Mixology Trends

PINEAPPLE SPLASH: Agave and a Touch of Class!

2011-03-09T20:26:00.000-08:00

TAKE THE PLUNGE! PERFECT FOR SUSHI!

n 2 oz. Square One Cucumber

n 3 – 4 mint leaves

n 1/2 oz. Cointreau

n 2 oz. pineapple juice

n 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

n 1/2 oz. organic agave nectar

or simple syrup

n club soda

n pineapple wedge or cucumber

wheel for garnish

In a mixing glass, briefly muddle

mint to release aroma. Pour in

other ingredients and fill with ice.

Shake briefly and then strain into

a Collins glass filled with ice.

Top with club soda and stir once.

Garnish with a pineapple wedge

or cucumber wheel.

CHERUB'S CUP: Lightly Sweet, Decadent, and a Damn Good Sip! Happy Valentine's Day from Mixology Trends!

2011-02-14T22:09:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1 part St. Germain elderflower liqueur
2 parts vodka, citrus vodka, or Hendricks Gin
3/4 part fresh lemon juice
1/4 shot simple syrup
1 part muddled strawberry
top with Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine
strawberry for garnish

Preparation:

Shake and strain over fresh rocks in a collins glass.
Top with Brut Rose or Brut Champagne.
Garnish with a strawberry.

CREME BRULEE MARTINI- Perfect for Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

Quite the alluring cocktail, the Crème Brûlée Martini transforms a favorite dessert (Crème Brûlée) into a fantastic beverage. You can get the real deal at NYC'sBruno Jamais with Mixologist Benjamin Maury. The creamy custard and vanilla flavors are accented beautifully with a hard caramel garnish. Quite impressive.

Ingredients:

2 Parts Stoli Vanil
0.75 Parts Port of Crème Anglaise
1 Dash of Simple Syrup
hard caramel for garnish (see photo)

Preparation:

Blend the above ingredients in a shaker.
Shake well and strain in a Martini Glass.
Decorate with hard caramel.

THE VIEUX CARRE- Revelation of the French Quarter

2011-01-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

Of all the cocktails served in the New Orleans, only one reflects the true spirit of the French Quarter ¾ The Vieux Carré. Created in 1938 at the renowned Hotel Monteleone, the Vieux Carré mixes French Cognac, Italian Vermouth, American Whiskey and Caribbean bitters for the perfect blend of French Quarter cultures. It’s the perfect way to Keepin it Royal.

The Vieux Carré

1 oz. Rye Whiskey

1 oz. Cognac

1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

1 barspoon Benedictine

dash of Peychaud’s Bitters

dash of Angostura Bitters

Mix in a large Old Fashioned Glass. Add Ice. Stir.

THE SWEET RUBY- Complex, Sweet and Warm

2011-01-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

2 TBSP Ruby Port, such as Warre's Warrior Special Reserve
1.5 TBSP Amaretto di Saronno
2 dashes of Angostura Bitters

Combine the port, amaretto and bitters in a chilled mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Stir with a long spoon until well combined, about 10 seconds. Strain into a chilled rocks glass over fresh ice and serve.

CARROT LEMONADE??? It Totally Rocks!!!

2011-01-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

CARROT LEMONADE RECIPE

Here is a delightful drink for the raw foodists out there. I think you will find this amusing. It tastes amazing and refreshes tired skin and eyes.

4-5 medium carrots
1/2 medium lemon
1 mildly tart apple (fujis or galas are nice)
1 small 1.5 - 2 " wedge red cabbage
1 round of ginger, about the size of a quarter

Juice all the ingredients and enjoy!

ITALIAN INSPIRATION: TRY THIS ONE!

2011-01-03T20:58:00.000-08:00

Strawberry Balsamic Martini

The sweet and exotic Strawberry Balsamic Martini is a favorite among the 14 handcrafted cocktails at Chicago’s District Bar. The cocktail menu at District Bar was created in part by Bridget Albert, a master mixologist, author and head bartender at the Obama inauguration party in Washington D.C. Her idea behind the Strawberry Balsamic Martini was to add a little twist on a classic favorite, and the result is absolutely delectable.

Ms. Albert favors Belvedere vodka. We favor serving a double-crème cheese like Brie with it. For a festive occasion, try this Brie Jam Torte recipe.

