Cocktails

Arizona Cocktail Week - Another exciting week of fine drinks is coming up. This one is centered in Scottsdale and starts this coming Sunday (17th), running through Saturday the 25th. Check out their website for all of the details.

New Spirits:

• Gin Trifecta - St. George Spirits is in the process of releasing three gins. I had the pleasure of checking these out while at the San Antonio Cocktail Conference and highly recommend them to all gin lovers. Each has its own character and all are impressive.
• Kremlin Creates Own Vodka - I would have thought the Russian government would have already had an official vodka.
• Mastermind Vodka - Produced in Pontoon Beach, Illinois, this is another small-batch vodka that is said to be quite a gem.
• Dirty Harry Gin - The West Winds Gin is experimenting with 99 bottles of a new gin. It is similar to The Sabre, only 44% alc/volume to match the .44 Magnum of, you guessed it, Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry character. Read More...

Tired of reading all the time? Take a break and check out our ever-growing collection of cocktail videos. I just finished organizing the latest crop and there are some good ones in there.

I'm most excited that included in this new batch are a handful of  what I call 'Top Picks & Tips' videos. In those you will find the likes of 5 shooters and martinis, explanation of sours, highballs, and lowballs, and tips for flaming drinks, garnishing, and service tips for bartenders. More of this variety will be coming very soon and I'll be sure to pass along the news when they go live.

Until then, sit back and enjoy the show as you browse through the cocktail video shorts here.

In honor of next week's Valentine's Day, I have three new drinks to share which bring the ongoing collection of lover's libations to 30 (and counting).

Sweet Dreams

French Sparkle - If you have yet to check out Chambord Flavored Vodka, this drink (and the occasion) is an ideal excuse to do so. In this drink the black raspberry liqueur-inspired vodka is combined with mango nectar and champagne. Simple, classy, delicious.

Sweet Dreams - Featuring another new spirit, this drink is part chocolate and part coffee with a touch of tequila, vodka, and caramel. The first three flavors are found in one of the drink's ingredients and the latest release from Patron Spirits, namely Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa - aka a mouthful of scrumptiousness.

Saint Valentine - Not necessarily a new drink, but new to the list. This David Wondrich creation should be a classic and will make an elegant addition to date night (or whenever). It's a mix of white rum, ruby port, orange liqueur, and lime juice.

More Valentine's Day Cocktails...

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Beyond the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day, the cocktail news this week has been pretty slow. However, I was able to dig up a few interesting headlines that are certainly worth reading.

Glacier Ice Stolen for Cocktails - Yes, we should strive to use the best ice available to make our drinks, but getting it from a glacier is not a good way to go about it.

Bols Genever re-launches in Colorado - This week, particularly this evening (Wednesday), will see the return of Bols Genever to the state. Tonight's event at Boulder's Bitter Bar features guest bartender and Bols rep Jacob Grier showing off the beauty of this old-school gin in preparation for it becoming a regular on the state's liquor shelves.

Scotch for a Queen - Sixty years ago this week Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the thrown and at the same time a selection of specially crafted Scotch went into the barrels. On this special anniversary, that 60 year-old Diamond Jubilee Scotch Whisky found its way into 60 decanters that will be auctioned off to benefit the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. As stated in this article on the Pursuitist, John Walker & Sons consider this a high honor and to them I say congrats, that is impressive! That decanter is by far the most stunning I've ever seen, and of course, it's fit for a queen. Read More...

The majority of cocktails are inspired by another drink, though it's often difficult to place which came first. This is the case of the Napoleon and Weep No More and I bring them up today because they are two fantastic drinks that are easily interchangeable.

The common ingredient is Dubonnet Rouge, that lovely, rich aperitif with hints of spice, which is perfect for cold winter days. The Weep No More uses brandy for the base and maraschino and lime for the accents. In the Napoleon, you'll switch out gin for the brandy and use Grand Marnier for the accent.

It's that simple: 5 bottles and some fresh squeezed lime juice and you have two drinks, each with a different character, yet similar. At any rate, these two drinks are an excuse to restock Dubonnet in your bar.

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Wow, it's February already! Where has the month gone? This last week I have been enjoying the sun and fun during the San Antonio Cocktail Conference and we are all planning our Super Bowl parties, but there is more going on in the cocktail world and here are a few of the headlines and notables of the week.

