Jalapeño Margarita

Spice up your Margaritas with jalapeño-infused tequila!

Using a fresh jalapeño from my garden, I made a super-simple infusion that adds a little oomph to the basic Margarita. The spice level is moderate, so if you want a spicier result then add another pepper. Serve it with some chips and salsa, and you’re set.

Ingredients

2 oz jalapeño tequila*
¾ oz fresh orange juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
1 oz triple sec

Instructions

Add … Read more

Unique Fruit and Herb Cocktail Combinations

As you know, we’re all about using fresh fruit and herbs here at Drink of the Week. We’re also about helping you be creative with your cocktails!

So here are some fantastic fruit and herb combinations that you might not have tried before:

Basil mixes well with …

strawberries
blackberries
watermelon
cucumber
lemon

Sage mixes well with …

plums
peaches
pineapple
blackberries

Rosemary mixes well with …

grapefruit
strawberries
peaches

Mint mixes well with …… Read more

Watermelon Jalapeño Slush

My little jalapeño plant has been producing like a champ, so I’ll be sharing a few jalapeño-inspired cocktails. One of my favorite ingredients to mix with jalapeño is watermelon, and this frozen drink is the perfect thing for warm, later-summer afternoons. And this recipe is super easy, so you won’t have to wait long before you’re in sweet and spicy heaven!

Ingredients

1 cup watermelon chunks, frozen
2 oz silver tequila
1 jalapeño, sliced
1

… Read more

What’s the difference between a cream liqueur and a crème liqueur?

Sometimes it seems to take a special dictionary to navigate the cocktail world. For instance, while it is true that crème is the French word for cream, a crème liqueur and a cream liqueur are not the same.

Cream liqueurs, such as Baileys or Carolans Irish cream, contain dairy cream. Crème liqueurs, such as crème de menthe and crème de cacao, have more sugar than other liqueurs and therefore a thicker consistency. They do not, … Read more

Watermelon Cocktails for Labor Day

Happy Labor Day! If you’re blessed with beautiful weather like we are (or even if you’re not), here are some tasty watermelon cocktails that are perfect for the long weekend.

Watermelon Mojito
Watermelon Cucumber Refresher
Watermelon Agua Fresca Margarita
Watermelon Granita
Watermelon and Cucumber Gin & Tonic

… Read more

Maple Bacon Bloody Mary

I love Bloody Marys! Since it’s tomato season, now is the perfect time to make this cocktail with fresh tomatoes. It’s easier than you think.

This variation includes bacon and maple syrup, but it’s not just for brunch! Bacon makes such a tasty garnish and the maple syrup perks up the natural sweetness of the fresh tomatoes.

As far as garnishes go, the Bloody Mary is the most fun. Why stop with bacon? Add the … Read more

Advanced Mixology: Margarita Sorbet

If you’re feeling adventurous and looking for a challenge, this margarita sorbet made using liquid nitrogen could be your next undertaking! I had this at Tales of the Cocktail in July, and it has a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth texture and the familiar flavors of a margarita. I enjoyed the science-lab show as well.

Liquid nitrogen is dangerous! If you feel comfortable using it, please take all necessary precautions. Research its use thoroughly in addition to reviewing … Read more

How to measure in ‘parts’

Normal people measure things in ounces, cups, tablespoons and other recognizable increments. Cocktail people often use “parts” instead, which puts the recipe in the form of a ratio.

A part can be any type of measurement. All you have to do is assign a measurement increment to be a part—for example, one part equals one ounce—then do a little bit of basic math.

Here’s an example of a recipe given in parts:

Margarita

3 parts

… Read more

How to Prepare and Drink Absinthe

So what is the “Green Fairy” and how can you drink it? It’s absinthe, an anise-flavored spirit. It’s usually light green, but can also be colorless, white, yellow … even red. On March 5th 2007, absinthe was once again legalized in America after about 100 years.

Because of its very high alcohol content, the typical preparation involves adding water and sugar to it. Though it takes a little patience, it’s worth it.

Don’t believe the … Read more

Manhattans: Stirred Not Shaken

The Manhattan is one of my favorite cocktails, yet some bars make me sad by shaking this drink instead of stirring it. Overall, a good rule of thumb to follow is that if a drink consists of all alcoholic mixers (as this one does), then stirring is sufficient to mix the drink. As Robert Hess points out in this instructional video, it also makes for a much more visually appealing cocktail. Check out this video … Read more