Update: Entries now closed. I checked and eliminated multiples including extra comments and spun the Random Number Generator. A winner has been chosen, and she has 7 days to respond. If I don’t hear from her, the next person in line will be hearing from me.
Anne Taintor’s new book — “I’m so happy it’s happy hour: sinfully delicious cocktails for any occasion” — is out. In it, she features 42 vintage-classic, Taintor-tested cocktails, each cleverly paired with one of her famous vintage captioned collages. The publicist sent me a free copy: This book is HILARIOUS, and I may just make it my #1 holiday gift suggestion for 2011. Stock up on some copies, and if you get a last minute invite to a party or dinner: Grab a book … run to the liquor store and grab the fixins for one of the cocktails … tie everything up in a pretty bag … and not only will you have a lovely matchy matchy hostess gift, you also will be helping to guarantee a lively soiree. Sure to be invited back next year! Meanwhile, I asked if Anne would answer some of my seriously silly questions about the book, considering the Vital Importance of Cocktails…. Also, leave a comment and you can enter to win a copy. Read on for creative wisdom from the one-and-only Anne Taintor –>
An all-time fave: Featured with Anne's recipe for a Whistling Gypsy
Anne, why is it that cocktails are so much more … interesting … than wine or beer?
Part of the magic of cocktails is the way everything works together. I was hesitant – to say the least – when I mixed my first Peckerhead. Southern Comfort? Sloe Gin? That sounded like a recipe for college flashback hell. But quite to the contrary, the Peckerhead turned out to be a delicious and refreshing cocktail! I was equally nervous when I shook up my first Merry Widow. Benedictine by itself makes me gag. But mixed with gin, sweet vermouth, pastis, and bitters it is quite divine.
Another part of the allure of the cocktail is in the process. When I assemble all the bottles, the shaker, the lime juicer, the teaspoons, and the frosted cocktail glasses, the ritual says “I am SO done working” much more emphatically than popping a beer bottle top ever did.
And then there’s history. Sure, there are impressive lineages of wine and beer drinkers as well, but, like my parents before me, I’ll always play proudly for Team Cocktail.
Hey, this one has best of both worlds. Featured with Anne's recipe for a Pink Squirrel
Which is funnier (and why): Cocktails or sex?
I’ve been told that cocktails make me think I’m funny. Sex does not have that effect on me. And looking at cocktails and sex from a purely mercenary point of view, there is just no contest. Dollar for dollar, cocktails are far funnier than sex. I often wonder just how many captions about drinking I can sell – because I have a lot - and the answer seems to be “infinite.” Whenever I write a caption that I think it’s absolutely hilarious, if it touches on sex it’s a dud. Maybe people laugh more about cocktails because, let’s face it, cocktails don’t generally bring up feelings of insecurity and inadequacy.
This one gets a Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri - yum!
Did you really test all of these cocktails? Any mishaps you’d care to tell us about (if you can remember)?
Many cocktail recipes have a lot of variations, so a number of the cocktails included in this book were tested several times. I must have tried at least six variations of El Presidente, and the one I chose, while the most delicious in my opinion, is not the original authentic recipe created in Havana in the 1920s and named after president Gerardo Machado. I also, with the help of my nephew, tested several variations of the Pink Squirrel. Then there were those cocktails that were just plain yucky… which meant more testing for replacement cocktails. So… towards the end of my research I was experiencing extreme cocktail fatigue and turned to my editors at Chronicle Books for help. They graciously tested the Zombie, the Best in Show, The Dirty Girl Scout and a few others I simply had no energy left to drink.
What does a person’s cocktail say about them, do ya think?
Before I started researching this book I was a one-cocktail girl. I liked martinis, and I liked them made with Hendrick’s gin. I’m also the kind of person who could go to a restaurant and order the same meal every time. Does that say I know what I like? Or does it say I lack a sense of adventure? Or that I fear being disappointed? Collecting and testing the recipes in this book has certainly broadened my drinking horizons. Could the fact that I moved across country immediately after completing the book be purely coincidental?
