Bier Cocktails

Living in Munich, beer is a part of everyday life.    

• You can drink it in public.  
• A half-litter glass is considered the small size.  
• They serve it in the cafeteria at work.
• It is even cheaper than bottled water or pop.

So after reading about a "new" trend in the States called Beer Cocktails, which use beer as the base for a cocktail but don't necessarily include hard liquor. New is in quotes because my college roommate from New Mexico told me about Red Beer 10 years ago.  Also because Bier Cocktails are already very popular here in Germany.  There is the Radler (which translates to Cyclists for all you bicycle riders out there) which is half Weissbier (wheat beer) and half lemonade or lemon-lime pop.  Also the Diesel which is half Helles (pale lager) and half cola. Below is my own recipe which of course includes hard liquor and one the I am sure my German friends would quickly turn their noses up at.  It is inspired by the very tasty Rosemary Gin and Tonic (which if you haven't tried yet make it immediately or rather right after you make the following drink).

Also, I am have difficulty naming this beverage so any input is appreciated.  So leave a comment!

Rosemary's Baby (Tentative)

• 1 shot Gin
• Fresh Rosemary
• 0.5L Weissbier (Wheat Beer, preferably unfiltered)
• Lime wedge

Muddle the fresh rosemary with the gin in the bottom of your beer glass of choice.  Top off with the Weissbier pouring slowly, being careful of the head formation. If using unfiltered don't forget to swirl the last bit in the bottle to get all the flavor out. Gently stir, just enough to mix.  Squeeze a lime wedge over the top and enjoy.

Jaffa Cake Old Fashion

Sup all.

During a weekend trip to the UK for the British (way to go Ernie) I had my 1st Jaffa Cake.  For those of you not familiar, it is a delicious biscuit (or cookie for all of you in the US or for tax purposes is it actually a little cake? - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaffa_Cakes) with a sponge "cake" bottom and jelly orange top all covered in chocolate.  Back at home, with chocolate-covered orange peels in the cupboard, I had the idea for this variation of the classic Old Fashion cocktail.  I didn't expect much chocolate flavor from simply muddling a chocolate covered orange peel, but it really does add enough without overwhelming the drink.

The Old Fashion is a great cocktail that I won't get into right now, because I am positive there will be several more posts about them. I would like to address the bitters.  Bitters are a great way to personalize and experiment with this cocktail by changing the quantity or type.  I always feel traditional recipes don't call for enough bitters, usually 2-3 dashes. For me more is better but be careful it is easy to over do it.

Jaffa Cake Old Fashion

• 2 Chocolate covered orange peels (1 for garnish)
• 1 sugar cube (or 2 teaspoons sugar)
• Orange bitters to taste
• 2.5 oz Bourbon

Place one chocolate covered orange peel and sugar in the bottom of an old fashion or rocks glass.  Add orange bitters and muddle until sugar dissolves.  If needed add a splash of water to help dissolve the sugar.  Add ice, I like 1 large ice cube (or sphere) but any ice works (except crushed it would melt too quickly).  Pour bourbon over ice and stir a few times.  You do not want to mix it completely but rather create layers, so that that 1st sip kicks you in the mouth with bourbon but allows it to mellow and sweeten as the ice melts and the booze to sugar ratio decreases  Place the remaining chocolate covered orange peel for garnish. (I haven't quite figured out how to keep it from sinking out of sight, yet.)  And enjoy, ending with a nice buzz and sweet finish for "dessert" including the bourbon soaked chocolate orange peel.  Delicious.

Now take a look around your bar and kitchen and start experimenting!

Prost.