Strawberry Balsamic Martini

Ingredients Per Cocktail

1-3/4 ounces vodka
1 ounce simple syrup
Squeeze of fresh lime juice
3 strawberries, hulled
1/4 ounce balsamic vinegar
(2 small spoonfuls—the better the vinegar, the better the martini will be)
Strawberry for garnish
Ice

Preparation

Muddle the strawberries with the balsamic vinegar, simple syrup and lime juice.
Add the vodka and ice. Shake vigorously and strain into chilled short martini glass. Garnish with half strawberry.
If you’d like the cocktail less sweet, cut back on the simple syrup.

Cranberry White Chocolate Martini- TRY THIS CREAMY GOODNESS!

2010-12-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

CRANBERRY WHITE CHOCOLATE MARTINI

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces of Absolut vodka
1 ounce White Creme de Cacao
1 ounce cranberry juice
1 teaspoon cranberry sauce
1/2 ounce of chilled Champagne
Splash Cream

The mix

Add all ingredients (except the Champagne) into a shaker 1/2 full of cracked ice.
Let stand for a full minute.
Shake for a full minute.
Strain into 2 chilled martini glasses.
Top each glass with 1/2 of the Champagne.

A CHILLY CANDY CANE MARTINI- Delicious and Fun!!!

2010-12-19T08:48:00.000-08:00

Ingredients

3 oz. Vanilla vodka
3 oz. White crème de cacao
2 oz. Peppermint schnapps
3 Peppermint candy canes
2 Martini glasses
1 cup Ice
Shaker

Assembling the Candy Cane Martini

In a shaker, combine the ice, 3 ounces of vanilla vodka, 3 ounces of white crème de cacao and two ounces of peppermint schnapps.
Shake the drink vigorously until well mixed.
Pour into a martini glass and garnish with a peppermint candy. (As the peppermint candy dissolves, the drink will take on a pink hue.)
Serve to the guests. This recipe yields two cocktails for holiday party guests. Garnish the glass with a candy cane.

Rimming the Glass

To add even more festive flair, crush up a candy cane using the back of a rolling pin or other heavy object. Then, dip the rim of the glass in a quarter inch of water. Next, dip the rim of the glass in the crushed candy cane pieces and voila, the glass will be rimmed.

Change the Flavor of the Martini

By using straight vodka, this recipe can be converted into any flavor schnapps available on the market. Then, simply garnish the martini with the corresponding flavor candy cane for a sweet treat of a cocktail. Think blueberry in the summer, or pumpkin in the fall to really impress the guests.

CHICKEN MEDALLIONS WITH ASPARAGUS, CABER BERRIES AND WARM MUSTARD SAUCE

2010-12-14T10:24:00.001-08:00

OK, so I decided to break away from just cocktails for today. I also love good food too. Here is one of my favorite combinations. Sweet Fennel and Tarragon, the garlicky and onion taste of shallots, and the tang of mustard. Awesome during the winter months. So good with mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons drained capers
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
1 1/4 teaspoons fennel seeds, ground in spice mill or in mortar with pestle
1 pound medium asparagus spears, trimmed
2 cups sliced shallots (about 12 ounces)
1 1/4 pounds 1/4- to 1/3-inch-thick chicken cutlets (about 8)

Preparation

Whisk lemon juice and mustard in small bowl. Gradually whisk in 2 tablespoons oil. Stir in drained capers and chopped tarragon. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
Preheat broiler. Place remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in large bowl. Stir in ground fennel seeds. Add asparagus spears to bowl and toss to coat lightly. Arrange asparagus in single layer at 1 short end of large rimmed baking sheet. Add shallots to same bowl; toss to coat with oil mixture. Arrange in center of same rimmed baking sheet. Add chicken to same bowl; toss to coat. Using tongs, transfer chicken to same rimmed baking sheet, arranging in single layer at opposite end of sheet. Sprinkle vegetables and chicken with salt and pepper.
Broil chicken and vegetables 4 minutes. Turn chicken cutlets and asparagus spears over; toss shallots. Broil until chicken is cooked through and asparagus and shallots are brown in spots, watching carefully to avoid burning, about 4 minutes. Divide chicken cutlets among plates; top with shallots. Arrange asparagus spears alongside. Drizzle mustard dressing over chicken and serve. (Optional: Top with Buttered Breadcrumbs)

Mixology Trends: Buena Vista Rum Punch- To Warm Your Soul

2010-12-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

Mixology Trends: Buena Vista Rum Punch- To Warm Your Soul: "BUENA VISTA RUM PUNCH This will be a great addition to a cold winter night. And its easy to make too! INGREDIENTS Crushed Ice 2 oz..."