New Sips:

• C by Courvoisier - If you enjoy the smooth sipping of Courvoisier, you'll want to check out this new rendition which is launching today and priced at around $35. Having yet to taste it, here is an excerpt from the press release: "An intense blend of small-batch-produced cognac specially selected from 50 winegrowers in the Fin Bois Cru, C by Courvoisier is carefully crafted by the house's master blender and goes through a double-barrel aging process to produce a smooth, full-bodied taste experience."
• Hood River SinFire - The flavors of cinnamon and whiskey are natural compliments and Hood River Distillers is hoping that this will be a hit as it is released to the market sometime this month. Hopefully the 'natural cinnamon flavors' are true to form because this could be a useful mixer at just $17 a bottle.
• King Cake Vodka - With Mardi Gras approaching very fast, some in New Orleans have been anxiously awaiting this new flavored vodka. It seems that the wait will be over this week.

The Only Chart You Need to Mix a Proper Cocktail - If you have not seen this infographic yet, be sure to check it out. It breaks down 68 classic cocktails into families, guiding the viewer to all of the mixers, glasses, and garnishes needed to make each. Sure, it looks a little overwhelming on the computer, but the creators say its far easier to read in the 27"x39" poster format. If it's still too much, check out my classic cocktail list which includes almost all of those recipes and more. Read More...

This Sunday millions of Americans will be crowded in living rooms to watch the biggest football game of the year and those over-priced, well-produced ads that go with it. In preparation, here are some suggestions for planning your Super Bowl party.

Photo Credit: Shannon Graham

• Giants vs. Patriots Cocktail Menus - The way that this year's Super Bowl played out gave us fantastic cocktail options for both of the opposing teams. The menus include the New York Cocktail and the Boston Cocktail, two fun classics.
• Pour a Punch - Punches are ideal for game day because guests can come and go as they please. Some themed options include The Big Brew and this extremely potent Touchdown Tea, which should come with a warning label (think of a giant bowl of Long Island Iced Tea with Gatorade). For a warm option, the Hot Gold Apple Cider cannot be beat. Also, you can turn almost any of your favorite single-serve drinks into a punch, here's how.
• Non-alcoholic Options - Any good host will give their guest the option of drinks without the alcohol. It's a kind and responsible gesture that should not be overlooked.
• Get Bloody - I lamented on the beauty of pairing a Bloody Mary with football a couple of weeks ago and I continue to recommend it for this evening game. If you're looking to make a pitcher of Bloody Mary mix, check out this recipe from Organic Nation.
• Then, There's Beer - The Super Bowl without beer? I'm probably biased, so if you're looking for recommendations, check out what Bryce Eddings, About.com's Beer Guide, has to say about it.
• The Food - You will find endless suggestions for game day foods including those after the jump from my colleagues here on About.com. Other snacks I recommend include Lance Mayhew's Bourbon Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce, Chipotle Glazed Chicken Skewers, and Royal Hot Wings.
• For the Ride Home - Number one rule in hosting a party where people are drinking is ensuring that you do your best to ensure everyone has a safe ride home. Don't forget this important step and designate a driver to shuttle your guests or have the taxi service on speed dial.
• If That's Not Enough - You've browsed all of the above and still haven't found what you're looking for? Check these links out: Throw a Successful Super Bowl Party, A Super Bowl 2012 Party from Donna Pilato, About.com Entertaining Guide, and About.com Food Channel hub. Read More...

It was a wonderful weekend in San Antonio and the cocktail conference was a hit. Again, I'll be writing more about the experience and the conference in the very near future. There is a lot of information to digest from the seminars and people we met while in Texas.  The great news that I have to share today is that the San Antonio Cocktail Conference is not a fly-by-night event and the dates for next year have already been determined, so mark your calendars for January 24-27, 2013 to be in San Antonio to enjoy great drinks, informative seminars, and a fun city.

Matty Gee of Milk & Honey Pouring Daiquiris
Photo Credit: Shannon Graham

5 Things I take away from the San Antonio Cocktail Conference:

1. Location is everything. If you're thinking that the conference is all you are going to get, you would be wrong. The Sheraton Gunter venue is located in the heart of downtown, just a block from the River Walk and a myriad of attractions that give you a great excuse to turn tourist.
2. Relaxed atmosphere. This conference is designed for everyone. Consumers, enthusiasts, professionals, industry, and those who simply want to know what could possibly happen at a 'cocktail conference,' anyone can enjoy this event to whatever extent they desire.
3. Texas' spirits industry is growing. I'll have more on the individual spirits later, but we will say for now that the liquor being produced in the state of Texas is impressive and many of the distillers are innovative in the craft.
4. Burgeoning San Antonio cocktail scene. In speaking with many locals, I get the feeling that San Antonio is seeing a growth in appreciation for fine drinks and the area bartenders are going to great lengths to continue moving the city's cocktail scene forward. Read More...

