Posts tagged Cocktails
Delicious Drinks For The Derby
One of the most celebrated events in the sporting world is almost here. On May 7th people will dress up and get out their favorite hats to watch the Kentucky Derby. One other thing that goes hand in hand with the derby is cocktails. So with that said we are looking to showcase some fantastic spirits and cocktails that you might want to bring to your Kentucky Derby party.
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Launched on Derby Day 2015, Blade and Bow pays homage to the artful passion and renowned craftsmanship of the legendary Stitzel-Weller Distillery through a unique solera aging system. Each bottle contains some of the oldest whiskey stocks, including the last remaining bourbon ever produced at Stitzel-Weller before it shut its doors in 1992. 91 proof, Suggested Retail Price $50
I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has a history of more than 100 years of style and recently returned to the U.S. after close to 30 years abroad. I.W. Harper represents courtesy and sophistication in every glass, starting with the iconic Bowing Man on every label- “Anywhere, Anytime, It’s Always A Pleasure.” 82 proof, Suggested Retail Price $35
Bulleit Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Bulleit Bourbon was inspired by a family recipe passed down through generations to founder Tom Bulleit. Only ingredients of the very highest quality are used. The subtlety and complexity of Bulleit Bourbon come from its unique blend of rye, corn, 
and barley malt, along with special strains of yeast and pure Kentucky limestone filtered water. Due to its especially high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon has a bold, spicy character with a finish that’s distinctively clean and smooth. 90 proof, Suggested Retail Price $45
The Gifted Horse American Whiskey
Years ago at the historic Stitzel-Weller Distillery in Louisville, Ky., a batch of beautiful 17-year-old Kentucky bourbon was accidentally mixed with barrels of much younger Indiana corn and bourbon. This 
error turned out better than anyone could have expected as the older bourbon wasn’t marred, it was transformed into something surprisingly special. Beginning with a nose hinting at apple skin, almond, toffee, raisins and slight milk chocolate, The Gifted Horse has unique notes of creamy caramel, Bosc pear and fruit cake. This unusual blend’s fruity notes become more apparent with a splash of water. 115 proof, Suggested Retail Price $50
The Dark Maple
1.3 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
1 oz. Maple simple syrup
4 oz. Ginger Beer
.5 oz. Lime
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake Well. Strain into an ice filled rocks glass or serve as up in a martini glass. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Gramercy Buck
1.3 oz. Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1 oz. Lemon Juice
.75 oz. Simple Syrup
Muddled Strawberries
Top off with Ginger Beer
Serve in a highball glass.
Gold Rush
1.3 oz. I.W. Harper Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
0.5 oz. honey syrup
0.5 oz. fresh lemon
Shake and Strain over ice.
The Neigh-Sayer
0.75 oz. The Gifted Horse American Whiskey
0.25 oz. Benedictine Liqueur
.38 oz. Madeira Fortified Wine
2 dashes Angostura Bitters
In a mixing glass stir all ingredients over ice. Strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with thinly sliced apple and top with freshly shaved nutmeg.
Apr 23rd
Toast to a New Year with These Celebratory Cocktails
5….4….3….2….1! Happy New Year!
As you and your friends welcome in a new year and are giving cheers to each other you find out one of two things. One your class is empty or two you are drinking the same cocktail you did last year. Why not have a New Year’s resolution right a midnight. Try one of these following drinks as a way to bring in 2015!
Enchanted Berry Bubbly (5 Servings)
• 1 750 mL Bottle Once Upon A Vine, Enchanted Woods Bubbly
• 1 12 oz. Pack Whole Cranberries
• 1 24.5 oz. Bottle Raspberry Flavor Syrup
Directions: Freeze cranberries overnight. Add a dash of raspberry syrup to each glass of sparkling wine and garnish with three frozen cranberries.
Bulleit Hot Toddy
• 1.25 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
• 1 tsp. fine grain sugar
• 2 small clove(s)
• 1.5 oz. boiling water
Directions: Add Bulleit Bourbon, fine grain sugar and cloves in a mug. Add boiling water. Stir.
