DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #71: Devil’s Kiss and Mystic Martini

For this week's EP of The Vodka Press, we indulged in two Absolut cocktails: Devil’s Kiss and Mystic Martini.

Devil's Kiss (according to absolutdrinks.com)

• 1 Part Dry vermouth
• 1 Part Scotch whisky
• 1 Part Campari
• 1 Dash Orange bitters
• Garnish w/ a green olive

Mystic Martini (according to absolutdrinks.com)

• 3 Parts Absolut vodka
• 1 Part Absinthe
• Garnish w/ a green olive

By Edward Cwik [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #67: New Amsterdam Toddy and Hot Spiced Wine

In honor of this week's episode of The Vodka Press - and the frigid, snowy weather we've been experiencing here in New England - we recommended the following cocktails:

Vandaag's New Amsterdam Toddy

(click here for the recipe via seriouseats.com)

Hot Spiced Wine

(click here for the recipe via leitesculinaria.com)

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #66: Lower East Side and A Night in Bangkok

For this week's episode, we indulged in some Grey Goose cocktails:

A Night in Bangkok

(Click here for the recipe)

Lower East Side

(Click here for the recipe

By Jek Bacarisas [CC 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #64: Black Russian and White Russian

For this week's episode of The Vodka Press, I recommended the following two cocktails:

Black Russian

(click here for the recipe)

White Russian

(click here for the recipe)

By cyclonebill [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #62 + 63: Redheaded Slut and Harvey Wallbanger

For this week's episode of The Vodka Press, I recommended the following two cocktails:

Redheaded Slut

(click here for the recipe)

Harvey Wallbanger

(click here for the recipe)

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #60: Peppery Ginger Cider and Cinnamon Bun Hot Buttered Rum

It's been quite chilly over here at TVP HQ, so when cocktail time rolled around, I decided to recommend two hot, boozy treats: Peppery Ginger Cider and Cinnamon Bun Hot Buttered Rum. Both of these drinks require a bit of preparation, but they're so worth it.

Peppery Ginger Cider (according to seriouseats.com)

• 8 oz apple cider
• 4 oz bourbon
• 3 oz ginger liqueur
• Squirt of lemon juice
• 4 cherries
• Dash of cracked black pepper

Cinnamon Bun Hot Buttered Rum (according to seriouseats.com)

• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6 ounces rum
• 16 ounces boiling water

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #59: Bitter Crush and Fever

When cocktail rolled around, I picked two sexy drinks to play off our naughty review of Nymphomaniac Vol. I & II: Bitter Crush and Fever.

Bitter Crush (according to epicurious.com)

• 1/4 cup Aperol
• 3 tablespoons white rum
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon sugar
• Garnish w/ a lemon twist

By heather, Canada [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Fever (according to epicurious.com)

• 6 tablespoons gin
• 2 tablespoons dry vermouth
• 1 teaspoon Dubonnet Rouge
• 1/2 teaspoon anise-flavored liqueur
• Garnish w/ a lemon twist

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #58: The Lush and The Shush

We had a heavy conversation this week on The Vodka Press podcast; so when it came time to recommend cocktails, I picked one that were fruity and perfect for indulging in (even overindulging in).

The Lush

• 2 oz Red wine
• 1 oz Organic pear juice
• 1 oz Organic blueberry nectar
• Top w/ club soda
• Rim glass w/ sugar
• Garnish w/ slice of pear

By hzeller via Flickr (CC by SA 2.0)

The Shush

• 1 oz Stoli Sticki
• Top w/ white grape juice
• Drizzle of almond flavored syrup

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #57: Juan Collins and Brave Bull

Tequila, anyone? That's what we're indulging in this week over here at TVP HQ.

Juan Collins (according to about.com)

• 1.5 oz silver tequila
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz agave nectar
• Top w/ club soda
• Garnish w/ lime wedge

By Dano Veal [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Brave Bull (according to about.com)

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz Kahlua Coffee Liqueur

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #56: Pom Cosmo and Gin & Juice

When it came time to recommend drinks for this week's episode, I chose two simple - and healthier compared to most other - cocktails.

