I Like Your Blush
Move over, cosmopolitan: it’s time for a lighter, more floral style of pink drink. This cocktail combines the fruity notes of apricot with the floral freshness of elderflower—the perfect pairing for Sunday brunch.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 oz (30 ml) Absolut Vodka
⅓ oz (10 ml) St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
⅓ oz (10 ml) Bols Apricot Brandy
½ oz (15 ml) cranberry juice
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
⅓ oz (10 ml) Simple Syrup*
lemon wheel, for garnish
edible rose bud, for garnish**
* 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
** Edible rose buds can be found in the tea aisle of most grocery stores or in tea shops.
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, elderflower liqueur, apricot liqueur, cranberry juice, lemon juice and Simple Syrup. Add ice and shake for 5 to 7 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe. Garnish with lemon wheel and rose bud.
Featuring
After 8 Fizz
Celebrate the season with this festive and indulgent cocktail that blends the refreshing bite of peppermint with the smooth sweetness of chocolate. Topped with Codorníu Cava for a bubbly finish, this cocktail is crowned with a decadent swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, making it the perfect treat for holiday gatherings.Ingredients
Serves 1
¾ oz (22 ml) Luksusowa Vodka
¾ oz (22 ml) McGuinness Crème de Cacao Liqueur
¼ oz (7.5 ml) McGuinness Peppermint Schnapps
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
3 oz (90 ml) Codorníu Cava Clasico Brut
whipped cream and shaved chocolate, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, crème de cacao, schnapps and lemon juice. Add ice and shake for 5 to 7 seconds. Pour over fresh ice in an old-fashioned glass, then top with Cava until ½-in (1.25 cm) from top. Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate.
Featuring
Bloody Mary Minestrone
Shake up your soup repertoire this fall with this fun take on minestrone. If you plan to store the soup for a few days, cook the pasta separately according to package directions and add it to the soup just before serving. You can pair this Minestrone with Castello Di Gabbiano Cavaliere D’oro Chianti.Ingredients
Serves 8 to 10
2 tbsp (30 ml) grapeseed oil or vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1 poblano pepper, seeded and finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
6 cups (1.5 L) homemade or low-sodium chicken stock
1 × 28 oz (796 ml) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 × 28 oz (796 ml) can crushed tomatoes
½ cup (125 ml) Stoli Vodka
2 tbsp (30 ml) Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp (2.5 ml) granulated sugar
1 cup (250 ml) ditalini pasta, shells or elbow noodles
2 cups (500 ml) chopped hearty greens (such as kale, Swiss chard or collard greens)
2 × 14 oz (398 ml) cans cannellini beans
2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 ml) prepared horseradish
salt, to taste
fresh celery leaves or flat-leaf parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)
1 lemon, cut into wedges, to serve
Instructions
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, celery, carrots and peppers. Cook, stirring often, until onions start to become translucent, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Stir in stock and tomatoes. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Stir in vodka, Worcestershire and sugar. Return soup to a simmer and let cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in pasta. Continue simmering, uncovered, until pasta is al dente and veggies are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir in greens, beans, lemon juice and horseradish and let cook another minute longer, until greens wilt slightly. Season with salt.
- Divide soup among serving bowls, sprinkle with celery leaves and serve with a lemon wedge to squeeze over soup if desired.
Drink Pairings
Sesame Avenue
Seaweed-based kombu dashi, toasted sesame seeds, rice vodka, pressed apple and lemon combine for a savoury and tart sensation in this refreshing cocktail featuring Suntory Haku Vodka.Ingredients
Serves 1
white and black sesame seeds, for rim
lemon wedge, for rim
1½ oz (45 ml) Suntory Haku Vodka
1½ oz (45 ml) organic, pressed, cloudy apple juice
¾ oz (22 ml) Kombu Dashi Toasted Sesame Syrup*
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Place a Nick & Nora glass in freezer for 5 minutes. Place sesame seeds on a small plate. Remove glass from freezer, moisten half the rim with lemon wedge and dip in sesame seeds. In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, apple juice, Kombu Dashi Toasted Sesame Syrup and lemon juice. Add cubed ice and shake vigorously, then fine strain into chilled glass.
