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Definition: Maraschino

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:00:11 -0700

Not to be confused with the red syrup that drenches so many jarred cherries, maraschino is a clear Italian liqueur distilled from sour cherries, traditionally of the marasca variety. The most common brand is Luxardo, which ages its cherry distillate for two years then sweetens it with sugar.

The flavor is sweet but complex, with undertones of almond. The spirit provides a light cherry taste to cocktails, including old-school daiquiris, the aviation, and fruit punch-style drinks.

Source

Drinking the Tasting Tent: Cocktails

YumSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:28 -0700

With the food ranging from s'more bites to duck paninis, you could imagine that the liquid side of Aspen was also quite varied. Although it's called the Food and Wine Classic, there were actually loads of mixed drinks to be found. During one of the five grand tastings, PartySugar and I ended up skipping the wine and going straight for the cocktails. To check out some of our favorite finds just click the "Start" button.

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Happy Hour: X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

partysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:00:54 -0700

While I normally prefer a classic cocktail or a glass of good whiskey, I've been known to enjoy a girly drink (or two) in my lifetime. Recently I've become obsessed with this brilliantly pink liqueur, X-Rated ($27).

At first, the cheesy name and vibrant color made me nervous. I was afraid it was going to be overly sweet - more like cough syrup than a luscious liqueur. However, the rosy liquid is absolutely delicious! A fusion of French vodka and organic blood orange, mango, and passion fruit juices, the liqueur tastes fresh not artificial. It's sweet, but not overly so. I served a chilled shot to girlfriends before a night on the town, but it would also be a flavorful addition to specialty cocktails.

If you're hosting a bachelorette party or bridal shower, consider serving X-Rated. Your girlfriends will love the taste and the experience of sampling a new liqueur. A bottle also makes a lovely birthday gift for a fashionable 21-year-old.

Have you tried X-Rated? What did you think?

Happy Hour: Loft Liqueurs

YumSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:00:39 -0800

Earlier this month, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the opening of the world's first all-organic bar. So when I learned of Loft Liqueurs, the first USDA certified organic liqueur, I had to find out what all the hype was about.

Created by two best friends and San Francisco hospitality veterans to save people from "the bright neon color of your average apple martini," the limoncello-inspired spirits are at the forefront of sustainability and eco-consciousness. In addition to being made with all-natural ingredients, the kosher-certified liqueur is sweetened primarily with agave nectar. The company supports small farms and biodynamic agricultural practices when possible, and uses recycled cases, biodegradable inks, and bamboo-based paper.

I tried four flavors - lavender, spicy ginger, tangerine, and lemongrass. To hear what I thought of them, read more.

Lavender: Although I sometimes eschew lavender in food (if it's too perfumy, I associate it with a spa treatment) the botanical notes were sweet, floral, and prominent yet not overwhelming. In fact, it was my favorite flavor.

Spicy Ginger: Contrary to its name, this flavor was not particularly spicy. PartySugar felt the taste was not as prominent or fresh as Canton, another ginger liqueur. Nevertheless, this flavor would impart subtlety to a cocktail such as a lemon drop.

Tangerine: Although I love tangerines, this seasonal flavor was my least favorite flavor. Ironically, both of us thought it tasted somewhat artificial and syrupy.

Lemongrass: This award-winning flavor was PartySugar's favorite. We enjoyed the delicately fragrant and bright flavors of this liqueur, which could be the star of a lemongrass cocktail, or just as refreshing on its own.

Have you ever tried Loft Liqueurs, and are you impressed by their environmentally friendly practices?

Happy Hour: Lichido Liqueur

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:12:52 -0700

Back in January, I told you guys all about how infused liqueurs were all the rage this year. Turns out that I may have actually been on to something. I just found out about a new liqueur called Lichido. It's produced in France from aged cognac, premium vodka, lychee & guava essences, and a "touch" of white peach juice. Personally I want to get my hands on a bottle and swig it down. Has anyone out there tried it? The folks at Liquor Snob say it's worth tracking down. I think it sounds heavenly on its own, but I also found a few recipes. To check them out, read more

Blushing Buddha
From Lichido

4 oz Sake
1 oz Lichido Liqueur
One Pitted Lychee

Shake all the ingredients with ice.
Pour into chilled glass.
Garnish with lychee nut.

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Lichidotini
From Lichido

2 oz Lichido Liqueur
1 oz Vodka
Dash Fresh Lemon Juice

Shake all the ingredients with ice.
Pour into chilled glass.
Garnish with lychee nut.

