Strong Cocktails for Tax Day

Stiff Drinks to Take The Edge Off 

Whoa, are you clenching your teeth after shelling out some clams to Uncle Sam? Or maybe you’re still stressed, because you pushed your tax returns up until the last minute. It seems like everybody gets a little bit more stressed around Tax Day, and sometimes a strong cocktail can help take away the immediate pain of paying out. We’ve put together some great cocktail ideas that can take the edge away from your momentary worries and help your relax and be in the moment.

Sip, savor, relax:

• Tequila
  If your only experience with tequila is in the form of shots with salt and lemon, stop right here. A good tequila is worth sipping and savoring. In the Mexican tradition, drink it neat. We have plenty of high quality bottles to match your mood.

Tres Agaves Resposado Tequila 750mL $31.95

• Bacardi 151
  This rum will perhaps make you feel talk like a pirate. It is strong. Top a short glass with ice, add your rum and top with a cola or juice drink and you’ll be transported away from your temporary woes.
  
  Bacardi 151 750mL $20.99

• Rum and Coke a.k.a Cuba Libre

If you’re feeling a bit blue because your bank account is drained, there are plenty of excellent rum’s available at a reasonable price. Get a glass, fill with ice, rum and top with coke. This will help lift your spirits.

• Bone Dry Martini
  In a chilled martini glass, add your favorite gin or vodka and a few olives. You can forget the Vermouth for this one.

• Black Russian
  Pull out a short wide glass, fill with ice followed by 2 ounces of Vodka and 1 ounce of Kahlua. Stir gently and enjoy. 

Income Tax Cocktail
Yes, it’s a thing. It is not as quick to pour as a sipping tequila or whiskey, but it is a cocktail that you can close the day out with – whether you are sending a check or expecting a refund.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 3/4 oz. dry vermouth
• 3/4 oz. sweet vermouth
• Juice of 1/4 orange
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice to chill. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with an orange peel or slice.

The Last Word

And, if you want to get the LAST word in on this tax season, we’ve got the drink for you. It’s a gin-based prohibition-era cocktail believed to be first served in the early 1920s at the Detroit Athletic Club. Serve this straight up – skip the ice.

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz. gin
• ¾ oz. green Chartreuse
• ¾ oz. maraschino liqueur, like Luxardo
• ¾ oz. fresh lime juice
• Twist of lime for garnish.

Vigorously shake all ingredients together with ice. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lime twist. 

Enjoy and drink responsibly!

Founded in 1934, Haskell’s has championed fine wines for over 80 years. We have 13 wine stores in Minnesota, two delis and one restaurant. As one of the top wine shops in North America, Haskell’s is known for legendary service and one of the finest collections of wine, beer and spirits. Led by Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell, and the Farrell family, Haskell’s continues to be at the forefront of the wine scene throughout the world. Haskell’s also can ship wine, beer & spirits all throughout the world, the U.S. and we deliver locally.