May I Suggest...
By Barbara Kozlowski (03/27/2009)
For the Village Wine Rack

There are many variations of popular cocktails, even premixed versions. I much prefer to make them from scratch if at all possible. I found an original recipe for LONG ISLAND ICED TEA, first made by ‘Rosebud’ (Robert Butt) a bartender at the Oak Beach Inn in Hampton Bays:

The Recipe: LONG ISLAND ICED TEA
3/4 oz tequila
3/4 oz rum
3/4 gin
3/4 oz vodka
3/4 oz triple sec
3/4 oz sour mix
splash cola
Shake all the liquors with sour mix, pour in a hurricane or tall glass filled with ice, add a splash of cola and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Another recipe for a the popular MARGARITA is a CRANBERRY MARGARITA

The Recipe: CRANBERRY MARGARITA
2 oz Jose Cuervo Especial Tequila
1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
1 - 2 oz cranberry juice
1/4 cup whole cranberry sauce
Blend all the ingredients with ice. Pour into a Margarita glass and garnish with lime wedges or fresh cranberries.

If you have any special drinks recipes, either new ideas or an updated version of an old favorite, and would like to share, contact me c/o SPECIAL EFECTS.

A quick and easy idea for an old favorite is my friend Amanda’s Three Layer Chili Dip.

The Recipe: AMANDA’S THREE LAYER CHILI DIP
8 oz block of cream cheese
1 12 oz can of chili (no beans)
1 jar salsa (15.5 or 16 oz)
1 8 oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese
Place cream cheese in a pie dish and smooth out to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread the chili on top of the cream cheese, then pour the salsa on top, creating three layers. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the salsa, covering the top. DO NOT MIX. Place in the oven at 325 for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately with tortilla chips. I like to use ‘Scoops’ as it is easier to eat. This dish pairs well with a German Riesling like BLUE FISH.

It’s fun to experiment with food, wine and cocktails. I am always looking for new ideas to share. Enjoy the slow emerging Spring. Golf season will soon be here and those tired skis, snowshoes and snowboards can take a break until next season. Drink Responsibly, Bon Apetit and Skaal!!!!