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Wednesday, September 2, 2015

The Golden Dream Cocktail

The Golden Dream Cocktail

This dessert drink tastes kinda sorta like a Creamsicle

Remember Creamsicles? You know, those orange-covered vanilla ice cream bars that we enjoyed as kids?

We loved them. So of course we couldn’t resist this adult beverage, which tastes remarkably like a liquid version of that favorite childhood treat.

The Golden Dream is sweet (it’s meant for dessert, after all). But it’s not one dimensional. In fact, it features some interesting flavor nuances—and just enough alcohol to give it a kick.

Which makes this our dream dessert. 



The Golden Dream Cocktail

Recipe: The Golden Dream Cocktail

When mixing this drink, the trick is to get the balance of ingredients just right. We like the classic formula: 2 parts each of Galliano, Cointreau, and orange juice, plus 1 part cream. But there are lots of variations on this cocktail, so feel free to experiment (more about recipe variations in the Notes). 

This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare, and serves 1.

Ingredients
  • 1 ounce Galliano L’Autentico (see Notes)
  • 1 ounce Cointreau (may substitute triple sec, although the flavor won’t be quite as good)
  • 1 ounce orange juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
  • ½ ounce heavy cream (whipping cream; or in Britain, double cream)
Procedure
  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds (longer shaking helps increase the foaminess of the cream, which creates a more attractive drink).
  2. Strain into a cocktail glass (preferably one that’s been chilled) and serve. This drink is usually served without a garnish. But if you’d like one, feel free to add an orange slice or twist.
The Golden Dream Cocktail

Notes
  • Galliano (or Liquore Galliano L’Autentico, to use its official name) is an Italian liqueur that was created in 1896. In Italy, it’s most often sipped as a digestif (an after-dinner drink). It has a slight anise flavor, which makes it reminiscent of Sambuca. But it also has vanilla notes, which lends it some extra complexity. (It features hints of other herbs too, plus citrus.)
  • There’s also a Galliano Vanilla on the market, although we rarely see it in stores. As its name suggests, it has a more prominent vanilla flavor.
  • In the US, Galliano is most often used as a cocktail ingredient. It’s rarely consumed as a digestif, although it’s sometimes consumed in shots.
  • Other cocktails that use Galliano include The Harvey Wallbanger and The Sundowner Cocktail
  • Some recipes for the Golden Dream call for 50% more Galliano than we specify (and sometimes a bit less cream). Interesting, but we think those versions make the drink too “spicy.” 
  • In fact, after tasting our recipe for this drink, you may want to use even less Galliano than we specify. (You’ll definitely notice its flavor in our version, though the other ingredients temper its assertiveness.) If you want less Galliano, start by reducing it from an ounce to ¾ ounce. 
  • Basically, don’t be afraid to tinker with ingredient quantities in order to customize this recipe to your taste. 
  • You’ll sometimes see this drink served in a parfait glass instead of a cocktail glass. 
  • Although not traditional, the Golden Dream is also good served over crushed or shaved ice in a rocks (Old-Fashioned) glass. Use a straw if you’re going that route. 
  • You can find several other boozy Creamsicle-like drinks that include ice cream and/or sherbet (just do a quick web search). The best we’ve seen is by our friend Barb, at Creative Culinary
  • So who invented the Golden Dream? As is the case with so many drinks, the origins of this one are a bit uncertain. But it was probably created by Raimundo Alvarez, a bartender at the Old King Bar in Miami, Florida. Legend says he dedicated the drink to film actress Joan Crawford. 
  • When was it created? Most likely in the early 1960s. David Herpin has found a reference to the drink dating to 1964, when it won a prize in a United Kingdom Bartenders Guild contest. 
  • BTW, this drink is an official cocktail of the International Bartenders Association. Here’s a list of all their official cocktails. 
  • Programming Note: We’re taking the rest of the month off for some down time. So we won’t be doing any additional posts this month (and we won’t be visiting other blogs for a while). We’ll be back with a new post on Wednesday, October 7.
Kitty Riffs sliding down the banister

A Dream Come True

“Gosh, Labor Day is coming up this weekend,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Summer is definitely over.”

“Right,” I said. “And with this post, we bid farewell to our Summer Sippin’ and Snarfin’ Series.”

“I’ve loved all the extra cocktail posts we did this summer,” said Mrs K R. “We started back in May with The Golden Dawn Cocktail.”

