Recipes 375

As the final season of Outlander approaches, fans are eagerly preparing for viewing parties to celebrate the conclusion of Claire and Jamie’s saga. While the exact premiere date remains unannounced, anticipation is high following the prequel series, Blood of My Blood, which kept fans entertained in the meantime.

Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser, has recently published a cocktail book, The Cocktail Diaries: A Spirited Adventure. This book is rich with cocktail recipes inspired by his travels and experiences while filming Outlander. In preparation for the watch party, Heughan shares three cocktails perfect for the occasion, complete with personal anecdotes.

Whisky Highball

This refreshing cocktail was inspired by Heughan’s trip to Japan while promoting Outlander Season 2. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2oz (60ml) whisky (blended Scotch or Japanese whisky recommended)
• 4oz (120ml) soda water
• Lemon slice (for garnish)
• Ice (cubed)

Directions:

1. Fill a highball glass with cubed ice.
2. Add the whisky and top with soda water.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Sassenach Cosmopolitan

For a twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, this recipe substitutes gin for vodka, providing a unique flavor profile:

Ingredients:

• 1½oz (45ml) Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin
• ¾oz (22.5ml) Cointreau
• ¾oz (22.5ml) cranberry juice
• ¼oz (7.5ml) cranberry syrup
• ½oz (15ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Ice (cubed)

Directions:

1. Chill a glass and set aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice and add all ingredients.
3. Shake well to chill and combine.
4. Double strain into the chilled glass and garnish with cranberries.

Bee’s Knees

Particularly fitting for the final season, this cocktail ties into Claire’s role as a beekeeper.

Ingredients:

• 2oz (60ml) gin
• ¾oz (22.5ml) fresh lemon juice
• ½oz (15ml) honey syrup
• Orange twist (for garnish)
• Ice (cubed)

Directions:

1. Chill a glass and set aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
3. Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, shaking well.
4. Strain into your chilled glass and garnish with an orange twist.

With these delightful cocktails, fans are sure to elevate their Outlander watch parties, setting the right mood for the final chapter of this epic tale. For more cocktail inspirations, Heughan’s book is available where books are sold.

The complex flavor of lemongrass, reminiscent yet distinct from its lemon namesake, has made it a favorite among mixologists. While commonly used in cooking for dishes like stir-fries, lemongrass also shines in cocktails when prepared properly.

To incorporate lemongrass into your drinks, you can follow several methods:

Infuse Spirits with Lemongrass

Infusing spirits is an excellent way to add flavor without altering the cocktail’s texture. Vodka, white rum, or gin work best for this method. Simply cut the lemongrass stalks in half, slice them into inch-long pieces, and submerge them in the chosen spirit. In about 24 hours, you can start to taste mild flavors, but letting it sit for two weeks yields better results.

Create Lemongrass Syrup

Simple syrup can enhance cocktails by adding sweetness and flavor. To make lemongrass syrup, simmer two chopped stalks with equal parts sugar and water for ten minutes. This syrup can feature prominently in cocktails like a vodka gimlet or add depth to a Moscow mule.

Muddle Lemongrass

Muddling is effective with lemongrass due to its robust texture. Crushing the stalks releases their essential oils for a fresh, vibrant flavor. You can make cocktails similar to a mint julep or a mojito by replacing or combining mint with muddled lemongrass.

Use Lemongrass Tea

Preparing lemongrass tea involves boiling the stalks to extract maximum flavor. This tea can be utilized in tall, refreshing drinks like ginger coolers or a nice cocktail spritzer. It also serves well as a flavorful mocktail base when combined with other ingredients.

Garnish with Lemongrass

For a unique touch, lemongrass can be used as a garnish. Thin strips of lemongrass can add flair to your cocktail, and a whole stalk can function as a swizzle stick. To enhance flavor, bruise the stalk before using it in the drink.

By employing these techniques, lemongrass can elevate your cocktail game, introducing sophisticated, fresh flavors that are sure to impress.

Just like any other kitchen equipment, having the right bar tools can significantly enhance your cocktail-making experience. A cocktail enthusiast, who often engages in shaking, stirring, and muddling, realized that their bar tool collection was outdated—a mismatched array accumulated over the years that didn’t quite meet the mark.

