Elsie's Mojito Recipe. Hi friends! It's no secret around here that a classic mojito is my favorite cocktail. I tried for years to mix the perfect mojito, following recipes online, and had resolved that it was just too hard to get perfect at home. On a whim, I gave it one more try with simple syrup instead of granulated sugar and adding extra lemon and lime juice... behold! I finally had the perfect at-home mojito recipe. You'll Need... For one tall glass: Add one shot of rum. This recipe is not very strong (that's how I prefer it). To make your own simple syrup: Simmer equal parts water and sugar over low/medium heat for 15 to 18 minutes.
Happy cocktail making! 3 Classic Cocktails. Cocktail story: One of my favorite bars in town has a special for classic cocktails on Monday nights. (Yes, I've been out for drinks on a Monday night—judge if you must!) And that was how I tried a Sidecar for the first time (I picked it for it's name—classy!). And loved it! Now it's kind of my go-to drink. But I loved the idea of having a classic cocktail night, so I decided to learn how to make a few of our favorites.
Manhattan: This cocktail is very Don Draper. One serving: 2 1/2 ounces bourbon whiskey, 3/4 ounce sweet vermouth, 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters, 3-4 maraschino cherries with a dash or two of their juices too (if you want, no pressure—I like it sweet!). Sidecar: This one is my favorite, and I love this at-home version. One serving: 3/4 ounce triple sec, 3/4 ounce bourbon whiskey, 1/2 ounce sweetened lime juice (make your own or buy one—I used Rose's brand), a small squeaze of lime juice and garnish with a lime wedge.
All recipes were adapted from Drinks Mixer and The Bar. 2 Super Simple Sangria Recipes. If you've never had Sangria before you are in for a treat. I adore wine but it can be so fun to add seasonal fruits (plus a sweetener). I love how Sangria can be super informal, like fruit punch. This beverage conjures up images of laid back beach days or casual back yard cook outs. Here are are two super simple variations of Sangria that anybody can make and enjoy! Plum and Grape Red Sangria, makes one large pitcher. Needed: 2 bottles of red wine (any kind you prefer), 4 cups juice (I used pomegranate, but you could also use grape or blueberry), 4 sliced plums, 3-4 handfuls sliced grapes and a few cubes of watermelon.
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. White Raspberry and Citrus Sangria, makes one large pitcher. Needed: 2 bottles of white wine (any kind you prefer), 3 cups orange juice, 2 sliced oranges, 2-3 handfuls of white raspberries. You can add any kinds of fresh fruits you have one hand, so feel free to experiment. Caramel Apple Martini. I'm trying to remember the first time I tried a caramel apple martini. I think it was at my 25th birthday party. I had a sip of Rachel's and then promptly got my own. And that's partly why, to me, caramel apple martinis are a party drink. Now I wouldn't judge you if I showed up at your house on a Tuesday night and you were reading a fantasy novel and drinking a caramel apple martini. That's cool man. No judgment from me.
But I think most often these come in handy as a fun and girly party drink. I tried a couple recipes I found online and most seem to suggest a 2:2:1 ratio of sour apple schnapps, butterscotch schnapps and gin or vodka. Caramel Apple Martini, makes two. Needed: 6 ounces sour apple schnapps, 4.5 ounces butterscotch schnapps, 3 ounces gin (or vodka), 1-2 tablespoons caramel, sour apple slices + cinnamon and sugar for garnish. In a martini shaker or mason jar combine half the ingredients with ice, shake and strain into a prepared glass. Sweet Tea Hot Toddy. One of our favorite local spots start serving hot cocktails during the colder months of the year. I love a good hot toddy. It's the perfect drink to sip and enjoy good company and chilly weather.
Most hot toddy recipes are pretty simple and can be made with ingredients you already have. This is one of my favorites, a sweet tea hot toddy. Sweet Tea Hot Toddy, makes two. Needed: tea of choice (I used a vanilla chamomile. I think black or herbal teas are best for this, but you can try a green if you prefer.), one lemon, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 ounces (I use a shot glass to meaure) bourbon or whiskey and hot water. Heat water and when ready steep the tea. Super easy and super comforting.