“And now we’re ending with the Golden Dream,” I said.

“Golden Dawn, Golden Dream,” said Mrs K R. “Sort of like bookends to the summer.”

“Speaking of dreams,” I said. “I’m dreaming of taking a few weeks off.”

“Me too!” said Mrs K R. “Even our cat, Kitty Riffs, is getting excited. Did you see her sliding down the banister in joy?”

“Yup. Kitties need some R&R too,” I said. “Just like us.”

“And fortunately, our dream is coming true,” said Mrs K R. “Cause we’re taking off for the rest of the month!”

See you in October.

You may also enjoy reading about:
The Golden Dawn Cocktail
Americano Cocktail
Suffering Bastard Cocktail
Lemon Drop Cocktail
Cosmopolitan Cocktail
Cape Codder Cocktail
El Presidente Cocktail
Bijou Cocktail
The Harvey Wallbanger
The Sundowner Cocktail
Cocktail Basics
Or check out the index for more



118 comments:

  1. I loved Creamsicles as a kid—they were sold in neighborhood corner confectioneries in St. Louis. And this cocktail sounds like a deliciously adult adaptation. Enjoy your well-earned break, John. See you in October.

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    1. Hi Terry, one of my childhood favorites! Still like them, actually. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  2. Hi John & Mrs. K R ,
    Just in time for my 'Labor Day' cocktail . I miss hanging out ,peeking though the window . I am back , will enjoy the ones I missed.. Have a great down time , see you in October .During the meantime , I will be cztching up with the cocktails I missed , especially the 'Suffering Bastard Cocktail . Thanks for sharing Nee :)

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    1. Hi Nee, glad to see you back from vacation! Just as we're about to veg out for a bit. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  3. I'm not a creamsicle fan...I know, I'm weird but you know that already. However, I love the flavours if this drink, I think it's the galliano. Intrigued as to how it would taste. I like anise flavour and I do like the citrus with the anise, so If I drank, I think i would like this!

    Have a wonderful break! I know too well how necessary time off from blogging is sometime :)
    I look forward to your return. Love Kitty Riffs..so cute :)

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    1. Hi Nazneen, Kitty Riffs really is a cutie, isn't she? And of course she knows it! Thanks for the comment.

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  4. Oh, I would really be in trouble if I made one of these because I would not be able to have just one. Beautiful photos :)

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    1. Hi Pat, these really are good -- such an interesting flavor! Thanks for the comment.

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  5. Replies
    1. Hi Holly, isn't this pretty? And the Creamsicle flavor is a bonus! Thanks for the comment.

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  6. First, I love your cat! So cute! Now, creamsicles were my jam as a kid. I need this adult version in my life!

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    1. Hi Laura, Kitty Riffs really is cute! As she reminds us -- daily. Heck, hourly! Since you like Creamsicles, you'd love this! Thanks for the comment.

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  7. I still eat creamsicles once in a while! They are nostalgic for me. Love this!

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    1. Hi Ashley, Creamsicles are fun, aren't they? As is this drink. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  8. I'd love this drink! It looks pretty and tasty. Your kitty is adorable. Enjoy your time away.

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    1. Hi Pam, our kitty rules us! Thanks for the comment.

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  9. Now see the Creamsicles was at the bottom of my list, to fake, but this adult Golden Dream drink I can absolutely go for. Looks really wonderful and a great end to the meal. Cats going down banisters? Enjoy your month off!

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    1. Hi Evelyne, the Golden Dream is a goodie. And Kitty Riffs really does go down the banister. Kinda. Sorta. ;-) She actually hops up there, then slides down a couple of inches as she finds a comfy resting position. Thanks for the comment.

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  10. We finally bought a shaker in order to make a few cocktails. I'll have to keep an eye out for the galliano. Enjoy your blogging break!

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    1. Hi Lydia, congrats on the shaker purchase! You'll have loads of fun. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  11. Hi John,
    This cocktail I think I may just love...I love creamsicles..I sometimes splurge and get a Toasted Almond Ice Cream Bar...which is like a Creamsicle only with toasted almond all around it. This drink is a good one for Labor day.. I like the info on this drink especially the fact that Raimundo Alvarez, says he dedicated the drink to film actress Joan Crawford. Love your Kitty Riffs I am a cat person, he is beautiful. Thanks for sharing another fabulous drink..Have a wonderful and restful time off with Mrs. Riffs...and as they say see you in October!
    Dottie :)

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    1. Hi Dottie, we're cat people too. ;-) Bet you'd like this drink -- it's a fun one. Thanks for the comment.

