Thursday, July 15, 2010

Wild Orchids and Bushwackers

Think Tank Momma

We took a family trip to Washington DC this Spring Break, and after seeing the orchid exhibit at the Botanic Garden, I took the plunge and ordered this drink at the Hyatt lounge. It was a very interesting mix of flavors and I've made them at home a few times since.

I don't measure this one, but pour by eye or by the glug. 3 glugs works for me. You might want to start with 2, or maybe you know you like 4. You know how much vodka you need, right?

Wild Orchid

Use a tall glass filled with ice. Add:

Clementine or Orange Vodka
Orange & Mango Juice (I buy mine combined, but separate works too)
Splash of Sour Mix (I buy this stuff too, it's too sticky to make)
Stir and top with a Dash of Chili Powder.

It' the chili powder that makes it. Hot and sweet and exotic. Like a wild orchid.


My other absolute favorite slushy blender girly drink is the Bushwacker, courtesy of Sharky's on the Pier at Venice Beach Florida.

Bushwacker

Combine in Blender:

4 oz Cream of coconut (CocoLopez)
2 oz Kahlua *
1 oz Black Rum or better yet, Coconut Rum
1 oz Dark Creme de cacao
4 oz Milk or half and half
2 cups Ice

Makes two tall glasses. Now this part is really, really important.

Top with a lot of whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup and dust with chocolate sprinkles or shaved chocolate. Straws are mandatory. Yummy.

Enjoy!

* A few years ago, I thought I'd have to break up with my best drinking buddy, Kahlua, because I need my sleep and my ass is fat enough. But guess what? I made up this recipe and it works pretty good. I've been refilling my old Kahlua bottle forever now.

Decaf Lo-Cal Kahlua

1/3 cup instant DeCaf coffee (the recipe said 1/4 cup, but I like it stronger!)
1 cup water
1/2 cup Splenda
1/2 cup brown sugar
Microwave or heat to dissolve sugar

Add 1 TBS vanilla and 1 cup vodka. Mix and enjoy.

Since I only use this to make White Russians, which requires Kahlua and Vodka, I add another cup of plain or vanilla vodka to the mix and it's ready to go. Ta-Da!

Thanks Nancy at Away We Go for the link to Think Tank. I do love a party with cocktails!

8 comments:

  1. Woo hoo! I'll be right over for a Bushwacker! Sounds wonderful! Yum!
    Thanks for the recipes.

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  2. I am a gin drinker, I never developed a taste for vodka. But I guess I could make an exception and try again. : )

    The kahlua recipe is interesting. I can see multiple uses for it.

    My word verification is 'danke'. German I think for thank you!

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  3. I'm not a girly-girl drink type of girl. These recipes sort of make me wish I was.

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  4. That wild orchid drink sounds amazing! Thanks for Sharing with us!! :D

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  5. The Wild Orchid sounds amazing. Chili Powder. Who woulda thunk it?

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  6. Yummy...Coconut Rum! I'll finitely have to try this before summer is gone.

    I have some bloggy love for you over at my place.

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  7. Delish! I'd love to have one right now!

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