Category: Cocktail

Categories
Cocktail

Fire Cider

one and a half slices immunity recipe healthy flu season gut health
one and a half slices local simple recipes food

Immunity Fire Cider

one and a half slices immunity recipe healthy flu season gut health

I would like to say Happy Holidays this year with a little immunity boost🎄Germs abound in flu season and you can have this simple witch’s brew on hand to combat viruses, bacteria, parasites, and inflammation 🌶️This tonic has got all the goods, so head to the store, grab your ingredients of choice, and whip this up 30 days before deep winter ❄️

In good health,

OneandahalfSlices

what you need

1-2 heads of fresh garlic

1 cup raw honey

2-3 fresh red chili peppers

1 large knob of fresh turmeric

2-3 knobs of fresh ginger

2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper

6-8 whole cloves

3-4 star anise

Several peppercorns worth of crushed black pepper

5-6 whole cardamom pods

1-2 lemons, washed, cut into quarters 

16oz raw apple cider vinegar

1 small red onion, peeled and cut into quarters 

(optional) 1 orange, washed, cut into quarters 

(optional) any fresh herbs (like rosemary) or flowers (like calendula or lemon balm)

how to make it

**note: fire cider takes about 30 days, so start your winter batch early!

Place all ingredients into an extra large mason jar. Pour in the cup of honey and then add the apple cider vinegar so the liquid covers the top of the ingredients in the jar.

Shake several times lightly and let sit on the counter at room temperature for 30-60 days. 

Give the jar a nice shake when you’re ready to prepare and then strain the liquid into a large jar. 

Take the fire cider 1-2 tablespoons at a time at the first signs of a cold or flu. Or you can take daily if you can stand the extra spicy, extra garlick-y flavor. 

*Note: both honey and apple cider vinegar are astringents. They work to pull the beneficial properties of all the jar’s contents (e.g., fresh turmeric root and ginger), into the liquid. So the remaining liquid basically functions as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic immunity shot for general holistic health and wellness. 

If you are looking for such a concoction in a tastier form, you can just make my immunity soup 🙂 

eat like this and you'll live forever
Categories
Cocktail

The Flannel Shirt

one and a half slices cocktail recipe scotch whisky fall
cropped-Transparency-01

The Flannel Shirt

one and a half slices cocktail recipe scotch whisky fall

Hot take (updated): You can make this drink with scotch (The Original), bourbon (The Commoner), or cognac (The Après). It’s good all three ways. The cognac version may just be my new fav – perfect for Christmas and after Thanksgiving dinner.

This is Fall epitomized in cocktail form. From scotch whiskey to allspice dram, you could not possibly get cozier. All the other flavors cut the scotch quite nicely so this isn’t a punch-in-the-stomach cocktail. And it was the Allstar at our Inaugural Saturday Supper last weekend. Many thanks to a good friend who rocked the cocktail bar, as always. This gives #fallvibes and really brings the season. Happy Spooky Month!

🎃🦇👻

what you need

1 1/2 oz Scotch of choice

1 1/2 oz Apple Cider

1/2 oz Averna Amaro

1/4 oz Lemon Juice

1 teaspoon Simple Syrup (or a demerara sugar cube)

1 healthy teaspoon Allspice Dram

2 dashes Angostura Bitters

how to make it

Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously with ice. 

(if using a sugar cube, you will need to muddle this so it mixes with the other ingredients)

Strain over a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel. #fallvibes
Categories
Cocktail

Butterbeer (iced)

one and a half slices harry potter recipe butterbeer hogwarts winter grog
one and a half slices local simple recipes food

Chilled, Foamy Butterbeer

one and a half slices harry potter recipe butterbeer hogwarts winter grog

Whether you like your butterbeer hot, iced, boozy, or clean, I’ve finally got the recipe for you. Personally, I see no way to drink it other than hot and boozy.

#youreawizardharry

🪄

what you need

1 bottle of cream soda [My brand of choice is Virgil’s Vanilla Cream]

2 oz butterscotch liquor chilled [My brand of choice is Dr. McGillicuddy’s which is, admittedly, quite difficult to find but quite worth the effort of finding it]

*note the use of “liquor” over “schnapps”

1/3 cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon sugar

a dash of cinnamon

freshly ground nutmeg for topping

1/2 tablespoon lemon zest

(optional) 2 oz cognac (or dark rum in a pinch)

how to make it

(makes 2 servings)

Whip the cream with the sugar into soft peaks. Just before it comes together, add the cinnamon to incorporate. A very soft whip works best as it allows the cream to infuse the cocktail more readily.