Captain’s Black Washington Apple
• .75 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN® Black Spiced Rum
• .75 oz. Apple Liqueur
• .75 oz. Red Cranberry Juice
Directions: In an ice filled shaker glass, combine all the ingredients. Shake well and strain into a shot glass.
Dec 26th
These Thanksgiving Cocktails Are Sure To Be A Hit
Maybe this is the year that are invited to sit at the adult table for Thanksgiving. Even though you turned 21 years old a few years back, you were still seating with your younger cousins. How embarrassing. Trust me we have all been there.
Now that you are going to sit at the adult table you should act like you have been there before. Surprise Gramps by bringing some of these cocktails and whiskeys to Thanksgiving. You will be the hit of the party.
Kentucky Autumn
1.25 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
0.5 oz. ginger liqueur
1.5 oz. pomegranate juice
0.5 oz. lemon juice
0.4 oz. maple syrup
1 dash powdered cinnamon
3 dashes baked apple bitters or orange bitters
Apple slices and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Shake all ingredients vigorously for 10 seconds over ice. Strain over fresh ice into large rocks glass. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Tennessee Cider
1.3 oz. George Dickel No. 12
2 oz. Apple Cider
0.5 oz. Grade B Maple Syrup
3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Combine all ingredients. Garnish with an apple slice and cinnamon stick.
If you want to pair your Thanksgiving meal with whiskey then check out the following.
Orphan Barrel Rhetoric
Rhetoric Whiskey is the third release from the Orphan Barrel Whiskey Distilling Company, which is focused on finding long forgotten barrels of rare and delicious whiskey. Best enjoyed on the rocks or neat, Rhetoric is highly limited and perfect for your special gatherings with family and friends.
If you want to toast with shots after dinner then pick up some Jeremiah Weed.
Jeremiah Weed
Jeremiah Weed Whiskies are three new strangely delicious whiskies crafted with hand selected secret spices for those who crave more curiosity in their whiskey. Jeremiah Weed Whiskies are available in three flavors: Jeremiah Weed Spiced Whiskey, Jeremiah Weed Cinnamon Whiskey and Jeremiah Weed Sarsaparilla Whiskey.
Piehole
We know that the Thanksgiving drink selection matters almost as much grandma’s pie so why not have a drink that was inspired by grandma’s pie recipes? This new-to-world whiskey is a delicious blend of Canadian Whiskey and pie-flavored 
liqueur. It is available in three tempting flavors including, Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, and Pecan Pie, and is best sliced off as a shot.
Nov 12th
Captain Morgan Blows Boring Drinks Up!
With summer right around the corner, Captain Morgan has teamed up with world-renowned YouTube personalities “The Slow Mo Guys” to remind everyone to break free from the same-old boring daiquiris and piña coladas this year!
The Slow Mo Guys have amassed nearly 4 million subscribers on YouTube thanks to their use of a high-speed camera to film content in slow motion, which provides viewers with an entertaining, and often hilarious perspective on physical contact.
Through a series of explosive videos, the British duo expands on the popular theme integrated into the Captain Morgan White Rum ad spots released earlier this year. In each video, the Slow Mo Guys obliterate traditional summer cocktails in outrageous ways – such as firing off a “Cannon” – while showcasing Captain Morgan White Rum as the new, breakthrough leader in the white rum category.
To support the premiere of this video series, the Captain Morgan brand will be hosting a two-week contest that challenges fans 21+ to guess the number of cocktails that were demolished during the making of “Cannon.” The 100 fans who come the closest to the correct amount of cocktail causalities will win a Captain Morgan branded cannonball. The contest will be hosted on Facebook, where fans will be able to submit their entries in the comment section.
Below are a few new drink ideas and the other cool videos from The Slow Mo Guys!
White Madras
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Captain Morgan White® Rum
2 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz. orange juice
Preparation: In a shaker half filled with ice, add Captain Morgan White® Rum, cranberry juice and orange juice. Shake well and strain into highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime.
