What is SirDavis Whisky?

Launched in 2024, SirDavis is an American rye whiskey that’s distilled in Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston, Texas. The whiskey is named after her great-grandfather, Davis Hogue, who was an avid moonshiner during Prohibition.

This whiskey is more than a nice story and a pretty face (though the bottle is gorgeous). It was developed in collaboration with Moët Hennessy and master distiller Dr. Bill Lumsden, and is double-aged in American oak barrels and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

The resulting liquor has a silky-smooth mouthfeel with notes of spice, stone fruit and citrus. In true Beyoncé fashion, it has a bit of a kick that mellows out to caramel and just a touch of vanilla. I recommend drinking this whiskey neat the first time you try it for the full experience, then trying it in your favorite classic cocktails, like a whiskey sour, sazerac or hot toddy.

SirDavis American Rye Whisky

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What is Beyoncé’s Sleigh Bell cocktail?

The Sleigh Bell combines fresh cranberry and lemon juice with pear liquor, honey syrup and, of course, SirDavis for an impressive whiskey cocktail that’s surprisingly easy to mix up. Garnish the finished cocktail with a few cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to complete the party-ready look.

If SirDavis isn’t available in your area, you can sub in a bottle of rye from our picks for the best whiskeys.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce pear liqueur
• 1/4 ounce honey syrup
• Cranberries and rosemary for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Stir and Serve

Add all the ingredients to a coupe, martini or punch glass and top them with ice. Stir the cocktail with a bar spoon until it’s combined and cold.

Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary.

Editor’s Note: It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Queen Bey opts for honey syrup instead of simple syrup in her cocktails. To make your own, combine two parts honey with one part water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the honey has fully dissolved. Allow the honey syrup to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will last for up to two weeks.

Here’s What I Thought

The Sleigh Bell perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberry juice and lemon and the sweetness of the honey syrup and pear liquor. It makes the cocktail incredibly easy to sip on—even if you’re not certified BeyHive. To maintain that balance, I recommend sticking with pure cranberry juice instead of cranberry juice cocktail, which can be mouth-puckeringly sweet.

What makes this cocktail especially great for a Christmas dinner or holiday party with friends is that it can be scaled up easily, so the host isn’t stuck mixing this drink all night. To make a batch big enough for 10 cocktails, grab your punch bowl and add 2-1/2 cups of whiskey, 1 cup of cranberry juice, 3/4 cup of lemon juice, 3/4 cup of pear liquor and 1/3 cup of honey syrup. Give it a good mix, then garnish the bowl with a handful of fresh cranberries, rosemary sprigs and plenty of ice. While you’re at it, you might as well fully stock your bar for the holidays.

Though the garnishes and name of this cocktail just scream Christmas, its flavor profile is versatile enough for it to be served from Thanksgiving through the New Year. In the meantime, I’ll be sippin’ on the Sleigh Bell while blasting 8 Days of Christmas and wrapping a small mountain of gifts.

Related:

• I Tried Beyoncé’s Honey Bee Cocktail
• This Is What Beyoncé’s Mom Makes for Mother’s Day
• I Made Martha Stewart’s Famous Eggnog, and It Sure Packs the Holiday Spirit

The post I Tried Beyoncé’s Sleigh Bell Cocktail, and It’s My New Holiday Go-To appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 2 teaspoons caramel syrup
• 1 teaspoon toasted marshmallow syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ESPRESSO MARTINI:
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce brewed espresso, cooled
• 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
• 2 tablespoons vanilla syrup
• Ice cubes
• 3 coffee beans, for garnish (optional)
• CARAMELIZED SUGAR DISK:
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon water

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 1 ounce London dry gin
• 1 ounce Cocchi Americano
• 1 ounce dry vermouth
• Large ice cube
• 2 whole cranberries and 1 sprig rosemary, for garnish

