Orange Whip Riff - A Cocktail Challenge for the 46th Anniversary of The Blues Brothers Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-06-09 | I was challenged to make a riff on the Orange Whip, a cocktail invented because of an ad-libbed line by John Candy in the Blues Brothers movie. The original recipe is Orange Juice, Cream, and Booze, designed to taste like an Orange Creamsicle, something I haven't had (or wanted) since I was a kid. Adult tastes require new flavors and techniques, and this riff, while keeping some hints of of its predecessor, is packed with fun flavor and the perfect amount of cool to rival a concert at the Palace Hotel Ballroom.I tried to make as many references to the movie as I could, and if you get them all, let me know in the comments!#orangewhipriff #bittersteve
Procera Green Dot Gin - Review and Cocktails plus Red Dot and Blue Dot Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-09-16 | I've finally found the full line up from Procera Gin, Blue Dot, Red Dot, and the exquisite and elusive Green Dot!I've been playing around with the Blue Dot for a while now, have enjoyed it both neat and in cocktails, and am impressed with the quality of the juice. I came across this bottle almost by accident. I had won an auction at a semi-local liquor store, but didn't want to make the trip for just a single bottle, so I browsed around for a bit, and ran into someone who had come in from even further just for the Procera. In hindsight, that probably wasn't the best endorsement, but curiosity got the best of me, and now I have all three!Each one contains different botanicals from all over Africa, creating unique flavor profiles that are best used in specific cocktails. The Red Dot is for bold cocktails like the Negroni and the Aviation, while the Blue Dot works best in lighter drinks. All are superb neat, tho!Join me as I discuss each one, the ingredients and flavors, and try them out in a few cocktails!
Campari Soda: Recreating the Original Bottled Cocktail with a few experiments Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-09-01 | Campari Soda is the original bottled cocktail, created in 1932, and mostly sold in Italy. It's a rare treat if you can find it, and let's try to recreate this fun libation so that we can enjoy it anytime. Stick through to the end, and see the version that I believe is one of the most delicious bitter sodas I've ever tried, using Japanese Scarlet Aperitivo from Iseya Distillery and Fever Tree Elderflower Tonic Water.
Pisco and Suze Cocktail Experiments - Creating Delicious Cocktails using Pisco and Suze Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-08-27 | I still have a lot of Pisco to use up - half from my Semi Definitive Guide to Pisco: youtu.be/jtv4fpIa0U8?si=-pdEOW78IiYLbyMrand half from some recent cocktails from my room party at Tiki Caliente. After many (many!) Pisco cocktails, I've got a good handle on which ones I want to keep around, and which ones need to be used up.The Suze came from an attempt to recreate a radically delicious cocktail I had in New Orleans, which I think I made a video about last year. It's been languishing on my shelf for some time, and I decided it was time to empty the bottle.Here's the problem though, now that I've made all these Pisco and Suze cocktails, I may need to keep it around. All of these cocktails were delicious! And now I want to have them all again.See, this is how these booze corporations get you! You buy a bottle for some purpose, and instead of being wasteful, you try to find other uses for it, and then you get hooked.Choloni (Pisco Negroni)1.5 oz Quebranta Pisco1.0 oz Cocchi Americano0.75 oz SuzeStir in a Rocks Glass over a Large Ice Cube.Pizarro's Bane1.5 oz Quebranta Pisco0.75 oz Creme de Cacao0.50 oz Oloroso Sherry0.25 oz SuzeShake with Cracked Ice and strain into a Chilled Coupe.Kuzko's Pigeon Coop2 oz Pisco2 oz Squirt3/4 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz SuzeSwizzle in a Collins Glass filled with Cracked Ice.Suzy in Peru1 oz Suze1 oz Quebranta Pisco1/2 oz Mezcal3/4 oz Lemon Juice1/2 oz Simple SyrupFoamer or Egg WhiteDry shake everything together, then add ice and shake again. Strain into a Rocks Glass over a Large Ice Cube.
The Japanese Tomato Sour Experiments, with the Tomato Paloma, Martini, and Margarita! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-08-11 | I recently came back from a trip to Hong Kong and Japan where I found some interesting cocktails that I want to try to recreate with all of you! The first one is the Tomato Sour, introduced to me at a little Soba house in Kyoto, and was quite interesting. I haven't quite found the perfect way to recreate this drink, so let's explore a number of different methods for creating tomato cocktails.We muddle cherry tomatoes, infuse tequila and mezcal, create tomato water, use smoked tomato oil, and create tomato puree to make Sours, Palomas, Martinis, and Margaritas. Each method is interchangeable and expandable for extreme flavor combinations.The Tomato Water is the only real recipe in this video, and that is made by blending 1lb of tomatoes with a 1/2 tsp of salt. Put the puree in a nut milk bag, in a strainer, over a bowl, and store in the fridge overnight (or for 24 hours). Collect the clear liquid without squeezing the nut milk bag. This yields about a 1/2 cup, which is good for a few cocktails, and this won't last but a few days in the fridge. For extra flavor, blend in a basil leaf, or some thyme sprigs, or anything you can think of!The smoked tomato oil can be found here, and this is not an affiliate link, I just dig this stuff:algaecookingclub.com/products/musashis_smoked_tomato_oilI didn't find the Japanese Tomato Sour, but I think I'm on the right track, and with a little more experimentation, I'll revisit this topic in the future, hopefully with the correct recipe.Thanks for watching, and I'll catch you at the next Happy Hour!
