Cocktail No 41 New Yorker

In need of a hair of the dog following the 30 years school reunion which kicked off about this time yesterday evening in London, I went for short, sharp and very strong - and a good choice it was.

There is only one teaspoon of grenadine, but its gives a remarkable intense colour and just the hint of sweetness to balance the lemon juice.

Its essentially a Bourbon Sour with a bit of colouring and Orange oil. Regardless it has gone down very well and was just the lift needed for this tired old soak.

Recipe

Add 1.5 measures of Bourbon to a shaker with 1/2 measure of Lemon Juice and 1 teaspoon of Grenadine. Shake on ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Squeeze a piece of Orange Peel over the top and drop in (I also added Orange Bitters).

Cocktail No 37 Lieutenant

Back to the sweet and strong. Bourbon based, the Apricot Brandy comes strongly though with that characteristic "jam-like" taste, smoothing out the sour mash. The other sour is grapefruit juice which is much more delicate and subtle than lemon or even orange in other drinks.

Very pleasant on a cold winters night. I don't think it would work as well in a hot tropical night, as its a bit sweet for me.

Recipe

Add 1 measure Bourban Whisky to a cocktail shaker with 1/2 measure Apricot Brandy and 1/2 measure of Grapefruit Juice. Sweeten with 1 teaspoon of Sugar Syrup. Shake on ice and strain into a Cocktail glass. Decorate with a cherry on a stick.

Cocktail No 26 Rabbit's Revenge

Surprisingly quiet on the trick or treat front, so time to indulge in another. The pineapple is the dominant note, but the Bourbon also cuts through. It is quite sweet, but nothing like a Pina Colada. It feels viscous, although it isn't. The soda water really lifts it (oops just realised it should have been Tonic Water - perhaps I will have to remix).

All in all, very pleasant.Not sure what it has to do with Rabbits!

Recipe

Add 1.5 measures Bourbon to a shaker with 1 measure Pineapple Juice and 2-3 dashes Grenadine. Shake on ice and strain into a Tumbler. Top up with Tonic Water (or Soda Water).

Cocktail No 20 Old-Fashioned

Another of the classics and well deserved it is.

A sweet blast of ice cold bourbon hits the taste buds, with the unmistakable aftertaste of the bitters resonating across the tongue until the next sip. There is a very slight hint of Southern Comfort in this one, although I have also made it without the sugar and its just as good.

I think I am becoming hooked on these cocktail cherries!

The mixing is simplicity itself:

Recipe:

Add 1 teaspoon caster sugar to a tumbler with 1 teaspoon of water and 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters (I started with 1 dash, but the bourbon overpowers it and it really needs the 2nd one). Stir well until the sugar has dissolved. Add 2 measures of Bourbon and 2-3 ice cubes. Stir until chilled. Garnish with cocktail cherry and orange slice.