"The Aviator" Cocktail + Kicked Up Chex Mix | Friday Night Bites

Yippee Skippee .... it is finally FRIDAY!  I think that means it is time for Friday Night Bites and this week I thought I would share another sublime cocktail with all of you.  Noted for its stunning purple color, this old-school gin cocktail is a standout. It is a cocktail that was created before Prohibition by a bartender at the Hotel Wallick in New York.  It is made with gin, maraschino liqueur, creme de violette and fresh lemon juice.  The creme de violette is such a unique addition and makes this cocktail a true standout and often referred to the "forgotten classic".  It is flowery, assertive yet sweet but a liqueur worth trying.

There is something about a true classic and the feeling that it evokes.  A sense of purpose, tradition, consistency, quality and a sense of being remarkable.  I do love classic things but at the same time, I love trying new things.  Perhaps it is the Gemini in me.   I have always been someone who loves a classic look but mixes it up with something unique that stands out - a touch of modernism.  That is true for my style of dress and how my house is decorated.  I believe it helps build individuality.  Being comfortable in your own skin is such a liberating feeling and so empowering.  If this cocktail could speak, perhaps that is what it would reveal about itself.

Speaking of classic, the chex party mix is just that.  I recently whipped up a batch using the classic recipe but found that the flavors were good but not bold enough for my palate.  I increased the butter, Worcestershire, garlic and onion powder along with the seasoned salt plus adding a few drops of tabasco sauce.  The end result is one addictive snack that you will make over and over and over again.  My sister in law came over last weekend so we could plan a fund raiser for my nephews school and could not stop eating this tasty treat.  I asked her if she wanted me to put it into a bowl closer to us and she immediately said no - it would be too addictive and she couldn't stop.   

AVIATOR COCKTAIL

Make one cocktail

INGREDIENTS:

2 oz. Gin

1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

1/2 oz. Luxardo (maraschino liqueur)

1/2 oz. Creme de Violette

In a cocktail shaker, add ice then all of the above ingredients.  Shake really well.  Pour into a cool cocktail glass through the strainer portion.  Garnish with a luxardo maraschino cherry and a lemon twist.

KICKED UP CHEX PARTY MIX

INGREDIENTS:

3 1/2  Cups Corn Chex Cereal

3 1/2  Cups Rice Chex Cereal

2 Cups Wheat Chex Cereal

10 Tablespoons Butter

3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce

2 teaspoon Lowery Seasoned Salt

1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder

1 Tablespoon Onion Powder

6 Shakes of Tabasco Sauce

To prepare the chex party mix:

In a large bowl that is microwave proof, melt the butter.  Once it is fully melted, add the worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, garlic and onion powder and tabasco sauce and stir well.  Transfer to a smaller bowl then add the dry cereal.  Slowly drizzle the sauce over the cereal and mix well with a large spoon or your hands until everything is well coated.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Spread the mixture over two large baking sheets and bake for 10 mintues.  Halfway, toss the mixture lightly then finish cooking.  Remove and let cool.  If you like it a bit saltier, lightly sprinkle more seasoned salt.  Store in a large plastic bag.  Enjoy!!