciated cocktail that I really enjoy

[rikrdo]

+1 to this.

And greetings to a fellow Drambuie drinker. I don't know too many.
But if you don't have the makings on hand, you'll need to shell out some coin. Drambuie last time I checked, was pretty expensive.
MMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm.......Drambuie.

I love ordering a rusty nail and watching the bartender fish out the cocktail manual!

Take a cruise.....
Picked up (2) 1 litre bottles at $20 a piece.
I'm good for awhile :biggrin:

[ratcheer]

One of my favorite cocktails is the Sazerac Cocktail. It is said that it is very possibly the original cocktail. I am going to New Orleans, next month, so I hope to be able to have one (or more) at the Sazerac Hotel bar.

It is a complicated to make, but oddly fairly simple cocktail. Two glasses are used. One is filled with crushed ice and a teaspoon of Herbsaint liqueur (which is similar to Pernod). In the other, ice cubes, a shot of straight rye whiskey, a few drops of Peychaud bitters, and a teaspoon of sugar are stirred. When the time is right, the crushed ice and liqueur are dumped from the first glass and discarded. Then the contents of the second glass are strained into the emptied first glass, which is garnished with a twist of lemon peel and served.

Tim

[Doc4]

2 parts Scotch (a good blend is just fine.....no matter what these single malt snobs will tell ya :wink:)
1 part Drambuie


I like to take the scotch to a shaker full of ice and get it chilled down really fast.
Drain into a glass and add Drambuie and 2 aged ice cubes.
Great for cold weather drinkin'

Ah, the good old Rusty Nail! :biggrin:

Personally, I like a 50/50 mix of the scotch and 'buie, but do it "to taste".

[Tricknology]

A classic Gin & Tonic is pretty hard to beat, but a good dry Martini is just as good (just wave the vermouth bottle at the gin). I heartily recommend Tanqueray Ten for these particular drinks.

[jellywerker]

2 aged ice cubes.


I just caught this, would someone mind explaining? Googling didn't bring up anything.

[Confuzius]

I've been doing White Russians tonight.
The Conf Abides.

[adamjaskie]

I just caught this, would someone mind explaining? Googling didn't bring up anything.

Ice cubes that have been carved from a glacier, at least 10,000 years old.

[Ookla The Mok]

A regular at a bar I worked at ages ago ALWAYS ordered a Rusty Mist. Much like a Rusty Nail, but replacing the Scotch with Irish Mist. Delicious, but a bit sweet.

[LukeInFlames]

1oz cucumber liqueur (peel and slice a whole cucumber, leave in vodka for a month shaking daily, strain, sweeten with simple syrup (again, room temperature!) and age for two weeks)


did this once some time ago. heard it tasted really good. it's traditional across a wide swathe of eastern europe. peeled the skin of a cuke off, removed the seeds, and sliced it up nice. shook every day, kept in dark place, added syrup...

the resulting concoction tasted like bitter armpits. dunno what i did wrong, the cucumber wasn't rancid or anything....

be warned.

-L.

[-bp-]

Try a Vodka Gimlet (or, If you use gin, a Gimlet)

A four-count pour of your favorite plain vodka (or gin) into a rocks glass filled with ice, topped with a glimmer of Rose's Lime Juice (Has to be Rose's). Finish with a sliver of lime peel (optional). Enjoy.

It's like Golf. Easy to learn, difficult to master.

[rabidpotatochip]

did this once some time ago. heard it tasted really good. it's traditional across a wide swathe of eastern europe. peeled the skin of a cuke off, removed the seeds, and sliced it up nice. shook every day, kept in dark place, added syrup...

the resulting concoction tasted like bitter armpits. dunno what i did wrong, the cucumber wasn't rancid or anything....

be warned.

-L.

Bitter Armpit doesn't sound like a bad name for a drink... goes quite nicely with a Fuzzy Navel.

[TonUp]

I checked quickly and didn't see Whiskey Sours on the list.

I use a shot or two of Whiskey, fill with sour mix and add a splash of orange juice. Toss in two Maraschino cherries and you're all set :)

[trewornan]

You can't go wrong with a Gin & Tonic.

Good gin (eg Gordons), ice, slice of lemon, tonic to taste: classic.