Russian Quaalude

Quaaludes or "ludes" were muscle relaxant drugs used in the 60s and 70s in dance clubs. They helped many people trip out to lights and sounds at glam rock shows. This is a similarly dated drink, as the name suggests. The idea is that a lot of vodka and Irish cream liquor and hazlenut liqueur will mess with your head and totally relax you.

This cocktail totally belongs in the category of Dark Ages cocktails of the 70s when a panty dropper like this, easy to drink and very addictive, was intended to compete with hard drugs of the time. It still has its appeal. I'm happy to report it isn't as filling as a half-and-half drink or a flip. It really is strong, and that's the point.

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. frangelico
• 1 oz. Irish Cream liqueur

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled Old Fashioned glass. 

B-52 / Pousse Cafe

Just killing time at the bar this week and playing with layering sweet liqueurs as a way to practice. The B-52 had its heyday during the mid-90s, I remember. It has all the ingredients that would make it popular, Kahlua, Bailey's and Grand Marnier. Come to think of it, why did it ever go out of style? Probably because bartenders got sick of making them. Then, of course, they were warm shots. Yuck.

Incidentally, while I was taking this photo, someone ordered a Bombay Sapphire up. So this B-52 had a Bombay door (as we used to call it when Bombay gin was consumed along with a B-52, not always by the same person.)

• 1 oz. Kaluah
• 1 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream
• 1 oz. Grand Marnier

Carefully pour over a spoon into a pousse cafe glass in the order given. 

Ring of Kerry

This was the bartender's creation based on the ingredients. His layering technique made for a mini-Guinness effect, but the drawback was that it was warm. Here's the original recipe for a cold cocktail.

• 1 1/2 oz. Irish whiskey
• 1 oz. Bailey's Irish Cream
• 1/2 oz. Kahlua or creme de cacao

Combine all ingredients in a shaker or blender. Shake or blend until smooth and pour into a chilled cocktail glass.