Miss A Columnist

Ashley Marie Sneed is currently a chef at the Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte*, and has been cooking in restaurants and hotels for over six years. Her culinary talents stem from a passion for food and wine, and her desire to share that with the rest of the world has led her to pursue a career in writing. Her experiences range from dining to cooking to cultural immersions in Europe and Asia and domestic meccas such as New York, L.A. and Chicago. She loves cooking at home for friends and family, indulging at local restaurants, blogging about her culinary adventures and preparing meals for a new and upcoming personal chef company in Charlotte, North Carolina. If you have a cooking question, or are looking for a particular recipe, please contact Ashley at chefasneed@aol.com. Please check out her blog, I Speak Kitchenese!

*Ashley is a Ritz-Carlton employee, but not an official company spokesperson. The opinions and positions expressed are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Ritz-Carlton, LLC.

Halloween Vodka Cocktail

Photo Credit: Ashley Sneed

Whether you’re busy getting ready for a hot night out on the town, entertaining a group of friends at your own abode or simply laying low for the evening, the spooky decorations, scary movie marathons and all around energy can’t help but get you in the Halloween spirit. And regardless of your plans, you need a cocktail. So ditch the classics and atypical favorites, and try something new that is sure to keep you feeling ghoulish: Black Lagoon Vodka Cocktails. The vodka-rosemary combination is delicious; the black tint of the drink is Halloween-inspired. You’ll impress your friends and look cool drinking it. You’ll enjoy snacking on the licorice garnish. And most importantly, you’ll have a great time getting tipsy. Or drunk. Whichever you choose.

Be safe and Happy Halloween!

Black Lagoon Vodka Cocktail (Adapted from Martha Stewart Halloween)

Makes two drinks
This drink is clear initially, but turns black once the ice cubes begin to melt.

  • 4 oz. vodka
  • 2 oz. rosemary simple syrup (make extra for other cocktails!)
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup club soda
  • Licorice ice cubes

Combine vodka, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Stir, and then add the club soda. Fill two glasses with licorice ice cubes, and divide the mixture between both. Garnish with a licorice stick and serve immediately. Watch how as you swirl the glass the drink turns dramatically black!

Photo Credit: Ashley Sneed

Rosemary Simple Syrup

Makes about two cups

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 sprigs rosemary

Combine all three ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Low to a simmer for 5 minutes and remove from the heat. Let cool and strain to remove the solids. The syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Makes about 12 cubes

Photo Credit: Ashley Sneed

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tbsp. anise seeds
  • 2-3 drops of black food coloring

Bring the water and anise seeds to a boil in a small saucepan. Remove from the heat and let cool for about 30 minutes. Strain to remove the solids and stir in the food coloring. Pour into ice cube trays (try using Halloween shapes!) and freeze.

 

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