Ingredients

• Simple syrup
• Crushed candy canes
• Ice cubes
• 1-1/2 ounces peppermint vodka
• 1-1/2 ounces coffee liqueur
• 2 ounces heavy whipping cream
• Peppermint whipped cream in a can, optional

The film’s two main characters have such starkly different personalities, so I wanted to make this Wicked cocktail a choose-your-own-adventure for my guests. I made a large batch of the cocktail base, and then developed two different cocktails using the same base. The Glinda cockail is pink and glittery, and the Elphaba cocktail is green and tart—just like the characters. The cocktail base for these Wicked cocktails will serve at least eight people, so feel free to adjust the quantities as needed!

How to Make a ‘Wicked’ Cocktail Base

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups vodka
• 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2/3 cup simple syrup
• 1/2 cup triple sec or other orange liqueur
• 1 cup club soda

Directions

In a large pitcher, stir all the ingredients together. Chill the pitcher in the fridge until your guests arrive.

How to Make a Glinda Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Wicked cocktail base
• 1/4 cup pink lemonade
• 1/2 teaspoon pink glitter gel, optional
• Ice
• Thin lemon wheel, for garnish

Directions

I like to make this Glinda cocktail in a coupe glass—it feels like the one that Glinda would choose for herself! Add ice to a cocktail shaker, then add the pink lemonade and pink glitter gel, if you’re using it. Shake it until it’s chilled. Add the Wicked cocktail base to the coupe glass, then strain the glittery lemonade mixture over top. Garnish the cocktail with a thin lemon wheel.

How to Make an Elphaba Cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Wicked cocktail base
• 1/2 cup green apple soda (Try to find one that is green!)
• Ice
• Thin slice of green apple, for garnish

Directions

I made one of my Elphaba cocktails in a funky glass that had green stem—it felt very on theme!—but I used Collins glasses for rest of the guests. First, add some ice to a Collins glass, then top the ice with the Wicked cocktail base. Add the green apple soda, then garnish the cocktail with a thin slice of green apple.

Can you make these into mocktails?

It would be easy to make these Wicked cocktails into mocktails. Simply make the base using just club soda, lemon juice and simple syrup (or use sparkling lemonade), then add the Glinda and Elphaba ingredients overtop of that mixture. If you’re hosting a party where guests might want both options, you could also consider writing recipe cards to help guests make their own. Show them how to start with the mocktail base and then decide whether they want to be Glinda or Elphaba for the night. You could even let them choose their own spirit: Make two batches of the base—one with vodka and another with gin—or leave out the vodka and have guests add their spirit of choice as they compose their cocktail.

Related:

• Seltzer Water vs. Club Soda vs. Tonic Water: What’s the Difference?
• The Best Vodka Brands for Every Occasion
• Types of Cocktail Glasses that Serious Mixologists Recommend

The post How to Make Wicked Cocktails for Your ‘Wicked: For Good’ Viewing Party appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• Hot water
• 6 ounces brewed coffee
• 1/2 ounce brown sugar simple syrup
• 1-1/2 ounces mezcal
• 3 drops mole bitters
• Whipped cream, for topping
• Sprinkle of cinnamon, for garnish

Ingredients

• Lime wedge, for the rim
• Cinnamon sugar, for the rim
• Ice cubes
• 3 ounces apple cider
• 1-1/2 ounces mezcal
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 ounce Cointreau
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup
• Thin apple slice and cinnamon stick, for garnish

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 1 ounce Reposado tequila
• 1 ounce mezcal
• 1/4 ounce agave nectar
• 2 dashes orange bitters
• 2 dashes chocolate bitters
• Flamed orange peel, for garnish
• Luxardo cherry, for garnish

1. The Fate of Ophelia: Hugo Spritz

“Keep it one hundred / On the land, the sea, the sky”

The disco-infused opening track is guaranteed to get people on the dance floor. The entire song is a burst of adrenaline, and made me think of a Hugo spritz. The prosecco and mint is as refreshing and bubbly as this track.

