January's Flavor of the Month is the original spice mix for Boutique Treats -
Texas Chili Mix!
On top of developing a distaste for chemical preservatives, I was annoyed with all the meal planning and forgetting to grab a seasoning packet, so I created my own all-natural seasoning to have on-hand. Mad kitchen science eventually yeilded a delicious concoction made of chili powder, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander, paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of brown sugar.
Texas Chili Mix is a great all-purpose seasoning for chili, tacos, beans, burgers, veggies, and grilled meats. Use 1/4 C with 1 lb ground beef plus 8 oz tomato sauce and 8 oz water for perfect chili every time. Use a few tablespoons to season Mexican inspired soups and other dishes. If you don't know which seasoning to get, try this one! It is very versatile and never fails to please so it makes a great gift.
I realize posting tips on how to make a signature cocktail might have come in more handy DURING the holidays and BEFORE New Year's Eve than on January 3rd, but let's just say we're taking notes for next year! Anyway, the basics of building a good cocktail are handy any time and having some spiced sugar on-hand can elevate them from good to really special. My very favorite spiced sugar to use in cocktails is Signature Spiced. It is super versatile and pairs very well with citrus. If you don't have that one, try Spice Cake! If you don't have that one - call me! :) Or just use regular sugar.
A basic cocktail is actually very simple to make. Just follow this basic recipe and use your favorite flavors!
Per person:
2 T acid (generally a citrus juice like lime, grapefruit, orange, or a combination)
2 T sweetener (agave, simple syrup, honey...)
4 T spirits (vodka, gin, rum, bourbon...)
(To make a simple syrup - spiced or otherwise - simply dissolve sugar in equal parts water by gently boiling them together for about a minute. It's seriously that easy and it saves in the fridge for up to two months!)
Now shake up your base (that recipe up there) with ice for a good 20 seconds and then pour it into a chilled glass (over more ice if you like). After that it's play time! Stir in fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or thyme. Add fresh fruit, berries, or sliced cucumber. Pour in some seltzer water, ginger ale, or sparkling wine for bubbles. The possibilities are endless and you almost can't go wrong if you stick to flavors you enjoy.
Once you invent something you really like, write it down so you can make a batch of the base formula and serve it up as your signature drink at your next party or gathering. It's a great way to get people talking and mingling when they are trying something new together. Plus your mixology talents are sure to stir up a buzz...no pun intended.
If you need some help getting started try my signature cocktail for 2017 - The Eastern Star!
1 C Signature Spiced Sugar
1 C water
3 T fresh rosemary leaves
1/3 C freshly grated ginger
Bring the above ingredients to a low boil and stir until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat, cover, and let it cool. Pour the mixture through a strainer/cheese cloth to remove the solids. Press on the solids to extract all the liquid. Keep it chilled in the fridge in an airtight container until you are ready to use it.
To make the cocktails combine 1 C vodka or gin, 1 C of your ginger-rosemary syrup, and 1/2 C fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker (or anything about that size that you can close tightly and shake). Fill the vessel with ice cubes and shake it until it is well chilled. Pour it out into 8 small glasses over ice and top off with seltzer water! If you want to get extra fancy you can add a rosemary sprig or wedge of lime for garnish.
If you have some folks at the party who don't drink alcohol, make them a tasty variation by rimming their glass with Signature Spiced Sugar and pouring in some real-deal, non-alcoholic ginger beer over ice with a squeeze of lime. They'll love it!
Of course we always believe cocktails are meant to be enjoyed responsibly by adults of drinking age and we hope these tips and tricks help you do just that. And,, as always, if you have any questions or ideas - we would love to hear them!
