Herb's Signature Cocktails

VALENTINE'S DAY COCKTAIL RED PEPPER PASSION

2012-02-10T19:15:00.003-05:00

Drink up some passion this Valentine's Day with this Savory Champagne Cocktail!

RED PEPPER PASSION

Ingredients:

1/2 Roasted Red Pepper (no oil)

1 oz Pernod

Extra Dry Champagne or Cava

Sprig of fresh Rosemary

Mix:

Puree the red pepper with the Pernod,

Strain with fine stainer or cheese cloth to remove particles

Serve:

Place 1/2 oz of Pepper Puree mixture in a flute,

Top off with bubbly,

Garnish with a sprig of fresh Rosemary

SUPER BOWL 46 COCKTAILS

2012-01-30T23:50:00.003-05:00

Choose your Team and Pick your Poison:

SUPER BOWL 46 COCKTAILS

BIG BLUE BLOCKER

1 oz 10 Cane White Rum
1/2 oz Apple Pucker
1/2 oz Blue Curacao
1 oz Coconut Water
1/2 oz Lychee Syrup
Dash of Grenadine
Maraschino Cherries rolled in Coconut Flakes

PATS POWER PASS

1 1/2 oz Svedka Vodka
1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
1/2 oz Framboise Strawberry Liqueur
Dash of Grenadine
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Fresh Blueberries rolled in Coarse Sugar

Mixing for both:
Shake cocktail ingredients with ice,
Strain into Cocktail Glass
Garnish

GOLD RUSSIAN

2012-01-15T16:22:00.004-05:00

GOLD RUSSIAN

Why drink in black & white when you can have the Midas touch?

2 parts Russian Vodka

1 part White Creme de Cacao

1 part Canton Ginger Liqueur

Candied Ginger for garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice

Serve on the rocks, garnish with Ginger

THE HOT FLASH

2012-01-07T17:06:00.002-05:00

THE HOT FLASH

I was thrilled to be asked to create a 40th Birthday Signature Cocktail for a woman in Manhattan.
She gave me the name (brilliant!) and I crafted it based on her love of the tropics, the beach and her Cuban heritage.
Just check out the clouds in the beautiful blue sky.

THE G.O.P. SHOOTERS

2012-01-05T22:36:00.004-05:00

THE G.O.P. SHOOTERS

With these Republican candidates all you need are four good shooters!

MITT ROB-ME

1 oz Vodka

1/2 oz White Cranberry Juice

Splash of Midori Melon Liqueur

FROTHY SANTORUM

1 oz Rum

1/2 oz Mexican Coffee Liqueur

Dash of Cream

BEYOND THE PAUL

1 oz Tequila

1/2 oz Lemonade

Dash of Texas Pete's Hot Sauce

EYE OF NEWT

1 oz Gin

1/2 oz Peach Schnapps

Splash of Blue Curacao

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a tall shooter

PEPPERMINT FIZZ

2011-12-22T19:51:00.004-05:00

PEPPERMINT FIZZ

Enjoy this festive bubbly with friends and family for the holidays!

1/2 oz of Peppermint Schnapps

1 teaspoon of Grenadine

Top off with Champagne, Cava or Prosecco

Garnish with a Peppermint Candy or Cherry

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

STUFFED TURKEY THANKSGIVING COCKTAIL

2011-11-09T19:50:00.004-05:00

STUFFED TURKEY COCKTAIL ^TM

Thanksgiving Turkey & Stuffing will never be the same!

COCKTAIL:

1.5 oz Wild Turkey Bourbon

3 oz Apple Juice

1 oz Cranberry Juice

Roasted sugared Chestnut Garnish

STUFFING:
1 oz Apple Jack, Apple Brandy

2 oz Advocaat, Dutch Egg Liqueur

.5 oz of Simple Syrup

1/8 teaspoon ground dry Sage

Freeze to create a custard

Shake cocktail ingredients with ice,

Strain into Cocktail Flute over a

dollop of the Stuffing Custard

Garnish with Chestnut

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

HERB’S AUTUMN WARMER

2011-11-05T09:49:00.006-04:00

HERB’S AUTUMN WARMER ^TM

Treat yourself and your guests to

something way better than hot cider...

4 oz White Cranberry Juice

2 oz Pear Nectar

.5 oz Poire Williams (or Pear Schnapps)

.5 oz Canton Ginger Liqueur

Splash of Red Cranberry juice

Slice of fresh Pear coated in

Sugar & Ground Ginger

Warm White Cranberry and Pear juice,

pour into a mug, add liquors, stir and

top off with splash of red Cranberry juice

Garnish with Pear slice

HALLOWEEN COCKTAILS EMERALD CITY

2011-10-24T06:01:00.005-04:00

THE EMERALD CITY ^TM

Mix and match all your glassware

for a party cocktail that is

SO OVER THE RAINBOW!

1 part Reposada Tequila

1 part Midori Melon Liqueur

¼ part Blue Curacao

4 parts Diet Mountain Dew

Mix Liquors in a shaker with Ice

Pour into in a pitcher,

add Mountain Dew, Stir,

Pour into assorted size glasses

filled with ice, displayed as

The Emerald City

HERB'S HARVEST TODDY

2011-09-22T18:07:00.007-04:00

HERB’S HARVEST TODDY ^TM

Ease into Autumn with this hot toddy and your favorite snuggler.

