Paper Airplane Martini

A little paper airplane won't hurt you, now will it?
LOL, better be careful with these, they are strong and yummy, and taste like one more!

I had this cocktail first at the Amaro Bistro in Bothell, but apparently the Paper Airplane cocktail was invented about 10 years ago by a famous NY bartender, Sam Ross.  It's said to "take the math out of mixing"- from the easy 4 equal measures.  Kind of a whiskey sour with a wonderful herbal complexity of the amaro.

Makes 1 big martini
Ingredients

1 ounce bourbon or rye whiskey (I used Bullet Rye)

1 ounce Nonino amaro (bittersweet Italian liqueur)

1 ounce Aperol (bitter orange Italian aperitif)

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

As you can see below, I squeezed two meyer lemons and got 2 ounces of juice, therefore, it was easy to add 2 ounces of each of the other ingredients (magic potions) to make a batch for two. 

In a shaker filled with ice, add all the ingredients and shake, shake, shake.  Strain into martini glasses and enjoy!

Note: On first taste, my hubby said "it's pretty bitter", which is from the two types of amaro.  Mixed with the whiskey and lemon juice it is the right amount of sweet, tart and bitter (and booze).  On second taste, he said "it's totally fine".
I agree, a paper airplane is totally fine.

Need some regular food, drink or travel ideas?  "Like" my Facebook page

St Germain Manhattan

Tis the season to be jolly, right?

I've been a little remiss lately and it has been a couple months since I last posted.  You know, sometimes has a way of getting in the way of things we like to do.  We all get busy, but always remember to do the things that give you joy.  LOL, that is blogging and making cocktails for friends and family too.  This is the perfect time of the year to do that.

Manhattan's are always yummy, but this one has a great "light" twist by using dry vermouth and St. Germain.  I highly recommend this one.  I intend to make some more of these, but I am going to have to head to the liquor store to pick up my single most favorite liqueur of all time, St. Germain.

Have a safe and fun New Year's. I wish you health, happiness and joy in 2018.

Makes 1 (but easy to double)
Ingredients

2 parts Bourbon
1 part St. Germain (elder flower liqueur)
1/2 part dry vermouth (or dry white wine works too)
2 dashes Angostura bitters

Garnish with maraschino cherry or orange twist and serve over ice, or straight up in a martini glass.  This is a strong drink... so I like the way the ice mellows it.

Need some regular food, drink or travel ideas?  "Like" my Facebook page