cocktails - The Art of Food and Wine

Hugo Spritz

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 22:28:41 +0000

The Hugo Spritz is a glamorous refreshing Prosecco cocktail that comes to us from the Italian Alps. It’s beautiful, clean-tasting, and easy to make!

It’s popping up on menus everywhere; once you’ve tried it, you’ll see why!

Unlike its colorful cousin, the Aperol Spritz, the Hugo is delicate, floral, and light thanks to a combination of fresh mint, Prosecco, and St-Germain elderflower liqueur. It’s the perfect drink or aperitif on a warm summer night with its lower-by-volume alcohol content and calories.

We’ve got directions for a single drink, and a pitcher of drinks for a crowd. It’s an aperitif, so be sure to add some fun bites, like our Honey Roasted Cashews, and pita chips with Tzatziki Dip and you’ve got a party!

Ingredients Needed

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur – or any brand you prefer
Fresh Mint Sprigs – see tips below for keeping them fresh
Prosecco – use a dry (brut) Prosecco
Sparkling Water or Soda Water – choose unflavored and chill it before using
Ice – this is a drink best served very cold!
Lime – lime wheels for garnish

How to make a classic Hugo Spritz cocktail

There are just four easy steps for this refresher:

Add the St-Germain elderflower liqueur and 2 torn mint leaves to a large wine glass or cocktail glass. Gently muddle the mint leaves with the back of a spoon and let sit for about 2 minutes to allow the mint to release its natural oils
Add a generous scoop of ice, and the chilled Prosecco, and stir
Top with the chilled sparkling water, and briefly stir to combine
Drop in the lime wheel and garnish with a sprig of mint

How to make a pitcher of Hugo Spritz cocktails

Add the St-Germain liqueur and 5-6 leaves of torn mint in a large pitcher. Muddle the mint gently and let rest for about 2 minutes to infuse with flavor.
Add plenty of ice and pour in the Prosecco. Stir to combine and top with the sparkling water. Gently stir to mix everything.
Add a few lime wheels to the pitcher and a lime wheel slice to each glass and fill each glass with the Hugo mixture.
Garnish with prepared mint sprig and enjoy!

How to keep mint fresh for a garnish

Rinse in cool water and store in a small ice bath or store stem down in a small container of water
Strip the lower leaves from the stalk so that you have a nice bouquet remaining at the top
Gently slap the mint on your palm to release the natural oil right before garnishing. This will result in a beautiful perfume of mint with each sip!

Who invented the Hugo Spritz?

Roland Gruber, a bartender in the northern Italian town of Naturno, which is on the Italian-Austrian border, invented the Hugo Spritz cocktail around 2005
It quickly gained popularity in Austria, Germany, and Italy. More recently it has become popular in the U.S., as well. It was originally named “Otto” and is sometimes referred to as just a “Hugo”

What is Elderflower Liqueur

This liqueur is made from elderflower blossoms and sugar that is fermented
It has a lightly sweet and floral flavor
We recommend the St-Germain brand, but any elderflower liqueur will work, and you should consume it within 6 months of opening it. Store in a cool dry place.

Substitutions and Variations

For a pink Hugo Spritz use a Rosé Prosecco
Use white wine instead of Prosecco for a less bubbly version, sometimes called the St-Germain Cocktail
A St-Germain Spritz is similar and delicious. It’s a simple mixture of Prosecco, St-Germain, Soda Water, and a lemon wheel.

Best glasses to use for a Spritz

Any type of spritz will benefit from a large wine glass which allows you to use plenty of ice. This is a drink that needs to be cold!
A highball glass, or a standard rocks-style will work, as well.

What to serve with a Hugo Spritz

The Hugo is an aperitif, meant to be served before a meal or with a late afternoon snack. Thanks to all the bubbles in this drink, it pairs well with salty and creamy foods. Here are some fun options:

Roasted Chickpeas – a perfect crunchy salty treat
Baked Brie with Garlic – creamy, and a perfect pairing
How to Make a Cheese Board – an easy make-ahead appetizer
Sun Kissed Tomatoes – Italian-style and a traditional aperitif snack

Hugo Spritz

Indulge in a taste of Italy with the vibrant and bubbly Hugo Spritz cocktail – perfect for any occasion with just 4 ingredients.

Course Beverage, Brunch, Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings serving

Calories 162kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Ingredients

For one Hugo Spritz

2 sprigs fresh mint, divided for drink and garnish
1 ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, chilled
1 scoop ice
4 ounces Prosecco chilled
1 ounce Sparkling Water or Soda Water chilled
1 slice Lime cut into a wheel for garnish

For a Pitcher (6 servings)

1 bunch fresh mint, divided
6 ounces St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur chilled
ice
750 ml Prosecco, (1 bottle) chilled
6 ounces Sparkling Water or Soda Water, chilled
6 slices Lime, cut into wheels for garnish

Instructions

For one Hugo Spritz

Add the St-Germain and 2 torn mint leaves into a wine glass. Gently muddle and let sit for 2 minutes.
1 ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur,
Add ice and Prosecco. Stir gently. Top with sparkling water and stir again.
Add the lime wheel to the glass and garnish with a sprig of mint.
1 scoop ice, 4 ounces Prosecco, 1 ounce Sparkling Water or Soda Water, 1 slice Lime

For a pitcher of Hugo Spritz

Add the St-Germain liqueur and 5-6 mint leaves to a large pitcher. Gently muddle and let sit for 2 minutes.
6 ounces St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Add ice and Prosecco and stir gently to combine. Add sparkling water and gently stir again.
ice, 750 ml Prosecco, (1 bottle), 6 ounces Sparkling Water or Soda Water,
Add a lime wheel to each of 6 wine or cocktail glasses for serving, pour in mixed Hugo Spritz, and garnish each glass with a sprig of mint.
6 slices Lime,

Notes

Be sure to chill ingredients in advance for best results.
If making a pitcher of drinks ahead of time add only the torn mint and liqueur, then add the Prosecco, ice, and sparkling water when ready to serve. Finish with garnishing.
To bring out full mint sprig flavor gently slap the sprig on the palm of your hand before garnishing.

Nutrition

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French 75 Cocktail

Fri, 10 May 2024 20:56:30 +0000

The French 75 Cocktail is a classic drink that combines the freshness of citrus with the kick of gin and champagne

This classic cocktail, made with 4 ingredients, including gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup, is the perfect blend of citrusy sweetness and bubbly effervescence

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next dinner party or simply craving a delicious cocktail on a warm evening, mastering the art of making French 75’s will elevate your mixology skills.

Grab your shaker and get ready to learn how to craft this timeless libation with our foolproof recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details. We only recommend products we love and use.

Ingredients Needed:

This recipe makes 2 cocktails in a champagne flute or coupe glass. See the printable recipe card below for exact quantities and instructions. Just 4 simple ingredients needed.

Gin – choose a dry gin
Fresh Lemon Juice – This is the time for freshly squeezed lemon juice
Simple Syrup – For sweetness. It’s easy to make your own simple syrup. It’s simply sugar and water, heated together until the sugar dissolves, then cooled
Champagne – Enough to top the glass. We prefer Brut champagne because it has plenty of bubbles, is not too sweet, and is a little dry (see below for sparkling wine substitution ideas). The amount will depend on the size of your glass
Lemon Twist – For garnish, see below for instructions

How To Make a Classic French 75

Prepare the Simple Syrup and cool to room temperature
Prepare the lemon twists with the lemon peel (before you squeeze the juice from the lemon) and then squeeze the lemon juice
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice
Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker
Shake well until chilled (20-30 seconds)
Strain into a champagne flute or other glass
Top off the glass with Champagne
Garnish with a lemon twist and enjoy!