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Happy Hour: Bols Genever

partysugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:15:17 -0800

Meet Bols Genever, a compelling new (old) liqueur that's like gin's smooth-sipping cousin. Created in Holland during the 16th century, Genever was the world's first gin. Its taste is different from any other gin on the market.

Although it's strong, I find it much more drinkable than gin. Genever lacks the usual botanical undertones, and when sipped alone, is like vodka with subtle hints of whiskey. It's made with barley malt, an ingredient left out of today's common gins.

Bols Genever has a very interesting history with the recipe dating back to 1820. If you went into a bar in the late 1800s and requested a cocktail with gin, it was made with Genever. Over time, its popularity faded.

Up until the recent launch by Bols, Genever was basically nonexistent in the United States. Now you can find the liqueur, which comes in a beautiful charcoal gray bottle, being mixed into cocktails in San Francisco and New York. For spirit enthusiasts, getting your hands on a bottle of Genever is a must.

Happy Hour: Izzi Sambuca

partysugar — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:15:42 -0800

While YumSugar was busy learning about caviar at the Fancy Foods Show, I was searching the Italian section for exciting new drinks. With its smooth, easy-drinking liquid, and clear anise-y taste, Izzi Sambuca caught my eye.

Sambuca is a popular Italian liqueur that's great for sipping on a cold afternoon. The distinctive flavor of licorice is prominent, but not overpowering. Izzi makes two kinds: premium original and Sumbuca al Caffé, a variation on theme with subtle undertones of coffee beans and a rich caramel color. Both are warming, but not too strong, full bodied yet not syrupy, and slightly sweet.

Sambuca was popular at the show and Izzi's offerings were my favorite. I definitely plan on adding a bottle to my liquor collection. How about you? Have you tried Sambuca?

Happy Hour: Drink Your Cookies

YumSugar — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:28:33 -0700

I have a friend who loves a creamy smooth cocktail. She usually orders White Russians, but likes to change it up from time to time. Next time we hang out, I'm going to make her order an Oreo Cookie Cocktail. It's perfect for National Cookie Month and sounds amazing as well. It's the perfect balance of coffee liqueur, Irish cream and creme de cacao, topped with a tiny splash of vodka. To try it yourself, get the recipe now, just read more

Oreo Cookie Cocktail
From DrinkSwap.com

1 splash Vodka
1 oz Coffee Liqueur
1 oz Irish Cream
1 oz Creme de Cacao

Carefully layer the kahlua, creme de cacao, and bailey's into a shot glass. Top with a splash of vodka.

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Does America Need Its Own Liqueur?

partysugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:29:47 -0800

The French have Grand Marnier, Mexico has Kahlua, the Italian's have Amaretto, Germany's got Jagermeister, and the Irish, Baileys. When it comes to liqueurs, everyone seems to have one except America... until now! An ingenious businessman from Las Vegas, Frank Arcella, has taken it upon himself to give America what it didn't know it always lacked: an original liqueur, entitled Redcliff, the American Liqueur. This isn't any old sweet alcoholic beverage, it's one that captures an all-American, classic taste: coca-cola. Arcella spent two years testing over 500 variations until he found a perfect blend of ingredients such as cinnamon, lime, rum, vermouth, vodka, and vanilla bean. Although I have yet to taste Redcliff I'm a little skeptical, just because everyone else has one doesn't mean we need a liqueur that represents America. But then again Redcliff could taste absolutely wonderful and be used as a mixer to create cool cocktails. What do you guys think, does America need its own liqueur?

Happy Hour: Cranberry Margarita

partysugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:46 -0800

While I'm a fan of the classic margarita, during November, I like to enjoy its Thanksgiving-themed cousin, the cranberry margarita. It's surprising how much the addition of cranberry juice changes the flavor of the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice cocktail. It's festive and familiar, but potent with a rich autumnal hue. Instead of craving tortilla chips and guacamole, I found myself wanting something elegant and savory. Thus, I paired the cran marg with a warm crab dip. Shake and serve straight up, or pour over ice, like I did. To check out the recipe, which is perfect for a party, read more.

Cranberry Margarita
From Bobby Flay

Ingredients

2 cups tequila
1 1/3 cups cranberry juice
1 cup orange-flavored liqueur (triple sec of Cointreau)
2/3 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice

Directions

Combine the tequila, cranberry juice, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a large pitcher. Shake over ice.
Strain into margarita glasses or low cocktail flutes. Alternately, strain into low tumblers filled with ice.

Serves 10.

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