Win a copy of Anne Taintor’s new book,
I’m so happy it’s happy hour
The rules:
- To win: Comment below about your favorite cocktail. Or just, ‘gimme’. Non-drinkers welcome, too, of course. Remember: All things in moderation!
- I’ll choose the winner by Random Number Generator Tues. morning-ish, Oct. 18.
- You must reply to my email within 7 days or else I move on to the next in line. I’m not chasing you. Make sure your email is correct.
- U.S. and Canada only.
Disclosure: Anne Taintor Inc. is a current advertiser on the site. This isn’t part of the deal or anything, though. I just love her. Not in that kind of way, the other kind of way.
French 75
I have to say that I do love a good gin martini with an olive.
A chocolate martini is devine ~ anytime!
Why do they call them “cocktails?”
My first cocktail – and still just about my favorite – is the classic whiskey sour, which was a step up from those childhood Shirley Temples. I was allowed to have one whiskey sour with my parents, when we went out for a meal, in Manhattan in the 1970s. And seeing or having one always makes me think of New York in the 70s: the magic of riding in those old-fashioned taxis with fold-down jump seats in the back, and dressing up in a real dress teamed with purple tight with a fancy design in them, remember those?
I would love to win a copy of this book and I promise to write a fun review/cocktail post on Kitchen Retro if I do
I have to confess I’m pretty much a beer drinker, but think this book would be awesome.
I just like a plain ol’ rum and coke. i’m not fancy, just thirsty!
Cosmos and daiquiris and vodka tonics, oh my!
You’ve just given me a grrrrreat idea for gift giving and I’ll be checking out Amazon for this book! Maybe I’ll even have a cocktail party of my own and pick out a few favorites to serve. (Could I serve a Peckerhead without laughing hysterically)!
This book would look great behind my fully stocked bar!
Vodka Lemonade
Hi do love a good Mojito…mmmmm. Especially on a hot day!
A Sazerac served up in the Big Easy . . . mmmmmmmmm!
Any cosmo that tastes like a piece of pie…best of both worlds…
I love fruity rum drinks like Planter’s Punch, especially from beach bars where they have them mixed up in Slurpee machines! Nothing like having a buzz and a brain freeze at the same time…
Gin and tonic, please! I’dd suggest a tiki theme and not the phoney tiki. Dress as they do on Mad Men.
I’m not much of a drinker but I love Anne Taintor and would love a copy of the book.
Pink Squirrel!! I think you may have just helped me with half of my Christmas list!!
A simple Cape Cod. Delicious and refreshing!
Gin and tonic!
Depending on my mood, a classic Canadian Club Manhattan or an Absolute Vodka Martini (with almond stuffed olives is the best!).
A famous quote by I don’t know who: “Martinis are like breasts, one is not enough and three are too many”.
FYI for my 40th birthday (14 years ago) I had a classic 50s/60s cocktail party in my basement. People dressed in vintage clothes (I got an up-do that day), I had a bartender with Cosmos being the house drink of the night. I had jazzy martini lounge music playing and a live jazz band playing sets throughout the night. I rented those small round tall tables that people could stand at with their drinks and put black table cloths, flower vases, candles and table talkers on them (with famous drink quotes). We served 50s style appetizers. That party is STILL the talk of the people who were there as the best party ever! Think Holly Golightly’s party in Breakfast at Tiffanys. haha
Gypsy Kiss……………rum & choclate oh my
Spiced rum and ginger ale is something that my neighbor turned me on to. I love it.
And you’re right. This book looks so fun I think it will be my universal Christmas present this year!
Cocktails: all about the journey rather than the destination…..
Well, I must admit that I rather enjoy the place at which I arrive after a few medicinal / inspirational Margaritas.
