Spirits guru

From local brewers to the vineyards of Italy, exotic wines and spirits land on the shelves of our local stores and favorite bars. This site will inform and educate you about what's good and why. I'll share my best cocktail recipes; please send feedback. Together we'll explore what specialties local bartenders are mixing, and mark our calendars for special events. Salut!


About me

Keith Saunders

I honed my mixology skills at the Oak Room of the Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston. Other experience includes the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, and the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, where I facilitated community tasting events while bartending at the Crow's Nest. I am currently working with a team of mixologists at Simon & Seafort's. To date, I have created more than 300 new cocktails. I've lived in Anchorage since 1999.

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A few Bourbon Jewels I've come a across. - 9/30/2008 1:02 pm

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Whisky versus Whiskey at Simon and Seafort's! - 9/13/2008 12:06 pm

A Toast for Palin............... - 9/13/2008 11:38 am

None for Nine - 9/5/2008 9:20 am

Shucks! It's Oyster Time At Simon and Seafort's! - 9/2/2008 2:24 pm

Ten unusual uses for Vodka! - 8/24/2008 12:16 pm

Please Sir May I Have Some More! - 8/24/2008 11:44 am

Cilantro has it's time! - 8/13/2008 2:08 pm

The Mystery of Jasmine - 8/11/2008 3:12 pm

WineStyles Benefit! - 8/11/2008 2:48 pm

A Secret Basil Elixir! - 8/10/2008 3:57 pm

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Musher's Martini

Posted by Keith Saunders

Posted: February 28, 2008 - 1:54 pm

Celebrate the race in style this Saturday and pick-up your ingredients now!

After cheering on your favorite musher at the start of this year's Iditarod start downtown, bring some friends over and dazzle them with your expertise in cocktail creating.

You can start off with the drink of the week , the Alaskan Mermaid, then move into the Musher's Martini.

This drink will lend class to any party or informal gathering. I've had a huge reception to this spiritually moving cocktail at the Petroleum Club where I mix up the newest and best of my creations (wish I could mix them up for all but it's a private domain, members only).

If you can't make imbibe at home take this recipe to your favorite Barfriender and have them shake it up for you.

Musher's Martini

1 1/2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
1/2 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. Cherry Brandy

Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and drop in a cherry. (Sip this baby it has a kicker)

I believe in sharing the love so drink-up and for those who attend the club, see you this Saturday for a night of celebration. I have a few creative cards up my sleave and I'm feeling lucky this weekend.

Cheers


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  2     February 28, 2008 - 5:31pm | lushlife

Martini mixing at home

If we're making this martini in a home bar, what types of cherry brandy do you recommend? Is there more than one type? It sounds delicious.... ;)

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  March 2, 2008 - 10:45am | wineglass

Cherry Brandy

Dekyper or Kirschwasser are the two I would recommend. You can usually buy these in a mini-bottle or 375ml. You don't have to buy the large bottles.

Try looking at Gold Rush or Oak and Keg!

Saturday night was a big night for this cocktail. It will be going into my top recipe book I use for my more alluring concoctions.

My wrist hurts from all of the martini shaking last night.

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  1     February 28, 2008 - 2:59pm | wineglass

Alaskan Mermaid Recipe

Alaskan Mermaid

1 oz. Midori
1/2 oz. Coconut Rum
1/2 oz. Van Gogh Orange Vodka
1 oz. Pineapple Juice.

Combine all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass and throw in a lollipop for good measure!

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  March 2, 2008 - 10:50am | wineglass

Thanks everyone for Mushers Martini responses!

Thanks for all of the e-mails and phone calls about the Mushers Martini!

I'm glad to hear so many are tuning in.

I'd love for you to leave your responses on the blog so we can all share in your comments and suggestions about ideas and twists on these different recipes.

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