1½ ounces gold tequila
1 ounce Kahlúa (or Tia Maria)
Whipped cream topper
Shake the tequila and Kahlúa vigorously with ice. Strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass. Top with whipped cream, if desired.
Ben's Notes:
This tequila variation on the Black Russian is a big hit for tequila lovers (like me). My only complaint about the drink was that my beard got in the way of the whipped cream, making it very difficult to drink. If I make this drink again I'll probably do a double so that the whipped cream is higher up in the glass. Also, I made the whipped cream using one of those charger things like they have at Starbucks. It's not in the picture because I forgot about it in the fridge.
The Rya Review:
FRISBEE
2 ounces vodka
1 ounce Kahlúa
1 ounce heavy cream
Pour the vodka and Kahlúa into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass, and stir. Float the cream on top.
Ben's Notes:
Watched The Big Lebowski this week and decided it was time I try my hand at a White Russian. I totally screwed up the heavy cream but it didn't change the fact that this is my new favorite mixed drink. My error was that I used way too much cream (like 2 ounces too much). I just really wanted to fill that glass up for the look. Perhaps making a double would be the way to go on this next time. Also, my second pour was a perfect "float," with total separation between the cream and the alcohol, but I didn't bother taking another picture. Oh, and I substituted heavy whipping cream in place of the heavy cream, which I read somewhere is allowed.
The Rya Review:
LOG
Second Thoughts:
Even though the recipe says heavy cream, use half-and-half. It's way better. Also, this picture is terrible. White Russians should not look like that.
6 to 8 fresh mint leaves
½ ounce fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ ounce grenadine
4 to 6 ounces chilled ginger ale
Mint sprig
Muddle together the mint leaves, lime juice, sugar, and grenadine in the bottom of a chilled collins glass. Fill with ice and top with ginger ale. Garnish with the mint sprig.
Ben's Notes:
This sweet summertime non-alcoholic beverage hit the spot with basil burgers last week. I don't own any collins glasses so I substituted a highball glass. The drink looked attractive and was very refreshing.
The Rya Review:
BALL
Lemon wedge
2 ounces bourbon
5 ounces chilled ginger ale
Squeeze the lemon wedge into an ice-filled highball glass. Add the bourbon, top with ginger ale, and stir gently.
Ben's Notes:
This really didn't have it. Although it wasn't as bad as the Presbyterian, it still was a waste of good bourbon. I don't think I'll be making this again.
The Rya Review:
HOSE
Lemon twist
2 ounces bourbon
2 ounces chilled ginger ale
2 ounces chilled club soda
Fill a highball glass with ice. Add the bourbon, top with ginger ale and club soda, and stir gently. Garnish with the lemon twist.
Ben's Notes:
Why, club soda, must you ruin my bourbon? I really like bourbon, but I really don't like you. I thought maybe that when combined with other ingredients that you would play nicely. But no. You ruined everything. Again.
The Rya Review:
BATH
12 ounces chilled ale (or pale ale)
1 ounce gin
Slowly poor the ale into a chilled beer mug. Pour the gin into the mug of beer. Or pour the gin into a chilled shot glass, and drop it into the mug of beer.
Ben's Notes:
This is a different and enjoyable way to have a beer, especially if you're a big fan of gin. I'd like to try it again sometime using a richer ale to see what that's like. Also, I forgot to chill the mug, but that's mostly just for presentation anyway.
The Rya Review:
BALL
1½ ounces lemon flavored vodka
¾ ounce Chambord
¾ ounce cranberry juice
Shake the ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Ben's Notes:
Too sugary and sweet for Rya and me, but Kate sure loves it! I also couldn't find lemon flavored vodka, so I substituted citrus (which is lemon-lime flavored).
The Rya Review:
HOSE
1 ounce tequila
1 ounce vodka
2 ounces Kahlúa
Shake the ingredients vigorously with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Ben's Notes:
Tequila flavored chocolate in a glass? Don't mind if I do! I'd like to try this drink again with a lower grade tequila to see how much of a difference it makes.
The Rya Review:
FRISBEE
Second Thoughts:
Tried it again with Jose Cuervo Gold. It was still really good, but I could definitely taste the difference in quality.
