Friday Cocktail Time...a trip back to the 30's

So as usual it is friday and I need a cocktail.  I thought I would switch it up a bit and make a cocktail from my "The Savoy Cocktail Book".  You may remember seeing this book in photos from my trip the Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans (here).  This one is a facsimile created in the 80's, which is perfect for me.  An original 30's edition usually sells for around 300-500 bucks...no thank you I would rather spend my dollars on booze......this one is about 40-50 dollars on the big E.

The Savoy Cocktail Book

What is so cool about this version is it is suppose to be EXACTLY like the original, complete with all of the illustrations.

Just one of the many illustrations!

For today I decided on an American Beauty Cocktail...because well I'm an American Beauty!

Recipe....it doesn't mention ice...but I added some to the shaker!

After one quick trip to the liquor store for some brandy, I was all set. (Don't forget you will need port too...I didn't notice that before I left, but luckily we had a bottle on hand...and don't go without it, it really adds to the drink!)

The goods

This one is pretty easy!  Since the ratio was 1/4 of the main four ingredients, I used 1oz of each which worked well because two of the fours are mixers...so you basically end up with roughly a 2oz strong drink.  Also that makes it the perfect size drink to use in a iced hi-ball glass.

All shook up!

Now for the pour....

A nice orangey red color

Looks so delicious in my new bar glass....which I thrifted this very afternoon.  My new last name starts with an "L".  It was meant to be! Lets see another couple photos of that sexy glass with the port added on top.

Front

Back

VERDICT - This drink is seriously delicious.  It is rather sweet given the ounce of both grenadine and orange juice, plus the port on top....but the flavors work really well together.  Even the dash of Creme de Menthe is great...there is a touch of minty-ness in each sip.  Don't be scared to try it! My husband said it sounded like a hot mess......and it does have a lot going on...but it works!  Now I'm off to make another.

Cheers!

Becca

Mid Century Drink Day! Let's spin that wheel...Bar Aid #43

That is right...it has been a while since I've had a mid century cocktail, sadly.  So I decided it was high time to make one from my Bar Aid cocktail spinner again (after seeing another Bar Aid over on a Thriftables thrift share post).  Let's pull a number shall we....

#43  Gunga Din

Here is the recipe in case it is hard to read in the photo:

GUNGA DIN

3/4 Dry Gin

1/4 Dry Vermouth

1 slice pineapple

Juice of 1/4 Orange

Shake well with ice & strain

I quickly gather my supplies....since I have everything on hand (YES!!)

The fruit

Muddle said fruit...take the frustration of the day out on it!

You have been muddled, sir

Measure out your liquor and add to your shaker along with ice

Shake, Shake, Shake

Strain into a chilled glass

#43 Gunga Din

VERDICT: Quite tasty! I was surprised! I usually like more sweeter drinks than dry, but this was very good.  While it was a little dry the fruit juice balance it perfectly.  It didn't taste like alcohol at all which can happen when there is gin involved.  This is definitely one to make again.

Ciao

Becca

Homemade Cordials - Strawberry

I'm super excited about the latest kitchen gadget I bought.  It is called "Cordially Yours"... a cordial maker! It was produced in the 80's but wasn't distributed long in the US because the liqueur manufacturers  successfully lobbied to keep it out.  I found out about this gem on a message board and couldn't wait to find one and try it out.  Luckily one came up on the big "E" and I snatched it up!  So lets makes some cordials!

 Mr. Honey brought home a half flat of strawberries....so strawberry it is...

RECIPE

2 cups vodka

2 cups sugar 

1 cup water

4 cups fresh strawberries

First I washed and cut up my strawberries then placed them in the inner pot.  

Next I put the vodka, water, and sugar in a pitcher.

 Stir it up until all the sugar dissolves, then pour the liquid in the pot with the berries.  Set the timer to 8 hours.  Done!  How easy is that.

The next morning, I strained out the strawberries (kept them for yummy ice cream topping!)

 
Poured the liquid into a mason jar.  I did a quick taste test.....DELICIOUS!

 Now lets taste test it in an adult beverage...

I did a quick twist on a caipirinha...if you haven't had one then you should!  It is the national cocktail of Brazil.  Here is the recipe:

1 lime quartered

2 tsp sugar

2 ozs Cachaca  (Brazilian rum)

THE TWIST:  2 oz strawberry liqueur

Place lime wedges and sugar in a cocktail cup; Muddle well until it becomes a paste.  Fill with ice and add the Cachaca  (and strawberry liqueur)

 Tada!

 "Spiked with Happy Houch" drink stir

VERDICT:  Super yummy! Now I think I want to make Pineapple cordials!

Tiki Drink : Atlantic Breeze

Since my recent dining experience at Trader Vic's I have been rather obsessed with anything and everything Tiki. So I thought for this Friday I would make a tropical adult beverage.  Where better to find the perfect cocktail recipe than in Shag's Tiki Cocktail book.

After flipping around I quickly decided on the Atlanic Breeze, since I needed to juice this beautiful pineapple I picked up at the farmers market last weekend. 

 Here we go!

Recipe

The hardest part was to juice the pineapple....since I have no idea how to begin I sort of MacGuyver'd it. 

The finished product!

VERDICT: Oh so good. I will have another....oh wait I already do! I don't think I will be using this glass too much unless it has been a particularly bad day.  I had to double the recipe to fill this baby up.  An automatic make mine a double so to speak.

To show you the scale of this glass....geezzz

Note to self.....buy LONG straws and cocktail umbrellas.

Note to everyone else.....if you try to make this at home don't be sad if you can't "float" the grenadine....Mine sunk like a stone!

I hope you all have a great weekend!  Happy Friday!

Becca

The Museum of the American Cocktail - New Orleans

YES!  There is actually a Museum of the American Cocktail...ok so it is in a mall, but there is still some cool stuff there.  I have wanted to share these photos for awhile now, and JUST managed to get them off our dying laptop this week.  So Enjoy!

ENTER!

Right at the entrance there is this one display with nothing but tiki mugs!

Mr. Honey taking a sip....of sorts

I want this one!  To drink from someones head...that is the life!
Makes me think of Indian Jones for some reason.

Some of these recipes looked delish!

BOOZE IT UP!   It cracks me up that is is "A-Pass-out game" 

I want to learn 'round the bar games and bets from Ed McMahon.....um no.

I really want this cocktail book....but it is like $300-500 bucks.  Sadness.

This is a blimp....AND a cocktail shaker.  Waaaa

There is my Bar Aid!

and my Pink Elephants!

I love these pamphlets.  I need to know how to give a Vodka Party.
These things are important!

There were LOTS of items from prohibition times

I'm sure that was a popular title.  Ha

The "Extracts"

So awesome, good ole hidden book compartment.
Apt Title "Spring Poems  The Four Swallows"

Pure Medicinal Whiskey....I don't know about you, but my whiskey is all medicinal

O' delicious Absinthe

One on the left I believe is an Oscar Wilde quote.
I'm betting on the wallpaper!

Absinthe Spoons.  So pretty

Wish I read French....

Have a great weekend!

Becca