Breaking Bad Blue Margarita

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but it was not mine.  I just made them all night at work for our Breaking Bad series finale party.  It was a lot of fun, and the guests loved the reference to the show.

We used Zarco tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, blue curacao, and a dash of simple syrup.  The rim was a blue dye salt.  Tasty, delicious, and really helped the ambience and festivity of the event.

It was a great way to say goodbye to Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, Skyler, Hank, Marie, Junior, Saul, and every amazing character who made this show the success it was.  We salute you.  Cheers!

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Pumpkin Martini

Fall is pumpkin season.  Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, so I also wanted to contribute a Pumpkin martini that you can make at home.

I like to use Stolichnaya Vanilla vodka.  Pour 3/4 ounces of vodka over ice, pour a tablespoon of pumpkin puree, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and shake.  Rim the martini glass with pumpkin 

spice.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick.  Simple ingredients, and perfect for the season. 

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Salted Caramel Chocolate martini

I love Stolichnaya's new Salted Caramel vodka.  Yup, I said it.  It tastes like heaven.  Stoli has some of the best flavors in the world.  I just added a chocolate liquor to a martini shaker, add 3/4 vodka, shake and strain into a sugar and salted rim martini glass.  It tastes like this ......

Aperol Spritz

A couple of years ago I went on my dream vacation to Italy with my family.  I have such affection for the food, the culture, and of course the wine.  I was so surprised to see everyone in the restaurants of Lake Garda in Northern Italy drinking a orangish-red drink in a wine glass.  I mean it was everywhere!

This is where I first learned of the Aperol Spritz.  Hugely popular in Italy.  I knew of Aperol as a bartender, but I really didn't know what to do with it, and no one ever asked for it.

I ordered one, and it was refreshing, blood orange flavor, simple and delish.  Aperol spritz is Aperol liquor served over ice, topped with prosecco, and a splash of club soda, and garnished with an orange.
Aperol is becoming more popular in the United States, and a highly requested drink from well travelled individuals.  Salud!

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Nolet Gin Razmatini

Have you tried Nolet Silver gin?  A gin from the Netherlands, brought to you by the Ketel One family.  It has a distinct flavor of rose, raspberry and peach.  There's nothing else like it.

I enjoy a Nolet Razmatini.  An ounce and a half of Nolet Silver, 1/4 ounce Chambord, a dash of peach puree, shake and strain.  It enhances all of the natural flavors of this modern gin.

You can also enjoy this straight up and and strained into a martini glass, and garnish with fresh raspberries.  Light, refreshing, fruit forward and a great summertime cocktail.  Salud!

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Lemonade cocktails for summer

I really love fresh lemonade cocktails for summer.  Using the freshest ingredients from your local farmer's market.  We have a plethora of lemons here in California, just juice, add water, agave syrup.

This cocktail recipe is for a Lemon, mint cooler.  Fresh squeezed lemonade, add mint leaves, and Citrus Vodka.  Light, refreshing and summery.  Simpler times to enjoy with friends.  Salud!

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Michelada

Michelada is a Mexican beer served with a mixture of lime juice, tomato juice, and spices.  There are many variations of recipes for this refreshing concoction.  It seems like it's a hard drink to find, and have someone make a good one for you.  The ingredients are the key.

I love Tecate served in a glass rimmed with Tajin the original flavor, fill with ice, add a small amount of bloody mary mix to the bottom, a few squeezes of lime, and top with the Tecate.  

It's a great summer drink, perfect for brunch, ideal for a hangover, and so full of flavor!  Salud!

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