So, we got another call from KXAN and this time they wanted to know about some HOT (as in "what's sooo hot right now") cocktails. Of course in light of it being NYEve this week champagne makes sense, but we just blogged on Champagne Cocktails (NYEve-Champagne Cocktails). So, of course, I had to have a ladies night where I collected couple of friends and a handful of recipes that featured cool and groovy ingredients.

Choosing what to make and keeping it varied was a bit of a challenge...so after a couple days of "mixing" ideas in my head, I decided to head over to the Twin Liquors Marketplace at Hancock Center...a mixologist's mecca. I walked the shelves with staff members and we looked up some interesting recipes online. I wanted to create 4 drinks that featured some exotic liqueurs and some fresh herbs. That to me seems to be where "it's at" these days in the bar scene...at least in places like Austin, NY & SF!!

Imagine the ladies' surprise when I bounded into the place with a big box of spirits and herbs and juices. There was some hootin' goin' on!

So, onto the drinks...I of course started off trying to follow some of the recipes to a T, but if you know me, I just can't do that...not even with my cooking. I must always adjust...it's a thing! We had a blast, mixing and remixing and making simple syrup which coated the entire kitchen counter at one point. I tried this and that...and the girls had big grins and made "yucky" faces. However, when it was all said and done I had 4 pretty fun and solid recipes and a slight tummy ache. Keep in mind that my normal cocktail is an Extra Dry Vodka Martini or a really good Bourbon on the rocks. But, I do what I must to create fun recipes for YOU! It's a tough job my friends!

okay, okay. you want to know about the recipes. well, all ideas were pulled from customers and various liquor company websites...then, we tweaked 'em good. You could tell after making each recipe which liquor company actually had a mixologist on staff and which companies just threw stuff together. So, in the interests of not naming any names and the fact that we really did change these recipes up A LOT, I have renamed some of these.

Oh, and I like to give recipes in "parts"...so you can multiply by however many drinks you want. But all the recipes serve about 1-2 drinks.

And remember, cocktails are ONLY AS GOOD as the ingredients you put into them. So make sure to use great quality stuff and fresh product whenever possible. 

Green-Tini (very dry, with a hint of sweet in the finish)
2 parts-Charbay Green Tea Vodka
1 part-St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1 part-Ty Ku Sake
dash-lime juice

pour everything into a shaker filled with ice.
shake, shake, shake.
serve up in a chilled martini glass.
lime twist garnish.

Absolut Black Basil (refreshing and light, drier alternative to a lemon drop)
4-basil leaves torn
2 parts-Absolut Black 100 proof Vodka
2 parts-fresh squeezed Lemon Juice
1 part-Danny DeVito's Limoncello
1/2 part-simple syrup
tonic floater (Fever Tree or Q Tonic, recommended)

in a stainless shaker, muddle basil and simple syrup.
fill with ice.
add, vodka, lemon juice, limoncello.
shake, shake, shake.
strain into a highball filled with ice.
floater of tonic, as you like.
lemon twist and basil garnish.

Raspberry-Ginger Snap (sweet and spicy)
3 parts-Raspberry Vodka (Hangar One or Three Olives, recommended)
2 parts-Canton Ginger Liqueur
dash-lime juice
dash-simple syrup
tonic floater (Fever Tree or Q Tonic, recommended)

in a stainless shaker add ice, vodka, canton, lime juice and simple syrup.
shake, shake, shake.
pour contents, ice and all, into a tall skinny highball
floater of tonic, as you like
raspberry and fresh ginger slice garnish (optional)

Pineapple-Sage Tequila Shot (fruity and rich)
2-3 sage leaves, torn
dash-orange liqueur (Grand Marnier/Citronge/Paula's Orange, recommended)
dash-agave nectar/syrup
1 part-Don Julio Anejo Tequila
1 part-Pineapple Juice (fresh or really good bottled)

in a stainless shaker, muddle sage leaves with orange liqueur and agave nectar.
add ice, tequila, pineapple juice.
shake, shake, shake.
Pour into a tall skinny chilled shot glass.
pineapple wedge garnish (optional)