Cocktail Hour: The Elegant Spice

It’s officially Spring (despite the fact that we still have some lingering snow on the ground) and I for one couldn’t be more happy about that! I’m in love with this pretty pink cocktail and it couldn’t be more perfect for the change of season. The fresh grapefruit and lime juice keeps it light and fresh but the addition of some cardamom bitters gives just a hint of spice and warmth. Drink up!

The Elegant Spice {by Scrappy’s Bitters}

Ingredients

1 1/2 ounces white rum
2 1/2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 ounce cointreau
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
1-2 dashes scrappy’s cardamom bitters
squeeze of lime

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in an old fashioned glass and serve with ice.

 

Cocktail Hour: Sparkling Bourbon Side Car

My husband is a big fan of bourbon (and scotch) and while he normally drinks them straight or on the rocks, I’m always on the hunt for a good cocktail for him to mix things up. For his speakeasy birthday party this year we served a classic sidecar, which uses cognac as the main ingredient along with cointreau and lemon juice. It was delicious but I figured it might be even better substituting the bourbon for the cognac. I was right!

In addition to substituting the bourbon for the cognac, I also decide to serve it over some crushed ice and top it off with some sparkling water. So, essentially, it’s not a true sidecar anymore but the flavor profile is still there and it is delicious!

Sparkling Bourbon Sidecar (recipe by A Feteful Life)

2 ounces quality bourbon
1 ounce cointreau
1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
club soda

Directions

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine the bourbon, cointreau and lemon juice. Shake to combine. Strain into a old fashioned glass filled with ice. Top off with club soda and garnish with a lemon or orange wedge.