Common Substitutions

French 76 Cocktail – substitute vodka in place of the gin
Mexican 75 Cocktail – this variation uses lime juice instead of lemon juice and tequila instead of gin
Use Cognac in place of gin – this is thought to be how the original recipe was made
Elderflower syrup or liqueur in place of simple syrup, such as St. Germain
In place of Champagne try Cava, Prosecco, or any dry sparkling wine
In place of the lemon twist use rosemary sprigs for color

Tips to follow for the perfect cocktail at home

Use high-quality ingredients: Good gin, fresh lemons, dry Champagne
Chill the gin and Champagne for best results
Shake well: Shake the drink vigorously with ice to properly chill and dilute the ingredients. This will also create a nice frothy texture
Room-temperature simple syrup works best for blending
Chill the glassware if serving on a warm day
Making for a crowd? Prep everything ahead of time and make the cocktails in batches for the best results. Simple syrup and lemon juice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in advance.

How to make a lemon twist garnish

Peel a straight strip of lemon peel from the lemon with a paring knife, or use a channel knife to peel around the lemon as we did in the photo below. Remove the white pith and clean up the edges
Curl the peel around the handle of a spoon or a straw while you prepare the cocktail
Here is a quick vide o with easy instructions for making them

Why is it called a French 75?

This elegant cocktail recipe dates back to 1915 and World War 1 and was supposedly created at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, by Harry Craddock. This drink has stood the test of time because of its refreshing sophisticated flavor profile.
It’s named after the French 75-millimeter light field weapon used by the French army. The weapon was light, quick, and “packed a punch” just like this cocktail!

What is the difference between a French 75 and a French Martini?

The gorgeous French Martini is sweeter and fruit-forward with Chambord (a black raspberry liqueur), pineapple juice, and vodka. It’s an easy drink to make as well, so click over to see the full step-by-step.
The French 75 is less sweet with tart lemon juice, gin, and Champagne

The best glassware to use:

Traditional Champagne Flute: The tall, slender shape allows the effervescence of the champagne to be showcased beautifully. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the cocktail but also helps preserve its bubbly nature longer.
Coupe Glass: The wide bowl-like shape of the coupe glass provides ample space for the bubbly and looks very old-school elegant!
In a pinch use a tall glass

Other Champagne Cocktails to try

We love the festive nature of cocktails that use Champagne! They are light, fun, and not just for special occasions. They’re perfect for warm nights, girls nights, happy hours, and brunch. Here are a few of our favorites:

Kir Royale, Mimosas, Aperol Spritz, Blackberry Champagne Cocktail

KIR ROYALE

MIMOSAS

APEROL SPRITZ

BLACKBERRY CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

French 75 Cocktail

The iconic French 75 is made with gin, champagne, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Perfect for a sophisticated at-home cocktail. Slightly sweet, tart, and effervescent!

Course Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American, French

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings servings

Calories 135kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

1 Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients

2 ounces Gin, chilled
1 ounce Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
1 ounce Simple Syrup
4-6 ounces Brut Champagne, depending on size of glass, chilled (or Cava, Prosecco, or Sparkling Wine)
2 Lemon Twists for garnish

Instructions

Prepare simple syrup and cool to room temperature while preparing cocktail
Make lemon twist garnishes (be sure to do this before you squeeze the lemons), and squeeze the lemons for lemon juice
Fill a shaker halfway with ice and add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Place lid on shaker and shake vigorously until well chilled, about 30 seconds
Strain into champagne glasses and top with Champagne
Garnish each glass with a lemon twist and serve

Notes

How to make Simple Syrup
Well chilled Champagne and Gin make the best cocktails
Simple Syrup works best at room temperature for cocktails
Champagne amount will vary based on champagne glass size.

Nutrition

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White Russian

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 21:41:03 +0000

The chic and retro White Russian Cocktail is a cross between an end-of-the-evening sipping drink and an adult dessert!

Luscious and creamy – and oh so glamourous – it evokes a 1960’s vibe. They are still popular today and with just 3 ingredients it will become the simplest drink in your repertoire

A classic White Russian cocktail is a drink that every host needs in their tool belt because, let’s face it, just 3 ingredients beats making dessert every time!

Ready to get started? Just click on our “jump to recipe” button below to go straight to the recipe card. For tips, processes, and substitutions read the full post below. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for details. We only recommend products to you that we love and use.

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients needed for a classic White Russian

Just 3 ingredients, plus ice, are all you need to make this fabulous classic cocktail. All three should be well chilled before you begin. Exact quantities are listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

Vodka – We used Tito’s vodka since it’s a good-quality, clean-tasting vodka. Because the vodka is mixed with other strongly flavored ingredients we save the top-shelf vodka brands for martinis, like our French Martini. (Tito’s also happens to be gluten-free)
Kahlua – Rich coffee-flavored liqueur is the star of the show in this drink. See below for more about this heavenly liqueur. You could use Tia Maria brand, as well.
Heavy Cream – Also called whipping cream. In a pinch, you can use half-and-half, however, the drink won’t be quite as creamy
Ice – be sure to use ice cubes rather than crushed ice. Crushed ice will melt quickly and dilute the flavor of this creamy cocktail.

How to make the perfect White Russian:

Chill your Kahlua and vodka before preparing these drinks for the best results. We keep our vodka in the freezer.

Fill a “rocks style” glass with ice cubes. This drink makes 6 ounces plus ice. (See below for more details on what “rocks style” means). We highly recommend using cubes, not crushed ice, for this drink.
Pour 2 ounces of Kahlua over the ice.

Add the vodka on top of the Kahlua.

Drizzle 2 ounces of cold cream on top. Allow the cream to gently settle into the ice.

Swirl the glass a little if desired. This cocktail traditionally is not stirred.
Serve, sip, and enjoy!

What is a rocks glass?

A rocks glass is a wide, short tumbler with a thick base, used for serving cocktails that are over ice. They are also used for liquor served on the rocks, or a “neat” pour of whiskey, scotch, or bourbon.
Rocks glasses are also called lowball glasses or Old Fashioned glasses.
A typical “rocks” glass holds 6-9 ounces and a Double Old Fashioned glass holds 10-12 ounces

What is Kahlua?

Kahlua is a sweet liqueur made with rum, vanilla bean, sugar, and Arabica coffee beans.

You can add it straight into hot coffee for a basic Kahlua coffee drink which is perfect for brunch and would be scrumptious with our Baked French Toast. Kahlua is also delicious when served over ice or poured over ice cream.

Kahlua has a shelf life of 3-4 years, however, its quality will start to decline after 2 years. Keep it stored in a cool dark place.
If preferred you can substitute Kahlua with Tia Maria. They have slightly different flavors. Tia Maria is made with Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, sugar, vanilla, and Jamaican rum, and is a little less sweet than Kahlua.

Why is it called a White Russian?

Despite its name the White Russian actually became popular in the 1960s when a bartender, in Belgium, added a bit of cream to the Black Russian cocktail, it became white, and the White Russian cocktail recipe was born! A Black Russian cocktail is just Vodka and Kahlua. Neither drink is Russian in origin.

The White Russian was made popular again in 1998 by ‘The Dude’, aka Jeff Bridges, in the movie The Big Lebowski. Bridges drank a White Russian throughout the movie making it a cult classic. The Dude likes his stirred!

According to Atlas Obscura, the popularity of vodka skyrocketed in the 1950s and 60s, thanks in part to James Bond, and drinks like the classic Martini, the Bloody Mary, and the Moscow Mule.

Bloody Mary’s

Moscow Mules

Looking for more dreamy creamy cocktails?

