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Happy Hour: Eyeball Highball

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:00:29 -0700

All month I've been fixated on trying my hand at as many spirited Halloween cocktails as possible. And with only five more days until the scariest night of the year, I wanted to shake up something that was more frighteningly festive than anything else I've made.

I was going for something creepier than my slime rickey, but not as gross as the infamous brain hemorrhage. I found a happy medium in the eyeball highball, a riff on the classic martini that's bobbing with radish-and-olive eyeballs. Put a seasonal slant on America's most beloved cocktail when you read more.

Happy Hour: Tomato Water Martini

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:00:55 -0700

When the Summer's in full swing, I pretty much live on tomatoes. I eat them out of hand and in salads, drink them in gazpacho - and now, thanks to Michael Chiarello, I can swim in them! In addition to making fresh mozzarella on the spot and singing the virtues of sustainable agriculture, chef Chiarello also introduced the audience to a savory martini made from tomato water, a clear liquid with a delicate, acidic flavor that's produced when tomatoes are strained of their juices. When paired with bocconcini and a chiffonade of basil, this genius non-alcoholic martini resembles a caprese salad in a glass.

The best part: make use of beloved tomatoes by reserving their remains for another recipe (pico de gallo, anyone?). Make this distinctive drink when you read more

Happy Hour: Lavender Martini

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:00:12 -0800

Much like hibiscus, lavender has become an increasingly popular ingredient at the table. I'll admit that when I first tried lavender in food, I wasn't crazy about it, as I'd always associated the flower's aroma with spa treatments.

Lavender first began to grow on me last November, when I tried Loft, a new line of flavored organic liqueurs and proclaimed the line's lavender infusion as my favorite. When a friend sent me a gift of lavender-and-thyme cookie mix for my birthday, I discovered I could appreciate those, too. I realized that, when used sparingly, lavender can lend an herbaceous, lemony quality to food that's floral, yet not overwhelmingly so.
My latest fixation is enjoying lavender infused in a sophisticated drink. If you're looking for something fresh yet simple, read more.

Lavender Martini
From Loft Liqueurs

Ingredients

1 ounce Loft Lavender Liqueur
3 ounces vodka
Ice

Directions

Combine vodka and lavender liqueur in a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously, strain and serve in a martini glass.

Makes 1 martini.

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All the News That's Fit to Eat - Feb. 4, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 14:00:39 -0800

Few things are simpler, less expensive, and more satisfying than homemade shortbread. - Los Angeles Times
Restaurants, facing dire consequences, are now willing to bend over backwards for customers. - New York Times
How has the classic martini transformed itself over the years? - Washington Post
Coconut comes in different varieties; pick the sweetness and texture that suits your palate. - The Oregonian
This Winter welcome the earthy, bittersweet flavors of radicchio into your kitchen. - San Francisco Chronicle
Did you know that avocados are better sipped than dipped? - Chicago Tribune
This Valentine's Day, give in to the allure of complex chocolate desserts. - Boston Globe

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Happy Hour: Ruby Chai Appletini

partysugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:42 -0800

When I hear the word appletini, I can't help but cringe and think of a cloying, neon green cocktail. That's why, while at a recent Root Division art auction, when I saw that the specialty cocktail was an appletini, I avoided it. However, when I heard the appletini was a creation of one of San Francisco's best bartenders, H. Joseph Ehrmann, I knew I had to give it a try. Made with fresh apple cider and vodka infused with tea, this appletini is nothing like its processed counterpart. It tasted like fall in a glass with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

It takes time to infuse the vodka and apple cider, but the process is worth it, especially if you make a large batch and serve it for Thanksgiving. Don't let Fall pass without making this refreshing, not-too-sweet cocktail, so get the recipe now and read more.

Ruby Chai Appletini
From H. Joseph Ehrmann

Ingredients

1.5 oz vodka (recommended: Square One) infused with Numi Organic Ruby Chai Tea, recipe below
1.5 oz apple cider infused with Numi Organic Ruby Chai Tea, recipe below
.5 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
1 apple (recommended: Gala)

Directions

Cut the apple in half, just of center leaving the stem on. Then slice the core out just to the other side of the stem. Reserve core slice for garnish.
Cut one quarter of the apple into pieces, removing the seeds and core. In a mixing glass, muddle into apple sauce consistency.
Add the agave nectar or simple syrup, vodka, apple cider and ice. Shake for 10 seconds and strain up into a chilled cocktail glass. Head should be frothy and creamy. Garnish with the apple core slice on the rim or floating.

Makes 1 drink.

Ruby Chai- infused Square One: In a mason jar or other glass sealable container add 750ml bottle of vodka and 6 bags of Numi Ruby Chai Tea. Let infuse for 1-2 hours. Remove the bags and squeeze back excess vodka. Pour the infused vodka back into the bottle.