Buena Vista Rum Punch- To Warm Your Soul

2010-12-08T11:22:00.000-08:00

BUENA VISTA RUM PUNCH

This will be a great addition to a cold winter night. And its easy to make too!

INGREDIENTS

Crushed Ice
2 oz. Mount Gay Vanilla Rum
1/2 oz. Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
Juice of 1/2 lime
Splash of Peach Schnapps

Fill a Rocks Glass one third of the way with crushed ice. Load up the cocktail shaker with ice, and pour in the two rums, the lime juice, and the schnapps. Shake vigorously and pour over the crushed ice. Serve immediately.

Mixology Trends: MAKE YOUR OWN CHAI TEA, THE HOMEMADE WAY!

2010-12-05T09:38:00.000-08:00

Mixology Trends: MAKE YOUR OWN CHAI TEA, THE HOMEMADE WAY!: "Many people out there love the spiced and frothy drink called chai. Chai is the Hindu word for tea. The recipe was a royal secret in the a..."

MAKE YOUR OWN CHAI TEA, THE HOMEMADE WAY!

2010-12-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

Many people out there love the spiced and frothy drink called chai. Chai is the Hindu word for tea. The recipe was a royal secret in the ancient courts of India and Siam, and legend says that chai was invented by a king. You can get it at your local Starbucks, or on the grocery store shelves. Most of the time, you are simply adding milk to a mysterious and somewhat syrupy liquid and calling it delicious. Yet no one realizes how easy it is to make your own at home. Here is a light hearted but welcoming recipe to this classic and tasty beverage.

HOMEMADE CHAI TEA RECIPE

2 cups water
1/4 cup Darjeeling or Ceylon Tea Leaves or 5 regular size tea bags
1 cup milk
1 cup half and half (lowfat is okay)
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
3 cloves, crushed
2 black peppercorns, crushed
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

PREPARATION:

1) In a medium size saucepan, bring the water to a gentle boil. Stir the tea leaves into the water. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the milk, half and half, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon, and ginger. Increase the heat and bring to a full boil, being careful not to let the milk boil over.
2) Remove from the heat and strain through a fine mesh-strainer into a heatproof container. Stir in the condensed milk.
3) Let cool, then chill and serve over ice.

Makes 4 servings.

FOR MAXIMUM FLAVOR:

To crush the peppercorns and cloves, use the edge of a saute pan. For even fresher, bolder flavors, use whole cardamom seeds ground in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. For a variation, try adding 1/4 tsp. pure vanilla extract with the condensed milk.

Mixology Trends: CRANBERRY TEQUILA SUNRISE: Got Leftover Cranberry...

2010-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Mixology Trends: CRANBERRY TEQUILA SUNRISE: Got Leftover Cranberry...: "CRANBERRY TEQUILA SUNRISE 2 TBSP Cranberry Sauce 2 oz. Tequila (Patron Preferred) 1 oz. Orange Juice Combine Cranberry Sauce and Tequila i..."

CRANBERRY TEQUILA SUNRISE: Got Leftover Cranberry Sauce?

2010-11-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

CRANBERRY TEQUILA SUNRISE

2 TBSP Cranberry Sauce
2 oz. Tequila (Patron Preferred)
1 oz. Orange Juice

Combine Cranberry Sauce and Tequila in Shaker. Stir vigorously to break up and dissolve cranberry sauce. Add Orange Juice. Add 1 cup of ice to shaker and cover with the lid. Shake for about 20 seconds, strain into rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with cherry and orange flag. You could even add 7-up to do a Sparkling Version.

Mixology Trends: Happy Thanksgiving! 2 Cocktails to Get Through Di...

2010-11-25T11:08:00.001-08:00

Mixology Trends: Happy Thanksgiving! 2 Cocktails to Get Through Di...: "Charlotte Voisey, a representative from Stolichnaya Vodka teaches us step-by-step how to make a Wild Cherri Kiss and a Caipiroska! These dri..."

Happy Thanksgiving! 2 Cocktails to Get Through Dinner with the Family!

2010-11-25T11:08:00.000-08:00

Charlotte Voisey, a representative from Stolichnaya Vodka teaches us step-by-step how to make a Wild Cherri Kiss and a Caipiroska! These drinks will not only impress your guests, but they only take a few minutes to make!

