Drink of the Moment, Birthday Edition: Mint Chocolate Chip Cake

Batter up!  Next in this special birthday edition series 'Drink of the Moment' is chocolate-y, mint-y, and so so yummy.  For the love of all things good, you are going to want to try this cake-tail.  It has been my birthday boy's favorite so far.  If you've missed the first two, you can find them by clicking here, and here.  :) 

Mint Chocolate Chip Cake-tail

2oz Three Olives Cake Vodka

1oz Chocolate Liquer

1oz Creme de Menthe

Chocolate Whip-a-hol

Chocolate shavings, sprinkles, etc

Place first three ingredients in a shaker over ice.  Shake vigorously, and pour into glass.  Top with whipped cream or whip-a-hol, and garnish with chocolate, or use crushed cookies to rim the glass prior to filling.  Enjoy!


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Drink of the Moment, Birthday Edition: Cherry Cheesecake

Let the birthday cake-tails continue!  Second in the lineup packs the punch of a cheesecake without all of the calories and just as much (if not more) of the fun.

Cherry Cheesecake-tail

1oz Three Olives Cake vodka

1oz Stoli Wild Cherri

Splash of Butterscotch Schnapps

1/2oz White Cranberry Juice

Maraschino Cherries

Whipped Topping

Place first four ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.  Shake vigorously, and pour into glass.  Place maraschino cherry or two into glass and top with whipped topping.  Dig in!

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Drink of the Moment: Rumchata Colada

No one ever said that drinking will make you skinny, so my cocktail better be worth it if it's going to have the potential to make me go up a size.  This especially holds true for the standard Pina Colada.  Once upon a summer, in a galaxy far far away - I'll call it my youth - I may have had a fair sprinkling of this fair frozen creamy pineapple-y coconut-y drink during the warmer months, but these days the harsh reality of the calorie has set in, and I usually only splurge on one of these fat floats once a year.  This year, that special moment happened to come early for me with the first really warm snap we had.   


You may remember that I LOATHE pre-fabbed mixers where you just add the alcohol, and will usually not even waste my efforts in that direction.  The Pina Colada is no exception -- well, unless maybe I'm sitting at the infinity pool bar in a wonderfully tropical location.  Anyway, I digress.  When Jay wanted whip up some Pina Coladas from scratch (which is really a lot easier than it may sound ... and yummier too), I was only luke-warm to the idea with it being so early in the season.  I mean, did I really want to blow my single Pina Pass this early this year?  And then, something magical happened that changed my perspective.  I realized I could try making it this way ... sans pineapple!

THE RUMCHATA COLADA

Ice Cubes

1/2 cup light rum (I used Bacardi)

1/2 cup Rumchata

1/2 cup coconut cream

1/4 cup coconut milk

Fresh pineapple & maraschino cherries for garnish

Fill blender with ice cubes.  Add rum, Rumchata, coconut cream, and coconut milk.  Blend until smooth.  Pour into your glass, and garnish with fruit.

YUMM-tastic I tell you.  It really was all that even without the pineapple (well, except for the garnish), and who doesn't love having a whole pitcher of happy sitting right in your fridge - even if it does mean you have to eat nothing but lettuce for a day or two.  If you don't have Rumchata in your local market, try picking up some horchata and adding a little more rum, or maybe finding a recipe for it ... like this one here.  Totally.  Worth.  It.  The best part about all of this though; I am technically still holding on to that annual 'Pina Pass' if I do find myself at some fabulous infinity pool bar in a tropical vacation spot feeling mighty thirsty.  Splurge on!     

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Drink of the Moment: Honey DO!

It's Memorial Day weekend, and we all know what that means!  Good times, good friends, and  ... good grief it's been a long time since I've done a Drink of the Moment!  For those of you that thought I had fallen ON the wagon (you know who you are), NEVER FEAR for I am back with a fantastic beverage for whatever upcoming weekend fete you might be gearing up for.  I call it the 'Honey Do' since it's sweet, melony, and easy enough for your someone else to whip up for you all afternoon so you don't have to lift a finger.  Sounds perfect, no?  Oh, and let me not forget to mention that it is neon green.  Who doesn't have fun drinking a glowy green drink - a total DO .  Give it a chug (or three) and let me know what you think!

