Drinks | From Patty's Pantry

Happy New Years, Rimmed Champange Glasses

Dec 282007

So Margaritas have salt around their rim. Which makes me think more drinks should be rimmed with something. Anyone who knows me, knows CHAMPAGNE is my drink of choice. It is fun, festive, and usually a symbol of a celebration. (Although, I do like to try and limit having it only on special occasions!)
Another thing I enjoy is candy. Remember Pop Rocks? Well, I think they should come back. As New Years Eve approaches here is an idea- try rimming the Champagne glass with some Pop Rocks. Just dampen the rim and dip it into a bowl of the Pop Rocks. If you are having a hard time getting it to stick use a little of light corn syrup. You could also add a little bit of strawberry puree or juice to the champagne if using Strawberry Flavored Pop Rocks.
Another idea I saw at the restaurant Continental in Philadelphia was to use grenadine and sugar to give the rim a pinky/red color.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Years. I know I have decided 2008 is going to be a great year!

Strawberry Mojito

Drinks, Fruit, Recipes 3 Comments »

Jun 182007

I mentioned the strawberry mojito on my entry about Strawberry Bruschetta I recieved many respones wanting to hear more about the Strawberry Mojito. Mojito’s are one of my favorite drinks and at one of my favorite little restaurants in New York, Barbossa they serve all different kinds of fun mojitos. This is where I was introduced to the Strawberry Mojito.
1/2 of a lime
10-12 mint leaves torn

3 strawberries
3/4 oz simple syrup or 2 teaspoons of sugar
2 oz white rum
Club soda
In a 10 or 12 ounce glass add juice of lime, mint, 2 strawberries and simple syrup. Muddle ingredients with a twisting motion. (This will releases the essential oils in the mint and lime.) Fill the glass with ice, rum, and last strawberry cut into smaller pieces and shake well. Top off with club soda. And now you can enjoy one of my favorite summertime drinks!

The Mint Julep

Drinks 2 Comments »

May 042007

Needless to say every year Cinco De Mayo falls on the same day but this
year May 5th is also the Kentucky Derby. I am a strong believer that when is a Margarita not a good time? They are guaranteed fun. My feelings are not as strong towards the Mint Julep, until recently. I am not a big fan of Bourbon. Although, upon doing some research for the Mint Juleps and how to make a great one- my feelings have changed.

What I learned. It is ALL about the ICE and how the bourbon is poured. To make the perfect Mint Julep

1/3 Cup of Mint
1-2 Tablespoons of Simple Syrup
3 ounces of Bourbon
2 Cups of Crushed/Shaved Ice

In the base of a cup preferably a metal cup muddle the mint with the simple syrup. (It was explained to me the best way is to make a mint infused Simple Syrup which can be made with the same simple syrup recipe by adding a bunch of Mint once the sugar has dissolved let simmer for 5 minutes and then let stand for 15-20 minutes and then strain mint from syrup and refrigerate.) Now, the tedious part, the ice needs to be crushed or shaved and add a little ice, then a little bourbon and continue this process all the way to the top of the. About 3 to 4 times and finish off with a sprif of mint and straw. The straw allows you to taste all the different flavors from the top the bottom.
It is ideally served in a metal cup

Honey Apple Spiced Cider

Drinks, Fruit, Recipes No Comments »

Mar 192007

Earlier this week, I wanted a slushie and then later in the week I definitely wanted something warm and comforting. So yes, it is late in the season for this drink but who knows since the weather has been swinging like a pendulum. Also, this will be great a great way to start the fall season next year.

2 1/2 Cups of Apple Cider or Juice

2 tablespoons of honey

1 teaspoon of cloves

1 cinnamon stick

2 oz. of vanilla flavored vodka

In a saucepan bring to a simmer for five minutes all the ingredients except the vodka. Remove cloves and pour equally into two separate glasses. Add 1 ounce of vodka to each glass and ready to serve. I would prefer to cider but it taste just as yummy if you use juice.

Pomegranate Bellini

Drinks, Fruit 5 Comments »

Dec 082006

Tis the season to be jollyâ€¦.drinks are in orderâ€¦now in the holiday season cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries are often used get that rich red color. How about shaking it up a little and use a pomegranate?
I recently was at a brunch where champagne was served and heard someone announce â€œchampagne season has officially begun.â€ Now, I think champagne is always in season but I will admit this is definately the time of year when a great deal is consumed!

1 Cup of Pomegranate Juice
4 1/8 inch slices of Ginger
1 Tablespoon of Sugar
1/4 Cup of Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is my preference)
4 Teaspoons of Triple Sec (or another orange flavored liquor)
Champagne or Sparkling Wine (nothing too extravagant)

To begin, a simple syrup needs to be made, in a saucepan add sugar, ginger, and pomegranate Juice let is simmer till it has reduced to about 1/3 a cup this will take about 5-7 minutes, let is cool completely. In four separate champagne glasses evenly distribute the pomegranate syrup about 2 tablespoons in each glass, mix in 1 tablespoon of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of triple sec and top of with champagne. Stir to make sure it is all well combined and serve!

Spiced Wine

Drinks 3 Comments »

Oct 302006

Festive Fun Drinks are not just reserved for the summertime! Some of the Fall and Winter ones I tend to enjoy even more. I always think it is fun to have a special drink ready for when guests arrive. This time I thought to ring in the Fall season with a spiced wine. Now there are many different variations but I went with a standard one!

1 bottle of Red wine
2 Cinnamon Sticks (it is the combination of the hot liquids that extracts the cinnamon flavor from the sticks)
1 to 2 teaspoons of Cinnamon gloves
1/4 Cup of Sugar
1 small Orange sliced
4 oz of Brandy- the amount is dependent on how strong you want it!

In a saucepan pan combine all of the ingredient except the brandy. Cook on medium to low heat for about 20 minutes. The longer you heat the more cinnamon flavors that will come out. In a your serving cup add about ounce of brandy and to about a cup of spiced wine and stir, now ready to serve.

Simple Syrup

Drinks, Make Your Own, Recipes No Comments »

Sep 012006

Simple Syrup is something that is every useful to know how to make. It is used in many different cocktails and cold beverages to make them sweet and smooth.

2 Parts Sugar
1 Part Water

Boiling sugar and water until sugar has dissolved and mixture has reduced by a third. Let cool completely and ready to add to any beverage.

Watermelon Daiquiri

Drinks 1 Comment »

Jun 302006

As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, I think a fun festive drink is in order! Two years ago, on the 4th, I made these with some friends so I always think of them around this time. Unfortunately, this year, my weekend will be cut short as I have to go to work on Monday. But I hope the rest of you enjoy a festive long weekend!

8 Cups of Watermelon cut into cubes and frozen (ice cube size)
juice of 4 limes
1/4 Cup of Sugar
8 oz. of white rum

Make sure watermelon is completely frozen. In a blender blend all of the ingredients together and ready to serve. It probably is best to split this up and make this in two to three separate batches. Depending how thirsty you are this will make between 4 to 6 drinks.

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