Like all good classic cocktails, the history is murky. It appears to have been invented sometime in the 1870s. References in the US and Peru are both noted in the decade.

You can make a variation on the drink by floating some red wine on top to make a New York Sour.

Recipe for a Proper Whiskey Sour:

• 2 oz good Whiskey (often bourbon but I used Cask & Crew Rye)
• 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup (I used gomme syrup for a fun spin)
• 1 egg white
• Dry shake everything in a shaker. A dry shake is without ice and optionally can include the spring from a Hawthrone strainer. This increases the air whipped into the egg white and makes for a better drink. Remove the spring, add ice and shake again. Strain this into a coupe glass and garnish with a maraschino cherry. I can also add an orange slice too.

The post National Whiskey Sour Day – August 25th appeared first on Nick Drinks.

I’m one of those people that struggle to get people great gifts. If you have a home bartender in your life, this guide should be your ticket to a holiday gift on any budget. These gifts are perfect for a significant other, favorite bartender, good friend or cocktail blogger. 

$50+

• • Ice Ball Maker – Cocktail Kingdom – $159.99
    • This is a show stopper that can sit on top of any bar. It takes a solid block of clear ice (Home Method). It then uses the heat conduction of the metal and the weight of the top plate to make a perfect sphere of ice. This is an impressive addition to a rocks glass of whiskey. 
  • Handheld Food Smoking Gun 2.0 – Amazon – $147.98
    • Smoking cocktails adds a rich flavor and elevates a simple drink to something complex and original. This is the new version of the appliance that is much easier to use and clean but they did up the cost 50%. You can find the old one, if you look hard enough. 
  • US Bartender’s Guild Membership – USBG – $125-$150
    • You don’t have to be a bartender to join. Many enthusiasts (like myself) are part of it. You get access to training, exclusive spirits/tastings, competitions, unique events and so much swag. If you want to take your home bartending to the next level, this is an ideal place for networking. 
  • Custom Ice Cube Logo Brand – Cocktail Brandalism – $110 +/-
    • Branding the name of home bar onto the top of an ice cube is far too cool for school. This company (based in Russia) will custom machine your logo, name or whatever into a professional grade tool that will actually melt that image into the top of an ice cube. Really wow your guests. My logo cost $110 so contact Vladimir (no joke) for a quote.

• • Custom Bourbon Barrel Top – Red Envelope – $100
    • I’m typically turned off by the “Things Remembered” type gifts but I was smitten by this when a coworker gave it to me. It shows off who owns the booze and is perfect for Instagram photos of your prized home bar. 
  • Make Your Own Bitters Kit – Hella Bitters – $59.99
    • Not only do they make great bitters but they make a kit so you can do it at home. I’ve even seen this in some local Michigan stores like Holiday Market. 

$50-20

• • Pottery Rocks Glass – Pewabic Pottery- $45
    • They are a Detroit Institution making pottery for over 100 years. These stylized rocks glasses are something different that are a true part of the city.
  • Yarai Mixing Glass – Cocktail Kingdom – $32.99
    • While you can use any pint glass to make a stirred drink, the Yarai is the gold standard for classy bars. They are heavy, durable and impressive.
  • Clean Crown – Bottle Opener – Website Direct- $25
    • You know those maps of Michigan or the US that you can insert all the beer bottle caps you have saved over the years to track your exploration? This bottle opener makes it even better by removing the beer cap without putting a crease in it. Show off those pristine caps the right way with this opener.
  • Spin Chill: 1 Minute Beer Cooler – Website Direct – $24.99
    • I adore this product. If you want a cold beer (or wine even) fast, just prepare an ice bath and spin it for 1 minute. It is a marvel of science.
  • The Carry On Cocktail Kit – W&P Design – $24.00
    • What started as one kit (the Old Fashioned) has blossomed into 7 varieties plus some special custom branded ones. These are compact and easy ways to spice up your flight or train trip. They are FDA certified and fit easily in a carry-on. 
  • Watering Holes: Your Guide to Detroit’s Bars – Direct – $20
    • It might be hard to believe, but there are people in this city that have visited more bars than I. Enter Mike Kline author of Watering Holes. He made a guide for over 150 bars, pubs and taverns in the city. A must read.
  • Imbibe Magazine – Direct – $20
    • The best cocktail magazine in my mind. Constant and informative.
  • Meehan’s Bartender Manual – Amazon – $20
    • Every year there is one stand-out book that just nails it in the cocktail world, this year its by Jim Meehan of New York’s PDT. The simple hard cover reminds me of an old library book and the dense 488 page tome is filled with techniques, tips and recipes. I read mine cover to cover.

Less than $20

• • Real “Boi Lele” Swizzle Stick – Cocktail Kingdom – $17.99
    • Swizzle Sticks actually come from a swizzle tree and are the only way to make certain cocktails like the Ti Punch. Any true bar would be naked without one.

