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Happy Hour: Twilight

partysugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:13:04 -0800

Well, folks, the moment everyone's been waiting for is here. The second movie in the Twilight series, New Moon, finally comes out today. Whether you're dying to see it or excited that the hype surrounding it will die down, there's only one way to celebrate - with a cocktail! Not just any boring old drink, but an aptly named concoction created by one of San Francisco's illustrious bar owners, Jon Gasparini. A couple of weeks ago when Jon (of one of my favorite bars, Rye) tweeted about a new cocktail called Twilight, I knew I needed the recipe.

Jon describes it as having a beautiful color and balance, and I couldn't agree more. The complex gin and Prosecco drink is easy to put together and elegant enough to serve at a Thanksgiving dinner or holiday soirée. To get his recipe, read more.

Twilight
From Jon Gasparini of Rye

Ingredients

3/4 ounce creme de violette
1 1/2 ounces gin
dash orange bitters
dash simple syrup or agave syrup
1 ounce Prosecco or other sparkling wine

Directions

Combine the violette, gin, bitters, and sweetener in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Strain into a chilled Champagne coup and top with the Prosecco.

Makes 1 drink.

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Come Party With Me: Almost Meatless Thanksgiving - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:00:06 -0800

Kick-start your Thanksgiving meal with a refreshing sangria-style glass of white wine. Made a day in advance, this wine is infused with oranges, Grand Marnier, and Pernod. Bay leaves and whole cloves give it an herbaceous, aromatic appeal that's sure to pair perfectly with baked brie and walnuts.

For the main course, select a versatile wine varietal that can support a lot of flavors. An affordable Chardonnay or light red are great options. Chat with your local wine shop owner for more suggestions. Tell him what you plan on serving and your budget, and he's sure to provide you with lots of ideas. For the orange wine recipe - this would also make a great Thanksgiving hostess gift! - read more.

Spiced Orange Wine
From Gourmet

Ingredients

2 (750-ml) bottles dry white wine
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier
1/4 cup Pernod
2 whole cloves
4 Turkish or 2 California bay leaves
2 navel oranges

Directions

Bring all ingredients except oranges to a boil (reserve wine bottles and corks), stirring until sugar has dissolved.
Remove zest from oranges in a continuous spiral using a vegetable peeler and cut off any white pith with a paring knife. Reserve oranges for another use and divide zest between empty wine bottles.
Fill bottles with orange wine and cool, uncorked, 1 hour.
Cork bottles, then chill at least 4 hours.

Makes 2 (750-ml) bottles.

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Noteworthy Nibbles - Nov. 17-24, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:07 -0800

Aside from gearing up for Thanksgiving, what's keeping you busy this week? Nothing? Then consider making the most of your time. Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the (nonham) daiquiri, join in on the world's first bacon-themed endurance event, chow down on all of Nola's best po-boys or check out some amazingly designed dining-room tables.

If you're looking to retreat before the big food and family extravaganza next week, then take part in an exclusive offering at the Fairmont's Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where you'll enjoy a special winery visit with bubbly blending sessions, expertly crafted cocktails, and exquisite local cuisine.

What food events are you attending? Let us know in the comments below.

Piedmont Triad, NC: Triad Restaurant Week - Nov. 13-22
San Diego, CA: San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival - Nov. 18-22
San Francisco, CA: Dining by Design - Nov. 18-19
Seattle, WA: J&D's Bacathalon - Nov. 19
New Orleans, LA: Happy Birthday, Mr. Daiquiri - Nov. 19
New York, NY: Food, Inc. Screening and Discussion - Nov. 19
Denver, CO: Celebrity Chef Tour fete. Lachlan Patterson - Nov. 19
Sonoma, CA: Girl's Bubbly Getaway Weekend at the Fairmont Sonoma - Nov. 20-22
New Orleans, LA: New Orleans Po-Boy Preservation Festival - Nov. 22
San Francisco, CA: Malvira Winery Piemonte Harvest Dinner - Nov. 22

In the know about a fabulous event? Spread the word in our Noteworthy Nibbles group in the YumSugar Community!

Would You Drink This Ham Daiquiri?

YumSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:00:02 -0800

Carnivores, if your stomach was turning over the idea of a vegan-friendly Tofurky & Gravy soda, perhaps you'd be more game to try a ham daiquiri. Georgia Hardstark and Alie Ward, the original creators of the famed McNuggetini, are back with a video demo of their newest blended concoction of pineapple, pineapple soda, honey, Myers's dark rum, liquid smoke, and - yes, that's right - honey ham. The final result? A beverage that Alie describes as "chewy . . . like someone came along and chewed your lunch for you."

Source

Happy Hour: Cran-Limoncello

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:49 -0800

Every few months, I host a book club in my home, and find it a lovely occasion to try out a new cocktail. This time around, I couldn't wait to incorporate ingredients that evoke the holidays, like cranberries and the zesty Italian after-dinner favorite, limoncello.

This three-ingredient sipper couldn't be easier to pull together; it simply calls for seltzer, limoncello, and cranberry juice - no shaker required. Yet the payoff is in spades: "What went into this? Can I have the recipe?" friends asked me throughout the night. I assured them that even the most bar-challenged could make this drink. For a pretty garnish that's a hint of what's to come, toss in a few fresh cranberries, too. Keep reading for the recipe.