However, a recent discovery of the Caraway Complete Bar Set has transformed their cocktail-making game. Launched in late October, this comprehensive nine-piece set includes a 16.9-ounce insulated cocktail shaker, muddler, wine key, strainer, bar spoon, and jigger, all designed for functionality and style. The thoughtful inclusion of a wooden storage base and a color-customizable fabric-wrapped backer brought aesthetically pleasing organization to the bar space.

Crafted from stainless steel, most tools are dishwasher-safe (excluding the wine key), ensuring ease of maintenance. The standout piece, the cocktail shaker, boasts a robust design that guarantees a secure closure, eliminating messy spills—a significant upgrade from previously used, thinner metal shakers. Additionally, its size is perfect, accommodating two cocktails at once while remaining easy to handle.

The jigger’s innovative design, featuring internal measurement markings, simplifies the process of measuring ingredients, a feature that makes it more user-friendly than traditional jiggers. The other tools—a bar spoon, muddler, and strainer—are high-quality as well, with the muddler offering an ergonomic design and dishwasher-friendly convenience.

The entire set enhances not only functionality but also the visual appeal of the bar area, with color options for the storage backer allowing personalization to fit existing decor. This arrangement promotes efficiency, giving easy access to essentials for cocktail hour without the hassle of digging through drawers.

For those looking to elevate their cocktail crafting, the Caraway Complete Bar Set is currently available for $245, reduced from the original price of $315.

• Caraway Complete Bar Set

This fall season, as the weather cools and the leaves change color, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family around a punch bowl. Whether you’re cozying up by a fireplace or hosting an autumnal gathering, the right beverage can enhance the mood. Here’s a selection of seven big-batch cocktails ideal for fall, featuring a mix of traditional flavors and innovative blends.

Gaelic Punch

This warm Irish punch, crafted by cocktail historian David Wondrich, showcases Irish whiskey. It incorporates classic elements like spirit, sugar, citrus, and spices, creating a comforting drink perfect for chilly evenings. For the best results, use a young Irish whiskey and pre-warm the serving bowl to maintain the drink’s temperature.

Get the Recipe

Nonalcoholic Cranberry-Pomegranate Punch

M. Carrie Allan developed this vibrant zero-proof punch, which combines cranberry and pomegranate juices with a tea-infused simple syrup. To elevate its festive spirit, top this refreshing drink with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. For those who prefer an alcoholic version, you can easily substitute with a dry prosecco or cava.

Get the Recipe

Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Punch

A delightful blend of tart cranberry juice and spicy ginger ale, this low-alcohol punch leverages frozen cranberries to keep it cool. You may want to have extra sparkling wine handy for guests to enjoy a top-off throughout the evening.

Get the Recipe

Sparkling Pear Punch

In this effervescent punch, chef Mashama Bailey celebrates the flavors of pear through pear brandy, pear nectar, spiced liqueur, hard cider, and fresh slices. A hint of lemon juice adds brightness, making it perfect for both fall and winter festivities. You can prepare the basic mixture a day in advance and just add the sparkling cider on the day of your event.

Get the Recipe

Pomegranate-Tequila Punch

This festive punch merges blanco tequila with pomegranate juice, ginger tea, maple syrup, and lime juice for a perfectly balanced sweet-sour taste. It can be batched up to three days before serving, making it a convenient option for holiday gatherings.

Get the Recipe

Anjou Punch

Crafted by bartender Leo Robitschek, this punch combines Cognac, pear liqueur, cinnamon, citrus juice, and Champagne. Its rich flavors and festive spirit make it an excellent choice for fall and winter celebrations, serving up to 12 people.

Get the Recipe

Cranberry Punch with Sumac

Another refreshing creation by chef Mashama Bailey, this punch features a bright base of frozen cranberries combined with sugar and tart sumac, topped off with sparkling water. The preparation is simple and produces a drink that captures the essence of seasonal flavors without the alcohol.

Get the Recipe

These large-batch cocktails not only provide variety for guests with different tastes but also set a warm and inviting tone for your fall gatherings. Happy mixing!

Michael Smuss, a Holocaust survivor, painter, and fighter during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, has passed away at the age of 99. His death on October 21 was confirmed by his wife in Israel, with Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, announcing that his funeral would take place the following day.

Born in 1926 in Danzig, now known as Gdansk, Poland, Smuss later moved to Lodz and Warsaw. By 1940, he was one of the hundreds of thousands of Jews imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto, which initially housed around 380,000 people, with conditions deteriorating into rampant disease and starvation.

