Lion's Tail

Some of my favorite things about October is the relaxing scents that accompany the season such at cinnamon, pine cone, allspice, etc. One of the cocktails that includes some of these aromas is the Lion's Tail. It's from the Cafe Royal Cookbook from published in London in 1937 and since the term twisting the Lion's tail was American slang it must have been an American refugee that went to the UK during prohibition and stayed.

I've made this cocktail for several friends and they love it because of the flavors it carries. Give it a try at you're fall celebrations.

God bless and Cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

Lion's Tail 

2 oz of bourbon whiskey
3/4 oz Allspice Dram
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz tablespoon simple syrup
2 dashes angostura bitters

Put all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously, strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Brandy Alexander

I recently taught a class on Vintage Cocktails along with a chef teaching appetizers at Culinary Enterprises in Signal Hill on last Friday night. One of the drinks that I featured was the Brandy Alexander. It's origin is from the Alexander Cocktail named after Czar Alexander II that's made with gin. This variation uses brandy was supposedly concocted for the wedding of Princess Mary and the Viscount Lascelles in London in 1922.  It became very popular during the Jazz age and is recently made a comeback. Try this recipe and you'll think you're drinking chocolate, you wont be disappointed!

God bless and cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

Brandy Alexander 


3/4 oz Brandy
3/4 oz Brown cream de cacao
3/4 oz Heavy cream
Ground nutmeg for garnish

Place all ingredients in a cocktails shaker with ice and shake vigorously and pour into a chilled cocktails glass, sprinkle ground nutmeg on top before serving. 

Moulin Rouge

Moulin Rouge is a film and romantic musical and based on the Orpheam myth and Giuseppe Verdi's opera, La Traviata. It tells the story of a young English poet / writer who falls in love with the star of Moulin Rouge cabaret actress and courtesan. It uses the musical setting of the Montmartre quarter of Paris France.

Because this film is so fun and won so many awards, I knew there had to be a drink by the same name. I did some research and found one in two books with varying ingredients but the I choose and know you'll enjoy.

Moulin Rouge


1/2 oz of Orange flavored gin
1/2 oz of Apricot brandy
3 dashes of Grenadine

Stir well with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

Obituary Cocktail

A pleasant way to put things to rest, start with an obituary cocktail. Made with one of my favorite ingredients ( Aviation gin ) dry vermouth and Absinthe. For those of you morning a loss of job, relationship or a loved one, this can't replace those things but can certainly help.

God bless and Cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

Obituary Cocktail


2 oz Aviation gin
1/4 oz Martini and Rossi Extra dry vermouth
1/4 oz Marteau Absinthe

Combine all ingredients in a tumbler, stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Green Jaguar

When I first heard of a Green Jaguar, the first thought that came to mind is the British imported car that has an impressive exterior body and interior but has a reputation of electrical problems. This little concoction is much better and will not disappoint you but instead take you on a new journey with the little green fairy aka Absinthe. This drink is also Tequila based but when mixed with absinthe along with the other ingredients it's an eye opener which will having you coming back for a second or third. Give it a try or have a bar with all the ingredients make one for you.

God bless & cheers,

John Apodaca
john@daddyosmartinis.com

Green Jaguar 


1 1/2 oz Parton Silver Tequila or you're favorite
3/4 oz Grand Marnier
3/4 oz Amer Picon
3/4 oz Lucid Absinthe
1/4 oz fresh squeezed orange juice
1 splash of orange bitters

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