Barbie fans and cocktail enthusiasts alike can look forward to May 13, when “Barbie: The Official Cocktail Book” hits shelves, offering a range of 50 unique drink recipes inspired by beloved characters and iconic looks. One particular recipe that first caught my attention is the Ken Collins. This yummy variation on the original Tom Collins recipe pays tribute to Ken Carson’s long-standing companionship with Barbie, dating back to 1961.
The Ken Collins cocktail requires a few essential pieces of equipment: a rocks glass, a shaker, and a strainer. Bartenders and home mixologists will find the recipe simple but mouthwatering. With a mixture of chocolate syrup, milk, heavy cream, simple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt it creates a deep rich flavor profile. To finish with sophistication, a classic garnish of a maraschino cherry easily adds a pop of color to this drink.
To make this drink begin by making circles of chocolate syrup on the in part of a rocks glass. That’s the first step in getting the Ken Collins ready for action. This not only amps up the flavor, but it makes for a beautiful presentation. Combine all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. From there, fine-strain the mixture into a tall Collins glass filled with fresh ice and finish with a spritz of seltzer for a delightful, cooling touch.
In addition to the Ken Collins, “Barbie: The Official Cocktail Book” features the Debut cocktail, celebrating Barbie’s launch at the American International Toy Fair in 1959 as a “Teen Age Fashion Model.” As with the book’s retro cover, this wink at history personifies one of the book’s major themes, combining personal nostalgia with contemporary creativity.
From egg cream to sidecar, cocktail author Ginny Landt’s new book On the Rocks is a love letter to Barbie’s colorful history. Its pages are filled with whimsical drink creations inspired by everyone’s favorite doll, Barbie and her BFFs, Skipper and Allan. One especially standout mocktail in the book is the Think Pink Margarita. This is an homage to one of Barbie’s most recognized fashions.
The release of “Barbie: The Official Cocktail Book” invites fans of the franchise to explore new tastes and encourages them to celebrate the adventures that Barbie and Ken have embarked on together over the decades. The cocktails inside present an exciting new opportunity to experience these characters and because of their deliciously potent experiences.