The Honey Do

3/4-1oz Stoli Sticki honey flavored vodka

2oz Midori melon liquer

1/2 oz lime juice

1/2 oz simple syrup

Club Soda

Lime &/or blackberry for garnish

Mix first 4 ingredients in a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously.  Pour into your glass, top with club soda, and garnish with fruit.  Easy peasy.

You can also do this one up instead of on the rocks if it tickles your fancy.  Just be sure to reduce the lime and simple syrup slightly so they don't overpower the flavor of the melon, or maybe add some more Midori if you go this route.  Either way, your own fate lies in the balance here, and the last thing anyone wants is to taste something gone horribly awry called a 'Honey Don't'.

Cheers!

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Drink of the Moment: Oatmeal Cookies and Cream

Not so long ago, I was 'challenged' to take a shooter that sounded pretty yummy, but honestly looked like it could have been day old puke, and turn it into something pretty and girly.  Never one to back down from a challenge in the drink department, I took to work and tried out a few different variations on the theme.  So, to my boozy buddy out there (you know who you are) looking for a tiny corner of soothing girly solace from this big, bad, ugly world; THIS is for you.

• Oatmeal Cookies and Cream
• 
  
• 1 ounce Buttershots butterscotch schnapps
• 1 ounce Bailey's Irish Cream 
• 1 ounce Jagermeister 
• 1 ounce Goldschlager
• 1/2 - 1 ounce warm milk or heavy cream
• Dash of cinnamon

Warm milk or heavy cream and froth with an milk frother.  Pour first four ingredients at room temperature in a glass or mug of your choice, mix slightly with a spoon or stirrer.  Top with frothed milk/heavy cream, and a dash of cinnamon.

Note:  You can use more or less of the milk/cream, but I found that the more milk/cream used, the more it diluted the oatmeal cookie taste.  Also, the heavy cream (though caloric) was, of course, way better and kept the oatmeal flavor better than my skim milk.  If you're counting calories, maybe a half and half or 2 percent milk would be a good option.       

On a side note, if you're looking for something a little less warm and fuzzy, but still think the whole oatmeal idea sounds like a winner (in which case, you'd be correct), then maybe you'll feel a little more at home with my alternate version of this dreamy drink.

Basically you just take all of the ingredients except for the milk, and stir them in a shaker over ice  .. or not (you can actually just pour them directly into the glass over ice if you get lazier by the drink like I do), and top or rim the glass with the cinnamon.  I also played around a little with the flavors, going a little heavier on a flavor or two that I'm particularly fond of (which I'd highly recommend, especially if you're a fan of Buttershots).  I've decided to call it the 'Lazy Oatmeal Cookie'.  Enjoy!! 

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ABSOLUT Folly - Holiday Series - Absolut Vitamin C

So I have outdone myself.  I know, I know - I am just a guest on this blog.  I know that you think the Absolut Holiday Series would come to a close after Christmas.  But NO!  Delicious Absolut Vodka cocktails will continue through New Year's and we don't have any time to waste.  No we don't.  Not a minute.

I woke up this morning and said to myself, I am thirsty.  But I also felt that some of my nutrients and vitamin levels were a bit low.  Thirst + Low Vitamins + After Holiday Need For A Pick-Me-Up equals only one thing to resolve that:  Absolut Vitamin C.  This is a really refreshing, with the kick of a natural energy drink that will have you sailing through the Boxing Day sales with ease and patience.  (Wait, do you guys even know what Boxing Day is?  Hmmm how should I explain this.  OK, got it!   It is Black Friday without the violence with everyone speaking French in Québec!  FUN!  Plus, you get to use your gift cards that you received for Christmas.  Smart, right?  I know, I know!)  While I would love to continue to enhance your culture, you need to get your Fannie Mae in gear and make this spectacular cocktail that will really surprise you!

