Saturday, March 28, 2015

Better than cake! Happy Birthday martinis

Have your cake and drink it, too! Especially when it's your birthday...

As you've probably figured out, celebrations with my friends (almost) always call for a signature drink. Of course birthdays are no different. We've enjoyed birthday-tinis in the past - try vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, and amaretto for a surprisingly cakey flavor! - but for last night's soiree, we went for full-on decadence!

These drinks are creamy delicious, but the presentation really makes it special.

Birthday cake martinis
2 oz. vodka (cake, vanilla or whipped flavor)
1.5 oz. amaretto
1 oz. white chocolate liquor
1 oz. half & half
Presentation:
   Honey
   Party nonpareils
   Lemons
   Birthday candles

Measure: I made them in batches of 1 cup, 3/4 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/2 cup respectively until I had a pitcher full. Prep was key because I didn't want to keep the birthday girl waiting once she was ready to make her wish!

Prep part 1: Rim the martini glasses with the nonpareils using honey to make them stick. Usually I use lemon or lime juice as the "sticking agent" but with nonpareils the liquid melts the colors into a brown mess. Honey is the better choice! Arrange the rimmed glasses on a tray or table.

Slice lemons into discs until you have enough for one per glass. Tuck a birthday candle into each slice so they stand up.

Then it's time to "make the cake!"

Shake: Shaking is key. Add batches of the martini "batter" to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. Get it good and frothy.

Pour into rimmed glasses. Repeat until the whole arrangement of glasses is full.

Prep part 2: Carefully float a lemon slice with candle on the top of each filled glass. 
Light the candles and start singing!

Happy birthday, dear Kelli! Happy birthday to you!




sip. savor. celebrate.

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