4 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

Christmas Cocktails to Wow Your Friends, or just you

December 21, 2013

 

It’s holiday cocktail time, and I thought I’d ask a couple my favorite Folsom bartenders for a couple of recipes for awesome drinks.

First up, Shamara Brown, lead Bartender at Sienna New American Grill, El Dorado Hills, and Land Ocean in Folsom.  She has been working for the owners for more than ten years, and has spearheaded their very popular Happy Hour at both restaurants.  Shamara (a.k.a Sam, or Sammy) says, “The holidays can be stressful, and there seems to be no better way to alleviate your “bah humbug”(in moderation of course!), than a couple of drinks, with friends, family, or whomever. Here are a couple of my favorites…

For something different:

The Pumpkin Pie Martini

1 1/4 ounce Pumpkin Vodka, 1/2 ounce Frangelico,  Splash of Cream (1/2 and 1/2), 1 Teaspoon Pumpkin Puree – Shake and pour into martini glass with a Cinnamon Rim

For something more traditional:

Irish Coffee 

1 1/2 ounce Irish Whiskey, Fresh brewed Coffee,  Heavy Whipped Cream (Dry shake and layered on top)

Next, I asked Kendra Madrid, awesome award-winning bartender at Scott’s Seafood in Folsom.  Kendra says, ‘I don’t usually do special holiday drinks, but this is a good one” (it’s not the one in her hand)

Sailing into Christmas

About 3/4 ounce of Sailor Jerry rum, about a half an ounce of Baileys and then a splash of eggnog.

Lastly, I thought I’d make my own variation. Kendra thinks it might be too sweet or too strong. I’ll let you know:

Candy Cane Martini:

2 parts vodka, 1 part peppermint schnapps, shaken and served in a martini glass ( sugar or  crushed candy rim optional) – garnish with a mini candy cane.

Now, your turn. Tell us about your favorite recipe if you have one.

 

[4thgenFolsomite]

Baileys Comet.....has various ingredients (baileys, etc) shaken over ice, then poured in a glass, with thin layer of overproof rum on top, set on fire, then throw a dash of cinnamon on top. Stand back. Best in a dim room to appreciate the blue light and sparkles.

Moscow Mule.......ginger beer, vodka, lime juice over ice. My current favorite

[WolfMom]

Blood-Orange punch

A fun punch to serve at parties that is always a hit. I have two versions: one with alcohol and one without.

 

Slice up a variety of citrus fruits. This time of year blood oranges are in season and they look stunning in this punch. (Hence the name.) You can add limes, lemons, oranges, etc. (I know lots of folks who go after the fruit once the punch is gone.) A way to make the punch beautiful and keep it cold without watering it down is to place several citrus slices (you could also use edible flowers like pansies and rose petals, both can be found this time of year just make sure they are clean and pesticide-free, you can even buy edible flowers) into a large bowl, add OJ and cranberry juice and freeze overnight. Now for the punch itself.

 

Simply combine equal parts COLD cranberry juice cocktail (I like Ocean Spray), Orange Juice (Tropicana with no pulp) and your choice of 7-up for (alcohol-free) or your favorite champagne for the grown-up version. (Did I mention to chill all ingredients well?)

 

I have learned to make extra and keep it in the fridge to refill the bowl/serving carafe as this beautiful punch always goes fast!

 

Enjoy!

[cw68]

Steve, do you remember I served those candy cane martinis at my holiday party a couple of years ago? They were popular, but it's important to keep the schnapps to a minimum or they are too sweet, so if you want a less potent cocktail, go with a different one rather than decreasing the amount of vodka.

Here's a cold weather warmer, probably better for Tahoe, called the Ski Lift. I used to have these at a little ski resort in Wisconsin called Devil's Head. Fill a mug 3/4 full with hot chocolate, add 1-1 1/2 ounces butterscotch shnapps and top with whipped cream. YUMMY.

[Steve Heard]

Steve, do you remember I served those candy cane martinis at my holiday party a couple of years ago? They were popular, but it's important to keep the schnapps to a minimum or they are too sweet, so if you want a less potent cocktail, go with a different one rather than decreasing the amount of vodka.
 

 

Absolutely no memory of it. They must have been good!