Bitch's Itch

 

There's a lot going on in this tropical drink. There's dark rum and cacao. Then there's fresh spices grated under your nose. Other spices show up in the liquors themselves, such as the anise and allspice in Falernum. Then there's just a hint of cinnamon from Murlarkey cinnamon whiskey. 

This tiki cocktail probably got the most favorable response of all the ones I made last weekend. It is also stupefying. The float of 151-proof rum seems a little unnecessary, but maybe it is to reassure veteran tiki drinkers that there is some alcoholic kick in there under all the spice and fruit flavor. 

• 2 oz. 86-proof demerara rum (Pusser's navy rum used)
• 1/2 oz. white creme de cacao
• 1/2 oz. triple sec
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1/2 oz. falernum
• 1/4 oz. MurLarkey cinnamon whiskey (optional)
  
• 1/2 tsp. 151-proof rum
  
• cinnamon stick
• whole nutmeg 
• orange slice

Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker or blender with ice. Shake or blend and pour into a chilled Collins glass. Float 151 on top and grate cinnamon and nutmeg over the drink. Garnish with the orange slice.

Russian Bear

Another Russian Dessert drink, this one with dark creme de cacao where coffee liqueur is often found. It's creamy and sweet and stronger than it looks, so don't underestimate the bear.

• 2 oz. vodka
• 1 oz. dark creme de cacao
• 1/2 oz. half and half

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

Coney Island Baby

I see what this drink is doing. It's a sugary soda drink that tastes like a non-alcoholic cocktail. It's not especially strong but sugar and soda will take their toll and you will be feeling flush pretty quickly.

Coney Island  has this association of walking with sweethearts with an ice cream or soda in hand. The syrupy sweetness of Coney Island Baby doesn't disappoint.

• 2 oz. peppermint schnapps
• 1 oz. dark creme de cacao
• sparkling water

Combine schnapps and creme de cacao in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled highball glass full of fresh ice. Top with sparkling water and stir gently.