American Made!

The fourth of July is right around the corner and it is important that we celebrate our freedom and make a toast to those who keep us safe and put themselves in harm's way...our military.

So, I have a few suggestions for some all american cocktails that will create quite a stir!

I simply love selecting a signature cocktail to serve when entertaining..of course, I will set out the standard spirits and mixers but I think its fun to offer a drink that showcases your theme.

What's more Made in America than Whiskey?  So, gather up the hi ball glasses and let's get this party going!

Manhattans...think about the old movie The Thin Man!! Nick Charles was the conusumate gentleman and made his Manhattans shaken not stirred...

Of course in the movie Some Like it Hot, Marilyn Monroe liked hers shaken in a hot water bottle...........well, whatever works and necessity is the mother of invention. You go girl ~

These proportions are only guidelines...you might want to experiment:

The Manhattan

2 oz. bourbon or straight rye whiskey

1 oz. sweet Vermouth

2 dashes Angostra Bitters

1 maraschino cherry

Pour whiskey ,Vermouth and bitters over ice in a shaker or pitcher. Shake or stir. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with the cherry.  Salute!

The Old Fashioned

This drink has a colorful history...it got its start in the early 1880's during the Civil War era of alcohol. Most bartenders prefer Bourbon for this cocktail.

Huck Finn was a fan, Don Draper showed how to make one in his episodes of Mad Men  so this delicious concoction has a famous following and lends itself to the perfect Retro Vibe.

The Old Fashioned

1 teaspoon of simple syrup

2 dashes of bitters

1 maraschino cherry

1 orange slice

2 oz Bourbon

Splash of Seltzer water is optional.

Place the syrup, bitters, cherry and orange slice in an Old -Fashioned glass and muddle to a paste.  Add large ice cubes and the Bourbon. Stir Well.  You could do variations on this by using lemon, lime or even pineapple...lay out a tray of these options with the basic recipe and let your guests go wild. Why not host a its a Mad, Mad, Mad , Mad World party...this was the drink of choice in that film.

For those guests that want something a little more tame than the two above recipes you might want to make Southern Ice Tea!  You can't go wrong with this one:

Sandy's Southern Ice Tea

(yields 1 qt.)

1 1/2 cups boiling water

1 family size tea bag...I like green tea

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 tespoon of almond extract

fresh mint.

Pour the boiling water over the tea bag and steep.  Discard the bag and add the sugar, and stir 'til well dissolved.  Add enough ice and cold water to measure 1 quart and stir in the lemon juice and the flavorings pour over ice in a tall glass and garnish with mint sprigs.   

This is a taste of the South and keeps well in the fridge.

Remember this 4th of July to be safe, enjoy your family and friends and don't forget to say a prayer for those who have your back..............the American Armed Forces!!

Sandy