Liberal application of good tequila can do wonders for vintage collage art – creating and viewing. (Just be sure to put the scissors away when you begin to see two of everything!)
Vodka martini with garlic olives, or a mojito!
Margarita
Hmm… how to choose? Cosmos and mojitos are at the top of the favorites list. Though I’d say my usual is a vodka cranberry–less calories!
I’m a simple girl. Bourbon and ginger.
B-52
gimme
A chocolate martini is always nice! Anne Taintor makes me smile.
I’ll take whatever is cold and wet
hahahha
Ooooh, gimme, gimme (please)! I MUST have this book to read as I sip my cosmo:) Thanks:)
I love Midori Sours! The unique green color always has people asking what I am drinking. The sweet and sour taste is soo delicious.
hmmm i dont really know that many, but I’d love for this book to get me started!
my favorite in college was the panty dropper….
Hi,
I’m a Margarita girl and only with my very, very good friend, Don Julio!
hmmm…I don’t really know of too many, but I’d love for this book to get me started!
Pineapple basil martini-tastes good but yet refreshing!
A chocolate martini is the best of both worlds….
A Vodka Fizz – shot of vodka, ginger beer (not ale), squirt of lime juice and slice of lime! Easy in a glass or jug with a straw!
Birthday Cake Martini …..pinnacle cake vodka, godiva chocolate…a little whipped cream and some sprinkles…bring on the fun. I would love to have this book to share with my girls….we all have Ann Taintor flasks!!
A Mojito is my nectar of the gods.
Any cocktail is a good cocktail..I just love Anne Taintor stuff so I would love the book…gimme…please?
White Russians are my specialty, I’ve got them down pretty good
Sometimes I feel like the “cocktail queen” I love and make them all, but my Absolute favorite is definitely the Kamikaze…Although a really Good Cosmopoitan made with Bicardi Limone instead of vodka is absolutely Amazing! Would love to try out some of your…cocktails!
‘-D
I love an Old Fashioned in the evening.
I’d LOVE to win this book (but fully intend to make several of my friends holidays bright by buying them copies)
I’m a whiskey girl myself…whiskey sour, whiskey and ginger ale…but I do like a greyhound on a hot summer night.
The dirty martini works for me!
Morning’….. I just love hosting monthly “cocktail” parties! Pretty much works like a potluck, however everyone (only about 5 – 6 folks though) brings their fav or a new one. Everyone loves this idea, it makes for trying out new drinks and great conversations
. One of my fav’s is “Between the Sheets” (tall shot glass with Brandy, Triple Sec, Rum and Lemon) YUMMY! Winning your book AT book would be a great addition to my Cocktail Parties!
Gimme this book OR a vodka tonic, two limes! Or pomegranate cosmo with a twist. Thanks for making me giggle every day I open my Anne Taintor calendar!
I’m teaching my step-son how to concoct cocktails. He’s 22 now, and is quickly learning that Life (big “L”) is sometimes survivable only with the application of the appropriate libation.
A caramel appletini is my favorite girly cocktail!
Bourbon Highball. That’s bourbon and ginger ale – they’re perfect together. Maker’s Mark is the best for that combination, I think.
And Anne Taintor’s booze-themed captions remind me of Dorothy Parker’s rhyme:
I like to have a martini,
Two at the very most.
Three and I’m under the table,
Four and I’m under my host.
I’ve never been much a mixed drink kind of guy. But, I’ve always wanted to find what “my drink” would be. For some reason Martinis seem like a drink I would identify myself with. Instead of a shot of whiskey followed by a chaser I think I would like to finally become a “grown-up” and have a mixed drink every once in a while.
I guess I’ve started my Christmas list. My wife will be so pleased.
A mint julep! Must have “rabbit pellet” ice, sugar, muddled mint and the best bourbon….and only in a tin cup, garnished with a sprig of mint!