We love them too! Here are a few of our favorites:

White Chocolate Snowflake Martinis ~ Godiva Chocolate Martinis
Pumpkin Spice Martinis ~ Red Velvet Martinis

White Chocolate Martinis

Chocolate Martini

Pumpkin Martinis

Red Velvet Martinis

White Russian Cocktail

The chic and creamy 3-ingredient White Russian Cocktail is a cross between an end-of-evening drink and an adult dessert.

Course Beverage, Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings serving

Calories 518kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

1 Rocks glass

Ingredients

Ice cubes
2 ounces Kahlua chilled
2 ounces Vodka chilled
2 ounces Heavy Cream

Instructions

Fill a rocks style glass with ice cubes
Pour chilled Kahlua over ice and then add chilled vodka
Slowly pour in heavy cream and allow it to settle into the drink
Swirl lightly if desired, and serve

Notes

Want to add a little extra flavor? Add a dash of vanilla extract or use vanilla vodka instead of plain vodka
What is a “rocks glass”? A rocks glass is a wide, short tumbler used for serving cocktails that are over ice, liquor served on the rocks, or a “neat” pour of whiskey or bourbon.
Rocks glasses can also be called lowball glasses or Old Fashioned glasses. A typical rocks glass holds 8 ounces -10 ounces.

Nutrition

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Paloma Cocktail

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 01:07:26 +0000

This refreshing Paloma Cocktail recipe is made with fresh grapefruit and lime juice and a splash of Blanco tequila

Add a salty rim and you’ve got the perfect sunny drink!

What is a Paloma? The classic Paloma recipe is a tequila-based cocktail mixed with fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and soda water (or grapefruit soda) and served on the rocks. We choose fresh juices for our version.

If you’re a grapefruit lover this is your drink!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure policy for details. We only recommend products we love and use.

Paloma Cocktail Ingredients:

The traditional Paloma cocktail is made with fizzy grapefruit soda or Squirt. We prefer a modern updated version using fresh juices, but feel free to substitute your favorite. This refreshing cocktail is popular on Cinco de Mayo.

Blanco Tequila – The Paloma will make you a believer in Blanco tequila. Also called silver tequila or white tequila. Blanco is characterized by a clear appearance, has a clean flavor, and is used in the classic margarita. It’s lighter in taste than gold tequila or reposado tequila which is aged in oak barrels. Choose a good tequila for this recipe.
Grapefruit Juice – Freshly squeezed juice is the best choice, but in a pinch, you can use premade juice (with no added sugar). We used ruby red grapefruits to get the gorgeous pink grapefruit color you see in our photos, but any color of grapefruit will work.
Lime Juice – Use freshly squeezed. Depending on how tart your grapefruit is you can add more or less to balance the flavor of the drink.
Simple Syrup – It’s a cinch to make your own and we have a step-by-step write-up about how to make simple syrup. Adjust the amount to suit your taste because it’s sugar syrup. Add more if you prefer a sweeter cocktail or leave it out altogether for a “Skinny Paloma”. Agave syrup or agave nectar is a good substitute.
Sparkling Soda Water – We use this in place of grapefruit soda. Try Perrier or Topo Chico brands for the cleanest flavor.
Kosher Salt – For the rim of the glass. This is optional but provides the perfect balance between salty, sweet, and sour with every sip! You can also use coarse sea salt.
Jalapeno – Optional – if you want to make it spicy! See the recipe card for instructions on how to add it

How to Make a Classic Paloma

This sunny refresher is simple and quick to make, so let’s start mixing!

Making a salt rim glass:

Add enough kosher (or coarse) salt to cover the bottom of a small plate (such as a salad plate)
Wet the rim of the glass by rubbing a lime wedge or grapefruit wedge around the edge of the glass
Dip the rim of your glass into the salt to lightly coat the edges and set aside to dry

Mixing the cocktail:

Cut the grapefruit into quarters and slice a small wedge for garnish
Juice the limes. Reserve a lime wedge for garnish before juicing.
In a cocktail shaker with a strainer: add simple syrup, grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, and about 1/2 cup of ice
Seal the shaker and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. The shaker should be icy cold after shaking!
Add a handful of ice to the prepared salted glass
Strain the shaken drink into the glass
Top with the sparkling water
Garnish with the reserved wedge of grapefruit (and a round of lime, if desired)
Serve with tortilla chips, guacamole, and a bowl of fresh Salsa Verde

What is the best tequila for a Paloma?

The classic Mexican Paloma is traditionally made with Blanco tequila, also known as silver or white tequila. It is characterized by its clear appearance and clean fresh flavor. This type of tequila has no color because it is bottled directly after being distilled.

Blanco has notes of citrus flavors and agave and is best used in light refreshing drinks. There is a variety of prices and brands. Since the tequila is mixed with citrus fruit juices we recommend choosing a mid-priced tequila.

Blanco is lighter in taste than reposado tequila, which is aged in oak before bottling. We love reposado in our Spicy Mango Margarita which has a much bolder flavor.

Variations:

There are a few ways to vary this summer favorite. Here are some ideas:

SKINNY PALOMA – this version omits the simple syrup which saves calories and reduces the overall sugar content
PALOMA MOCKTAIL – make an alcohol-free Paloma by skipping the tequila
CLASSIC PALOMA – This combo is just tequila, fresh lime juice, and Squirt or another grapefruit soda. (The sugar in the grapefruit-flavored soda means you can skip the simple syrup and fresh grapefruit juice)
SPICY PALOMA: The most popular variation is the Spicy Paloma which includes jalapenos for an added pop of medium heat. To make this spicy version slice half of a jalapeno, add 2 pieces to the salted glass, toss 2 more pieces in the cocktail shaker with the simple syrup, and muddle them together before adding the remaining ingredients. Shake everything. Muddling the jalapeno releases its natural oils and adds heat.

Chefs Tip

When salting the rim of a highball glass, or lowball glass, prep the glasses before shaking the drink. This allows the salt to dry before serving.

The History of the Paloma Cocktail

The Spanish word Paloma means “dove”.

Stories abound, but one states that the La Paloma cocktail was created by Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner, and bartender of La Capilla, in Tequila, Mexico.
Other stories claim that the delicious Paloma cocktail originated in Texas in 1938 when the soda brand Squirt, with grapefruit flavor, was invented. A marketing campaign touted it as the perfect mixer for tequila cocktails.

Perfect Pairing for the Paloma

We love an evening of appetizers, with cocktails, or pair with a spicy dinner:

Salty tortilla chips with homemade Pineapple Salsa and a tray of Mini Taco Cups
Honey Roasted Cashews or crunchy Coconut Shrimp
Tangy Chile Verde or spicy Shrimp in Chipotle Sauce
Grilled Carne Asada or Cedar Plank Salmon
A pan of Green Chicken Enchiladas will pair perfectly with Paloma’s citrusy flavor

Paloma Cocktail

Refreshing Paloma Cocktail made with grapefruit juice, lime juice, and Blanco tequila is perfect for a summer day.

