Catdaddy Express

One of our new liquors for Winterfest XVIII was Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine - a North Carolinian oddball that will surprise those of you who have actually had moonshine (Tubstud, go to hell). I would liken Catdaddy to Seagram's 7 if you stirred in Krispy Kreme cream filling into it. In other words, this Catdaddy is a moonshine that can cozy up to the ladies. Along those lines, we made use of our new moonshine to craft an espresso drink with an added chocolate verve.

Catdaddy Express
1 part Kahlua
1 part Espresso
1 part Catdaddy Moonshine
Dash of chocolate syrup

Shake on ice. Pour into a chocolate syrup drizzled glass. Enjoy.

Razor's Edge

Another of Holly's Originals

A 750 ml bottle of Gailliano will last you damn near your lifetime. I enjoy a Harvey Wallbanger as much as the next guy, but other than that Galliano kinda just sits around. So, I had this portion of Applejack to kill and I though hmmmm... Galliano! With a bit of acid, it just might work. And it did, but you have to be careful. The wrong mix here and you have a sugary concoction that will be tough to get through - thus the reason we call it the "Razor's Edge."

Razor's Edge
1 1/2 ounces Applejack
1 ounce Triple Sec
1/2 ounce Galliano
2 ounces pineapple juice

Shake all on ice; don't kill it, it is in perfect proportion. Garnish with a cherry and don't forget the pineapple foam...

The Cold Shoulder

Another of Holly's Originals

Cold Shoulder

1 1/2 ounce Patron

1 1/2 ounce passion fruit rum

1/2 ounce mugi shochu

1/4 ounce blue raspberry syrup

Splash of 7up

Shake the Patron, rum, shochu, and raspberry. Add 7up. A sophisticated tropical drink that isn't for everyone, but the more adventurous should enjoy.

A New Series

Don't worry, the Around America series isn't over. We'll return as we gather more recipes to sample. In the meantime, we hope to introduce several new themes. Today, we begin with Holly's Originals. Just as it sounds, these are recipes Jason has created.

Essential Liquor #26

#26) Bourbon - We have already assembled our North American whiskeys and our scotch, all that's left is a good bourbon. We grow mint in abundance here in Arena, so a hot summer's day requires bourbon for our mint juleps. The classic julep is a hardcore drink, essentially bourbon and ice water, but after beginning a deck-lounging julep tradition this summer, it is one of the few drinks I actually crave. Unlike tequila, there are tons of quality cost-effective bourbons out there - Maker's Mark, Bulleit, and Eagle Rare to name a few.

Essential Liquor #18

#18 Coffee Liqueur - Like vodka (and unlike other liqueurs), coffee liqueur comes in a variety of brands, sweetness, and textures. The Firewater Lounge has stocked several tasty ones including the smooth-textured Kahlua, the affordable Kamora, the bitter Starbucks, the lighter Tia Maria, and the overproof Sabra. Obviously, Joe's choice would have to be the sweet and versatile Kamora, a mainstay at the Lounge since 1995.

Essential Liquor #16

#16) Peach Schnapps - Our first true schnapps on the list is a ladies' staple. It is absolutely necessary for the classic girl intoxicators such as the Fuzzy Navel, Sex on the Beach,and the Red Headed Slut. Unlike many of its ilk, peach is a versatile schnapps, just remember that a little goes a long way.

Essential Liquor #15

#15) Southern Comfort - I cannot remember a summer in the 2000s where we didn't drink a bottle of Southern Comfort. This is one of my dad's liquors, a simple change of pace from his customary supper club Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet. Simply remove the brandy and insert SoCo - voila... the Southern Comfort Old Fashioned.

Essential Liquor #14

#14) Light Rum - While not as flavorful as dark rum, light rum is a prerequisite for tropical drinks whose color is provided by the fruit. It also allows for the crushed mint and crystal look of the classic mojito.

Essential Liquor #12

#12) Coconut Rum - We have a large selection of coconut rum here at the Firewater Lounge from the ubiquitous Malibu to Cruzan to Parrot Bay. But one of our favorites is Whalers. In the summer, we typically go through a couple of bottles of Whalers; I guess you could call it our wine. Whalers, however, is too sweet for you to have has your mixing coconut rum, so choose from one of the three aforementioned.

Essential Liquor #11

#11) American Whiskey - A bar without Jack Daniel's is like a farm without a dog. It's not absolutely necessary, but, if absent, you notice that it's not around.

Essential Liquor #10

#10) Benedictine- This herbal liqueur is a relative newcomer to the Firewater Lounge, but an old Wisconsin favorite. Given that the other monastic liqueurs like Izarra, Claristine, and the immortal Chartreuse are notably absent from Sconnie shelves, why is Benedictine so popular in the rural supper clubs?

Essential Liquor #6

#6) Blue Curacao - Pronounced cure-a-so, this sugary orange flavored liqueur should be chosen, not by brand, but by color.

Welcome to The Firewater Lounge

In a response to our bar book, Stiff had made a request that I simply couldn’t refuse- list the top 30 essential liquors you need to have in your bar. Believe it or not, it actually was easier than I thought. I stuck to three rules: 1) The average Joe should be able to purchase the booze without taking a second mortgage out on the house, 2) Beer, wine, and champagne are not liquors, 3) Versatility matters.

Now, in teaser style, we are going to give you the first three liquors in this post and then unveil them a liquor at a time until we get to thirty! Each post we’ll give you a new drink that can be made from the growing list of liquors. So empty the change from your couch cushions, get to Woodman’s, and buy…