The Monoamine Mixology Contest!
We just had to know - is it possible? Can a cocktail be designed that simulates the feelings of falling in love? For all those in search of the perfect Valentines Day Love Potion we created the Brain Chemistry for Lovers Monoamine Mixology Contest at
3 Doors Down Café.
The Brain Chemistry for Lovers creative team put on their lab coats for this effort. Aided by expert mixologist Matthew Stiles, bartender at the fantastic 3 Doors Down Café, OHSU neuroscientist Dr. Larry Sherman Ph.D., (Brain Chemistry For Lovers resident science advisor) and other experts, we aimed for nothing less than the perfect love potion.
It turned out it was too hard to create just one cocktail. So we created three delectable drink recipes the Don Juan, the Mata Hari, and the Zsa Zsa Gabor that combine all three monoamines using different ingredients. And so a contest was born. So...which monoamine cocktail is the new Love Potion #9?
3 Doors Down patrons, online Brain Chemistry For Lovers fans, friends and lovers - all tried the cocktails and weighed in by voting for THEIR favorite cocktail.
AND THE WINNER IS...
THE DON JUAN!
A special thank you to all who participated in the contest. And for those of you who didn't get a chance to taste these delectable drinks...it's not too late. Just check out the recipes on this page, or, if you're in Portland, visit 3 Doors down and ask for Matt. He'll be sure and fix you up!
Introducing the Monoamines:
DOPAMINE Creates intense energy, exhilaration, focused attention, and motivation to win REWARDS.
Foods that mimic the effects of Dopamine:
Chocolate, cocao, basil & honey (together), alcohol, almonds
NOREPINEPHRINE Also known as noradrenaline, this monoamine makes your heart beat fast, gives you sweaty palms and creates that walking on air exhilarated feeling of being in love.
Foods that mimic the effects of Norepinephrine:
Coffee, cocao nibs, maca root, grapefruit, almonds
SERATONIN One of loves most important chemicals and one that can make you temporarily insane.
Foods that mimic the effects of Seratonin:
Alcohol, chocolate, grapefruit
FOR RECIPES AND "HOW TO" VIDEOS, PLEASE CLICK ON THE TABS ABOVE
Don Juan
the bourbon old fashioned gets dreamy with cocoa
2 oz bourbon
4 droppers cocoa bitters
4 maraschino cherries
4 kumquats
splash simple syrup
splash soda water
Muddle cherries and kumquats in the bottom of an old fashioned glass.
Fill iced to top of glass. Add bourbon, simple syrup and bitters. Shake with
cocktail shaker. Put back in glass and add splash of soda water.
Mata Hari
a mojito goes for a new romantic adventure
6 springs bergamot mint (spearmint will do)
2 oz white rum
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz grapefruit
1/2 oz honey
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 eye dropper of maca root extract
salt
lime wedge
grapefruit peel
cocktail shaker
Muddle mint in cocktail shaker. Add ice, rum, juices, syrup, bitters. Shake, set aside.Take lime wedge and run around the rim of the glass. Stick the glass in salt to rim.Strain cocktail into glass. Garnish with grapefruit peel.
Zsa Zsa Gabor
Drink this martini and you'll want to get married...again and again!
2 oz. premium vodka
1/2 oz coffee liqueur
2 eye droppers of cocoa bitters
Ice a martini glass.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake or stir vigorously.
Dump ice from martini glass, strain drink into glass.
Garnish with chocolate covered espresso bean.
Matthew Stiles' Recipe for Cocoa Bitters:
4 Oz Cocoa Nibs
8 Oz Premium Vodka
2 Star Anise
2 Pieces Orange Peel
Combine all ingredients in a glass container.Cover.
Let stand for two weeks.
FOR MACA ROOT go to:
Maca Magic Website
www.macamagic.com
Herbs Of America
Murphy,Oregon
Just click on the photo above to see the Live _ 7 interview with Dr. Larry Sherman and Matthew Stiles during the Brain Chemistry For Lovers performance at OMSI's Science Pub Night.