• • Proper Drink Glassware – Hugh Detroit – $12-$75
    • Hugh on Cass Ave in Detroit is the best place to buy high end glass ware in the city. They stock amazing vintage and new products that constantly blow me away. I encourage you to check them out. They range in price.
  • Nick Drinks Glassware – Direct – $14.00
    • What do you get for someone that has everything? A Nick Drinks Rocks or Coupe glass of course. Made in the USA and printed in Michigan. Limited quantities so act fast.
  • Santa Mug – Miracle at the Skip – $9.99
    • In partnership with Cocktail Kingdom, The Skip Detroit is offering 4 different limited edition holiday mugs with their Miracle pop-up. The Santa Mug and Santa Pants are both pretty amazing but the shot glass and rocks glass are vintage delights. You can’t go wrong.
  • Japanese-Style Jigger – Cocktail Kingdom – $8.99
    • This is my favorite style of jigger. Not only does it take up very little room on a bar top but it has markings on the inside for smaller measurements making this act like many jiggers in one. Plus it looks really cool in your hands.

The post Nick Drinks’ 2017 Gift Guide appeared first on Nick Drinks.

While some of you were out celebrating this weekend, the die-hards know that St. Patrick’s Day is actually on Tuesday. You could grab yourself a gross green-colored beer. But why don’t you check out something more interesting? I asked four of the top beer influencers in Metro Detroit for their non-green beer St. Paddy’s Day selections. You will notice some favorites across the pack.

Joe Hakim, Principal of The Hungry Dudes

Joe is the driving force behind the famous Detroit Food Site, The Hungry Dudes. Provided 4 selections and a bit of background on each.

• – Milkking It Productions, Brik Irish-Style Red Ale – Brik is that buddy who never goes out, but when he does it’s always a good time. Brik is always around but really easy to gloss over. It’s a drinkable red ale that . Always consistent, pairs well with food, and totally sessionable, Brik is your entry level non-green Irish style beer and at just a bit over 5%, you can drink it all St. Paddy’s Day and not be falling face first on the street.
• – Great Lakes Brew Company, Conway Irish Ale – Consider Conway Brik’s big brother. Where Brik is light bodied and easy drinking, Conway is fuller bodied and should be consumed a little slower. With the heavier malt profile, this beer should be savored. Maybe not as much as a barrel aged stout, but it definitely shouldn’t be chugged like some random green light beer.
• – Arbor Brewing Company, Michael Faricy’s Stout – Guinness is known as THE Irish stout and with good reason – it has an incredible international presence. However, I’ve never been happy with Guinness’s flavor. Luckily, the Irish stout style is well represented around Michigan. Michael Faricy’s stout is a lighter bodied stout with excellent flavor. Coffee and chocolate dominate the flavor profile but give way to a dry, pleasant finish. One of the most interesting attitudes towards stouts is their unfortunate connection with Guinness – not all stouts are Guinness.
• – Short’s Brewing Company, Moher Export Irish Imperial Stout – This year Short’s decided not to bottle Uncle Steve’s Irish Stout (though it will be available on draught). Instead, Moher is available. As far as Imperial stouts go, the 9.7% ABV is right in line with what you’d expect. However, while drinking it I noticed there wasn’t the same overwhelming heaviness that some stouts exhibit instead the alcohol provides a comforting warmth while the beer somehow remains somewhat light on the palate.

Bobby Vedder, Certified Cicerone of Powers Distributing Co. 

The major beer distributor of the area is Powers Distributing and they are lucky enough to have Bobby Vedder on staff who is a certified Cicerone (trained beer guy). He recommended 6 beers; 3 Old World and 3 New World.

Old World:

• – Guinness – This is the iconic dry Irish stout, from Dublin, Ireland.
• – Harp – For when you want a crisp, clean Irish lager, Harp is the way to go.
• – Smithwick’s – A delicate amber, it is brewed in Kilkenny, Ireland.

New World:

• – North Peak Brewery Sinuous – This Celtic Ale is made in Michigan and is well-balanced with a crisp hop bite at the finish.
• – Right Brain Brewing Co. CEO Stout – This stout is made in the New World tradition, with chocolate and espresso character, lightened up by oatmeal.
• – Vander Mill Cider’s Apple – Because not everyone is into or can have beer. This has a crisp taste to try on St. Patrick’s Day.

Ashley Price, Da Man of Holiday Market Beer 

My go to beer guy at Holiday Market in Royal Oak, Mich. is Ashley. He has his finger on the pulse of the beer world and will tell it like it is. He has 6 recommendations. 3 that are easier to find and 3 that are more craft and select.

Craft Selections:

• – Shorts Moher Stout Double Irish Release  – Recent Release
• – Great Lakes Conway’s Irish Ale
• – Rogue Irish-Style Lager

Easier to Find:

• – Murphy’s Irish Stout
• – Wexford’s Cream Ale
• – Smithwicks

Courtney Ochab Co-Founder/Editor of Detroit Beer Press

Courtney is half of the duo that brings you the monthly Detroit Beer Press magazine. An actual printed beer magazine. Wow!! She gave us the tip on what Kuhnhenn’s is up to this holiday and 4 additional beers.

