Holiday Cocktail Creation

 

A friend had a party last week that involved a cocktail pot-luck. She and her husband provided the basic alcohols and mixers, but asked guests to bring a recipe for a unique cocktail and any specialty ingredients associated with said concoction. This marked the Dabbler's first foray into drink mixology. My creation? The Cappucini (I debated whether to call it a Capputini, but determining that the 'ch' sound is essential to the espresso element of the drink, settled on a tini-less moniker).

And here's the recipe:

1 oz. vanilla flavored vodka
1 oz. espresso, room temperature or cooled
1 oz. half and half (and for dieters, regular milk should suffice)

Shake over ice in a cocktail mixer, pour, and top with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

Optional: add a swirl of chocolate syrup into the shaker before mixing and this will yield...you guessed it, a Mochacini!

Additionally, it occurred to me after the fact that a touch of Kahlua or Creme de Cacao might make for a slightly smoother (or sweeter) blend, though this theory remains untested. But as mixed above, you will find yourself both getting drunk and staying awake in no time at all. For those of us who avoid drinking beverages with any sort of egg component, consider it a nog alternative.

Enjoy, and happy holidays!