We are now right in the middle of the San Antonio Cocktail Conference. Today will mirror Friday's schedule of more seminars, tastings, and a soiree to finish off the evening. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed and simply jolly. All of the attendees are enjoying themselves and this is a beautiful setting to celebrate great drinks. I will be expanding on all of this in the very near future, but feel the need to do a quick summary.

The seminars so far have been very relaxed and down-to-earth, far more conversation than lecture. Sasha Petraske's Making Cocktails in the Home included many easy, practical tips for those who like to host their own cocktail parties. The most important piece of advice was to keep it appropriate in both formality and expense.

Eric Alperin cuts block of ice
Photo Credit: Shannon Graham

Then there was the geek out on ice class, otherwise known as Ice the Old Fashioned Way with Zachary Gelnaw-Rubin of Hundredweight, NY, Eric Alperin of Varnish in LA, and Amande Boccato, Brand Ambassador for Lillet. As we walked into the room we were greeted with a 20x20 inch block of ice at the podium, a myriad of tools, and the warning that those in the front row may need a poncho. The discussion of the history of ice production was short and informative, they ran through the different styles of ice bartenders use, and discussed the benefits of bars switching to a large block ice program to improve the customer experience and overall drink quality from beginning to end. This is the only time I have seen a chainsaw at a cocktail conference, but it was essential in demonstrating the process of breaking down the block into glass sized cubes. Read More...

This week's headlines can be enjoyed with a steaming cup of Irish Coffee as today is National Irish Coffee Day and this last week of January is Irish Coffee Week.

Irish Coffee
Photo Courtesy: www.CocktailTimes.com

Cocktail Competitions:

• Shake It Up! 2012 - This is a tight deadline as I heard about this just the other day. You have until Friday to enter a drink to be considered in this year's Night Club and Bar Convention (March 13) cocktail challenge. Full details are on the website and the grand prize is $15,000. Tip: the drink should grab the attention of the best in the business.
• The Moët Oscar Cocktail Contest - Moet & Chandon returns as the exclusive Champagne of the Academy Awards and this is your chance to create the signature cocktail for the Governors Ball along with backstage access to Oscar night for you and a guest. Tip: this needs to be a star-studded drink. Browse Champagne cocktails for inspiration.
• PAMA Home Bar Star - Here is a contest for the amateur (no pros allowed). PAMA liqueur is looking for the best original drink using their liqueur created by home bartenders. The prize is a trip for two to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen this June. If you're interested, check out my PAMA profile and collection of drinks for inspiration.

New Spirits:

• Cedilla Liqueur de Açai - Leblon Cachaça has released an açai-flavored liqueur using its Brazilian rum as a base.
• Naga Chilli Vodka - This one is for the daring and comes with strong warnings on the bottle (reported here). It is billed as the world's hottest Chili vodka, hitting a far too spicy 100,000 scovilles. Why, you may ask? I cannot answer that as I'm a firm believer that too much spice in a drink is downright dangerous. Please, please, head the warning and do not try this stuff straight.
• Windmill Rye Whiskey - This new rye will be launching February 3rd and adds to the line-up of products from the new LeClaire, Iowa distillery Mississippi River Distilling Company. If this one is like its small-batch whiskey predecessors in the state (Templeton Rye and Cedar Ridge Bourbon), it will be some very good stuff and worth hunting down.
• Old Smokey Expands - The Tennessee legal moonshiners behind Old Smokey Distillery are expanding to a second distillery. If you haven't heard or tried this shine, check it out at their website. Products include Original Moonshine, White Lightnin', Moonshine Cherries, and Apple Pie Moonshine.
• Concannon Irish Whiskey - This should be an interesting Irish whiskey when it is released (U.S. market in February). It is a blend of malt and grain Irish whiskies that is aged in both used bourbon barrels (like normal) and (this is the kicker) used Concannon wine barrels.

Read More...