Testing out the Perfect Margarita according to Alton Brown and TOTR - feat. the Daisy de Santiago! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-05-20 | After hearing about the latest feud between Alton Brown and Jean-Felix of Truffles on the Rocks, where each one is claiming to have made the 'Perfect Margarita', I've decided it's time to throw my hat in the ring and join the fight!Each one claims to have perfected the Margarita, a classic cocktail based off of the Daisy, a pre-prohibition cocktail that consists of Booze, Lemon or Lime Juice, and Orange Liqueur. In each of their respective videos, they tout their Homemade Orange Liqueur as their claim to fame. I've followed their recipes and made two giant jugs of Orange Liqueur to test out which one truly is the 'Perfect Margarita'.To try these out for yourself, I've included a link to their videos here:Alton Brown's Perfect Margaritayoutu.be/t04lV6ctqek?si=kErhJlicT5PyXQuqTruffles on the Rocksyoutu.be/SoUv3Mdb9rM?si=91kkwC1HsA_IQCGOSo, grab a seat and a bucket of popcorn and watch as Three Perfect Margaritas enter the ring, and see which one survives the ultimate Perfect Margarita Cage Match!
Strawberry and Raspberry Clarified Margarita Experiments Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-04-28 | I spent some time experimenting with a new technique for clarification: infusing the milk used for the clarification process. This idea started with my Snozzberry Punch video, where I infused the milk with Crunchberry Cereal, creating a unique, cereal flavored cocktail. Now, I'm expanding on this concept, and finding other ways to infuse the clarification milk to create new and intriguing cocktails, stretching these new ideas to impressive heights.Hunt down my semi-definitive guide to clarification for the full instructions, and use this as a guide to your own fruit flavored clarification and infusion. There are so many possibilities!
Craft Klaris Mini Clear Ice Maker - 6 Month Review - which one is right for me? Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-04-15 | I've now had my Craft Klaris Mini clear ice maker for 6 months, and outside a single mishap that may have been user error, it's been nothing but smooth sailing.Then what's the problem? Well, I don't really want both the original ice maker and the new mini taking up space in my kitchen. I need to make a decision about which one to keep and which one to ditch, and I think a couple of new cocktails will help convince me!
Three Hearts Rum review with Three New Pirate Cocktails! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-04-09 | I finally received my first bottles of Johnny Depp's premier Rum line, Three Hearts Rum, straight out of Davey Jones' Locker!This bottle is cool as heck! And the rum isn't bad, either. Join me as we explore the bottle, the rum, and make a few fun themed cocktails to celebrate!
Batching Margaritas for a Party! Testing Underrated Tequila and Cheap Tequila Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-03-19 | I was invited to a party and they requested I bring Margaritas! Since I didn't want to stand there bartending all night, I batched up a jug of Margaritas using an underrated tequila recommended by Luis Fernandez from @Lui_Fern , who likes to showcase delicious Tequila. After being told by a few lovely young ladies that this was the best Margarita that they've ever had, I wanted to put this recommended and underrated Tequila up against some of the cheap Tequilas I normally use for cocktails.Join me as I show you how to batch up a jug of Margaritas and taste test some good mixing Tequilas!
The Dirty Blue Martini - cheese washed gin and homemade olive brine Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-02-26 | I had a lot of fun making a new martini - The Dirty Blue Martini, a special mix of cheese washed gin with homemade olive brine. In this video, I made it two ways, one with Gorgonzola washed Gin, the other with a Blue Cheese washed Gin.This was inspired by @TheEducatedBarfly 's video on the Dirty Martini, where he also used a Gorgonzola and Blue Cheese washed Gin for his cocktails. I thought I would take it one step further and design my own olive brine.Making Olive Brine is simple, it's one cup of Water with one tablespoon each of Salt and Vinegar. I wanted something a little more exciting, so one of the Brines is made with Birch Smoked Salt, White Balsamic Vinegar, Cambodian Kampot Peppercorns, and Lemon Zest, while the other is Himalayan Pink Salt, Cider Vinegar, Thyme, and Rosemary. Instead of Water, I used Dry Vermouth alongside Castelvetrano, Spanish Queen, and Kalamata Olives. Soooooo delicious!Try these out, or make your own! I'm interested in hearing what you come up with for your own signature brine, and leave your recipe in the comments below!