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American, Mexican

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings drink

Calories 219kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

Cocktail shaker with strainer

Ingredients

Coarse or Kosher salt for the rim of the glass
4 ounces Grapefruit juice (+ 2 wedges for garnish) freshly squeezed, about 1 large grapefruit
2 ounces Blanco Tequila
1 ounce Lime juice, freshly squeezed (about 1 lime)
½ Tablespoons Simple Syrup (or agave)
1 ounce Sparkling Water

Optional for Spicy Paloma

½ Jalapeno, thinly sliced

Instructions

Cut the grapefruit into quarters. Slice a few small wedges for garnish and set aside. Juice the remaining grapefruit.
Juice the lime and set aside.
Salt the rim of an 8-ounce lowball glass by rubbing a grapefruit wedge around the edge of the glass and dipping it onto a small plate of coarse or Kosher salt.
Add a handful of ice to the glass. Set aside to allow the salted rim to dry.
SPICY VERSION: If making the drinks spicy, add 2 slices of jalapeno to the glass
In a cocktail shaker add the simple syrup.
SPICY VERSION: If making spicy add 2 slices of jalapeno and muddle with the simple syrup to release the jalapeno's natural oils
Add about 1/2 cup of ice to the shaker.
Add the grapefruit juice, Blanco tequila, and lime juice.
Shake for 20-30 seconds until the shaker becomes icy cold. Strain into the prepared salted glass, and top with sparkling water.
Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and serve.

Notes

Make a Skinny Paloma – delete the simple syrup
Make a Spicy Paloma – add jalapeno to the glass and muddle a jalapeno in the shaker
Making your own Simple Syrup is just that ~ simple! But you can also use agave

Cooks Note – 1 ounce equals 2 Tablespoons

Nutrition

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Classic Kir Royale

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 20:47:53 +0000

This Kir Royale cocktail is a classic and elegant French drink that is simple to prepare with just 2-ingredients

Kir Royale’s are complex in flavor and they look gorgeous!

Jump to Recipe

Kir Royale’s are enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to a TV show about an American girl in Paris, but the best reason is simple – they are delicious!

These berry-kissed cocktails have been a favorite of mine for years. One sip will transport you to France. However, don’t let the simple ingredient list fool you because they have a big deep flavor. Time to break out your prettiest champagne flutes!

I had my first Kir Royale cocktail years ago in Dijon, France. Later, I learned that Dijon, which is in the Burgundy region, is the birthplace of the Kir Royale along with many other well-known foods such as beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and of course Dijon mustard.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our affiliate disclosure for more details.

Ingredients for Kir Royale cocktails

Crème de Cassis – This blackcurrant liqueur has a deep burgundy color and gives this classic cocktail its gorgeous color and flavor. The French word for blackcurrants is “cassis”. Want to know more about Cassis liqueur? See more info below.
Champagne – Use a dry Brut Champagne or sparkling wine because it helps balance the sweet flavor of the cassis (the word Brut is French for “dry”). A mid-level priced Champagne works well since it’s being mixed with a sweet liqueur. No need to break out the very best Champagne for this cocktail, however, be sure to use something you would like to drink even if it wasn’t mixed with liqueur.
Garnish – A lemon twist is a classic choice. We love fresh raspberries or blackberries for garnish.

How to make a classic Kir Royale cocktail

Chill champagne flutes and Champagne ahead of time for the best results
Add Crème de Cassis to a chilled champagne flute
Tilt the flute slightly and pour in the Champagne slowly. This helps preserve the bubbles
Garnish with a few raspberries or a lemon twist and enjoy!

What is Crème de Cassis?

Crème de cassis is a French liqueur that’s made from blackcurrants, which are small, purple berries that have a sweet and tart flavor. Blackcurrants are beloved in Europe (99% are grown there) and many are grown in the Burgundy region of France.

To make Crème de Cassis the blackcurrants are macerated with a touch of sugar to make the actual liqueur. You can find cassis at liquor stores and at well-stocked upscale grocery stores.

My favorite brand, Gabriel Boudier, is made in Dijon. Gabriel Boudier is the last family-owned cassis house in Dijon and has been producing since 1874. The flavor is amazing!

You can drink Crème de Cassis straight, or on the rocks, as an aperitif.

What’s the difference between a Kir and a Kir Royale?

A Kir cocktail is a combination of Crème de Cassis and dry white wine. A Kir Royale is Crème de Cassis and Champagne.

According to history, both the Kir and the Kir Royale were named by its creator, a French priest named Canon Félix Kir. He was a hero in the French Resistance during World War II, as well as the Mayor of Dijon from 1945 to 1968.

How to store Crème de Cassis

Prior to opening keep Crème de Cassis stored in a cool dry place. Once the bottle is opened store it in the refrigerator, and if needed, decant it into a smaller container to prevent oxidation.

Substitution ideas

This simple cocktail can be varied and here are a few ideas:

Crème de Cassis – Often you will see Kir Royale’s made with Chambord which is a black raspberry liqueur. Both are delicious but an authentic Kir Royale is made with Crème de Cassis
Champagne – Only sparkling wine made in the region of Champagne, France can legally be called Champagne. A quality Cava or dry sparkling white wine makes a great substitute and can be a better value. Prosecco can be substituted, however, it is sweeter, so the flavor of the cocktail will be a bit different.
If you want to read more about Champagne jump over to our story on Champagne vs Sparkling Wine or read about the Styles of Champagne.

Other great cocktail ideas:

Have Chambord? Try the fabulous French Martini
This Blackberry Champagne Cocktail is lightly fruity and 100% gorgeous
Our White Sangria uses Prosecco and fresh fruit, and is great for a crowd!

Perfect Party Pairing Ideas:

Bite-size Crab Cakes with zesty Homemade Cocktail Sauce are the perfect appetizer for any party
Easy Baked Brie with Garlic is always a crowd favorite
5-ingredient Honey Roasted Cashews are an ideal nibble

Kir Royale

Classic Kir Royale cocktail is made with just 2 ingredients. A berry-kissed elegant drink with Champagne and French liqueur Crème de Cassis.

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine French

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings cocktail

Calories 100kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

1 Champagne flute

Ingredients

2 teaspoons Crème de Cassis (or Chambord)
5 – 6 ounces Champagne (Brut recommended), chilled, or dry sparkling wine or Cava
fresh raspberries, or a lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

If time allows, chill champagne flute. Clean and prep garnishes
Add Crème de Cassis to the champagne flute.
Tilt the Champagne flute slightly (this helps preserve the bubbles) and slowly pour the chilled Campagne into flute.
Add 2 raspberries to the flute and garnish the rim, with a raspberry, or lemon twist

Notes

This recipe is for one cocktail but can easily be doubled
A 750 ml bottle of champagne will make about 5 glasses of Kir Royale
If you cannot find crème de cassis consider substituting Chambord
Always choose a dry Champagne for this cocktail, such as Brut. Cava or dry sparkling wine makes a good substitute.

Nutrition

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French Martini

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 00:40:29 +0000

The French Martini is an elegant three-ingredient cocktail with pineapple, vodka, and a kiss of French Chambord. Perfect for entertaining!

It’s one of my favorite cocktails to serve because with each sip you can taste a little hint of all three ingredients ~ pineapple, Chambord raspberry liqueur, and crisp vodka

This sunny, slightly sweet, tart, frothy, and completely gorgeous French martini recipe was created in New York in the late 1980s. The first French Martini gained popularity as a contemporary classic cocktail and hasn’t looked back since!

These types of elegant, beautiful, fruity cocktails, like our Blueberry Vodka Cocktail, and reader favorite, the Pineapple Vodka Cocktail, are always a hit with friends and for special occasions. The French Martini has the advantage of being super simple to make because, unlike the others, you don’t need simple syrup.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our privacy policy and affiliate disclosure for more details.

Ingredients Needed

Just 3 ingredients ~ plus a delicious garnish ~ are needed for this simple drink

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient

Pineapple Juice – If you can find (or make) fresh fruit juice then definitely use it! If not, use quality premade 100% pineapple fruit juice. You’ll need just 2 ounces, or 60 ml pineapple juice, for each drink
Vodka – Since there are just a few ingredients in this drink opt for a good vodka for the best and cleanest flavor
Chambord Liqueur– Chambord black raspberry liqueur is where we get the name French martini. Chambord is a French raspberry liqueur that is an infusion of raspberries, blackberries, black raspberries, black currant, Madagascar vanilla, and Cognac
Fresh Raspberries – Optional, but perfect for a garnish. We skewered ours with a decorative bamboo pick. We chose to use 3 raspberries since traditional martinis use 3 olives. You can also use a citrus peel for garnish.

