The Hurricane is a great rum-punch. There are as many variations on this cocktail as there are named storms. This one can be found in “drink’-ol-o-gy” by James Waller. Perfect for a day by the pool but don’t drink too many and try to surf!

The Hurricane

2 oz dark rum
2 oz light rum
1 oz lime juice (fresh is best)
1 oz passion fruit juice
1/2 oz simple syrup

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the ingredients and shake well. Strain into a chilled HURRICANE glass and enjoy. Look for other variations soon. Cheers.

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/08/26/fruity-beers/

The Australian Paper Hanger. This one comes from a guest at a recent event. His name is Phil and he used to be a firefighter in Connecticut. Phil said he first experienced the drink back in the 70’s (after putting out a massive blaze I assume these guys were thirsty). Although he could not remember the exact measurements, Phil did caution when it comes to adding the sour mix. Too much and the sweet nuances of the brandies would be overpowered. I’ll be honest, I just learned about this libation and haven’t tried it myself, but it sounds delicious and I am anxious to see if anyone else can share.

If any of you are familiar with the Australian Paper Hanger, have an exact recipe, know how it got the name, or have any stories you want to share please do! Now, for your [responsible] pleasure…

The Australian Paper Hanger

1 shot Yukon Jack
1 shot Jack Daniels
½ shot apricot brandy
½ shot blackberry brandy
Splash of Rose’s Lime Juice
Sour mix/Lemon juice (to taste)

Add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker half-full of ice and give it a good shake. Strain into a CHILLED cocktail glass. I will get back to you with an update after I play around with the measurements, and consider your feedback/variances. Cheers!

This one came from my good friend, Mark Freeman. Mark travels a bit and I asked him to share any new cocktails he came across along the way. He sent me this and I am sharing it with you. Thanks, Mark. Travel well.

Fruity Rum Drops:
1 1/2 oz. Parrot Bay Passion fruit
1/2 oz Amaretto
1/2 oz. peach schnapps
Splash Triple Sec
3 oz. pineapple
3 oz. orange
Splash of Cranberry

Server over ice in a rocks glass, poured in that order.

Try using white cranberry juice at your bar this July 4th.  Example, for your Cosmopolitans this Independence Day, make a traditional Cosmopolitan (okay, it’s pink-ish not red), and two with white cranberry juice.  In one of the white cocktails add a little Blue Curacao.

There you have it, red, white, and blue libations for your friends!

That’s My Bartender! wants to wish all of you a SAFE and HAPPY Independence Day this July 4th. Remember, if you drink, drink responsibly. Designated a driver.

All you other bartenders, take care of your patrons. Check those ID’s, don’t over serve, and call them a cab if need be.

We want you back at our bar again. And remember, the next holiday wouldn’t be the same without you.

As my Grand-dad used to say,
“Be good. If you can’t be good, be careful.”

Lee Greer
That’s My Bartender!, LLC

I have “created” two cocktails and I need your help naming them. I have looked but not found similar drinks, so I think I may have something new. Regardless, these are tasty. If you have had these before and know the name, let me know.

The first is:
2 oz pear vodka
3 oz pear juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 tsp super fine sugar

Fill a cocktail shaker half full with ice. Add the pear vodka, pear juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Shake very well. Strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with lemon and sugar.

The other is similar:
2 oz pear vodka
1 oz amaretto
2 oz pear juice
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 tsp super fine sugar

Repeat the process for the first cocktail and strain into a glass rimmed with lemon juice and sugar.

Not to be confused with the Orange Blossom (which is a gin-n-juice with a little sugar added along with a different garnish), the Orange Bloom is a delightful twist.

Orange Bloom

1 1/2 oz gin
2 tsp sweet vermouth
2 tsp triple sec

Pour the gin, vermouth and triple sec in a cocktail shaker filled half-way with ice. Stir and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Cheers!

Here’s a tasty FROZEN treat to help beat the heat.

The Georgia Peach

2 oz Southern Comfort
1 oz peach schnapps
4 oz orange juice

Fill your blender 1/4 full with ice then add the above ingredients. Blend for approximately 20 seconds. Pour in a hurricane glass and garnish with a peach slice. Cheers!

Okay, okay. I admit this one sounded NASTY when I first read it. However, it tastes pretty darned good! Everyone brave enough to try it for me has agreed. Are you ready?

The Velvet Presley:

3 oz of bourbon
2 oz of chocolate milk (that’s right, chocolate milk)

Fill a mixing glass with ice half-way then add the bourbon and chocolate milk. Give this a good stir (or shake if you want it a little frothy) then strain into a cocktail glass.

Cheers!