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BEHIND THE STICK - with Patrick McCormick
Luscious!
IT'S FEBRUARY AND IT IS "NATIONAL CHOCOLATE MONTH!"
I wonder if maybe, back on February 14, 1929, Al Capone had consumed a hot chocolate with his breakfast - would "The St. Valentines Day Massacre" have been avoided? Well, perhaps it wouldn't have made any difference to Al Capone, but chocolate is one of natures wonderful treats to mankind. It's been enjoyed for thousands of years, dating back to the Mayans and the Aztecs. Not only does it taste good and it can be used in so many applications (I'll let your own minds figure that one out - Fun fact: Chocolate syrup was used as blood in the shower scene in the original "Psycho" movie.) Chocolate's components are a party in one bite/sip: Theobromine - a mild stimulant, tryptophan - which aids in the release of serotonin in the brain, phenylethylamine - described as the "love chemical", caffeine and sugar. Ooh yeah! Chocolate has been used in cocktails as far back as the first cocktail book, written by Jerry Thomas in 1862. There is a recipe for crËme de cocoa, which was used a lot during prohibition to mask the flavors of the "rotgut" alcohol that was available. Drinks with chocolate have evolved over the years with a variety of different ingredients being used, even Scotch and Gin (The original "Alexander" was used with gin, until it was changed to the "Brandy Alexander"). Today we have so many different chocolate liqueurs to choose from that if you order a "Chocolate Martini" at a bar today, the outcome of that cocktail could be endless possibilities. Anywhere from white, dark, clear, creamy, cocoa powder rim, chocolate shavings, chipotle pepper powder (Yes that's true!), the list goes on. I say: see what each place has to offer and enjoy! Play around at home and find your favorite concoction ("Research" is what I do for a living - Ha!). After all, you've got alcohol and you've got chocolate, that alone is a good start for any cocktail. So, as you enjoy this month (Remember it starts with the Super Bowl!) think about how you are going to spend your day of February the 14th with your significant other. Champagne, oysters, and especially chocolate are considered to be the top "aphrodisiacs". A nice night out on the town, with good company, fine food and some nice cocktails (Take a cab to be safe!), sounds like a recipe for an INCREDIBLE end of an evening... know what I mean? Have a great month, be safe and try a chocolate martini or two, or three . . . Cheers! Brandy Alexander Equal parts of Brandy, CrËme de cocoa and cream (or milk) Pour ingredients over ice in snifter and top with fresh grated nutmeg. Chocolate Martini Equal parts Vanilla Vodka and White CrËme de cocoa Shake over ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass (Martini glass) Garnish with chocolate ball or kiss of choice Chocolate Martini #2 1 oz. Vanilla Vodka 1 oz. White chocolate liqueur 1 oz. white crËme de cocoa oz. Irish Cream Liqueur Shake over ice and strain into cocktail glass Garnish rim with white and dark chocolate shavings Chocolate Martini #3 1 oz. Vanilla Vodka 1 oz. Dark Chocolate liqueur 1 oz. Kahlua Shake over ice and strain into cocktail glass (optional: a splash of orange liqueur) Patrick McCormick has been bartending for over 11 years. He's currently the mixologist at The Oceanaire in Baltimore's Inner Harbor East.
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