Advice

(Cover photo courtesy of Ping Pong Dim Bar - revamp.com)

If you ever walked in to an American bar and asked for an Asian cocktail you would probably get a blank stare from the bartender. It’s a pretty vague request, but so is asking for an “American” cocktail. If you say that you would like a cocktail that uses Asian ingredients or flavors, such as ginger, jasmine, or lychee, you may experience the same result.

The Cherry Blossom cocktail pictured above was one of the signature cocktails I created for the spring/summer cocktail menu at the Buddha Buddha Martini Bar and Cocktail Lounge in May of 2013. This cocktail is versatile and can be enjoyed anytime once the weather gets nice and sunny. The Cherry Blossom is perfect to be sipped outdoors. This is one of the many cocktails people can enjoy for their special party or event and it is very easy to make at home. One of the special features of this cocktail is the use of lime cordial (my recipe below).

(Cover Photo Credit: Acuna Hanson)

The aroma and distinctive flavor of this flavor works well before-dinner, during dinner, or after-dinner. This cocktail is consistent with Asian-inspired cocktails that are light, floral, and refreshing. Perfect for the spring months when flowers are blooming.

Let's face it - it is difficult to construct 'green' cocktails for St. Patty's Day...There aren't a lot of choices out there to make your cocktail look 'green', but what is St. Patty's Day without sipping a luxurious and delicious 'green' cocktail...March is the gateway to spring cocktails so why not incorporate some 'spring' flavors with 'end of the winter' flavors...This a purely a seasonal cocktail-based post so don't expect to read much commentary on the history of St. Patty's Day and all the highly commercialized info that is available on the web.

I recently did a country western-themed cocktail party at a private residence, which included an unofficial bourbon tasting for newbies and more experienced bourbon drinkers and signature bourbon cocktail called “The Wrangler” (recipe below). It was a fun time. This post is dedicated to my good friend and client, Alan Weinstein. The offerings were spread out across the spectrum of bourbon choices, i.e. small batch, single barrel, straight, reserve, high wheat, high rye, and traditional mash.

What is Absinthe?

In time for "National Absinthe Day" on March 5th...The term “absinthe” comes from Artemisia absinthium, the scientific name for its key ingredient, wormwood. Long before distillers discovered it, the herb was used for medicinal purposes.

Celebrate with a classic Black Russian or White Russian or Screaming Orgasm or in a modern-day cocktail...

Toast that distinctively coffee-and-sugarcane laced liqueur from the Veracruz state of Mexico this February 27th. That’s National Kahlua Day.

For nearly 80 years consumers the world over have been enjoying the deliciousness that is Kahlua. Today, with international sales reaching two million cases per year, Kahlua is a popular choice for cocktails, in recipes both sweet and savory or in coffee. Its name is derived from the Arabic slang for coffee, kahwa.

In celebrating “National Margarita Day” on February 22^nd, I give you a fully loaded post with info and recipes galore.

February 17th marks the beginning of Mardi Gras 2015 in New Orleans. New Orleans has a rich cocktail history, one that includes many of the famous classic cocktails of all time created by the best bartenders that have ever lived. The tradition of this significant lineage lives on in many of the city's bars and lounges and there is no shortage of fantastic sips when you visit NOLA.  New Orleans is also home to the Museum of the American Cocktail and host to the annual Tales of the Cocktail event.

First cocktail of the week dedicated to V-Day is called "Forbidden Love"...Here is my twist on the recipe -

2 oz. Hendricks gin or Bloom Strawberry Gin
1/2 oz Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur
3/4 oz. blood orange juice (freshly squeezed or bought)
1/4 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar to water boiled)
2 strawberries (sliced, remove stem)
4 slices of English hothouse cucumber (keep peel on)