A Nerd Cooks

... and bakes and mixes the occasional cocktail!

Beverages

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail

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In my humble opinion, when it comes to cocktails, it doesn’t get much better than an Old Fashioned.

This is a drink of which Ron Swanson would approve. After all, he did utter these wise words:

It’s a classic cocktail that’s deceptive in its complexity. I say “deceptive” because it really only involves a handful of ingredients, many of which you may have in your home bar already. It doesn’t even involve shaking or much stirring!

When it comes to garnishes, you’ll definitely want to use an orange peel (or wedge) for that fresh orange flavor and aroma. And though a regular old maraschino cherry from a jar is fine (or no cherry at all, depending on your tastes) you can definitely kick up the fanciness a notch by garnishing your Old Fashioned with a homemade Luxardo Cherry. They couldn’t be easier to make and really add something to this drink.

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail | A Nerd Cooks

And, yes. That is a bottle of rye in the picture. I had just finished off the last of my bourbon when making the pictured cocktail and I wanted to include a relatively full bottle of brown liquor in the photo. While we’re on the subject, it is worth noting that you can change things up and make an Old Fashioned with rye, too, if you’re so inclined.

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail | A Nerd Cooks
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Old Fashioned Cocktail
Prep Time
5 mins
 
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: Lauren Pacek
Ingredients
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters, see notes
  • small splash water
  • ice
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 1 orange peel or wedge, for garnish
  • 1 Maraschino or Luxardo cherry, for garnish (see notes)
Instructions

  1. Add the sugar cube to the bottom of a rocks glass. Douse with bitters and a a small splash of water. Use a bar spoon to stir until the sugar has dissolved.

  2. Add ice to the glass.

  3. Pour bourbon over ice and stir.

  4. Add orange peel and cherry for garnish.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

I only ask that you imbibe with some amount of caution, as Old Fashioned cocktails are basically all booze.

In need of more bourbon-based cocktails? Girl, I’ve got you. Check out my Bourbon Moscow Mules, Blood Orange Bourbon Sours, Mint Juleps, and Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub Cocktails (Fall is around the corner, after all!).

Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail | A Nerd Cooks Classic Old Fashioned Cocktail | A Nerd Cooks

Homemade Luxardo Cherries

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Have you ever ordered a cocktail and it had a really delicious cherry in it as garnish? Odds are, it was a brandied cherry or a Luxardo cherry.

Luxardo cherries get their distinctive and delicious flavor from Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, plus some sugar and spices.

Homemade Luxardo Cherries | A Nerd Cooks

These Homemade Luxardo Cherries are the perfect addition to your home bar and to a cocktail. They are particularly good in an Old Fashioned (which I’ll share with you soon!).

Homemade Luxardo Cherries | A Nerd Cooks

This recipe was adapted every so slightly from the one found at Love & Victory.

Homemade Luxardo Cherries | A Nerd Cooks
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Homemade Luxardo Cherries
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 1 lb cherries
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 1 cup Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
  • 1 lb cherries, pitted and stemmed
Instructions

  1. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan, and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves.

  2. Add the Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur and cherries. Stir to coat all of the cherries in the syrup. Cook for 5 minutes to soften the cherries slightly. 

  3. Turn off the heat and allow the cherries to cool. Once cooled, store in the fridge in a tightly sealed jar. 

Homemade Luxardo Cherries | A Nerd Cooks

Basil Vodka Gimlet

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This Basil Vodka Gimlet takes a classic cocktail (usually made with gin) and turns it on its head. Basil vodka is flavorful and refreshing, and makes this drink perfect for summertime sipping.

Basil Vodka Gimlet | A Nerd Cooks

Remember the Basil Infused Vodka that I shared with you not that long ago? This cocktail makes excellent use of it!

Simply combine some of that vodka, a bit of simple syrup (preferably homemade–it’s so easy!), and fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake until very cold, and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Make sure to garnish with some more fresh basil, too! Not only does it look pretty, but the extra basil aroma when you take a sip is really nice.

Basil Vodka Gimlet | A Nerd Cooks

Make sure to take advantage of the abundance of fresh herbs during the warmer months by making one of these gimlets. These drinks will keep you satisfied (and a little tipsy) all summer long!

