The official version of a Cuba Libre is just rum and coke with optional lime. But don’t knock simple. Some of the best cocktail recipes only include two or three ingredients. When you find two bold, complementary flavors, why complicate things with a lot of ... READ MORE]]> The official version of a Cuba Libre is just rum and coke with optional lime. But don’t knock simple. Some of the best cocktail recipes only include two or three ingredients. When you find two bold, complementary flavors, why complicate things with a lot of other stuff? Plus, it’s easy for any bartender to make.

Cuba Libre

• 2 ounces of light (white) rum
• The juice of a half-lime (fresh is best)
• Cola (diet works, if you prefer)

Put ice cubes into a highball glass. Pour the lime juice over them. Add the rum, then fill to the top with cola. Stir, garnish with lime wheels or wedges and serve.

Zesty Citrus

The Cuba Libre pairs well with anything that tastes good with cola, which is just about everything. Some of my preferred suggestions include a nicely seasoned lemon chicken with garlic mashed potatoes or spicy shrimp skewers with lime and jerk seasonings. For an appetizer or party snack (this drink is great served by the pitcher), try citrus-ginger crab cakes.

The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the all time greats. It’s a stealth drink, like the Zombie. It goes down so easy, the high alcohol content sneaks up on you. It’s also a great pre-mixer to make in pitchers and serve at parties. ... READ MORE]]> The Long Island Iced Tea is one of the all time greats. It’s a stealth drink, like the Zombie. It goes down so easy, the high alcohol content sneaks up on you. It’s also a great pre-mixer to make in pitchers and serve at parties. Summertime is an ideal time to serve the Long Island Iced Tea, because its taste  is reminiscent of iced tea even though there’s no tea in it at all.

Long Island Iced Tea

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1/2 ounce white rum
• 1/2 ounce white tequila
• 1/2 ounce gin
• 1/2 ounce Triple Sec
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Cola to taste (about 1/2 cup)
• Lemon wedges

Fill a shaker with ice and add the vodka, rum, tequila, gin, Triple Sec, and lemon juice. Shake it vigorously until the shaker gets frosty on the outside. Pour  into a highball glass and top it off with cola. Garnish with lemon wedges or drop some lemon rounds into it, and serve.

Meat & Potatoes

The Long Island Iced Tea basically tastes like iced tea, which is pretty delicious with any meal.  Because this is a strong drink, pair it with solid meals (even a filling sandwich) rather than light salads and snacks. Try these:

• Sunday Dinner: Easy Meatloaf and Garlic Roasted Potatoes and Zucchini
• Savory steak dinner for two
• Texas-Style Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy

There are a couple of variations on the Strawberry Blonde. The most common is basically an alcoholic Cherry Coke with cream. The other version is basically a strawberry champagne – which actually sounds more “strawberry blonde” than the recipe that uses cola, but it’s all ... READ MORE]]> There are a couple of variations on the Strawberry Blonde. The most common is basically an alcoholic Cherry Coke with cream. The other version is basically a strawberry champagne – which actually sounds more “strawberry blonde” than the recipe that uses cola, but it’s all good! The cola version is mildly sweet with a moderate alcohol kick, while the champagne version is considerably sweeter and much less strong.

The Strawberry Blonde with Cola

• 1 ounce Vodka
• 2 ounces cherry brandy
• Fill with cola
• Add a dash of cream

Mix the ingredients in a cocktail glass, stir gently and serve. Or you can shake it up with ice and strain into the glass, if you prefer. Garnish with a strawberry or sprig of mint.

The Strawberry Blonde with Champagne

• 2 ounces champagne
• 2 ounces Stoli Strasberi vodka
• 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
• 1/2 ounces strawberry daiquiri mix

Pour the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, and shake gently to mix. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a strawberry.

Smoky and salty

Whichever recipe you use, this is definitely a drink to be accompanied by salty and/or smoky snacks.

• Smoked almonds make a perfect contrast to the light sweetness of this drink.
• Smoked cheeses and meat cold cuts also go well – try smoked gouda, smoked mozarella, and anything involving applewood bacon.
• Salty cheese are also great – try asiago, Roquefort, or feta.
• If you want something more substantial, order a White Pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, or make your own. They use Mozzarella, Fontina, Ricotta, Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses, plus sauteed garlic and spinach… and smoked applewood bacon. That’s a wonderful combination of flavors to contrast with the Strawberry Blonde.