Category Archives: recipes

zacapa rum

Zacapa Rum & the Cuba Libre

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Zacapa Rum is crafted in the highlands of Guatemala, aged at an altitude of 7,545 feet above sea level. This unique aging process, known as “aging above the clouds,” allows the rum to develop a deeper aroma and richer layers of flavor. The cooler temperatures and thinner air at this altitude slow down the aging process, resulting in a smoother, more complex rum.

Solera Aging

One of the key elements that set Zacapa apart is its use of the Sistema Solera method. This traditional Spanish aging process involves blending rums of different ages in a series of barrels that previously held robust American whiskies, sherries, and fine wines. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that include notes of caramel, vanilla, cocoa, and dried fruit.

Master Blender’s Touch

Behind every bottle of Zacapa is the expertise of Master Blender Lorena Vásquez. Her meticulous attention to detail and passion for rum-making ensure that each batch of Zacapa maintains its high quality and distinctive character. Lorena’s innovative approach and dedication have earned Zacapa numerous awards and a loyal following among rum enthusiasts.

A Legacy of Excellence

Since its creation in 1976 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the town of Zacapa, this rum has become a symbol of Guatemalan craftsmanship and tradition. Its commitment to quality and innovation continues to set Zacapa apart in the world of premium spirits.

Cheers to discovering the magic of Zacapa!

Zacapa & the Cuba Libre

The Cuba Libre is a cocktail with beautiful history and simple elegance, and has been a favorite for over a century. Originating in Havana around the early 1900s, this drink was born out of a celebration of Cuba’s independence from Spain. The name “Cuba Libre” translates to “Free Cuba,” a toast to freedom that has become synonymous with this refreshing cocktail.

The classic recipe is straightforward:

  • 1/4 of fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz of Zacapa rum
  • top-off with Mexican Coca-Cola
  • build in a highball glass and garnish with a lime wheel

The lime juice adds a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the cola, while the rum provides a smooth, tropical base. Served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a lime wedge, the Cuba Libre is both simple and sophisticated.

Whether you’re toasting to freedom or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, the Cuba Libre is a timeless choice that never goes out of style.

Discovering Italicus: The Renaissance of Rosolio

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If you’re a fan of unique and sophisticated liqueurs, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto should be on your radar. This exquisite Italian liqueur has been making waves in the world of aperitifs since its launch in 2016. Let’s dive into what makes Italicus so special and why it deserves a place in your cocktail repertoire.

A Brief History

Italicus was created by Giuseppe Gallo, an Italian bartender with a passion for reviving traditional Italian spirits. Inspired by a family recipe and the almost forgotten category of rosolio, Gallo set out to create a modern version of this historic liqueur. Rosolio, once known as the “aperitivo di corte” or “drink of kings,” was a favorite among Italian royalty in the 18th century.

The Ingredients

What sets Italicus apart is its unique blend of ingredients sourced from various regions of Italy. The primary flavor comes from Calabrian bergamot oranges, known for their distinctive citrus aroma. This is complemented by Sicilian citrons, chamomile from Lazio, lavender, yellow roses, lemon balm, and gentian from Northern Italy. The result is a liqueur that is both floral and citrusy, with a perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness.

The Production Process

Italicus is produced at Torino Distillati, a family-owned distillery in Moncalieri, near Turin. The distillation process involves macerating the botanicals in alcohol, mixing them with water, and sweetening the blend with sugar. The final product is bottled in a stunning aquamarine-colored bottle, designed to evoke the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, Italicus offers a fragrant bouquet of citrus, bergamot, and herbal notes. The taste is a delightful mix of citrus, grass, and floral flavors, with a hint of sweetness and a touch of bitterness. It’s a versatile liqueur that can be enjoyed on its own, over ice, or as a key ingredient in a variety of cocktails, like the Bergamot Negroni:

Bergamot Negroni (pictured above)

  • 1 oz Italicus
  • 1 oz gin
  • 1 oz dry vermouth
  • garnish with olives or a twist of lemon.

Conclusion

Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto is more than just a liqueur; it’s a journey through the rich history and diverse landscapes of Italy. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, Italicus offers a unique and delightful experience that is sure to impress. Cheers to discovering the renaissance of rosolio!

Boozy Watermelon Aguas Frescas

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Sugarland’s Sour Watermelon Moonshine is a delightful twist on traditional moonshine, capturing the essence of summer in a jar. This moonshine offers a bold and refreshing flavor profile that combines the juicy sweetness of ripe watermelon with a tangy, sour kick. At 60 proof (30% alcohol by volume), it provides a smooth yet potent experience.

The first sip reveals a burst of watermelon flavor, reminiscent of biting into a fresh slice on a hot day. The sour notes add an unexpected but pleasant twist, balancing the sweetness perfectly. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy fruity spirits with a bit of a zing.

One of the standout features of Sugarland’s Sour Watermelon Moonshine is its versatility. It can be enjoyed straight, over ice, or as a base for creative cocktails. Its vibrant flavor pairs well with mixers like lemonade, soda, or even a splash of tonic water. We made a boozy version of a watermelon aguas frescas with it:

Boozy Watermelon Aguas Frescas (by Simple Cocktails)

  • In a Tom Collins glass filled with ice, add:
  • 2 oz Sugarland’s Sour Watermelon Moonshine
  • Top with strained, fresh watermelon aguas frescas and stir
  • Spoon reserved watermelon pulp on the top
  • Add 2 dashes of cucumber bitters (we used Bitter Truth)
  • Garnish with mint and lime

Overall, Sutherland’s Moonshine Sour Watermelon is a must-try for moonshine enthusiasts and those looking to explore unique, flavored spirits. Its refreshing taste and balanced profile make it a perfect addition to any summer gathering or a fun twist for your next cocktail party. Whether you’re a seasoned moonshine drinker or a curious newcomer, this sour watermelon variant is sure to impress.

