Monday, March 5, 2012

Mixing It Up Mondays

The second installment of Mixing it up Monday features a brand new cocktail that I created for Koloa Rum Company. I was hanging out in Binny's Beverage Depot and stumbled across a brand new Rum company to hit the shelves here in Chicago.. Bought a bottle and actually enjoyed the spirit. So a few weeks later via my twitter profile, the same company reached out to me to create a cocktail for the website. I jumped on the opportunity and here is what I came up with...

Apple Fritter
1.5oz Kaua'i White
1oz Lairds Apple Jack
.5 Spiced Simple Syrup
.5 Fresh Lime Juice
2 dashes homemade Apple Bitters
Garish with an Apple Slice or Cinnamon stick
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and the slice of an apple.

Below is the recipes for the simple syrup and the Apple bitters... Cheers and Happy Mixing. Be on the lookout for this recipe on Koloa Rum's website soon...

Until next time
Mr. Mixologist



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Spiced Simple Syrup--
Equal parts sugar to water.(I use 2 to 1 myself) Add Allspice berries, whole cloves, cinnamon sticks, and anise pods.. Bring mixture to a boil, until sugar is dissolved and let steep for 5 minutes. Cool and bottle. Usually lasts a week while refrigerated.

Apple Bitters
(Recipe from the book- Bitters A Spirited History of the classic cure all by Brad Thomas Parsons) 




Peels from 6 medium to large (preferably organic) apples
Zest of half a lemon, cut into strips
2 Cinnamon sticks
.5 tsp Allspice berries
.25 tsp Coriander
.5 tsp Cassia chips
.5 tsp Cinchona bark
 4 Cloves
 2 cups High-proof bourbon
1 cup Water
2 tbsp Rich simple syrup (two parts sugar, one part water)

Place the apple peels, lemon zest, cinnamon, allspice, coriander, cassia, cinchona bark and cloves in a 1-quart Mason jar or other glass container with a lid. Add the bourbon, making sure all the ingredients are covered. (Add more bourbon if needed.) Seal, and store at room temperature out of direct sunlight for 2 weeks, shaking once a day. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth-lined funnel into a clean 1-quart jar, squeezing the cheesecloth to release any excess liquid. Seal the jar and set aside.
Transfer the solids to a small saucepan and add the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely. Add the contents of the saucepan to another 1-quart Mason jar, seal and store at room temperature out of direct sunlight, for 1 week, shaking once a day. Strain through cheesecloth until all solids have been removed and add the liquid to the bourbon mixture. Add the rich simple syrup and shake to combine. Let stand for 3 days and strain through cheesecloth again to remove any debris. The bitters will last indefinitely, but for best flavor use within 1 year.





Wednesday, February 22, 2012

National Margarita Day!

Whether you like it Straight up, On the Rocks, or even frozen, the Margarita is a true classic.. This drink never gets old. Easy cocktail to make a home or at the bar. Quick, effective, and when handmade can be a very refreshing cocktail. Margaritas come in so many different colors and variations(I'll share one of mine in a moment) But i typically enjoy this recipe the best...

Margarita
2oz Reposado Tequila
1oz Lime Juice
.5oz Orange Liqueur(My preference is Cointreau)
2 Teaspoon Superfine Sugar
Garnish with a lime Wedge


Combine all the ingredients in a shaker and give a good hard shake. then strain into a chilled Margarita Glass or in a rocks glass over ice(your preference). The original Margarita cocktail calls for Blanco tequila, but my pallet likes alot of flavor in my cocktails so I chose to go with the Reposado Tequila in mine.

Now as I said earlier yo can make your margarita in a number of different ways. Typically if you substitute your lime juice, for whatever you favorite juice is, or cut your portions to balance between the lime and your favorite juice, you will have a great cocktail!

Now Ive been playing around with Tuaca. Tuaca is a Vanilla Citrus Liqueur with hints of Brandy, Orange and Vanilla. But the Vanilla is the dominant flavor. It really comes thru in cocktails that this is added too.. So here is a way to Spice up your margarita if you have a little bit of this on hand. My friends at the Baddish Group sent me a sample and their recipes, but this is what I came up with one my own..

As an ode to the neighborhood that my parents met.. Here is the "Bronzeville  Margarita"

Bronzeville  Margarita
2oz Tuaca
1oz Olmeca Altos Tequila(Blanco)
.5 Lime juice
.25 Spiced Simple Syrup
Muddled Raspberries

Muddle Raspberries, syrup, and lime juice. Add Tuaca and Tequila. Shake and Double strain into a ice filled rocks glass. Cinnamon the rim of the glass and garnish with 2 raspberries.

