Last weekend was a great weekend, I was able to hang out with new friends, learn about the UWS and learn about a new liqueur that I believe is definitely cutting edge and should be a staple in your
fridge.

I had the opportunity to sit with Rob Back of Voyant Chai, the world’s first Chai Cream Liqueur. Listening to Rob talk about Voyant Chai was an amazing experience. Typically, I learn about new products from sales reps or those within marketing. I enjoyed sitting at Coliseum, an UWS bar with Rob who actually created the formula.

First off, the bottle is eye catching! When I looked at the bottle online, I was instantly taken with the warm and vibrant colors. Seeing it up close, this painted bottle really started taking on new meaning especially when I received my first taste. Typically, I taste drinks already mixed; however, Rob insisted that I had to taste Voyant Chai on
ice. I was immediately struck by the amazing spices (Chai, Nutmeg), black tea, oak aged rum and vanilla. Instantly I thought of sweet potato pie (of course many will also think of pumpkin pie if this is your
preference).

For those of you that may enjoy a variety of cream liqueurs, I was shocked with my first sip. It was such a light, fragrant
and crisp experience that I was interested in how one would mix this beverage that already had a very distinctive taste. Although it’s creamy, it doesn’t leave a film or a coating that can distract from the
taste.

In addition, I loved that although there are a variety of spices, they aren’t so overwhelming that they burn your throat. Most
importantly, the flavors don’t taste artificial due to the use of real spices. Being a chai fan, it didn’t take much for me to appreciate this drink; however, I was completely transformed with my first drink that Rob suggested. Unfortunately, I don’t know the name of this drink but, I had a 1/3 Voyant Chai, 1/3 Jagermeister and a 1/3 Coke in a glass. I am not a fan
of Jagermeister; however, blended together I tasted more of a slight minty flavor with the chai and the Coke balancing it out.

Interestingly enough, if you visit the site, you will find that you can enjoy Voyant Chai in a variety of ways including Martini/cocktails, after dinner drinks, shots, summer drinks and also something that you can
include while baking.

My biggest question was why Chai? Apparently, the answer was simply, there wasn’t a presence in the market; therefore, it was an appropriate time to introduce it. For those that love the spiciness of pumpkin or sweet potato pie, I would recommend this beverage and can also imagine enjoying it during the fall. I think this would be perfect to pair with
a cider when you go to tailgates or other functions. Visit the site and
learn more about Voyant Chai. If you’re in NYC, feel free to visit Astor Wines where you can purchase your own bottle.

Technorati Tags: chai, voyant chai, cocktail, liquor, beverage, mixed drink, liqueur

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Banadaiqui, originally uploaded by Drunken Monkey.

Again from our good friends over at Skyy comes a just in time for summer recipe - Skyy Banana Cream

Take:

1 oz. Skyy Vanilla Vodka
1 oz. Banana liqeur
1/2 oz. Frangelico
Touch of cream

Mix the ingredients in a highball glass over ice and garnish.

Technorati Tags: skyy, vodka, banana, cocktail, liquor, recipe, drink

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Another Jack Background, originally uploaded by whiskey diet.

Ok so I think I’ve found the right flask and setup for an active weekend. Bevmo had the small bottle of Jack Daniels on sale for $15.99 (thank you) and a plastic 16oz flask that works well for Giants and soccer games.

Technorati Tags: liquor, jackdaniels, sourmash, whiskey, drinks

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From the Thirsty Traveler (thanks Jessica) on a recent trip to Urville France.

Small Town Nectar

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After a long and well deserved break Im back and will have some new items to post tomorrow, just in time for the weekend. While you wait, might I suggest a Jack and Coke to while the time.

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Blue Hawaii_pastel, originally uploaded by Ryüka.

I recently went out with some friends to a tiki themed bar serving signature tropical drinks. A friend and I tried an old favorite, Blue Hawaiians, so I’ve decided to find out more about them.

Harry Yee, a legendary bartender at the Hawaiian Village Resort and Spa, developed many tropical drinks including the Tropical Itch and the Blue Hawaiian in 1957. This drink proved popular with tourists and has become a favorite of many.

Here is a longtime recipe for the Blue Hawaiian;

2 oz Pineapple juice
3/4 oz Rum
3/4 oz Blue Curacao
3/4 oz Creme de Coconut
Garnish - cherry or pineapple slice

Mix all ingredients and blend. Serve in tall glass and garnish as desired.

Technorati Tags: cocktails, tropical, mixed drinks, liquor, rum, blue curacao, hawaii, blue hawaiian

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Fuego, originally uploaded by chrisjara.

Here is the recipe for a Fuego as served at Tres Agaves in San Francisco:

Ingredients:

1/4 seedless jalapeño pepper

3 strawberries (stems removed)

1 ounce Tequila Don Julio Blanco

1/2 ounce Velvet Falernum liqueur

1/2 ounce lemon juice

5 ice cubes

1 slice seedless jalapeño pepper for garnish

1 strawberry for garnish

Preparation:

1. In a highball cocktail glass, muddle jalapeño pepper and strawberries.
2. Add Tequila Don Julio Blanco, Velvet Falernum liqueur, lemon juice and ice cubes to glass. Garnish with seedless jalapeño pepper slice and strawberry.

