Just in time for the derby, this involved, but oh so worth it Julep Recipe comes to us form the folks at Maker’s Mark. I think they know a bit about Mint Juleps.

The Perfect Mint Julep

1 liter Makers Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

This recipe is involved but worth it. If you must skip # 1, mint extract can be purchased at the local grocery.

1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Makers Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.
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After a meeting we ended up at Palomino on San Francisco’s Embarcadero. The place is known for a great bar, wonderful bay views and innovative cocktails. Our server, Marsha, suggested I try this vodka martini flavored with a splash of 18 year old Glenlivet and Nolly Pratt Dry Vermouth. Not one to mix my vodka and whiskey, I was skeptical to say the least. Marsha ensured me it was tasty. She was right. The Scotch gave the cocktail a wonderful smoky flavor. Garnished with a pepperoni and a blue cheese stuffed olive this martini get a DOTW thumbs up.

Smoky Martini

3 oz. Grey Goose Vodka
Splash 18 year old Glenlivet Scotch
Splash Nolly Pratt Dry Vermouth

Combine is a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a blue cheese stuffed olive and a pepperoni.

Thanks Marsha!



Palomino - San Francisco
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This is Toni’s favorite Summer Cocktail. I know it is a bit early, but Memorial Day is just around the corner.

We just love Summer.

Sweet & Salty

1 1/2 oz. White Bacardi Rum (or your favorite Rum)
1 lemon
Salt
Coke
Squirt

Fill a pint glass to the top with ice. cut lemon in half & squeeze half of the lemon into the glass coating the ice. pour your shot in and then fill the glass 2/3 with squirt. pour a little coke in just enough to change the color of the drink to light brown. put salt on the other half of the lemon & salt the rim, then squeeze the lemon into the drink. Add a couple shakes of salt directly into the drink, stir a little and enjoy!!

Thanks Toni!
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Elizabeth sent us this “build in the mouth” shot. Yes, you mix it right into the drinkers mouth. Of course, shaken over ice and served in a shot glass works too.

Apple Pie Shot

1/2 oz. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
1/2 oz. Apple Juice
Whipped Cream
Cinnamon

Pour apple juice into mouth, followed by the captain morgan, top it off with some whipped cream and cinnamon. Close mouth and swish and swallow.
*Sounds disgusting…tastes amazing!

Thanks Elizabeth!
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We met David in Vegas, while he was competing in the “Shake It Up” bartending competition. This creation of his made it to the finals. If you are ever in Kansas City, stop by Morton’s and David will happily whip you up a masterpiece.

Honey Deux Infreno

1 1/2 oz. Absolut Pears
1 1/2 oz. Plymouth Gin
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
8-10 Fresh Honey Dew Melon Balls
1 oz. Raw Honey
1 Thumbnail Size of Fresh Serrano Pepper (Remove Seeds)

Muddle all ingredients in pint glass, add base spirits and honey. Fill with ice and shake with vigor. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, rimmed with 3 to 1 parts of sugar and Chile powder.

Garnish with 3 melon balls across glass.

Thanks David!
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Tammy thought we needed to post more shot drink recipes, so she sent us the Funky Monkey. This shot is an even mix of Banana Liqueur, Coconut Rum and Bailey’s. Yummm.

Thanks Tammy!

Funky Monkey

1/2 oz. Coconut Rum
1/2 oz. Banana Liquer
1/2 oz. Baileys irish cream

Mix with ice and strain into shot glass

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From reader Jon comes a great way to dress up your Bourbon. Perfect for spring!

Orange Bourbon Press

2 oz. Bourbon
1/2 oz. Grand Marnier
Soda water
Ginger ale
An orange slice

In an Old Fashioned glass, muddle the orange slice (remove the rind and set it aside to be used as the garnish) and a splash of soda water. Add bourbon and Grand Marnier. Stir. Add ice and top with equal parts soda water and ginger ale. Stir.

Garnish with an orange twist.

Thanks Jon!
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