White Mojito
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup
Fresh mint, muddled
Fresh limes, cut into small pieces
1 oz. club soda
1 mint sprig
Preparation: Put all ingredients except club soda and mint sprig into a mixing glass. Add ice and shake vigorously. Add club soda, shake once, and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Apr 25th
Captain Morgan Introduces White Rum
Mojitos, daiquiris and piña coladas are about to be overtaken as there’s a ‘New Captain’ taking over beaches and cocktails everywhere! Inspired by the real-life adventures and exploits of one of history’s most renowned privateers, CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum, the newest addition to the rum brand’s portfolio, will take cues from its namesake with a nationwide release this month.
Inspired by the pristine waters of the Caribbean, CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum is five times distilled to ensure delicious taste, clean, slightly sweet and creamy with hints of lush fruit and green apple. It’s remarkably crisp, carries a smooth finish and is great for adult fans to enjoy responsibly year round.
“Captain Henry Morgan was a world-renowned privateer who paved the way for countless adventurers,” said Tom Herbst, Vice President of Marketing, Rums for Diageo North America. “It’s with that same spirit that we developed CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum, the first-ever white rum from a brand that people know and love. It’s a superior, quality rum that possesses a much smoother taste, and we aim to stake our claim in this category in an explosive way.”
The launch of CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum will be supported through a robust marketing mix, including television, print and online advertising as well as public relations, strong digital extensions and point of sale materials.
Set to renowned recording artist and songwriter M.I.A.’s Double Bubble Trouble, the brand’s television creative features typical rum cocktails “exploding” as CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum takes over. In addition, the first supporting print ad, which features American model Chrissy Teigen, will appear in Sports Illustrated’s 50th Anniversary Swimsuit Edition slated to hit U.S. shelves in February.
CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum also brought a splash of the Caribbean to the Big Apple as football fans, notable celebrities and athletes were among the first to enjoy signature cocktails with the new rum during celebrations leading up to last Sunday’s big game.
At 80 proof (40% ABV), CAPTAIN MORGAN® White Rum will be available nationally beginning in early February for a suggested retail price of $15.99 for a 750mL bottle. The new offering is best enjoyed on the rocks, paired with cola or lemon-lime soda, or as the key ingredient in a number of Caribbean-inspired cocktail recipes.
The Captain Morgan Rum Co. reminds adults to stake their claim and raise a glass to sailing uncharted waters – always in moderation!
WHITE & COLA 
1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM
5 oz. cola
Instructions: Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in the CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM. Top with the cola. Garnish with a lime wedge.
WHITE & LEMON-LIME SODA
1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM
5 oz. lemon-lime soda
Instructions: Fill a rocks glass with ice. Pour in the CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM. Top with the lemon lime soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
WHITE MADRAS
1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM
2 oz. cranberry juice
2 oz. orange juice
Instructions: In a shaker half filled with ice, add CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM, cranberry juice, and orange juice. Shake well and strain into highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with lime.
WHITE MOJITO
1.5 oz. CAPTAIN MORGAN WHITE® RUM
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup
Fresh mint, muddled
Fresh limes, cut into small pieces
1 oz. club soda
1 mint sprig
Instructions: Put all ingredients except club soda and mint sprig into a mixing glass. Add ice and shake vigorously. Add club soda, shake once, and pour into a highball glass. Garnish with a mint sprig
Feb 10th
Drink Whiskey and Rum for the Big Game
There are a lot of firsts surrounding the big game this year – the first time it’s being played in NJ, the first potential game in the snow and the largest age gap between quarterbacks in history. While you’re probably used to watching the game with a beer in your hand, why don’t you ditch the beer and drink whiskey or rum in honor of the most watched football matchup of the year?
Below are some delicious food and drink recipes that incorporate three epic whiskeys – Crown Royal, Bulleit, and George Dickel. Also below are the new Captain Morgan Rum-inspired recipes developed by celebrity chef Hugh Acheson.