Ideal Serving Glass:

Highball cocktail glass

Yield:

1 drink

Technorati Tags: cocktails, day of the dead, halloween, liquor, tequila, tequila don julio, tres agaves, san francisco, recipe

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Guinness & Blackthorn, originally uploaded by Cosas de dos.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. This picture just reminded me of mine and how a good beer can liven up any gathering.

Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: beer, bars, liquor, guinness, blackthorn

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More than 7,500 Friday’s(R) mixologists from around the world are testing their knowledge and skills in their quest to reach the 2007 World Bartender Championship, hosted in Las Vegas, March 4, 2007. The mixologists competing in the Midwest divisional competition are finalists from local, regional and super-regional competitions held earlier this fall. The winner from the Midwest will represent the division at the World Bartender Championship.

The divisional competition, held October 26th in Mclean Virginia, will consist of three segments — compulsory, speed round and freestyle. During the compulsory segment, the mixologists will show their mastery of bar mechanics, including technical knowledge, skill and accuracy. The speed round will test each competitor’s talent for making drinks during a specific time frame. The freestyle segment of the competition showcases the master competitors’ flair bartending skills — tossing, balancing, mixing and flipping cocktails and bottles in the air. The bartenders will be judged in several categories, including accuracy, organization, cleanliness, working flair, guest hospitality and professionalism.

The Bartender Championship event also includes a comprehensive skill test. Each contestant must know more than 200 alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink recipes, perform pour tests, answer
specific questions on food items, wine bottle opening, pouring techniques, mixes and garnishes.

Technorati Tags: bartender, mixologist, contest, championship, bars, liquor, cocktails, master, TGIF, T.G.I. Friday’s

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With one in four Americans entertaining friends and family at home at least once a month, the holiday season is ripe for elegant and unique gastronomic treats from Europe that tempt the more passionate palates. Today, Grand Marnier Liqueur, in conjunction with world-renowned pastry chef Nicolas Boussin, announced it is bringing the hottest French dessert to the U.S. with Grand Marnier-inspired Drinkable Desserts. An award-winner in his field, Boussin designed both high-end desserts to be served at fine dining establishments across the country, as well as developed simplified, at home recipes for the quintessential host and hostess.

Both a drink and a dessert, the new treats merge the spirit and drama of a luxurious cocktail with the indulgence of a delectable pastry. For dessert connoisseurs, upscale restaurants across the country will offer the Grand Orange Brulee, a medley of rich flavors, including Grand Marnier, spiced chocolate, orange, cherry and caramel, and the Grand Parisian Parfait, a distinctive blend of Grand Marnier, coconut tapioca, strawberry and mango, as part of their menu. Restaurants on the cutting edge of the latest dessert trend include The Modern in New York City, Boa Steak House in Las Vegas, The Butcher Shop in San Diego, and several others.

One of the Grand Marnier Drinkable Dessert recipes developed for entertaining at home is the Grand Cookie Crumble, an enticing array of ingredients, including Grand Marnier, dark chocolate, chantilly cream and chocolate chip cookies.

Grand Cookie Crumble (serves six):
Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Step 1: Grand Marnier(R) Cocktail:

In a shaker filled with ice, combine 3 oz. Grand Marnier, 1 oz orange juice, 1 oz lemon juice. Shake.

Step 2: Chantilly Cream:
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp Grand Marnier

Combine whipped cream with sugar. Fold in Grand Marnier.

Step 3: Chocolate Cream:
3-1/2 oz dark chocolate
Zest of 1/2 orange, finely grated
1/2 cup cream
2/3 cup whipping cream, whipped
2 tsp Grand Marnier

Bring the cream to a boil and pour over the chocolate. Add the Grand Marnier and the zest. Fold into the whipped cream and assemble immediately.

Additional Ingredients: 6 Chocolate Chip Cookies

Assembly:
Pour the cocktail into a martini glass.

Place immediately in the freezer and when it begins to harden, stick in the straw.

Leave in the freezer for about 3 hours.
Pour the chocolate cream over the top.
Decorate with pieces of chocolate chip cookie and chantilly cream.
Serve chilled.

Chef’s Suggestions for the Grand Cookie Crumble:

Freezing the cocktail allows preparers to assemble the dessert over top while maintaining a separation between the layers. Keep in the refrigerator after assembling. The cocktail will thaw, allowing both the dessert (with a spoon) and the cocktail (with the straw) to be enjoyed. A fun surprise for guests.

“Dessert beverages are an increasingly hot trend right now, especially in Europe where they originate. The Grand Marnier Drinkable Desserts follow a time-honored tradition of incorporating the powerful, enticing flavor of the popular French liqueur into culinary masterpieces,” said Ian Crystal, senior brand manager, Grand Marnier. “Working with an award-winning pastry chef to develop recipes that discerning consumers can enjoy at their favorite restaurants or while entertaining at home was a perfect fit for Grand Marnier since the liqueur belongs in the cooking world as naturally as it belongs in the world of spirits.”

Technorati Tags: food, dessert, holidays, christmas, cheer, cocktails, liquor, liqueur, grandmarnier, grand marnier, beverage

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