Add the cognac, lemon zest, and butterscotch liquor to a cocktail shaker with ample ice and shake vigorously.

Strain the mixture into two tall, preferably frosted glasses. Add a few ice cubes and pour the cream soda on top. 

Top with two dollops of the softly whipped cream and grate some fresh nutmeg lightly on top. 

Enjoy immediately, preferably while watching Harry Potter or playing Hogwarts Legacy.  

more literature-inspired recipes
Categories
Cocktail

Ginger Peach Smash

one and a half slices recipe peach summer fall cocktail vibe
cropped-Transparency-01

Ginger Peach Smash

one and a half slices recipe peach summer fall cocktail vibe

Okay, one more to round out summer. A simple segue from summer to fall with some #datenightvibes and fresh peaches. What could be better than a tart, tangy, spicy fresh cocktail to welcome the fall leaves? This is the perfect start to Summer Sausage Orzo or perhaps a heartier Pork and Apples as a main. 

what you need

1oz brown sugar or peach simple syrup

*the peach simple syrup can be made as in the Burnt Peach Old Fashioned recipe. Otherwise, simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar (1 cup) simmered stovetop for ~20 minutes until the water reduces by half.

several chunks of fresh, ripe peach (or the leftover peach chunks from making the simple syrup)

3oz bourbon of choice

4 large mint leaves

Ginger Beer (I use Maine Root – it is pretty spicy)

how to make it

Gently muddle the peach chunks, simple syrup, and mint together in a cocktail shaker. 

Add some ice and the bourbon, and shake well. 

Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube and top with your desired amount of ginger beer. 

Add a peach slice or a sprig of fresh mint for garnish.  
More Peaches
one and a half slices peach cobbler

Peach Cobbler

Cobbler is one of those things you can make on any weeknight with any fruit in about 20 minutes (plus 1 hour of cooking time). Top it with some vanilla bean gelato and serve it

Go To Post »
August 27, 2022 No Comments
one and a half slices summer and fall peaches simple dessert recipe

Crisped Peaches

Quite possibly the easiest, most summery, and healthiest dessert! If you just don’t have the energy for my easy stone fruit skillet cobbler but still need something sweet to make after a summery date night

Go To Post »
August 25, 2023 1 Comment

Cashew Chicken Noodle

This is a great sweet and spicy weeknight meal, made in one pot with interesting fruity flavors and cashews! Pair with your favorite rice noodle (I like vermicelli) and sprinkle with Thai basil for full

Go To Post »
July 2, 2021 No Comments

Peach Caprese

This is a continuation of my summer eats glorified snack dinners (see Watermelon Feta Salad). For when the summer months take hold, the cicadas ring true, and the humidity is as thick and sticky as

Go To Post »
August 11, 2021 2 Comments
skillet berry fruit cobbler easy oneandahalfslices

Flaky Cobbler

We find ourselves mid-way through summer with a plethora of beautiful fruits like blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and plums. The stone fruits – peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums – are delicate fruits with high water content

Go To Post »
July 31, 2021 2 Comments
Categories
Cocktail

Butterbeer (hot)

one and a half slices harry potter recipe butterbeer hogwarts winter grog
one and a half slices local simple recipes food

Frothy, Hot Butterbeer

Whether you like your butterbeer hot, iced, boozy, or clean, I’ve finally got the recipe for you. Personally, I see no way to drink it other than hot and boozy.

#youreawizardharry

🪄

what you need

1 bottle of cream soda [My brand of choice is Virgil’s Vanilla Cream]

2 oz butterscotch liquor at room temperature [My brand of choice is Dr. McGillicuddy’s which is, admittedly, quite difficult to find but quite worth the effort of finding it]

*note the use of “liquor” over “schnapps”

1/3 cup whipping cream

1 tablespoon sugar

a dash of cinnamon

freshly ground nutmeg for topping

1/2 tablespoon lemon zest

(optional) 2 oz cognac (or dark rum in a pinch)

how to make it

(makes 2 servings)

Whip the cream with the sugar into soft peaks. Just before it comes together, add the cinnamon to incorporate. A very soft whip works best as it allows the cream to infuse the cocktail more readily.

In a small saucepan, heat the cognac and butterscotch liquor over high heat until very hot (but not boiling). Once steaming, add the bottle of cream soda along with the lemon zest. You want to leave the mixture on high heat for no more than 1 minute before killing the heat and letting the residual heat from the pot heat the liquid. 