Instructions for making a French Martini

While this recipe is super simple there are a few important steps for success:

Prep the garnish by skewering 3 raspberries and set aside
Add ice cubes, pineapple juice, and vodka to the martini shaker
Pour the Chambord into the shaker
Place the top on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds
The shaker will get super cold so, if needed, wrap a small kitchen towel around it. I always do this because it also helps save you if there are any leaks from the shaker
Leave the strainer part on the shaker and gently pour the shaken martini into the martini glasses
The strainer will prevent any ice from going into the glasses and diluting the finished cocktail
The top of the French martini should be foamy as you pour it in. The foaminess will depend on how cold the drink is and how long you shake before you pour

Helpful Tips for the Perfect French Martini

If possible chill or freeze both your martini glasses and your martini shaker for about 10-15 minutes before preparing the drinks
Chilled pineapple juice, Chambord, and vodka from the freezer, are ideal to help create the frothy top for this drink which makes it look so elegant
Use ice cubes, instead of crushed ice, in the shaker for the best results. Crushed ice tends to dilute the drink too much while shaking
The colder the ingredients when you start the more refreshing and frothy the French Martini cocktail will be when you pour it!

Of course, if the drink isn’t super frothy on top it will still be delicious! And the froth will evaporate in a few minutes. Serve immediately after pouring. Again, these cocktails are still delicious even with little or no froth.

Substitution Ideas

Since there are only 3 ingredients in the original French Martini there aren’t a lot of substitutions to be made, however, here are a few ideas if you feel like getting creative!

Gin – substitute gin for vodka for a slightly more botanical taste. (An original martini is made with dry gin and dry vermouth)
Pineapple wedge garnish – Instead of raspberries use a chunky wedge of pineapple on the side of the glass, along with the freshest pineapple juice
Lemon twist garnish – to give the drink more of a classic martini feel use a twist of lemon peel instead of the raspberries
Chambord substitute – there are a few other choices available so if you’re not using Chambord we recommend Mathilde Framboise Liqueur because it has a clean raspberry flavor, or another type of black currant liqueur
Vanilla Vodka – If you want an added bit of vanilla flavor. Be sure to substitute with a high quality vodka (such as Absolut vanilla vodka)

Equipment

SHAKER – Using a quality cocktail shaker, with room for plenty of ice, is the key to a great frothy French martini. We use either a traditional silver shaker or a clear shaker. Just make sure it has a strainer on top. If yours doesn’t have a strainer you’ll need a fine mesh strainer instead for pouring the drink into the glasses.

GLASSES – We love the elegant look of an etched coupe glass, but a traditional v-shaped martini glass works well too. Regardless of the shape use a chilled martini glass.

Make-Ahead Tips

Planning a party and want to prep ahead of time? Great idea!

Chill everything!
If making fresh pineapple juice make it ahead of time and then shake well before prepping the cocktails
Premix the Chambord, pineapple juice, and vodka and refrigerate. When ready to prepare the drink add ice to a shaker and proceed as above

FAQ

Why is it called a “French Martini”? This cocktail wasn’t invented in France but Chambord liqueur is produced in France, thus the name. Want to make it even more French? Use a French vodka brand, such as Ciroc, Vodka Mariette, or Grey Goose.
Who invented the original French Martini? It was one of the many specialty cocktail recipes to appear in one of restaurateur Keith McNally’s New York City bars. The original recipe was on the cocktail menu at McNally’s famous Balthazar in SoHo and this classic recipe was popularized by the “King of Cocktails” Dale Degroff.
Is this cocktail a true martini? A French martini cocktail isn’t technically a martini cocktail but has the name because it’s served in a martini glass. This fruity cocktail is a lightly sweet drink while a classic gin martini or dry vodka martini is not sweet at all.
Should I refrigerate Chambord? It is shelf-stable but we recommend chilling it. It tastes great on its own, poured over a glass of ice.

Perfect appetizers to serve along with French Martinis:

Our Honey Roasted Cashews are a sweet, salty snack that is perfect for happy hour
Baked Brie with Garlic pairs perfectly with these slightly tart martinis
Crab Cakes with zesty homemade Cocktail Sauce are an ideal appetizer or great as a light meal

French Martini

Gorgeous frothy French Martini with pineapple, vodka, and a kiss of French Chambord. An elegant but easy cocktail for sipping with just 3 ingredients

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American, French

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 197kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

1 Cocktail Shaker
2 martini glasses

Ingredients

4 ounces premium vodka
2 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce Chambord liqueur, or similar such as Mathilde Framboise (2 TBSP)
ice cubes
6 raspberries for garnish, optional

Instructions

Fill a cocktail shake about ½ full with ice cubes
Add vodka, pineapple juice, and Chambord to the shaker
Shake vigorously for about 20-30 seconds. The shaker will get very cold, so consider wrapping it in a dish towel. You want some froth to develop in the shaker
Strain gently into 2 martini or coupe glasses
If desired, garnish with a few raspberries, and serve

Notes

This drink works best if all of the ingredients are chilled before using
Use whole ice in the shaker. Crushed ice melts too quickly and will dilute the martini
Just need one martini? Simply cut the ingredients in half
For an extra cold drink chill the glasses in advance

Nutrition

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Dirty Shirley Cocktail

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:55:12 +0000

The Dirty Shirley Cocktail is a refreshing cherry drink that is reminiscent of the childhood classic Shirley Temple mocktail

This simple drink brings back childhood memories of dinners out with my family. My parents would always order me a classic “Shirley Temple” mocktail before dinner and it made me feel so grown-up.

As an adult, I love to mix up and serve this updated adult cocktail version of a Shirley Temple at happy hour for family and friends. They are also great by the pitcherful for backyard barbecues.

This limited-ingredient cocktail is easy to make, fun to serve, and will take your friends back to their favorite childhood drink memories at your next get-together!

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What is a Dirty Shirley Cocktail?

Simply put, a Dirty Shirley is the adult boozy take on the classic Shirley Temple mocktail, with the addition of vodka. It is cool and refreshing but with the same sweet old-fashioned twist. It’s also known as a Shirley Temple Black.

Because this cocktail is on the sweeter side we like to serve her with savory appetizers and snacks such as our Honey Roasted Cashews or easy Baked Brie with Garlic.

Simple Ingredients for a Dirty Shirley Cocktail:

Amarena Wild Cherries – jarred, in syrup, they have a pure cherry flavor
Vodka – use a good vodka such as Grey Goose or Tito’s
7-up (we use 7-up Zero Sugar) – or any lemon-lime soda
Fresh Mint Leaves – for garnish
Also – short skewers or pretty cocktail picks for garnishing your Dirty Shirley

TASTING NOTES:

We tested this easy cocktail recipe a few different ways (it’s a tough job, we know!), and here’s what we and all of our (too willing) friends found:

We preferred using 7-up with Zero Sugar. Because the zero sugar version is less sugary it allows the sweetness of the cocktail to come mainly from the delicious deeply flavored cherry syrup. It also makes this drink lower in calories!
Using the flavor-packed Italian jarred Amarena Cherries was far tastier than Grenadine syrup. Amarena syrup has a sweet taste and has a pure cherry flavor!

