Iowa Spirits Volume 1 2018 - 28

Tip #1: Choose full-flavor alcohol. Neutral
grain spirits like vodka add calories (and alcohol)
without adding flavor, while liqueur, rum, tequila
and bourbon contribute a greater taste sensation
per ounce.
Tip #2: Add a rimmer. A touch of flavor on the
rim of your glass enhances the aromatics and
inserts that first burst of flavor directly on your
taste buds. Ideas include a swipe of caramel syrup
with a sweet martini, finely chopped bacon with
bourbon and water, or smoked salt with a Bloody
Mary.
Tip #3: Remember the rinse. A rinse (also
known as a wash) coats the inside of a glass with
an aromatic ingredient like absinthe, smoky
Scotch or mezcal; the remainder of the alcohol is
discarded. Thus, you achieve the aromas and
flavors with fewer calories and alcohol.
Tip #4: Include fresh ingredients. Fruits, herbs
and even vegetables introduce bright healthy
flavors to your glass: mint, rosemary, cucumber,
berries and more. Add basil to strawberry vodka,
lemonade and pureed strawberries; mix orange
liqueur with blueberries and a mint-infused simple
syrup.
Tip #5: Avoid high-calorie mixers. Premade
mixes are convenient, but they're packed with

Spiked Watermelon
1 whole watermelon (preferably with seeds)
3 cups unaged tequila (or other clear liquor, such as vodka or
a vodka with a complementary flavor)

Lay the watermelon on its side. Cut a hole that is wide enough
to fit the tip of a small funnel (save the plug). Use a skewer
to make channels through the meat of the melon. Gradually
pour liquor through the funnel into the watermelon. Reposition
the plug and let the liquor absorb, returning every few hours
to add to the boozy melon. Let the melon sit in the refrigerator
for 2 or 3 days before slicing and serving.

sugar and sodium-a daiquiri, margarita or
Bloody Mary made from fresh ingredients tastes
better, too. Fruit juices like orange juice are
loaded with sugar and calories. Tonic water
sneaks in the calories, so choose no-calorie seltzer
and club soda instead.
Tip #6: Enjoy your spirits straight. Savor the
full flavor of the liquor by sipping it neat, on the
rocks or with a splash of soda or water. Add a
twist of citrus or other garnish to contribute
aromatics.

MARGARITA DRESSING
Serve with a garden salad. Add tortilla strips,
avocado and a Mexican cheese, such as
Cotija, to take full advantage of the bright
Latino flavors.
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (up to 2 limes)
2 tablespoons tequila
1 tablespoon honey
¼ cup packed cilantro leaves (about 1⁄3 of
a bunch)
¼ cup vegetable oil
Salt
Pepper

Combine lime juice, tequila, honey and cilantro in a food processor. Process till smooth.
Gradually add the olive oil on the lowest setting of the food processor. Season to taste with
salt and pepper.

SPIRITED FRUIT BASKET
½ cup dark rum
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1 pineapple
2 mangos
1 cantaloupe
2 apples
1 grapefruit
2 oranges

Combine the rum, brown sugar and ginger in
a jar and let sit for 4 hours. Cut bite-size
pieces of the fruits. Put the fruit into a bowl.
Shake the rum mixture and slowly pour it over
the fruit. Stir gently. Let the fruit salad sit in the
refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours before
serving.

IOWA SPIRITS

Iowa Spirits Volume 1 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Iowa Spirits Volume 1 2018