Absolut Vitamin C
Find yourself a sassy, spunky glass that is 8 oz and fill it with ice.  (For some reason, this holiday I am stuck on these cocktails in white wine glasses filled with ice.   Don't know why, but it works!)
Add 2 oz of Absolut Ruby Red
Fill almost to the top with fresh squeezed orange juice.  (You can substitute with fake, concentrate, but you will really be missing out...)
1-2 splashes of Perrier or Club Soda
Garnish with a lime if you would like.

I am telling you .. I am on FIRE!  You will LOVE LOVE IT!   Happy Boxing!  Joyeuses Fêtes à vous tous!!!

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Drink of the Moment: The Pah-Rum-Pah-Pum-POW

Don't you just love my Secret Santa and all of his to-die-for holiday beverages?!?  I know it really made my Christmas that much more spirited and magical to have all of those little gifties sprinkled throughout the past few days.  If you missed any of them, you can check them out (or re-visit them) by clicking here, here, and here.


Because I couldn't let the holidays pass without sharing one last Drink of the Moment with you for the year, I came up with an extra special one to send us into 2012.  Except to say that this isn't technically a drink, but instead a layered spirited trifle kind of dessert shooter, the name really does all the rest of the talking.  Now you can't say that I had no gift to give.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

The Pah-Rum-Pah-Pum-POW   
Poundcake
Gingerbread (Cookie) Ice Cream
Kahlua, regular or cinnamon and spice
Bailey's Irish Cream
German Chocolate Whip-a-hol, or Chocolate Cool-Whip
Ground Cinnamon
Ginger Crisp Cookie

Cube pound cake to fit into the bottom of your serving dish.  

Scoop Gingerbread ice cream on top of pound cake.  (I used Homestead Creamery Gingerbread Cookie ice cream ... yum). 

Pour Kahlua (I used Cinnamon Spice Kahlua) & Bailey's Irish Cream over your ice cream topped pound cake.

Top with German Chocolate Whip-a-hol (obviously my choice), or chocolate Cool-Whip, and sprinkle with cinnamon.  Garnish with Ginger Crisp cookie as seen in picture above.

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ABSOLUT Folly - My Secret Santa Holiday Series

Ho! HO! HO!  Do I ever have a surprise for you (and kind of for me too)!  With the holidays shifting into full gear this week (in chronological order: Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year, etc), it appears I have a drunk elf Secret Santa stopping in as a guest blogger to deliver fabulous little gifts straight from the package store. Picking up from where my 'Drink of the Moment' series left off, I hope you enjoy this 'ABSOLUT Folly'.  Don't you just love holiday surprises?

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Well Hello!  I have the distinct pleasure of being a guest blogger for this fabulous blog, with my specialty: Absolut cocktails made with the most wonderful vodka in the world, Absolut Vodka.  The posts will be grouped by theme so let's get started right away!

For the first (well, ok, second - see Absolut Snowy Cranberry Martini) cocktail I would like to present the delicious Absolut Mistletoe!  To have the greatest impact, you may wish to fire up the bombastic version of Justin Bieber's Mistletoe.  Not required.  But fun!  After all, we are having fun, right?  Moreover, having your holiday honey at your side will give even more excitement to this lovely libation.  I may have had one too many already, but to you my favorite readers, you must know that Absolut Vodka flows constantly through my veins.  And arteries.    What were we talking about?  Ah yes, the Absolut Mistletoe!

Absolut Mistletoe
1 part Absolut Vodka
2 parts cranberry juice
1 part swanky glass, filled with ice
splash of fresh lime juice
splash of lemon-lime soda
garnish with a mint sprig

Sip it down, and steal a smooch!   Gâtez-vous, chers amis!