Three Sisters Sazerac - A special cocktail for Gnomes Birthentines Day! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-02-14 | The Three Sisters Sazerac is a classic cocktail reimagined in honor of three sisters whose lives were upended by a nefarious stranger. Each of them have contributed to the cocktail through their names, to create something truly unique, truly delicious.It pains me to know the tragedy that struck their lives, and I take solace knowing that this cocktail, if they were still around to try it, would bring them the joy that they never had in their own lives, the taste harmonizing in a way they never could through song, a flavor so unique it shines in the heavens like their smiles.I've created this cocktail for Gnome over at @gnomestavern8285 in honor of his birthday, and as a New Orleans native, I hope he appreciates some of the liberties I've taken with this Sazerac. A special shout-out to Bonnie at @CocktailUnderground who convinced me to have a shot of Yellow Chartreuse before downing two cocktails.With either Cognac or Rye (Cognac was better)Fat was 1 cup of Cognac or Rye with 1/4 cup of Camembert Cheese. Combine in a mason jar and heat sous vide at 130 degrees for about an hour, leave on the counter to cool, shaking occasionally, freeze overnight before straining through a coffee filter.Add Bay Leaf and steep for a few days, testing after day 3.Make a Clementine Oleo Saccharum Syrup with the peels of 3 Clementine tangerines and 1 cup of sugar. Let sit for 8 - 24 hours before adding 1 cup of water to dissolve the oil and sugar before straining out the peels. (Any tangerine will work here, like Satsuma or Sumo)Add 1/2 ounce of Clementine Essential Syrup to a Sazerac glass. Pour 2 ounces of Cheese washed booze into a mixing glass over a large ice cube. Add in three dashes of a citrus bitters (I used 5 by 5 Aged Citrus Bitters). Stir to chill and strain into Sazerac glass. Garnish with a Clementine peel. The cognac version was absolutely delicious, and I hope you try it out! Stay creative! and Drink responsibly!#gnomessazerac #gnomestavern
Three Stones Cocktail - Mezcal Prosecco Apricot Foam - designed for the Reddit Cocktail Contest Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-02-10 | This month's cocktail contest on Reddit included Sparkling Wine and Apricot, two of my favorite cocktail ingredients! I made a series of delicious cocktails trying to find the perfect one to enter the contest, and settled on Three Stones, an enticing mix of Mezcal, Prosecco, Apricot, and Amaretto.In my search for the best cocktail to enter into this contest, I utilized many concoctions using Prosecco and Apricot, including:ProseccoProsecco ReductionFreeze-Dried Apricot Infused Prosecco ReductionFreeze-Dried Apricot Infused MezcalFreeze-Dried Apricot Infused AquavitAmaretto-Coconut FoamGrated Sun-Dried ApricotApricot LiqueurThe cocktail I settled on is delicious (as are all the others), and I hope you try it out! Check out the contest over on Reddit to see if I win!
The Cue Ball Cocktail - Pisco Dragonfruit Cranberry Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-02-06 | I finally took the plunge and shaved off what little hair was left on my head, and to celebrate, I've created a new punch - The Cue Ball Cocktail! A delicious mix of Pisco (or rum or tequila), Vermouth, Aperitivo Bianco, Dragonfruit, White Cranberry Juice, and Chamomile Tea,.This may get served at my upcoming room party at Tiki Caliente, so look for the Space Escapades party Saturday night!
Roast Pear & Citrus Syrup Cocktails - Using Rye, Gin, Cognac, & Grappa Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-01-29 | I made this amazing syrup using Roast D'Anjou Pear, Lemon Oleo Saccharum, and just a pinch of Ground Cardamom. I made an Oleo Saccharum using the peels of 4 lemons and 1 Cup of Sugar. I cored, quartered, & roasted 4 D'Anjou Pears, peeled off the skins, blending and straining the fruit. I mixed one cup of the Roast Pear Puree with the Oleo Saccharum, adding in a pinch of Ground Cardamom.This syrup was then used to create a few new cocktails using some of my leftover experimental booze to amazing results. These cocktails represent some of my absolute favorites, a melange of crazy experiments involving Goat Cheese and Italian Pork Fat, some of which are just as delicious without the crazy booze.This is one of my favorite videos, with many delicious cocktails, all thanks to this simple syrup concoction. Try it for yourself, and let me know what you come up with!
