COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH By Jess B of The Library Oxton
W L
WHITE RUSSIAN HOT TODDY
COCKTAILS OF THE MONTH By Jess B of The Library Oxton
White Russian :
As the weather is starting to turn , we look at two cocktails this week to help you get over those summer blues and get into the autumn spirit . Our first cocktail is a variation of the popular after dinner drink the Black Russian . Made with 2 parts Vodka , 1-part Kahlua this cocktail has many variations , although what we ’ re looking at today is the White Russian . Whilst neither of these drinks were actually created in Russia , the name refers to the primary ingredient Vodka and its association with the country .
The Black Russian was first created in 1949 in Belgium and is said to have been specially made for the US ambassador to Luxembourg . The White Russian , however , was created a few years later when a mixologist added heavy cream to the simplistic blend of Kahlua and Vodka , rendering it white . Although this cocktail did see popularity in the disco years it swiftly faded out of fashion until the late 90 ’ s when the film ’ The Big Lebowski ’ was released . Throughout this film , Jeff Bridges ’ ‘ the dude ’ manages to drink 9 White Russians , being his only drink of choice for the entire length of the film . After this the cocktail was given a new lease of life and rose to popularity again , being a classic on cocktail menus ever since .
The simple yet tasty cocktail serves as a decedent after dinner drink . Combining the sweetness of the Kahlua and the richness of the cream , the White Russian is a perfect dessert drink for cosying up in front of a fire on a chilly autumn evening .
Ingredients :
• 2 ounces of Vodka
• 1 ounce of Kahlua
• 1 ounce of heavy cream
Method : In a lowball glass filled with ice , pour in the Vodka and Kahlua and stir together with a cocktail spoon . Next , pour heavy cream over the top of the ice .
Hot Toddy :
If you ’ re looking for a drink that is going to warm you up and soothe cold symptoms that are all too common during colder days , then the Hot Toddy is for you . This hot cocktail blends whisky , honey , lemon with boiling water at its core with multiple variations used worldwide .
As with many cocktail origin stories the history is widely disputed . However , one story tells the tale of Robert Todd an Irish doctor who ordered his patients to drink hot Brandy , cinnamon and sugar water . With its routes starting as a medicinal drink , it was even featured in the Burlington Free Press in 1837 named as a ‘ cure ’ for the common cold . During the cold winters of this period , pubs throughout the North of England would sell their own version of the Hot Toddy , adding a variety of spices to the classic recipe such as cinnamon and aniseed . Since then it has become a staple autumn drink in many bars , with many adding juices such as apple or cranberry to add extra festive flavour .
Whilst I am not recommending you use this drink as a cure for anything at all , it is sure to help you feel warm and cosy on colder autumn evenings , and you don ’ t need a cold as an excuse to have one !
Ingredients :
• 200ml boiling water
• 50ml Whiskey
• 2-4tsps honey ( or use agave nectar / sugar )
• Half a squeezed lemon
• 1 cinnamon stick ( optional )
Method : Add the lemon juice , honey and Whiskey into your favourite mug . Add the boiling water and stir until the honey is dissolved . Serve with a slice of lemon or a cinnamon stick . It ’ s as simple as that !
It is your choice if you want to either blend the drink completely or you want to create the swirled pattern seen in bars . For the latter , stir with a cocktail spoon gently and only a few times .
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