Pom Cosmo

• 1 shot Pomegranate vodka
• 1 shot Orange liqueur
• Juice of 1 lime
• Garnish w/ lime wedge

Gin & Juice

• 1 shot Gin
• 1/2 cup Fresh squeezed fruit juice (try orange or grapefruit juice)
• Top w/ seltzer water

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #55: Tennessee Rose and Hot and Nutty Whiskey Sours

For this week's episode of The Vodka Press podcast, I recommended two cocktails perfect to indulge in after a long day of holiday shopping - regardless of whether that shopping was done in the stores or online.

Tennessee Rose (according to foodandwine.com)

• 2 oz Whiskey
• 3 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.75 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 0.25 oz Crème de Cassis
• (optional) Garnish w/ a lemon wedge and edible rose petals

By Uploaded by Sigketill [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Hot and Nutty Whiskey Sours (according to marthastewart.com)

• 3/4 cup Walnut-flavored liqueur
• 1 1/2 cups Whiskey
• 3/4 cup Simple syrup
• 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
• 4 Cinnamon sticks

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #54: Dracula's Kiss and Paranormal Activity

To celebrate Halloween - and the release of The Vodka Press's anniversary special - indulge in one (or both, because hey we don't judge) of this week's cocktail recommendations: Dracula's Kiss and Paranormal Activity.

Dracula's Kiss (according to about.com)

• 1 oz Black cherry vodka
• 0.5 oz Grenadine
• Top w/ cola
• Garnish w/ maraschino cherries

By sackerman519 on Flickr (CC by 2.0)

Paranormal Activity (according to about.com)

• 1 part Absinthe
• 1 part White crème de cacao liqueur
• 1 part Coconut milk
• Drizzle of black Sambuca

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #53: The Mystique and The Lady Thor

Have you tuned in to this week's episode of The Vodka Press yet? No? Check it out, and then indulge in one - or both, because hey we don't judge - of this week's cocktail recommendations.

The Mystique

• 2 parts Vodka
• 1 part Sparkling cherry juice (try this one from R.W. Knudsen Family®*)
• 0.5 part Blueberry juice (guess who also makes a tasty blueberry juice - R.W. Knudsen Family®*)
• 1 part Blue curaçao
• Garnish w/ lemon peel

The Lady Thor

• 1 part Champagne
• Generous drizzle of honey simple syrup
• 1 part Cranberry-raspberry juice
• 2 parts Strawberry-flavored vodka
• Rim glass w/ coarse sugar

*Note: I'm not being paid to promote their products, honestly. I just really like these juices. 

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #52: The Black and Stormy and Bourbon Blackberry Collins

We all needed a cocktail (or two) after recording this week's teen media episode - and what better way to celebrate than with sweet, quick-to-mix drinks?

The Black and Stormy (according to saveur.com)

• 2 oz Mount Gay Black Barrel rum
• 1 oz Fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 oz Simple syrup
• 1 oz Fresh ginger juice (*Note: blend clean ginger root w/ 1 oz water, then strain before using in cocktails)
• Top w/ ginger beer

Bourbon Blackberry Collins (according to foodandwine.com)

• 4 Blackberries
• 1.5 oz Bourbon
• 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 oz Simple syrup
• 2 oz Chilled club soda

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #51: La La Lola and St. Rita

This week on The Vodka Press, we got our geek on (again). So when cocktail time rolled around, I wanted to recommend cocktails perfect for when you're geeking out with friends.

La La Lola (according to saveur.com)

• 1 pint Pitted cherries
• 2 oz Rye whiskey
• 3 cups Cola
• 1 tsp Fresh lemon juice

By R Pollard [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

St. Rita (according to liquor.com)

• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 1.5 oz St-Germain
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt*

*Note: They say to just rim the glass with salt. However, when I recreated this cocktail at home, I found it still a little too sweet so I mixed the salt into it - and then it was perfect (for my taste buds). So play around with this drink until it tastes good to you.

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #50: Hellfire and Bloody Roman

This week on The Vodka Press, we discussed reality television. So when cocktail time rolled around, I wanted to recommend two spicy cocktails perfect for when you're bingewatching.

