Happy Hour: Cocktails for Real Americans

Today we begin a continuing series of posts in which I present to you recipes for non-traditional alcoholic beverages, linked thematically of course. Appropriately, today I completed phase I of my self-constructed leisure education, I graduated from the National Bartending School. I've got drinks on the brain! To celebrate the completion of my extensive two-week cocktail academics (and America), here are a few America-themed mixes for you to try next time you visit your local watering hole (test your bartender's mixological knowledge) or try making them your self!

Boston Tea Party
Serve in a Collins Glass
1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Tequila
1/2 oz. Rum
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
1 1/2 oz. Sweet & Sour
Fill with Cranberry Juice
Splash with 7-up
Float 1/2 Bicardi 151 on top
Garnish with a Lemon Wedge

The Boston Tea Party is a member of the "Ice Tea" Family and a variation of a Long Beach Ice Tea, by adding the Bicardi 151 on top it becomes a Boston Tea Party. All "Ice Teas" are served in collins glasses and garnished with a lemon wedge.

G.I. Joe
Served in a Collins Glass
1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Tequila
1/2 oz. Rum
1/2 oz. Midori
1 1/2 oz. Sweet & Sour
Fill with 7-Up
Top with Coke
Garnish with a Lemon Wedge

By adding the Coke, this "Ice Tea" evolves from a "Tokyo Tea" ( or "Nuclear Ice Tea") to a G.I. Joe. The Midori makes the drink green and the brown-colored Coke on top trickles down creating an aesthetically pleasing and novel camouflaged colored drink.

L.A. River
Served in a Collins Glass
1/2 oz. Vodka
1/2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Tequila
1/2 oz. Rum
1/2 oz. Blue Curacao
1 1/2 oz. Sweet & Sour
Fill with 7-Up
Top with a Cherry Liqueur
Garnish with a Lemon Wedge

Another member of the "Ice Tea" Family, the L.A. River starts as a blue drink (due to the Blue Curacao), which then turns brown when the Cherry Liqueur is poured on top. You can substitute Coke if you do not have any Cherry Liqueur on hand, or top with Baileys Irish Cream to make is especially L.A. River-like!

There ya go! Have a drink this weekend and check back next week for a new set of delicious mixes, perhaps we will depart from the "Ice Tea" Family. ...but they are so fun to make (and mess you up)!