5 from 1 vote
Basil Vodka Gimlet | A Nerd Cooks
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Basil Vodka Gimlet
Prep Time
5 mins
 
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: Lauren Pacek
Ingredients
  • 2 oz basil-infused vodka, see notes
  • 1 oz simple syrup, see notes
  • 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  • fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions

  1. Add the basil-infused vodka, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.

  2. Shake until very cold and strain into a rocks glass with ice.

  3. Garnish with fresh basil.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

  • The recipe for Basil-Infused Vodka can be found here
  • The recipe for simple syrup can be found here

Basil Vodka Gimlet | A Nerd Cooks

Basil Vodka Gimlet | A Nerd Cooks

Basil Vodka Gimlet | A Nerd Cooks

Basil Infused Vodka

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This Basil Infused Vodka is extremely easy to make and tastes and smells great. Plus, it makes an excellent addition to summery cocktails.

Basil Infused Vodka | A Nerd Cooks

Basil, to me, represents summertime. I can’t taste or smell basil without thinking about summer.

Every year, I always make sure to grow lots of it. Even when I only had a 4×4 foot front stoop to work with, I made sure to have 3 plants growing in a container. This (over)abundance of basil is great, because I do a lot with it. I put it in my salads (if you haven’t tried herbs mixed in with your salad greens, you’re missing out!), eat it on top of grilled margarita pizza, and toss it into rustic, fresh tomato sauces.

And now I’m even incorporating it into my cocktails.

Basil Infused Vodka | A Nerd Cooks

The process for making an infused vodka couldn’t be simpler. Grab a large bunch of fresh basil, stick the leaves in a mason jar (or other seal-able container), fill with plain vodka, seal the container, and walk away. You’ll want to let the container sit in a cool, dark place for up to 3 days. Feel free to taste it along the way to see if it’s where you want it to be, flavor-wise.

Basil Infused Vodka | A Nerd Cooks

I’ll be experimenting with cocktails that use this Basil Infused Vodka and will have something delicious to share with you soon!

Make sure to also check out my Rosemary Infused Vodka! It’s great in mixed drinks, too, and the rosemary flavor makes it seasonally appropriate pretty much year-round.

5 from 2 votes
Basil-Infused Vodka | A Nerd Cooks
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Basil-Infused Vodka
Prep Time
3 d
Total Time
3 d
 
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3 cups
Author: Lauren Pacek
Ingredients
  • 1 bunch basil, fresh (see notes)
  • 3.5 cups plain vodka
Instructions

  1. Place the basil leaves in a whatever container you want to use to make the infused vodka (see notes).

  2. Pour the vodka over the basil until the container is full. 

  3. Seal the container and place it in a cool, dark location for up to 3 days. Strain the vodka through a sieve, discarding the basil. Pour the infused vodka back into the container in which it was infused (or the container of your choice).

Recipe Notes

Notes:

  • You want to use a large bunch of basil
  • A quart mason jar holds 3.5 cups of liquid

Basil-Infused Vodka | A Nerd Cooks

Basil Infused Vodka | A Nerd Cooks

Iced Chai Lattes

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Since the weather is warming up, I’ve had to trade my morning mug of hot tea for homemade iced chai lattes. I usually consume my morning caffeine at my desk at work, right after I get there. However,  it’s just not that relaxing to come in from the hot hot outdoors and drink a hot beverage.

Fortunately, these Iced Chai Lattes are delicious, caffeinated, and cold.

Iced Chai Lattes | A Nerd Cooks

I used to get iced chai lattes from Starbucks, loved them, and assumed that they were really complicated to make. But, as it turns out, they’re just… get this… spiced black tea and milk.

So simple!

Iced Chai Lattes | A Nerd Cooks

It’s also pretty cool that you can use whatever spices in whatever proportions that you like. I use a pretty traditional chai blend, but do go a little heavy on the cardamom (I love it!). You can also make them as sweet (or not) as you like using your preferred sweetener.

Iced Chai Lattes | A Nerd Cooks

5 from 1 vote
Iced Chai Lattes | A Nerd Cooks
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Iced Chai Lattes
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 
Course: Beverage
Cuisine: American
Author: Lauren Pacek
Ingredients
  • 6 cups water
  • 1/2 cup sugar, see notes
  • 2 3-inch cinnamon sticks
  • 4 star anise
  • 2 inches fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 2 tsp cardamon seeds
  • 8 teabags black tea
  • milk, see notes
Instructions

  1. Combine the water, sugar, and spices in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Bring to a boil, and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes.

  3. Turn the heat off and add the teabags to the saucepan. Allow the tea to steep for 20 minutes. Remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool completely.

