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 this Labor Day weekend. 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. 

Sangria Flora

For those that prefer more tamer drinks for their pallet  as opposed to harder alcohol, I recommend the Sangria Flora. It's very light and refreshing and includes fresh seasonal fruit that goes well in these hotter days of summer.  It's not hard to make and serves plenty of your guests at you're next afternoon affair or soirée.   

Sangria Flora


1 Bottle of Sauvignon Blanc or dry white wine
1 cup of St-Germain
2 fresh peaches
5 - 6 fresh strawberries
6 fresh raspberries
1 bunch fresh grapes

Stir all ingredients in a pitcher or carafe. Allow fruit to soak in the mixture between 3 - 8 hours.  Serve in an ice filled glass and tell you're friends they're having something healthy to drink.

God bless and Cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

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 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.