Back to Basics: Vodka Part 1

Where is comes from: Poland in the Middle Ages, Russia in the late 14^th century, and Sweden form the 15^th century. It was often used as a base for medicines.

What it’s made of: Fermented Grain or Potatoes

Where the name comes from: The Slavic word “voda” which means water.

What are the types:  

·        Clear: Typically Vodka comes in a clear variety. It is made from a 95% ethanol mixture and then diluted and filtered down to a lower and more manageable alcohol content, usually around 40%, though Poland still produces one that is 96% ethanol, and Everclear, an American brand, is sold at the 95% level.

·        Flavored: Unflavored vodka has a harsh alcohol flavor that can be cut by adding flavoring. Original flavors included fruits, ginger, and cinnamon. Modern flavors include chocolate cake, bacon, and chili.

Make your own Flavored Vodka

Vanilla Vodka:

·        Clear Vodka-250 ml

·        Vanilla Beans (split)-2-3

Place vodka and vanilla beans in sealable container (ex. Glass jar). Let sit in cool, dark area for 1-5 weeks, depending on flavor preference. Once done, strain vodka through sieve or cheesecloth. Great with cola, in martinis, or straight!

Jalapeño Vodka

·        Clear Vodka-250 ml

·        Jalapeño Pepper-2

Split the pepper in two and remove the seeds. Cut into thin slices and add to jar. Add vodka. Seal and let sit in cool, dark area for 2-3 days. Strain vodka through sieve or cheesecloth. Best in Bloody Marys or in Spicy Martini.

Peanut Butter Cup Vodka

·        Clear Vodka-250ml

·        Mini Peanut Butter Cups-1/3^rd cup

Place vodka and peanut butter cups in sealable jar. Let it sit in a cool, dark place for 5-7 days. Strain through sieve or cheesecloth. Great with Bailey’s Irish Cream, vanilla vodka, or by itself.

Friday Night Cocktails: Beer Edition

Known in Germany as Biermischgetränke, beer based mixed drinks are a tasty way to take your favorite brew to the next level. And you may be surprised to find that you’ve probably already had at least one type of Biermischgertränke.

 

Lemon Shandy

A favorite breakfast drink in Germany, the Lemon Shandy has been popularized in America by the Leinenkugel Company’s Summer Shandy.

 

Hefe-Wizen Beer (a Pale Ale would work as well)-6 oz

Lemonade (Preferably carbonated)-6 oz

 

Mix 50/50 and enjoy.

 

Coup de Ville

For a more traditional style mixed drink, try this little drink. It has a very summery flavor and can done as an individual drink or as a punch.

 

Lime Juice-1 shot

Orange Juice-1 shot

Tequila-1 shot

Orange Liqueur-1 shot

Mexican Light Beer (Recommended: Dos Equis)-1 bottle

 

Place first four ingredients in shaker with ice, shake thoroughly. Pour into beer glass, add beer. Mix gently. Add lime wedge and orange wedge to glass. Enjoy!

 

Half and Half

Looking for a little beer on beer action? Try a classic Half and Half (also known as a Black and Tan). This is a favorite in Dr. McAlcohol’s world, as it contains two Irish beers. Be careful, though. This one is a bit trickier than it initially appears.

 

Harp Lager-1 bottle

Guinness Stout-1 bottle

 

Pour Harp Lager in a pint glass until it is half full. Now take a teaspoon and hold it in the glass, face down, just above the Harp. Slowly pour the Guinness onto the spoon, raising the spoon as the glass fills. When done correctly, two separate layers should appear in the glass. If not a fan of Harp, many other light beers, like Blue Moon, Smithwicks, Stella-Artois, or even crème soda. But the Guinness is a must.

Back to Basics: Rum Part 1

Where is comes from: First recorded in Brazil in 1620s, though it’s believed that it started earlier in Barbados.

What it’s made of: Sugarcane, Molassas

Where the name comes from: Theories include:

·         British slang term for “the best”.

·         The last syllable of the Latin word for sugar, saccharum.

What are the types:  In the United States, we have mostly Puerto Rican style rums, which include:

·         Light rums, also referred to as silver or white rums

·         Gold rums, also called amber rums

·         Dark rums, also known by their color, such as brown, black, or red

·         Spiced rums obtain their flavors through the addition of spices and, sometimes, caramel

·         Flavored rums are infused with flavors of fruits, such as banana, mango, orange, citrus, coconut, starfruit or lime

·         Overproof rums are much higher than the standard; as high as 75% [150 proof] to 80% [160 proof] available.

Basic Rum Recipe:  Cuba Libre (aka Rum and Coke)

The common recipe for the Cuba Libre is:

·         1 Part Light Rum

·         2 Parts Cola

·         Splash of lime juice

Dr. McAlcohol recommends substituting Spiced Rum for Light Rum and omitting the lime juice, resulting in a sweeter by more complex tasting drink.

Spice it up!

Rum and Cherry/Vanilla Coke: add a shot each of vanilla and cherry schnapps

Hot Cuba Libre: Add a splash of hot sauce