Hellfire (according to liquor.com)

• Juice from 1/4 of one lime
• 1 oz Spiced rum
• 2 dashes Tabasco Sauce
• 1 oz Ginger beer
• Pilsner

By Oneras [CC SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Bloody Roman (according to liquor.com)

• 2 Pitted green olives
• 12 oz Beer
• Roman Mix*
• 2 Shucked oysters

*Note: Click here for the Roman Mix recipe.

TOP FIVE FOR EPISODE #50: Reality TV Shows Worth Watching

This week on the Top Five, I counted down the top five reality TV shows worth watching:

#5. The Voice

#4. Syfy's FaceOff

#3. Project Runway

#2. RuPaul's Drag Race

#1. Top Chef

By espensorvik [CC 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #49: Ménage a XXX and Black Widow

This week on The Vodka Press, we discussed a variety of dating topics. So when cocktail time rolled around, I wanted to recommend two super sexy cocktails - sure to impress your date or hey, perk you up if the date's gone sour.

Ménage a XXX (according to about.com)

• 1 oz XXX Shine Salted Caramel Whiskey 
• 1 oz Trés Leches Cream Liqueur 
• 0.5 oz dark crème de cacao liqueur 
• 0.5 oz white crème de cacao liqueur 
• Rim glass w/ chocolate syrup

*Note: I sadly couldn't sample the Ménage a XXX (cursed cacao!) BUT I had Mr. Grimm try it and he loved it. So it's got a Grimm's stamp of approval, just not mine. 

By stevendepolo via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

Black Widow (according to liquor.com)

• 2 Blackberries
• 3 Basil leaves
• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 1 oz Fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp Agave nectar
• Garnish w/ a blackberry and basil leaf

TOP FIVE FOR EPISODE #49: Tips For A First Date

This week on the Top Five, I counted down our top five tips for a first date:

#5. Show up on time. Don't be late to your date, it sets a bad tone for the evening. Your time is not more precious than theirs, trust us.

#4. Don't assume your date is picking up the tab - and don't assume your date wants you to pick up the tab. When the check comes or when it's time to pay, offer to go Dutch or - if you wanna pay for it all - ask your date if that's okay with him or her.

#3. Paying for the date does NOT mean you are entitled to a second date, a hug, kiss, or sexual favor at the end of the night...and you need to be okay with that, otherwise you're a sexist scumbag. (This applies to men and women alike, folks.)

#2. Be nice - and what we mean by that is even if you don't think you want to go on a second date, respect the person you're with. Don't lie or make up excuses if they ask for a second date or to extend your current date; when you're just dying to leave, thank them for spending time with you, and let them know that you don't wish to go on another date or you don't wish to continue the evening. Bow out gracefully, and quickly, because...

#1. Still be nice even if your date is an a**hole. His or her feelings may be hurt, or hey maybe the person is a sexist scumbag - doesn't matter, that's still a fellow human being (granted an undoubtedly immature human being) and it's best to just leave. Don't stick around trying to explain yourself and don't stick around taking any back talk from them. Also, if they try to hassle you via email or text, block or report them (whichever you can do and/or feel comfortable doing). Move on with your life, and (hopefully) that a**hole will move on with his or hers.

DRINK RECIPES FOR EPISODE #48: Tough To Hear and Snap, Crackle, Drop

This week on The Vodka Press, we did a work redux. So when cocktail time rolled around, I wanted to recommend (literally and figuratively) hot shots to indulge in after a long day at work.

Tough To Hear (according to liquor.com)

• 1 oz Pepper-infused St-Germain*
• 1 oz Absinthe
• Splash of lime juice

*Note: To make the Pepper-infused St-Germain: Chop some fresh jalapenos or chilis and add them to 750ml of St-Germain in an airtight container. Let the mixture sit for 3 to 4 hours, then remove the peppers before using the St-Germain in your drinks.

By Antonio Morales García [CC SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Snap, Crackle, Drop (according to liquor.com)

• 1.5 oz Tequila
• 7 to 8 Dashes angostura bitters
• 4 to 5 Twists freshly ground black pepper
• Garnish w/ a lime wedge - and make sure to take a bite of the lime before you down this shot