Whether you’re watching the actual game, halftime show or commercials, these recipes are the ticket to a good party.
Crown Royal Wings
Ingredients:
⅓ cup Crown Royal Canadian Whisky
⅓ cup honey, SueBee
¼ cup soy sauce, Kikkoman
2 tablespoons Thai chili sauce
1 packet (0.75-ounce) stir-fry seasoning, Sun Bird
2 teaspoons crushed garlic, Gourmet Garden
4 pounds chicken wing drumettes
3 scallions (green onions), finely chopped (optional)
¼ cup chopped peanuts, Planters® (optional)
Preparation: In a large bowl, combine whisky, honey, soy sauce, chili sauce, stir-fry seasoning, and garlic. Add drumettes, tossing to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Set up grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking. Let drumettes stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Place on hot, oiled grill. Cook for 12 to 18 minutes or until cooked through, turning occasionally. Transfer chicken to a platter. Sprinkle with chopped scallions and peanuts (optional).
Why it’s great for the big game: Looking to kick your appetizers up a notch? These Crown Royal-wings are a guaranteed hit at the party with a mouthwatering whisky-infused sauce.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum Glazed Wings, Garlic Buttermilk Dressing, & Scallions
Ingredients:
3 pounds chicken wings
1 cup Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum
½ cup sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon sea salt
1 tablespoon peanut oil
½ teaspoon chili flake
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 tablespoon warm water
3 tablespoons butter, cold
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup buttermilk
1 lemon
½ shallot, peeled and minced
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons carrot fronds, finely chopped
3 tablespoon scallions, sliced very thin on a strong angle
1 bunch of baby carrots
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Heat a large cast-iron skillet in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
Rinse and pat the wings dry with paper towels, then separate the wings from the drumsticks and discard the tips. In a large mixing bowl, dress the wings with the sea salt and peanut oil. Add them to the cast-iron pan in 1 layer to assure even cooking and roast the wings for 20 minutes. Turn each wing and continue roasting for an additional 15 – 20 minutes.
For the glaze, add the Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum to a small saucepot and reduce over medium heat, about 10 minutes or until the liquid is reduce by half. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the warm water and set it aside. Add the sherry vinegar and the chili flake to the rum and continue to cook for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir the glaze until it becomes thick. Remove the glaze from the heat and add the cold butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until it is completely incorporated. Set the glaze aside for later use.
For the dressing, in a small mixing bowl, combine the mayo, buttermilk, and the zest and juice from 1 lemon. Mix together with a whisk until smooth and incorporated. Next add the shallot, garlic, carrot fronds and 1 tablespoon of the sliced scallions. Mix until combined and reserve.
To finish the wings, turn the oven to broil and crisp each side of the wing for about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Take them out of the oven and place them onto a plate lined with a paper towel to drain off any rendered fat. Place the wings in a mixing bowl and add the reserved glaze. Toss the wings in the glaze to thoroughly coat each one.
To plate, sprinkle the wings with the remaining scallions and serve them with a bowl of the dressing and the carrots.
Why it’s great for the big game: Everyone loves variety, so add a little Captain Morgan to this wing recipe and spice up your football viewing party.
Crown Royal XO (on the rocks)
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Crown Royal XO
Preparation: Pour Crown Royal XO over an ice-filled rocks glass.
Why it’s great for the big game: The newest addition to the Crown Royal family, this extraordinary whiskey is finished in cognac casks and handcrafted for smoothness. Raise a glass to an extraordinary play with XO on the rocks.
BLT (Bulleit, Lemon Tonic)
Ingredients:
1.3 oz Bulleit® Bourbon
2 lemon wedges
3 oz. tonic
Preparation: Build in a highball glass, serve over ice
Why it’s great for the big game: Bite the Bulleit with the BLT – with just three ingredients anyone can make this cocktail with no chance of botching.