Joining the Jewish resistance, Smuss became involved with an underground group led by Mordechai Anielewicz. During his resistance efforts, he accessed materials to create Molotov cocktails, which were crucial for their fight against Nazi forces. Smuss described how they prepared bottles filled with flammable substances, anticipating the Nazi assault.

On April 19, 1943, when the Nazis attempted to demolish the ghetto, hundreds—Smuss included—fought back fiercely. He successfully resisted and was one of the few to survive what lasted almost a month before the ghetto was subdued. Although he was captured and en route to Treblinka, the Nazis redirected him back due to a labor shortage, leading Smuss to endure life in other camps.

After the war, Smuss emigrated to the United States, where he established a family before moving to Israel and embarking on his healing journey through art. He developed a passion for painting, utilizing it as a means to process his traumatic past. Throughout his life, he maintained an incredible sense of humor, much to the admiration of his family. Smuss’s legacy includes his dedication to educating future generations about the horrors he endured and survived.

Richard Sandoval Hospitality is celebrating Día de los Muertos with an innovative culinary event called Sacred Moon. This initiative transforms the phases of the moon into unique cocktail-and-plate pairings, showcasing the rich traditions of the holiday.

Chef Richard Sandoval, recognized for his passion for Latin American cuisine, is launching Sacred Moon at over 60 restaurants globally. The event features a month-long immersive experience with special menus, decorations, and drinks inspired by the lunar cycle. The culinary highlight includes an intimate tasting dinner that presents three distinct dishes paired with eight cocktails, known as the Lunar Beverage Collection.

The tasting event, designed to deepen the appreciation of Día de los Muertos, will be led by Sandoval along with Chef Giancarlo Sandoval and mixology expert Riesler Morales from Casa Lumbre, a renowned Mexican spirits company. Each cocktail in the collection is inspired by a phase of the moon. For instance, the Lunar Goddess cocktail uses tequila and fig-infused honey, while the Moon’s Embrace features Mexican whiskey and rose water.

For those unable to attend the tasting event, a selection of these specially crafted cocktails will be available at select Richard Sandoval restaurants across the U.S. until November 3. Additionally, certain locations internationally, such as Cayao at the Four Seasons Resort in Cabo San Lucas and Toro at The St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya, will also feature the holiday-inspired menu.

Chef Sandoval is sharing a couple of cocktail recipes from the Lunar Beverage Collection for those looking to celebrate at home. The recipes include a cocktail inspired by the New Moon, featuring mezcal and pumpkin, and another inspired by the Waxing Crescent, which mixes tequila with tamarind and black salt.

These curated cocktails not only honor Mexican culinary traditions but also invite guests to experience the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos through delightful flavors and artisanal craftsmanship.

There are many factors that connect us as a global community, such as books, music, and movies. Cocktails also play a significant role in this connection, and vodka, in particular, serves as a universal spirit that can enhance flavors from various cultures. Its versatility makes vodka a favorable choice for cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Experts like Claire Mallett (Catch One LA), Mark Simmonds (Broken Shed Vodka), Jennifer Jackson (Thompson Hotels), Ross Hensley (Aspen Vodka), and Sean Kenyon (Blue Collar Cocktails) shared insights on popular vodka cocktails that deserve a spot on your drink list. If you haven’t sampled these cocktails yet, now is the perfect time to explore.

1. Vodka Gimlet: Initially a gin cocktail, the vodka variation highlights the richness of quality vodka. Mark Simmonds noted the growing popularity of this drink as vodka gains appreciation worldwide.

2. Kamikaze: Originally a shooter, this sweet and sour cocktail made with vodka, lime juice, and orange liqueur has become popular as a classic cocktail. Simmonds recommends serving it like a martini for a sophisticated twist.

3. Dirty Martini: Once gaining traction in the U.S. largely due to James Bond’s influence, the dirty martini is simple yet elegant, emphasizing the quality of the vodka. Claire Mallett suggests shaking until ice chips appear for the perfect chill.

4. Kukur Tihar: Inspired by India’s Festival of Dogs, this cocktail combines vodka, olive juice, grapefruit juice, and cardamom bitters, reflecting the bold flavors of South Asia.

5. Aussie Espresso Martini: A favorite in Australia, this variation of the classic espresso martini incorporates local coffee liqueur and vanilla vodka to create a uniquely smooth texture.

