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Friday, September 17, 2010

Orange Robert: A fun Bourbon cocktail

Several years ago, when the Utah Mixologist was just getting interested in cocktails rather than “mixed drinks”, a visit to DrinkStreet.com in search of a Bourbon cocktail that would be a nice way to use some of the bottle of Jack Daniels® that was in the pantry (this was before there was a real bar in the house) turned up something called the Orange Robert that had been contributed by Bob Powers.  The Orange Robert seems a little more like a Tiki drink made with Bourbon than a cocktail, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying one; it’s easy to make and well worth the little effort it takes.  A word of warning: the DrinkStreet recipe is most certainly a double.  The recipe given below is toned down a notch in the direction of moderation.  You can make this cocktail in a highball glass, but it looks classier in a wine glass.

Remember, September is National Bourbon Month.  There are some very nice “special price adjustments” on several good Bourbons at the Utah State Store this month.  The Orange Robert is not a good use for your good sipping Bourbon (save that for up, or on the rocks, or perhaps in a Manhattan).  There is one budget Bourbon marked down this month: Ezra Brooks (CS# ) is only $10.99.  The mixologist has never tried it, if you have, please post your experiences as a response to this article.  As mentioned previously, three of my favorites are marked down this month: Woodford Reserve® (CS# 022216) is available for $30 ($4 off), Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey (CS# 017086) is available for $22 ($5 off), and Makers Mark (CS# 019476) is available for $22 ($4 off).  Other Bourbons marked down include Blanton, Eagle, Elijah Craig, and Evan Williams. Bourbon Month looks like a good time to visit your local state store.  As always, be sure to call ahead to check for availability.


Orange Robert

2 dashes Angostura Bitters
1  ounce Amaretto
2 ounces Bourbon (Jack Daniels works well)
2-4 ounces Orange Juice

Pour Bourbon, Amaretto, and Bitters into a mixing glass half full of cracked ice and stir well to chill.  Fill a pre-chilled highball glass or wine glass ¾ full of ice (crushed is good).  Strain the mix into the serving glass and top with orange juice.  Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Labor Day week-end: last chance for summer coolers?

There’s a big storm back east, but it looks like Utah will enjoy a beautiful Labor Day week-end this year.  The forecast is for hardly a cloud in the sky until Monday, when it will start to cool off.  Saturday and Sunday, though, will be in the high 80s or low 90s: just right for a nice trip to the pool and then a cook-out when you get home, complete with an array of summer coolers to help you and your guests relax and enjoy the barbecue.  When selecting cocktails for a Labor Day barbecue, keep it simple.  Have the ingredients for a small selection of summer coolers ready to mix and enjoy.  Your guests will be grateful.  Even if you’re not having a cook-out, these coolers are great to enjoy watching the sun go down from your deck or back yard.

Here are ten great summer cooler cocktails in time for the Labor Day.  Summer coolers may not taste strong, but they have as much alcohol as any other cocktail, so pay attention to how much you’re drinking.  Links to the recipes follow, but first view the slide show.  Find some coolers you like the looks of, and then return here to click through to the full articles for some of my favorites that are listed below.  Personally, there’s a nice, bushy mint plant on the south side of the house that’s been telling me it’s time for a Mojito.