- *To make Kombu Dashi Toasted Sesame Syrup, start by toasting sesame seeds. In a dry skillet or frying pan over medium heat, heat ½ cup (125 ml) sesame seeds until golden brown and fragrant, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and immediately transfer to a plate to cool completely. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup (250 ml) sugar, 1 cup (250 ml) water, 2 tsp (10 ml) kombu dashi powder and the toasted sesame seeds. Stir until sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat, cover and steep for 5 minutes. Strain out sesame seeds. Once cooled, store in a sealed container in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Featuring
Fried Devilled Eggs with Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns
This fun take on a deviled egg offers a deliciously crunchy twist on the classic and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Crowned with a decadent vodka-poached spot prawn tail, this nibble has a distinct West Coast twist. Try pairing this recipe with Tito's Vodka.Ingredients
Serves 24 devilled eggs
14 large eggs, divided
vegetable oil, for frying
¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
2 tsp (10 ml) Dijon mustard
1½ tbsp (22.5 ml) finely diced dill pickles
1 tbsp (15 ml) finely diced fresh chives
1 serrano pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (optional)
kosher salt, to taste
1 cup (250 ml) all-purpose flour
1½ cups (375 ml) panko bread crumbs
¾ cup (180 ml) finely crushed butter crackers
Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns, for garnish, make ahead, recipe follows
fresh dill fronds, for garnish
Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns:
1 cup (250 ml) vodka
1 cup (250 ml) water
2 lemon slices, each about ¼-in (0.6 cm) thick
1½ tsp (7.5 ml) kosher salt
½ tsp (2.5 ml) black peppercorns
24 spot prawns, peeled and deveined
Instructions
- Place 12 eggs in a large saucepan and cover with about 1-in (2.5 cm) water. Place pan on stove and bring to a boil. Turn off heat and cover with lid. Let sit for 11 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove eggs from pan and place in a bowl of ice water. When cool enough to handle, peel eggs, then cut eggs in half horizontally. Slice a bit off bottom of each egg white half so it sits flat and doesn’t tip over.
- Pour vegetable oil into a large heavy-bottomed saucepan to come 2-in (5 cm) up sides. Fit saucepan with a deep-frying thermometer and heat oil over medium heat until thermometer registers 350 F (175 C).
- Meanwhile, scoop yolks out of halved eggs and place yolks in a medium bowl along with mayonnaise, mustard, dill pickles, chives and serrano pepper, if using. Mix well with a fork until combined and smooth. If too thick, add water, 1 tbsp (15 ml) at a time, to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt. Transfer filling to a piping bag, if desired, and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Place flour in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, stir panko and crushed crackers. In a third bowl, whisk remaining 2 eggs.
- Working with a couple of egg white halves at a time, dredge egg whites in flour, then whisked eggs and finally panko-cracker mixture, shaking off any excess after each addition. Repeat until all egg whites have been breaded.
- Working with a couple of breaded egg whites at a time, carefully add to hot oil and fry, turning once or twice, until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and lightly season with salt. Transfer fried egg whites to a cooling rack to prevent them from getting soggy, and repeat until all have been fried.
- Pipe or spoon reserved filling evenly into cup of each fried egg white. Top with a Vodka-Poached Spot Prawn and a dill frond or two.
- Vodka-Poached Spot Prawns: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, bring vodka, water, lemon slices, salt and peppercorns to a bare simmer. Add spot prawns and cook until opaque and pink, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and, with a slotted spoon, transfer spot prawns to a plate. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Enjoy as is or as part of a dish. Makes 24 prawns.
Drink Pairings
White Rabbit
The White Rabbit cocktail is a whimsical blend of flavours where smooth vanilla intertwines with white tea and rich chocolate, while almond adds nutty depth. The zippy lemon provides a refreshing twist, creating a delightful and eccentric concoction that embodies the whimsy of Wonderland.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Absolut Vanilia Vodka infused with white tea*
½ oz (15 ml) McGuinness Crème de Cacao
1 oz (30 ml) sweetened almond milk
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
garnish with carrot ribbon
Instructions
- Place a coupe glass in freezer for 5 minutes. In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine infused vodka, crème de cacao, almond milk and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain into chilled coupe. Garnish with a carrot ribbon.
- * For white tea infusion, steep 3 white tea bags in 1 cup (250 ml) vanilla vodka for 15 to 30 minutes, tasting it after 15 minutes and adjusting infusion time accordingly. The white tea flavour should be potent but not overpowering.