6. Scottish Pete’s Martini: Utilizing Scotch whisky instead of vermouth, this cocktail celebrates a creative historical adaptation that offers a unique depth of flavor with a simple olive juice addition.

7. Cosmopolitan: A quintessential cocktail in the U.S., it gained worldwide fame through popular media, notably "Sex and the City." Featuring vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime, it remains a staple in cocktail menus globally.

8. Bloody Mary: A brunch classic, this cocktail combines vodka with a spiced tomato juice blend. Originating in Paris, it has since become a worldwide staple at brunches everywhere.

9. Vesper Martini: This sophisticated drink, made famous by James Bond, features both gin and vodka, creating a complex flavor profile that has garnered global popularity.

10. Vodka Martini: This foundational cocktail is adaptable worldwide, easily made with quality vodka to suit varied tastes and palates.

These vodka cocktails not only showcase the spirit’s versatility but also demonstrate how it transcends borders, embodying the creativity and diversity present in global bartending cultures. Each cocktail tells its story through the ingredients and the traditions it carries from its origin to your glass.

Midnight Oil in Long Beach offers a quirky dining experience, combining creative cocktails with an eclectic assortment of Chinese small dishes. The restaurant features three distinct areas: The Apothecary, The Lagoon, and Hao Peng You Hand Laundry, yet maintains a vibrant atmosphere where the boundaries between them feel invitingly blurred.

Upon entering, diners escape the mundane surroundings of Long Beach Boulevard, stepping into a lively space on 3rd Street. The venue is aesthetically crafted to evoke a back alley feel reminiscent of Old Hong Kong, yet it has a contemporary twist. Patrons can enjoy innovative cocktails like the Brokedown Palace—a mojito infused with pineapple rum and Thai basil—and Monkey Staff, a mix of vodka and sarsaparilla soda. For those seeking something refreshing, sips from the cocktail menu evoke the bustling streets of Taipei or Hong Kong.

As the night progresses, guests can dive into a menu full of delightful options including scallion pancakes, har gow shrimp dumplings, and barbecue char siu pork buns. Curiously, there’s also Spam fried rice on the menu, a nod to Hawaiian flavors amidst the Chinese culinary backdrop. For those craving a lighter snack, edamame tossed in Sriracha, garlic, and ginger provides a kick of flavor.

Midnight Oil fills a unique niche in a Long Beach scene that lacks a plethora of dedicated Chinese dining establishments. Unlike the abundance of options in nearby Cerritos or Cambodia Town, it provides a rare opportunity for small plate tastings reminiscent of popular chains like Din Tai Fung.

Midnight Oil Details

• Rating: 2.5 stars
• Address: 255 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach
• Contact: 562-269-0218
• Cuisine: Cocktails and Chinese small dishes
• Hours: Dinner, Wednesday through Sunday
• Average Price: About $35 per person
• Reservations: Essential

In summary, Midnight Oil not only presents a whimsical backdrop but also offers a culinary journey with its inventive drinks and eclectic small bites, perfect for those looking to try something different in Long Beach’s dining scene.

Vodka is renowned for being one of the most versatile spirits, treasured for its ability to blend seamlessly with various flavors and ingredients. This versatility contributes to its prominent use in many cocktails, from the classic Moscow Mule to the renowned Bloody Mary. Here’s a look at some essential vodka cocktails along with their recipes that every cocktail enthusiast should know.

Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4 oz. Ginger beer
• ¾ oz. Lime juice
• Garnish: Lime wedge

Originating in the early 1940s, the Moscow Mule pairs vodka with ginger beer and lime juice, served in a distinctive copper mug. This blend rose to popularity quickly, spreading across the United States.

White Russian

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Coffee liqueur (like Kahlua)
• 1 oz. Heavy cream

This creamy cocktail, tied forever to "The Big Lebowski," combines vodka with coffee liqueur and cream. It’s simple to make directly in the serving glass.

Harvey Wallbanger

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4 oz. Orange juice
• ¼ oz. Galliano
• Garnish: Orange slice

A twist on the screwdriver, the Harvey Wallbanger, popularized in the 1970s, adds Galliano for an extra layer of flavor.

Salty Dog

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4 oz. Grapefruit juice
• Salt (for the rim)
• Garnish: Lime wheel

To create a refreshing summer drink, salt the rim of a highball glass and mix vodka with grapefruit juice.