  4. In whatever proportions you desire, pour the cooled tea over ice and top with milk.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

  • You can increase or decrease the amount of sugar to suit your tastes. I've used both brown and white granulated sugar with success.
  • I have used cows milk and almond milk. I can't speak to how these iced lattes turn out when using another kind.

Looking for more treats that feature chai flavors? Check out these Chai Spice Chocolate Chunk Muffins!

Iced Chai Lattes | A Nerd Cooks

 

Iced Chai Lattes | A Nerd Cooks

Iced Chai Lattes | A Nerd Cooks

Pomegranate Margaritas

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These Pomegranate Margaritas are tart, not too sweet, and would be perfect for sipping on Cinco de Mayo. Although, now that I’m looking at these photos again, I think they’d make a pretty fantastic Christmas-time cocktail, too, given the color palette and all.

Pomegranate Margaritas | A Nerd Cooks

Okay, let’s be real, they’d be great no matter what time of year it is.

I’d highly recommend serving these alongside some Pressure Cooker Carnitas or Slow Cooker Taco Chicken. Serve them up taco-style, in a burrito or quesadilla, or just on their own. Maybe alongside some Cilantro Lime Rice?

Pomegranate Margaritas | A Nerd Cooks

Pomegranate Margaritas | A Nerd Cooks
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Pomegranate Margaritas
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: Lauren Pacek
Ingredients
  • lime wedge for rimming the glass, optional
  • coarse salt or sugar for rimming the glass, optional
  • 2 1/2 oz pomegranate juice
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup, see notes
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • pomegranate arils, for garnish
  • lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions

  1. Rub a wedge of lime around the rim of a margarita or rocks glass. Turn the glass upside down and press the rim into the coarse salt or sugar. Add ice to the glass. Set aside.

  2. In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the pomegranate juice, tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, and lime juice. Shake until very cold and strain into the prepared glass.

  3. Garnish with pomegranate arils and a lime wedge.

Recipe Notes

Note:simple syrup can be found here The recipe for .

Looking for more tequila-based cocktails? Try these Apple Cider Margaritas, Mexican Moscow Mules, or a Pomegranate Palermo! In keeping with the pomegranate them, these Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mules ain’t bad, either!

Pomegranate Margaritas | A Nerd Cooks

Mint Juleps

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These Mint Juleps are perfect for Derby Day. Or any other hot day, for that matter.

Mint Juleps are super easy to make, too. Just muddle some mint leaves with simple syrup, pour in some bourbon, and top with lots of crushed ice. Garnish with another sprig of mint for the minty aroma and because it makes the drink look classy AF. I used chocolate mint because that’s what I have growing on my back deck.

Mint Juleps | A Nerd Cooks

According to the Kentucky Derby’s website, nearly 120,000 mint juleps are served during the course of the 2 day celebration. And it’s easy to see why. They’re delicious, sweet, and very refreshing.

But brace yourselves: they’re basically all bourbon. (not that I’m complaining)

Mint Juleps | A Nerd Cooks

I really like this recipe, but it’s worth acknowledging that there is no single accepted Mint Julep recipe. Many variations exist.

One thing that is agreed upon, though, is that they should be served in Julep Cups. The ones that I used in these pictures are not exactly traditional, but I think they qualify.

Mint Juleps | A Nerd Cooks
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Mint Juleps
Prep Time
2 mins
 
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: laurenpacek
Ingredients
  • 1/4 oz simple syrup, see notes
  • 8 mint leaves
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • sprig of mint, for garnish
Instructions

  1. Gently muddle the simple syrup and mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup (or rocks glass)

  2. Add the bourbon and stir

  3. Top with lots of crushed ice, mounding it over on the top

  4. Add the spring of mint for garnish

Recipe Notes

Note: The recipe for simple syrup can be found here.

Looking for more bourbon drinks? Try these Bourbon Moscow Mules and Blood Orange Bourbon Sours.

Mint Juleps | A Nerd Cooks

 

Mint Juleps | A Nerd Cooks

 

Mint Juleps | A Nerd Cooks

Mexican Moscow Mule

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This Mexican Moscow Mule is a fun variation on the traditional Moscow Mule. All you have to do is swap in tequila for the usual vodka and you’re in business!

Mexican Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

It’s not really a secret at this point that I’m pretty enamored with Moscow Mule cocktails. Seriously, just search this blog. You’ll find more than a handful of really delicious variations on the classic vodka + lime juice + ginger beer cocktail.

Mexican Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Last weekend, when in need of an adult beverage, I took stock of my pantry.

