The Hal Ligon originated in Key West sometime in the 1930’s when famous local/author Ernest Hemingway and fishing buddy, Hal Ligon, began ordering the drink at nearby bars.
The drink migrated north into mainland Florida but its name eventually evolved into today’s Screwdriver. You can still order the drink by its original name in many south Florida bars. We encourage you to revive its name in your local bar or wherever fine cocktails are enjoyed.

Hal Ligon

2 oz. Premium Vodka
2 oz. Orange Juice
Splash 7up

In a Collins glass filled with ice, add the Vodka and OJ. Top with 7 up.

March 12 marks the birthday of the woman credited as the inspiration for the World War II icon Rosie the Riveter.

A true American icon, whose can-do spirit captured the hearts and minds of Americans for decades, Rose Will Monroe was a Jill-of-all trades out of necessity, and a fun loving, ambitious woman by nature. She joined thousands of Kentuckians who left their rural homes during World War II in search of good-paying defense jobs.

During the war she worked at a Ford Motor plant in Michigan, and after continued her valiant strides toward women’s empowerment. Rosie drove a cab, owned a beauty shop, ran her own construction company and even became pilot!

Toast this iconic woman whose incredible spirit and attitude has helped carve a path for women everywhere, and celebrate Rosie the Riveter’s 90th Birthday with a cocktail fit for the occasion.

Mixologist, LeNell Smothers crafted a cocktail inspired by Rosie the Riveter’s tough exterior and light-hearted spirit. Made with Hendrick’s Gin and softened with PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, dry rosé and a touch of honey syrup, this cocktail perfectly embodies Rosie the Riveter’s incredible spirit.

The recipe for LeNell’s “Rosé the Riveter” cocktail is below, and is also featured in Gary Regan’s new book, The Bartender’s Gin Compendium.

Rosé the Riveter

1 1/2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin
1/2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur
1/4 oz. honey syrup*
3 oz. dry rosé

Lime wheel for garnish

Shake with ice and strain into tall glass filled with cracked ice. Garnish with lime wheel and straw.

*Honey Syrup

Mix equal parts honey and water for a simple syrup. Do not heat up. Let dissolve naturally.

Recipe courtesy Hendrick’s Gin

The Oscars are upon us once again which means cocktails! What night out with the stars would be complete with out them?

This week’s drink was created by Kim Haasarud of Liquid Architecture. The cocktail, Moët’s “Golden Glamour” signature cocktail, will be served on the red carpet and inside of the Governor’s Ball.

It’s simple and delicious, made with a bit of passion fruit juice, a splash of vanilla liqueur for an exotic flavor, topped with Moët & Chandon Imperial, and finished with a sprig of mint.

Golden Glamour

4 oz. Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne
1/4 oz. Navan
1 1/2 oz. Passion Fruit Juice

Combine all ingredients in a champagne coupe. Top with fresh sprig of mint for garnish.

courtesy Moët & Chandon

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The 2010 Winter Olympics are wrapping up in Vancouver this weekend and this week’s drink celebrates the games well. The fair amount of Canadian whisky should help insulate you from the cold. Canadian whisky and maple syrup, this may work on pancakes as well. Let us know!

Vancouver Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. Canadian whisky
3/4 oz. Dubonnet
1/2 oz. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. maple syrup
1/2 egg white ( powered egg whites can be used if you are concerned about salmonella)
3-4 dashes orange bitters

Combine everything in the tin side of a Boston Shaker. Don’t add ice yet. Use a stick blender or a cappuccino frother get the eggs whites started. Blend lightly for about 20 seconds. Add a scoop of ice and shake well (20 - 30 seconds) and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

If you are brave, flame an orange peel into the drink to release the oils and float it.

I usually don’t recycle our Drink of the Week, but we figured once every 4 years is acceptable for honoring the opening of the Olympic Games. What can I say, this cocktail, aptly named “The Olympic” wins a gold medal every time!

Olympic

1 oz. Brandy
1 oz. Triple Sec
1 oz. Orange Juice
Orange Peel

Combine ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, shake and strain into a chilled martini or cocktail glass. Garnish with the orange peel.

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This came about in the mixoloseum last night. Thee guys & gals get together every Thursday night to virtually mix cocktails and chat. The theme was “break out the bubbles”, so with Valentine’s Day just around the corner I whipped up this cocktail using Tequila, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, a bit of Canton Ginger Liqueur, fresh grapefruit juice and, of course, champagne.

I turned to the group for a name, and Gabe aka “cocktailnerd” chose the winner, as the ingredients made him think of a “Vegas Phone Call”.

Got a better name? Let us know in the comments!

Vegas Phone Call

1 oz. Tequila Blanco
1 oz. X-rated fusion
1/4oz Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
2 oz. Grapefruit juice
Champagne

Shake and strain into a highball with fresh ice. Top with Champagne

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This prohibition era cocktail was named after the 1922 film Blood and Sand, the story of a young boy who becomes a famous bull fighter staring Rudolph Valentino.

It seems like an odd mixture, but it works. What you get is a well balanced drink with a hint of fruitiness and some kick.

Top bartender Dale DeGroff tells the the story of how he thought it would be “god awful” until he tried it. So good, in fact, BarSmarts named the Blood and Sand as one of 25 cocktails every bartender should know.

Blood and Sand

3/4 oz. Scotch Whisky
3/4 oz. Cherry Heering
3/4 oz. Sweet Vermouth
3/4 oz. Orange Juice (preferably fresh squeezed)

Combine ingredients in a shaker with a scoop of ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass.
Garnish with an orange peel.

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