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  12. Silky, creamy, with citric notes... A summer must!

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    1. Hi Denise, totally agree! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  13. Have a wonderful holiday! Thanks for breaking with such an enticing creation. I love the creamsicles flavor so this is for me! Great shot of kitty riffs. Enjoy

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    1. Hi Tricia, had to include Kitty Riffs -- after all the internet is all about cats. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  14. Ah yes, the golden dream... one from the 70s and 80s... a favourite! I often had orange with my galliano! Great post John : )

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    1. Hi Lizzy, glad to hear you know this drink! It's a fun one, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

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  15. I have a GOLDEN DREAM - perhaps if I drink this, it will come true immediately??

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    1. Hi GiGI, certainly worth a try! :-) Thanks for the comment.

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  16. I missed out on Creamsicles as a child, but I'd be happy to make up for lost time by sipping a few of these Golden Dreams! Enjoy your month off---see you in October!

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    1. Hi Liz, you definitely do want to make up for missing out on Creamsicles by trying 1 or 2 of these beauties. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  17. Hi John and Mrs. Riffs, enjoy your time off, we will miss you. (we, my husband and I love reading your posts, so funny).

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    1. Hi Cheri, we'll definitely enjoy our time off! ;-) Thanks for that very kind comment.

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  18. This is my kind of dessert! Sometimes for dessert I'll just pour me a shot o Bailey's, but this sounds much better. Thanks for this great idea! Hope you and Mrs. KR and Kitty Riffs all enjoy your September off!!! You deserve it! See you in October. BTW - love the picture of Kitty riffs. :)

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    1. Hi MJ, my idea of a dessert, too. ;-) And Kitty Riffs is such a cutie! Thanks for the comment.

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  19. Kitty Riffs is sure gorgeous! Probably more gorgeous than this cocktail, but I bet the cocktail tastes better. Good recipe, John and I hope you have your dream vacation! Or at least a good break!

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    1. Hi Abbe, Kitty Riffs is more gorgeous than any cocktail we make. Or at least she thinks so. :-) Thanks for the comment.

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  20. Can't resist Creamsicles and this looks like it would be irresistible too. Enjoy your down time.

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    1. Hi SG, aren't Creamsicles great? This is, too! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  21. I think you could definitely talk me into drinking a creamsicle, or three! I've been taking some much needed time off this summer too and I'm all the better for it. Enjoy your time away. Love the photo of Kitty Riffs!

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    1. Hi Karen, it'll be great to take some time off! Glad you enjoyed yours. Now you need to enjoy one of these. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  22. Your photos are beautiful as always, John. To be honest, I've never had this drink but I'll have one anytime. Thank you, John. :)

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    1. Hi Ray, this is a fun drink! We really enjoyed it. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  23. I haven't seen a Galliano cocktail in ages and this one looks and sounds fantastic! I might have to go out and get a bottle of Galliano so I can make this one.

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    1. Hi Pamela, Galliano has such an interesting flavor, doesn't it? Definitely you need a bottle in your liquor supply! Thanks for the comment.

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  24. Dreamsicles/Creamsicles were my favorite growing up as a kid. I can't wait to make this. In fact my sisters will both be in town soon so I think I'll surprise them with this drink. I'm certain it will be a huge hit.

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    1. Hi Vicki, I'll bet this drink will be a hit with your sisters! Its flavor definitely brings back memories. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  25. I really love the idea of a dessert drink. It's such a nice way to end a meal. I always loved those creamsicles when I was a kid, and this is definitely a better version.

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    1. Hi Amy, this is indeed a great way to end a meal! Thanks for the comment.

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  26. Oh John, I was off for a few weeks and you shared so many delicious cocktails...I must check them all...this sure looks very tempting...I like the idea of dessert cocktail...it sure looks very elegant!
    Enjoy the rest of your week :)

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    1. Hi Juliana, so many cocktails, so little time. ;-) Good to see you back again, and thanks for the comment.

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  27. You had me just at orange juice and heavy cream, let alone the boozy additions. Sounds like the perfect sip to end a long day with.

