Time for a cocktail! (4 Viewers)

[detroitdad]

It took me about a week (making them almost daily lol) to find the sweet spot. I think I'm there.

Colleen likes hers a little more sweet, but I don't. I have found that if I just squeeze the juice from a couple of clementine slices, then drop them in the glass, add a couple of cherries, then I'm good. I don't need any additional sugar/syrup.

I still prefer them "neat". I'll have it like this to mix things up a bit.

 

[Poker Zombie]

No added sugar is quite understandable. Using 2 of those bright red maraschinos will add plenty of sugar to the drink. If you can find the Luxardos (Hornet's post #348), you may find the addition of simple sugar to be a nice adjustment. The Luxardos cost quite a bit more, but you are already spending more on bourbon, so what's an extra 50¢ per drink?

On the other hand, since you are a straight bourbon drinker, you may still prefer your Manhattan without added sugar. I know I rarely enjoy my vodka mixed with anything sweet.

 

[detroitdad]

No added sugar is quite understandable. Using 2 of those bright red maraschinos will add plenty of sugar to the drink. If you can find the Luxardos (Hornet's post #348), you may find the addition of simple sugar to be a nice adjustment. The Luxardos cost quite a bit more, but you are already spending more on bourbon, so what's an extra 50¢ per drink?

On the other hand, since you are a straight bourbon drinker, you may still prefer your Manhattan without added sugar. I know I rarely enjoy my vodka mixed with anything sweet.

Im having fun making it different ways and experimenting.

I haven't been able to find the good cherries locally. Might have to do Amazon lol

 

[Poker Zombie]

We found them cheaper at Whole Foods - which is odd because Whole Foods and Amazon are the same. I wonder if they have a non-compete with some of their vendors.

 

[detroitdad]

We found them cheaper at Whole Foods - which is odd because Whole Foods and Amazon are the same. I wonder if they have a non-compete with some of their vendors.

Our whole foods suck. I haven't checked the yet. Stopping at a local place after work for blue cheese stuffed olives lol

 

[Poker Zombie]

Getting a good, relatively firm Blue Cheese is the way we go, removing the pimentos and "cheesing" the olives ourselves. I just haven't found a good blue cheese stuffed olive otherwise.

 

[detroitdad]

Getting a good, relatively firm Blue Cheese is the way we go, removing the pimentos and "cheesing" the olives ourselves. I just haven't found a good blue cheese stuffed olive otherwise.

im lazy. Mine will never live up to yours lol

 

[Poker Zombie]

You are experimenting. You cook some fantastic looking dinners. You aren't lazy, just under-motivated.

 

[detroitdad]

I think im picking up ginger beer for Kentucky mules. Might as well test the strength of my liver this weekend

 

[detroitdad]

You are experimenting. You cook some fantastic looking dinners. You aren't lazy, just under-motivated.

tru dat lol.

Maybe I'll see what my gocer has. Really I just want to drink and donk off some loot on Mavens while zooming with the guys.

My shopping list

Green Olives
Blue Cheese
Ginger Beer
Bourbon (I only have 3 bottles currently at the house)
limes
mint leaves
cherries
M-43


Oh, anyone, what is a middle shelf bottle of gin that I can try with my dirty martinis? prefer to keep it in the $25.00 range.

 

[Klobberer]

Tanqueray is 25.99 around here.

 

[mattduck]

Re: Old Fashioneds and Manhattans

Yes - Luxardo cherries are worth the extra cost

Try - mixing up some higher end bourbon or rye as it can make a huge difference. The Four Rose Select Small Batch is great on its own but using it for these cocktails is spectacular in my opinion

Try - using different bitters. I have 8+ different bitters. Can make a big difference.

Try - making your own simple syrup for Old Fashioneds instead of sugar or sugar cube. I have made a ginger, hot pepper, demerara syrups. Fun to have an Old Fashioned mixing station on poker nights.

Try - using different vermouth. Also try using different Amaros instead of vermouth, this can transfor your manhattan to something amazing and amazingly different. I make my every day Manhattan with Cynar.

Have Fun and experiment.

 

[detroitdad]

Yes - Luxardo cherries are worth the extra cost

That had them at Meijer. I can't pay 16 bucks for a jar of them. Just can't do it.

Try - using different bitters. I have 8+ different bitters. Can make a big difference.

That is my plan. Before I invested in different bitters I only bought one. I wanted to make sure I was going to like them first. I planned to pick some up today but the grocer was out of them I'll order a mixed pack from Amazon I guess.

Try - making your own simple syrup for Old Fashioneds instead of sugar or sugar cube. I have made a ginger, hot pepper, demerara syrups. Fun to have an Old Fashioned mixing station on poker nights.

Same as above for the bitters. Wanted to try out it before jumping right in (you know, like getting samples)

I picked up some olives already stuffed. Eventually I will try stuffing my own. I don't feel like it right now. I want to get straight to the drinking lol

I didn't 'get any gin. The selection wasn't very impressive (and I don't know anything about it).

 

[RocAFella1]

Try - using different vermouth. Also try using different Amaros instead of vermouth, this can transfor your manhattan to something amazing and amazingly different. I make my every day Manhattan with Cynar.

Any other recommendations?

 

[Big Jilm]

I have had the Luxardo, but I remember having the Fabbri Amarena cherries and they were AWESOME. Should arrive in a few days. I will buy another jar of Luxardo to compare....

 

[Big Jilm]

Got 3 new hot sauces!! Whoop Ass (Bacon, Green Habanero, and Roasted Garlic). Today the Bacon Whoop Ass is going in the bloody buddy

 

[Klobberer]

I have had the Luxardo, but I remember having the Fabbri Amarena cherries and they were AWESOME. Should arrive in a few days. I will buy another jar of Luxardo to compare....

View attachment 445022

These are my go to cherries.

 

[BSteck]

That had them at Meijer. I can't pay 16 bucks for a jar of them. Just can't do it.

I used to think that too. But then I got a jar as a gift. And now I’m ruined for all other jarred cherries forever.

Totally, totally worth it.

Oh... and you’re not just getting a jar of cherries. You’re getting a jar of cherries *with syrup*. That syrup is the bomb digity.

 

[detroitdad]

i love black pepper in it

 

[Poker Zombie]

That had them at Meijer. I can't pay 16 bucks for a jar of them. Just can't do it.

I thought so too.

But it comes out to about 50¢ more per drink. Easily the difference you are paying for better bourbons.

 

[Poker Zombie]

I did peppered vodka for Liz's birthday a few years back. If you can let it soak a little while it gets better, but still awesome.

 

[detroitdad]

round two

 

[detroitdad]

My first ever Kentucky Mule. I nailed it. Colleen said not to change a thing.

 

[BSteck]

You guys got me craving Luxardo cherries.

 

[detroitdad]

round 3

 

[Poker Zombie]

Beat 'em senseless Bill!

 

[detroitdad]

Beat 'em senseless Bill!

Thanks...........3ish, double'ish martinis probably won't end with me crushing them

btw, it took me awhile to type this lol

 

[Big Jilm]

The Belmont Jewel

- Using the 4 roses bourbon (1.5 to 2oz)
- Lemonade (2oz)
- Pomegranate Juice (1oz)
- Shake well with ice
- Add a couple delicious Cherries with lemon garnish

Usually only have these once a year for the Belmont Stakes, but was craving one today. We are also going to have mint juleps on derby day, dress up, and do the virtual Kentucky Derby because.....why not?!

 

[detroitdad]

Drying out tonight. Drinking dirty Martinis

 

[Irish]

Bloody Mary for the wifey