I usually just have a rum and coke, but I love an occasional white Russian. The book looks great!
smchester at gmail dot com
jack & ginger is my fave
I love a good Margarita!
My favorite cocktail? Whiskey sour! Followed closely by the Cosmopolitan, made with a dash of Cointreau.
My favorite cocktail that I haven’t actually tried yet? Mint juleps. It’s just that I haven’t got the right hat and gloves… yet.
And yes, the accoutrements are half the fun of cocktails. I’ve “gone retro” in my kitchen, complete with retro cocktail shakers, bullet-shaped space rocket ice bucket, and “Mad Men” rocks glasses! I also have an Anne Taintor calendar on the wall… of course.
I would ADORE a copy of Ms. Taintor’s new book, please include me in the contest!
Mai Tai! …or Blue Hawaiian – anything that neon is worth drinking!
We’ve been mixing a cocktail of whiskey, cream soda and bitters. It’s our mock Manhattan, but we like to call it a Staten Island.
Hmmm, toss up between a cran/vodka or vodka tonic. Suffice to say, if there is vodka in it, we are good.
old school champagne cocktail, bellini, vodka/tonic… depends on the occasion.
Mmmm margaritas, any flavor will do. Just depends on the man and the mood.
White Russian!
So many cocktails, so few happy hours…
“Cocktails…..a few basic ingredients + a few “secret” ingredients=lots of fun!”
I’ve always been a drinking ‘snob’…even when young I didn’t last long on the beer trend. By 18 (legal way back then—for where I lived anyway) I was working in a bar and the bartender would let me ‘test’ out different cocktails. Through the years I’ve been through different phases, Beefeater Gin and squirt, Jack Daniels and coke, Bacardi and diet (after four kids…trying to watch my figure once I got it back!) and mostly lately have settled into Hornitos Margarita’s. “I may be easy, but never cheap!”
seven n’ seven
I like single malt scotch, neat. It screams boring and unadventurous.
A Kamikaze…..shaken-not stirred.
A Cosmo or a Champagne Cocktail!
Oh i love Ann Taintor! I must have this book! I like Lemon Drops but mainly I drink beer!
Dirty (like Huntington Beach dirty) Vodka Martini up…with extra olives. A girl’s gotta have a snack with her drink….
I’m partial to Amaretto Sours- it was love at first sip.
PEACH SCHNAPPES…A LITTLE WATER…LOTS OF ICE…YUUMMMM!
tasts like summer!
i agree.. peach schnapps=summer! i like my peach schnapps with iced tea in the good ol’ summertime.
Ketel One Martini, no vermouth, shaken till icy, with a twist….heaven!
oh, dear. well, i am an old fashioned girl.
of course, anything else with bourbon in it is high on my list – particularly bourbon and soda. and gin. in a g-and-t, or a martini (plenty of vermouth, please, i didn’t order cold gin in a glass). i am fond of a jean harlow as well – an excellent drink for fall.
oh, i would love to add this book to my collection – right by “the esquire handbook for hosts” and “crosby gaige’s cocktail guide and ladies’ companion”
Anything with whiskey any time of day!
I like cocktails, period. I like the word, I like the image it puts in my mind of a sense of ‘time to relax.’ I do love me a Southern Comfort Manhattan, moderation is the key for sure on that one, I’m such a lightweight.
I found an Anne Taintor pint glass at a thrift store in the Spring and the caption on it reads “she likes it shaken and stirred” It’s a lot of fun, and it’s held some tasty cocktails over the summer.
I have highball glasses that say “No you may not have a sip” – bought them at the dollar store! Just had to have them
So my favorite cocktail is anything with tequila….lately, my favorite is a
Paloma…tequila, grapefruit soda and a twist of lime….heaven in a glass
Who doesn’t just love the 5 0′clock cocktail? And why should happy be limited to JUST an hour? I just love Anne’s great sense of humor & sarcasam and would enjoy a cocktail with her anytime!