2. Elizabeth Taylor: Aviation Cocktail

“I’d cry my eyes violet”

Hollywood’s number one mid-century starlet made headlines for just about everything she did. The unique violet hue of the Aviation cocktail comes from using creme de violette—a perfect nod to Elizabeth’s eyes. It’s as luxurious as anything was in the golden age of film.

3. Opalite: French 75

“You were dancing through the lightning strikes”

Did I choose my favorite cocktail for my favorite song? Yes. But it makes sense! This song is all about getting through the darkness in order to enjoy the light. It’s sunny, sophisticated and exciting, just like a French 75. The effervescence of the champagne and the brightness of the lemon juice match this song perfectly.

4. Father Figure: Old Fashioned

“I’ll be your father figure / I drink that brown liquor”

This dark and hypnotizing song epitomizes one of the most classic cocktails of all time: the old-fashioned. It contains brown liquor, sure, but it’s also a deeply boozy choice. Perfect for liquid courage before making deals with the devil, just like the father figure does in the song.

5. Eldest Daughter: Strawberry Riesling Wine Spritzer

“I’ve been dying just from trying to seem cool”

Eldest daughters are exhausted—just take it from me and Taylor. This song is about being tired of keeping up with trends and wanting to forget about everything else and take care of your own wants and needs. A white wine spritzer is certainly never going to be “cool”—but it’s refreshing as hell and that’s all anybody could want from a cocktail.

6. Ruin the Friendship: Sazerac

“Staying friends is safe, doesn’t mean you should”

Taylor sings about wishing she had kissed a boy back in high school when she had the chance. It’s all about risk taking and stepping outside of your comfort zone, and I can’t think of a better cocktail for that than a Sazerac. This is a flavor profile that you will either love or hate—but the important thing is that you at least tried it.

7. Actually Romantic: Barbie Cocktail

“I heard you call me “Boring Barbie” when you′re out feeling brave”

Now this is a clap back anthem to all the haters, most of whom Taylor finds amusing in this tongue-in-cheek ode to obsession. This bright pink and sparkly Barbie cocktail is anything but boring, and pairs well with living an unbothered life.

8. Wi$h Li$t: Beer Margarita

“Got me drеaming about a driveway with a basketball hoop”

The lyrics in this one evoke the simple pleasures of building a life with someone. As Taylor lists off all of the things that could be on anyone’s “wish list,” she just wants to hang out with her family at home. It’s giving lazy Sunday with a game on in the background, which is perfect for a beer margarita.

9. Wood: Sex on the Beach

“Fingers crossed until you put your hand on mine”

I’m going to keep it PG, so I don’t have much else to say about this innuendo-laden song. Just make a sex on the beach and listen to it for yourself.

10. CANCELLED!: Whiskey Sour

“Like my whiskey sour / And poison thorny flowers”

Like “Father Figure,” we also get a boozy shoutout in this song. It’s an addicting, bass-driven anthem about loyalty and fallibility that has Disney villain vibes written all over it. So the next time you’re feeling particularly thorny, make yourself a nice, frothy whiskey sour.

11. Honey: Honey Deuce

“You can call me ‘honey’ if you want because I’m the one you want”

You need a sweet drink for a sweet song. The honey deuce is the signature cocktail of the U.S. Open, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home. It’s smooth, sweet and endlessly sippable. Bonus points if you get your own “honey” to mix it up for you.

12. The Life of a Showgirl feat. Sabrina Carpenter: Dirty Chai Espresso Martini

“Thank you for the lovely bouquet / I’m married to the hustle / And now I know the life of a showgirl, babe”

This is the grand finale that will leaving you buzzing all night: a dirty chai espresso martini. This drink perfectly encapsulates both Taylor Swift (and her famous chai cookies) and Sabrina Carpenter (and her mega-hit song “Espresso”). The curtains may have closed, but all you remember is having one heck of a time.

