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Come Party With Me: Summer Cocktail — Drinks
A Summer cocktail party must have a specialty cocktail. At first I thought to serve a classic concoction like a martini or Manhattan, but when I came across this updated version of the sidecar — a drink dating back to World War I that consists of cognac, lemon juice, and orange liqueur — I knew I had to make it. The basic three ingredients are there, but the addition of pineapple juice and muddled blackberries provide a distinct and deceptively delicious taste.
Cognac 101: A Very Special Guide
Ever since "Hennessey" was first name-dropped in hip-hop lyrics and Tim Meadows's Ladies Man started sipping Courvosier, I've been curious about cognac. With all the VSOPs and XOs, cognac can be intimidating. So if you're also wondering what all those letters on the labels mean, I've put together a little primer.
Happy Hour: Brownie Cognac
Valentine's Day is an excellent excuse to experiment with chocolate cocktails. I'm especially interested in this recipe because it creates a cocktail that tastes like a brownie!
This drink has a rich, glossy color and a decadent, smooth taste.
Happy Hour: Domino's Side Car
In my early twenties, I fell in love with a drink called the Side Car. It was the perfect mix of brandy and orange liqueur, and was wonderfully tasty. However there was one small problem, every bartender I ordered from seemed to have their own version of the drink.
Happy Hour: Hennessy Shanghai
Cognac, like Champagne, is a type of alcohol whose production is limited to a specific region of France. It's a type of French brandy that is produced in Cognac and the surrounding regions. Although cognac is used to make an assortment of specialty cocktails in America, it has only recently been accepted as a mixing ingredient in French bars.
Happy Hour: Tito's Vodka
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of meeting Tito Beveridge, the creator of Tito's vodka. Before meeting Tito, I'd never heard of the Texas-based American vodka company. However, I was impressed with Tito's ambition — before getting into the spirits business, he was a geophysicist, oil driller, and mortgage broker — and pleasantly surprised by his vodka's pure, bite-free flavor.
Come Party With Me: Indian Dinner — Drinks
No themed dinner party can begin without the relaxing mood enhancer and conversation stimulator that is the specialty cocktail. Since India (outside of the big cities) doesn't have much of a drinking culture, I'm turning to Dale Degroff, the king of cocktails, for inspiration.
According to Degroff, in its day — during the 19th century when East India existed — the East India cocktail was similar to the cosmopolitan in popularity: Everyone enjoyed it.
Talking Mixology With Dale DeGroff
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Dale DeGroff. If you've never heard of DeGroff, you'll be surprised to know that he has changed your life. Remember that basil gimlet you enjoyed at the bar last week?
All the News That's Fit to Eat — Sept. 17, 2008
- Romesco sauce can transform any soup, seafood, or vegetable. — Miami Herald
- Here are the secret ingredients that'll turn your meal around. — Boston Globe
- Olive oil, beware: Lard is back.
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