Mistress Mix: 03/23/12

Friday, March 23, 2012

On Little Cat Feet

It was foggy in Chicago today. Like pea soup foggy. So, tonight it's time to break out the Trader Vic's bartender guide and shake up a Samoan Fog Cutter.

Trader Vic's Samoan Fog Cutter

2 oz. Light Rum

1/2 oz. Gin

1 oz. Brandy

1 oz. Orange Juice

2 oz Lemon Juice

1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

1/2 oz. Sherry

Mint Leaf for Garnish

Ice

Collins Glass

Fill Collins glass with ice. Add ice and all ingredients except sherry to cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into Collins glass. Garnish with mint leaf.

I Drank This

Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Riesling I love Michigan wines and liqueurs. This Riesling is from the Northwestern Lelanau region known for its premium fruit, especially cherries (!). (as opposed to the Southwestern Paw Paw region known for its vineyards and blueberries) I find Michigan excels in light, crisp, fruity wines - Chardonnays and Rieslings, especially. If you like Riesling, this is a fabulous option. I taste strong tart apple notes with a lemony aftertaste. It's perfect for a warm summer evening or a brunch. It paired perfectly with a sharp Holland Gouda and apples.

Chamisal Vineyards Central Coast Stainless Chardonnay I like oak notes in a wine, but sometimes a crisp, clear, zesty wine that lets the fruit flavors shine through is the refreshing wine of choice. Because I like fruity, zesty wines I'm open to the idea of wines and liquors aged in stainless barrels. Some wine-o-philes feel stainless barrels signify the End of Days, a blasphemy and insult to grapes the world over. But I've tried a few and so far, I have not been disappointed. The Chamisal stainless chardonnay promised tangerine, pineapple and lime notes and I definitely tasted all three. It definitely makes a strong case for stainless barrels.

Lauria If you can find this, buy it. Well, presuming you like pear and cream-based liqueurs, that is. I drank it strait over ice and it was love at first sip. If you like a little kick in your coffee or espresso this is a fabulous alternative to the "usual" coffee enhancers.