The post 12 Glamorous Cocktails to Celebrate Your Showgirl Era appeared first on Taste of Home.

Fans already know of Bey’s love of whiskey. She sings about it in her songs (particularly the Japanese brand, Yamazaki) and posts photos of herself and husband Jay-Z sipping whiskey in beautiful glasses. She is the “grandbaby of a moonshine man,” after all. But she didn’t just slap her name on a bottle of brown spirits; she was involved every step of the way—and it shows. Like her, SirDavis has won awards and continues to turn heads.

While I haven’t tried SirDavis yet (it’s not available in my state), aficionados say it’s an American rye done in true Beyoncé style—smooth, sophisticated, sharp with soft notes of warm spices, toffee, dark chocolate, citrus and roasted nuts. It’s made in Houston (just like her) and doesn’t come off as too complicated, but still makes a statement (also like her!). The fact that it’s called “whisky” and not “whiskey”—American-made whiskeys keep the e, while those made in Scotland, Japan and Canada drop it—is Beyoncé being Beyoncé. She can do whatever she sweet-honey-buckin’ wants.

Now, with the tour over, all we have is Beyoncé’s love of whiskey to lean into until she announces the third part of her trilogy (Act 1 was “Renaissance;” Act 2 was “Cowboy Carter”) and new tour to support it. And by lean into, I mean sipping her favorite cocktail, The Honey Bee, while dancing to “Ya Ya” around the living room.

What is Beyoncé’s Honey Bee Cocktail?

The Honey Bee is a simple sipper made with three ingredients: whiskey, lemon juice and honey syrup. It was so popular during the “Cowboy Carter Tour” that Cocktail Courier’s $125 Honey Bee kit sold out in mere hours—twice—over the summer. Like Bey herself, you can dress The Honey Bee up, but deep down, she’s a simple girl with classic taste. You don’t need a special kit or even SirDavis to make this cocktail. It’s easy to whip up any time at home with any quality rye whiskey.

How to Make Beyoncé’s Honey Bee Cocktail

If you can get your hands on a bottle of SirDavis Whisky, use it. If not, use your favorite rye whiskey for The Honey Bee.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces rye whiskey
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce honey syrup
• Ice
• Honeycomb or lemon twist for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Mix the drink

Add the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Add a few ice cubes. Cover and shake the drink until condensation appears on the outside of the shaker.

Editor’s Tip: To make the honey syrup, combine two parts honey and one part water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer until the honey melts. Remove from the heat, let it cool and store in a glass jar or other airtight container for up to two weeks.

Step 2: Strain and serve the drink

Strain the cocktail into a coupe martini glass. Garnish it with a lemon twist or a piece of honeycomb.

Here’s What I Thought of Beyoncé’s Cocktail

All I can say is, “we clappin’, Bey!” Yes to the simple flavors and the smooth whiskey balanced by lemon and honey. It’s like a hot toddy without the tea, served cold and sipped way too easily. The Honey Bee is light enough for sunny days in the backyard, but I usually turn toward brown spirits in the fall and winter—there’s just something about whiskey cocktails when the leaves start to change. I will definitely be sipping this one on cooler evenings in front of a fire. And because the cocktail contains only three ingredients, it’s easy to make in batches for predinner drinks and holiday parties.

I’m sure it’s even better with SirDavis, and when I get my hands on some, The Honey Bee will be the first cocktail I make. Until then, I’ll put that extra honey syrup to good use with my favorite whiskey, and shake these up all season long.