I love a good Cosmo, well just about anything with Vodka works for me….
I like Bloody Mary’s which may not be so much of a Happy Hour drink… so then gin and tonic, lime required. My husband likes pina colada’s! This book would help expand our horizons ^_^
Well, I’m a martini kinda gal, too. Twist my arm and I’ll sip a Lemon Drop, but make me a dirty martini (three olives, please) and I’m very happy it’s happy hour!
I thought I was the only one who insisted on 3 olives with a dirty martini!
Lately I’m all about a good Manhattan with a local whiskey. I know it’s a “guy drink” but I love it! And it makes me feel very sophisticated.
Gimme please
Love Anne’s stuff.
I can’t say Gimmie, I’ll just say Please!
And though a Bostonian by birth, the Manhattan is a cocktail Mod Betty digs!
Ever since I saw Roger Stirling order a Gibson on Mad Men, I just had to have it. Then there is Don Draper’s “Go to” drink……the Old Fashioned. Had one of those the other day. Bartender kinda looked at me funny. Oh…and the Gibson I ordered at a restaraunt the weekend before, they sent a kid to the store to get he coctail onions!
Am I the only one who fell off my chair after reading the cocktail called “The Dirty Girl Scout???????” What the heck is that? And who the heck named it?
My favorite cocktail?
AMARETTO SOUR! Love them, love them, love them!
If I didn’t have to go get in the school carpool line, I’d have one right now!
Woo woo.
That’s my favorite cocktail.
A woo woo.
Im boring… But I like a good margarita…
I like my blue skittle martini-Blue raspberry mix and volka with a blue sugared rim on my glass. Love them. I like to try new drinks and love pretty glasses to drink them out of.
I’m a gin and tonic gal but love trying new cocktails. GIMME the book , please?
dark & stormy, old fashioned or gin & tonic depending on my mood
I totally ordered this book today for my girlfriend who turns 40 on Saturday – can’t wait to buy some “ingredients” and help her celebrate by making cocktails! Now, just to get a copy for myself….
I’m into wine more now, but I remember how I loved Long Island Iced Tea in college!
Count me in!
My sister and I have a tradition of drinking Bourbon and Seven with my grandma. She would get a kick out of this book!
Yes! cocktails are perfect for any mid-century house because there are so many great cocktail accessories and accoutrements. I really love the Corpse Reviver #2. One of those great cocktails that are so much more than the sum of the ingredients (Gin, Cointreau, Lillet, lemon juice, Absinthe). Drinking something out of the ordinary makes you feel special. Aviation (Gin, St. Germain, orange juice) is another current favorite. I’m so glad “classic” cocktails are back in fashion! Gosh! I could just go on and on!
Windsor Canadian Whisky & Schwepps Lemon Sour. I cannot get Lemon Sour in my area – so the last time I visited MN (where I used to live) I brought back 34 bottles. Wiped the grocery store shelves clean! Lemon Sour is like a fizzy lemon soda.
Also, I discovered a while back = whisky is scotch, whiskey is bourbon. Watch for the E.
Remember all: Liquor before beer – you’re in the clear; Beer before liquor – never been sicker.
How could I forget – a well made bloody mary. Meal in a glass if made correctly.
Love to have a copy of this book for the Spring Beach Trip with the girls. We are always up for trying new cocktails.
Grasshoppers!! We have them every Christmas eve They are a tradition in our family!!
Dark and Stormy! I plan to make this a stocking stuffer for my friends–so I’ll be placing an order. But I’d love a copy for me, too!
Love Anne’s website. My favorite caption ever–the one with the two women looking into a meat-packed freezer–with the comment, “He took up so much more space on the couch.” Brilliant.
MAI TAI!!!! The classic tiki drink!
Tequila Sunrise topped with a cherry! The drink of choice for my husband and I on our first date. He impressed me by tying the cherry stem in a knot with his tongue. I was hooked! I want that book bad!!!!
