Cocktails

Homemade Luxardo Cherries

August 9, 2018 by laurenpacek 8 Comments

Have you ever had Luxardo Cherries?

I bet you have had Luxardo cherries if you’ve ever ordered a cocktail and it had a really delicious cherry in it as garnish. Either that or maybe it was a brandied cherry. Both are good.

So what makes these cherries so special?

I think many of us tend to think about the neon pink/red Maraschino cherries that you buy in the grocery store. These cherries are nothing like those.

So what makes them so different? First of all, they’re delicious.

To achieve such a high level of deliciousness, Luxardo cocktail cherries take a bit of a warm bath in, and get their distinctive and delicious flavor from, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur. Plus some sugar and spices, of course.

What should you do with these Luxardo cherries?

Personally, I’d recommend plopping them into a strong cocktail. As a bourbon lover, I happen to think that they are particularly good in an Old Fashioned.

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

4.75 from 4 votes

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

Combine water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan, and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves.
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.
Turn off the heat and allow the cherries to cool. Once cooled, store in the fridge in a tightly sealed jar.

Looking for other delicious additions to your home bar?

You can’t go wrong with this easy and delicious Homemade Sour Mix!
Rosemary Infused Vodka is herbaceous and easy to make.
Summertime is right around the corner, making Basil Infused Vodka a must-make.

Basil Vodka Gimlet

June 25, 2018 by laurenpacek 2 Comments

The Basil Vodka Gimlet is a supremely refreshing warm weather cocktail.

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.

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Basil vodka + simple syrup + fresh lime juice = <3

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.

Spring and summertime basil is 10/10 in this drink

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

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

Add the basil-infused vodka, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice.
Shake until very cold and strain into a rocks glass with ice.
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

Looking for other refreshing cocktails?

Pin it for later!

Basil Infused Vodka

June 14, 2018 by laurenpacek 12 Comments

This Basil Infused Vodka just screams “summertime”!

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

Fresh basil = summer

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.

Making infused vodka is laughably easy

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.

What should I do with this infused vodka?

I’m glad that you asked. I would highly recommend that you check out and make my Basil Vodka Gimlet. It’s boozy summertime in a glass.

5 from 2 votes

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

Place the basil leaves in a whatever container you want to use to make the infused vodka (see notes).
Pour the vodka over the basil until the container is full.
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

Looking for other delicious cocktails?

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.
The Palace Cafe Cocktail makes good use of rosemary infused vodka.
Don’t forget about this Grapefruit Rosemary Gimlet, either.

Pomegranate Margaritas

May 3, 2018 by laurenpacek Leave a Comment

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.

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

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

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.
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.
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!

Mint Juleps

April 23, 2018 by laurenpacek 3 Comments

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.

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)

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

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

Gently muddle the simple syrup and mint leaves in the bottom of a julep cup (or rocks glass)
Add the bourbon and stir
Top with lots of crushed ice, mounding it over on the top
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:

Mexican Moscow Mule

April 5, 2018 by laurenpacek 17 Comments

This cocktail is a fun variation on the traditional Moscow Mule.

In order to make a Mexican Moscow Mule, all you have to do is swap in tequila for the usual vodka and you’re in business!

It’s pretty obvious that I <3 Moscow Mules, right?

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.

What to make, what to make…

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!

We have a winner!

And you know what? As it turns out, they’re great together! And thus, the Mexican Moscow Mule was born.

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.

If you need suggestions for food pairings, let me recommend:

5 from 4 votes

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

Pour the tequila into a copper mug filled with ice
Squeeze the half lime into the mug
Top with ginger beer

Recipe Notes

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

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)!

Bourbon Moscow Mules

January 22, 2018 by laurenpacek 3 Comments

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

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.

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

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

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.

Pomegranate Champagne Moscow Mules

December 31, 2017 by laurenpacek 6 Comments

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

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!

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 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

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

Kalimotxo Cocktail

September 14, 2017 by laurenpacek Leave a Comment

The Kalimotxo Cocktail comes together simply enough, just combine red table wine + cane sugar cola + a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing, super easy cocktail.

I was flipping through a couple of cookbooks earlier this month and came across this recipe again. It’s the Kalimotxo cocktail. The Internet tells me that the Kalimotxo is popular in the Basque region of Spain. So, there you go. There’s that.

AND! A Kalimotxo is composed of… wait for it… red wine and soda! I know that this combination may sound strange, but trust me!

I’m telling you, this drink is like sangria, but perfect for lazy people. Two ingredients (three if you count the lime juice) poured in a glass over ice and you’re done.

Because the ingredient list is so short, you really want to make sure that you’re using the correct ingredients. For the wine, you don’t need to use anything fancy. A cheap to moderately priced red table wine (I used a Rioja) will suffice. But for the soda, make sure you grab something that is made with cane sugar and not high fructose corn syrup. Have you ever had the Coke that’s made in Mexico (affectionately called MexiCoke)? It tastes SO much better than the stuff that’s made in the U.S. I’d go for that. It’s pretty widely available in regular grocery stores.

This recipe comes from the cookbook Over Easy: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Leisurely Days, by Joy Wilson (aka Joy the Baker).

Kalimotxo Cocktail

Prep Time

5 mins

Course: Beverage, Cocktail

Cuisine: Basque

Servings: 1 cocktail

Ingredients

1 part red table wine, see notes
1 part cane sugar soda, see notes
2 lime wedges, for juice and garnish

Instructions

Over ice, fill a glass half full with wine. Top with soda and squeeze a lime wedge.
Garnish with another lime wedge if desired.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

I used an inexpensive Rioja
I used MexiCoke

The Palace Cafe Cocktail

June 27, 2017 by laurenpacek 1 Comment

This Palace Cafe Cocktail is fresh, herbaceous (thanks to rosemary infused vodka), and very refreshing.

I declare this my official summertime cocktail.

This recipe makes good use of the Rosemary Infused Vodka and Homemade Sour Mix that I shared with you over the past couple of weeks.

They’re fizzy, sweet, and perfumed with herby rosemary flavor. They are also slightly dangerous in that they go down very easily.

This cocktail is inspired by one that I enjoyed at The Palace Cafe in New Orleans. The food was delicious there, too.

The Palace Cafe Cocktail

Course: Beverage, Cocktail, Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: 1 cocktail

Author: Lauren Pacek

Ingredients

ice
1.5 oz rosemary infused vodka, see notes
.75 oz Domaine de Canton (a ginger liqueur)
1.5 oz sour mix, see notes
ginger ale
1 sprig of rosemary, for garnish

Instructions

Add ice, vodka, Domaine de Canton, and sour mix to a cocktail shaker. Shake until very cold.
Strain into a glass with ice. Top with ginger ale and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.

Recipe Notes

Notes:

The recipe for Rosemary Infused Vodka can be found here
The recipe for Homemade Sour Mix can be found here