Featuring
Dragon Eyes
Presenting a thoughtfully balanced combination of dragon fruit, rice vodka, green grape shoju, hibiscus, lemon and soda water. This Dragon Eyes cocktail pays tribute to the Year of the Dragon, reflecting qualities akin to those born under this sign – charismatic, intelligent, confident, powerful, naturally lucky and gifted. Featuring Haku Vodka and Jinro Chamisul Green Grape Soju.Ingredients
Serves 1
5 × ½-in (1.25 cm) cubes dragon fruit (save more for garnish)
1 oz (30 ml) Haku Vodka
1 oz (30 ml) Jinro Chamisul Green Grape Soju
½ oz (15 ml) Hibiscus Cordial*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 oz (60 ml) soda water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle 5 pieces of dragon fruit, then add vodka, green grape soju, Hibiscus Cordial and lemon juice. Add cubed ice, shake vigorously and fine strain over new ice into a Collins glass. Top with soda water and garnish with cubes of dragon fruit on a cocktail pick.
- * To make Hibiscus Cordial, pour 10 oz (300 ml) boiling water over 2 hibiscus tea bags and steep for 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 ml) steeped tea with 2 cups (500 ml) granulated sugar and simmer to dissolve. Transfer to a clean bottle and allow to cool, then seal and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Makes 2 cups (500 ml).
Featuring
Passion Peach
This is a refreshing and delightful cocktail that combines the tropical floral notes of passionfruit with the sweet juiciness of peach and the delicate aroma of orange blossom. The bright accent of lemon and the effervescence of soda highlight the delightful medley of flavours.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Ketel One Botanical Peach & Orange Blossom Vodka
1½ oz (45 ml) passion fruit nectar*
½ oz (15 ml) Simple Syrup**
½ oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
3 oz (90 ml) soda water
peach slice, for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine vodka, passion fruit nectar, Simple Syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously and fine strain over new ice into an old-fashioned glass. Top with soda and garnish with a peach slice.
- ** 1:1 ratio of granulated sugar dissolved in boiling water. Allow to cool before using.
Featuring
Sour Granny
Capturing the naturally refreshing sour character of the BC Granny Smith apple, this tart cocktail highlights this variety as the star of the show. For even more apple character, infuse the vodka with Granny Smith apple peels for a few days prior to mixing the cocktail.Ingredients
Serves 1
1 small Granny Smith apple, cored, thinly sliced
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lime juice
1½ oz (45 ml) NÜTRL Vodka
½ oz (15 ml) Falernum*
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass in freezer for 5 minutes. Reserve 1 or 2 apple slices for garnish and toss rest of apple slices in a cocktail shaker with lime juice to prevent browning, then muddle thoroughly. Add vodka, Falernum and cubed ice and shake vigorously, then fine strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with apple slices.
- *To make Falernum, to a blender, add 1½ cups (375 ml) water, 1 tsp (5 ml) cloves, 2 tbsp (30 ml) lime zest (about 10 limes), 4 tsp (20 ml) chopped ginger and 1 cinnamon stick. Pulse to chop ingredients, then add to a saucepan over medium heat and bring to 140 F (60 C), about 5 minutes. Add 1½ cups (375 ml) granulated sugar and stir to dissolve. Strain while hot, then add to a heatproof bottle and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Falernum is also available online and at specialty stores.
Featuring
Haiku
Cocktails inspired by the Cherry blossom season.Ingredients
Serves 1
1½ oz (45 ml) Haku Vodka
¾ oz (22 ml) Nakano Obaachan’s Yuzu
½ oz (15 ml) Hibiscus Cordial*
¾ oz (22 ml) fresh lemon juice
2 oz (60 ml) soda water
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker with cubed ice, combine vodka, yuzu, Hibiscus Cordial and lemon juice. Shake gently and fine strain into a collins glass over cubed ice. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh lemon wheels.
- *For Hibiscus Cordial, steep 2 hibiscus tea bags in 10 oz (300 ml) boiled water for 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (250 ml) of steeped tea with 2 cups (500 ml) of sugar and simmer to dissolve. Transfer to a clean bottle, allow to cool, seal and refrigerate for up to 4 weeks. Makes 2 cups (500 ml).