Cocktail Hour

The Tommy Gun Fizz

A zingy whiskey drink even the most non-whiskey drinker will love
Filed Under > Cocktail Hour

Recently, during my hunt for the perfect Thanksgiving cocktail I stumbled upon a little something called The Tommy Gun. 

Originally created by San Fransisco mixologist Jacques Bezuindenhout, the name Tommy Gun references the iconic prohibition-era firearm wielded by movie-star like gangsters of the past.

The drink itself is in essence a whiskey sour.  A kicked up, zingy, whiskey sour full of ginger, plenty of whiskey and an unexpected teaspoon of apricot jam.  The apricot jam is what intrigued me.  And after mixing up one or two I was almost sold. 

In my version I opt out of the fresh ginger, instead subbing in fizzy ginger beer.  And I go a little heavy handed on the lemon and apricot. 

Together, the combo provides the perfect pre or post dinner drink, for whiskey and non whiskey drinkers alike.  It also happens to be the cocktail I chose to serve this year at Thanksgiving dinner.  Cheers, and happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! Truly, MKR

The Tommy Gun Fizz
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 teaspoon apricot jam
  2. 1/2 squeezed fresh lemon
  3. 1-2 ounces ginger beer
  4. 2 ounces Irish whiskey
  5. 1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
  6. 1-2 lemon twists
  7. 1-2 pieces of candied ginger on a cocktail pick (optional)
  8. Ice
Instructions
  1. In a cocktail shaker muddle the jam with the lemon juice. Add ice and the whiskey and Grand Marnier; shake well. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass top with ginger beer. Garnish with the lemon twist and candied ginger if desired.
Adapted from Food & Wine
Adapted from Food & Wine
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Photography, Rustic White

Citrus Bourbon Smash

A fresh citrus bourbon cocktail that will make even a bourbon fan out of anyone
Filed Under > Cocktail Hour

The Citrus Bourbon Smash recipe on Waiting on Martha
Citrus Bourbon Smash cocktail on Waiting on Martha
Citrus Bourbon Smash cocktail recipe on Waiting on Martha

It’s safe to say that bourbon is one of those thing I WANT to be cool enough to drink.  Ha!  No, but seriously, it’s hard for me to drink.  Over the years I’ve really tried to become a bourbon drinker.  It’s just not one of those drinks that goes down easy for me.  But I have to tell you…this citrus bourbon cocktail is the very first bourbon drink that I can genuinely enjoy. 

First things first: I needed to wrap my head around bourbon vs. whiskey.  If you ARE a bourbon drinker, however, then you’ll already know the difference between just any old bourbon and whiskey.  All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Here, I used bourbon whiskey from Greenville’s Six and Twenty Distillery that we visited earlier this year.  Per the rules of a true bourbon, this spirit was stored in new charred-oak barrels.  And it was made with grains all from South Carolina; corn, soft red winter wheat, barley, rye and rice to be exact.  It’s a difference—even a new brand new bourbon lover like me—can taste. 

But let’s talk recipe now, shall we?!  I think the reason I love this cocktail so much is the pairing of the fresh citrus juice with the warm, smoky and smooth taste of the bourbon.  When it comes to citrus in a recipe like this, it doesn’t matter if you use lemon, lime, orange or all of the above.  I used a combination of all three as I had a lot around the house, but I assure you that you’ll get the same effect if you use one or all. It really is a great fall drink, and it would be simple to put a few down before you know it. 

Tell me, are you a bourbon drinker?!  I’d say this citrus bourbon cocktail would make a bourbon fan out of anyone!  Truly, MKR

P.S. For more cozy fall recipes, be sure to check out our Recipe Index. xo 

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Citrus Bourbon Smash
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Ingredients
  1. 2 oz. bourbon whiskey
  2. quarter to half cup of fresh citrus juice*
  3. club soda to top it off
  4. simple syrup, as preferred
  5. fresh basil leaves**, to garnish
  6. ice
Instructions
  1. Fill a rocks glass with ice.
  2. Add 2 oz. bourbon whiskey.
  3. Add 1/4-1/2 cup of fresh citrus juice.*
  4. Top off with club soda.
  5. Taste it and determine how much simple syrup to add. I prefer it more on the tart side, so I am conservative here with the syrup.
  6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.** You can also muddle some basil into the drink for more flavor if preferred.
Notes
  1. *For fresh citrus juice, you can use lemon, lime or orange, or any and all of the above. I used a combination of all; you'll still get the flavor effect of citrus.
  2. **I would not chop up the basil; it gets in your teeth! Instead, I like to slap the whole leaves between my hands before adding to the drink in order to the release aromatics.
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Photography Rustic White for Waiting on Martha

The Aperol Spritz

As Italy's #1 Cocktail, It's A Classic Apertif and Popular Ice-Breaker
Filed Under > Cocktail Hour

Aperol Spritz, Waiting on MarthaAperol Spritz recipe The Aperol Spritz recipe on Waiting on Martha

Was it just me, or was the Aperol Spritz one of the most Instagramable drinks this summer?!  I can’t tell you how many times I spotted this vibrant orange cocktail as I was scrolling through my feed.  But of course, I wasn’t too surprised; this cocktail is extremely drinkable, and extremely refreshing and a drink I’ve been drinking for years now thanks to the hubs introducing me to it.

This classic Italian cocktail is known as the “original Spritz” and offers a light, sparkling and refreshingly bittersweet taste.  It’s most commonly enjoyed as an aperitif in Italy, serving as a symbol of a lively atmosphere and an ice-breaker.  As a cocktail with Aperol, Prosecco and an accompanying lower alcohol content, it really does prove to be the ultimate summertime sip that’s versatile enough for daytime drinking to happy hour and beyond. 

Now of course, the Aperol Spritz is known as a classic for a reason.  Aperol first launched in 1919, quickly becoming one of the most beloved liqueurs in Italy.  The original recipe introduced a rich, complex taste that marries citrus notes with herbs.  Aperol’s recipe, to this day, has remained unchanged and a secret to the rest of us. 

All that being said, there’s really no surprise that mixing an Aperol Spritz has turned into a popular ritual.  Bartender and cocktail purist alike should know that this cocktail should be the same every single time: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, and 1 part soda.  By tradition, it should also always be served in a balloon stemware glass, and poured ¾ to the top of the glass.  Staying true to the recipe is key and what I’ve learned is that here in the states not everyone mixing up your drink may value the original recipe the so best to remember 3, 2, 1 that way you’ll be assured to  sip the perfect spritz each and every time.

Tell me, have you tried this classic, cult-favorite cocktail?  Cin Cin!  Truly, MKR

 

The Aperol Spritz
Serves 1
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Ingredients
  1. 3 parts Cinzano Prosecco
  2. 2 parts Aperol
  3. 1 dash soda
  4. Ice and a slice of orange
Instructions
  1. Add ice and a slice of orange, pour in the Prosecco, the Aperol and add a dash of soda. This avoids the Aperol settling at the bottom.
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Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with Aperol, a brand we love and adore.  All opinions are 100% our own. 

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