The post I Tried Beyoncé’s Honey Bee Cocktail and I’ll Be Shaking It All Season Long appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 5 cups apple cider or juice
• 2 cups apricot nectar
• 1 cup spiced rum
• 4 Chai tea bags
• Orange slices, optional

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 2 cups guava nectar
• 1-1/2 cups tequila
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1/4 cup triple sec
• Lime wedges
• Coarse sugar

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 Chai tea bags
• MARTINI:
• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces chilled brewed espresso or cold brew concentrate
• 1-1/2 ounces vodka
• 1/2 ounce Chai tea simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
• Coffee beans or star anise pod, for garnish

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 4 cinnamon sticks (3 inches each)
• COCKTAIL:
• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces vodka
• 1 ounce cinnamon simple syrup
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin butter
• 4 to 6 ounces ginger beer
• Cinnamon stick, lime wheel, ground nutmeg, to garnish, optional

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint leaves
• 1-1/2 ounces elderflower liqueur (St-Germain)
• 3 ounces Prosecco or sparkling wine
• 2 ounces soda water
• Lime slices

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 ounces Scotch
• 1 ounce amaretto
• Orange peel strip

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 1-1/2 ounces vodka
• 3 ounces lemonade
• 1/2 ounce raspberry liqueur
• 3 honeydew melon balls

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces gin
• 1/4 ounce dry vermouth
• 2 ounces tomato water
• Kosher salt, for rim
• Lemon twist or cherry tomato, for garnish (optional)

How to Make a Spritz

The secret to a standout spritz is quality ingredients, which boils down to a great bottle of dry Prosecco and an excellent liqueur. The two should marry a touch of bitterness with complex botanicals.

Ratio-wise, it couldn’t be simpler. Third-generation chef Joe Isidori of New York City’s hotspot Arthur & Sons goes by a 3-2-1 rule. “I go classic: 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts liqueur, 1 part soda. That’s your sweet spot,” he says. “You want the bubbles and booze to play nice together but never let one overpower the other.” Temperature matters too. Joe recommends building your spritz over ice, gently stirring and keeping the drink cold.

Let’s talk garnishes. Fresh is typically best—this goes for both fruit and herbs, although dried citrus wheels make a gorgeous addition to these vibrant tipples (and a great excuse to use your dehydrator). “They’re not just for the ‘gram,” says Joe. “They all add aromatics that hit you before the first sip. A good garnish should complement the ingredients and enhance the experience.” Pick up on flavors in the liqueur like we see with orange and Aperol, or go with complementary flavors à la fresh mint leaves in a Hugo spritz.

50 Spritzes for 50 States

Below, I’ve created some basic formulas for making a spritz cocktail based on special liqueurs or flavors from each state. Choose your favorite stemmed cocktail glass, use your prettiest ice cube molds, and spritz away!

West

Alaska Spritz: Prosecco + Pacific Rim Salmonberry Liqueur + Soda + Berries

Arizona Spritz: Prosecco + 505 Spirits Purple People Eater Prickly Pear Liqueur + Soda + Lemon

California Spritz: Prosecco + Greenbar Distillery California Poppy Amaro + Soda

Colorado Spritz: Prosecco + Leopold Bros. Three Chamber Peach Liqueur + Soda + Rosemary sprigs

Hawaii Spritz: Prosecco + Heirloom Liqueurs Pineapple Amaro + Soda + Pineapple wedge + Mint leaves

Idaho Spritz: Prosecco + 44 North Huckleberry Cream Liqueur + Soda + Berries

Montana Spritz: Prosecco + Glacier Distilling Co. Huckleberry Liqueur + Soda + Berries

Nevada Spritz: Prosecco + Ferino Amer + Soda + Orange

New Mexico Spritz: Prosecco + Grove Street Hatch Chile Liqueur + Soda + Lime

Oregon Spritz: Prosecco + Clear Creek Marionberry Liqueur + Soda + Blackberries

Utah Spritz: Prosecco + Ogden’s Own Underground Liqueur + Soda + Orange

Washington Spritz: Prosecco + Whidbey Blackberry Liqueur + Soda + Blackberries + Mint leaves