3 oz Apple Juice

1 oz Apple Jack

.5 oz Pear Liqueur

Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

.5 teaspoon of Clover Honey

3 Cloves

Fresh Cranberries for Garnish

Warm Apple Juice with Honey and Cloves

Pour into cocktail shaker, Mix in Lemon, Apple Jack and Pear Liqueur

Strain into a glass mug, garnish with Cranberries

PAUL McCARTNEY FUNDRAISER

2011-07-09T11:19:00.005-04:00

PLEASE JOIN ME AND MY DEAR FRIEND KEN DASHOW, FOR A GREAT EVENING OF McCARTNEY, COCKTAILS AND A GREAT CAUSE!
Thursday, July 14th
I will be debuting my new drink in honor of Sir Paul McCartney, on the eve of his Yankee Stadium appearance: "The McCartney Slider."

ONE IF BY LAND COCKTAIL

2011-07-03T08:06:00.005-04:00

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!

The drink incorporates important elements that went into securing our early freedoms.

Paul Revere, a silversmith, warned that the British were coming. The signal in the church steeple: One lantern if by land, two if they were coming by sea.

The submersible light in the cocktail will glow brightly during all your evening activities, like your own personal fireworks.

Happy Independence Day!

MOCHATINI

2011-06-24T09:47:00.001-04:00

MOCHATINI

Here's a tasty cocktail for those of you with dessert in mind...

2 oz Vodka

1 oz White Creme de Cacao

1/2 oz Coffee Liqueur

2 oz Coconut Water

1 oz Skim Milk

Chocolate Syrup

Shake ingredients with ice

Strain cocktail into Martini Glass drizzled with Chocolate Syrup

RAINBOW PRIDE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

2011-06-17T15:59:00.004-04:00

Create a festive atmosphere at your Pride Party with this tribute to the Rainbow Flag.

RAINBOW CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

Use your favorite Champagne or Prosecco and add a shot of one of six liqueurs:

1. Framboise (Raspberry)

2. Creole Orange Shrubb (Orange)

3. Limoncello (Lemon)

4. Midori (Melon)

5. Blue Curacao (Citrus)

6. Creme de Violette (Violet)

HARVEY MILK SHAKE

2011-06-03T06:00:00.003-04:00

In honor of Gay Pride Month, here's a summer treat that will make you proud!

HARVEY MILK SHAKE

3 Scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream (softened)

2 oz Vodka

1 oz Creme de Violette

1 oz Blueberry Juice

4 oz Skim Milk

Shake together till blended, Pour into tall glass,

Top with Whipped Cream and Fresh Blueberries

DEAD TERRORIST SHOOTERS

2011-05-15T10:37:00.002-04:00

DEAD TERRORIST SHOOTERS

Toast one of these patriotic shooters to your favorite Navy Seal. Just don't go overboard!

RED SHOT:

1 oz Raspberry Vodka, 1 oz Coconut Water, Dash of Grenadine

WHITE SHOT:

1 oz White Rum, 1 oz Coconut Water, dash of Peppermint Schnapps

BLUE SHOT:

1 oz Silver Tequila, 1 oz Coconut Water, dash of Blue Curacao

WILLIAM & KATE WEDDING COCKTAIL

2011-04-26T08:09:00.006-04:00

This very special Royal Wedding Cocktail was created to reflect the single most important gift from William to his beloved bride: The Princess Diana Engagement Ring. The cocktail's deep Sapphire Color is surrounded by a sparkling rim of reflective white sugar.

THE WILLIAM & KATE WEDDING COCKTAIL TM

This cocktail is created two ways, by using different main spirits for William and for Kate:

1.5 oz Bombay Sapphire GIN (for William's version)

1.5 oz 10 Cane RUM (for Kate's version)

1 oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

1 oz Blue Curacao

3/4 oz Blueberry Juice

1 oz Coconut Water

1 tsp English Lavender Simple Syrup

Shake with ice, strain into a cocktail glass rimmed with "Diamond White Sugar"

We wish them many years of happiness together!

BISTRO LAMAZOU SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

2011-04-11T16:42:00.005-04:00

I have had the pleasure of creating the Signature Cocktail of NYC's hottest new restaurant: BISTRO LAMAZOU. This amazing new hot spot, on Manhattan's East Side, features the first "Cheese Bar" along with incredible Tunisian and Mediterranean cuisine.

The Lamazou Cocktail, with flavors of Tunisia, features BOUKHA, a Tunisian Fig Brandy, Vodka & Coconut Water with accents of Ginger and Clove. The garnish is a roasted cumin-rubbed apricot.

Come visit them soon. They are scheduled to open by the end of April.

ELIZABETH TAYLOR COCKTAIL

2011-03-25T11:12:00.005-04:00

This elegant libation is in honor of the beautiful, talented humanitarian who loved and supported those that others cast aside and despised.

