Learning about Armagnac at Tales of the Cocktail

July 23, 2010

Today I had the pleasure to learn about Armagnac from some of the world’s foremost experts, and more importantly, taste several excellent examples. Dale DeGroff was the moderator, and kept the session fun and on track. Alain Royer started off with a brief overview of how Armagnac is made. Cognac is known for being highly […]

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Armagnac at Tales of the Cocktail

July 5, 2010

While the production of brandy in the Armagnac region of France precedes that of Cognac, it is barely known outside of its home country. On July 23rd, moderator Dale DeGroff and panelists will help bridge that gap at Tales of the Cocktail in the seminar Armagnac, France’s First Brandy. Alain Royer, a native of Cognac, […]

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Caipirinha, caipirissima, caipiroska

April 4, 2010

I’ve written about the caipirinha before, but I’m happy to write about it again, because it’s a great drink. Caipirinha 2 ounces cachaça 1 1/2 barspoon sugar or 3/4 ounce simple syrup 1/2 lime, quartered Build in glass: add lime and sugar to an old fashioned glass. Muddle well. Fill glass with ice. Top with […]

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Bloody Mary

April 3, 2010

I’ve so convinced myself that I do not like the Bloody Mary that I was shocked when I took a sip of the first one I ever made, and…really liked it. Bloody Mary 1.5 ounces vodka or gin 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 4 dashes Crystal hot sauce 2 dashes celery bitters 1/8 tsp horseradish pinch […]

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Blood and Sand

April 3, 2010

The Blood and Sand is a classic example of a recipe you shouldn’t judge without tasting. Blood and Sand 1 ounces blended Scotch whisky 1 ounces orange juice 0.75 ounces cherry brandy (Cherry Heering or Cherry Marnier) 0.75 ounces sweet vermouth Shake all ingredients well and strain into cocktail glass. Garnish with orange twist or […]

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Bellini

April 1, 2010

The second drink on the list of 25 cocktails every bartender should know is the first on the list I have never made before. I’m not sure if I’ve even had one before. Bellini 1.5 ounces white peach puree 4 ounces prosecco 1 dash grenadine Add peach puree to champagne flute and top with prosecco. […]

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Death in the South Pacific

March 31, 2010

The theme for this year’s official cocktail contest for Tales of the Cocktail was “Punch It Up.” Entrants were invited to submit a cocktail based on the Planter’s Punch recipe. Today the winner was announced, and I was excited to learn it was Evan Martin’s Death in the South Pacific. Death in the South Pacific […]

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Aviation Cocktail

March 28, 2010

I have successfully finished all the reading and online quizzes for BarSmarts Advanced. This means I can attend BarSmarts Live, when I’ll have to make drinks for people who know how they should taste. In preparation, I’m going to work through each of the 25 drinks every bartender should know. Some I have talked about previously, including […]

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Sign up for the Buffalo Trace Saloon, win a trip to the Derby

February 23, 2010

The fine folks at Buffalo Trace have asked me to tell you about the Buffalo Trace Saloon. If you sign up for a free membership by March 31, you’ll be entered for the Derby Big Shot weekend. If you win, you and a friend will be flown down for the Kentucky Derby, squired around in […]

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MxMo XLVI: Absinthe — The Atlantic

February 22, 2010

This month’s Mixology Monday is hosted by Sonja Kassebaum over at Thinking of Drinking. In addition to running a fine boutique distillery, North Shore, with her husband, Sonja is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. This month she’s chosen the topic that’s near and dear to my heart: The topic for February is […]

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