Wyoming Spritz: Prosecco + Mt. Defiance Cassis Liqueur + Soda + Mint leaves

Midwest

Illinois Spritz: Prosecco + Jeppson’s Malört + Soda + Red grapefruit

Indiana Spritz: Prosecco + Apologue Persimmon Liqueur + Soda + Orange

Iowa Spritz: Prosecco + Revelton Mulberry Flavored Gin + Soda + Berries + Mint leaves

Kansas Spritz: Prosecco + Wood Hat Black Walnut Liqueur + Soda + Apple

Michigan Spritz: Prosecco + Long Road Distillers Michigan Cherry Liqueur + Soda + Red cherries + Thyme sprigs

Minnesota Spritz: Prosecco + Vikre Apertivo Classico + Soda + Orange

Missouri Spritz: Prosecco + J. Rieger Caffe Amaro + Soda + Lemon

Nebraska Spritz: Prosecco + Sweet Blondie’s Butter Brickle Liqueur + Soda

North Dakota Spritz: Prosecco + Willie’s Distillery Choke Cherry Liqueur + Soda

Ohio Spritz: Prosecco + Munyon’s Paw Paw + Soda + Lemon

South Dakota Spritz: Prosecco + Apologue Aronia Liqueur + Soda + Berries

Wisconsin Spritz: Prosecco + Great Lakes Distillery Good Land Cranberry Liqueur + Cranberries + Rosemary sprigs

Northeast

Connecticut Spritz: Prosecco + Wild Moon Birch Liqueur + Soda + Cranberries

Maine Spritz: Prosecco + Blueshine Blueberry Liquor + Soda + Blueberries

Massachusetts Spritz: Prosecco + GrandTen Craneberry Liqueur + Soda + Cranberries + Lavender

New Hampshire Spritz: Prosecco + Devil’s Footprint Apple Liqueur + Soda + Apples + Thyme sprigs

New Jersey Spritz: Prosecco + Blue Rascal Blueberry Liqueur + Soda + Blueberries + Mint leaves

New York Spritz: Prosecco + Empire Apple Liqueur + Soda + Apple + Cinnamon stick

Pennsylvania Spritz: Prosecco + Dr. McGillicuddy’s Root Beer Liqueur + Soda + Mint leaves

Rhode Island Spritz: Prosecco + Boston Harbor Distillery Coffee Liqueur + Soda + Lemon

Vermont Spritz: Prosecco + Snow Farm Distillery Maple Liqueur + Soda + Rosemary sprigs

South

Alabama Spritz: Prosecco + Praline Pecan Liqueur + Soda + Lemon

Arkansas Spritz: Prosecco + Cazottes Liqueur de Tomates + Soda + Basil leaves

Delaware Spritz: Prosecco + Daytrip Peach Amaro + Soda + Peach + Mint leaves

Florida Spritz: Prosecco + J. F. Hayden’s Orange Liqueur + Soda + Orange

Georgia Spritz: Prosecco + Blended Family Peach No. 4 Liqueur + Soda + Peach + Rosemary sprigs

Kentucky Spritz: Prosecco + Five Springs Honey Sage Bourbon + Soda + Mint leaves

Louisiana Spritz: Prosecco + Southern Comfort + Soda + Lime

Maryland Spritz: Prosecco + Don Ciccio & Figli Cinque Aperitivo Bianco + Soda + Lemon

Mississippi Spritz: Prosecco + Cathead Distillery Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur + Soda + Apple + Lemon

North Carolina Spritz: Prosecco + Corbin Cash Sweet Potato Liqueur + Soda + Lemon + Rosemary sprigs

Oklahoma Spritz: Prosecco + American Fruits Strawberry Liqueur + Soda + Strawberries + Mint leaves

South Carolina Spritz: Prosecco + High Wire Distilling Co. Southern Amaro Liqueur + Soda + Tangerine + Mint leaves

Tennessee Spritz: Prosecco + Liba Spirits Terrativo Bourbon Liqueur + Soda + Blood orange