Bermuda Rum Swizzle and Piña Colada reimagined with Meyer Lemon Essential Syrup Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-01-21 | I've designed two more cocktail riffs using Meyer Lemon Essential Syrup, the latest addition to my Interesting Concoctions section, and both are delicious!The Piña Colada replaces Ice Cubes and Pineapple Juice with Frozen Pineapple Cubes, creating an amazingly decadent texture with the perfect flavor.The Bermuda Rum Swizzle, a classic from the 1930s, is elevated using the Meyer Lemon Essential Syrup in place of the Falernum to upgrade the flavors and the balance. A truly delicious improvement!Let me know which other drinks should get the Meyer Lemon Essential Syrup in the comments below, and I'll catch you at the next Happy Hour!Meyer Lemon Essential Syrup:youtu.be/CnQ7wm_vOYk
Meyer Lemon Essential Syrup for Cocktails Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-01-15 | Meyer Lemons are just now in season, and I love using these in cocktails. The zest and juice are sweeter and milder than typical lemons, and they can impart some interesting floral aromatics into your punches and cocktails.I'm making an essential syrup using the peels and the juice, creating a delicate and delicious syrup that shines in many different drinks. In the coming days and weeks, I'll add more videos showcasing new creations that use this syrup, and I'll link them below.The White Courtesan:youtu.be/h-V5EluppDAThe Bermuda Swizzle and Piña Colada:youtu.be/DCg6WXvdBKE
The White Courtesan - A Sweet and Umami Cocktail made with Sake and White Miso Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-01-15 | Shiroi Yuujo - The White CourtesanI made a new cocktail, a sweet and umami libation designed around Sake and Meyer Lemons. The umami comes from the addition of White Miso Paste, a unique ingredient that elevates a cocktail in ways you wouldn't expect, and the sweetness comes from a Meyer Lemon Essential Syrup, a unique syrup that incorporates the peels and juice from Meyer Lemons.This syrup is the latest in my Interesting Concoctions playlist, and I'll link it here once it has finished uploading.I created this cocktail for a recent Reddit Cocktail Contest, and the garnish is integral to this, a sweet and bitter candied orange peel garnish that creates a new sensation when eaten along with this drink.I've tested out four different versions, two with Miso Paste added straight in, and two with an Orange Juice and Miso Paste mixture. All are delicious, of course, but I had my preference.If you've come over from Reddit, say 'hi' in the comments below, and don't forget to like and subscribe for more crazy and interesting cocktails!
The Martini Carbonara - plus a few Savory Cocktail Experiments! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-01-07 | This isn't for the faint of heart, and these cocktails involve fat-washing booze with Fried Guanciale, using egg yolks that have been infused with Garlic Confit oil, and Walnut Liqueur (I H8 Walnuts!). All of these cocktails were inspired by the *idea* of Pasta Carbonara, using Guanciale, Garlic, Egg Yolk, and Olive Oil.The first, a simple Martini, takes advantage of Belvedere Vodka washed with Fried Guanciale, Cocchi Americano, and a Jammy Egg Yolk that was cooked with Garlic Confit oil.The second revisits one of my favorite cocktails, The Royale with Cheese, and instead of Parmesan washed Grappa, we're using a Guanciale wash along with Maraschino Liqueur and Creme de Violette.The last Cocktail is probably one of my favorites, a simple Bourbon Flip using a Fried Guanciale washed Bourbon, a Garlic Confit oil Egg Yolk, and Walnut Liqueur, which all go amazing together!Try these out (if you dare!) and let me know what you think!
Happy New Year!!!!! with New Years Eve Punch! #cocktail #punch Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2026-01-01 | We made a special New Year's Eve punch, mushing together two recipes from an old book I received for Xmas. I designed it so that it could be enjoyed spiked or sober. The adults got a bit of Cognac and Prosecco, while the kids got Ginger Beer. Delicious!Happy New Year!!!!
China China Hitachino Garita - the short version! #cocktail #margarita #mixology Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-12-30 | Here's the quick and dirty version of the China China Hitachino 'Garita video - a delicious margarita riff using China China Amer and a Foam Topping made from Hitachino Nest beer. Enjoy!
Picking Out Our New Years Eve Cocktail! #cocktail #punch #classiccocktails Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-12-28 | We're looking through a 20 year old Holiday Cocktail Book to find something nice for our New Year's Eve Celebration! But how should we serve it?
Beacons of Minas Catarina - Mezcal Cocktail Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-12-25 | I made this cocktail for a video that I probably won't publish, but that's not the cocktails fault, so I'll put her on display here. Mezcal, Aparitivo Bianco, Pear, Lemon, Delicious.#cocktail #mixology #mezcal
Snozzberry Punch tastes like.... #cocktail #snozzberry #mixology Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-12-22 | I made Snozzberry Punch! And it was delicious!
Havana Daiquiri on Happy Havana Day! #cocktail #daiquiri Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-12-18 | Celebrating the 11th anniversary of the lifting of the embargo on Cuba with a few special daiquiris! But no Cuban Rum!!!!!!! Where is the Cuban Rum?!!!!!