(Did I mention my name?  No?  Well how about this ... tell me about your experience with Absolut Mistletoe in the comments section, and I will consider it.  Maybe!)

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Drink of the Moment: Snowy Cranberry Martini

I don't know about you, but I can't keep up this holiday season!  Decking the halls, buying, wrapping, visiting, and this marathon cold I can't shake ... it can all get so overwhelming (and cause serious lapses between blog posts).  Thank goodness for good friends and good booze to help take that edge off all of that, as well as helping manage the added face-time with family too!  This week, my stunningly handsome and fabulously gifted friend Jeff has provided the inspiration for the 'Drink of the Moment'; one gift that will keep on giving.  I hope you enjoy!

Snowy Cranberry Martini   
2oz of your favorite vodka (I used Stoli) 
1 1/2 oz white cranberry juice
Splash of club soda or Perrier 
Lime wedge, fresh cranberries, & powdered sugar for garnish


Vigorously shake vodka and cranberry juice with ice in a shaker.  Pour into a glass rimmed with lime juice & powdered sugar (unless you have a better way to achieve the look of snow); top with a splash of club soda or Perrier.  Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedge.  Festive!


And for those of you who like a little variation on a theme ...

The Yellow Snowy Cranberry Martini
2oz of your favorite vodka (I used Stoli)
1oz white cranberry juice 
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Splash of club soda or Perrier
Lime wedge, fresh cranberries, & powdered sugar for garnish


Vigorously shake vodka, cranberry juice, and lime juice with ice in a shaker.  Pour into a glass rimmed with lime juice & powdered sugar; top with a splash of club soda or Perrier.  Garnish with fresh cranberries and lime wedge.

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Drink of the Moment: Thanksgiving 2011 Spiced Pear Perfection

Thanksgiving is only four days away, and thank goodness because I can't wait to have a legit reason to enjoy a few of what I have decided will be my signature Thanksgiving cocktail this year.  You may remember a few weeks ago I mentioned that I was trying to sort out a spiced pear cocktail for the fall (you can revisit that previous 'Drink of the Moment' post here if you'd like), but was not having much luck finding perfection.  As things would often have it, it turns out that I was looking too hard to find something that was right in front of my face the whole time, and in this particular case the simplicity of it's perfection is almost shocking.  The flavors should prove to be quite complimentary with the traditional Thanksgiving meal, and the 80 proof should assist in successfully surviving a houseful of family members.

Spiced Pear Perfection

1 part Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
3 parts Pear Juice
Dash of ground cinnamon (I used Saigon Cinnamon)
Dash of ground nutmeg
Dash of ground cloves

Pour rum into your selected glass (I used a martini glass for a better photo, but would recommend a highball glass or the like).  Shake in spices to your taste - if you don't have each of these spices separately, you might give pumpkin pie spice a whirl.  Top with pear juice.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick or if you're feeling exceptionally motivated, rim with a cinnamon sugar mix.


Happy Thanksgiving!

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Drink of the Moment: In a Pickle

This week, I had been working on a lovely little spiced pear beverage for the 'Drink of the Moment' to kick off the fall season.  As life would have it though, I couldn't seem to get the pear drink tweaked *just* right, and found myself in a bit of a pickle.  Musing on what direction I should go in next, I ended up hitting that proverbial wall.  Of course, what's the best thing to do when you hit a wall like this?  Hit the liquor store, of course!

Although I'm unfortunately still on a quest to find the whole pear thing I was looking for at the store, I did find something else that certainly caught my eye.  As things would have it, there was a tasting in the good ole Va ABC this evening, and thanks to this good fortune, I am able to share with you the 'Naked Jay Dirty Pickle Martini'.  Yes folks, you heard me.  There is now a dill pickle flavored vodka, and not only is it great for all of your double entendre needs, but it is made right up the road  from me in Reston, VA, and is SHOCKINGLY good.  As in, I can actually drink it straight.  (Hey, don't judge).  On top of that, it's exceptionally well priced at $14.95/750mL bottle compared to the Stoli Gold that is my go-to, and it seems that even those that are less than thrilled to try it (namely Jay, who I think only gave it a go based on the name of the brand) turn out to like it.  So, what are you waiting for?  Go grab yourself some of this most fantastic pickle flavored vodka, and make yourself a drink out of what is sure to the the next 'BIG DILL'!! (I really kill myself sometimes).