Elizabeth Taylor Cocktail
1 oz London Dry Gin
1 oz Creme de Violette Liqueur
1 oz Cranberry Juice
1.5 oz Coconut Water
Dash of Simple Syrup
Coarse White Sugar "Diamonds" for the rim of the glass

Shake ingredients with ice, strain into an elegant martini glass, enjoy while watching CLEOPATRA.
Please check out my other Signature Cocktails on my website.

THE QUEEN ELENA COCKTAIL

2011-03-11T19:27:00.011-05:00

After my wonderful trip to Italy last December, I developed a new addiction: AMARO MONTENEGRO. This exquisite Italian herbal liqueur added to espresso, known as Caffe Corretto (or corrected coffee) is liquid heaven. This particular AMARO was named for Queen Elena of Italy, a former Princess of Montenegro.

It's complex flavors create amazing Signature Cocktails as well. Here is my offering to the much loved Queen.

THE QUEEN ELENA TM

Ingredients:

1 oz Amaro Montenegro (Italian Herbal Liqueur)

2 oz Limoncello (Italian Lemon Liqueur)

3-4 oz Italian Blood Orange Soda

Shake Amaro and Limoncello with ice,

Strain into an elegant cocktail flute,

Top off with chilled Blood Orange Soda

HERB WESTPHALEN SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

2011-02-28T23:30:00.005-05:00

My updated and more comprehensive website is now live! There are many new cocktails pictured in the GALLERIES as well as Recipes, Information and Press. Please check out the improved site and let me know how you like it. Let's work together on something AMAZING for your Event, Wedding or Personal Signature Cocktail.

Thanks and Happy Cocktails,

Herb

EAGER BIEBER

2011-02-23T23:30:00.008-05:00

I created a Mocktail to sooth “BIEBER FEVER” for a Sweet Sixteen Birthday girl and her guests. This tasty non-alcohol treat gave them a real “taste” of Bieber; Chocolate, Berry and Ginger. Even his mic was yummy.

I hand painted 50 glasses with Justin’s famous hair cut, made from a blend of dark and white chocolate.

VALENTINE'S DAY COCKTAIL

2011-02-08T21:05:00.003-05:00

FLOWERS, CANDY & CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

Here's a modern twist on a Champagne Cocktail.
It's the best way to give her (or him) all the tradition without the predictable elements:

In a tall flute:

1/2 oz Creme de Violette Liqueur (Flowers)
1 oz White Creme de Cacao (Chocolate)
Top off with Champagne (Bubbly)

Lots of Love!

SUPER BOWL COCKTAILS

2011-02-04T15:20:00.002-05:00

IT'S SUPER BOWL TIME!
This Sunday, cheer on your favorite team with your favorite Team Cocktail:

The Packers or The Steelers

Whether you are watching the Super Bowl or hanging with the girls, these will help you in a huddle.

The Packers (Green & Yellow)
1 1/2 oz Reposada Tequila
1/2 oz St Germain Elderflower Liqueur
2 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Coconut Water
Squeeze of fresh lime
Lime wheel for Garnish

The Steelers (Black & Yellow)
2 oz Blavod Black Vodka
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz Black Currant Juice
1 oz Coconut Water
Squeeze of fresh lemon
Lemon wheel for Garnish

Mix (for both)

Shake all ingredients in a shaker with ice,
pour into rocks glass,
garnish with fruit

TIFFANY INSPIRED WEDDING

2011-01-20T17:10:00.004-05:00

One of my beautiful brides chose her wedding colors based on Tiffany elegance. She wanted something Original, Stylish and Contemporary in addition to being incredibly delicious. This Signature Wedding Cocktail matched her colors and added that amazing Edible Garnish of a Satin Ribbon with a Silver Jewel. I am so happy you loved your Tiffany Inspired Cocktail my dear Isabella.

Many wonderful years of happiness to you both!

THE TARTAN Cocktail by Herb Westphalen

2011-01-18T17:45:00.004-05:00

I've been asked to post the recipe for one of my own Signature Cocktails:

THE TARTAN

I created this a few years ago to showcase some of the trends in culinary and cocktail flavors.
You can use your favorite Scotch or ask for it that way:
- A GRANT Tartan (William Grant's)
- A RED Tartan (Johnny Walker Red)
-A PINCH Tartan (Pinch)... etc
I hope you get a chance to try one... or more.
Thanks and enjoy!

THE TARTAN
2 oz. Scotch (William Grant & Sons)
1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1⁄2 oz. Canton Ginger Liqueur
1/4 teaspoon of Ginger Simple Syrup
Dash of Angostura Bitters
Candied Ginger as Garnish

Chill a martini glass
In a shaker, mix all liquid ingredients, add syrup, bitters and shake well
When chilled, strain into a cocktail glass
Garnish with Crystallized Ginger

HERB'S RESOLUTION COCKTAIL

2011-01-14T17:59:00.003-05:00

January is the time to make resolutions for the year ahead. You want to work out, lose weight and have a healthy diet. Here's the best way to do that AND still enjoy a great cocktail: HERB'S RESOLUTION COCKTAIL.

Happy and Healthy New Year to you all!