Ginger beer? Check. Limes? Check.

I was well on my way to enjoying a refreshing Moscow Mule. When it came time to select the liquor for this drink, I got to thinking… why not tequila instead of vodka?

We all know that tequila and lime play very well together (hello, margaritas). But tequila and ginger beer? Only one way to find out!

Mexican Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

And you know what? As it turns out, they’re great together!

These Mexican Moscow Mules are super refreshing, making them perfect for the upcoming warmer weather. If Winter ever ends, that is ;). They’d also be great alongside any Mexican food that you love to eat.

Mexican Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Interested in more Moscow Mule recipes? Check out these Moscow Mule variations: Bourbon Moscow Mules, Cranberry Vanilla, Caramel Apple, Pomegranate Champagne, Old Kentucky Mules (bourbon + apple cider), and original Moscow Mules (with a slight twist)!

5 from 1 vote
Mexican Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks
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Mexican Moscow Mule
Prep Time
2 mins
Total Time
2 mins
 
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: laurenpacek
Ingredients
  • 1.5 oz tequila
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • ginger beer, to fill glass
  • lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions

  1. Pour the bourbon into a copper mug filled with ice

  2. Squeeze the half lime into the mug

  3. Top with ginger beer

Recipe Notes

Note: I like reposado or añejo tequilas, but use whatever you like!

Mexican Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Bourbon Moscow Mules

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Bourbon Moscow Mules combine bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer to make one seriously delicious cocktail.

Bourbon Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

At this point, it’s probably not a secret that I love bourbon. Check out my Bourbon Pumpkin Shrub and Bourbon Chocolate Sauce for just a couple of examples. I also love a good Moscow Mule. This version brings my two loves together.

Bourbon Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Start with a classic Moscow Mule. Pivot slightly by subbing bourbon for vodka. And there we have it: a Bourbon Moscow Mule.

Bourbon Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Bourbon Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks
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Bourbon Moscow Mules
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: laurenpacek
Ingredients
  • 1.5 oz bourbon
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • ginger beer
  • lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Instructions

  1. Pour the bourbon, lime juice, and ginger beer over ice (in a copper mug, please). 

Looking for more Mules? I’ve got you covered. Check out these Cranberry Vanilla Moscow Mules, original (with a slight twist) Moscow Mules, Caramel Apple Moscow Mules, Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mules, and of course, the Old Kentucky Mule.

Bourbon Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Bourbon Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mules

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Ring in the New Year with some sweet and bubbly Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mules!

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Yes, I’ve been super absent these last few months. Sorry, friends. As it does so often, life has gotten in the way of blogging. Fortunately, it’s been for very positive reasons.

At the risk of sounding like Taylor Swift (sorry, guys), 2017 has been a pretty great year. Yes, I know that most of the year has been trash, and that the world is a dumpster fire… but things have been good from a personal standpoint.

In addition to us having our health, jobs, family, friends, and all of that standard (but super important!) good stuff, there have been other important developments. My career development award was funded in August, I was promoted to Assistant Professor in October, and we bought our first house later that same month. All in all, life is treating us very well. Stay tuned for photos of our incredible new kitchen!

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Though things have been crazy and busy, I wanted to close out things out with a delicious and bubbly cocktail that is perfect for ringing in the new year. Pomegranate juice provides color and sweetness (plus antioxidants!), ginger beer and lime lend a bit of bite, and champagne makes things extra bubbly. You won’t regret toasting the new year with this pretty cocktail.

Looking for more riffs on the Moscow Mule? Check out the Old Kentucky Mule, Caramel Apple Moscow Mule, Cranberry Vanilla Moscow Mule, and a slight variation on the original Moscow Mule.

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks
Print
Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mules
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Servings: 1 cocktail
Author: laurenpacek
Ingredients
  • 1.5 oz plain vodka
  • 2 oz pomegranate juice
  • 2 oz champagne/sparkling wine
  • 3 oz ginger beer
  • juice of 1/2 lime
  • pomegranate arils and lime wedge, for garnish (optional)
Instructions

  1. Pour vodka, pomegranate juice, bubbly, ginger beer, and lime juice over ice and stir to combine. 

  2. Garnish with pomegranate arils and a lime wedge if you’re feeling fancy.

Recipe Notes

Note: If you’d like a sweeter cocktail, you can decrease the amount of ginger beer and increase the amount of pomegranate juice.

I hope you all have a safe and very happy new year’s celebration. See you in 2018!

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mule | A Nerd Cooks

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mules | A Nerd Cooks