Mixed Drinks

Every once in a while I get inspired by an ingredient. The world of cocktails and mixology has its own flow of trends. Some have outlasted their inspiration (every-tini, whatever-ita, and every random mojito) to become cliche. Others center on an ingredient such as Vinegar, Chipotle, or Island Malts. This is my little contribution to the world of cocktails and mixology: Ginger

The way this happened is that a couple of years ago, I was tasked with dinner and no plan. I found pork loin chops, asparagus, and a ginger root in the fridge. Seemed like a good opportunity to stir fry. The dish uses a large amount of fresh ginger and it has since become a favorite of the family. Last week, I was preparing this dish and found myself with some extra ginger and a desire for a cocktail.

I'm sure we're not the first, nor will we be the last to put Ginger into a highball glass but here are our first contributions to the world of cocktails.

The White Russian is the Dude's drink of choice in The Big Lebowski. It was also one of Mike's favorites before he discovered Jameson. I hadn't had one until I found a bottle of Starbuck Coffee Liqueur at a local shop for a bargain. The version I'm making now is with Skyy and Starbuck's but the construction is the same:

• 5.0 cl (5 parts) Vodka
• 2.0 cl (2 parts) Coffee liqueur
• 3.0 cl (3 parts) Fresh cream or Half and Half

Preparation: Pour coffee liqueur and vodka directly into old fashioned glass filled with ice. Float fresh cream on the top and stir in slowly.

Like most mixed drinks this one has variations though the only extreme on is to use flavored vodka or the new Kahlua flavors. This gets you into the realm of Vanilla white Russians and the Hazlenut White Russian. Messing with anything besides a vanilla vodka in this context will probably constitute alcohol abuse.

Wikipedia Entry

TheMudslide Martini showed up at TGI Friday's some time ago. My wife enjoys it there and the version I make at home. I've made a number of modifications playing with this drink.

The Basics:

• One part Vanilla Vodka
• One part Coffee Liqueur
• One part Irish Cream
• One part cream

Preapre a martini glass with a ring of Hershey's Syrup about 3/4 of the way up. Shake over ice and pour to the level of your chocolate ring.

TGI Friday's uses Absolut Vanilla, Kahlua and Starbucks Cream. Right now I'm using Smirnoff Vanilla, Carolan's Irish Cream, and Starbucks Coffee Liqueur. I also use whole milk instead of cream just to cut down the fat the tiniest bit. Bailey's Irish Cream is a good replacement as well.

You can also mix the ingredients ahead of time and store a bottle of these in the freezer. Be careful though, the milk will freeze and give you a mudslide slushie, which may not be what you're looking for.

Though this is a whiskey site, there are times when we have to talk about other spirits. In this case it is Rum, in particular Sailor Jerry Rum. It's a 92 proof spiced from Hawaii that appeared at the office a couple of months ago. I bring it up today because it is a worthy spirit, a great rum and a bargain right now.

Rite Aid is selling 750s of Sailor Jerry for $9.99 right now. That is a heck of a deal for a rum that normally goes for $15-$18.