HERB’S RESOLUTION COCKTAIL TM

1 oz Voli Lemon Low Calorie Vodka

3 oz COOL BLUE Gatorade

3 oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

Dash of Angostura Bitters

Shake with ice, Pour into tall glass,

Garnish with a chunk of your favorite Protein Bar

SNOW GLOBE HOLIDAY COCKTAIL

2010-12-01T20:33:00.013-05:00

SNOW GLOBE™

1.5 oz Vodka

1 oz White Crème de Cacao Liqueur

.5 oz Pear Schnapps / Liqueur

.5 oz Peppermint Schnapps / Liqueur

2-3 oz Club Soda

White Chocolate Chips

Coarse White Sugar

“Peeps” Marshmallow Snowman

PREP:

In a double boiler, melt white chocolate chips till smooth.

Cover the rim of your snifter with white chocolate, and then coat with coarse sugar while chocolate is still soft

Add a dollop of melted white chocolate to the bottom of the glass and place a “Peeps” Marshmallow Snowman into the soft chocolate till set.

MIX:

In a shaker with ice, mix the vodka, Crème de Cacao, Pear and Peppermint Schnapps, strain into your glass, slowly over the snowman, top off with club soda

Sprinkle a pinch of sugar into the glass as it is being served to create the illusion of the “Snow Globe”

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS: SNOW GLOBE

2010-11-10T20:24:00.004-05:00

With the holidays fast approaching, it's time to enjoy some new, original cocktails like my "SNOW GLOBE." This frosty libation will warm you through and through. Amaze and amuse your guests with the tipsy Snowman, good enough to eat...

ORIGINAL COCKTAIL BIRTHDAY GIFT

2010-10-23T15:50:00.003-04:00

I was recently commissioned to create an Original Birthday Cocktail for a client's friend. SUSIE'S MYSTERY MARTINI was created to feature Susie's favorite things. This dark and stormy libation reflects Susie’s love of Victorian Mysteries, the colors Black & Red Orange and her favorite “Spirit” -- Maker’s Mark! The Lychee Nut "Moon" garnish peeks through the mirky night sky while a squirt of "Liquid Clouds" swirls in the glass when served.

An Original and Exclusive Cocktail is an impressive gift for a birthday or any occasion. Please contact me if you'd like to give one of my Creative Cocktails as a gift for a loved one or business associate.

Check out more libations and my contact info at:

SignatureCocktailCreations.com

JACK-O-LANTERN COCKTAIL

2010-10-13T18:13:00.005-04:00

Here's one of my new Halloween Cocktails: "The Jack-O-Lantern."
"Jack" because it features Jack Daniel's
"O" for the Irish Cream
and "Lantern" because it will get you LIT!

JACK-O-LANTERN
1.5 oz Jack Daniel's
1 oz Irish Cream
.5 oz Skim Milk
.5 oz Grenadine
2 tablespoons of Pumpkin Puree
Dash each of ground: Cinnamon, Clove & Ginger

Shake all ingredients over ice, strain into round glass
Top off with a dash of ground Nutmeg
ENJOY!

PURPLE WEDDING COCKTAIL

2010-09-30T10:18:00.010-04:00

I had the pleasure of creating a special Signature Wedding Cocktail for a beautiful couple. The cocktail was a Wedding Gift from their friends.

Their Wedding Colors included Purple and White. The original garnish was a tribute to the bride's father who passed away before the wedding: An Edible White Feather.

The Cocktail was called "Birds of a Feather" celebrating the many things they have in common as well as honoring her dad.

The cocktail's key color and flavor were created with the featured liqueur: Creme de Violette.

I wish the happy couple, Jennifer & Sammy, the most wonderful future together!

PROSCIUTTO AND MELON COCKTAIL

2010-08-04T11:22:00.007-04:00

Familiar Flavors often inspire new cocktails for me. In this case, the PROSCIUTTO AND MELON COCKTAIL seemed a natural addition to my list of original libations. I mentioned this tasty summer refresher in my interview in ESQUIRE MAGAZINE's "Eat Like a Man" feature.

The following recipe makes two cocktails:

1 cup ripe Honeydew Melon

2 oz Midori Melon Liqueur

2 oz Limoncello

3 oz Vodka

1 teaspoon fresh lemon or lime juice

1 cup of ice

- Salt for glass rim

- 2 melon balls wrapped in Prosciutto on 2 skewers

- Blend all ingredients at high speed (frappe)

- Take a small piece of Prosciutto and run around the rim of each glass, dip in salt to lightly coat the rim

- Pour cocktail into glass

- Garnish with a melon ball wrapped in Prosciutto

HERB'S SIGNATURE COCKTAILS ESQUIRE MAGAZINE

2010-07-27T07:41:00.007-04:00

I was interviewed for ESQUIRE MAGAZINE discussing my Signature Cocktails. The Esquire home page listed the link to the article as "Meet Your Cocktail Avatar."

Please take a read and see the kinds of original cocktails I can create for you and your event.

Have fun!

Thanks.

THE MAINE BLUE APPLE COCKTAIL

2010-07-23T15:28:00.009-04:00

This cocktail was created for a series of events called "Green Drinks", for a Farmers' Collective, Farmers Fare, in Maine. The ingredients used are local produce and products. Please try it with your own local elements.