The Secret of Coconut Milk Clarification - with a new and exotic Piña Colada Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-12-10 | I'm finally giving up my secret to Coconut Milk Clarification! A special technique that I've developed and experimented with to create that wonderful flavor of a Coconut Milk Punch, but with the clarity of a regular Milk Punch.I don't know if I'm the only person doing this, and I didn't bother to research this method, but I started doing it a couple of years ago, and it's led to some amazing experimentation to infuse interesting flavors into a milk punch, like the amazing Snozzberry Punch cocktail. I've also streamlined my original process for making a Clarified Punch, so this video is an addendum to my (very popular) Semi-Definitve Guide to Clarification! Make sure to watch it and streamline your clarified punch, as well.I've got two different recipes, a Classic Piña Colada made with Coconut Milk, and an Exotic version using a delicious Lemongrass and Ginger Syrup. Join me as I clarify them in different ways to find the perfect way to make a Coconut Clarified Piña Colada. The standard Colada uses a White Rum, one with amazing flavor to cut through the Coconut and Pineapple, and we use a combination of Aged Rum and Jamaican Rum for the clarified version to provide some extra Rum flavor in the finished punch. Remember - the clarification process removes Phenols, but Jamaican Rum is flavored with Esters, which keeps that delicious rum flavor in the finished punch.Try this out for yourself, and let me know how this process works for you!
Strawberry Negroni - Four Fun and Delicious Ways to Infuse a Strawberry Negroni! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-12-02 | A Negroni is a simple cocktail, equal parts Gin, Bitter, and Vermouth, and in this video, I've found four interesting ways to infuse Strawberry into the cocktail.Two versions use a Fresh Strawberry infusion, one uses Freeze-Dried Strawberries, and the other a pre-infused Japanese Gin.Here's the ratios I'm using for the standard version of a Negroni:1.25 oz Hayman's London Dry Gin1.25 oz Campari1.25 oz Sweet VermouthAnd the White Negroni:1.25 oz Hayman's London Dry Gin or Awayuki Japanese Gin1.25 oz Leopold Bros. Aperitivo Bianco1.25 oz Cocchi AmericanoTo infuse Gin with Fresh Strawberries, I used 12 oz Gin by volume with 5 oz Strawberries by weight (hulled and quartered), infused in an air-tight container on the counter for 3 days before straining.I also infused about 2 cups of Gin with about a quarter cup of Freeze Dried Strawberry for about 2 days before straining.Each of the cocktails were delicious, but two were a little better than the others. Try them all and let me know which one you prefer!
Mothership San Diego Cocktails #cocktail #classiccocktails #scificocktails Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-11-28 | Finally made the pilgrimage (crash landing?) to Mothership this week, and it was more amazing than I even imagined. What an awesome concept, with many delicious cocktails! Thanks for the fun evening!
Snozzberry Punch and Früt Lüps! 2 fun cereal-milk style cocktails! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-11-23 | Remember when you were almost done with your breakfast cereal, and it was just that milk remaining at the bottom of the bowl, extra sweet and full of that fruity cereal flavor?Well, come with me, and you'll be, in a world of pure inebriation!Let's make a couple of cool new cocktails based on that delicious cereal milk, one based on the Cap'n's wonderful Crunchberries, the other, well, follow your nose!Both are amazing, a near perfect replica of that sweet cereal flavor, and are relatively easy to make.These are officially recognized (by me) as the 2nd best cocktails at this year's Circa Caliente Room Party Extravaganza, and if any of you made it to our room, let me know in the comments!Don't forget to stay creative, and drink responsibly!
3 Fun Cocktails using Goat-Cheese Washed Booze and a Raspberry-Thyme Shrub! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-11-19 | What do you get when you cross Goat-Cheese Washed Booze and a Raspberry-Thyme Shrub? The G.O.A.T. of all Thyme Cocktails! I made three different washes using Rye, Gin, and Cognac, and used them in three classic cocktails with an amazing Raspberry-Thyme shrub. The hearty G.O.A.T. of all Thyme Rye Shrub is like a tangy old-fashioned using Blood Orange juice. The G.O.A.T. of all Thyme Martini is Goat-Cheese Washed Gin, Cocchi Americano, and just a touch of the delectable shrub to make a creamy and exciting, yet oh so sophisticated libation. I've got brunch covered, too, with a refreshing Cognac and Shrub spritz that will make your mouth water!The Shrub is just a template, and feel free to add or subtract ingredients as you see fit. I used a cup of Sugar, a Cup of Aged Sherry Vinegar, a Cup of Apple Cider Vinegar, and a bunch of Raspberries as a base. I added in some lemon peel, lavender, thyme, clove, black pepper, and pineapple to liven it up. This macerated in my fridge for 25 days before I strained it out, giving all the raspberries a little squeeze to get any remaining juice out.The Cheese Wash is simple, just about 2 cups of Booze and around 2-3 ounces of Goat Cheese. I chose a particularly mild and creamy cheese, which surprised me by stripping out all of the color in the Rye and Cognac. I kept them on the counter for a few hours, shaking occasionally, and then through them in the freezer overnight to help separate out the cheese. Each one went through a coffee filter quite easily.I'm entering one of these in this month's Reddit Cocktail Contest, themed to Raspberry and Lavender, though I haven't yet decided which one. Let me know which you would choose!
