Episode 67 - Lovely Liqueurs - Fizzy Cocktails Without Champagne

It's almost New Year's Eve!  Traditionally a time to break out the bubbly.  But what if you have no bubbly and still want to have a cocktail?  What if you don't even like Champagne? Well look no further my friends, the Gentlemen of Elegant Leisure have you covered.


This time they are dipping once again into the hallowed pages of the BC Liquor boards Taste magazine and a couple of tasty treats from David Wolowidnyk.  First up is the Grand Marnier Sbagliato.  The Gents did a Spagliato in a previous episode but it didn't have Grand Marnier.  Let's give it a go.


Grand Marnier Sbagliato
-by David Wolowidnyk from Taste Magazine


1 ounce Grand Marnier
1 ounce Campari
2 ounces of soda water
Orange zest for garnish


In a mixing glass with ice, combine Grand Marnier and Canpari.  Stir to chill and dilute.  Strain into a chilled rocks glass over cubed ice, top with soda water and garnish with an orange zest,


Little bit bitter and a little bit sweet and a little bit fizzy.  Take that Champagne cocktails!  Who needs you?  Best of all, this recipe forces you to go get that dusty bottle of Grand Marnier that you have and only used once and pop it open.  Mmmmm, orange!

Next up is a Tequila drink that will help you use up that bottle of St-Germain that you don't know what to do with.  It's time for the St-Germain Daisy!


St-Germain Daisy
-by David Wolowidnyk from Taste Magazine

1 oz St-Germain
1 oz tequila
1/2 oz lime juice
2 oz soda water
lime wheels and thyme sprigs for garnish


Shake St-Germain, tequila and lime juice.  Strain into glass with ice.  Top with soda. Garnish with lime wheels and thyme sprigs


This was the clear favourite of the two drinks.  Very refreshing and flavourful.  The Daisy you may recall is called the Margarita in Spanish and the sweetness this time comes from the St-Germain instead of sugar syrup.

Please try both of these out at your New Year's Eve gathering but please remember to be safe and smart!  Make sure you have a ride home if you need one.  See you in the new year!


Happy New Year!