One of the relatively unknown uses for Cook's extracts is in cocktails. This is actually one of my favorite ways to use these extracts.
Now a word about how to use extracts in cocktails. You have a couple options, the first is to pour a few drops into the cap of the bottle and drip those into individual cocktails, as you would bitters. An easier way to do this is by purchasing a dropper as an alternative cap. The second way would be to purchase some small spray bottles, like these, and once the cocktail is ready to serve, just spritz some extract over the glass. This scents the glass without overpowering the drink.
Cook's Choice Pure Vanilla Extract: Our flagship vanilla extract sweetens and mellows the taste of alcohol. It can be used in many cocktails, but is especially fantastic with bourbon, rum, brandy, and vodka. It is also a natural match for mulled wines, drinks with a dairy base, drinks with a coffee base, and drinks with a chocolate base. I recommend using as bitters and as a spray.
Cook's Cookie Pure Tahitian Blend Extract: This vanilla can be used similarly to our Cook's Choice, but boasts the unique floral and fruity flavor of the Tahitian variety vanilla bean. A crowd-pleaser!
Pure Wild Cherry Extract: A surprising extract that is delectable in whiskey, vodka, gin, and tequila. It is smooth, tart, and delicious. This extract can be used as bitters or as a spray. I love it in a cherry old-fashioned and a cherry mojito!
Pure Cranberry Extract: Another wonderful addition to your bar cart! Of course, you can add it to vodka cranberries, and other fruity drinks, but I like to add it to sangrias and punchy cranberry-based holiday cocktails as well!
Pure Orange Extract: This extract is pretty powerful and can overtake the delicate balance of a cocktail. For this reason, I recommend using it as a spray either in the dry glass, over ice, or as the finishing touch to a drink. I love to add it to margaritas, gin drinks, rum drinks, and of course, any drink featuring orange juice.
Pure Coffee Extract: This is perfect for adding the flavor of coffee without using coffee or espresso. Jazz up chocolate and vanilla-based drinks. This extract can be used either as bitters or a spray.
Pure Almond Extract: This is another powerful extract that should be used sparingly as a spray. Use in place of amaretto for a delicious cocktail you can't put down!
Pure Lime Extract: This is another powerful extract that can be used as a spray. Lime is a major ingredient in so many cocktails that you can use it in any cocktail with a sour mix to give it some extra lime zest or anywhere lime juice is called for.
Happy Mixing!
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