Dickel Ward No. 8
Ingredients:
1.3 oz. George Dickel No. 8
.5 oz. orange juice
.5 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
.25 oz. grenadine
Preparation: Build in glass and serve in a rocks glass.
Why it’s great for the big game: A perfect balance of flavors, the Dickel Ward can make the halftime show even more enjoyable.
Gridiron Grog 
Ingredients:
1 oz. Captain Morgan® Original Spiced Rum
1 oz. Bulleit® Bourbon
1 oz. Olorosso Sherry
1 oz. Clove and Vanilla Syrup (recipe follows)
7 oz. hot ounce water
2 strips of orange zest
2 Meyer lemon rounds, 1/8 inch thick, seeds removed
Preparation: Rinse a small thermos with warm water and then dump out the water. Into the thermos pour the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, Bulleit Bourbon, Sherry, and Clove and Vanilla Syrup. Stir to combine. Top with hot water. Gently stir. Cap until ready to serve.
Pour the Grog into two small 6 to 8 ounce mugs and garnish each with a strip of orange zest and a round of meyer lemon that is gently squeezed over the top to release a little acid. Drink.
Clove and Vanilla Syrup
2 tablespoons whole cloves
1 ¼ cup water
½ Vanilla bean, scrapped of its seeds
1 cup sugar
Preparation: In a small saucepot, bring the water, cloves, vanilla bean and seeds to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer for about 10 minutes and then add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Remove from the heat and allow the vanilla and cloves to steep in the syrup for about five minutes before straining.
Jan 27th
Celebrate National Repeal Day
Today marks the 80th anniversary of National Repeal Day, the day that put an end to Prohibition. This act allowed Americans to drink again and ultimately led to modern cultural phenomenons like speakeasies and TV hit show, “Boardwalk Empire.”
Recently I was able to speak with renowned cocktail expert and President of the Museum of the American Cocktail Dale DeGroff. He clued me in on some great drink recipes that you can see below.
Since today is the 80th anniversary of National Repeal Day I thought I should pass Dale’s knowledge to you. He gave me some excellent ideas to make a few Prohibition-style cocktails to celebrate National Repeal Day! Known throughout the bartending community as “King Cocktail,” Dale has authored many of the most famous cocktail books in American history and has a place in New York City lore as the head bartender of the famous Rainbow Room where he brought classic cocktails back to the Big Apple in the 1980’s.
Dale said that it is great to see people come back to using ingredients in cocktails like they do when they are cooking or baking. He is happy to see the people come back to the world of craft beer and cocktails. Don’t just drink your old standby cocktail of choice, but he feels people should be adventurous when they are out drinking responsibly.
When going to a bar Dale says to look for the bartender who is there to craft the perfect drink and not just there to collect tips. Also look for bars that use real juice. When you have at least these two factors in your corner you are sure to have a great experience. So try out one of the cocktail recipes below and celebrate National Repeal Day!
Dale’s Holiday Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1.25 oz George Dickel No. 1
1 dash DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters
0.25 oz Dale’s Cherry Liqueur
0.5 oz Simple syrup
2 orange slices
2 cherries
Preparation: Muddle a cherry and orange slice with the syrup and liqueur and the dash of bitters in a bar mixing glass. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass add the whiskey and ice and stir Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Bulleit Boulevardier (by Erskine Gwynne, editor of the Paris Boulevardier)
Ingredients:
1.25 oz Bulleit Bourbon
1 oz Dolan Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari
Preparation: Pour ingredients into an Old Fashioned glass and stir with ice to chill. Garnish with orange zest.
Gin & It (Amended from Frank Meier’s Recipe)
Ingredients:
1.3 oz Tanqueray Gin
1.5 oz Punt e Mes
Preparation: Prepare in a pitcher 2 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. Serve in a small coup glass without ice or in a small bar glass with ice. Garnish with orange zest.
General Harrison’s Eggnog
Ingredients:
1.3 oz. George Dickel Rye
.75 oz. mixture of equal parts egg white, sugar and syrup
1 dash DeGroff’s Pimento Bitters
2 oz. apple cider
Preparation: Build in a glass or mug and dust the top with nutmeg.
