Recently introduced to the US, Canton - Indochine Originale, is a modern interpretation Ginger infused elixirs created in French Indochina during the 19th Century. Canton is a super-premium ginger liqueur, hand crafted from an infusion of Cognac with rare baby ginger, ginseng, vanilla beans, and a touch of honey.

The bottle, made to resemble a bamboo stalk, is one of the more creative we’ve seen.

The nose is unmistakably ginger. It does over power, but I love it.

The taste is a sweet at first, followed with the sharp, spicy bite of ginger. It warms on the way down.

We made it in a martini, which was delightful. We used 2 parts Vodka and 1 part Canton. Just the right amount of spice to liven up the classic.

We also tried this great cocktail sent in by one of our readers, Heather. The Strawberry Ginger Martini combines Gin, Canton, Lime Juice and fresh Strawberries. Truly amazing.

Dale de Groff, in a recent interview, said “Canton is back on the market. It’s made in France, and it’s a ginger liqueur with Cognac. It’s fabulous, and I’ve been using it a lot already.”

We agree with Dale, Canton is a great addition to any bar.

Canton retails for $29 and is available in New York and LA.

more on Canton Liqueur (we couldn’t find a website)

Now that Absinthe is once again legal here in the US (and much if Europe), DOTW reader Katha felt we should be featuring a few cocktails to make with old green fairy.

Here’s what she came up with:

Absinthe Stinger
Absinthethea
Leprechauns Pot ‘O Gold

As we close the bar on 2007, I felt it appropriate to take a look back. Sure everyone does these lists, but it is fun to look at the year that was. I I figure, hey! why not?

So with out further ado, here are some of my favorites from 2007.

Cheers!

January
- Gin, The New Vodka?
- Super Bowl Cocktails
- Top 10 US Party Cities

February
- Suck & Blow
- Presidential Cocktails
- Beer Launching Fridge

March
- Preparing Drinks in a Blender
- Million Dollar Tequila (really $1,000,000)
- Teach your baby how to mix cocktails
(more…)

So, he say “Spin your dreidels, eat some latkes, and have some Hanukkah Gelt, a Hannukkah Gelt Martini that is”.
This DOTW original will keep those candles lit.

Hanukkah Gelt Martini

2 parts chilled potato vodka
1 part Goldschlager

Combine in a shaker with ice, mix gently and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Serve with Hanukkah Gelt - what else?

L’Chaim

Jan writes in

“I received a bottle of Limoncello recently as a gift. How do I serve this? Are there any special drinks that I can make with this?”

Well, I like it best served ice cold (I keep a bottle in the Freezer) in a shot or cocktail glass. Sip accordingly. It is also very nice served with a small bit of lemon sorbet and a shot of vodka.

It is a terrific lemony addition to an icy cold martini.

For something a bit more adventurous try the Besitos an intriguing mix of Tequila, Vodka and Limoncello.

more cocktail Q & A …

This is a unique one from the reader archives, a warm drink with Vodka. The cocktail combines cocoa vodka, Kahlua and Creme de Menthe. It’s the Holidays in a mug!

Verry Merry Cocoa

Cocoa
1 oz. Vodka
1 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. Creme de Menthe (white or green, your choice, I like green)
1 oz Bailey’s, or a hazelnut creme is also tasty.
Mini-marshmallows (optional)

Mix the liquors together in a glass or shaker first. Make cocoa as you normally would (leaving out some of the water/milk), then dump the liquor mix in on top, and stir.

It’s cocoa with a pretty strong kick, but the mini-marshmallows can make you feel like a kid again (just don’t let the kids confuse the drinks!).

Thanks Emily!
more Holiday Cocktails …
share your favorite Holiday Cocktail or Punch

This is the best holiday party item we’ve see yet! This pair of shot glasses, made of real candy cane, are perfect for a hefty serving of cinnamon or peppermint schnapps.

We recommend serving our Candy Cane shot in these ever so Holiday of vessels.

Candy Cane Shot Glasses ~ Set of 2 edible shot glasses
(via)