In celebrating "National Cognac Day", here is a Cognac primer. Cognac is synonymous with "fancy," something rich folks sip after dinner in a snifter. Do most people know its French? What kind of spirit is it actually? Brandy, perhaps. What do all those acronyms XO and VSOP mean? Yes, it refers to the age of the cognac, but a little more complicated.
The classic Hemingway Daiquiri is my "Cocktail of the Week" and great for sipping in the summer months. Enjoy the different takes on this classic libation. Also, because I was in the daiquiri 'spirit', I included a great You Tube video from my friend and colleague, Marsha Meyer, on making a proper Daiquiri - check it out along with the classic recipe. BTW, this Daiquiri is not the frozen kind.
As with most infamous classic cocktails, there are many theories as to the origin of the “Manhattan”. By definition and in the truest sense, the Manhattan is a splendid, well-balanced cocktail. The warmth and full-body character of the whiskey, the sweetness and complexity of the vermouth, and the bitters to balance everything out is perfection in a glass.
In celebrating "World Whiskey Day", here are my top whiskies from around the world in no particular order. This is not an exhaustive list by any means - there are just too many good ones, but I tried to span the globe to feature whiskey from many different regions and countries. Whether you are a bourbon, scotch, single malt, Irish, Canadian, rye, or white rye fan, there is a little something for everybody here. There are many states in the U.S. producing some great whiskies that are pretty well unknown. In some cases, I listed tasting notes for most of the whiskies.
In celebrating “World Cocktail Week” from May 6-13, this third episode of cocktails from around the globe focuses on Spanish and Mediterranean cocktails leading up to “World Cocktail Day” on the 13th. This week was selected for the prestigious holiday because it marks the first time the word ‘cocktail’ was published back in 1806. The definition appeared in “The Balance and Columbian Repository” and read, “Cocktail is a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters." I can drink to that!
Spain and the Mediterranean.
Sorry there are no photos accompanying the recipes below. I was short on time getting this post together and out to you...Listed are mocktails (first two) and cocktails for mom, especially over brunch...Enjoy! Happy Mother's Day!!!
(Cover Photo courtesy of "World Cocktail Day" online)
In celebrating “World Cocktail Week” from May 6-13, I will be offering up cocktails from around the globe focusing on a different region of the world or country's signature drinks culminating in “World Cocktail Day” on the 13th. It will be a long and arduous week of research, writing, editing, and blogging, but I’m up to the challenge with a little help from Three Olives Double Espresso Vodka. This week was selected for the prestigious holiday because it marks the first time the word ‘cocktail’ was published back in 1806.
Tequila has come a long way from the days when every college kid did a shot of Cuervo. It has become one of the favorite spirits used by top mixologists around the country and even high-end bars. The selection of brands and premium brands has tripled in the last decade. But there are still so many misconceptions about this mysterious liquor. So with the arrival of Cinco de Mayo, I decided to de-bunk some myths and set the record straight with facts and not-so-facts of this agave-based spirit. Salud!
There’s a worm in the bottle.
(Cover photo - courtesy of liquor.com)
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd and to honor what it stands for I am offering up truly "green", farm-fresh, organic ingredients and cocktails for spring. As an added bonus, I list the best fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, and florals to be used in cocktails, infused spirits, syrups, purees, and juices for the season, best way to prepare them, and what base spirits pair best with them.