How to make a Dirty Shirley Drink

Strain one ounce of Amarena cherry juice from the jar into a shot glass
Set aside 3 cherries for garnish
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes (we recommend a clear glass because this gal is gorgeous!)
Pour 2 ounces of vodka over the ice
Drizzle in the reserved 1 ounce of Amarena cherry syrup
Slowly fill the remainder of the glass with 6 ounces of 7-up
Skewer one mint leaf and three Amarena cherries with a cocktail pick or 3-4″ skewer
Place over the top of the glass as your garnish
Serve cold and enjoy!

What are Amarena Cherries?

Amarena Cherries come from the cities of Bologna and Modena in Italy. “Amarena” is a variety of cherries that are small, dark, and tart. They are preserved in a deep rich syrup and often sold in equally beautiful jars. Our favorite is Fabbri brand

These cherries have a wonderful flavor that is unlike the standard Maraschino cherry. They are definitely a gourmet treat that can be used in many different recipes, and if you store them in the refrigerator they have a long shelf life. Try drizzling in cocktails or topping ice cream or pound cake. We love to pour a drizzle of syrup and a few cherries over brie, goat cheese, or on a Parmesan wedge on a charcuterie board for a gorgeous touch.

Where did the traditional Shirley Temple originate?

No one knows which establishment originally served the first Dirty Shirley, but it is clearly linked to the Shirley Temple original mocktail.

The original drink was crafted at the legendary (and now closed) Brown Derby Restaurant in Hollywood, for famous child actress, Shirley Temple. She was seen there on many occasions, especially after award shows in the 1930s. To make her feel special the drink was created and named after her. (Fun fact: the Brown Derby also invented the Cobb Salad!)

Simple Recipe Variations

Make a classic Shirley Temple mocktail by omitting the vodka
Amarena Cherries – substitute Maraschino Luxardo cherries
Amarena Cherry Syrup – use the syrup from the Maraschino cherries or a traditional Grenadine syrup
7-up – substitutions include Sprite, lemon-lime soda, or ginger ale

Using any or all of these substitutions will change the flavor and color of the cocktail. Either way, we recommend using the best quality, since there are so few ingredients.

The ultimate variation ~ “The Dirty Shirley Martini”

During our tasting sessions, we thought this cocktail would also make a fantastic martini for a special occasion, and we were right!

Using the recipe above: Combine 2 ounces vodka, 1 ounce cherry syrup, and 6 ounces 7-Up
Add 1/2 ounce of fresh-squeezed lime juice
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add all of the Dirty Shirley ingredients.
Shake until the shaker is super cold
Strain into a martini glass
To garnish: add one mint leaf and three Amarena Cherries to a cocktail pick or short skewer and lay across the top of the martini
Serve and enjoy!

Looking for more great cocktail ideas?

We’ve got you covered on gorgeous fun drink ideas:

Dirty Shirley Cocktail

The Dirty Shirley Cocktail is a refreshing cherry-based vodka drink reminiscent of the classic Shirley Temple.

Course Cocktails

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings cocktail

Calories 208kcal

Author Jayne Harter ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Ingredients

2 ounces vodka (cold)
1 ounce cherry syrup, from Amarena jarred cherries, + 3 cherries for garnish
6 ounces 7-up (zero sugar)
1 mint leaf

Instructions

Strain one ounce of Amarena Cherry juice from the jar into a shot glass and set aside 3 cherries for garnish
Fill an 8 oz glass with ice and pour in 2 ounces of vodka
Pour in 1 ounce of Amarena syrup
Fill the remainder of the glass slowly with 6 ounces of 7-Up. Stir to blend all of the flavors.

To Garnish:

Add one mint leaf and three Amarena cherries to a cocktail pick, or short skewer. Place across the top of the glass for garnish
Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Can’t find Amarena Cherries? – Substitute Grenadine for the syrup and Maraschino cherries for the garnish
This recipe can be doubled for 2 drinks
The Amarena syrup blends best at room temperature
Omit the vodka for a traditional Shirley Temple mocktail

Nutrition

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White Sangria Recipe

Wed, 18 May 2022 19:06:01 +0000

This easy White Sangria is the perfect mix of citrus fruits, berries, apples, white wine, and bubbly, so it’s ideal for any summer day!

Sangria is the perfect warm-weather drink because it’s light, refreshing, gorgeous and so easy to make! Bonus points are given if you are drinking it poolside!

Jump to Recipe

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What is Sangria?

The refreshing wine-based Sangria drink hails from Spain and it can be many different flavors. However, a traditional white sangria has a few basic ingredients that you must include: dry white wine, fruit, and a sweet liqueur (we use Grand Marnier). The mixture is marinated for a few hours and served cold.

There are a million versions and ours is really flexible based on what type of fruit you have on hand.

I will admit that I’m new-ish to the Sangria game, but now I’m hooked! This version was generously “borrowed” from my sister who is my Sangria aficionado. She makes it all the time, and it’s fantastic, so I had to steal her recipe!

Use this as your base recipe and make it your own with the addition of other fruits and liqueurs. She likes hers a little sweet and I like mine a little zesty, so we have options for both!

Ingredients needed:

This is a list of things you will need for our version, however, remember you can easily mix and match the fruits and liqueur.

Dry White Wine – Any dry white wine will work such as Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, or a dry Spanish wine. Since the wine will be marinating with fruit you can select a less expensive bottle but you’ll still want to choose one that would taste good on its own
Orange Liqueur – We use Grand Marnier, but Cointreau is a great option too
Prosecco or Cava – Substitute sparkling water if you want a version with less alcohol
Powdered sugar and brandy– These are optional and based on how sweet your fruit is and how sweet you like your drinks. You can also sweeten with a dash more orange liqueur
Fruit – Get creative here because, honestly, everything works! We love oranges, limes, apples, peaches, grapes, mixed berries, and kiwi

How to make White Sangria:

Making sangria is simple, however, it tastes best if the fruit macerates (which is just a fancy name for marinating!) for a few hours, so if you can make it about 4 hours ahead of time definitely do!

Wash all of the fruit. No need to peel any of it (yea!)
Slice the citrus (oranges, limes) into thin slices
Slice the kiwi, peaches, and apples
Take the tops off of the strawberries and slice them, unless they are very small
Set aside some of the prettiest fruit for garnish. We usually use lime wheels
Place all the fruit (except garnish) into a large clear pitcher. (Use a clear pitcher if you can because this drink is drop-dead gorgeous!)
Add the Grand Marnier (or Cointreau) and the entire bottle of white wine to the pitcher
If you like it a little sweeter (and especially if the fruit isn’t quite in season) add the powdered sugar and the brandy
Give everything a gentle stir with a long-handled spoon and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 4 hours (and up to 24-hours)
Chill the Prosecco, Cava, or sparkling water
Just before serving add ice to the serving glasses
Remove the pitcher from the refrigerator, give it another gentle stir and then top it with the Prosecco, Cava, or sparkling water. Give it one more quick stir to blend everything
Pour the sangria into the glasses, along with some of the fruit, garnish the glasses, and serve cold

Substitution ideas:

Again, mix it up with a variety of fruits! Here are some other ideas:

Nectarines
Mango
Blood oranges
Pineapple slices
Watermelon (add this at the end so it doesn’t get too mushy)
Grapefruit
Add peach schnapps or triple sec in place of the orange liqueur
Use flavored bubbly water to give it added fruitiness

Pro Tips:

This drink tastes better if everything is cold
A garnish of mint works perfectly and looks pretty!
Fruit in season is always sweeter so adjust the powdered sugar and brandy accordingly
Add some of the macerated fruit to the glasses
These drinks pack a punch so bring down the alcohol level by using sparkling water instead of Prosecco
Feeling extra fancy? Top with Champagne instead of Prosecco
Want to keep it authentic? Use a dry Spanish white wine and Cava
Use a large pitcher. We love this clear glass pitcher to show off the fruit!

