Mia Bella

The Mia Bella is a cocktail I created based on the classic Negroni (equal parts gin, campari, and sweet vermouth). But here instead of Campari I'm using another Italian bitter, Amaro Meletti, which is quite different than Campari, but not without some similarities; and a rosé vermouth instead of a sweet vermouth.

1 oz. gin
1 oz. Amaro Meletti
1 oz. rosato vermouth

stir with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

Vanilla Bourbon Trusker

 

I was recently given 6 vanilla beans by a dear friend.  After thinking for some time about what I ought to do with them I decided that sticking a few in a bottle of bourbon wouldn't be such a bad idea.  Turns out it was quite a good idea.  I didn't do anything special, other than stick three of the beans straight into the bottle and then waited a week and-a-half.  The flavors work wonderfully together.  After having a piece of raspberry filled dark chocolate, inspiration struck, and I quickly thought up this drink.  My friend Jeff suggested the name and I had no good reason to dispute it.  It does have a ring to it I must say.

1 oz. vanilla infused bourbon (I used Evan Williams, but if I had been certain of how good it was going to be I'd have probably chosen Buffalo Trace)

3/4 oz. dark creme de cacao

3/4 oz. Chambord

1 oz. light cream or half & half

Shake vigorously with ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Cornichon Martini

Nothing revelatory here, I'm afraid.  This is a classic gin martini with the, I dare say, novel addition of French cornichons.  Yes, they are essentially gherkins, but quite a bit smaller than any gherkins I'VE ever had, and pickled with different spices than your typical gherkin.  One of those spices, tarragon, works especially well here, imparting a slight anise-y touch to the drink.  The same kind of saltiness one would get from olives is present as well.  Give it a try!

Make a classic martini, but garnish (as here) with two small cornichons instead of the lemon twist.