Caipiroska:

6 lime cubes
¾ oz simple syrup
2 oz Stoli
Small portion of favorite fresh fruit – pineapple, grapes, mixed berries etc.
Muddle fruit with lime wedges and simple syrup, add Stoi and shake well. Pour directly into a rocks glass

Wild Cherri Kiss:

1 oz Stoli Wild Cherri
2 bar spoons cherry preserve
½ oz fresh lemon juice
3 oz Rose Champagne
Prepare a Champagne flute with a real cherry in the bottom. Combine Stoli, jam and lemon in a shaker and shake well. Strain into a flute then top slowly with Champagne

Mixology Trends: HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS MARTINI- ENJO...

2010-11-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

Mixology Trends: HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS MARTINI- ENJO...: "HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS MARTINI What a better way to enjoy the release of this movie than to celebrate with a fun, easy, and s..."

HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS MARTINI- ENJOY THE MOVIE!!

2010-11-19T15:29:00.000-08:00

HARRY POTTER and the DEATHLY HALLOWS MARTINI

What a better way to enjoy the release of this movie than to celebrate with a fun, easy, and smart cocktail?

RECIPE

3 1/2 oz gin or black vodka (preferred)
1/2 oz. black brandy or raspberry liqueur
Lemon Twist for Garnish

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled cocktail or highball glass if you prefer. Garnish with a lemon twist.

ENJOY THE MOVIE!!!

Mixology Trends: GREAT MONTEZUMA'S HOT CHOCOLATE: Twist to a Cult C...

2010-11-17T08:20:00.000-08:00

Mixology Trends: GREAT MONTEZUMA'S HOT CHOCOLATE: Twist to a Cult C...: "THE GREAT MONTEZUMA'S HOT CHOCOLATE This hot concoction was developed by mixologist and travel writer Richard Sterling. The principal autho..."

GREAT MONTEZUMA'S HOT CHOCOLATE: Twist to a Cult Classic

2010-11-17T08:18:00.000-08:00

THE GREAT MONTEZUMA'S HOT CHOCOLATE

This hot concoction was developed by mixologist and travel writer Richard Sterling. The principal author of Lonely Planet's World Food series, he has been dubbed the Indiana Jones of Gastronomy for his willingness to go anywhere and court any danger for the sake of a good meal. His now 14 books include The Adventure of Food; The Fearless Diner; and the award winning Traveler's Tales Food: A Taste of the Road. He has been honored by the James Beard Foundation for his food writing, and by the Lowell Thomas awards for his travel literature. His lifestyle column appears monthly in San Francisco magazine. Though he lives in Berkeley, California, he is very often politically incorrect.

INGREDIENTS

12 ounces prepared hot cocoa
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 fluid ounces peppar vodka
2 tablespoons heavy cream
cayenne powder, for garnish
cinnamon stick, for garnish
grated chocolate, for garnish
dried red chili, for garnish

DIRECTIONS FOR PREPARATION:

1Combine the hot chocolate, honey, vanilla and vodka in a small pitcher.
2Pour into two tall glasses or Irish coffee glasses.
3Pour 1 tablespoon of cream on the top of each glass and let it float.
4Dust with a pinch of cayenne pepper and garnish with cinnamon sticks. If preferred, you may garnish with grated chocolate and a dried red chile.

Mixology Trends: STEAMED MILK: LIQUID RELAXATION

2010-11-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

Mixology Trends: STEAMED MILK: LIQUID RELAXATION: "There is something very warm and comforting about hot steamed milk in a cup. Personally I prefer a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a touch ..."

STEAMED MILK: LIQUID RELAXATION

2010-11-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

There is something very warm and comforting about hot steamed milk in a cup. Personally I prefer a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a touch of vanilla or sugar. Its luxurious and it warms the heart.

CUP OF COMFORT

8 oz. whole milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 TBSP. sugar or agave
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

Heat all ingredients in sauce pan on stove using medium heat until the milk is almost boiling. Turn off the heat and pour into a mug to serve immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

ENJOY THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS!!!!

Mixology Trends: Herbal Teas: Gearing up for Flu Season

2010-11-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

Mixology Trends: Herbal Teas: Gearing up for Flu Season: "TEA REMEDY RECIPE FOR THE FLU AND THE COMMON COLD1 tsp. Sage 1 tsp. Peppermint 1 tsp. Yarrow1 tsp. Ginger to taste (don’t be shy) A sprig o..."