THE MAINE BLUE APPLE™

1 oz. Local "Maine Rum"

3 oz. Local Apple Juice

1 teaspoon Local Maple Syrup

Dash of Angostura Bitters

10 local Blueberries (7 to muddle, 3 for garnish)

In a Tumbler or Large Old Fashion glass place 7 blueberries and Maple syrup, Muddle ingredients together. Add rum, bitters and (3-4) Ice Cubes.

Pour Apple Juice over the muddled mixture and ice. Stir.

Garnish with 3 Blueberries on a skewer.

A FROZEN "IN COLD BLOOD"

2010-06-07T18:53:00.002-04:00

I was asked to create a frozen cocktail for a chic soiree two weeks ago. I chose to make a frozen version of my summer cooler: IN COLD BLOOD. The cocktail was designed and garnished to compliment the host's interior decor. The flavors include Fresh Tangerine Juice, Clementine Vodka, Italian Blood Orange Soda and a Cardamum Simple Syrup.

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

2010-03-20T11:39:00.008-04:00

Theresa and Chris celebrated their amazing Garden Themed Wedding with a rich color scheme of Mandarin Orange and Warm Gold. These beautiful photos of Theresa & Chris and their Signature Cocktail, "LOVE IN BLOOM" were taken by photographer Autumn Lin.

See what The Knot website said:

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/71398/detailview.aspx?id=71398&type=3&MsdVisit=1

For your original and extraordinary Signature Wedding Cocktails contact Herb Westphalen, "The Wedding Mixologist TM" at www.SignatureCocktailCreations.com, or call 212-684-6521.

THE WEDDING MIXOLOGIST

2010-02-19T08:59:00.012-05:00

With the 2010 Wedding Season in full gear, it's time for you & your love to commission your unique Signature Wedding Cocktail from Herb Westphalen, "The Wedding Mixologist TM".

Don't just have a meaningless drink, somebody else's common concoction. WOW your guests with a delicious, exquisite and personal cocktail for your most important day!

Your original libation is custom designed to tell your story, fit your theme, reflect your colors and excite your guests. Your Signature Wedding Cocktail is paired with a beautifully designed and framed display document to share its special meaning.

Call or email today to set up your private appointment and launch one of the most celebrated elements for your wonderful wedding!

P: 212-684-6521

E: Herb@SignatureCocktailCreations.com

W: SignatureCocktailCreations.com

NEW HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

2009-12-12T08:43:00.020-05:00

"HOLIDAY COFFEE RUSH"

It’s bad enough you have to push your way through shopping hell, but you shouldn’t have to deal with lazy-ass clerks. Speed things up and slap him into work mode with a “Holiday Coffee Rush.”

2 oz Svedka VANILLA Vodka

2 oz Cold Coffee

1 oz Coffee liqueur

Dash of Cinnamon

Shake with ice, pour into a tall glass, dust with cinnamon

"HOLLY BERRY TINI"

When that freaky Goth cousin shows up ready to get “all like dead and everything”, offer them a “Holly Berry Tini” to shut them up. Remind them that holly berries are poisonous and they’ll drink these all night.

2 oz Svedka Vodka

1 oz White Cranberry juice

½ oz Green Tea liqueur

½ oz Sour Apple liqueur

½ oz Green Melon liqueur

Dried Cranberries

Shake with ice, strain into martini glass, cranberries for garnish

"FRUITCAKE ON THE ROCKS"

Your traditionally cheap neighbor usually drops by with one of last year’s “door-stops”, I mean Fruit Cakes. Hit them over the head with it and relax with the only one worth having: “Fruitcake on the Rocks.” And as Rose Nyland said: “Christmas without Fruitcake is like ST. Sigmond’s Day without the Headless Boy!”

1 oz Svedka CITRON Vodka

2 oz Apple juice

½ oz Hazelnut liqueur

½ oz Pear liqueur

1/4 tsp Brown Sugar

Dash of Angostura Bitters

Candied Cherry

Shake with ice, pour into rocks glass, cherry for garnish

"FROSTY CHOCOLATE TRUFFLE"

You’ve just watched your lover open his or her gift from you; tickets to Aruba. You then open their gift to you; a fire extinguisher for your kitchen. It’s time to treat yourself to a decadent “Frosty Chocolate Truffle”. The romance has gone cold, why shouldn’t the hot chocolate?

1 1/2 oz Svedka RASPBERRY Vodka

3 oz Skim Milk

1 Tsp Chocolate Syrup

1/2 oz Raspberry liqueur

Marshmallow

Shake with ice, strain into a cocktail glass, marshmallow for garnish

"EGG SNOG"

When you must deal with a schnockered relative, join them in style with an “EggSnog”. They go down smooth, and so will you.

1 oz Svedka CLEMENTINE Vodka

½ oz Ginger Liqueur

3 oz Eggnog

Dash of ground Cloves

Shake with ice, strain into festive tumbler, dust with ground cloves

NEXT Magazine, here in NYC, asked me to create 5 new HOLIDAY COCKTAILS to get you through this crazy time of year. These will help you deal with all the nut-jobs you encounter while shopping, dining and visiting.

My best wishes go out to all of you for a healthy, happy and prosperous holiday season and New Year!

MOLECULAR MIXOLOGY

2009-09-15T17:45:00.005-04:00

I was recently interviewed for an article on MOLECULAR MIXOLOGY for "Nightclub & Bar" online magazine. Please just click the above link to read the feature.