So with happy hour a few minutes away(Chicago Time) order yourself a Margarita and enjoy National Margarita Day!!

Until Next Time
Mr.Mixologist




Monday, February 20, 2012

Urban Fetes Group--> A change to Chicago Nightlife

So over the summer I was approached by a young lady about extending my bartending service to a group of people who were re-shaping events here in Chicago. Of course I thought about it and decided to give it a try. I was immediately surprised at the event, how successful it was and how much fun I had while working the bar.

Over time since that very 1st event, Ive been the go to bar service for each event, as they are getting bigger and bigger and more elaborate. The Urban Fetes group has changed the way events are held. From different types of venues, to great DJs, to using the BEST mobile bartending service in the city, DrinkxXx On Me( Shameless Plug). Every third Thursday of the month look forward to an amazing event!! This Thursday, Feb 23rd  is the latest edition of the Mix and Mingle tradition. Check out the press release straight from the founder, and friend of mine Shannon Waldron...

URBAN FETES GIVES CHICAGO NIGHTLIFE A FACE-LIFT
"New Promotion and Marketing Company, Urban Fetes, Offers Young Professionals Alternative Events with Substance and Style" 

For many young professionals in Chicago, nightlife has grown stale. People are over loud bars, expensive drinks, tired DJs, and crowded dance floors. Urban Fetes, one of the area's up-and-coming promotion and marketing companies, is shaking up the scene with fresh alternatives that combine substance, style, and socializing. Its signature event, the #MIXANDMINGLE occurs after work every third Thursday of the month and has gained remarkable acclaim since its inception just five months ago. 

Founder, Shannon Waldron, describes the aim of the #MIXANDMINGLE as two-fold: "We provide opportunities for accomplished and progressive adults to connect socially and professionally with like-minded individuals, while simultaneously giving enterprising businesses the chance to market their products and services to this exclusive crowd." Although the underlying premise of networking remains consistent, the layout of the #MIXANDMINGLE is as diverse as the crowd it attracts. The venue shifts between premier galleries around the city, such as ARTrevolution, Chicago Art Department, and Black Cloud Gallery. Similarly, Urban Fetes takes an unconventional approach to entertainment. Attendees can expect their admission to the #MIXANDMINGLE to include a variety of live performances, featured speakers, and fashion showcases, as well as an open bar and appetizers. For added value, Urban Fetes infuses purpose into this party by collecting canned goods at the door to be donated to the Greater Chicago Food depository.

February's #MIXANDMINGLE is guaranteed to keep pace with its impressive predecessors, offering a grand fashion show with some of Chicago's hottest designers and models, live jazz musicians, a DJ, catered hor d'oeuvres, and a bar hosted by Remy Martin V and Auchentoshan Scotch. On Thursday, February 23, 2012, bring your canned goods to Society Art Gallery (2140 W. Fulton Street (Suite D), Chicago, IL.), and enjoy the #MIXANDMINGLE experience from 8 pm - 12 am. 

Urban Fetes has also hosted spa days, Sunday brunches, and plans to expand to comedy shows, day parties, and other innovative affairs that will keep its following engaged and satisfied. Unlike many of its peer promotional companies, Urban Fetes is not just about throwing hot parties, but with each flawlessly executed event, the team intends to develop a culture and brand that reflects the distinctive lifestyles, interests, and needs of the young professionals it serves in the Chicago area. For a listing of upcoming events, visit the Urban Fetes website at www.urbanfetes.com. 

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If you would like more information about this topic, or if you would like to schedule an interview with Mr. Shannon Waldron, please contact, Katrina Waldron at katrina@urbanfetes.com









So if you are a young energetic professional person who is looking for a change from the norm, these are the place to be EVERY third THURSDAY of the Month!! Im proud and happy to be one of the sponsors who make this event go, and will always be a part of changing the landscape of Chicago Nightlife..Here's a few pics from Previous Mix and Mingle events and the event plugger for THIS THURSDAY'S event!!



Founder Shannon Waldron


Myself Pouring the Remy Martin Punch at the last event!


Our Crowd..



Until Next time
Mr.Mixologist




Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day Cocktails

Its that time of the year again... That time where boyfriends and husbands are scrambling at the last minute to find gifts, flowers, candy, etc to keep that special lady in their life happy. That time of the year where you meet someone, and that little midget in a diaper shoots you in the ass with an arrow and you fall in love with that person you've been chasing, or who's been chasing you..