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    1. Hi Caroline, it really is a nice drink. OJ and cream work so well together, don't they? Thanks for the comment.

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  28. Enjoy your time off and keep making such dreamy drinks.

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    1. Hi Ansh, we'll definitely be making some dreamy drinks during our time off. :-) Thanks for the comment.

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  29. I do love the photo of Kitty Riffs scratching up your bannister! And how lovely to be taking a break. Will you come back with tales of visiting exotic lands? I remember those ice blocks well but here they were called, 'Splice' and they came in a pine-lime flavour that's identical to the colour of your cocktail xx

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    1. Hi Charlie, we do need to paint that banister from time to time. :-) No big plans for anything exotic this year. We'll see what the future brings! Thanks for the comment.

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  30. This sounds so delightful!Have a great break, everyone needs one from time to time.

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    1. Hi Chris, this really is a nice drink -- very interesting flavor. Thanks for the comment.

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  31. Replies
    1. Hi Caroline, the name is so interesting, isn't it? As is the flavor of the drink! Thanks for the comment.

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  32. Galliano???? I'm in! Sounds delicious. Love that photo of Kitty Riffs. I have a grey Maine Coon that looks a lot like KF except for the white on the chest. You're taking a month off? I won't know how to act. ;) enjoy!

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    1. Hi Lea Ann, Maine Coons are the best, aren't they? So sweet. And we're really looking forward to taking some time off! We love doing the blog, but downtime is GOOD! ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  33. This drink truly is a dream! I love the ingredients and I can imagine it would be hard not to go back for a second, lol.
    Enjoy your September! I hope the weather stays beautiful for you :)

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    1. Hi Robyn, this is indeed a dream of a drink! ;-) September usually has decent weather, which is one of the reasons we're taking off this month. :-) Thanks for the comment.

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  34. oh wow! What a dream drink! I love the photo of Kitty Riffs! Looks awesome!
    Have a great break! Enjoy your time!

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    1. Hi Marcela, isn't this a dreamy drink? Kitty Riffs loves been admired. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  35. Enjoy your month off! Looking forward to reconnecting in October.

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  36. Replies
    1. Hi Pamela, isn't it a dreamboat of a drink? :-) Thanks for the comment.

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  37. your cat is adorable! This looks like the perfect cocktail for me if it tastes like creamsicle

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    1. Hi Peachy, Kitty Riffs loves posing for the camera. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  38. I like the name of this gorgeous cocktail as much as the combination of ingredients.
    Probably very difficult to stay just with one :)
    Your cat looks adorable, John.

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    1. Hi Daniela, Kitty Riffs really is adorable. :-) Thanks for the comment.

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  39. Now that's MY kind of dessert. Have a wonderful break and that's heaps for sharing Kitty Riff's bannister sliding. :)

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    1. Hi Maureen, it's a wonderful drink. And Kitty Riffs loves her banister! Thanks for the comment.

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  40. Hi John:)
    Oh the memories of hot Summer days and chasing the ice cream truck for a refreshing Creamsicle. I remember it like it was yesterday. I even remember the ice cream man's name. Tom, Tom the Ice Cream Man, lol...This sounds like my kind of cocktail. As a kid we were "allowed" to have Galliano as an after dinner sip when Anisette was getting low, lol...I'll be pinning this and gathering the ingredients ASAP!

    Thanks so much for sharing, John...Enjoy your down time with Mrs. K.R and that adorable Kitty Riffs...

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    1. Hi Louise, Kitty Riffs knows she's adorable. :-) Love Creamsicles, so I found this drink really fun. And since you like Galliano, it's definitely worth a try. Thanks for the comment.

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  41. This sounds so decadent and would perfect for a holiday cocktail party!

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    1. Hi Alyssa, this would be a good holiday drink! Great idea. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  42. I am so, so glad you have done this cocktail. This is my favourite cocktail of all time and I used to have it on special occasions when I was younger. I find that when I ask for it now in a bar, the barman never knows what it is and I have to explain it to him. They never quite make it right. I should print out your recipe and keep it in my handbag. Thanks for doing this one.

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    1. Hi Suzanne, glad you like this! A lot of people don't know it -- like all those barmen you keep running into! I actually do tell barmen the recipes for drinks sometimes when I'm out -- only way I'll get what I want. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  43. I absolutely love the flavors that are in it. I love what you've done here. I will probably be making this soon, looks amazing.
    Hope you enjoy beautiful September.
    xx

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    1. Hi Asha, this really is a fun drink -- hope you enjoy it! Thanks for the comment.