Texas Spritz: Prosecco + Rio Grande Grapefruit Liqueur + Soda + Red grapefruit

Virginia Spritz: Prosecco + Phantom V Apple Orchard Liqueur + Soda + Sage leaves

West Virginia Spritz: Prosecco + Eda Rhyne Amaro Flora Herbal Mountain Bitter + Soda + Orange + Thyme sprigs

The post Spritzing Across America: 50 Spritz Cocktail Recipes Inspired by the States appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 3 ounces brewed espresso or brewed coffee
• 2 ounces Licor 43
• Orange peel strip

Most people gravitate to the classic margarita when it comes to tequila drinks, but I’ve long opted for the citrusy paloma instead. I love the punch of grapefruit, the bubbles and the fact that it doesn’t contain a drop of commercial sour mix (just say no to sour mix!). A traditional paloma is a simple concoction of tequila, grapefruit soda and lime, but I prefer fresh grapefruit juice and club soda with a smidge of sweetener. To me, it’s the pinnacle of refreshing poolside sipping. Only one thing can improve this classic Mexican drink: turning it into a slushie. Because a frozen paloma is as good as a frozen margarita, and maybe even better.

How to Make Matthew McConaughey’s Frozen Paloma

This recipe is based on the Pantalones Frozen Pantaloma. Blanco is the best tequila for margaritas and palomas; it’s uncomplicated and lets the other flavors shine through. But there’s nothing wrong with using a slightly aged reposado, which is what I used. (Save the more heavily aged añejo for spirit-forward cocktails or sipping neat.) This recipe makes one cocktail, but trust me: You’ll want to make a batch. It’s an easy recipe to scale up. Just remember that frozen drinks melt quickly; make only as many as you intend to serve immediately.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 ounces blanco or reposado tequila
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• 2 ounces grapefruit juice
• 1/2 ounce light agave syrup
• Pinch of salt
• Ice
• Grapefruit, sliced for garnish

Directions

In a blender, combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave and a pinch of salt with 1 cup of ice. Blend until smooth, about 15 to 20 seconds. Pour the frozen paloma into a chilled glass and garnish it with a slice of grapefruit.

My Honest Review of the Matthew McConaughey Frozen Paloma

It’s such a McConaughey cliche (McConacliche?), but this frozen paloma is definitely “alright, alright, alright!” It’s hard not to love a frozen cocktail, and this one made with smooth tequila and real grapefruit juice is a winner. I used bottled juice because, at the end of the day, it’s getting blended into a boozy drink. But using freshly squeezed juice would make it even better. The agave added just enough sweetness (honey would also work well), and that pinch of salt brought some balance. A Tajin rim would be pretty stellar, too.

I don’t know if the McConaugheys regularly drink frozen palomas, but I can imagine tossing some back with the couple around their movie-star pool in a breezy, beautifully designed backyard. OK, maybe I was daydreaming with each sip—blame the tequila!—but even the official recipe mentions floating on a lazy river, so I’m not far off. This slushie cocktail is for pool days so hot, you never want to get out of the water (or, if you’re like me and don’t have a pool, the sprinkler). Either way, get the blender ready, find some cute inflatables and enjoy the dog days of summer, McConaughey-style.

Related:

• I Made Ina Garten’s Limoncello Spritz, and It’s the Only Drink I Need This Summer
• Drinks to Welcome Patio Season
• I Made Dolly Parton’s Dirt Road Martini, and Tea Drinkers Are Going to Love It

The post I Tried Matthew McConaughey’s Frozen Paloma—It’s As Cool As He Is appeared first on Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 ounces vodka or citrus-flavored vodka
• 3 ounces lemon sorbet
• 3 ounces prosecco or cava
• Lemon peel and fresh basil leaf, for garnish

While it may not be enshrined in the classic cocktail canon, the kryptonite is a fun nod to the iconic superhero—and the glowing green mineral that brings him to his knees.

