Hi there, guys and dolls! Weekend’s right around the corner, so let’s get the happy hours started. This week’s Raves n’ Faves are some of my favorite drinks. Remember, pace yourself. We want to recall all the fun we had the next day, not try to figure out whose lampshade we wore home ;-).

Death in the Afternoon — Now what kind of writer would I be if I did not have a literary reference here?  Especially being that it was inspired by Hemingway, who also had a great fondness for Daiquiris.  Besides, it starts off the party early — a quiet spot, a great book, a sip or two before joining the ‘in’ crowd.

DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON

1 1/2 oz. Absinthe

4 1/2 oz. chilled Champagne

Pour Absinthe into a Champagne flute or coupe.  Top with Champagne.  Let the games begin!

Sidecar — It’s always fun to be along for the ride!  All snuggled in beside a handsome man daring man commanding a motorcycle, sunglasses on, a gay scarf wrapped around your helmet, arriving to the shindig in style.  Oh, yes, and the drink too!

SIDECAR

1 1/2 oz. Cognac

1 oz. Cointreau

1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice

Orange wedge or lemon twist for garnish

If desired, rim a chilled cocktail glass with sugar (I personally find it sticks to my lipstick, so I don’t, it also cuts calories :-)).  Pour Cognac, Cointreau and lemon juice into an ice filled cocktail shaker and do a little shimmy.  Strain contents into your glass, garnish with the citrus to make it pretty and enjoy!

Cuba Libre — Well, who doesn’t want to liberate Cuba?  Now I’m not going to go into politics (I may be that sort of girl, but I am not that sort of girl — take your time, I know you’ll figure it out) but what I will say is Cuba is charming — the people, the food, the music, and of course, rum and cigars!  Why it’s just a party happening waiting for us to join.

CUBA LIBRE

2 oz. rum (pick your pleasure, personally I like the kick of spiced or dark, but tradition has it as a light)

1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice

Handful of ice

Lime wedge

2 – 3 oz. Cola

Combine rum and lime juice into a highball glass.  Add ice, lime wedge and pour in the Cola.  Sip away!

Mint Julep — I thought I would add a little post derby, southern sophistication.  Mint is such a refresher any time of year.  If  a Julep cup is not around, an old fashioned glass will do just nicely.  Who knows?  It might even be the secret to California Chrome’s success!

MINT JULEP

8 mint leaves (spearmint’s my favorite, but peppermint is nice, too)

1/2 oz. simple syrup (that’s half water, half sugar dissolved)

2 1/2 oz. Bourbon

Crushed ice

Mint Sprig

In a Julep cup or old fashioned glass, place mint leaves and syrup.  Muddled together to release the mint essence.  Add the Bourbon and a scoop of crushed ice.  Stir to mix, then top up with more ice and the mint sprig.  Mix and mingle till the cup or glass is frosted and your hand is cold.  There you go!

Pink Lady — Now you didn’t seriously think I could not mention the color pink or being a lady in this post, did you?  Why it’s laced with gin, fun, frothy and pink.  What is there not to like?  Throw in a tall, dark and handsome bartender and I know my plans on how to end the evening ;-)….

PINK LADY

1 1/2 oz. Gin

1 tsp.  Grenadine

1 tsp. light cream

1 egg white

Crushed ice

Combine everything into a chilled cocktail shaker.  Flirt with the bartender long enough to bring a little color to his cheeks.  Then have him strain and pour the contents into a chilled cocktail glass.  Tilt your head, smile coquettishly, wink and drink!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more posts. And don’t forget to give my Poppy Cove Mysteries a try if you haven’t already.

Toodles, Barbara Jean