Category Archives: Spirits

Creme de Mure

Posted on 01/09/2026 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

One of the great things about Oregon is blackberries grow everywhere. What to do with an abundance of free fruit after making, jam, vinegar, pies, and freezing pounds of them for winter? Make Creme de Mure. Below is a basic … Continue reading →

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2025 12 Cocktails of Christmas Winners

Posted on 01/04/2026 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

Once again the new year is upon us and that means resolutions. With that in mind, here are the standout drinks from the 12 cocktails of Christmas. We tried quite a few drinks with absinthe, and 2 really surprised, aside … Continue reading →

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Classic Christmas Cocktails Worth the Work

Posted on 12/26/2024 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

These are the best cocktails we tried for this years 12 Cocktails of Christmas. For the first time a scotch based one made the cut. Colleen Bawn Beat egg with simple syrup until pale golden and fully combined. In a … Continue reading →

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Greenpoint

Posted on 12/21/2023 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

The twelve cocktails of Christmas this year have two successes already. This is a great addition for anyone who likes rye mixed with bitter citrus. I like Old Overholt bonded and Vya sweet vermouth for this. The Greenpoint In a … Continue reading →

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Bitter Giuseppe

Posted on 12/20/2023 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

This uses Cynar but other amaros can be substituted for a completely different flavor. Bitter Giuseppe Fill serving glass with ice. In a mixing vessel add all ingredients with ice and stir until well incorporated. Dump ice from serving glass … Continue reading →

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Boulevardier

Posted on 04/23/2023 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

This is one of our new favorites. Old Grandad bonded is perfect for this. Boulevardier Zest a long peel of orange into a martini glass. In a shaker filled with ice add alcohol, shake well and pour into glass.

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Corpse Reviver Contemporary

Posted on 01/22/2023 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

This is a better option than the classic. Use a good dry gin and vermouth for this. In a martini glass pour a splash of absinthe, coat glass and drink what remains. Express lemon juice as zesting the peel into … Continue reading →

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Juice and Stormy

Posted on 02/18/2019 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

It has been awhile since there was a new cocktail. Juice and Stormy 1 1/2 oz black strap rum 1/2 oz fresh orange juice 1/2 oz fresh lime juice Ginger beer In a juice glass filled with ice add rum … Continue reading →

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Slivovitz

Posted on 11/20/2017 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

This recipe is originally from here. The trick to this is using ripe, firm, perfect plums. Inspect everyone for bruises and bad spots before using. This recipe will roughly fill one large 1/2 gallon mason jar double or triple. Slivovitz … Continue reading →

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Contessa

Posted on 12/05/2016 by Rufus' Food and Spirits Guide

This is a fun twist on a negroni. Contessa 1 oz dry vermouth 1/2 oz gin 1 1/2 oz aperol Shake everything over ice and pour. Garnish with an orange peel.

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