Chi Chi

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4 oz. Pineapple juice
• 1 oz. Cream of coconut
• Garnish: Pineapple wedge

A vodka rendition of the piña colada inventor by Tiki cocktail pioneer Don the Beachcomber, the Chi Chi combines tropical flavors for a vibrant drink.

Bloody Mary

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 4 oz. Tomato juice
• ¼ oz. Lemon juice
• ¼ oz. Lime juice
• ¼ oz. Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ oz. Hot sauce
• ¼ oz. Horseradish
• Various spices for seasoning
• Garnish: Celery stalk

Known for its savory profile, the Bloody Mary is a brunch staple that can be customized with various garnishes.

Lemon Drop

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Lemon juice
• ½ oz. Curaçao
• ½ oz. Simple syrup
• Sugar (for rim)
• Garnish: Lemon peel

A vibrant and sweet cocktail, the Lemon Drop is served in a sugar-rimmed glass for an added touch.

Russian Spring Punch

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka
• 3 oz. Champagne
• 1 oz. Lemon juice
• ½ oz. Crème de cassis
• Garnish: Lemon slice and raspberry

Invented by British cocktail master Dick Bradsell, this cocktail combines vodka, champagne, and fruit flavors for a refreshing delight.

Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Lemon-flavored vodka
• ¾ oz. Cointreau
• ¾ oz. Lime juice
• ¾ oz. Cranberry juice
• Garnish: Lemon or lime twist

The Cosmopolitan, made famous by "Sex and the City," is a chic blend of fruity and citrus flavors.

Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Espresso
• ½ oz. Coffee liqueur
• ½ oz. Simple syrup
• Garnish: Whole coffee beans

Perfect for an after-dinner drink, the Espresso Martini combines caffeine with alcohol for a revitalizing pick-me-up.

Ivy Gimlet

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Lime juice
• ¾ oz. Simple syrup
• Small handful of mint

This refreshing cocktail adds mint to the classic gimlet recipe, lending it an extra herbal note.

Appletini

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Vodka
• 1 ½ oz. Green apple juice
• ½ oz. Lemon juice
• ½ oz. Simple syrup
• Garnish: Apple slice

More contemporary than traditional, the Appletini uses fresh green apple juice to create a lively, fruity drink.

Cocktail Culture

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ oz. Vodka
• ¾ oz. Honey yogurt
• ½ oz. Passion fruit puree
• ¼ oz. Vanilla syrup

This unique cocktail was inspired by the Indian drink lassi, showcasing vodka’s adaptability and creativity.

Insider’s Takeaway

Vodka may not have the historical pedigree of spirits like whiskey or gin, but it has solidified its role in cocktail culture. Its neutral character allows it to be paired with a wide array of flavors, making it suitable for various drinking occasions. Whether you’re looking for something refreshing for brunch or a complex cocktail for dessert, there’s a vodka drink for every moment.

The old Rosella restaurant in Mid-City is being transformed into a vibrant Mexican eatery, operated by the owners of Espíritu Mezcaleria & Cocina, known for its mezcal cocktails and craft cocktails in downtown New Orleans. This new location will maintain much of the original Rosella’s charming design, characterized by coral pink walls and a silver-trimmed wrap-around bar.

Haley Saucier, who previously managed the downtown Espíritu, is excited about the pending opening of the new restaurant at 139 S. Cortez St. She aims to create an inviting atmosphere for the community, encouraging past Rosella patrons to return and enjoy the revamped space.

The Mid-City area already hosts several Mexican restaurants, including Juan’s Flying Burrito and Taqueria Guerrero, but Espíritu aims to offer unique specialties. The bar will feature mezcal-focused cocktails and Mexican wines, which have been gaining popularity. The new spot will also adopt some of the successful menu items from the downtown location, while adding new dishes, such as fajitas and enchiladas.

Saucier envisions a cozy venue for after-work snacks and cocktails, as well as an engaging brunch experience with dishes like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles, complete with live entertainment options like mariachi bands and Latin drag shows.

Espíritu’s downtown flagship is noted not just for its drinks but also serves as a hub for mezcal education, with certified staff offering Master Mezcal Certification programs. The new Mid-City restaurant plans to follow suit.

The corner location at S. Cortez St. has a rich history, previously serving as a grocery store and the original Ruby Slipper before becoming Rosella. The neighborhood is also seeing a resurgence of new dining concepts, with additional openings on the horizon.

Espíritu Mid-City is expected to open by the end of October 2025 at 139 S. Cortez St.