The Intoxicologist Is In

Friday night I stopped into Myth in the Old Market to say hi to friends and see what’s new on the cocktail scene.  There is always something new at Myth whether it be trying out Agavero (tequila liqueur) or Zen (green tea liqueur) for the first time or getting the low down on new vodkas rolling into town (Three Olives released three new flavors last week; Tomato, Root Beer and Triple Shot Espresso). 

This past weekend was no different.  As soon as my date and I walked in the door we were greeted with smiles all around.  As soon as we sat down Brian began telling us about a new Margarita a customer recently requested.  He is calling it the Skinny Margarita.  The flavor of this particular margarita reminded me considerably of the margaritas served at a specialty margarita bar at The Venetian in Las Vegas a couple of years back.  These margaritas were made with Patron, Cointreau, and Lime only.  There is not any sour mix or additives to interfere with the flavor of the tequila itself so it gives the margarita a robust, earthy, full flavor instead of a watered down version.  It is also lower in calories and carbohydrates without all of the added sugar from sweet and sour or a margarita mix. 

Something that has been quite popular on my site lately has been the Key Lime Pie Cocktail.  The bartender Bryan has his own special recipe for a Key Lime Martini that I practically had to drag the ingredients out of him on the condition that I would not share.  I will keep to my word on that, but a trip to Myth while Bryan is on the job will get you a taste of his special recipe.

In all the visits to Myth it occurred to me as others ordered from the specialty menu that I had never done the same.  So, I asked the owner, Brian, what he thought to be the tastiest cocktail on his list.  He recommended the Pineapple Upside Down Cake.  Being one who is not a fan of dessert in general, I was skeptical.  However, this cocktail made up of vanilla vodka, amaretto, butterscotch schnapps, and pineapple juice was quite a tasty treat.  It had a nutty flavor due to the amaretto and a sweetness that is just right rather than overboard.  The bottom of the martini glass is kissed with the taste and glow of maraschino cherry rounding the entire cocktail out rather nicely. 

Lastly I tried the Chocolate Martini.  This cocktail was truly a stretch for me as chocolate is definitely not my flavor of choice.  But the bartender Bryan assured me that in warmer weather this cocktail is one of their more popular drinks.  I have no doubt as to the truth in this statement as I have seen the Chocolate Martini made hundreds of times at Myth.  This concoction is simple enough with a chocolate laced martini glass filled with vanilla and chocolate vodka and Godiva cream shaken to frothy completion.  For lack of a better description, all I can say it is rich in chocolate for all you chocolate lovers and heavy on the vanilla to help smooth it out. 

Myth appears to be a huge sensation with its sophisticated style, welcoming atmosphere, and outstanding (and often cutting edge) cocktails.  If you live in the Omaha area or are visiting, be sure and stop in and have drink.  Tell Brian the Intoxicologist sent you. 

Side note:  You can find a link to Myth’s MySpace Page in my Blogroll section in the right hand column.  You may also click this link to find Myth’s menu online.  http://mytholdmarket.com/menu

I would be remiss to not include a dose of recipes for you to try.  Although they are not Myth’s recipes, you may find something interesting in the mix. 

Platinum Margarita Martini

2 ounces Patron Silver

1 ounce Cointreau

Whole Lime-cut in wedges for squeezing

Salt for rimming; optional

Lime Twist for Garnish

Use a lime wedge to wet the rim of a martini glass.  Salt the rim of the martini glass.  Squeeze or muddle limes in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.  Add Patron Silver and Cointreau.  Fill one-third full with ice.  Shake vigorously.  Strain into salt rimmed martini glass.  Garnish with lime twist.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake (Intoxicologist’s Version)

1 ounce Three Olives Vanilla Vodka

1 ounce Amaretto

1/2 ounce Licor 43

1 ounce Pineapple Juice

1/2 ounce Myer’s Dark Rum (for floating)

Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Combine first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled one-third full of ice.  Shake vigorously for ten to fifteen seconds.  Place maraschino cherry in bottom of cocktail class.  Strain contents of cocktail shaker into chilled cocktail glass over cherry.  Drizzle Meyer’s Dark Rum around edge of cocktail glass to float on top.  Side note: Vanilla vodka may be increased to 1-1/2 ounces to help cut the sweet a fraction, but at the same time that does increase the volume of liquor.

Chocolate Covered Caramel Sensation

1 ounce Godiva Chocolate Cream Liqueur

1 ounce Players Extreme Caramel Vodka

1/2 ounce Three Olives Chocolate Vodka

1/2 ounce Three Olives Vanilla Vodka

1 ounce half and half

Caramel Sauce & Chocolate Sauce for Drizzling

Drizzle caramel and chocolate sauces into a chilled cocktail glass and set aside.  Combine the rest of the liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled one-third full of ice.  Shake for ten to fifteen seconds.  Strain into caramel and chocolate drizzled cocktail glass.  Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired.