Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• This Week in Cocktails

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - Electric Daisy

• The Dark Side of "Dry January"

THIS WEEK IN COCKTAILS

Hey there, cocktail connoisseur! 👋 January may be winding down, but our love for creative cocktails is just heating up. This week, we’re diving into:

• The return of Blue Curaçao (is it tacky or trendy? 🤔)

• How to perfect the Winter Sour (because cozy drinks aren’t just for whiskey lovers)

• The dark side of "Dry January" (turns out, it’s not for everyone)

• Spirit of the week: Amaro—the underdog of Italian liqueurs making a major comeback.

So grab your shaker, and let’s get mixing!

Mixology Trivia:

Q: What cocktail, originally called the "New Orleans Buck," became famous for its bright red color and fruity flavor?
(Hint: It’s a French Quarter classic.) 

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

The Blue Curaçao Comeback: Tiki Revival or Retro Nightmare?

Some trends never die—they just take a really long nap. Blue Curaçao, the electric blue citrus liqueur that dominated 90s beach bars, is back on the menu at high-end cocktail bars. But why?

🔹 Nostalgia sells: Millennials and Gen Z love a throwback, and what’s more iconic than a neon-blue drink?
🔹 Tiki bars are thriving: Modern tiki culture is all about bold flavors and over-the-top presentations.
🔹 It actually tastes good: When used properly (i.e., not just dumped into a fishbowl), Blue Curaçao adds a delicate orange flavor without overpowering a drink.

🍋 The Winter Sour: A Cozy, Citrusy Dream

If summer is for margaritas, winter is for sours. This smooth, velvety cocktail balances rich flavors with a bright citrus punch. The secret? A splash of honey and a dash of spice.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz bourbon (or dark rum for a twist)

• 3/4 oz lemon juice

• 1/2 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey & warm water)

• 1 egg white (optional, but makes it silky smooth)

• Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg

Steps:

1. Dry shake all ingredients (no ice) for 10 seconds to emulsify.

2. Add ice and shake again until chilled.

3. Strain into a coupe glass and dust lightly with cinnamon.

4. Sip and pretend you’re by a roaring fire. 🔥

The Dark Side of "Dry January"

Every year, millions of people cut out alcohol for Dry January—but what happens when it backfires?

While taking a break from booze is great for many, some experts warn that going completely dry can lead to rebound drinking in February. Studies show that people who abstain for a month sometimes overcompensate later, making the break less beneficial in the long run.

💡 A better approach? "Damp January"—where you moderate rather than quit entirely. Swapping in low-ABV cocktails or mindful drinking habits can make for a healthier and more sustainable balance.

Try this low-ABV cocktail instead of going bone-dry:

🍊 The Amaro Spritz

• 1.5 oz Amaro (like Montenegro or Averna)

• 2 oz sparkling wine

• 1 oz soda water

• Orange slice & rosemary for garnish

Build in a wine glass over ice and enjoy a light, flavorful sip without the next-day regret.

🍷 Spirit of the Week: Amaro

If you haven’t been sipping Amaro, you’re missing out. This bitter Italian liqueur is full of botanicals, spices, and complex flavors—perfect for slow sipping or cocktail mixing.

Amaro Picks for Beginners:

1. Montenegro – Sweet, herbal, and super easy to love.

2. Averna – Rich and caramel-like, great for whiskey fans.

3. Cynar – Made from artichokes (yes, really), it’s earthy and bold. This is one of my personal favorites.

✨ Try it in an Amaro & Tonic for an easy upgrade to your usual G&T.