What to serve with Sangria

Now that you have the perfect Summer refresher you’ll want some easy but delicious light snacks or dinner to match! Here are some of our top choices:

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers with a Spicy Peanut Sauce
Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa
Spicy Jerk Chicken
Chimichurri Shrimp or Chimichurri Steak

White Sangria Recipe

This easy White Sangria cocktail is the perfect mix of citrus fruits, berries, and apples. Great for any Summer day!

Course Cocktails

Cuisine Mediterranean, Spanish

Prep Time 15

Marinating/Refrigerator Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings servings

Calories 144kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Ingredients

1 apple, thinly sliced
1 peach, thinly sliced
12 Green grapes, seedless
2 lime, sliced
2 kiwi, sliced
1 cup berries (blackberries, strawberries, blueberries)
1 orange, thinly sliced
3 ounces Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
750 ml dry white wine (1 bottle)
1 Tablespoon powdered sugar, optional
2 Tablespoons Brandy, optional
750 ml Prosecco, Cava, or sparkling water (1 bottle or 26 ounces), very cold

Instructions

Prep all the fruit. Set some aside for the glasses and as garnishes
Place all the prepared fruit in a large pitcher
Add Grand Marnier (or Cointreau) and white wine. Add powdered sugar and brandy, if using, and mix everything gently together with a large spoon
Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours – 24 hours
Add ice and the reserved fruit to serving glasses
Just before serving add the Prosecco or Cava (or sparkling water) and mix together with a large spoon
Garnish and serve

Notes

Don’t add the sparkling wine/water until just before serving in order to make sure the sangria is bubbly
Adding the powdered sugar is optional, depending on how sweet your fruit is or how sweet you want the sangria

Nutrition

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Chocolate Martini

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 17:58:05 +0000

This Chocolate Martini is a creamy decadent cocktail recipe that’s like a sip of chocolate heaven in a glass!

The good news is with just 5 main ingredients this decadent Chocolate Martini is easy to make and will be a huge hit with your guests

Grab your martini shaker and let’s get started!

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Chocolate Martini Ingredients

The ingredient list is simple but decadent!

Chocolate Liqueur – We recommend you use your favorite chocolate liqueur.
Homemade Irish Cream – We make our own and you can too. Or use Bailey’s.
Half and Half – In a pinch you can use heavy cream instead
Vodka – Any quality brand will work, or try it with vanilla vodka, for an extra bit of flavor!
Hot Fudge Sauce or Dark Chocolate Syrup – Either will work but we love the deep dark flavor of our homemade hot fudge sauce!
Cocoa for the rim of the glass – We like the taste of Ghirardelli brand but any brand will work as long as it’s on the darker side
Chocolate Bar – This is optional for adding shaved chocolate over the top of the martini See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Product recommendations:

Use your favorite Chocolate Liqueur brand for our recipe. You will find several excellent chocolate liqueurs on the market.

We used Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix to rim the martini glasses. This cocoa adds an amazing chocolatey flavor to this martini. There are many cocoas on the market to choose from, but this is our favorite.

How to make a Chocolate lovers Martini

With two small plates, side by side, add 2 tablespoon vodka to first small plate and add 1/4 cup cocoa to second plate
Dip the rim of the martini glass into the vodka first and then dip the wet rim into the chocolate cocoa powder
Gently turn the rim to make sure you have an even coat of cocoa around all sides of the glass. Set the glass aside (see example photo below)
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes
Add the chocolate liqueur, Irish cream liqueur, vodka, and half-and-half
Give a vigorous shake until the shaker is almost too cold to hold and set aside
Drizzle chocolate syrup in circles to the inside of the martini glass (see example photos below)
Pour the shaken drink evenly over the chocolate drizzle into each glass
Garnish with the grated chocolate shavings, if desired. We use the original Microplane classic zester/grater like the one pictured above. It’s a kitchen workhorse.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Create a Chocolate Rimmed Glass

Dip the glass rim into vodka then dip it into cocoa

How to create a chocolate swirl inside a martini glass

Prepare your chocolate-rimmed glass first and then begin your chocolate swirl

You can prepare the cocoa rims ahead of time but don’t do the chocolate sauce swirl inside of the glass until right before serving the martinis
Fill a small plastic squeeze bottle with chocolate syrup

Tip bottle and start the swirl right under the chocolate cocoa rim
Swirl the chocolate sauce around the glass – keep in mind any design will work!
The extra chocolate on the interior of the glass really adds to the flavor of this delicious cocktail recipe
Immediately add the chilled martini mixture to prepared glass, serve, and ENJOY!
If you don’t have a squeeze bottle use a very small spoon to drizzle on the sides.

What are the best Chocolate liqueurs?

When it comes to chocolate liqueurs there are several to choose from at most liquor stores. The flavors from liqueur to liqueur can vary. Chocolate liqueurs come in both White Chocolate and Dark Chocolate.

Here’s a list of excellent chocolate liqueurs you can choose from which are presented in no particular order. Please remember different liqueurs could vary in taste and different liqueurs could vary the flavor of your cocktail.

Mozart Dark Chocolate Liqueur – Austria
Borgata Classic Chocolate Liqueur – Italy
Tolon Tolon Chocolate Cream – Spain

What is a Martini?

The modern-day martini has become one of the best-known mixed alcoholic beverages. Mixologists can mix and match alcohol and ingredients to come up with great seasonal cocktails that tantalize everyone’s tastebuds. We really have come a long way baby!

Here is how easy it is to make a classic original martini:

Start with gin or vodka and vermouth shaken or stirred over ice
Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnished with either two olives or a lemon twist

Additional great Martini recipes

We’ve got you covered with all types of interesting martinis!

Great appetizers to make the perfect party!

Honey Roasted Cashews – because everyone loves a salty-sweet snack
Mini Crab Cakes with Homemade Cocktail Sauce – a classic appetizer and crowd pleaser
Baked Brie with Garlic – this version bakes in it’s own box making it the easiest appetizer!
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms – Full of fresh crab and mozzarella cheese flavor
Chicken Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce – a great party appetizer or light snack

Making a Mini Chocolate Martini

If a large martini is too much decadence for your group consider creating these drinks in mini form. We made ours in gorgeous cordial glasses for girls night, but a simple shot glass will work too. It’s the same process and a lot of fun!

Chocolate Martini Recipe

This Chocolate Martini Recipe is a creamy decadent cocktail that is a sip of chocolate heaven in a glass!

Course Beverage, Cocktails

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings servings

Calories 468kcal

Author Jayne Harter ~ The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

Martini shaker
Martini glass

Ingredients

3 oz Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
1 oz Irish Cream
2 oz Half and Half
4 oz Vodka
3 Tablespoons Hot Fudge or Dark Chocolate Syrup
¾ cup Cocoa, for glass rim

Instructions

With two small plates side by side add 2 tablespoon vodka to first small plate and add 1/4 cup cocoa to second plate
Dip the rim of the martini glass into the vodka and then dip the wet rim into the chocolate cocoa mix to coat. Gently turn rim to make sure you have an even coat of cocoa all around the rim. Set aside the glass.
Fill a martini shaker with ice cubes
Add chocolate liqueur, Irish cream, vodka, and half and half
Shake well until the shaker is almost too cold to hold
Drizzle chocolate syrup onto the glass interior
Pour evenly into each glass, garnish, and serve

Notes

Link to our Hot Fudge Sauce recipe

Link to our Homemade Irish Cream recipe

Nutrition

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Spicy Mango Margaritas with Chili Lime

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 17:04:09 +0000

Spicy Mango Margaritas with Chili Lime are frosty and refreshing with a little kick!

