We went back and forth on how we were going to wade into our first taste test of this cocktail. Should we go Campari heavy, or play it safe and lean into the Bourbon. In the end we decided to go with the traditional 50/50 recipe. I quite enjoyed the bitter notes and can see… Read more »
French Gimlet
The first time we had a French Gimlet, we did a taste test, comparing it with a Gin & It. We really didn’t care for the Gin & It, which is basically a gin martini made with sweet vermouth. That makes sense, since we are not fond of martini’s or all alcohol cocktails. The French… Read more »
Aviation Cocktail
I think the first true cocktail I ever really liked was an Aviation. I’m not counting the Vodka Collins I drank proficiently (prolifically?) in university, which was mostly spiked lemonade. Our version is made with Empress Indigo Gin, a popular choice for giving the Aviation its beautiful purple colour. INGREDIENTS 2 oz indigo gin ½… Read more »
Clover Club
I went back and forth on choosing one final gin cocktail for our 1930s-inspired cocktail party and settled on the Clover Club. Dating back to the early 1900s, it fit the vintage theme, while offering guests another sour cocktail that was a little more approachable than some of the stronger classics. It has a beautiful… Read more »
Lavender Bee’s Knees
When I decided to host a 1930’s inspired cocktail party, one of the drinks I wanted to include was a Bee’s Knees. Then we visited Spirit of Niagara Distillery in Niagara-on-the-Lake and loved the Lavender Bee’s Knees on their cocktail menu. While there, we picked up a bottle of KVAS Lavender Jasmine Syrup, also made… Read more »
The Sidecar
This was a fun one in our house. The first time we made a Sidecar cocktail we made it with Hennessy XO (Extra Old) cognac because that was what we had on hand. It was smooth and bold at the same time. When planning our cocktail party, we thought that the XO might be on… Read more »
Cocktails with Nick & Nora: A 1930s-Inspired Cocktail Party
I have loved The Thin Man movies since I was a teen, watching them on Bill Kennedy at the Movies on WKBD. So when I decided to throw a cocktail party, I was inspired by Nick & Nora Charles and the 1930s. The Nick & Nora Glass Since becoming interested in making cocktails at home,… Read more »
Blackberry Cassis Bramble
In July, black currants were ripe in our garden. I made black currant jelly and black currant cordial. That sent me down a rabbit hole to try crème de cassis liqueur. This is a gin sour, but it’s refreshing enough to be enjoyed on the patio in summer. We quite liked it. INGREDIENTS 2 oz… Read more »
Whiskey Sour
Our rye of choice for this one is J.P. Wiser’s 15 year Old Canadian Whisky INGREDIENTS 2 oz rye whiskey 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice 3/4 oz simple syrup 1/2 oz egg white (1/2 large egg) 1-2 dashes angostura bitters METHOD Dry shake without ice, then add ice and shake again until very cold and… Read more »
Winter Garden Spritz aka Elderflower Spritz
I originally planned this cocktail for a garden party in the middle of winter with friends. However, I return to it often as an nice, light cocktail on the patio or in the evening when I want something not to alcohol-forward. INGREDIENTS 1 ½ oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain) 1 ¼ oz fresh lemon juice ¾… Read more »