Summer Cocktail, Something Unexpected!

My mother-in-law and I always search for fun new cocktails to try at home. These recipes are either searched for on the internet, Opera inspires us, a new liquor comes out, or we find a fabulous drink from some new, hot restaurant! In years past we have done: Baileys/Mint Martinis, Cucumber Martinis, Skinny Girl Margaritas, Mojitos, Moscow Mule, and so many more!

Well ladies, I have found the Summer 2014 Liquor (not one particular drink) and a FEW recipes for you to try poolside! These drinks come with a side of sun 😉 Can you taste it already? And you will never guess what I am recommending….DRUM ROLL PLEASE: WHISKY! Who would have thought?!

I must be honest, I have never liked whiskey. I could not enjoy it on the rocks or with water. I just couldn’t do it. And it wasn’t until recently that all of these trendy “gastro pubs” and such each started serving their own takes on an Old Fashioned*, that I started taking a liking to whisky and really appreciating it. Again, honestly, I prefer my Old Fashioned heavier on the citrus flavor (which isn’t the traditional way to make it, but these versions are out there). This extra citrus makes the drink more enjoyable to me.

Sure, a true scotch/whisky/bourbon (these are different types of whiskeys, and named based on region and ingredient) drinker might not approve of mixing their golden liquor with sugary juices, but hey, they don’t have to try my suggestions if they don’t want to 😉

This past weekend I had the opportunity to try Forty Creek Whisky, and I tried several of their Canadian whisky varieties, in several drinks! And now I am a full-fledged FAN of whisky! And why am I a fan? Basically because the drinks I am sharing here are all very traditional drinks, but by using whisky in them the flavors are enhanced (compared to being made with a clear liquor) and these drinks become a WOW. Keep in mind a great whisky is important to use too!

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!

Forty Islands:
– 1 ½ oz. Forty Creek Whisky
– 3 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
– 1 oz. 7-up
Garnish: Cherry

Forty Colada
– 1 ½ oz. Forty Creek Whisky
– 2 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
– 1 oz. Coconut Milk
Garnish: Cherry and Pineapple Wedge

Forty Licks
– 1 oz. Forty Creek Whisky
– 3 oz. Cranberry Juice
– 1 oz. Peach Schnapps
– 1 oz. 7-up
(Could be a shot too)

*Old Fashioned:
– 2 oz. Whisky
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon water
– 2 dashes bitters
Garnish: Cherry and a Slice of Orange
Mix the sugar, water and bitters in a mixing glass. Add the whisky and ice cubes. Stir and pour into a rocks glass. (Jean’s version is to add a squeeze of fresh OJ to it!)