One of the many things I discussed with writer Kelly Magyarics was the use of uncommon elements in cocktails; such as "The Cotton Candy Martini" I developed for a West Village restaurant. This libation blends EFFEN Black Cherry Vodka, Vanilla Vodka and orange liqueur.

PINK WEDDING COCKTAILS

2009-08-28T17:29:00.019-04:00

The current issue of "I Do for Brides" magazine features one of my "Pink Wedding Cocktails" on page 64. It is the "Champagne Berry" created for a wedding in North Carolina using the Bride's Pink & Purple wedding theme. The fresh strawberry garnish is dusted with a gleaming purple sugar.

Check out more on my website: www.SignatureCocktailCreations.com

Here are a few more of my delicious and PINK signature wedding cocktails:

"The Pink Princess"

was created to reflect the subtile color of Princess Diana's wedding gown.

"The Godiva Pinkie"

is a dessert bar favorite; Vanilla Ice Cream, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur and Luscious Framboise.

"The Pink Garden"

created for a Florida Garden Wedding, embellishes the drink with an edible carnation garnish.

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

2009-08-24T18:50:00.005-04:00

Wow, Theresa and Chris just had their amazing wedding at the New York Botanical Gardens. The lush floral theme was the inspiration for their Signature Wedding Cocktail: LOVE IN BLOOM.

The event colors were Mandarin Orange and Gold, featured in the drink. An edible orange flower accented the floral motif as the cocktail's garnish.

They were so kind in a note to me. Here's what they had to say:

Herb,

We just wanted to reach out to tell you that the drink was a huge hit at the wedding!

We are going to send you a picture for your collection when we get them back.

Thanks for everything. It was so great working with you. It was one of the best things we did.

Thank you Theresa and Chris! Many years of love and happiness to you.

PRIVATE PARTY MIXOLOGIST

2009-07-07T09:50:00.010-04:00

I had the pleasure of creating and serving some original Signature Cocktails for a 40th Birthday Party on the Upper East Side. I set up a tasting for Branko, the birthday boy, prior to the event. He tasted several of my original libations and chose to feature THE TARTAN and one created just for him; THE BRANKO BUSTER. His two favorite flavors are Ginger and Peach. I combined those elements to craft a refreshing yet spicy drink. The slurry was made a day prior so the Peaches, Ginger and Sugar would macerate overnight. The cocktails were a big hit.

Happy Birthday Branko!

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

2009-07-01T18:27:00.004-04:00

Patrick and Domenica at their Wedding Cocktail Tasting. Their framed display document features the couple's Wedding Monogram.

I had the honor of creating two Signature Wedding Cocktails for Bride Domenica Rinaldi and Groom Patrick Monaghan. The couple have chosen Dusty Pomegranate and Harvest Gold as their event colors. Their October wedding will have a rich, Autumnal feel, reflected in every element, even their Signature Cocktails. They also will share a bit of each other's heritage: Domenica's sparkling cocktail "Harvest di Napoli" features Italian Proseco while Patrick's martini style drink "Irish Orchard" highlights the flavors of Irish Mist.

I wish them a wonderful, happy life together!

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

2009-05-13T20:19:00.004-04:00

Here are a few colorful examples of some of my original cocktails. I will create Personalized Signature Wedding Cocktails for your special day. Please feel free to contact me through my website or email me at: Herb@SignatureCocktailCreations.com

I hope to create something wonderful for your Wedding or Event.

"A toast to the happy couple!"

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS NEW YORK

2009-05-12T10:20:00.008-04:00

The La'Khoury

was named for the couple by taking parts of each of their family names and combining them.

Priya and Duane chose a Signature Wedding Cocktail that blended elements of their different cultures. I combined prominent flavors to create an exquisite and elegant cocktail. The spirit, Jamaican Dark Rum, was infused with exotic Indian Spices and enhanced with tropical juices to create the perfect "marriage" in their original libation. Their amazing affair was held at CAPITALE in September of 2007.

Check out my website for more Wedding Cocktail information and how to contact me.

Thanks

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

2009-05-05T06:08:00.008-04:00

Karen's NY Skyscraper

and

Pat's Old Manhattan

Karen & Pat at their Wedding Cocktail Tasting

I had the honor of creating the Bride & Groom's Signature Wedding Cocktails for Karen and Pat Weninger this past weekend. Their theme was "Old New York", with the reception held at City Hall Restaurant. Karen and Pat chose a classic Black & White Color Scheme. Their original cocktails "NY Skyscraper" and "Old Manhattan" celebrated their theme in name and color as well. Pat's was a Black drink with White edible decoration, while Karen's was a White libation enhanced by tasty hand painted Black designs.

WEDDING COCKTAILS

2009-04-27T16:50:00.004-04:00

Well it's that time of year again: WEDDING SEASON!

As many of you know, I specialize in creating original Wedding Cocktails for Brides and Grooms. Each unique cocktail is customized to have special meaning for the couple, including: colors, locations, ethnic ingredients, decoration, spirits and much more.

Having a Signature Cocktail can also help your budget. By featuring one cocktail you may cut your liquor costs by two thirds.

