Amaretto

Holiday

The Gingersnap: A 3-Ingredient Cocktail That Packs a Punch

With a dainty name like the gingersnap, one might assume that this cocktail is best reserved for ladies' night, but think again.

With a dainty name like the gingersnap, one might assume that this cocktail is best reserved for ladies' night, but think again. Smooth and spicy, this warming wintery tipple manages to steer clear of syrupy-sweet territory thanks to a heavy-handed dose of bitters and is an all-around crowd-pleaser, perfect for sipping throughout the holiday season.

If you need further convincing, it's one of those rare-gem restaurant recipes (an adaptation from a cocktail served at Momofuku Ko) that neither requires obscure ingredients nor intimidating technique. All in all, a win. So what are you waiting for? Get shaking stirring!

Keep reading for the simple three-ingredient recipe.

recipes

Happy Hour: Amaretto-Cranberry Kiss

Any other time of year, a cocktail with "kiss" in the name might make me roll my eyes.


Any other time of year, a cocktail with "kiss" in the name might make me roll my eyes. But for Valentine's Day, this bright red, Winter-y drink is perfectly appropriate. Despite the name, I count the Amaretto-Cranberry Kiss among my favorite cocktails.

Like some of the best couples, amaretto and cranberry juice are an unlikely match, but highly compatible, and this vibrant cocktail tastes smooth, tart, and not too sweet. This time, I used sparkling cranberry juice from Trader Joe's (stirred, not shaken), which added a fun twist. Garnish with a seasonal clementine slice and toast to whatever you fancy. Get the recipe now.

Thanksgiving

Yummy Links: From Ina Garten to Small Kitchens

recipes

Happy Hour: Orangina Sunrise

A fun way to present cocktails at a party is to serve them in a bottle.

A fun way to present cocktails at a party is to serve them in a bottle. To make these Orangina sunrises, some of the Orangina is poured out of the bottle to create room for the rum, amaretto, and grenadine. Put the cocktails together before the party starts and fill a large cooler with the bottles. Fill another cooler with plain organina and label it so guests know which ones have alcohol and which ones do not.

This drink would also be perfect to bring to a picnic or other outdoor function where public drinking is "not allowed." To see how it's made, read more

recipes

Happy Hour: Brownie Cognac

Valentine's Day is an excellent excuse to experiment with chocolate cocktails.

Valentine's Day is an excellent excuse to experiment with chocolate cocktails. I'm especially interested in this recipe because it creates a cocktail that tastes like a brownie!

This drink has a rich, glossy color and a decadent, smooth taste. It's a great dessert cocktail, perfect for when you feel like a sweet treat, but don't want something too heavy. To take a look at the recipe, read more

recipes

Happy Hour: Autumnal Equinox

Yesterday was the first day of fall, or autumnal equinox.

Yesterday was the first day of fall, or autumnal equinox. This means it's just about time to put away the ice cream maker and pull out the crock-pot. If this is sad news to you, you may need a drink to help you cope. If it's great news, then you may need a drink to help you celebrate. Either way, I've got the perfect one for the occasion. The drink, aptly titled Autumnal Equinox, is a perfect mix of port wine, Grand Marnier, and amaretto. To get the recipe, read more

Cocktails

Definition: Amaretto

Amaretto A liqueur with the distinct flavor of almonds, though it's often made with apricot pit kernels.


Amaretto
A liqueur with the distinct flavor of almonds, though it's often made with apricot pit kernels. The original liqueur, Amaretto di Saronno, is from Saronno, Italy - although many American distilleries now produce their own amaretto. It is usually served straight, on the rocks, or mixed into a cocktail and is often an ingredient used to enhance baked goods or desserts (as seen in my recipe for Amaretto Mousse).