'The Dirty Pickle Martini'

2 oz Naked Jay Dill Pickle vodka

1/2 oz dry vermouth (I used my gold standard 'Noilly Pratt')

1/4 oz olive juice

Combine in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously.  Pour into glass and garnish with a dill pickle slice.

Can't find this vodka in your local store?  Check out the website by clicking here to find out where to buy, or let them know that your regular store is sorely lacking!

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Drink of the Moment: Mango-Mint Rum Slush

Though summer is nearly over, there are still a few days left to fit in a few frozen fruity temptations.  Whether you're at the beach, the pool, or just in your backyard this Labor Day weekend; this is one you are sure to enjoy.  Sip quickly before it's too late!

Mango-Mint Rum Slush  

Ingredients

• 3 cups coarsely chopped peeled mango
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 cup mango nectar
• 3/4 cup white rum
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint

Preparation

• Place mango in freezer for 1 hour. Combine mango, ice cubes, and remaining ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Serve immediately.

Cooking Light 
MARCH 2003

Drink of the Moment: Kiwi Colada

Ok people, get ready to whet your whistles cause I've got another good one for you!  Unlike the last exceptionally popular drink of the moment that could still very easily have been thrown together twelve drinks in, this one actually does require a little prep work with a sharp utensil, so make sure you have things geared up ahead of time if you're planning on having a multiple batch kind of night ... eh hem, or day.  


I present for your consideration ...

... THE KIWI COLADA!

Yield: 6 servings (serving size: about 3/4 cup)
Calories: 143

Ingredients

Try prepping your kiwi in bulk.

• 5 peeled kiwifruit, divided     
• 3 cups ice
• 1/4 cup light rum
• 1/4 cup Midori (melon-flavored liqueur)
• 3 tablespoons Cream of Coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
• 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple in juice, undrained

Preparation

• Cut 4 kiwifruit into quarters, and place in a blender. Set remaining kiwifruit aside. Add ice and remaining ingredients to blender; process until smooth. Strain mixture through a sieve into a pitcher; discard seeds. Divide evenly among 6 glasses. Cut remaining kiwifruit into 6 slices; garnish each glass with 1 kiwifruit slice.

Cynthia Nicholson, Cooking Light 
JUNE 2005

I promise the prep work does pay off when you sip on this tasty beverage, and I certainly didn't waste my time straining or discarding any kiwi seeds (that I'm pretty sure most people eat in the fruit anyway). Who doesn't need another frozen yum yum drink to beat the (what seems to be dwindling) heatwave most of the North American continent has been dealing with - or to send out the summer with a bang.  So, go now I say, and indulge in this frosty wonder of a beverage before it's too late!

Drink of the Moment: Frozen Lemonade with Coconut Rum

With all of the oppressive heat most of the US has been dealing with the past few days, I don't know many that couldn't use a nice frozen drink - sweating it out without one might actually be considered cruel and unusual by some.  With that in mind, I thought I would share a drink that will not only help you cool down, but also won't sabotage your summer 'slim down'.  Not only is this one fabulous and frozen (I guarantee you'll want more than one); it's super easy, and only requires a few basic ingredients (that don't include sour mix, coconut milk, or ice cream).   Also, it's not nearly as boozy as some of my other 'Drinks of the Moment', which means you might actually be able to enjoy one or two on your porch or patio after sunset without experiencing any debilitating symptoms of dehydration ... or, maybe you should just stick with sitting in the air conditioning, and looking out the window at your sweltering porch or patio.  Either way, enjoy and try to stay cool out there!  :)

• 
  
• 
  
• YIELD: 1 serving (serving size: about 1 cup)
•               172 calories per serving
• 
  

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups ice cubes, crushed
• 3 tablespoons frozen lemonade concentrate
• 2 tablespoons coconut rum (such as Malibu)
• Lime wedge (optional)
• 
  
• Preparation
• Place ice, concentrate, and rum in a blender (I used a Margaritaville Mixer to make the ones above, but a standard blender would do the trick wonderfully); blend until slushy. Garnish with lime wedge, if desired.

