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Tag Archives: boulder co

Rocky Mountain Way

Day 116, Cocktails 114 & 115

Our vacation continues this week in southwest South Dakota.  We’re staying in Custer and from there visiting numerous sites including Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, Deadwood and more.  Yesterday we rolled through Sturgis where they locals were putting the town back together after this year’s bike week.  There were still a few stragglers and shirts for sale.  (As a side note, I couldn’t help but wonder if bikers look down on the guys driving the three wheelers.  I gotta’ believe they do.)

All this driving around Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota has put me behind with the reports (of course, the enjoyment of cocktails hasn’t slowed!).  This report goes back to last Sunday while we were still in Boulder.  Sunday evening found as at the 4580 Restaurant for a final, family dinner.  They have a well stocked bar and we took advantage of it.

The first drink we had was a speciality of the bar.

  Amelia Earhart

  • Bombay Sapphire gin
  • St. Germain
  • Creme de Violette
  • Lemon juice
  • mint leaves for garnish

If there was ever a chick cocktail, this is it.  A very light purple color with the wonderful violet flavor of the creme de violette at the front.  The gin and St. Germain are in the background supporting the violette.  A very nice sipper on a warm evening.

If the Amelia Earhart is a chick’s cocktail, then this second one, enjoyed by Reno and I was the manly man’s cocktail.  It was simply a classic manhattan, but it was made with Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey.  This whiskey is distilled from barley and has a very distinctive flavor as a result.  Smooth and mellow, it has a malty flavor that comes through.  This is an excellent sipper and will soon find its way into my liquor cabinet.  If you are a bourbon or single malt whiskey fan then I recommend trying this distinctive whiskey.

That’s all for now, more from Custer later.

Cheers!

They Say It’s Your Birthday

Day 111, Cocktails 110 & 111

We arrived in Boulder yesterday for a mini family reunion to celebrate our Mom’s 70th birthday.  It was the first time we had my Mom, Cookie, my brother and all our kids and spouses together at one time!

With 1,068 miles to drive Thursday and Friday I had plenty of time to figure out a cocktail to celebrate my Mom’s birthday.  A lot of different ideas rolled through my mind until I settled on a couple of final options.  When we finally did arrive it was great to back with the whole family.  A quick trip to the garden for basil and mint and then it was time to mix.

  Paula Anna (Basil Version)

  • 2-1/2 oz Cazadores tequila
  • 2 oz Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
  • 2-3 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 lime slice
  • 2-3 small strawberries, quartered
  • seltzer water

In a mixing glass muddle the lime slice and basil.  Add the strawberries and lightly muddle to release the juice but don’t crush them.  Add 3-4 ice cubes and the tequila and Domaine de Canton.  Shake to mix and empty into a pint glass.  Add 3-4 more ice cubes and top with seltzer water.

This cocktail is a take on a Monterrey Mule and fizz style drinks.  The tequila and ginger of the Domaine de Canton is a great combination.  The fresh basil really accents the drink well and the strawberries add a touch of sweet.

For a second version, try this with fresh mint in place of the basil.  It gives a slighter sweeter taste to the drink.  Try them both and let me know what you think!

Happy Birthday Mom and Cheers!

Watching Corn Grow

No new cocktails to report on, unfortunately.  Gwen and I left home yesterday after work to begin our drive to Boulder for the weekend.  My expected destination for the evening was Des Moines, where I hoped to find an interesting cocktail lounge, try a new drink then off to bed.  Little did I know that there is more to Iowa than watching corn grow.  We could not find a hotel room within 30 miles of Des Moines, ending up half way to Omaha.  Apparently the Iowa State Fair began yesterday as well and the whole state has taken a break from watching corn grow to come to Des Moines and eat food on a stick.  The best line of the night was from a hotel clerk who offered that she must be full because of Sturgis.  As in bike week, which is also going on now.  The only problem is we are still 500 miles from Sturgis!

Oh well, tonight we’ll be in Boulder and I should be able to either mix up a new cocktail or enjoy one out.

Cheers!