I don’t have a favorite cocktail. I need the book to find one, so gimme please! Thank you!
I enjoy a cool, refreshing Cape Cod – prefereably made with smooooooooooooth Grey Goose or Belvedere
My favorite cocktail is the one in my hand!!
Slurp, gulp, guzzle, swig…ah…burp…hiccup! Scrummy! Please, may I have another…and another…and another?
I once had a broccoli daiquiri. Apparently we had enough to drink prior to running out of fruit.
I am not a cocktail girl anymore, although, as a sweet young thing from central Wisconsin, I admit to liking anything made with a liqueur called Cranberria.
These days I am a single malt scotch girl when I am all dressed up. When I let my hair down at home, I prefer a good hard cider. I live in apple country now, you know.
I do have my West Bend penguin ice bucket handy, and am looking for a good cocktail shaker to go with it, just in case friends drop in.
There will be many happy hours when I win this book!
My all time favorite was a cranberry daiquiri I had was served the holidays.
Please gimme! I promise to drink more and develop a twisted attitude if I can just win this book!
Gin gimlet. The only kind of gimlet as far as I’m concerned!
Non-drinker here, but Anne Taintor is hilarious!
Mine would have to be an Electric Lemonade from Pat O’s in New Orleans! They go down WAY too well!
Irish Coffee, for sure. Mmmm, coffee, whiskey, cream, sugar…..hey, is it five o’clock yet?
I could use some variety too. I myself am a classic gin martini drinker…with olives of course!
An Old Fashioned, for this old fashioned guy!
favorite?…hmmm. Love bellini’s but banana daquiri’s are also fabulous… and grasshopper martinis mmmmmm. could always use new recipes.. so please please please, I would love the new cocktail book
My FAVORITE cocktail? That’s like asking me to name my favorite friend…or my favorite child. So MUCH depends on context!
But if I must–Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic garnished with cucumber. Or a Bombay Sapphire martini. Two olives. Or a REALLY good bloody mary…
It’s a toss-up between a Rusty Nail, Stinger and a Nutty Irishman!
I’ll have a Mimosa, please. OJ and Champagne – I can feel healthy and happy too!
I would have to say, make mine a screwdriver please…
Beefeater martini (dirty)…should probably expand my horizons!
I lean towards a simple whiskey and soda, but I am willing to branch out…
I love a good extra-spicy Caesar with pickled asparagus!
IMO, you can’t go wrong with anything that has amaretto in it.
A Singapore Sling. To be 17 and indulging in a “grown-up” drink. It still makes me all happy and warm inside!
My favorite is an old school, classic Cosmopolitan! Absolute Citron, Cointreau, good cranberry juice, and fresh lime are a must! Shake with plenty of ice in a sexy retro shaker and serve in a chilled martini glass with a twist of orange…pure glamor! Reminds me of how much I miss Chicago!
A properly made mai tai in an authentic tiki bar is a little slice of heaven. If I’m wearing fancy clothes, I need something in a martini glass: a classic martini, a Cosmopolitan or perhaps a raspberry lemon drop. Although sometimes I’ve been known to order a drink to match my outfit.
Strawberry Daiquiris…especially in June. Pick the strawberries, eat them while sipping down a cold Daiquiri!
Oh my, the first cocktail I used to drink when I went out with my mother-in-law, was a Pink Squirrel!!! (She drank Manhattans.) One of my favorites, though, is the Side Car. It’s made with cognac and should have a sugared rim (in a martini glass). I’ve found that not every bartender can make it right. All of the ingredients must be top shelf so it’s quite smooth – like silk. Ooh, yummmmm….Now I usually get a good ol Screwdriver, but made with Stoli Rasberi; it’s easy so it can’t be messed up. It IS nice to have a tasty cocktail in a special glass. So classy!!!
