The three wives of Caesar

The US has the Bloody Mary and Canada has the Bloody Caesar. Well, step aside because Portland has The Three Wives of Caesar in this combination of the Mary and Caesar cocktails. It was by pure happenstance that 3 cocktails were made on this day (3 guests for dinner) and the fact that Caesar had three wives. It wasn't until several days later that I Googled it that I found out that he did have three wives.

The Bloody Mary and Bloody Caesar are two very popular cocktails in North America. The Mary is thicker and more tomato tasting, while the Caesar has a lighter, more fluid, clam flavor. Why not combine the two and come up with a happy middle solution? Well, that's what I did. Turns out this drink worked for my guests and will work for you as well. Here's what you'll need per drink:

2 oz. vodka
3 oz. clam juice
4 oz. tomato juice
1 teaspoon of Pernod
1 tablespoon of Limoncello
1 teaspoon of creamy horse radish
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire Sauce
a few drops of Tabasco sauce
Cracked black pepper and salt to taste

In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients and just a few ice cubes. You don't want to dilute the drink but the ice cubes will chill the drink before you pour it in the glass. Shake well for a few seconds.

Fill a tall glass 3/4 with ice cubes and pour the liquid to the top. Add your favorite garnish which may include olives, pickled garlic, lemon, cherry tomatoes, or peppers. Enjoy!!

PUNCH IT MARTHA !

The hot weather has finally hit the Northwest of the U.S. To think that on July 5th we had a record low temperature only to do full circle on July 7th with a record high, it's just crazy ! No matter where you are in the Northern Hemisphere, the hot weather is here and there's no better way to quench that thirst on a dog day afternoon than punching it with Vodka Sunset Fizz. It's not Sangria and it's not Tequila Sunrise. It's the next step beyond, one that you'll want to share with your friends this weekend. Please check your car keys in at the door because this one will have Martha punching it past midnight! It's THAT good!

1 Large punch bowl
1 bag of ice
1 gallon of low pulp orange juice
2 bottles of champagne
1 1/2 to 2 cups of vodka
1 cup of orange brandy (or mix of orange liquor and brandy)
1/3 cup of grenadine
2 large oranges, sliced

Start by filling the punch bowl half way with ice. Next, add your vodka and orange brandy. Stir the ice around. Now add the champagne, pour the orange juice carefully, and finally drizzle the grenadine into the bowl, allowing it to sink to the bottom.

Finally, arrange some of the orange slices around the rim of the bowl and lay the remaining slices in the bowl. Serve and enjoy this quenching punch. It is and has always been a hit at holiday gatherings and this quantity will respectfully serve 8 to 10 party goers. Have extra on hand in case you need it or depending on the size of your party. The 4th of July was very festive! As always, please, if you're going to drink do it sensibly and never get behind the wheel and have a designated driver at all times.