Featured Box
CALL ME OLD FASHIONED
As the days start getting colder, and we come out of the summer months, there are still plenty of ways that one can stay warm. Bourbon is definitely one of them, especially when enjoyed in delicious, fall-inspired cocktails like the ones found in Crafty’s November box, Call Me Old Fashioned. The warm, smoky notes of this distinct Amerian whiskey often feature notes of deep, darker flavors, such as cherries, honey, charred oak, and apple, making it an ideal candidate for a box which pays tribute to Autumn and the many wonderful flavors associated with it. While bourbon can be one of the more difficult spirits to incorporate into cocktails, because of its unique and sometimes overpowering profile, if it is paired with complementary flavors and approached with an experienced understanding of its character, it can make for cocktails which are enjoyable even to the most discerning of palettes. To ease the transition from summer to colder weather, the Dizzy Moods combines tropical flavors such as kalamansi lime with the warmer flavor profile of blood orange tea and ginger ale to create a cocktail which is refreshing and bright, with touches of warm spice. Delving further into the flavors of fall, the Autumn Smash features classic seasonal flavors of apple and walnut, while still keeping a touch of freshness with the addition of lime and mint. To really warm you up on those particularly brisk Autumn nights, Crafty’s Old Fashioned follows a simple, well made, traditional recipe that really allows Bourbon to showcase its potential in straightforward, yet technical cocktail mixing. Don’t be afraid of the coming cold, warm-up with some delicious Bourbon cocktails, found only in the Call Me Old Fashioned box from Crafty Cocktails this November.
Crafty Old Fashioned
Wearing a sharp suit and drinking whiskey from a globe bar in the middle of the work day is a thing of the past, and so are properly made Old-Fashioneds. Recently, the Old Fashioned has suffered through countless and complex remakes, remixes and edits, all in an attempt to produce a ‘unique’ or ‘perfect’ version of this delicious cocktail. However, most attempts fall flat when compared to a simple, but meticulously well-made Old Fashioned. The Crafty’s Old Fashioned recipe relies on a basic mantra of bartending; straightforward ingredients, proper technique and attention to detail. While simple on the surface, a good Old Fashioned depends not so much on the complexity or quality of your ingredients, but the patience and scrutiny of the person making it. Take your time and reap the benefits of your perseverance with a simple yet delightful version of this classic cocktail.
dizzy moods
While lime, lemon, orange, and grapefruit all have their place among the elite of cocktail citrus, more subtle and sweet flavors in this genre tend to be not as prevalent. A prime example, the Kalamansi is well-known in South Asia, especially the Philippines, but does not often appear in North American cocktail culture. Reminiscent of mandarin, but boasting a noticeable sour kick, the Kalamansi pairs very well with a properly spiced tea, malty blood orange, and smoky bourbon. All these ingredients come together in the Dizzy Moods, which showcases the complexity of this unique citrus in a refreshing and easy-drinking cocktail. Make sure you’re near something you can grab on to because, after a few of these, you will know where this cocktail gets its name.
Autumn Smash
Autumn is a magical time of year; the air is crisp and fresh, the leaves are changing, the bountiful harvests of the farms and orchids are ready to enjoy. It’s an ideal time to enjoy a cocktail that embraces the unique characteristics of this stimulating season. The Autumn Smash does just that, adding fall flavors to a refreshing, well-known bourbon classic. Building on a traditional base of mint, lime and bourbon, this smash incorporates familiar autumn flavors of Gala apple and black walnut to create a flavor profile which has both bright and fresh elements, as well as deeper, warmer flavors. The end result is a wonderfully balanced drink that is extremely representative of the season which inspired it. Enjoy the colors and flavors of this wonderful season, both in your glass and in the world around you.
Trust your Bartender
Everybody has their favorite spirit, but also have spirits they’re not so crazy about. These opinions are built over a lifetime of experiences; that bartender who made you the most amazing vodka cocktail you’ve ever tried, that one time you drank too much tequila… there are endless factors that may contribute to our own personal opinions towards particular types of alcohol. While these biases are completely understandable, a Crafty Cocktails box subscription is all about education in the world of cocktail creation, and it is very hard to learn new things if you don’t step outside your comfort zone. We strongly encourage you to make your cocktails with the recommended spirit for the month, even if you think you don’t like it. If a recipe is well balanced and acutely aware of the flavor profile of its given base spirit, the result can surprise even the most discerning of palettes. Conversely, an attempt to substitute the recommended alcohol for another simply because of personal preference can result in disaster, as flavor profiles tend to clash rather than compliment each other. The recipes in a Crafty’s curated box are just that, curated to suit a particular base spirit. Trust our bartenders, they know what they’re talking about; let them show how something you thought you disliked, can become something you absolutely love.