Interesting Oleo Saccharum Ideas for Enhancing Your Cocktails! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-11-12 | An Oleo Saccharum is not just Lemon Peels and Sugar. In this video, we're going to explore three different Oleo Saccharums that can elevate your cocktails, and impress your friends and family.Two use unique ingredients, Banana Peels and Mint Leaves, which contain enough oils to make some unique cocktails. The third Oleo starts with Citrus Peels, but adds a few extras to create an intriguing flavor profile.When it comes to new or different flavor combinations, I don't (always) just guess, and I don't usually look through cocktail books, either. Cocktail books tend to stick to simple ingredients that are already available to Bars and Mixologists, and I want to take on the entire culinary universe to find different and interesting flavors. Right now, my favorite books are the Flavor Thesaurus series, which is an index of different combinations of ingredients that are known to work well together, and it's not limited to what is traditionally used in cocktails, so more options are available.I gotta give a special shout-out to Gnome over at @gnomestavern8285 for convincing me to leave banana peels out on my counter for two days!Use these ideas to create your own compelling Oleos and Cocktails, stay creative, and I'll catch you at the next Happy Hour!
Makrut Lime for Cocktails?? #cocktail Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-11-08 | I finally found a single Makrut Lime in the wild! Are these good for cocktails? Or should I just stick with the leaves? Let's find out!
Halloween Pirates! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-10-31 | How are you celebrating Halloween?Is it a Pirate thing?Is it a Jeep thing?Is it Both?
Negroni Rose y Vert! A New Riff w/ Mezcal Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-10-28 | I've been playing around with the Negroni this month, trying new versions, creating new riffs and infusions, all to find something fresh and exciting for you! This one is a Riff on a White Negroni based on a 3 year old comment from Reddit, using a Cactus-y Mezcal to create that unique Vert flavor, a floral Aperitivo, and then re-bittered with Punt y Mes, creating a distinct Rose color:The Negroni Rose y Vert!
Craft Klaris Mini Clear Ice Machine Review with 3 New Cocktails Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-10-16 | I finally got my hands on the Craft Klaris Mini Clear Ice Machine, and I want to put it up against my original Klaris Machine. My OG Craft Klaris Clear Ice Machine works, maybe not as intended, but I manage to coax a few cubes out of it every so often. I'm hoping that there has been some improvements in the last few years, to make the process easier.I've also included a few cocktails, two of which use Apple Juice, creating a delightful summer refresher, that can easily be converted to a fall classic. The third cocktail is for those of you that want something extraordinary, a mix of Mint Oleo Washed Pisco, Coconut, and some fun floral teas and liqueurs, a leftover from the Reddit cocktail contest I won last month.As a reminder, this video is not sponsored, and I paid retail price for both Klaris machines.
Prickly Pear Margarita with Mezcal-Citrus Foam Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-10-01 | Sometimes the simple cocktails are the best. Homemade Prickly Pear Syrup is easy to make, especially if the local grocery store sells prickly pears already prepped and peeled.The Mezcal-Citrus Foam is an added bonus that elevates this cocktail! The best part? Sharing this with your friends and family. It's simple to make, and easy to drink. Everyone will be impressed!
The Crown Jewels - Recreating a Fabulous Cocktail from a New Orleans Restaurant Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-09-24 | I spent a week eating my way through New Orleans, and had a fabulous cocktail at the Chef's Table at Restaurant R'Evolution, containing Mezcal, Bergamot, Gentian, and Grapefruit.I may not have cracked their exact recipe, but I found a few that are easily as delicious, and will impress your friends and family! (and yourself!)Join me as we look at the Crown Jewels, a great cocktail from a great restaurant in one of the most exciting parts of America!
White Peach Negroni using Leopold Bros Aperitivo Bianco Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-09-05 | Sometimes I like to check out the emails I receive from local liquor stores to see if they have any interesting cocktails, and in this video we explore a White Peach Negroni from a Michelin Star restaurant using Leopold Bros liquors and liqueurs.Join me as we explore a few different versions of this cocktail, and some of the liqueurs that change it from a standard Negroni, to an extraordiNegroni!Some of the elements used in these cocktails:Drumshanbo Gunpowder GinIsle of Harris GinLeopold Bros Three Chamber Peach LiqueurLeopold Bros Aperitivio BiancoMathilde Peche LiqueurOriginal version by Republique in Los Angeles as presented by Mission Liquor in Pasadena.
Cocktail Adventures in Phoenix with Bitter Steve #cocktail Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-08-30 | A quick trip to Phoenix (well, actually Gilbert) took me on a cocktail adventure through the southwest. One I had to make myself, and the others were found mostly through luck. All were quite delicious.
Falernum Cocktails using Mezcal and Tequila: Interesting ways to use Pink Lemon Falernum Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-08-19 | As an add-on to my Pink Lemon Falernum video, I want to provide a catalogue of interesting cocktails that accentuate and perpetuate the ethereal, delicate nature of Pink Lemon Falernum.Each of these cocktails have been diligently tested and vetted to provide the optimal experience when used with lighter and more interesting versions of Falernum.This video focuses solely on Mezcal and Tequila cocktails that pair well with a silky, wispy version of Falernum designed around airy flavors. The full recipe can be found here: youtu.be/gFbvvhZvuckAnd the Rum cocktails here:youtu.be/zzS0LBWa8sQThese cocktails all stand out in their own right, and are delicious when paired with this particular version of falernum. You can try them out as I've designed them, or figure out your own preference for each one. If you do change one, let me know in the comments; I'd love to try it out!Stay creative with your cocktails! And don't forget to like and subscribe!
