The Black and Orange

The Black and Orange Cocktail

Serves 2

Ingredients:

All photos by © Suzanne Spiegoski

1.5 oz. Scotch
.5 oz. Amaro Meletti
.5 oz. Yellow Chartreuse
.5 oz. fresh lemon juice
1.5 oz. fresh pressed carrot juice
Fresh ground black pepper for garnish

Directions:

Shake all together with ice and strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
Grind the black pepper on top to garnish.

It's Thirsty Thursday and I couldn't help but make another cocktail! Like I've mentioned before, I'm not even an occasional drinker. I might have a few drinks within an entire year, but I've been so into mixology as of late! Since the first couple of cocktails I created were mostly focused on Korean vodka, I wanted to change it up to a different kind of liquor and to make a cocktail fitted for the spring season. Created by Rob Krueger from Brooklyn's Extra Fancy, the Black and Orange pulls in lemon and carrot juice for a drink that's entirely refreshing. Also with a scotch base, this cocktail takes its cues from Yellow Chartreuse and Amaro Meletti, which lift up the brown spirit in a delightful way.

My favorite part of this drink? The fresh ground black pepper as a garnish! It really gives the drink a pleasant palette, along with a stimulating aftertaste. I received an Ozeri electronic pepper grinder and a set of 4 Curva Artisan Series Double Wall Beverage Glasses and Tumblers in order to facilitate a review of their products. The Ozeri pepper grinder is not only electronic but gives you 3 set ways to grind the pepper. From fine to coarse, all it takes is one push of the top button and voila! I wasn't a fan of picking up 6 batteries for the darn appliance, though! That was the only setback in my opinion. The cups I received as well are handmade, double-wall thermo glasses, each glass boasting a unique curvature that holds 8 ounces. They are small, but what's great about these beverage cups is that they can be used for both hot and cold drinks! I love kitchen products/appliances that can be used for more than one task. In this case, these are my new favorite drink cups! You can find both the cups and pepper grinder at Amazon. Next on MaQ + Suz? A brand spanking new Korean fusion recipe! Stay tuned...

LOVE & XX'S,

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Spicy Kimchi Bloody Mary

Spicy Kimchi Bloody Mary

Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 cups kimchi
46 oz tomato juice
1/4 cup Sriracha chile sauce
2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 cups Soju (Korean vodka)
Ice
Celery stalk, olives, radishes, pearl onions and cornichons for garnish

Directions:
Combine tomato juice, Sriracha sauce, Worchestershire sauce and vinegar. Puree kimchi with mixed juice, working in batches. With a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl, strain the kimchi puree, pressing firmly on the solids to get as much juice as you possibly can. You can save the solids for another use. Chill combined juice thoroughly, then season with salt and pepper. Stir in vodka. Serve over ice garnished with celery stalk, olives, radishes, pearl onions, and cornichons. Enjoy with a staple New York City brunch!

Sunday Funday equals brunch and cocktails. And this spicy kimchi Bloody Mary's will knock your socks off! It's got a kick to it and will definitely have any pre-brunching game going strong. The heat from the kimchi gives the traditional Bloody Mary new, pungent flavors. Combining other varied spices from the sauces,  such as Worcestershire and Sriracha, and counter-balancing it with a splash of vinegar, creates the perfect leisurely yet unique cocktail. Korean soju also has a distinct taste, putting a twist on the usual vodkas used in Bloody Mary's.

What's your go-to brunch cocktail? Are you a Bloody Mary enthusiast? More of a mimosa kind of gal? Or bellini's? Screwdriver's? Why not try this recipe today? It's super easy and a great changeup to your usual brunch hangout. Sometimes it's nice to just chill at home or have a small get-together rather than hustling through the crowds to grab a table at a restaurant. Especially when it's April and it feels like 30° outside! But whatever you plan on doing, I hope your Sunday is nothing but enjoyable. Until next time! Love. Always, love. ❤️

LOVE & XX'S,

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Korean Soju Blood Orange Cream Soda Floats

You've made it midweek and deserve an adult treat! Even though I'm not much of a drinker, my French hubby loves cocktails and was more than happy to be my guinea pig. Blood oranges are all the rage and a complementary fit for spring cocktails with its tasty, citrusy flavor. I wanted something acidic to go with the tartness from the Korean soju and the color from the oranges is gorgeous. Pretty in pink, this sexy adult beverage is playful and luxurious, and will keep your taste buds desiring more! The perfect mixology of sinful, sugary tang! And what's sweeter than a heavenly scoop of good ole fashioned vanilla ice cream, on top?! If you're a fan of floats, you won't want to miss out on trying this dreamy Korean fusion concoction! Don't forget to download recipe below. Oh! And MaQ sends his love (and approval) of these drinks as well! 😉🍹💕

Korean Soju Blood Orange Cream Soda Floats

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 cup raw cane sugar
4 blood oranges, juiced and the zest of 2
1 tsp lemon juice
8 oz Charm Korean Soju
Club soda or sparkling water
Vanilla ice cream
Cocktail shaker
Strainer/Sieve
Straws

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, blood orange juice and zest, and lemon juice in a small pot over medium heat. Bring mixture to low boil for 5 minutes.
2. Remove from heat and cool for 1 hour.
3. As an option, strain the now syrupy mixture through a sieve to remove zest and pulp. Keep sealed and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Measure 1 1/4 cup of blood orange syrup and soju into a cocktail shaker.
5. Shake until mixed through. Pour into 4 serving glasses.
6. Top with club soda until it reaches about 1 1/2 inches from the top of the glass. Stir briefly to combine.
7. Top the float with ice cream and serve immediately.

Love & xx's,

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