Booze Reviews: Ron Abuelo Anejo & Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka

Hot, Sticky, Sweet…

I’m always pleased to find booze news and cocktail recipes in my inbox. However, coming home to find a package containing bottles of booze to review is a definite day maker. The most recent box contained these two bottles:

 












Tomorrow is National Hot Buttered Rum Day, so the bottles were accompanied by a cocktail recipe (which I’ve shared at the bottom of this post). However before I could combine them, I had to taste them individually.

Ron Abuelo Añejo: Slightly sweet and a bit spicy with notes of vanilla and a hint of nuttiness. Ladies, it’s pretty strong in taste AND alcohol content (just about 80 proof). If you’re not a serious drinker, I suggest you keep this one for making mixed drinks (or serving to gentleman callers). I actually like sipping it neat (no mixers and no ice) in the evening.

Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka: Tastes just like I piece of caramel candy, but with a kick (a 70 proof one). This is a drink for someone who likes their drinks sweet, but still wants the feel the warmth in their chest. It plays nicely in cocktails, hot chocolate and coffee, but it’s also a delightful treat on its own.

Put them together, add a few more ingredients and you get:

HOT CARAMEL BUTTERED RUM 
 


3 oz Ron Abuelo Añejo
1 oz Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka
2 Tbsp stick Unsalted Butter, softened
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
2 Tbsp Honey
1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
1/2 tsp Nutmeg
Cinnamon Stick

Add all ingredients (excluding rum and vodka) into a hot drinking cup or mug.  Mix the ingredients together until they are well combined and have formed a batter.  Add Ron Abuelo Añejo rum and Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka.  Pour in hot water (1 cup or more to personal taste) and stir vigorously until the mixture has dissolved.  Garnish with cinnamon stick.

I actually made myself a batch, and it was deliciously naughty! Oh, and the perfect shoe pairing for this drink is either a cozy pair of slippers, or…

Samanta Viv Boot (via CSNStores.com)

Technorati Tags: cocktail recipes,liquor reviews,Rum,vodka,boots

Booze Clues: What to Drink While Watching the Golden Globes

Glamour in a Glass

Having friends over to watch the Golden Globes? Wondering what to serve you guests? Here are a few suggestions, inspired by some of the night’s big screen nominees:

Inception: Those who are into the mind-bending thriller genre will be rooting for Leo Dicaprio & co. Serve them a Lucid Dream Stealer.

It’s a traditional absinthe drip. Pour cold water over 1.5 oz. Lucid absinthe.  Stir and enjoy the trip. *Note, it’s a flavor similar to licorice, but MUCH stronger. Not for those with timid taste buds.

 

Black Swan: Ahhh the graceful, yet disturbing psyco-thriller… and who can forget the kiss between Natalie Portman & Mila Kunis? Serve those who fancy the ballet flick a Dobel Tequila Twisted Swan.

1 1/2 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur                                1 oz DOBEL Tequila
1/2 oz amaretto liqueur
Shake DOBEL Tequila & amaretto with ice. Strain into chocolate rimmed martini glass.
Shake vodka with ice & layer into martini glass

The Social Network: Where would we be without good old F-B… without an easy way to share thoughts, info and recipes? Your communally-minded guests will enjoy a Flor de Cana Zuckerberg Zinger. Feeling really social? Make it a punch.

1 oz  Flor de Caña 7 year-aged rum
1 seedless Watermelon
One good pinch of Cayenne pepper
4 Sugar cubes
1 oz  Lime juice
1 oz Club soda                                                 Dissolve the sugar cubes in 1 oz. of club soda. Add and muddle several 1-inch pieces of watermelon. Finally, add the rest of the ingredients one at a time and stir as added. Chill.

Good luck to all the nominees! Check back soon for our red carpet shoe review!

 

Technorati Tags: cocktails,cocktail recipes,Golden Globes,Inception,Black Swan,The Social Network

Don’t Mess With Me Monday: Sam Edelman Winsford Booties

 

A Hot Toddie for a Haute Hottie

Mother Nature gave some people a white Christmas this year, and dumped loads of snow on others just in time to screw with their Monday morning commutes. You’re not the type to let that stop your show, though. It’s a good thing shearling styling is a shoe staple this season. These Sam Edelman Winsford ankle boots (available via DNA Footwear for $209.99) are the perfect partner in the battle against the treacherous terrain and temperatures. The lug sole provides traction, and the 1.5 inch platform will keep the salt and grimy build up on the street from ruining your shoes. The 5 inch demi wedge heel might be a tough balancing act for some, but it’s a cake walk for you, and the fact that it’s a bit chunky only makes it better. Then there’s the clog-like detailing and furry ankle accent, which provide a rugged, yet cozy look.

Tonight when you wet your whistle, you’ll want to warm it, too. Chase the chill from your bones with a Spiced Hot Toddy made of spiced Flor de Caña Nicaraguan rum, boiling water butter and a cinnamon stick. It’s a smooth, soothing, slightly spicy way to end your day. Plus, the Flor de Caña is strong enough to keep your street cred with your drinking buddies. That means if you drink too many, you may be teetering on those 5 inch heels. Remember, there’s ice on the ground, and your backside definitely won’t enjoy a swift trip to a concrete kiss.

Technorati Tags: cocktails,shearling shoes,Winter 2010 shoe trends,Hot toddy recipe,Flor de Cana Rum

Shoe News: How to Win Free Fergie Shoes on Shoehunting.com

 

Fergalicious for Free!

Like the shoes in the picture above? Want to get them for $FREE.99? Thanks to a limited time giveaway on shoelovers’ social network, Shoehunting.com, you can do just that. First sign in or sign up at Shoehunting.com.  Then comment on either the Fergie Blazing or the Fergie Lustin and share your comment via Facebook or Twitter. Lastly, “LIKE” Fergie Footwear on Facebook. Shoehunting.com will randomly select one winner to win both pairs of shoes. The giveaway ends December 16th, so get to clicking quickly! Go here for full details and rules.

Technorati Tags: Giveaways,Shoehunting.com,Fergie Footwear