Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/413994
62 / the tasting panel / november 2014 LINE EXTENSIONS by Kelly Merritt F orget foliage, goblins and hay bales. For Kahlúa fans, autumn is simply time for Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice Martinis and whiskey cocktails. Last year, the world's most beloved comfort spirit collided in a bottle with the happiest of autumnal images, a pile of big, plump, fabulous pumpkins. When that marriage of pumpkin and Kahlúa occurred, something magical happened that changed the way we drink from September to December. All those smiles and imbibers swimming in lazy orange circles you see in bars and at parties around the country can be traced right back to the folks who brought us the almighty Kahlúa and Cream, the White Russian and more feel-good memories than can be counted. Generally speaking, Kahlúa is as much rite of palate passage as smooth indulgence. Who doesn't remember the first time they tasted it and melted into those flavors, feeling them caress every taste bud? And no one could forget their first White Russian—whether they were drinking one in a bar, or doubled over laughing watching it brought to life on screen. This spirit has such staying power, Pernod Ricard USA is reviving the White Russian a big way: They just debuted a video short starring actor Jeff Bridges paying homage to the famous cocktail by drinking one at a bar. While it's hard to imagine how any Kahlúa cocktail could possibly be improved upon, with limited edition Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice (sadly, autumn only lasts a few months), the seasonal twist is an excuse to create any reason for a party. It's made with pumpkin and other fall-inspired spices, blended with 100% Arabica coffee and sugarcane rum. Recipes for using Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice in drinks and cuisine abound. Such a joyous flavor, pumpkin practically has its own zip code. Combined with Kahlúa, everything from pumpkin spice donuts to hot drinks to homemade candy is pop- ping up, blazed by the trail of Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice's sister holiday favorite, Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha, which is also available through December 31. For more information about Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice or other Kahlúa products, visit www.kahlua.com. Fall Forward COZY KAHLÚA PUMPKIN SPICE PUMPS UP THE AUTUMN FLAVOR Kahlúa Pumpkin Martini ◗ 1½ oz. Kahlúa Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice ◗ 1½ oz. ABSOLUT Vodka ◗ Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with orange zest. Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Cocktail ◗ 1 oz. Kahlúa Pumpkin Spice ◗ 1 oz. parts Jameson Irish Whiskey ◗ Serve in an Old Fashioned glass with a large ice cube.