Bulleit Rye Sazerac
Ingredients:
1.3 oz. Bulleit Rye
1 tsp. demerara syrup
1 dash Angostura bitters
5 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Preparation: Stir over ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass.
George Dickel Rye Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
1.3 oz. George Dickel Rye
1 maraschino cherry
0.25 oz. bitters
1 sugar cube
1 splash water
1 slice orange
1 lemon twist
Preparation: In an old-fashioned or rocks glass, muddle sugar, bitters and water. Add ice cubes and George Dickel Rye. Garnish with lemon twist, orange slice and cherry.
Crown Royal Black Manhattan
Ingredients:
1 oz. Crown Royal Black
0.25 oz. Cragganmore Distiller Edition
0.25 oz. sweet vermouth
1.25 oz. simple syrup
0.25 dashes of bitters
1 piece maraschino cherry
Preparation: Stir all together in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Dec 5th
Captain Morgan’s Rum-Infused Food and Cocktail Recipes
Recently in New York City “Top Chef” judge Hugh Acheson worked with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum to launch the rum’s charity program called Captain’s Table at City Grit. Chef Hugh prepared some phenomenal rum-infused food and cocktail recipes. He also was kind enough to share a few cooking tips that are perfect for this holiday season.
Hugh is not stopping there. He is looking to have others, who are 21 years and older to share recipes and entertaining tips. This all benefits the worthy cause called WhyHunger. This is a charity that seeks to end hunger by connecting people to nutritious, affordable food.
In the spirit of giving Captain Morgan will donate $1 to the charity WhyHunger to support their hunger relief efforts every time the hashtag #CaptainsTable is used on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Donations will be made now through the beginning of February. The cool part is that we all like share our latest dinner creations and holiday treats so why not help out those in need when you do so.
To get you started here are a few recipes that you can use for upcoming holiday parties.
Cape Corsair 
Ingredients:
12 fresh whole cranberries
1 inch piece fresh ginger, thinly sliced
½ oz. simple syrup
2 dashes Orange Bitters
1 ¼ oz. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
1 oz. cranberry juice
½ oz. lime juice
Lime peel to garnish
Directions:
In mixing glass muddle the cranberries, ginger, and simple syrup. Add the bitters and Captain Morgan® Black Spiced Rum, cranberry and limes juices and shake with ice. Pour into a double old-fashioned glass, ice and all, smash style. Garnish with an expressed lime peel.
Starboard Sour
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1 oz. apple cider syrup (recipe follows)
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 pieces of star anise
Ice, enough to fill cocktail shaker with the above ingredients
Directions:
Combine the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, apple cider syrup, lime juice, bitters, and 1 piece of star anise in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Strain the liquid into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the other piece of star anise.
Apple Cider Syrup (Makes 1 ¼ cups)
2 cups apple cider
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup brown sugar
In a small saucepot over medium-high heat, cook the apple cider and cinnamon sticks until the cider is reduced to one cup, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the brown sugar and remove the pot from heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar is dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool before use.
Captain Morgan Toffee Pudding with Rum-Maple Sauce & Yogurt
Ingredients:
½ stick unsalted butter, room temperature, plus extra for greasing pan
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, sifted, plus extra for dusting pan
1 ½ cup Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
1 ½ cups dried figs, cut into small pieces
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum-Maple Sauce (recipe follows)
8 tablespoons yogurt
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and lightly flour a medium cast iron pan and set it aside. In a small saucepot set over medium-high heat, combine the Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum and dried figs and bring the liquid to a boil. Remove from heat, mix in the baking soda, and set the mixture aside to cool for later use. In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, baking powder, salt and sugar. Pulse the processor until all is incorporated.