Wolf’s Paw. Vodka, Lingonberry syrup and sparkling water. Yummy sweetness that sneaks up and leaves you on the floor.
Tito’s vodka – straight up.
Oh, my! It’s been a while since I had any cocktails. I used to drink cranberry juice and vodka on occasion, and once in a while, a whiskey sour – but I really have to be in the mood for that one! I’d just love to have the book!
Gimme a Tom Collins, and please, don’t use a mix, ever.
Personal fav is a cucumber martini. Equal parts fresh cucumber juice and vodka. Salt & pepper the rim of the martini glass before pouring then garnish with a wedge of cucumber.
So thrilled to see the new book. I’m getting married next year and we’re having a retro tiki-lounge party – these drinks will come in handy!
I like a Caipirimha – refreshing with Lime and my husband mixes up a great one!
My personal favorite is a gin and tonic. But the first cocktail I was allowed to drink was some wine mixed with 7-Up, when I was a teen, at holidays.
I’m a sucker for a mint julep! I remember my grandma always drinking Bloody Mary’s.
Tequila Sunrise of course!
Gin & tonic! I used to dislike them & once actually drank them at a Christmas party in hopes that drinking something I didn’t really like would curb my intake. Bad strategy: I had a brief moment of sobriety where I realized I was kissing my boss’s date under the mistletoe. . .
A gin gimlet (preferably, with Tanqueray Ten). Once upon a time, at a lowly bar in NYC known as CBGB’s, I was known as the “gimlet girl”. I am not sure if that was a good thing or not, but it seemed to fit.
I am mad for Mai Tais especially during the winter. Drinking them is cheaper than multiple trips to the Carribean.
Vodka Gimlet – Rose’s Lime juice is a must!
can’t go wrong with a jack and coke!
“A real gimlet is half gin and half Rose’s Lime Juice and nothing else. It beats martinis hollow.” –Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye, a midcentury novel if there ever was one
That’s pretty heavy on the Rose’s. For me a gimlet should be made like a martini but with Rose’s lime juice instead of vermouth–just a touch of lime juice. Mmmmm.
I love Anne’s stuff! please give me a book! my favorite cocktail is a Black Russian. Or maybe a whiskey sour. Sometimes a Singapore Sling. And I think Scarlet O’Haras are good too.
Looks like an interesting book.
Anything with russian vodka will do or maybe strait up????
Cosmo!
My favorite is the Manhattan, although I make it a bit different from the standard recipe:
2 parts burbon
1/8 part sweet vermouth
1/4 part maraschino juice
1 dash agnostura bitters
shake with ice and serve straight up!
A Grasshopper!!! Yum!
My favorite cocktail is a frozen margarita. Wait – make that TWO frozen margaritas.
thanks for the giveaway opportunity!!!
I love making cocktails for friends and family. Favorites include the Sidecar, the Gimlet, and the Manhattan.
How about multiple favorites? Can’t beat a mint julep (served in a jelly jar around this house) in the summer, but we are also quite fond of dirty gin martinis, manhattans, and the classic old fashioned to make use of our gorgeous, vintage, silver-rimmed martini glasses. Really, put a little bourbon in it, and I’m good to go!
appletini !
A Gombay Smash takes me to the Bahamas, but Jack and Ginger are classic.
My favourite drink — when I’m not pregnant — is Tanqueray with grapefruit juice and a splash of grenadine. So refreshing. Mmmm… And also a delightful shade of pink, too!
can’t go wrong with a white russian!
I don’t know if this counts, but I like vodka with just about anything…grapefruit juice, IZZE, cranberry juice, pineapple juice! Also, gotta love a good Irish coffee!
Two strikes are against me: I only drink beer (very, very dark, sumptuous beer); and I never, ever win contests. Okay, there was that one time in high school, but it was because I knew how much a gerbil weighs, okay? Anyhow, if I’m lucky enough to be picked in this contest, I’ll gladly accept the new book! Cheers!
a sloe comfortable screw against the wall.
