Simple Start with “Sweet Abyss”

Being fairly new to the “Beermixology” party I figured I should start out slow and work my way into more complicated combinations. That is why my first Beer Cocktail is really easy and was first introduced to me at a Deschutes Brewing #BeerBaseCamp Celebrating Women and Craft Beer event at Soulful Soups and Spirits in Spokane WA.

Now I had never been to Soulful Soups before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Was I pleasantly surprised.

It is not a very big, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Art adorns the walls and the space is used really well. You don’t feel crowded or like you are sitting on top of other people. Besides being impressed with the look and feel the staff and the food did not disappoint.

As a side note: I was also under the impression that the restaurant had just opened at the end of last year, which I was informed by our lovely waitress was not true. They have been open for about 10 years in that location, with the liquor license being purchased a few years ago, and that the current owner took over at the end of last year, November of 2011 I believe she said.

Ok…lets get to the cocktail!

The Soulful Soups Deschutes version was just this:

Sweet Abyss

  • 3 oz Abyss Russian Imperial Stout
  • 1 oz Pinnacle Whipped Cream Vodka

Pour all ingredients into a Snifter and gently stir.

The combination of the chocolate and coffee of the Abyss mixed perfectly with the Whipped Cream Vodka and is a great dessert cocktail.

I wouldn’t recommend adding too much of the vodka as the sweetness overpowers the Stout and ruins the combination of flavors. Good to keep the ratio of 3:1.

Wanting to try a different combination I also mixed up one of these using Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Smirnoff’s Whipped Cream Vodka and it came out tasting pretty similar, but the Smirnoff definitely tasted a lot sweeter than the Pinnacle and in the future will spend the little bit extra to get it instead.

This one was also pretty simple:

Double Stuff Cream Cookie

3oz Young’s Double Chocolate Stout
1oz Smirnoff Whipped Cream Vodka

Mix all ingredients into Snifter and mix gently.

Since you don’t use any ice with this particular cocktail you will want to watch the temperature on the Stout you choose and may even consider chilling the vodka just a little bit.

Once the drink warms up the sweetness intensifies. (Just remember not to go too cold with the craft beer or the Vodka, don’t want to ruin any of the wonderful smells and tastes that you can experience when the drink is first mixed).

Would love to hear what different combinations people come up with for this simple beer cocktail. Been thinking of a Smoked Porter and Marshmallow Vodka combo, will let you know how it is!