Once warm, strain through a mesh strainer into two small mugs. Top with two dollops of the softly whipped cream and grate some fresh nutmeg lightly on top. 

Enjoy immediately, preferably while watching Harry Potter or playing Hogwarts Legacy.  

more literature-inspired recipes
Categories
Cocktail

Summer in Madrid

one and a half slices oneandahalfslices cocktail recipe Instagram inspiration summer
one and a half slices local simple recipes food

Summer in Madrid

Loosely based somewhere afloat in the Atlantic between a French 75 and an Aperol Spritz, I bring you Deep Summer. (And yes, our Ginger really did spend a summer in Madrid…)

☀️

what you need

1oz strawberry simple syrup

1/2oz fresh lime juice

(optional) 1oz floral gin (I like The Botanist)

3-4oz prosecco

For strawberry simple syrup: 1 pint of strawberries and equal parts sugar to your water (so, 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar). 

how to make it

Combine strawberry simple, lime juice, and gin (if using) in a cocktail shaker with ample ice. SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE. Pour into a tall-stemmed champagne glass (the only kind) and top with prosecco. 

To make strawberry simple syrup: combine 1 pint of fresh strawberries (halved with tops removed) with equal parts water and sugar. Boil on medium heat for 15-20 minutes, remove from heat, allow to cool, and strain into a mason jar. Will keep in the fridge for several weeks. 

More Deep Summer
Categories
Cocktail

Tequila Wiretap

one and a half slices tequila craft cocktail recipe locally sourced ingredients virginia
one and a half slices local simple recipes food

Tequila Wiretap

aka The Infante
one and a half slices tequila craft cocktail recipe locally sourced ingredients

Something really crazy is happening… we are drinking tequila 💀 This cocktail is super unique. You want a clean, white tequila. It’s giving coconut and summer, but there is neither coconut nor summer in the cocktail. It is creamy without having any cream. You’d think the nutmeg would signal Christmas but it doesn’t (but it could…). This is one of the most enigmatic cocktails I have ever tasted. And it belongs… everywhere. 

what you need

for The Tequila Wiretap

*tasting notes of summer and getting into trouble in foreign countries

2oz white tequila (I used Casamigos)

1oz fresh lime juice

1oz orgeat syrup

1/2oz fresh blood orange juice

for the traditional Infante

*tasting notes of creamy July heat, a little bit like coconut even though there is none, and some say it tastes like soap (the same people who dislike cilantro…)

2oz white tequila (I used Casamigos)

1oz fresh lime juice

1oz orgeat syrup

1tsp rose water

how to make it

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ample ice. SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE. Pour into a little coup glass and top with some fresh grated nutmeg.

More Deep Summer Cocktails
Categories
Cocktail

Spiced Sangria

one and a half slices fall sangria recipe
OneandahalfSlices food blog recipes One and a half Slices Virginia eat local

Spiced Sangria

So… I’m starting to think Sangria is better in the fall. Yes, it’s known for being the perfect summertime cocktail, enjoyed on a warm, sunny beach somewhere in Southern Spain. It’s appealing. But it’s now been two years in a row, right around the beginning of fall, where I’ve had the craving for a Spiced Sangria… something with hints of cinnamon and clove.

Last fall, we experimented with the Autumn Sangria – featuring thyme, cardamom, and believe it or not, beetroot. It was phenomenal. This year, we paused the beets and highlighted star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and pears. The result? Non-sangria drinking converts. In other words, it was a massive success. The pitcher was gone in minutes and I immediately regretted not making more.

Surprisingly, Sangria creates the perfect canvas for a fall cocktail. Its summer value is still very much appreciated, but if you ask me, it should be enjoyed year round. See for yourself.

Pro tip: While high-quality wine will definitely take your Sangria to the next level, rest assure and know that you can pick a bottle based on a cool, millennial-crafted logo and still get an incredible drink (we thank the sugar). Pinot Noir is a great choice.

what you need

Recipe makes 1 pitcher.

For the sangria:

2 bottles red wine

1 cup cognac 

1 cup spiced simple syrup

1/2 – 3/4 cup orange or blood orange juice, freshly squeezed

1 cinnamon stick

1 apple, sliced

1 orange, sliced

For the Spiced Simple Syrup…

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

1 whole pear, cut into chunks

10 whole cloves

3 star anise

3 cardamom pods

1 cinnamon stick

how to make it

[the night before] Mix the water and the sugar in a pot and set it to simmer stovetop on medium heat. Add the pear and all the spices (you are welcome to toast and/or crack the cardamom pods beforehand if you wish). Simmer for ~15-20 minutes or until liquid becomes golden and begins to thicken slightly. Remove from heat, allow to cool for 10 minutes, then strain the liquid into a glass jar. 

