The Burt Reynolds Shooter September 9, 2018

On September 6th the world was notified that legendary movie star Burt Reynolds had passed away of cardiac arrest at the age of 82. Now this got me thinking if there was an alcoholic concoction named after Señor Reynolds. After some searching, I did indeed find a shooter named after the mustachioed master himself.

But here's the kicker: The shot seems to be wildly popular in Western Canada. 🤔

After some research, I seemed to find that one of the two ingredients in said shooter is exclusive to Canada: Butter Ripple Schnapps. What is this mysterious schnapps that seems to only be available to out Northwestern neighbors across the border?

According to the listing for Phillips Butter Ripple Schnapps on the Liquor Mart website:

Delightful aromas of praline and butterscotch lead to a palate that is smooth and creamy with flavours of nuts and caramel. This schnapps has a rich, butterscotch taste but is not too sweet. Try it on ice, over ice cream or with these special shortbread cookies

Hmmm, sounds interesting...and sweet. So what is this mixed with to make the Burt Reynolds? Spiced Rum seems to be the accompaniment for the Butter Ripple Scotch. Here's the recipe:

Burt Reynolds Shooter
1 part Spiced Rum
1 part Butter Ripple Schnapps

Pour each ingredients into a shot glass. And serve. Chill if requested.

And that's it. Here are a couple of ads for Canadian bars Ranchman's Calgary and Original Joe's from their respective Twitter account.

James Pavel on his website describes the popularity of the Burt Reynolds shooter in his article: The shooter that will finally topple the great Burt Reynolds:

"Half an ounce of Butter Ripple Schnapps and half an ounce of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum poured into a single shot glass. In the U.K they call it a Werther’s Original because it tastes like the candy. In Canada, but more specifically Alberta, it is called, ordered, shouted, projectile-vomited out, and order again, as the “Burt Reynolds.” It is hands down the most popular alcohol-induced shooter in the business by a massive margin. Shots of Patron, Sambuca, or porn stars, can’t touch this shot that is so lionized, it is often ordered simply by a patron placing an index finger under the nose, which ridicules the classic moustache of the burly actor, Burt Reynolds and also signifies that they desire another round of Burt."

Man, this sounds tasty. Shit, I'd do one of these. Guess I'd need to make a trip to Calgary...or maybe one of my Canadian friends can sneak a little bottle of the Butter Ripple Schnapps across the border for me 😇

Well, Mr. Reynolds, Peace to you on your next journey. 

May You Rest in Peace and thanks for the laughs.

Until Then Keep Drinking,

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SiscoVanilla Has an Effen 🥒Cucumber Watermelon 🍉Refresher September 8, 2018

Yesterday's SiscoVanilla Special Daily Cocktail from Finn's Corner (660 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn, NY) was The Cucumber Watermelon Refresher. Originally it was to be made with Stoli Cucumber, but since the bar was sold out of the Stoli version, we went with the Effen Cucumber Vodka instead.

Here is how Effen describes their Cucumber Vodka:

Inspired by the essence of freshly harvested vine-ripened cucumbers, this vodka creates a refreshing take on classic cocktails. It can provide a crisp twist to a traditional martini or mule, and also mixes well with soda water, tonic or lemon-lime soda to create a cool, refreshing taste.

I have never had any of Effen's offerings and tasting the Cucumber Vodka straight up, it was very delicious. It was crisp and clean without any noticeable aftertaste. After that, I looked forward to making the Effen Cucumber Watermelon Refresher.

Here goes.

Effen 🥒Cucumber Watermelon 🍉Refresher
2oz Effen Cucumber Vodka
3oz Watermelon Juice
1oz Lemon Juice
.25 oz. Agave Nectar
5 Mint Leaves

Muddle mint leaves and agave. Add ice and add Vodka, Lemon and Watermelon juices. Shake and strain into fresh glass with ice. Garnish with mint.

I made a number of these cocktails for customers Tuesday night and they went over very well. Refreshing and delicious And it indeed was delicious. I used the Tropicana Watermelon drink instead of trying to use actual Watermelon juice. I figured that finding Watermelon Juice would be difficult on short notice. There was a nice sweetness from the agave without being overly sweet and the Cucumber Vodka stood out front and center. The mint gave the cocktail a nice aroma on the nose. Considering how hot it was on Tuesday, this cocktail was definitely needed.

Stay tuned next week true believers to see what your faithful narrator comes up with next.

Until Then Happy Drinking,
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SiscoVanilla Has A 🌲 Happy Little Accident 🌲at Finns Corner September 6, 2018

A few weeks ago I started what I call the SiscoVanilla Special Daily Cocktail. In doing so I highlight a particular cocktail that I'll make available for that day only at Finn's Corner (660 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY). On August 7, 2018 I made a summer cocktail named "Happy Little Accident" after the famed artist Bob Ross whose image I had on my t-shirt that night at the bar. Why the Bob Ross theme? Watch the video below to see why.

Here goes...

"Happy Little Accident"
2oz Pimms No1
1oz Ginger Brandy
2.5oz Cranberry Juice
2.5oz Lemonade
Prosecco Top

Build in shaker with ice. Shake and pour over fresh ice in pint glass. Add Prosecco top and garnish with lemon and orange slices and raspberries.

Simply summer deliciousness. Very light and refreshing for a hot day like today. Very much a sit back and enjoy kind of drink.

Here is my video from that day highlighting my Happy Little Accident from the SiscoVanilla You Tube Channel:

Keep an eye peeled on future cocktails that will reflect the eventual turn in the weather from hot and muggy NYC summer to cool NYC autumn. 

Until Then Keep Drinking

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