5 Amazing Cocktails for the Mint + Lime Cocktail Contest Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-08-13 | I'm entering the most recent Cocktail Contest on the Cocktail Subreddit, and this month, it's Mint & Lime. For the Mint aspect, I made a Mint Oleo Saccharum and infused it into White State Rum and Japanese Bermutto Vermouth. Each one is interesting on its own, but in cocktails, they are absolutely unique.The first cocktail is a cross between a Mojito and a Daiquiri, using Mint Oleo infused Rum, Lime Juice, and Arancia Radicale, an amazing Orange and Citrus liqueur.I made two versions of the Minto-Binegaa-Chanpan, one using Fig Balsamic Vinegar, and the other with Champagne Vinegar, and both with Mint Oleo infused Bermutto Sake, Lime Juice, and Prosecco.After a few days to reflect on these, the original with the Fig Balsamic Vinegar is the best one, and the Champagne Vinegar makes an interesting, secondary version.Persephone's Rage and Inari in Green are two delicious punches, each with either the Rum infusion or Sake infusion, and a Coconut Milk Clarified Punch of Stiggin's Fancy, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice, and Creme de Violette. It's almost unbelievable how delish those are!One of these will be entered into the Cocktail Subreddit contest, and check there to see which one. I can't wait until the end of the month to see if I earn some kudos or recognition for these amazing cocktails!
Falernum Cocktails using Rum: Interesting ways to use Pink Lemon Falernum Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-08-07 | As an add-on to my Pink Lemon Falernum video, I want to provide a catalogue of interesting cocktails that accentuate and perpetuate the ethereal, delicate nature of Pink Lemon Falernum.Each of these cocktails have been diligently tested and vetted to provide the optimal experience when used with lighter and more interesting versions of Falernum.This video focuses solely on Rum cocktails that pair well with a silky, wispy version of Falernum designed around airy flavors. The full recipe can be found here: youtu.be/gFbvvhZvuckI've included a number of interesting Daiquiri style cocktails that showcase both the Rum and the Falernum, as well as a number of Tiki Cocktails that work well with this particular concoction.The Nuclear Banana Daiquiri, also called Bananarama’s Nana Extravaganza or the Bo Bana Fee Fi Fo Fana Daiquiri is a delicious variation of this quaint libation, and is a welcome alternative to any standard Banana Daiquiri.1 oz Hamilton Jamaican Blonde Rum2/3 Yellow Chartreuse2/3 oz Pink Lemon Falernum1/2 oz Lime Juice1/2 oz Banana LiqueurShale and Strain into a Chilled Coupe. Garnish Appropriately
Aviation Gin at Tales of the Cocktail #cocktail Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-07-29 | The @AviationGin party had some great cocktails!
Aprikot Seksi Punch - a Delicious and Exotic Punch inspired by the flavors of SE Asian Cuisine Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-07-29 | Aprikot Seksi Punch is a delicious punch inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asian Cuisine. Originally designed for a quiet dinner with friends, this punch was meant to complement the various dishes we had all planned, and also to use up some of the more exotic ingredients I had purchased to make Malaysian Laksi Soup.This version uses Apricot Nectar, and is equally delectable using Mango Nectar. You can tailor this to your own event, your own culinary ideals, or your own tastes and sensibilities.This punch utilizes two syrups/infusions that are absolutely essential to the flavor profile, and are relatively simple to make: an Oleo Saccharum Essential Syrup and a Green Tea infused with Exotic Flavors.Oleo Saccharum Essential Syrup:Place 1 Cup of Sugar into a container with the peels of 3 Lemons and 8 Limes, and let sit for 8 to 24 hours. Add in 1 Cup of Lime Juice and shake to dissolve all the Sugar and Citrus Oil. Strain out the peels and bottle.Green Tea Infusion:Bring 2 Cups of water to a boil and add in 2 Lemongrass Hearts that have been bruised and sliced, 3 Cloves, 1 Star Anise, and a handful of Makrut Lime Leaves. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes then remove from heat. Steep 2 Green Tea Bags for 5 minutes, and the remaining ingredients for an additional hour, until cool. Strain and bottle.The recipe is simple, and for a small dinner party I like to batch it in quarts to accommodate those mini bottles of Prosecco: 1 part each of Gin, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Apricot Nectar, and the Oleo Essential Syrup, and 2 parts each of the Green Tea Infusion and Prosecco. Let me know if you prefer this with Apricot Nectar or Mango Nectar, or if you've tried it with something even more interesting.Imbibe responsibly and stay creative with your cocktails!