Come Party With Me: Bold Flavorful Thanksgiving - Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:00:49 -0800

Jump-start your Thanksgiving with a bold, flavorful cocktail like this appropriately named pear and rum concoction, spice. It's a mixture of dark spiced rum and pear and lime juices. Freshly grated nutmeg is a special garnish that makes it particularly festive.

For the rest of the meal, stock up on sparkling wine, dry rosé, and a light, fruity red like Pinot Noir. Don't forget to set pitchers of water on table as well. Flavor them with orange slices, mint, or cucumber.

To look at the cocktail recipe, read more.

Spice
From Food & Wine

Ingredients

Ice
2 large mint sprigs, torn and bruised
1 1/2 ounces spiced rum
1 ounce pear nectar or juice
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce Simple Syrup
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
1 thin slice of pear

Directions

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add all of the ingredients except the pear slice and shake well.
Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with the pear slice.

Makes 1 drink.

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Noteworthy Nibbles - Nov. 10-17, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:00:58 -0800

As if on cue to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, this weekend is packed with loads of wine and spirits soirées. Whether you're in San Antonio or Chicago, Pittsburgh or Portland, there's a glass for you that's waiting to be raised. Homebrewers and beerpub regulars alike will appreciate America's largest international beer fest in Providence, RI. Looking to find the ideal sparkler to go with your holiday feast? If you're a New Yorker, then you're in luck.

Where will you find yourself celebrating this weekend? Drop us a line in the comments below!

Kona, HI: Kona Coffee Cultural Festival - Nov. 6-15
San Antonio, TX: New World Wine & Food Festival - Nov. 8-15
San Francisco, CA: Food For Thought: Eat Out For Education - Nov. 11
New York, NY: Tour de Champagne - Nov. 12
Denver, CO: Denver International Wine Festival - Nov. 12-13
Milwaukee, WI: Lombardi Food & Wine Experience - Nov. 12-14
Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival - Nov. 13
Chicago, IL: Pinot Days Chicago - Nov. 13-14
Providence, RI: Great International Beer Festival - Nov. 14
Portland, OR: Northwest Food & Wine Festival - Nov. 14
Orlando, FL: Orlando Food & Wine Fest - Nov. 14-15

Happy Hour: Apple Cidercar

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:00:42 -0800

After declaring I'd discovered the perfect Fall cocktail last week, I was worried I'd have nothing to look forward to. But surprisingly, my success had the opposite effect: I was inspired to go in search of other tipples that glorify the season's bounty.

Right now, it's impossible to wander the farmers market without being smitten by frosty jugs of freshly pressed apple cider. The apple cidercar - a riff on the time-honored sidecar cocktail - is a fun way to incorporate Autumn's quintessential beverage into a spirited libation. Check out the recipe when you read more.

Happy Hour: Sparkling Pomegranate Elderflower Cocktail

partysugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:07 -0800

There's no better way to get in the spirit of the season than by pouring a fizzy and festive cocktail like this sparkling pomegranate-elderflower concoction. It's blushing color is reminiscent of Fall sunsets and falling leaves, while the effervescent texture screams holiday.

The elderflower adds a hint of syrupy sweetness that's not cloying or overly floral. This cocktail may be girlie, but it's elegant and smoothly sippable. Although a bottle of St. Germain is a bit of a splurge, think of the fragrant liqueur as an investment that you can enjoy through the New Year.

Start Thanksgiving with these rosy bubblers and during the weeks leading up to Christmas, make sparkling Shiraz punch! To get the easy, three-ingredient recipe, read more.

Sparkling Pomegranate Elderflower Cocktail
From The Comfort Table: Recipes for Everyday Occasions by Katie Lee

Ingredients

1 ounce St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1 ounce pomegranate juice
3 ounces Champagne or sparkling wine

Directions
In a champagne glass, combine the elderflower liqueur and pomegranate juice. Top with Champagne.

Makes 1 drink.

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Noteworthy Nibbles - Nov. 3-10, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:00:07 -0800

Kick-start the new month with a number of celebratory fêtes that are happening this week. Learn all about the art of butchering (and enjoy fire-cooked meats) in Napa Valley; sample food from Boston's best new chefs; or watch Paula Deen's antics in the nation's capital.

Where will your stomach lead you this week? Let us know below.

Boston, MA: StarChefs Boston Rising Stars Revue - Nov. 3
Washington DC: Tour de Champagne - Nov. 6
Houston, TX: Chocolate Festival of Texas - Nov. 6-7
Big Sur, CA: Big Sur Food & Wine Festival - Nov. 6-7
New York, NY: Cook. Eat. Drink. Live. - Nov. 6-8
St. Helena, CA: PRIMAL Napa - Nov. 7
Abbeville, LA: Giant Omelette Celebration - Nov. 7-8
Washington DC: Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show - Nov. 7-8
Los Angeles, CA: Great Chefs Go Organic - Nov. 8
San Antonio, TX: New World Wine & Food Festival - Nov. 8-15