So I say why do all of this sober?? If you gonna fall in love and either make the best DECISION or worse MISTAKE you've ever made, why not do it with some very tasty cocktails??? So since I'm working a  Valentines day Karaoke party, I'll share with you all some of the tasty cocktails I will be serving..


Cupid Doesn't Lie
2 Parts Beefeater 24
1 Part Fresh Lemon Juice
¾ Part Simple Syrup
1 muddled Strawberry
4-6 Basil Leaves

Add lemon juice, basil and berry into mixing glass and lightly muddle. Add the remaining ingredients into mixing glass along with ice and shake vigorously. Fine-strain over the rocks into a double old-fashioned glass and top with a splash of soda. Garnish with lemon wheel and one strawberry slice.





Passionate



2 Parts Beefeater Gin
2 Parts Cherry Juice
2 Parts Ginger Beer




Pour Beefeater Gin and cranberry juice into a highball glass over ice. Top with ginger all and garnish with a squeeze of lime, or a cherry.






 
 
 
 
Sweet Tart


1 Part Plymouth Gin
2 Parts Cranberry Juice
¼ Part Honey
1 Pinch All-Spice

Fill glass with ice, pour in Plymouth Gin. Add the cranberry juice and stir. Float the honey and add a pinch of all-spice.









So everyone have a great Valentine's weekend, and hopefully these cocktails can give you a little something to sip on with that special someone. Oh and Mr.Mixx promotes safe sex, so be sure to Wrap it up!!!

Until Next Time
Mr.Mixologist

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Encanto Pisco Opportunity

Hey everyone.. Short post today!! The good people over at Encanto Pisco are giving bartenders a chance to go to Peru and work with the Master Distiller as an apprentice. Check out the Video Featuring Duggan McDonnell who owns Encanto Pisco, and Dave Nepove our National USBG President.. Sounds like a great idea, a great opportunity for a lucky bartender! GET ON IT!!!







Monday, January 23, 2012

Mixing it up Mondays!

Alot of times when I work, people ask me how I come up with recipes. Or can they have my recipes so they can make my drinks at home. Usually its during the busiest time of the shift so I can't ever get right to it.. So since I'm back writing, on Monday's Ill post one of my recipes for a cocktail, whether it was something I was playing around with at home, or submitted it in a competition...

So the 1st one I can only lay claim to 50% of the brainstorming to come up with the recipe, but its a good one. Late last year Effen Vodka brought the Art of Design competition to the Hard Rock Hotel here in Chicago. It was an iron chef type of event, and we were randomly selected into pairs to come up with a cocktail and present it to the audience and judges. Note we only had about 30 mins tops to get everything together. I was paired with my main man Orlando( A Great bartender from the Underground Lounge here in Chicago) who we had never met before the event and we went to work. Funny part about the story was that we had a game plan, but all the ingredients that we wanted to use were taken before we could grab them. So we took mix and match approach and we created the WINNING cocktail called the "Abstract".

THE ABSTRACT
1.5oz Effen Black Cherry Vodka
1oz Red Pepper Infused Simple Syrup
.5 Thatchers Apple Ginger Liqueur
.5 Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Egg white
Garish with Thyme

Place all ingredients in a shaker. Shake Vigorously, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Place the Thyme right in the middle and enjoy. And then it should look a little something like this.......


 It sounds like it shouldn't go together, but when you taste it an array or flavors explode into your mouth. Hence the name the "Abstract" The premise of the competition was the Art of design, and well sometimes abstract art is the best type of art. Its what the artist saw and conveyed to you. Well this cocktail is what we saw, and we conveyed it to everyone at the event. Try it at home and let me know how it tuned out..

Until Next Time
Mr. Mixologist


Thursday, January 19, 2012

2012 Shake It Up Competition

Competition Season is upon us. The winter and early spring months bring on a slew of Cocktail Competitions and the "Shake It Up 2012" competition at the NCB show in Vegas is a BIG one.  These competitions are a chance for bartenders to come together, show your creativity, and learn from some of our counterparts. The prizes aren't bad either.. Some are monetarily, alot of cool swag from the sponsoring companies, and just a chance to rub shakers with some of the industry best. I remember my very first competition. I was nervous as HELL!!! Found out that a couple of my judges were Andy Seymour, and Angus Winchester. Needless to say, I didn't win that comp, but the experience and the chance to have my cocktail critiqued by 2 of the BEST in the industry was an invaluable experience. So get your cocktail recipes in and hope we all make it to Vegas. The plugger below has the official rules....


See you in Vegas!! Get to Mixing it up!!!!

Until Next Time
Mr. Mixologist