Author: Kevin Crossman

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Pinky Gonzales

A Tequila cocktail for Cinco de Mayo

This was my once a year attempt to make a cocktail with tequila that I actually like. In years past I’ve tried the Pinky Gonzales, a Mai Tai variant from Trader Vic’s. Previously I haven’t loved this but this year the tequila taste was an enhancement rather than a detriment. I must be getting used to the spirit, or the balance of other ingredients worked better this time. Heavier Orgeat pour, possibly.

Pinky Gonzales
1 oz Lime Juice
½ oz Cointreau
“Heavy” ½ oz Orgeat
¼ oz Demerara Syrup
2 oz Tequila

Pictured is the famed 1972 Trader Vic’s Revised Bartender’s Guide. A seminal book then, a seminal book now. Tonight the toast is to the Trader.

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Jamaican Sour

This was a riff on the Eastern Sour, a Trader Vic’s cocktail that features orange juice, lemon juice, orgeat, and bourbon. I thought I’d try it with rum instead.

2 ½ oz Orange Juice
¾ oz Lime Juice
½ oz Orgeat
1 oz Appleton Reserve Rum
1 oz Plantation Xaymaca Rum

This didn’t turn out as good as I thought it would. Perhaps lemon juice would have paired better with the orange. They can’t all be winners.

Jamaican Sour. Glassware by Smuggler’s Cove from National Mai Tai Day 2019 with Appleton Estate Rum and Wray and Nephew Rum.
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Mai Tai in Pop Culture: Cheers

Mrs. Mai Tai has been binge watching Cheers and I’ve tuned in to a few myself. I used to love that show when it first aired and finally after 35 years I now often enter a bar where at least some of the people know my name (or at least my Instagram handle).

Cheers, Season 3, Episode 1: The Rebound

In the cold open, Cliff Clavin returns from a vacation in Florida and wants to tell people about his experience. He finds Coach who is very focused on making a cocktail in a blender, but the noise from the blender interrupts Cliff’s story. Finally, Cliff takes matters into his own hands before Coach asks “Anyone want a Mai Tai?”

Anyone want a Mai Tai?
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Blue Hawai-Tai in Exotica Moderne Magazine

New issue of Exotica Moderne!

A ray of sunshine is the new release of the magazine covering the tiki lifestyle, including artists, music, and essays. This time, I have a cocktail published which makes it three issues in a row with photos, an article, or a recipe. It makes me feel good to contribute this magazine. Head on over to House of Tabu and pick up your copy.