This week in Valentine’s Day recipes just keeps on coming, this time courtesy of the folks over at Effen vodka. The following recipes were tried and tested in our own bar, and were received with approval and enthusiasm.
Effen Chocolate Covered Black Cherry
1 1/2 parts Effen Black Cherry Vodka
3/4 part DeKuyper Dark Crème de Cacao
3/4 part half and half
1 teaspoon cherry preserves
1 dash Angostura bitters
In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel and brandied cherries.
Effen Chai Love’tini
1 1/2 parts Effen Vodka
1 lemon peel
1 orange peel
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon water
4 dashes Fee Brothers orange bitters
In a mixing glass place sugar, water, bitters, and citrus peels skin side down. Lightly muddle peels into sugar to release oils and to dissolve sugar into water. Add remaining ingredients over ice and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with lemon peel.
Effen Bitter Truth
Created by David Nepove – National President, U.S. Bartender’s Guild
1½ parts Effen Vodka
2 dashes Angostura bitters
1 part simple syrup
1 part lemon juice
1½ parts tonic water
Add all ingredients, except tonic, to a cocktail shaker over ice and shake. Strain and pour into a cocktail glass with with ice. Top with tonic water and garnish with a lemon wheel in the glass.