Pink Lemon Falernum - An Interesting Concoction for Elevating Your Cocktails! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-07-15 | Let's learn how to make Pink Lemon Falernum, an Interesting Concoction designed to improve your cocktails and impress your friends and family.This version of this ubiquitous sweet liquid is light, citrusy, and full of interesting and exotic flavors, designed to enhance both the aura and the visual appeal of your boozy creations.This is not, however, traditional Barbados Falernum, a mixture of Rum, Lime, and Sugar, mostly enjoyed in the famous Corn 'n Oil cocktail. This is based on the more modern Tiki related Falernum recipes, incorporation all sorts of exotic herbs and spices.Here's a link to some early experiments with this fantastic syrup: youtu.be/o_Hk88ZE180 and check soon for a few videos showcasing many cocktails using this delicious Falernum with Rum, Mezcal, Gin, and many other spirits!
Best Smoky Mezcal for Cocktails! - Recommendations from the Internet Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-06-17 | I asked the internet to provide a list of Smoky Mezcals that are suitable for mixing in cocktails. The challenge? The choices have to be higher end for my more discerning friends and family.I received a lot of suggestions, and compiled them here for a taste test, followed by the true contenders going against my regular Mezcal Mixer in a royal smack down of epic proportions!Our cocktails are a Pellucid Mezcal Margarita, a citrusy crystalline concoction designed to accentuate the Mezcal, and a special version of the Paloma adapted from our friend Del over at @liquidnomad Check out his version here: youtu.be/NEpAsHutNEI?si=UE5hLtm99UbeLtQYWhich Smoky Mezcal is truly worthy of being made into high end cocktails? Watch to the end to see the full results, and don't forget to like and subscribe!
Teddy Graham Latte Martini with Bourbon and Amarula Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-06-10 | I found an interesting recipe over at @gnomestavern8285 last week, and thought it would make a wonderful martini!The version that Gnome made looked delicious, but was huge! And I can't drink that much at any given time, and I was afraid that too much ice would melt before I could finish it. I thought serving this up, almost like a dessert cocktail, would be a fun choice.This is a simple recipe, just booze, cream, and syrup... well, kind of. For the booze, I've chosen Bourbon, which will accentuate the sweet spices in the syrup. The cream is Amarula, a South African cream liqueur which adds an interesting touch. The syrup is a mix of Honey, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Vanilla, to mimic the fun flavor of those cute little Teddy Graham cookies.The original is here: youtu.be/KY7hR6yF-4I?si=uHtnID_bO-OOoWHgIf you make your own, don't forget to link back!
3 Cocktails: Cognac - Pisco - Rum infused with Freeze Dried Strawberries Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-06-02 | Welcome to my latest experiment - infusing booze with freeze-dried strawberries!My original intent was to design a punch for my room party at Tiki Caliente, and unfortunately this was the first year in more than a decade we couldn't attend. So look for something Snozzberry related this October in Palm Springs!Rather than let this go to waste (the 'sharing' side of it - NOT the 'drinking' side), I found a contest on Reddit looking for Strawberry and Mint cocktails. Did I win? I might have, had I entered, but time got away from me and the best I could do is get these outstanding libations into this video for all of you to enjoy. Which one would have won? Carré de Fraise with infused Cognac. I used a Cognac with a little more oak than usual, and it elevated this cocktail significantly. Do you want the recipe for the first cocktail? The riff on the Missionary's Downfall? Me too! I changed it, and either didn't write it down, lost it, or assumed I'd remember it more than a month later.Best Guess:1 oz Freeze-Dried Strawberry infused Wright & Brown Overproof Rum1 oz Hamilton Jamaican Blonde Rum1/2 oz Lime Juice1/4 to 1/2 oz SImple Syrup1 Pineapple RingMint Leaves equal to 1/2 the weight of the Pineapple Ring1/16th tsp (2.5g) Xantham GumFlash Blend, then shake with cracked ice and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with Pineapple and Mint.For the infusion:1/2 Cup of Freeze Dried Strawberries1 Cup of BoozeMacerate for 3 days and then strain using a coffee filter or nut milk bag.I hope you enjoy this video and you try this infusion out for yourself! Let me know in the comments if you come up with something better!
The Dumpster Fire Cocktail and the Dumpster Fire Mug Unboxing! Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-04-30 | The Dumpster Fire is a modern classic. A citrus and Gin concoction using Orangecello and plenty of bitters. Presented here in the Dumpster Fire mug, a cute offering from 100% Soft, this cocktail is a hit whether you make or buy your Orangecello. I've provided a simple version of Orangecello for you to work from, and this cocktail will impress your friends and family at your next dinner party.Enjoy!
Setting Fire to Colonial Punch! #rumcocktails #rumdrinks #rumpunch Bitter Steve Creative Mixology 2025-04-28 | Colonial Punch is one of my favorites! To drink and to make! Jamaican Rum, Cognac, Batavia Arrack, Lemon Juice, Black Tea, and Fire!
