Consulting

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.

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

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)

I have been very busy lately putting together specialty cocktail menus for clients. We now have over 25 events for 2015 and 4 more events already booked for 2016. My cocktail menus have been a real difference maker for clients wishing to have something extra, special, and unique for themselves and their guests. Below you will find a collection of cocktails with recipes that we are serving right now for the winter and early spring months. This is the time of year when darker spirits are in vogue and can make some really good cocktails.

http://liquor.com/video/boulevardier-cocktail/

Hot Buttered Rum is a favorite winter drink because it is both sweet and warm, which is just the kind of comfort we gravitate toward on the coldest days of the year. It is celebrated nationally on January 17th. It is an easy drink to make (main recipe below), though does take a little bit of time. This is where making the Hot Buttered Rum Mix ahead of time comes in handy.

January 11th is "National Hot Toddy Day". This post is meant to celebrate this classic wintry cocktail when we need it most.

Warm and toasty and just in time for winter, the Hot Toddy is a classic hot drink and it is very simple to make. The basic recipe only requires a base liquor, honey, lemon, and tea, though some people prefer to skip the tea bag.

It will be a matter of personal taste as to which of the liquors you choose for your toddy. Brandy, rum, and whiskey each bring their own characteristics to the drink and make great drinks.

Champagne should be an all-the-time drink. But it’s especially appropriate this time of year, as everyone jolts from holiday party to holiday party. It’s time to get some expert advice on the sparkly stuff. A few myths debunked and some surprising tidbits from the correct glassware (hint - it’s not a flute) to why popping a cork should be graceful.