Jan 022012
 

For those of you still celebrating the New Year, here’s a recipe from Apartment Therapy/thekitchn.com that will send the old mimosa packing like last year’s hemline.

Spiced Citrus Champagne

Basically a simmered simple syrup of honey, lemon zest and whole spices including cinnamon sticks and star anise.  A bit of the spiced simple syrup concoction, a splash of fresh orange  juice (I used Meyer lemons for both the juice and the zest), topped with your favorite sparkler (Prosecco here).

A more sophisticated flavor profile than your traditional mimosa, but still an excellent brunch beverage.  The spices are subtle but don’t get lost in the juice.  I first used Meyer lemons in place of both the regular lemon (zest) and orange juice, as I prefer a tarter drink.  I did a sample with the orange juice, too (just for comparison).   I actually like it both ways, but they are two very different drinks.  The Meyer Spiced Citrus is tarter, and I think you get the hit of the spices in a slightly more pronounced way.  The OJ Spiced Citrus really brings out the honey notes from the simple syrup.  Both are well worth tasting and completely delicious.

I love this drink.  Thanks to the folks at The Kitchn for introducing me to what may be my new favorite brunch beverage!

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Dec 212011
 

It’s that time of year Shaker fans, when family and friends gather to celebrate, medicate and otherwise tipple with less restraint than usual.  And for some of you, it’s also that time of year when seasonal ingredients warm your chilly toes.  In the spirit of the season, Shaker One has created some new winter/holiday cocktails.  This one was the hit of a recent Christmas cocktail party:

 

The Pear Cide-car

This is my take on the classic side car.  To complement the spiced pear cider I subbed in brandy for the more traditional cognac.

1 oz Brandy

1 oz Triple Sec or Cointreau

2 oz Trader Joe’s Pear Cinnamon Cider

1 oz freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice

Shake all the above over ice, strain and garnish with a bit of the lemon rind.  If you can’t get your hands on meyer lemons you could use regular ones.  But please search for the meyers…..they are a lovely addition to the pear.

I can also see this delicious as a warmed beverage, served in a mug with a stick of cinnamon garnish.

Grab some of the TJ’s Pear Cider.  It’s a seasonal item, so don’t wait.

Cheers!

 

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