• Kuhnhenn’s is doing their Annual Breakfast of Champions beers for St. Patrick’s Day. They are featuring the following flavors; Lucky Charms, Captain Crunch, Cocoa Puffs and more.
• Motor City Brewing Works, Corktown Stout – Have you seen Corktown during St. Patrick’s Day???
• Short’s, Uncle Steve’s Irish Stout – Remember Joe Hakim’s tip. Draft only this year.
• Arbor Brewing’s, Michael Faircy’s Irish Stout
• Batch Brewing’s, Dead Irish Writers

Hope that is helpful. Get out there and have some beer drinking fun. Be safe.

Budmo!

The post Beers for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on Nick Drinks.

Shamrock or Clover is not native to Ireland but has been a symbol of theirs for years. I thought it would be fun to try juicing clover and mixing it into a cocktail. After juicing two giant plants I purchased from Westborn Market, I got maybe an ounce. The juice was incredibly tart and may even be toxic. While clover is safe to eat, large amounts of Oxalic acid can be poisonous. Use caution with this drink. The juiced clover was a great substitute for lemon juice so I made a play on a whiskey sour.

Clover Danger

2 oz Irish Whiskey (I used Bushmill’s)
1/2 oz Honey Simple Syrup
1/4 oz Clover Juice
1 egg white (optional)
2 dashes Angostura Bitters (optional)

The drink with just Irish Whiskey, Honey Simple Syrup and Clover juice is great. For the photo, I wanted to float a Shamrock on it and added the egg. It took a lot of the pop of flavor out but made the mouth feel real smooth. A few dashes of bitters brightened up the taste. If you do add the egg, combine all the ingredients in an empty shaker and shake with ice first. Then add ice and shake again. This is called a dry shake and helps combine the egg with the cocktail.

I love layered cocktails. They are a bit of a cop out but I’ll take it. When building floating drinks the densest ingredient should be at the bottom. This is likely the ingredient with the most sugar. You float ingredients by slowly pouring over the back of a bar spoon. It takes some practice but you get better at it. I’m…ok.

Eerie Eire Flag

1 oz Midori
1 oz mellow Gin (I used Aviation)
1 oz fresh squeezed Orange Juice

Start with the Midori then add the gin then top with OJ. Unfortunately, the Irish flag is not in that order. I attempted to correct that with different mixes and layering techniques but to no success. I leave this up to a smarter bartender than I. Mixed together these ingredients are really tasty. Separate, they are less tasty. I would recommend a brief stir before you drink.

One of the great classic “Irish” cocktails is the Irish Coffee. My wife picked up this amazing mug at a vintage store and I had to make the classic drink.

Irish Coffee

1-2 oz of Irish Whiskey (I used Jameson’s)
3-6 oz of Strong Black Hot Coffee
1-2 oz of Sweetened Homemade Whipped Cream

The traditional way to drink an Irish Coffee is to not mix the cream and the liquid. You drink through the cream. This creates a cool tingle on your lips from the cream and a hot rush from the coffee and booze. It’s a tasty after dinner treat. Depending on the size of your mug (the above one is pretty small), add 1-2 oz of Irish Whiskey then top with hot coffee. Leave about 3/4 inch of room for cream. Place a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top (place cream and a shot of sugar or simple syrup then whip with an automatic egg beater or whisk. Go for stiff peaks.)

I hope everyone has a safe and fun St. Patrick’s Day next week. Budmo!

The post Cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day appeared first on Nick Drinks.

In honor of the season, I made three cocktails in a variety of styles.

Downtown Mishegas

Manischewitz is a bit like sweet vermouth. It’s a red wine base that is sweetened. It doesn’t have the herbaceousness or the fortification but works in a pinch. Add it to some rye and bitters to make a delightful Manhatten

– 2 oz Rye (I used Templeton)
– 1 oz Blackberry Manischewitz
– 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
– Garnish with Luxardo Maraschino Cherry

Build all ingredients in a glass and fill with ice. Stir and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with cherry and serve.

Pousee Shalom

Layered Cocktails are a lot of fun and are based on specific gravity. Each type of alcohol can have a variety of specific gravities and for the most part this is based on sugar and alcohol content. Here is a handy chart. Starting with the heaviest on the bottom, you slowly add the next layer on top by ever so slowly pouring over an upturned bar spoon.

– 1/4 0z of Simple Syrup
– 1/2 oz of Concord Grape Manischewitz
– 1/2 oz of a mild Gin
– 2 drops of a spicy bitters or shrub (I used Bitterman’s Hellfire Habanero Shrub)

Layer them in the above order in a cordial glass and top with the bitters. Serve layered then mix throughly prior to consuming.

Schlocky Schmuck

Spiking the wine with some brandy and triple sec rounds out the flavor and makes for a great sipper.

– 1.5 oz of brandy (I used Journeyman’s Fine Girl)
– 1 oz Concord Grape Manischewitz
– 1/2 oz Triple Sec (I used Luxardo)
– Garnish with a Lemon slice

– Build in a tall glass and fill with ice. Stir then strain into glass. Garnish with lemon.

Hope these add a bit of variety to your Hanukkah celebrations.

Budmo!

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