Place the flour mixture into a mixing bowl and add the eggs, vanilla and the reserved fig mixture. Combine until all ingredients are well incorporated. This will be a fairly wet batter. Add the batter to the cast iron pan and bake for 35 minutes. While it’s cooking is a good time to make the sauce. Check the pudding with a cake tester to see that it comes out clean, and remove it from the oven. Flip the pudding in the cast iron pan and add ¾ of the sauce and then bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Let the pudding cool and absorb all of the sauce. Slice it into wedges and serve with the remaining sauce and 1 tablespoon of yogurt per serving.
Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum-Maple Sauce (Makes 1 ½ cups)
Ingredients:
1 cup maple syrup
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
¼ cup unsalted butter
3 bay leaves
½ teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
In a small saucepot over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, heavy cream, rum, bay leaves, and butter. Whisk often to prevent the sauce from bubbling over. Reduce the liquid to 1 ½ cups, about 15 minutes, and remove from heat. Remove the bay leaves before using.
Nov 21st
Big Apple Film Festival Cocktail Ideas
While I was enjoying my time at the Big Apple Film Festival I wanted to make sure I was taking in all the sights, sounds, and tastes. Yes, that is right I said tastes. You might ask yourself what kind of tastes would there be at a film fest. Believe it or not there were some great foods and cocktails to experience at the festival.
After movie screenings there would be the occasional after party. These parties were a blast to attend. I had the good fortune to talk with some of the actors or directors of those films. These actors and directors took the time to give me some in depth analysis of the films that they were in.
Another cool aspect about these parties was the fact that everyone was so down to Earth. The actors were happy to engage in some conversation about their roles and what their mindset was as shooting began. I learned a great deal from these discussions.
The chats with the actors and directors were fun all by itself, but having the opportunity to try out some of the inspired cocktails for the film fest was icing on the cake. So for those who were not able to check out the Big Apple Film Festival, here are some of the cocktail recipes from the fest that I think you will enjoy.
First Take
1 ½ oz. Bulleit Bourbon
2 lemon wedges
3 oz. tonic
Preparation: Build in a highball glass, serve over ice.
The Big Apple Manhattan
1 oz. Bulleit Rye
.25 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dash Angostura Bitters
Preparation: Stir. Strain. Serve over ice in a rocks glass with a cherry.
Kentucky Calling
.75 oz. Bulleit Bourbon
.25 oz. East India Solera sherry
.25 oz. Ramazotti
2 dash Bittermens Mole bitters
Preparation: Stir and strain into a Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Nov 15th
“The Walking Dead” Inspired Cocktails
The Season 4 premiere of “The Walking Dead” is this Sunday. To celebrate the return of AMC’s hit show here are some apocalyptic-inspired cocktails for you and your friends to enjoy during the show.
While you ponder what lies ahead of Sherriff Rick Grimes and his team of survivors as things looks ominous as they square off against the walkers why not kick back and relax on one of these drinks? You can sip on a “Woodbury’s Harvest” as you watch the group stand their ground at the prison, or mix up a “Black and Buried” or “The Walker” to get a taste for the post-apocalyptic world the survivors are living in.
Maybe one of these drinks were created in Woodbury when they would have one of their festivals. Not sure the prison has any of the ingredients below to make these cocktails, but you do. So while watching this season have a drink for Rick and his crew.
The Walker
Ingredients
1 oz Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
½ oz Stirrings Espresso Flavored Liqueur
3 Dashes Chocolate Bitters
5 oz Cola
DIRECTIONS: In an ice filled Collins or rocks glass combine all the ingredients and then stir to blend.
Woodbury’s Harvest
Ingredients 
1¼ oz Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
2½ oz Apple Cider
1/4 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
DIRECTIONS: Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into an ice filled Collins glass. Garnish with apple slices.
Black & Buried
Ingredients
1 oz Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
½ oz Zwack Liqueur
3 Blackberries
4 oz Cola
1 Lemon Wedge
DIRECTIONS: Add blackberries to a cocktail shaker and crush with a spoon. Add Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum, Zwack Liqueur and shake vigorously. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice and top with cola. Garnish with a Lemon Wedge.
Oct 8th