Elisa Bosley, Cooking Light
MARCH 2007

Drink of the Moment: July 4th Edition

In the spirit of the weekend, I thought I would share a nice summery beverage that should be enjoyed properly outside on a patio with a slight breeze (or a patio ceiling fan, or a child hired to fan you with a palm frond, etc) while socializing with a group of friends, or maybe just enjoying your own company in a state of calm.    It combines one of summertime's signature fruits - watermelon; with one of summertime's signature vegetables- cucumbers; AND it's a lovely reddish pink color to uphold the patriotic aspect of the weekend.

While it does require a little bit of prep work to be made 'properly', I found that I was able to do a little cheat that got me to the end result without one bit of embarrassment when served.  If I were hosting an exceptionally elegant luncheon with proper linen towels and the company silver then maybe I would put in the extra effort, but until then, I'd totally recommend my little cheat.

Watermelon Refresher

Light, flavorful and summer-y.                                  2 oz. Square One Cucumber vodka 1 1/2 oz. watermelon juice* 1 oz. fresh lemon juice 1/4 oz. organic agave nectar (or to taste) 5 sprigs of mint Ice (Credit:  Allison Evanow)

Remove leaves from all but one sprig of mint, reserving that sprig for garnish. Place mint leaves and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker and muddle for 15 seconds. Add ice, vodka, watermelon juice and lemon juice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain the liquid into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a mint leaf. * Watermelon juice - Take one cup cut watermelon and place in blender. Blend on high until pureed. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain mixture into a glass or bowl. Discard remaining solids from strainer. Will yield enough juice for 4 cocktails.

So, that is the proper way to make the drink, watermelon juice included, though if you're like me you realized that the drink might not ever be made if you had to strain watermelon.  Because I thought this sounded so good, and I happened to have watermelon that I didn't care to blend and then strain, I just chose to muddle the watermelon with the mint and agave in a separate step.  I found that this little shortcut worked out lovely for my current needs.

Enjoy!

Drink of the Moment: Jameson in June

Look at this - TWO posts in the same week!  It's a flippin miracle, and it's been waaay too long since my last 'Drink of the Moment'.  Last weekend being Jay's birthday weekend, I mixed up a lovely little sumthin sumthin with his favorite joy juice, Jameson.  So, on that note, I bring you the very special treat of what I'm calling 'Jameson in June'.


Now I am  not typically a huge Jameson fan unless I'm in the throws of a severe winter cold (when it does wonders mixed with warm lemon juice and honey), but I know a LOT of Jameson fans who don't need a reason or a mixer to enjoy a nip every now and then.  This little concoction is by no means a replacement for the slow sipping of a whiskey on the rocks or the late night shot (or two), but it is a surprisingly refreshing and tasty alternative for those who were already fans looking to mix it up a little, AND those of us who were just waiting for a reason to become a fan.  To top if off, it's super easy to make.

Jameson in June

                                                                                  

2 oz Jameson Irish Whiskey

4 oz Apple Juice (I used Simply Apple)                  

Splash of St Germaine (or elderflower cordial)

Splash of lemon juice

Pour all ingredients into glass, stir, and serve over ice.  Garnish with mint sprig.

The best part about this little gem, is that it's already gotten me thinking about what I'm going to do with it for a winter version.  Jameson in January anyone?  Until then, what are you waiting for?  Go ahead and get your new June juice on!