Not So Teeny ‘Tinis!

As often as I gripe to my friends and family about working in a restaurant, it does sometimes have its perks. Other than the incredibly flexible hours and excellent pay (which we work ridiculously hard for), every once in awhile my imagination ignites and I get the opportunity to really show some creativity in my product. Being a part-time manager and part-time bartender also affords me a few extra liberties that not everyone is so lucky to have in a corporate restaurant.

While collaborating with our new GM and the company’s events coordinator, we decided to run some promotions that include quite a few new “grown up beverages” on different nights of the week. Not only are the drinks themselves super fun and full of flavor, but I had a blast pouring, mixing, and muddling to find just the right combinations. Whether or not we keep the garnishes so fancy during the chaos of full season, I love coming up with ways to make an item really pop as it travels through the dining room, hopefully creating interest and a desire amongst the guests to try one themselves. Although I didn’t personally create all of these myself, I did execute the ones in the pictures. We got some ideas off the internet and changed them slightly to be a better fit for us, some from my fellow bartenders at the restaurant, and the Andes Martini is my very own special creation.

I probably won’t spill every single detail, so you’re welcome to mess around with the concepts at home (and perhaps mention that some awesome little bartendress in SoCal gave you the idea when you share them)… or come in to The Hog’s Breath Inn in Old Town La Quinta this fall and try one of our masterpieces yourself! We have delicious food, great deals, and there’s always something special for you to try daily. If you’re anywhere in Coachella Valley, come check out our nightly Happy Hour or pop in and say hi to me on the weekends. Either way, I hope you get a chance to enjoy one of these tasty fall martinis and cocktails!

Andes Mintini

Smirnoff Vanilla
Godiva Chocolate Liqueor
Creme de Cacao
Peppermint Schnapps
Half and Half
Chocolate Sauce
Chocolate, Whipped Cream and Andes garnish

Pumpkin Pie

Smirnoff Vanilla
Goldschlager
Pumpkin Puree
Whipped Cream
Nutmeg
Pumpkin Spice Creamer
Graham Cracker, Whipped Cream and Nutmeg/Cinnamon garnish

Cranberry Refresher (not shown)

Sparkling Wine
Cranberry Juice
Fresh Mint
Fresh Whole Cranberries and Mint Leaf garnish

Strawberry Basil Mojito
(with Renee Flowers)

Myers Platinum Rum
Triple Sec
Fresh Strawberries
Fresh Basil
Strawberry Puree
Sugar
Sprite
Club Soda
Sugar, Strawberry and Basil Leaf garnish

Caramel Apple

Apple Pucker
Butterscotch Schnapps
Smirnoff Vodka
Sweet and Sour
Caramel, Crushed Peanut and Apple Slice garnish

Cranberry Drop

Absolut Cranberry or Currant
Smirnoff Citron
Fresh Lemon
Sugar
Sweet and Sour
Cranberry Juice
Sugar and Lemon Twist garnish

Caramel Kiss (not shown)

Smirnoff Vanilla
Butterscotch Schnapps
Vanilla Caramel Creamer
Caramel
Caramel garnish

Eastside Martini
(from Mike Barnett)

Tanqueray Gin
Absolut Peppar Vodka
Fresh Lime
Cucumber
Fresh Jalapeño (seeds ok)
Fresh Mint
Lime, Mint, and Jalapeño garnish

Cucumber Martini
(from Stephen Squillace)

Hendricks Gin
Fresh Cucumber
Fresh Mint
Fresh Lemon
Fresh Lime
Sprite
Club Soda
Sweet and Sour
Sugar
Sugar, Mint, and Cucumber garnish