Category Archives: cocktails

glass of cognac cider cocktail

Cognac Cider Cocktail

February 20, 2025

glass of cognac cider cocktail

Brandy and cognac seem well suited for chilly weather. Picture yourself seated by a crackling fire and imagine ordering an icy prosecco. No? Well, how about a snifter of brandy?  Ah,that’s more like it. Continue reading

glass of basil black pepper whiskey cocktail

Basil Black Pepper Whiskey Cocktail

September 24, 2024

glass of basil black pepper whiskey cocktail

Before my basil succumbs to wilt and frost permanently, I’ve got one more recipe for you. Basil  Black Pepper Whiskey Cocktail is a pleasantly spicy herbal beverage which goes with all nibbles and appetizers. Continue reading

sesame sake apple cocktail

Sesame Sake Apple Cocktail

January 9, 2024

sesame sake apple cocktail

 

The merits of winter come together in this Sesame Sake Apple Cocktail. Sesame, dark and rich, savory in contrast to the spare sweetness of this drink. Sake, often served warm with tasty dishes. Apple brandy, from the fruit that begins its journey in autumn and delights with crunch and versatility all winter long. A nip of tart fresh lemon juice makes this cool beverage a symphony of all the flavors. Continue reading

glasses of watermelon tequila cocktail

Watermelon Tequila Cocktail

September 19, 2023

glasses of watermelon tequila cocktail

Seasonal eating is always preferred, but I confess a fondness for watermelon all year long. Watermelon (and its juice) is available perennially at most grocery stores. The bright pink elixir of juice, mixed into cocktails or mocktails, brings fond memories of balmy summertime. Continue reading

white pepper grape cocktail

White Pepper Grape Cocktail

February 1, 2023

white pepper grape cocktail

A good cocktail recipe becomes a mocktail recipe when you remove the alcohol and add something refreshing like fizzy water. Readers of River City Good Eats notice alcohol- free variations in my cocktail recipes. Today’s White Pepper Grape Cocktail is no different. Flexibility is key in gracious entertaining, I say. Continue reading

bowl of garlic Parmesan pecans

Garlic Parmesan Pecans

December 6, 2022

bowl of garlic Parmesan pecans

Make these Garlic Parmesan Pecans to go with your Cranberry Apple Brandy Cocktail. These savory nuts are easy and they last for weeks at room temperature. I’ll bet you already have all the ingredients in your kitchen. Continue reading

glasses of cranberry apple brandy cocktail

Cranberry Apple Brandy Cocktail

november 21, 2022

glasses of cranberry apple brandy cocktail

 

Holiday entertaining season begins this week. Here’s a refreshing beverage to accompany your homemade appetizers.  This Cranberry Apple Brandy Cocktail hits all the right notes and goes with everything. Continue reading

Cucumber Rosewater Vodka Cocktail

august 9, 2022

glass of cucumber rosewater vodka cocktail

A summer cocktail with the subtle, yet distinctive, flavors of cucumber and rosewater requires a special spirit. Sugarcane-based rum is too sweet and tequila from the agave plant is too strong. Continue reading

clementine cardamom cocktail

Clementine Cardamom Cocktail

february 22, 2022

clementine cardamom cocktail

 

 

Nearly all cocktail recipes in this collection of recipes may be enjoyed alcohol-free as mocktails. Today’s Clementine Cardamom Cocktail is no exception. This is a good thing, for kids and everyone else who avoids spirits. An attractive seasonal beverage, with or without spirits,  is a reliable conversation starter and always welcome at the table. What made you think of these flavors? Very likely whatever is in season and paired with  herbs and spices not used in past recipes. Continue reading

basil plum cocktial

Basil Plum Cocktail

October 12, 2021

basil plum cocktial

Basil tastes lively right up until that first chilly night, when wilted leaves the next morning means revival is futile.  Likewise, the time for stone fruits is over until next year. Basil Plum Cocktail, with fruit infused vodka and basil simple syrup, is our goodbye to autumn warmth . Continue reading