Check out my website for more details. Having a signature Wedding Cocktail created for the couple makes an amazing wedding gift too!

PEEPS ON THE ROCKS

2009-04-11T11:16:00.005-04:00

Well, so many of you have asked for the PEEPS ON THE ROCKS Cocktail recipe, that I had to post it. It is fun for your Springtime parties, especially Easter. This is PEEPS for adults.

PEEPS ON THE ROCKS

1 oz Malibu Tropical Banana Rum

2 oz Bols Blue Curacao Liqueur

1 oz Sour Apple Liqueur

2 oz Sprite

Marshmallow PEEP for garnish

Shake Rum, Curacao and Sour Apple together with ice cubes. Pour in a rocks glass, add Sprite and top off with your favorite colored PEEPS.

CHEERS MAGAZINE FEATURE COCKTAIL

2009-03-31T11:42:00.004-04:00

Hi folks. Well, once again I am pleased to have one of my cocktails featured (with photo) in the current issue of CHEERS Magazine (March 2009, page 14.)

The drink was originally created for a Brazilian Couple's wedding in Miami. It features the juice of the Acai Berry. I used Mona Vie originally, but now there are many good brands available.

Here's how to create this tasty and Antioxidant rich cocktail:

2 oz ZYR Russian Vodka

2 oz Acai Berry Juice

1.5 oz White Grape Juice

Juice of 1/4 fresh Tangerine

Chill a cocktail / martini glass

In a shaker with ice cubes, mix all liquid ingredients, squeeze in tangerine juice and shake well.

Strain into glass and garnish with a slice of Tangerine or Star Fruit

MARDI GRAS COCKTAILS

2009-02-20T16:13:00.004-05:00

Here are a few original cocktails I created for a fundraiser in Utica, NY. The MARDI GRAS Themed event will raise money and awareness for SCULPTURE SPACE . Each cocktail is named for an element and color of the holiday: THE GREEN MASK, THE PURPLE JESTER & THE GOLD CROWN.

COOL BEAR ON THE BEACH

2009-01-06T17:37:00.004-05:00

We've all heard of Snow Birds, but Bears fly south in the winter too, when they don't feel like hibernating. Over the summer I created this cocktail for a New York City "Bear Club." If you feel like a tropical get-away, but don't have the flyer miles, try this refreshing libation.

COOL BEAR ON THE BEACH TM

1.5 oz Vodka

2 oz Sour Mix

1 oz Pineapple Juice

Dash of Blue Curacao

Lime Wedge for garnish

In a shaker, mix vodka, sour mix, curacao and juice with ice.

Pour into a tall or hurricane glass. Garnish with lime.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!

2008-12-24T12:23:00.002-05:00

Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful Holiday Season. May you be blessed with Good Health, Prosperity, Lots of Love & Happiness and Great Cocktails!

Herb Westphalen

THE TARTAN-- MOVE OVER COSMO!

2008-12-20T17:17:00.007-05:00

I had the pleasure of creating the "Next Iconic Beverage" according to NEXT Magazine in NYC. "THE TARTANTM" is my new libation, featuring the flavor trends and taste profiles for the next decade. NEXT is currently highlighting the last 5 decades of primo cocktails in the magazine, focusing on THE TARTAN as the "FUTURE", "the next bar star." Please try the TARTAN COCKTAIL today. I'd love to know your opinion. Thanks!

CORPORATE HOLIDAY PARTY COCKTAILS

2008-12-18T19:38:00.009-05:00

As many of you know, I create specialty cocktails for Corporate Events. I had the pleasure of concocting two drinks for the QUEST SOFTWARE holiday party. The client requested a SHOOTER and a SEASONAL COCKTAIL with a more masculine profile. The UNIFIED SHOOTERTM illustrated the QUEST logo colors while the VISTA COCKTAILTM promoted product with a seasonal flair, using an Apple Cider base.

If you would like an original cocktail for your company, product or event, please call me at 212-684-6521 or email me at Herb@SignatureCocktailCreations.com.

Check out my website for additional information.

THE 12 DRINKS OF CHRISTMAS

2008-12-12T12:50:00.004-05:00

The 12 Days of Christmas deserve The 12 Drinks of Christmas. By the time you get shopping, cooking, cleaning and partying, you'll need these tasty libations to ease the holiday stress.

On the First Day of Christmas my true love mixed for me...

1. Hot Apple Cider laced with PEAR Liqueur.

2. A Zyr Vodka Chocolate Martini made with DOVE Chocolate Martini Mix.

3. A HENnessey Sidecar with Cointreau and fresh Lemon Juice

4. A glass of BlackBIRD Vineyard Arriviste Rose, with a dash of Nutmeg Simple Syrup and Pomegranate seeds

5. A chilled shot of GOLDschlager

6. A Grey GOOSE Peppermint Cosmo

7. Seagram's 7 and 7

8. Egg Nogg MILKshake laced with Bailey's Irish Cream

9. Mulled Wine made with DANCING Hares Vineyard Cabernet Franc

10. House of LORDS vintage Gin Martini, very dry

11. PIPER Heidsieck Champagne Cocktail

12. 12 Year Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch, Neat!

Happy Holidays to you all!

