Blended drinks — from daiquiris and margaritas to grown-up boozy ice cream milkshakes — blended drinks are always great for crowds and refreshing on hot summer days and nights.
For something really unique, try out my Blended Peach Whiskey Sour. It’s my take on the classic whiskey sour and perfect for the whiskey lover. Fresh, ripe summer peaches, a whole peeled lemon, apricot jam, bourbon and just the right amount of ice mingle together for a sophisticated sip.
My Cheaters Blended Margarita is a fun and a super easy spin on the margarita. Simply add a can of frozen limeade concentrate – (yes, I know that I’m cheating — but really, it’s good!) – then, measure in a can-full each of tequila and light beer. Add to the blender with ice, zoom till slushy, and you have an amazing margarita – no, really!
Got a grown-up sweet tooth? Then try this, my Spirited Chocolate Cherry Milkshake. Made with bourbon, chocolate-cherry ice cream and brownies, this is more than the ultimate sundae-inspired treat!
So chill out on the last days of summer with blended drinks! -Kathy
Blended Peach Whiskey Sour
The addition of apricot preserves in the recipe helps bump up the flavor of this cocktail – especially if using frozen peaches. Try making also with fresh nectarines or apricots if in season. To see a me whip up this cocktail and more visit www.liquidkitchen.tv.
Makes 2 cocktails
2 cups ice
4 ounces bourbon
1 lemon, skin cut off, quartered
1 cup peaches (you can also substitute frozen, defrosted peaches if fresh are not available)
1 1/2 oz simple syrup
2 – 3 bar spoons apricot jam
In a Vitamix blender cup, add the ice, bourbon, lemon, peaches, simple syrup and apricot jam. Blend until the consistency is smooth. Pour into two, chilled small daiquiri or large glasses. Garnish with fresh peach or edible flowers.
Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen™
Cheaters Blended Margarita
Years ago, a friend made me a margarita using limeade concentrate, tequila, and beer . . . and it was crazy good! So, I’ve made up my own concoction here. What the heck, we’re all too busy sometimes! If you want to keep it on the down low, premix it (then hide the cans!) and put it in a pitcher, ready for blending.
Makes about 6 cups, enough for 4 to 6 servings
3/4 cup tequila
1/4 cup triple sec
1 (6-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, defrosted
1/2 (12-ounce) bottle lager or light beer
4 cups ice
Garnish: Lime wheels
Measure the drink ingredients into a large blender cup. Blend until smooth. Serve in margarita or old-fashioned glasses. Garnish with lime wheels.
For fun variations, try adding one of the following into the blender cup:
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup blueberry juice
3/4 cup sliced fresh strawberries
3/4 cup cubed fresh mango
Tips: If you have a small blender, then process half batches. Serve in kosher-salt-rimmed glasses if desired. Sometimes, I like to do “half-salted” rims.
Recipe from Kathy Casey Sips & Apps, Chronicle Books
Spirited Chocolate Covered Cherry Milkshake
Boozy milkshakes are all the rage these days. Cherries, bourbon, ice cream and chocolate make for an indulgent milkshake treat, or for a sweet ending to your next dinner or cocktail party, serve in small tasting glasses. For a demo on how to make this drink, check out my cocktail show Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen!
Makes 2 shakes or 4-8 spirited dessert tasters
1/2 oz Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce or other high quality thick chocolate sauce
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1 pint Ben & Jerry Cherry Garcia Ice Cream
3 oz bourbon
1/3 cup tart cherry pie filling
2 each petite brownie bites or 1 medium sized brownie
Garnish: Chocolate Whipped Cream (see recipe), Bourbon Soaked Maraschino Cherries**
Swirl the chocolate sauce inside a chilled milkshake glass.
Spoon the ice cream into the Vitamix blender cup. Pulse a few times until ice cream is broken up, then add bourbon, sour cherry pie filling and crumbled brownie. Pulse again until just barely combined.
Serve in chocolate swirled glass, topped with a swirl of Chocolate Whipped Cream and a Bourbon Soaked Maraschino Cherry.
**To make Bourbon Soaked Maraschino Cherries: drain the liquid off of a jar of maraschino cherries. Then cover with bourbon. Let sit for at least 1 week before using.
Chocolate Whipped Cream
Makes about 2 cups
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 oz Monin Dark Chocolate Sauce or other high quality thick chocolate sauce
Stir together whipping cream and chocolate sauce. Pour into an iSi Whipper. Screw on top and then charge with 1 iSi Cream (N2O) charger. Lightly shake whipper. Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Note: you can also whip cream with a whisk and then pipe from a piping bag or use a spoon to dollop on top of milkshakes.
Recipe by Kathy Casey Liquid Kitchen™
