The Summer Rye

Summer is quickly slipping away but there's still time to indulge in some summertime cocktails and being a man who loves rye I found this gem of a drink I can enjoy while relaxing on the lounge chair soaking up some sun. The summer rye is another drink with my new favorite liqueur St-Germain and when used in cocktails it adds so much to the flavor and gives drinks such great balance, like adding fresh herbs to a meal. Like the old commercial says, " try it, you'll like it." 

God bless & Cheers,

John Apodaca

john@daddyosmartinis.com 

The Summer Rye 

1 1/2 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey

3/4 oz St-Germain 

1/4 oz simple syrup

3/4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

1 oz fresh pressed apple juice (cloudy)

3/4 oz champagne 

Shake all ingredients together except for the champagne in a cocktail shaker and strain into an ice filled Collins glass, top with champagne. Add cubed apples for garnish. 

St-Rita

Not to long ago I was up in Santa Barbara for Spanish Days, that celebrates the Spanish heritage with a parade and several performances. My friend and I went for lunch at a favorite local spot Carlitos where they had a special lunch and drink menu for the occasion. One of the cocktails that was offered was a Margarita made with St-Germain and lime juice, it was so tasty and a new twist on the traditional drink, I had two of them. If you try them this weekend, I guarantee you'll want more like I did.

God bless and Cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

St-Rita 

1 1/2 oz of Tequila Blanco
3/4 oz St-Germain
3/4 oz fresh lime juice

Shake all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker with ice and serve either straight up in a cocktail glass or on the rocks.

The Enlightenment Cocktail

The Enlightenment Cocktail is either "the thinking man's drink or the poor mans champagne cocktail." I can't claim this drink as my own but I have drank it on several occasions and introduced it to my friends and they love it. This wonderful concoction was invented by Aidan Demarest formerly of the Edison now of First and Hope in downtown Los Angeles. Aidan uses Woodford Reserve Bourbon and light beer to top it off. This is a great drink while sitting down on the patio or balcony  enjoying a summer day.

God bless & Cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

The Enlightenment Cocktail

2 oz of Bourbon ( Woodford Reserve )
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz pomegranate syrup
Light or light flavored beer

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice except the beer and shake vigorously for 20 - 30 seconds. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass and top off with beer.

The French Gimlet

I just attended a Speakeasy night last Saturday night in Hollywood. Several distillers of various spirits where there with samples which is always enlightening to learn about new products. I met the representatives of St-Germain and can't talk about it enough. I actually found out about this liqueur some time ago but one of my favorite drinks that is mixed with it and puts a whole new twist on the cocktails is the French Gimlet. It's similar to a standard Gimlet but rather than adding Roses lime juice use St-Germain along with real lime juice for a bit of tartness which adds to the flavor. Once you try one of these, you'll never want to go back to a standard Gimlet. Try it and let me know how you like it.

God bless & Cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

The French Gimlet 


 2 oz of gin
1 1/2 oz St-Germain
1/2 oz of fresh lime juice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously and serve in a chilled cocktail glass and add a lime wedge for garnish.

The St- Germain Cocktail

Whenever you're having your next dinner or cocktail party and am not sure what to serve, rather then opening up wine or beer, consider serving St-Germain cocktails. The drinks are light, refreshing, easy to make and tasty. If you're not sure what is St-Germain is, it's a liqueur made from elderflowers in the foothills of the Alps and when mixed with you're favorite gin, Champagne or other spirits, makes for a delicious concoction that you and you're guests will be talking about long after the party. I recommend the St-Germain Cocktail and I'll be posting more of these wonderful libations.

God bless & cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

The St. Germain Cocktail


2 oz of Brute Champagne
1 1/2 oz of St-Germain
top off with club soda

Fill a Collins glass with ice, add the Champagne, then St-Germain the top off with club soda, still and garnish with a lime wedge.

Watermelon Frappé

Summertime has finally hit southern California last week and there is a lot of celebrations still going on and parents are excited to know their children will be going back to school in a few weeks. While we continue this last hurrah before the start of fall, consider a watermelon Frappé that's cool, refreshing, not too many calories and can be enjoyed by both adults and kids alike. Watermelons are in abundance and are a sure quencher during the dog days of summer.

Cheers,

John Apodaca

john@daddyosmartinis.com 

Watermelon Frappé 

1 small watermelon

5 tablespoons of powdered sugar

2 cups of crushed ice

Place a quarter cup of crushed ice into a blender, add a quarter of the melon flesh and sugar and blend until smooth.  Pour the mixture into a pitcher and put to one side.  Repeat the process  three times to make up the right amount. Pour into ten tumblers and enjoy!

Red Snapper or Bloody Mary

A cocktail for breakfast know as the Bloody Mary is not an invention of the 1950s but actually was created in 1925 during prohibition at Harry's American bar in Paris by barman ( Ferdinand "Pete" Petiot). It was called by it's name and using vodka because it readily available in Europe. Fear of offending people in America the name was changed to the Red Snapper and Americans didn't care for the drink because the lack of American vodka but gin was always plentiful to use for it, so what's not to hate? Give it a try at your next Mad men party.

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

Bloody Mary / Red Snapper


2 oz of vodka ( Kettle one or Grey Goose)
6 oz of fresh tomato juice
2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
1 dash of Tabasco Pepper sauce

Stir all ingredients together and in an iced highball glass
and sprinkle celery salt on top. Garnish with a celery stalk.

Pick me up cocktail

Some days are harder then others to get through with stress, jobs or lack of work and many other things. Sometimes a walk, prayer, coffee or a beer is just not going to help either but there's and old libation that can lift your spirits called the Pick me up. I stumbled upon this drink in my copy of Old Mr. Bostons bartender guide from 1940. It's sounds mouth watering and I want to have one now because it's five O' clock somewhere. Give this one a try.

Cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

Pick-Me-Up Cocktail


1 1/2 oz Apricot brandy
1/2oz fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. pomegranate grenadine
Champagne

Shake well with ice, strain into a 6 ounce coupe glass and top off with champagne.