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  44. The cocktail is awesome! As always, you've created something totally magical!
    Seems to be perfect for last days of summer!

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    1. Hi Marcela, it's really a good one! Such a nice after dinner drink. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  45. For once, I've got all the ingredients handy for this cocktail- in fact I've got two bottles of Galliano in the pantry. Is there such a cocktail called a 'Wet Dream'- if not, someone should invent one! Look forward to seeing your posts again in October.

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    1. Hi Fran, TWO bottles of Galliano? You can make a boatload of these. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  46. Your cocktail posts always make me want to re-stock my liquor cabinet! I'd love this for dessert. Enjoy your break for the rest of the month!

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    1. Hi Lisa, no harm in restocking your liquor cabinet. :-) Thanks for the comment.

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  47. I am sure I would love this, I love creamsicles when I was a kid

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    1. Hi Raymund, I still like an occasional Creamsicle. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  48. I remember, and I don't know if you are familiar with Orange Julius, but we used to get them at the mall, much like an Orange Creamsicle. What a fun adult version. It definitely brings back happy memories!

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    1. Hi Kristi, I haven't had an Orange Julius in years! Had totally forgotten about them, actually. Thanks for reminding me! And thanks for the comment.

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  49. PS, meant to say that I loved the photo of the puss-cat on the staircase! Great fun. Have a wonderful break. xx

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    1. Hi Lizzy, Kitty Riffs just loves to pose! :-) And we're having a great break. Thanks for the comment.

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  50. I love dreamsicles - they were my absolute favorite summer treat as a kid. This looks even better! I hope you are enjoying your time off - always great to get some time to yourselves!

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    1. Hi Donalyn, creamsickles are great, aren't they? :-) We're really enjoying time off! Thanks for the comment.

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  51. This is a great drink to top off summer with. It really reminds me of an orange julius - you know that really retro drink? Your little fur baby is a hoot! Wishing you a super weekend! Guess who is shooting in raw? Thanks for your help. Take Care, BAM

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    1. Hi Bam, isn't Kitty RIffs a hoot? And congrats on shooting in raw -- so nice, isn't it? Thanks for the comment.

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  52. I dream of a creamsicle, or not, did we even have those in Australia? I do however love your cocktail idea and always adore the bantering between the long suffering Mrs Riffs and your good self. Great reading John plus kitty is gorgeous :D

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    1. Hi Merryn, Kitty Riffs often reminds us how gorgeous she is. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  53. Looks gorgeous and I bet tasted amazing. Looking forward to Oct posts. :-)

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    1. Hi Honey, we're having a great time off, but looking forward to October too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

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    2. I missed this post so I'm over here wondering where you are! I did wax nostalgic about St Louis yesterday and it made me think of you; Fall in Colorado just doesn't compare to St Louis. Oh sure I guess the Aspen in the mountains are pretty but it's one tree, one color; how does that count, :)

      Glad to hear all is well and thanks for the mention. See you soon!

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    3. Hi Barb, St. Louis has a really nice fall. We'll be back at work next week .:-) Thanks for the comment.

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  54. I keep checking and I got really worried about you... then I realized I did not notice the October note :). Thank God that you are OK. Waiting for your posts dear... have fun.

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    1. Hi Amira, that's very sweet of you! We've really enjoyed our time off, and are ready to blog again. In fact, I just shot the photos for Wednesday's post. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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  55. Did you say it tastes like creamsicle???? It looks gorgeous!! Nice to see kitty Riffs :) Hope you had a great break!!

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    1. Hi Shibi, it's a really good drink. ;-) We had a wonderful break! Thanks for the comment.

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  56. Love, love a good cocktail!This one is fabulous! Tanks for taking the time to share it with us.

    Velva

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    1. Hi Velva, isn't this nice? Such great flavor! Thanks for the comment.

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  57. Hi John, I hope you enjoyed your time off and trip to Boston. This cocktail sounds fantastic -- I keep thinking dreamsicles:) Kitty Riffs is so cute!

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    1. Hi Nancy, our time off was wonderful. Some details in tomorrow's post. ;-) Thanks for the comment.

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