Margaritas are so popular because let’s face it, they are delicious! They are a perfect blended marriage of sweet and tangy flavors

This blender version is a favorite because it has a sweet mango flavor and fresh orange juice along with tart lime juice. Is it Happy Hour yet?

We’ve added Tajin seasoning, which is a blend of chili peppers, lime, and sea salt around the rim of the glass because it’s popular in Mexico (and in SoCal) to sprinkle Tajin on cut pieces of mango. And, it’s gorgeous!

Our recipe makes two chilled glasses of margaritas but these can easily be doubled or tripled to make a bigger batch for your next get-together, and they’re perfect for Cinco de Mayo.

Mango Margarita Ingredients

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and instructions

Mango ~ we use organic frozen mango chunks to make this recipe super simple but you can use fresh mango or mango puree, if you prefer
Fresh Orange Juice – or a high quality premade juice
Tequila ~ gold or white works best
Fresh Lime Juice – be sure to use fresh squeezed
Grand Marnier ~ or any other orange liqueur /orange liquor such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
Simple Syrup ~ or substitute agave nectar or honey. For a complete tutorial visit our post on How to Make Simple Syrup
Tajin Seasoning – for the chili-lime salt rim. Or any chili powder lime salt mix ~ for the rim of the glass ~ if you want it less spicy just use salt on the rim of your glass
Fresh Lime Wedge ~ for garnish, or a slice of lime for each glass
Ice cubes ~ if you want your margarita on the rocks or super slushy
OPTIONAL, slice of Jalapeño – want to increase the spice level? Add fresh jalapeño slices!

How to make Spicy Mango Margaritas

These drinks are quick to mix up in a high-speed blender. Everything is added together and blended in just a few minutes.
The key to this super frosty cold Mango Margarita is to have all of the ingredients very cold before blending. So put everything (except the Tajin) in the refrigerator before blending, if possible.
If the mango cubes are frozen you don’t need to add ice to the ingredients.
This recipe can be a frozen margarita or on the rocks.
If you want your cocktail on the rocks just add ice to the glass before pouring in the blended margarita.
If you don’t have a blender use mango puree / mango nectar (thickened mango juice) and shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker instead.

First Step:

The first step is to prepare the rim of the glasses with chili lime salt seasoning. We use Tajin brand.

Slice half of a lime into 2 thin rounds or wedges for garnish and cut an additional piece for rubbing on the rim of the glasses
Shake Tajin, or chili lime salt, into a shallow dish or small plate
Rub a cut lime wedge around the rim of each margarita glass
Turn the glasses upside down and place the glass into the Tajin to coat the rim
Let dry while preparing the Mango Margaritas

Step Two:

In a blender, add frozen mango cubes, orange juice, tequila, lime juice, Grand Marnier, and simple syrup.
If desired add 2 fresh jalapeno slices for an extra spicy kick.
Secure the lid and blend on high speed until well blended.
Want an extra slushy margarita? Add 1 cup of ice to the blender, as well, before blending.
Want it on the rocks instead? Blend, add ice to the glass, and pour the margarita over the ice.
Add to prepared glasses and garnish with a slice of lime.
Enjoy!

Choosing the best ingredients

TEQUILA:

Any mid to upper-priced tequila will work well for margaritas. We prefer gold or white tequila, but silver tequila is also a good option. We use white tequila in our Paloma’s, as well, and it is also referred to as Blanco tequila

GRAND MARNIER / Orange Liqueur:

These mango margs are sweet with orange flavor from both the fresh orange juice and the Grand Marnier, which is an orange liqueur. You can substitute any other orange liqueur, such as Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Curaçao.
Adding a shot of Grand Marnier to any margarita makes it a “Cadillac Margarita”.

MANGOS:

Peak mango season in the U.S. is June through August when the trees overflow with fresh mangos. The flesh is a golden-orange color with a sweet-tart flavor.
Mangos contain long seeds, which makes cutting them a bit of a chore, so we usually opt for organic frozen pre-cut mango chunks. It makes this recipe quick to blend up and ensures a cold margarita. If you want to cut your own ripe mango and freeze the pieces before using that also works well.

How to make Simple Syrup:

Depending on how sweet your oranges are you can adjust the amount of simple syrup in this recipe, or if you like a more tart drink simply leave it out altogether.

Simple syrup is easy to make with equal parts sugar and water. Here’s how:

Heat 1/2 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat until hot
Stir in 1/2 cup sugar and cook until it is fully dissolved
Steep for about 15 minutes with the heat off
Cool to room temperature and then chill in a glass jar
There will be extra syrup but you can store it for up to 3 months in the refrigerator to make lots of interesting cocktails such as the Lemon Drop Martini or our refreshing Cucumber Mint Cocktail
For a full tutorial with step-by-step photos refer to our popular post about Simple Syrup

Perfect pairings for Spicy Mango Margaritas

These fruity margaritas pair well with Mexican food and are the perfect drink for Cinco de Mayo along with our Carne Asada and Grilled Corn with Sweet Chili Sauce. Or try alongside our easy Authentic Carnitas and Spanish Rice, all of which are ideal with this classic margarita!

Hosting a get-together? Serve these along with our Mini Taco Salad Cups or our easy but healthy Turkey Tacos
Chile Colorado or Shrimp in Chipotle Sauce are both a perfect match for this spicy mango margarita recipe
Our easy Chili Verde Recipe is a great match, as well as a big basket of salty tortilla chips with a side of zesty Salsa Verde

Big Batch Variation

You can double or triple the recipe for these spicy drinks with no changes

Spicy Mango Margarita with Chili Lime

Fresh Spicy Mango Margaritas, with a chili-lime salty rim, are gorgeous and delicious. Easy to make with just a few ingredients, blended or on the rocks.

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex Mex

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 8-ounce drinks

Calories 235kcal

Author Cyndy Ufkes – The Art of Food and Wine

Equipment

Blender

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Tajin seasoning or other chili-lime salt mix, for rim of glass
8 ounces Mango chunks, frozen
8 ounces orange juice
6 ounces gold or white tequila
2 ounces lime juice, freshly squeezed
3 ounces Grand Marnier. Triple Sec, or Cointreau (or other orange liqueur)
3 Tablespoons simple syrup, (chilled is best), or honey
0.5 lime, slices or wedges, for garnish
8 ounces ice, optional, for the glasses (on the rocks)

Optional, for more spice

1 small fresh jalapeno sliced

Instructions

Slice half a lime into 2 thin rounds for garnish and cut an additional piece for the rim of the glasses.
Shake Tajin, or chili lime salt, into a shallow dish or small plate. Rub a cut lime wedge around the rim of 2 glasses then turn the glasses upside down and place into the Tajin to coat the rim. Let dry while preparing mango margaritas.
Add all remaining ingredients, except ice, to a blender.
For a spicier margarita add 2 round slices of jalapeno.
Puree until smooth.
Pour into glasses and add lime wedge on the rim.
If desired, add the ice for margaritas on the rocks, and serve.

Notes

Want to make these Spicy Mango Margaritas ahead of time? Here’s how:

Make the margarita mixture as directed above
If serving over the rocks store mixture in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and then just pour over ice
If serving frozen margaritas store them in the freezer for up to one week, thaw slightly, and re-blend before serving

Want more info on how to make Simple Syrup? Check out our full step-by-step post and you’ll be an expert!

Big Batch Version:

This recipe can be doubled (makes 4 servings) or tripled (makes 6 servings)

Nutrition

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