My favorite drink is a mojito. I remember my mom drinking pink squirrels on special occasions! I should make that my new favorite!
Mexican martini!
I’ll take a Zombie or a Mai Tai in the Summer and a Manhattan in the Winter when I need to warm up. And if it’s been a really bad day, I’ll take a Painkiller (the cocktail that is!). Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
White Russian. If it’s good enough for The Dude, it’s good enough for me.
Baileys and rum yum
An ice-cold fancy glass with gin or vodka… and a whisper of vermouth… does me just fine!
I devoted my summer here in the Mile High City to the Paloma — tequila, fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda (I use Izze). Rendered even more awesome by something called Tequila por mi amante, the recipe for which can be found here:
http://www.cocktailchronicles.com/2007/06/21/tequila-por-mi-amante/
It’s amazing, and entirely worth giving up the real estate in your fridge for three weeks to make. My friends think I am magic when I serve it!
I am in love with Gin Rickeys ever since a fabulous bartender at Churchill introduced me to them… YUM! : D can’t wait to check out the book!
I’ve been drinking Maker’s Mark Manhattans at cocktail hour for over a decade…
No Maraschino Ever! Just Bourbon, a splash of Sweet Vermouth and a couple dashes of Bitters, shaken with ice and served “Up with a Twist” (How festive!) or like they do at the Four Seasons: a spear of Brandied Cherries!
Is it poolside on the Lido Deck?
Then it’s a Banana Daiquiri with a shot of Bailey’s: Creamy Goodness!
(After that time aboard the Volendam, I’ll never have a “Wang-Wang” – much less 5 of them – again….)
Is it Christmastime or are we Glacier-viewing in Alaska?
Then it’s a Hot Chocolate w/ Grand Marnier – topped w/ whipped cream!
Brunchtime is always Bellini time…
(Champagne and Peach juice)
…unless it’s Brunch at Neiman Marcus – Then it’s a “Naughty At Neimans”
(X-Rated Fusion liqueur, Vodka and Pink lemonaide)
Are we on the beach in Hawaii?
Then it’s time for a MaiTai or three: For extra fun, be always sure to save the little umbrellas and stick them in a friend’s hair like Geisha hair decorations…
…but lately, I’ve been in a Caipirinha mood – I think they go extremely well with Astrud Gilberto on the HiFi.
Singapore Sling! It was my favorite in high school (the drinking age was 18 at the time) and I ordered it at a bar recently and no one knew what it was. A Sloe Gin Fizz was good too.
Cosmo, I make up a bottle of it and keep it in the freezer
Need to expand the liquor cabinet so I can try some of the yummy sounding drinks everyone else is posting. Thanks Anne, for the giveaway and a chance to win.
Painkiller.
Love the little bit of nutmeg in it.
Filthy Martini ;O)
I am totally a cosmo girl with a twist of lime! low call and refreshing… and of course…
my fave that no one knows I am drinking….an Icepick.. sweet tea with a shot of vodka! great for family get togethers that drive you insane!
Bay breeze. Vodka, pineapple & cranberry. Tasty
ANYTHING WITH GIN! But I’ll keep it simple and say a gin & tonic.
Cuba libres for all!
It’s always happy hour somewhere!
Rum barrels if I’m at the Mai Kai. Otherwise I’m usually a boring vodka & tonic kinda girl. So clearly I need this book!
I want to get a copy just to frame the pictures with a cocktail recipe! I’d make FABULOUS wall additions in my place!!
I love mixing fruit juice with vodka then topping with champagne. I just add tini to the name.
I love a gin and tonic with lots of limes.
My husband is a wonderful mix-master and his plantation punch is a delight! I’d love to win this book for him.
I’m especially fond of “you mess with the kitty, you feel the claws,” although my kitties would never dream of scratching, HA!
I love gin martini’s and sidecar’s! The book looks wonderful!!