Cosmic Cocktails For Celestial Canoodling ~ Eclipse Drink Recipes for a Galactic Party

There’s no doubt that Total Eclipse 2024 is surely helping to “eclipse” all the, ahem, other “galactic” happenings that seem to be streaming in from other planets or outer space of late. Huge storms, today’s very abnormal earthquake for these parts, just for starters… So many puns on this phenomena. Plus a pun is also called a “paronomasia” which in itself seems like a sure-fire paranormal state! 

How to mark this once in a lifetime event?  With Cosmic Cocktails 🍸 Here are some “heavenly” drink recipes to celebrate the cosmic intimacy.  And to wear your Corona crown with style.

  

A Total Eclipse is really about art and science coming together.  Many folks refer to it as the “sun kissing the moon.”  How romantic is that?  Not since 1918 and 2017 have we witnessed such celestial canoodling. 

A big starry Thank You to all the thousands who’ve visited my 2017 Garden Glamour blog post about Cosmic Cocktails for Celestial Canoodling.  I’m grateful and appreciate your considered visits.  

The drink recipes are below.  But first, some Happy Hour history: 

I’ve worshiped the stars and invoked their magic on more occasions than there are stars in the sky (!) -- ever since my beloved father, George, took me to the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History when I was a little girl. There, we purchased an index-sized card that swung open in order to chart four sky maps -- both the winter and summer skies - looking north and south.  

I keep it over my writing desk today.  It’s as much a tribute to space and my enduring curiosity as it is about my love for my father and his ability to nurture the fascination, imagination, and magic of the stars.  

As I must confess that the ancient star constellations or “asterisms” are almost impossible for me to trace. Rather like a parlor game; except that my husband, Bill, is great at pointing out Aquila (Eagle), Sagittarius (Archer), Leo (Lion) ~ not to mention the easy ones such as the Dippers and the Canis Minor (Little Dog). So much beauty and legend… 

Art & Science Jam

There’s no doubt this celestial phenomena is stirring artists and curiosity seekers. 

Make yourself a musical soundtrack to spark up the mood’s sensual experience.

Or listen in to the top-30 NPR Playlist or my brother, Jame’s Supernova band to accompany and enhance the sensual elements surrounding the artful eclipse.  I like “I Put a Spell on You” by Alice Smith, “Time” or “Eclipse” by Pink Floyd or Dark Star by the Grateful Dead, Night and Day, Total Eclipse of the Heart,...

But my favorite site for all things eclipse is Nasa Total Eclipse - especially their suggested party tips and activities and downloadable activities that can star trek your viewing experience.  Who throws a bigger party than spacemen, er space people?! 

Nasa says, “Many eclipse enthusiasts host parties in local community centers, museums, observatories, parks or open fields. Even your own backyard is a good place to throw a party.”  

I’m thinking we might motor over to the Holmdel Horn Antenna. I read they're hosting a viewing party. And this is a perfect spot. The Times referred to it as a “Cosmic Shrine in New Jersey” and "Back to NJ Where the Universe Began.” Fun!

If you’re throwing your own party or bringing celestial treats to another, here’s a few excellent drinks to further the magical darkness...

COSMIC COCKTAIL RECIPES

“Total Eclipse” -- neė Ashes to Ashes - created by Jordan Bushell, Mőet Hennessy National Brand Ambassador.  This is one of master mixologist Jordan’s more brilliant contributions to my book, Art of the Garnish. 

I think it’s perfect for toasting the total eclipse, don’t you?

Here’s what it looks like in the book:

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Hennessy VS

1 oz Tawny Port 10 year Old

1/2 tsp activated Charcoal

2 dashes chocolate bitters

Method: 

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice. Stir to combine, pour into a rocks glass 

Garnish – cocktail Cherry (Luxardo) and/or 1 red rose petal

 

The description from my book, Art of the Garnish: Dark and foreboding in look and yet the drinks is full of flavor, Ashes to Ashes was named for the charcoal but also for the end of things for every end is a beginning and this balanced and approachable drink is also deep and contemplative in it’s flavors.  You want to sit with it as it begins to warm up in the glass and reveals more and more of itself.

The charcoal does not add any actual flavor and thus is one of the garnishes; if a garnish is not there for the flavor it can still have a purpose, in this case, dramatic effect.  We drink and eat with our eyes first, as a drink comes across the room to us, or is handed across the bar we are already imagining different flavors it will have.  When a black drink is presented, it creates mystery and thus an open palate.  The rose petal and or cherry provide a contrast, bright red, dramatic.

As Day follows Night; here’s a bright, light drink to shake up for the Eclipse party. 

Patrón Platinum Margarita   

(photo courtesy of Patrón Tequila)

How beautiful is this cocktail?  

Ingredients:

2 oz Platinum Patrón Tequila 

1 oz Dolin vermouth Blanc

2 dash rose water 

.25 oz agave syrup

.5 oz lime juice

Method:

Stir all ingredients with ice for 30 seconds then pour in a mixing glass. In a mixing glass add 

1 bar spoon edible platinum color 

1 pinch xanthan gum  ~ or not! 

Stir for 10 seconds and pour in your coupe glass. 

Garnish:

With an edible orchid using edible silver sprayer marshmallow flavored to coat the orchid.  Or not!  An edible orchid or white magnolia that is blooming now will be perfect. Citrusy and a wee bit gingery taste. Just pick the blossom from your tree, wash, and garnish. 

Heart of Gold 

This is my drink creation from my Art of the Garnish book and I think it’s great for the Eclipse. 

Ingredients:

2 jiggers Goldschlager - a Swiss Cinnamon Schnapps Liqueur 

3-4 jiggers cold Ginger Beer - homemade or hand-crafted artisanal, such as Reed’s: sparkling, filtered water sweetened by a blend of cane sugar, pineapple juice, honey, fresh ginger root, lemon & lime juices and spices.  

The cinnamon of the schnapps harmonizes with the spices in the ginger beer.

2-3 dashes Cherry Bitters - Fee Brothers

Method:

Put ice cubes in goblet 

Mix all ingredients in cocktail shaker

Remove ice from goblet.  Pour strained cocktail into iced goblet glass.  

You can also pour cocktail into old-fashioned glasses with ice and garnish. 

Garnish: 

Edible gold stars 🌟

Or Crystallized ginger - highlights ginger beer/ginger root ingredients (or maraschino or orange rind studded with cloves) clipped on glass with gold jewelry pins. 

Or, spun, gold sugar wafers cotton candy on a lollipop stick (I can provide recipe).

Silver Blue Moon

Available at Sir Henri in NYC by Beverage Director,  Gil Bouhana

Photo courtesy of Nolet’s Dry Gin 

 

Ingredients:

2 oz.  NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin

1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 oz. Crème de Violette

Method:

Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into a cocktail glass.  

and shake well. Strain over fresh ice in Old Fashioned/rocks glass and top with splash of ginger ale. Float port (or wine) on top of the drink by pouring carefully over the back of a bar spoon.

Remember to wear your glasses. Don’t look at the sun.

Rather look deeply into your loved ones’ eyes…

Cheers!