COCKTAILS FOR DOGS

2008-12-07T13:38:00.011-05:00

My girl Anna loves a "Cockertail" when she gets in from a day of playing in the snow.

No need to leave your best friend out of the Holiday Celebrations. When your guests come for cocktails, include your dogs! Check out these festive and healthy Holiday "Cockertails". Each one is alcohol-free and has a taste your fuzzy loved ones will adore; "Pooch Punch", "The Dirty Muttini" and "The Whisker Sour".

POOCH PUNCH (Serves a houseful of pups)

1/2 Gallon of fresh Water

2 oz Fresh Wheat Grass Juice

2 oz K-9 Liquid Health Glucosamine

Mix and serve in a large Punch Bowl

Garnish with a Tablespoon of Fresh Grass Clippings

THE DIRTY MUTTINI (serves one)

1 Cup of Fresh Water

1/2 Cup of Fresh Beef Broth, chilled (do not use canned or store-bought as it usually contains onions)

Mix and serve in a Low Martini Bowl

Garnish with a plain Ground Beef Meatball

THE WHISKER SOUR (serves one)

1 Cup of Fresh Water

1/2 Cup of Fresh Chicken Broth, chilled (do not use canned or store-bought as it usually contains onions)

Mix and Serve in a Footed Bowl

Garnish with a Happy Hips Chicken Strip

Here's to keeping our furry friends Happy, Healthy & Safe during the Holiday Season!

I hope you and your pups enjoy these special Cocktails for Dogs.

HOT APPLE PIE MARTINI

2008-12-05T14:18:00.005-05:00

Well, it's officially cold! Time to warm yourselves with a great winter libation: The Hot Apple Pie Martini. I originally created this seasonal cocktail for a restaurant in NYC's Greenwich Village. The Hot Apple Pie Martini is always served warm. Whip up a few for friends and family and get your holidays started right!

HOT APPLE PIE MARTINI

1 oz Vanilla Vodka

1 oz Sour Apple / Apple Pucker Liqueur

3 oz Warm Apple Cider (not juice)

Mix 3 Tablespoons of Castor Sugar with 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon for the rim

Lemon Juice for the rim

Moisten rim of Martini Glass with Lemon Juice

Coat rim with Cinnamon Sugar

Shake up ingredients and pour into Martini Glass

Garnish with a Lemon Twist & Cinnamon Stick

Herb's Signature Cocktails

VALENTINE'S DAY COCKTAIL RED PEPPER PASSION

SUPER BOWL 46 COCKTAILS

GOLD RUSSIAN

THE HOT FLASH

THE G.O.P. SHOOTERS

PEPPERMINT FIZZ

STUFFED TURKEY THANKSGIVING COCKTAIL

HERB’S AUTUMN WARMER

HALLOWEEN COCKTAILS EMERALD CITY

HERB'S HARVEST TODDY

PAUL McCARTNEY FUNDRAISER

ONE IF BY LAND COCKTAIL

MOCHATINI

RAINBOW PRIDE CHAMPAGNE COCKTAILS

HARVEY MILK SHAKE

DEAD TERRORIST SHOOTERS

WILLIAM & KATE WEDDING COCKTAIL

BISTRO LAMAZOU SIGNATURE COCKTAIL

ELIZABETH TAYLOR COCKTAIL

THE QUEEN ELENA COCKTAIL

HERB WESTPHALEN SIGNATURE COCKTAILS

EAGER BIEBER

VALENTINE'S DAY COCKTAIL

SUPER BOWL COCKTAILS

IT'S SUPER BOWL TIME!This Sunday, cheer on your favorite team with your favorite Team Cocktail:

TIFFANY INSPIRED WEDDING

THE TARTAN Cocktail by Herb Westphalen

I've been asked to post the recipe for one of my own Signature Cocktails:

HERB'S RESOLUTION COCKTAIL

SNOW GLOBE HOLIDAY COCKTAIL

HOLIDAY COCKTAILS: SNOW GLOBE

ORIGINAL COCKTAIL BIRTHDAY GIFT

JACK-O-LANTERN COCKTAIL

PURPLE WEDDING COCKTAIL

PROSCIUTTO AND MELON COCKTAIL

HERB'S SIGNATURE COCKTAILS ESQUIRE MAGAZINE

THE MAINE BLUE APPLE COCKTAIL

A FROZEN "IN COLD BLOOD"

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

THE WEDDING MIXOLOGIST

NEW HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

MOLECULAR MIXOLOGY

PINK WEDDING COCKTAILS

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

PRIVATE PARTY MIXOLOGIST

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS NEW YORK

SIGNATURE WEDDING COCKTAILS

WEDDING COCKTAILS

PEEPS ON THE ROCKS

CHEERS MAGAZINE FEATURE COCKTAIL

MARDI GRAS COCKTAILS

COOL BEAR ON THE BEACH

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!

THE TARTAN-- MOVE OVER COSMO!

CORPORATE HOLIDAY PARTY COCKTAILS

THE 12 DRINKS OF CHRISTMAS

COCKTAILS FOR DOGS

HOT APPLE PIE MARTINI

IT'S SUPER BOWL TIME!
This Sunday, cheer on your favorite team with your favorite Team Cocktail: