Surprised Cocktail
I always love a versatile cocktail. You know, the kind that you can tweak a bit here and there and have a drink with the same basic profile though a different accent. The Surprised Cocktail is one of those.
One thing about this drink is that it may not be an everyday sipper. It's good, it's just not that good. What it is is a really interesting mix of full-flavored Jamaican (or comparable) rum, kummel, orange juice, and pimento dram. The result is a spicy citrus cocktail with notes of caraway and allspice. Now, if we want to have the drink with a little more spice and less rum we have what I have learned is called a Mexicano - the meaning behind either name is beyond me. Both are interesting and drinks with a nice depth and intriguing profile, certainly worth a try, especially if you are looking to explore either of the liqueurs.
Surprised Cocktail and Mexicano cocktail recipe...
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Booze News: May 16, 2012
Try this...
Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Nautical "G" Limited Edition Bottle
Camus Extra Elegance Cognac - This is the latest release from Camus and it sounds spectacular. It is made from a blend of "eaux-de-vie mainly from Borderies, Grande Champagne and Petite Champagne, all selected for their great aging potential and differing profiles." The taste profile includes "creamy pastry notes and hints of dried violets, tobacco, leather and walnut, and a remarkably velvety finish of exceptional length." It also has a price tag that reflects its high-end pedigree and will set you back $395/ 750ml, though great Cognac is worth every cent.
Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Nautical "G" Limited Edition Bottle - This is one of the funkiest bottle designs I have seen in some time so I just had to share: the same great Mount Gay Eclipse Rum in a brilliant, not-to-be-missed bottle.
Another $100 Cocktail - The Beverly Hills Hotel is celebrating its 100th year of business and the off-lobby bar has a special cocktail menu working to show off its star-studded history. In this land of opulence you can get a 100-Year Sidecar that will set you back a c-note. The gold flake-rimmed coup contains Hennessy XO, Cointreau, and lemon juice - essentially an everyday Sidecar with bling and a super premium Cognac. Drinks like this always astound me because, as Kathy McDonald says in the LA Weekly post, "...(Cocktail math is often fuzzy. A bottle of XO retails for $200 and is $36 neat by-the-glass at Spago -- but $100?)..." Then again, when in Beverly Hills...
Read this...
Cocktails for the History Books, Not the Bar - It seems that one of the most talked about seminars at the Manhattan Cocktail Classic was "Do Not Resuscitate." In this panel discussion the who's who of cocktail history spoke up against a handful of classic cocktails that may be best left to the pages of pre-Prohibition bartending books. I'm sure this was a lively discussion. Read More...
More from the Manhattan Cocktail Classic
Editor's Note: The following is a contribution from Valerie Peterson. Read more about her beneath the post.
In dozens of bars, restaurants and other venues New York City-wide, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic is providing an enhanced taste of the spirits world. Liquor companies, mixologists, restaurateurs, cocktail publications, and supporting businesses have been gathering with interested amateurs to discuss and learn about tastes, trends, techniques, and technologies that go into making those tippling sips most satisfying. Since last Friday, no ice cube has been left unturned in the quest for cocktail knowledge within the wealth of seminars, panels, and demonstrations.
David Delaney Jr.
Photo Courtesy: © Valerie Peterson
Events have ranged from the technical (like "Science of Taste and Aroma" and "Bourbon Blending 101") to the virtuous (Here's to Your Health: How to Create Seasonal, Sustainable, and Unique Cocktails" and "Farm to Glass: A New Era in Drinking Responsibility") to the purely decadent, boozy and fun (like the "Gentleman's Cocktail Crawl" and "A Suburban Tiki Safari"). Tipping to New York's long theater tradition, there are even Bowmore Scotch-whisky-infused presentations of Sleep No More, the acclaimed interactive adaptation of Shakespeare's Scottish play.
Dozens of experts have been lending their wisdom and wit to the proceedings. Cocktail historian David Wondrich was among those who spoke about (terrible) classic cocktails; the venerated Dale DeGroff regaled attendees with stories and lore for the benefit of Museum of the American Cocktail. Top bartenders from all over the country--like Angostura Global Cocktail Challenge North American representatives David Delaney Jr. (Still & Stir, Worcester, MA) and Ryan Maybee (Manifesto, Kansas City, MO - Facebook link)--have been shaking and stirring for the crowds. Read More...
The Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala
Editor's Note: The following is a contribution from Valerie Peterson. Read more about her beneath the post.
Manhattan Cocktail Classic Gala 2012
Photo Courtesy: © Valerie Peterson
The Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicked off Friday night with a gala at the New York Public Library. The crowd of visiting mixologists, liquor company representatives, and other bar professionals shook and stirred with New York City cocktail--and party--aficionados, all dressed to the nines and infused with high spirits.
From Berentzen pear 'tini-esque drinks to tastes of Ron Diplomático Exclusive Reserve rum, spirits purveyors showcased their wares and behind-the-bar pros showcased their prowess over three majestic floors of music, finger foods and, of course, cocktails.
Cocktail Club
Photo Courtesy: © Valerie Peterson
In true speakeasy fashion, one particular area seemed inaccessible and secretive. What pleasures awaited those who endured the crowded line and door police? Nobody seemed to know... But those with patience were rewarded with a welcome blast of air conditioning, amusing faux-background photo ops (polo, anyone?), and a seemingly endless supply of cold, briny, Naked Cowboy oysters served a la minute from the hands of swift and capable shuckers. (Side note: the Naked Cowboy moniker was inspired by the "passion and boldness" of the Times Square fixture of the same name). Read More...
Martinis for Mother's Day
If you plan to celebrate Mother's Day by making a special cocktail for Mom, check out these recommendations:
- 10 Magnificent Mother's Day Martinis
- Best Mocktails for Mother's Day
- Whiskey Picks for Mother's Day
- Best Brunch Cocktails
And here are more Mother's Day ideas...
- Mother's Day Special on About.com - Collection of ideas, recipes, and more from the network. Also, browse this search for great food ideas.
- Mother's Day Recipes for Kids - Get the kids to make a meal with these easy ideas from Stephanie Gallagher, About.com Guide to Cooking for Kids.
- Anna Jarvis, A Woman Behind Mother's Day - from Jone Johnson Lewis, About.com Guide to Women's History
- Mother's Day Activities - A collection of fun projects for the whole family from Sherri Osborn, About.com Guide to Family Crafts
- 6 Super Cheap Mother's Day Gift Ideas - from Erin Huffstetler, About.com Guide to Frugal Living
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Booze News: May 9, 2012
Fun stuff in the news this week. Beyond all of this, don't forget that the Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicks off Friday.
Try This...
Strawberry-Basil-Gin Lemonade - I am still on a lemonade kick so this recipe on Imbibe last week caught my eye. Definitely worth a taste.
Glenfiddich Tasting on Everest - You can join Glenfiddich tomorrow for a live whisky tasting that will be hosted from Mount Everest - specifically Everest Base Camp at 5364 meters. This worldwide event will also include a panel at The London Stock Exchange and they will be sampling from the Scotch producer's single malt reserves. Check out the link for live streaming locations. The event is supposed to begin May 10 at 7pm BST, which to my calculations makes that 2pm EDT. I wonder how whisky tastes at that altitude...
The Get Drunk Spray - Try it if you want, though I see no point for multiple reasons, least of which is that you're skipping the best part of the drink... the taste. It seems that another 'bright' idea popped up somewhere once again and this time it is a mouth spray that instantly gets you drunk. The feeling lasts for only a few seconds and you will need about 1,000 squirts to equal one real drink. Again, the point?
Read This...
James Beard Foundation Awards - Monday night the best of the best in the food world were announced and below are the highlights from the drink side...
- Best Beverage Book - Bitters: A Spirited History of a Classic Cure-All, with Cocktails, Recipes, & Formulas by Brad Thomas Parsons
- Wine, Spirits, and Other Beverages Journalism Award - Sarah Karnasiewicz of Imbibe for "Fizzy Business"
- Outstanding Wine, Beer, or Spirits Professional - Paul Grieco of Terroir in NYC
- Outstanding Wine Program - No. 9 Park in Boston
- Outstanding Bar Program - PDT in NYC
May 2012: Vodka Cocktail Contest
As I revive the cocktail contest after its winter rest, I want to give everyone a blank canvas to work with. It does not get much more transparent then when we work with vodka as the base and that is the theme of this month's contest.
This should be an easy one for most because vodka is the most versatile spirit in the cocktail world. However, the challenge here is greater because in order to impress us your drink needs to be creatively designed, not simply a spiked juice drink, for instance. We will be looking for ingenuity, craft, and a nice complement for the vodka of choice. As always, I'm open to manipulating the vodka itself (i.e. infusions) or using a store-bought flavored vodka (including those new dessert vodkas like the Smirnoff's Marshmallow used in the Dark 'n Fluffy pictured). The deadline on this one is the 31st.
Have fun with this one, show us that signature vodka cocktail that you have been dying to share. I look forward to seeing what you have.
Submit a recipe to the Vodka Cocktail Contest...
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More Drinks for Cinco de Derby
We have two great fiestas on the same day and I think that requires just a few more drink suggestions. Even if you do not enjoy one of these today, keep them on your agenda to try out.
- The Money Maker - Mint and tequila find a friendly home in this single drink, and if you have ever tried this combination before you know how tricky it is to make it work. In this Hornitos Tequila recipe The Drawing Room Mixologist, Charles Joly, found a solution to that issue with the mix of mint-infused tequila, raspberry, Branca Menta, lemon, and egg. It is delightful and a nice change of pace.
- Cherry Lane - I know some people are tired of hearing about tequila and juleps, so here is a drink of an entirely different variety. This one is primarily made of vodka and Benedictine, with the vodka being the latest release from Grey Goose. The Cherry Noir bottling is, by far, one of the best cherry vodkas available because it does not have that astringent aspect that so many others do and it is well played in this cocktail.
- Durango Royale - Another new spirit and another talented mixologist. In this case they are Kahlua Cinnamon Spice and Lynnette Marrero and the combination is a great one. The drink combines the spiced up coffee liqueur with Scandinavian aquavit and sparkling apple cider.
Want more recommendations for Cinco de Mayo and Kentucky Derby drinks? Browse these collections...
- Tequila Cocktails
- Great Cinco de Mayo cocktails
- 10 Tequila Cocktails You Just Have to Try
- Triple Crown Racing Cocktails
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Tres Margaritas para Cinco de Mayo
Margaritas are a great compliment to any Cinco de Mayo festival and if you are looking for a new variation, I have a few recommendations...
- Pineapple Chili Margarita - The Margarita cocktail is the ideal format for bringing sweet, tart, and spicy together in a satisfying concoction. This recipe is a new favorite that comes from Cointreau and mixes pineapple, tequila, lime, and Tabasco habanero sauce. It is a drink with a bit of a bite, but that is a good thing. In this case very good.
- Blackberry Pom Marga-TEA-ta - This is not an easy drink name to either type or say, but I like it so much that I wanted to share it anyway. It is another spice meets sweet that uses Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila with blackberries and Prosecco. It is also backed up by a line of teas I've been enamored with lately. The Lipton Tea and Honey line has a nice range of fruit flavors mixed with green tea and sweetened slightly with honey. In this recipe the blackberry pomegranate tea is used and it is delightful.
- Drambuie Margarita - Not really a new cocktail, but a refined recipe for an old favorite which also goes by the name of Highland Margarita. The mix is of blanco tequila, Drambuie, and my recommendation of Grand Marnier (though another orange liqueur will do), along with a healthy dose of fresh lime juice. It is a darker Margarita, though no less impressive.
For more Cinco de Mayo ideas...
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Booze News: May 2, 2012
What an exciting month this is going to be! We kick things off with two celebrations this Saturday and step right up to the Manhattan Cocktail Classic next week. May is starting off right and I will work on keeping the momentum going as I have a lot on the agenda for the month (including a revival of the cocktail contest).
What's up with Saturday? If you have not yet put two and two together, this Saturday just happens to be two wonderful cocktail experiences rolled into one day. It is May 5th and that means it is Cinco de Mayo, which calls for tequila. For that occasion check out the collection of tequila cocktails here as well as this list of great Cinco de Mayo cocktails and 10 Tequila Cocktails You Just Have to Try.
Taking a break from tequila Saturday afternoon, you may be in the mood for a little horse racing and it is a good thing that it is Derby Day as well. For your Kentucky Derby drinking needs, a Mint Julep is the way to go. Within that recipe we also have a video if you need a little visual nudging, and if the mint/bourbon thing isn't up your alley, check out the other Triple Crown worthy drinks in the spring cocktails collection. Just an FYI, I'll be featuring a few more new recipes before Saturday so stay tuned.
Manhattan Cocktail Classic - Next Friday kicks off the Manhattan Cocktail Classic and it sounds like it is once again going to be a grand event. There are tickets available and events are scattered at venues throughout the city, making this a conference that will have something for every cocktail lover throughout the weekend. Go to the title link for ticket info. Also, there are seminar specifically for the bar industry and media, check out that schedule here if you qualify. One not to miss on that list is Camper English and Wayne Curtis talking ice at the Ice Capades. I used some of English's ice techniques this week and it saved the day - more on that later, though.
Read This...
Experimental Cocktail Club: American Drinks by Way of Paris - The NYT's Diner Journal explores the Experimental Cocktail Club that opened last Friday on the Lower East Side.
Day in the Life of a Drink's Ambassador - People are often envious of those of us who work with drinks all day, though it is not all glamorous. One of the titles that catches the most attention is Brand Ambassador. Almost every big brand of distilled spirit has one (or many) and their job is to promote the spirit, often involving travel and creating new drinks, among other things... a dream job of many. On Informed Edinburgh, you can get a glimpse of what Joe McCanta, UK Brand Ambassador for Grey Goose Vodka, does in a typical day. Read More...