How to Make a Kryptonite Cocktail

The kryptonite cocktail is a vibrant, summery drink with a stunning green hue. It’s easy to shake up and just as simple to scale into a batch cocktail—perfect for a newsroom happy hour at the Daily Planet.

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 ounces white rum or coconut rum
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2 ounce pineapple juice
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 ounce Midori
• Large square ice cubes, for serving

Directions

Step 1: Shake the ingredients

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add rum, lime juice, pineapple juice and a pinch of salt. Secure the lid, and shake vigorously to chill.

Step 2: Strain the cocktail

Strain the cocktail over a large ice cube set in a rocks glass. Or, break the large ice cube into shards so it resembles kryptonite! See tips below.

Step 3: Top with Midori

Add Midori to the cocktail shaker with ice, stir to chill, then strain it over the cocktail.

Editor’s Tip: This step is optional; if you’d rather shake everything together, go ahead and add the Midori to the shaker with all of the other cocktail ingredients. I like to pour the Midori over top because it makes the cocktail look even more like kryptonite since it slowly spreads throughout the drink.

What’s the best glass to use?

The best cocktail glass for this drink is a rocks glass because large square ice cubes fit nicely in them. And their short stature allows the large ice cubes to peak out above the cocktail, looking like the dangerous green mineral.

What garnishes can I use?

I think it’s best to keep the garnishes to a minimum for this drink. However, in addition to large ice cubes or shards of ice, you can garnish this cocktail with a lime wheel, pineapple wedge or even a pineapple frond.

Tips for Making a Kryptonite Cocktail

Choose Your Rum

This cocktail is best with white rum, but for a more tropical cocktail you can use coconut rum like Malibu. I don’t recommend using a dark rum as that will change the color of this kryptonite cocktail to something more akin to brown kryptonite.

Use Large Square Ice Cube Molds

This drink looks particularly like kryptonite when served over a large ice cube with jagged edges. To achieve this, use a large square ice cube tray to freeze large cubes. You can use the ice as-is, or you can take it a step further and break it into jagged shards. Be careful doing this! Place the ice cube on a clean kitchen towel and use a cocktail ice pick (for those with a fancy bar set-up) or pairing knife. Carefully pick at the ice until it breaks apart into large shards.

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Ingredients

• 2 ounces grapefruit juice
• 1 ounce tequila
• 1/2 ounce lime juice
• Ice cubes
• Splash tonic water

Ingredients

• Cherry juice or maple syrup, for the rim
• 1 whole graham cracker, crushed, for the rim
• 1-1/2 ounces RumChata liqueur
• 1/2 ounce maple syrup
• 1-1/2 ounces tart cherry juice
• 1-1/2 ounces McGillicuddy’s cherry liqueur
• Ice cubes
• Maraschino cherries, for garnish

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 1-1/2 ounces blanco tequila
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces sparkling rosé wine
• Lemon wheel, for garnish

Ingredients

• Crushed ice
• Ice cubes
• 12 ounces rye whiskey
• 1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced, for infusing
• 1-1/2 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
• 1/2 ounce coconut milk or cream of coconut
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 1 jalapeno pepper round, for garnish

Ingredients

• 1 ounce Galliano L’autentico Italian liqueur
• 1 ounce white creme de cacao
• 1 ounce heavy whipping cream or half-and-half
• ice cubes
• Chocolate shavings, optional

Ingredients

• Ice cubes
• 1-1/2 ounces blanco tequila
• 3/4 ounce peach schnapps liqueur
• 1-1/2 ounces orange juice
• 1-1/2 ounces peach nectar or juice
• 1/4 ounce creme de cassis
• Prosecco or dry sparkling wine, for topping
• Peach or orange slice, for garnish

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• RHUBARB MARGARITA:
• Kosher salt, for the rim
• Lime wedge, for the rim
• Ice cubes
• 2 ounces tequila
• 3/4 ounce orange liqueur, such as triple sec or Cointreau
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 1/2 ounce rhubarb simple syrup