A few months back at the height of the hurricane season, I was invited to a backyard barbecue and I was told to bring cupcakes and booze. For the latter, I did a little web research and concocted my own recipe to make a pitcher of hurricanes. I also brought garnishes in individual containers along with stirrers and toothpicks. They were such a hit, I was sent to the grocery store to buy more supplies and all that I bought was consumed as well. While I was mixing up a new batch, a woman asked if she could write down what I was doing and then she got stuck handwriting copies for several attendees, even though I offered to e-mail the recipe to any who were interested. I was conscripted to be the bartender next year at another get together.
This same acquaintance has invited me now for Thanksgiving dinner. When I asked what I should bring, she suggested I bring another pitcher of hurricanes. That doesn't seem very appropriate though. So I am even now mulling over some ideas for a cocktail which I will dub, "Cranberry, Sauced".
Cranberry juice is a lovely cocktail ingredient that often gets overlooked because in most places the stuff they use in its place is little more than sugar water and food coloring. I'm thinking I will go for pure unsweetened cranberry juice for tartness and for sweetness maybe butterscotch schnapps, maybe dark rum, maybe both (I need to do some experimenting). For a garnish I have in mind apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
I wouldn't go so far as to say I have a philosophy when it comes to mixed drinks, but I do think it's cheating to use vodka just to up the impact. I think every ingredient should be included for flavor. The hurricanes, as it turned out packed quite a punch (pun not intended), but that was sort of beside the point. The flavor was good, both sweet and refreshing.
And, for the record, my preferred title is, "mixologist".