Pro tip: the pear chunks make a great addition alongside an orange slice to an Old Fashioned – actually, this syrup goes very well as a sugar cube substitute in an Old Fashioned… 

[the day of] Empty both bottles of red wine into the pitcher. Add the cognac, simple syrup, and orange juice, stirring generously. Add the cinnamon stick, apple slices, and orange slices, stir once more, and let stand for 3-4 hours before your guests arrive. 

[garnish] When you are ready to serve, all you need to do is pour and garnish with an apple slice, an orange slice, or whatever strikes your fancy.

Enjoy like it’s July on the Costa Brava! 

More Cocktails
Categories
Cocktail

Burnt Peach Old Fashioned

one and a half slices burned burnt peach old fashioned cocktail recipe grilled summer
cropped-Transparency-01

Burnt Peach Old Fashioned

Tired of the simple Old Fashioned, don’t have the blow torch to make a Smoked Old Fashioned, but not quite yet ready for a Bourbon and Blood? Let’s add some summer peaches… The burnt peach Old Fashioned is the perfect Summer/Fall segue. You can use your grill… or not. And it pairs perfectly with summer Mains like Summer Sausage Orzo. This is by far my favorite Old Fashioned.

what you need

1/2 oz peach simple syrup

2 oz bourbon of choice

1 orange slice

2 small chunks of cooked peach (or really ripe fresh peach)

2 dashes cardamom bitters 

2 dashes Angostura bitters

1 large ice cube

For the peach simple syrup:

1 whole peach, cut into 1″ chunks

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

how to make it

First make the peach simple syrup. Combine the water, sugar, and chunked peach in a pot with a dash of cinnamon and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes, until the liquid reduces a bit, turns darker brown, and viscosity increases slightly. Using a slotted spoon, remove the peach chunks and set aside for use in your cocktail. Remove the syrup from heat, allow to cool, place in glass jar, and store in the fridge for up to several weeks. 

Now, make your cocktail. Combine the bitters, orange slice, peach chunks, and peach simple syrup in a cocktail mix. Muddle. Add the bourbon and crushed ice. Stir until chilled. Strain into a glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with fresh peach slices and a cocktail cherry. 

If you really want to get fancy, you have two options: 1) Smoke this thing, or 2) garnish it with grilled peaches (whoa. flavor). 

Other Interesting Cocktails
Categories
Cocktail

Cherry Blossom Cocktail

one and a half slices the cherry blossom cocktail mocktail recipe local washington dc
OneandahalfSlices food blog recipes One and a half Slices Virginia eat local

The Cherry Blossom Cocktail/Mocktail

This spring I’ve been pretty clean (you know, #equalpartsdisciplineandindulgence). When I’ve been indulging I’ve been making new friends; namely, Bo & Ivy Distillers who recently opened their tasting room and released their first bourbons out of Ivy City. After quickly snagging a bottle of the Distiller’s Reserve bourbon, I was gifted a bottle of their Spring Gin which has undertones of cherry, rose, and bergamot. Hmm… what to do with that?! The answer came easily enough since I had recently mastered a new go-to spring mocktail leveraging one of my all-time favorite cocktail ingredients: Damask Rose Water. The result is that this indulgence comes in two forms: cocktail and mocktail. This, my friends, is springtime in a glass. If you need to freshen up, leave the gin. If you’re down, 1oz of Bo & Ivy has you covered.

what you need

1 oz fresh squeezed lime juice

1 teaspoon fresh rose water (lately I am in love with all things Erbology)

2 oz plain tart cherry juice (no juice blends please)

1 demerara sugar cube or a teaspoon of unrefined sugar 

6 oz sparkling water (I use Perrier)

(optional) 1 oz Bo & Ivy Spring Gin (or floral gin of choice)

how to make it

[ mix ] stir lime juice, rose water, cherry juice, and sugar together in a stemmed glass

[ top ] add several 1/2 inch ice cubes and then the sparkling water, and then mix until just combined

[ garnish ] with a lime wedge

[ enjoy ] fresh

🍒🍒🍒
Other Cocktail Options