Ruby Chai-infused Apple Cider: Pour cider into a sauce pan and heat (try not to boil). Turn off the heat and add 1 bag of Numi Ruby Chai Tea per 6 ounces of cider. Let steep for 3-5 minutes and remove the tea bags, squeezing back any remaining liquid. Pour spiced cider into a bottle to store.

Mixologist’s Note: I love chai and Numi’s Ruby Chai blend with Rooibos makes for a delicious infusion agent in cocktails. The warm rich spice blends superbly with the apple and by infusing we get intense flavor with no added water. The texture of the Gala apple when muddled into sauce consistency gives this drink a velvety, viscous mouthfeel with a creamy head like a pint of Guinness. If you batch prep the infusions and the apples and this drink is really easy to prepare and serve. To make this drink as a one-off at home, use 1 bag of tea per each 6 ounces of liquid, infusing the vodka cold for an hour or two and heating the cider and infusing for 3-5 minutes.

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Happy Hour: Blueberry Martini

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:01:37 -0800

Although I enjoyed fresh blueberries this past weekend, I know their supply is winding down at the market, which is why I've been searching for ways to prolong their existence at my table. Then one day, out of the blue (pardon the pun), I came across some Stirrings Wild Blueberry, and I had my answer.

All you need is vodka and the syrup, which is made from real blueberries. In a matter of seconds, you've got blueberry cocktails for everyone! This drink is ideal for tailgates or large parties because it's so easy to make. Check out how and read more.

Wild Blueberry Martini
From Stirrings

Ingredients

2 parts Stirrings Wild Blueberry Mixer
1 part Smirnoff Vodka
Lime wedge

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, combine Wild Blueberry Mixer, vodka, and plenty of ice.
Cover and shake vigorously.
Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

Makes 1 martini.

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Yummy Links: From the Barefoot Contessa to Ginger Ale

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:37 -0700

Go inside the Barefoot Contessa's downtown Manhattan apartment. - Serious Eats
The FDA has ruled that high fructose corn syrup is still considered natural. - Slashfood
Learn how to make the perfect martini. - Chow
Bake up a batch of strawberry goat cheese scones. - Baking Bites
If it's too hot to bake in your neck of the woods, consider cooling down with this no-cook biscotti mascarpone parfait. - GlamDish
America's sassiest lifestyle guru, Steve Kemble, teaches you how to host a high style, no stress party. - Hostess with the Mostess
Did you know okra is in season? - The Kitchn
Make homemade ginger ale for just .61 cents. - The Epi-Log

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Off to Market Recap: Martini Glasses

partysugar — Wed, 28 May 2008 03:00:57 -0700

Since Sex and the City comes out in two days, I thought it was the perfect time to shop for martini glasses. To enjoy cosmopolitans and flirtinis in the proper servingware, you headed off to market in search of new martini glasses. You looked for chic, stylish glasses that would be found in the hands of Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. You saved the stemware in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag martini glasses. While the leopard-print glasses are stunning and would be perfect for a jungle-themed fete, I might get sick of the print.

However, I won't tire of these rosy-stemmed martini glasses because pink is my favorite color. Fabulous find, fashionista119! For more martini glasses, scroll to the right below.

To learn more about the bookmarking feature please read GeekSugar's explanation.

Off to Market: Martini Glasses

partysugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 03:00:46 -0700

In honor of the Sex and the City movie premiere, I've decided to treat myself to a new set of martini glasses. Like Champagne flutes, a party girl can never have too many martini glasses. To ensure that we all enjoy cosmopolitans and flirtinis in the proper servingware, let's head off to market in search of fabulous martini glasses. Look for chic, stylish glasses that would be found in the hands of Carrie, Samantha, and Co. Save the stemware you discover in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Martini Glasses. Good luck!

To learn more about the bookmarking feature please read geeksugar's explanation.
Don't know where to start searching? Check out a list of my favorite online stores when you, read more

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Yummy Links: From Martinis to Foie Gras

partysugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 06:45:34 -0700

If a classic bridal shower isn't your style, consider hosting a girls' night in martini party. - My Recipes
Now that grilling season is upon us, be sure you know the difference between gas and charcoal grills. - Chow
Over evite? Try the new alternative Pingg, an eco friendly, chic way to send invitations. - Pingg
These luscious centerpieces make me want to host a Spring dinner party! - Hostess with the Mostess
Slightly disturbing: the difference between portion sizes then and now. - Divine Caroline
Watch as kung fu master, Ho Eng Hui, breaks through a coconut with his index finger, it's absolutely insane! - Serious Eats
The city of Chicago has repealed the foie gras ban. -Slashfood

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