Yuzu Sour

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yuzu sour cocktail

I recently came across East Bev Co, a cocktail box subscription service that focuses exclusively on Asian and Asian-inspired ingredients. They were kind enough to send me a sample of one of their boxes, which includes ingredients to make 3 different cocktails, and comes with enough to actually make 4 of each. Helloooooo dinner party!

eastbevco recipe cards

East Bev boxes run about $50 per month, and includes all ingredients but alcohol. My 3 recipes this month called for Sake, so a single bottle would be perfect to make all 12 drinks. I chose the Yuzu Sour, and here’s how you do it:

Yuzu Sour (via East Bev Co)

  • in a shaker, combine:
  • 2 oz sake
  • 1 oz yuzu juice (provided)
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (provided)
  • shake with ice and double-strain into a rocks glass filled with ice
  • garnish with bitters or a lemon peel (I did both!)

So you’re left with a deliciously tart, balanced drink with ingredients that you can’t usually find on the grocer’s shelf. For aficionados of Asian culture and for those who like to experiment with their food and drink, East Bev is a fun addition to a dinner party. Subscriptions are available here.

RumChata Candy Cane

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rumchata candy cane

There’s no doubt that the Holidays are a great time of year to break out the RumChata. Show up to the party with a chilled bottle, and people will always be thrilled. Of course, this leave lots of opportunity to experiment with great Rumchata winter drinks.

RumChata, if you don’t know yet, is rum, cream, vanilla, cinnamon and sugar. It’s great to mix with warm drinks (coffee, cocoa and tea) and it makes for some killer cocktails with lots of spirits. Here’s one I made called a Candy Cane:

Candy Cane (by Greg Mays)

  • in a rocks glass filled with ice, add:
  • 1 1/2 oz RumChata
  • 1 1/2 oz white rum
  • 3/4 oz of peppermint schnapps
  • stir gently to combine
  • carefully drizzle grenadine down edges of glass to resemble stripes

Special thanks to our sponsor RumChata.

RumChata RRR Cocktail

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RumChata RRR cocktail

I have been glad to have RumChata join us as a sponsor for the past few years at Simple Cocktails, and I’ve been starting to wonder if I’ll run out of ideas for new RumChata cocktails. Today, I opened, the liquor cabinet, and thought to myself: what do I love? Let’s make that a drink.

I grabbed RumChata, rye whiskey and aged rum. I poured equal parts and shook it on ice. I could not believe how delicious this cocktail was. Time to share the recipe…this is my current go-to RumChata drink!

RumChata RRR (by Greg Mays)

  • In a shaker, combine:
  • 1 oz RumChata
  • 1 oz high-proof rye (100+ proof)
  • 1 oz aged rum (5 years+)
  • shake with ice and strain into a cocktail coupe
  • garnish with a stemmed cherry
Thanks to our sponsor RumChata.

Hunny Peach (feat. RumChata)

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hunny peach cocktail

I’ve had the pleasure of working with RumChata for the past few years and have had the opportunity to experiment at great lengths with their versatile cinnamon cream liqueur. So far, I’ve run into very few limitations for RumChata in cocktails. Initially, I began with riffs on the White Russian, or the other standard cream liqueur drinks, like a splash in coffee or cocoa.

What has surprised me, though, is how RumChata works with other liquors, like gin, applejack or whiskey. In fact, I’ll go as far to say that cocktails with RumChata and whiskey are some of my favorites. Here’s a new cocktail I created called the Hunny Peach:

Hunny Peach (feat. RumChata) by Greg Mays

  • in a shaker, combine:
  • 2 oz RumChata
  • 2 oz Jack Daniels Honey
  • shake vigorously with ice
  • strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice
  • top with 2 dashes of the Bitter Truth Peach Bitters
Thanks to our sponsor RumChata.

RumChata Soda

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RumChata Soda

Did you know that combining a shaken cocktail with club soda can give you a “foamy” consistency to a tall drink? That’s exactly what I had in mind as I made this cocktail with RumChata and as warmer weather is on the horizon.

This tall cocktail, in fact, is really a template for a delicious creamy drink, and nearly every part can be interchanged with other ingredients to create a unique RumChata soda that fits your tastes. Don’t like chocolate syrup? Replace with caramel! There are lots of great options here.

Here’s the recipe for this simple, tasty soda fountain drink:

RumChata Soda

  • in a cocktail shaker, add:
  • 1 1/2 oz RumChata
  • 1/2 oz chocolate syrup
  • 1 oz vodka
  • shake vigorously with ice
  • in an ice-filled collins glass, fill about 1/3 with club soda
  • strain the cocktail into the glass
  • fill the remaining space with club soda, which should foam up nicely
  • garnish with an orange twist and serve with a straw!
Thanks to our sponsor RumChata.

Spiced Chata

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spice-chata downsized

Every time Fall and Winter arrive, my RumChata bottles go quick. From adding a shot to coffee or hot cocoa to making some great rum or whiskey based cocktails with it, the cinnamon and horchata flavors make it easy to create a great cold-weather drink.

With that in mind, I decided to make a drink that’s got an easy mixing ratio (2:1:1) and is perfect for sipping by the fire! Here’s the Spiced Chata cocktail:

Spiced Chata (by Greg Mays)

  • in a shaker, combine:
  • 2 oz amber rum
  • 1 oz RumChata
  • 1 oz spiced liqueur (I used Jägermeister Spice)
  • shake with ice and strain into an old fashioned glass with ice cubes
  • garnish with an apple slice

Alternatively, you can serve “up” in a chilled cocktail glass with no ice. Enjoy this Fall cocktail from our sponsor RumChata!