Precision Cocktails

“I find cocktails made at home almost never taste as good as at a bar or restaurant,” says Bill Zucosky, executive chef of Strip House in Livingston. “Why? People don’t measure every single ingredient precisely. That’s the trick, the only trick. Here are two of our most popular. Don’t guesstimate! Measure accurately.”

Peter's Cosmo cocktail from Strip House in Livingston.

Strip House Sombrero

“The standard Sombrero is basically Kahlua or coffee brandy and cream. Ours is totally different.”

Ingredients:

1 slice fresh jalapeño
1 slice cucumber
1 slice fresh lime
1 tb sugar
1 oz sour mix (any brand)
1 oz triple sec
3 oz of your favorite silver tequila

Method:

1) Muddle the jalapeño, cucumber, lime and sugar in a shaker.
2) Add the sour mix, triple sec and tequila.
3) Add ice, shake well, serve.
4) Garnish with a slice of lime. Like it spicy? Add another slice of jalapeño.

Peter’s Cosmo

“This drink is named for Strip House co-owner Peter Glazier, who created it. Peter’s Cosmo isn’t as sweet as the standard version. It uses less cranberry juice and subs fresh lime juice for the usual Rose’s.” 

Ingredients:

5 oz non-flavored vodka
3 oz triple sec
Juice of 2 limes
1 tb sour mix
1 tb cranberry juice

Method:

1) Fill a shaker with ice.
2) Add all ingredients, shake well.
3) Serve on rocks or up, in a martini glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

Read more Eat & Drink, Recipe Box articles.

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