#SCBDExclusive: Say #cheers to #May with Sipping Rum Friday’s

If you know me, you know I love good rum to sip on or enjoy in a cocktail. If you’re the same way, I have good news. Santa Teresa (mentioned in my February Foodie Favorites), Venezuela’s oldest rum producer with a family heritage dating two centuries, announces that its flagship rum, Santa Teresa “1796,” is the focus of a FREE weekly tasting series at Union Square Wines & Spirits.  Located at 140 Fourth Ave. at 13 St., the tastings will be held on four Friday evenings: May 10, May 17, May 24 and May 31, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  At “Sipping Rum Fridays,” attendees can sip Santa Teresa “1796” neat, on the rocks or in classic cocktails.

“We are delighted to partner with Union Square Wines & Spirits to introduce their discerning customers to the velvety charms of Santa Teresa ‘1796,’ our flagship rum, through this tasting series,” said Daniela Curiel, Brand Manager, Santa Teresa Rum.  “As an aged rum, it’s perfect for sipping or even pairing with foods like chocolate.  It takes classic cocktails, from daiquiris to nightcaps, to a whole new level.  It’s also an ideal gift, with Mother’s Day and Father’s Day coming up.”

Check out the line-up below and pick a Friday to come out, relax, and sip some rum at Union Square Wines & Spirits:

May 10: Happy Mother’s Day!

• This tasting pairs mom’s favorite gift, chocolate, with Santa Teresa “1796” Rum.  This match made in heaven will be led by Santa Teresa Off-Premise Brand Ambassador Isabella Izquierdo.

May 17: Save the Daiquiri!

• So you think you know daiquiris?  Experience a whole new libation when Santa Teresa “1796” is used as the base spirit.  Carla Verenzuela, Santa Teresa On-Premise Brand Ambassador and Bartender, will lead this spirited tasting that rethinks a favorite summer tipple.

May 24: Dare to Sip a Nightcap!

• What’s the most civilized way to gently conclude an evening?  By sipping a nightcap, of course!  This tasting by Santa Teresa Brand Ambassador Daniela Curiel will offer Santa Teresa “1796” neat, on the rocks and in nightcap-style cocktails.

May 31: Happy Father’s Day!

• Does dad really want (or need) another tie, polo shirt or extra golf balls for Father’s Day?  Show him that you really care by presenting him with a Santa Teresa “1796” gift set that will set him aglow.  Santa Teresa Brand Ambassador Daniela Curiel will pour Santa Teresa “1796” neat and on the rocks.

Cheers!

April Showers Bring Spring Cocktails!

We are so happy that Spring is here and the weather is actually good! One of the best parts about this time of year is…you guessed it…drinking! And we don’t mean sipping on some apple juice. Spring is the time of year when it becomes acceptable, once again, to start day drinking on the weekends. We love spending our days in the sun and drinking something delicious. So here are some must-try cocktails for Spring.

Prandial Standard (Courtesy of Prandial Restaurant)

• 2oz- Russian Standard Vodka
• 1/2 oz.- Lime Juice
• 1/2oz-Lemon Juice
• Splash of Simple Syrup

Muddle mint: combine ingredients, usually in the bottom of the mixing glass, by pressing them with a muddler before adding the majority of the liquid ingredients- then add the rest ie. lime juice, lemon juice, russian standard vodka, & the splash of simple syrup.  Then it is poured into a martini glass and garnished with a cucumber

Midnight Sun (Courtesy of Prandial Restaurant) 

• 1/2 oz-Karlsson’s Gold vodka
•  1/2 oz- St. Germain 
•  1/2 oz- Lemon juice
•  1/2 oz- Simple syrup

 Shake ingredients well with ice. Strain over ice into a highball glass and garnish with a lemon.

Daria’s Melon (Courtesy of Galli Restaurant)

•  Muddle Water Melon
•  3/4 pink peppercorn simple syrup
• 1/2 oz Campari 
• 1/2 oz bombay sapphire 
• 1/2 oz Lemon Juice

Garnish with a slice of watermelon! Enjoy.

Blooming Honeydew Spritzer (Courtesy of Pucker Vodka)
2 parts Pucker Sour Apple Sass Vodka
5 chunks of Honeydew Melon
1 part Lemon Juice
1 part Agave Nectar
Prosecco
Add honeydew melon to a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add vodka, lemon juice and agave nectar to the cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously, double strain over ice and pour into chilled wine glass. Top with Prosecco.

Manzana Menta (Courtesy of of Tequila Partida)
1¾ oz. Partida Blanco
1 oz. unfiltered apple juice
½ oz. fresh lime juice
¼ oz. Grand Marnier
Mint
Shake all ingredients with ice and double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with mint sprig. No need to muddle the mint. The ice in the shaker will break up the mint. Nice winter flavors with a hint of mint.

The Broken Flower (Courtesy of Broken Shed Vodka)
1 part Broken Shed Vodka
1 part Soda water
Healthy drop of Elderflower liqueur
Serve with a slice of cucumber.

Chandon Petal Power (Courtesy of Chandon)
1 Hibiscus flower (wild hibiscus flowers in syrup). Made by the Wild Hibiscus Flower Company of Australia; available at Whole Foods.
½ tbsp syrup from the jar of wild hibiscus flowers
1 small drop of rose water
Combine Hibiscus flower, syrup and rose water in a Champagne flute. Top with Chandon Blanc de Noirs and serve immediately.

Fraise Sauvage (Courtesy of Cafe Tallulah)
1 ¼  oz. Plymouth Gin
½ oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 ounce simple syrup
½ oz. Wild Strawberry Puree
2 oz. demi-sec Champagne
1 half strawberry, for garnish
Pour all ingredients except Champagne into a mixing glass. Add large, cold ice, cover and shake vigorously for 7-8 seconds. Pour champagne into a chilled cocktail-martini glass and pour the cocktail over it. Garnish with half a strawberry.

The Don Johnson (Courtesy of James Menite, Crown)
1 ½ oz. Ultimat Vodka
¾ oz.  pomegranate liqueur
¾ oz.  blood orange liqueur
½ oz. white cranberry juice

Garnish with a blood orange wedge. Serve in a chilled coupette or martini glass.

Maple Sour (Courtesy of Tequila Partida)
1¾ oz. Partida Reposado
¾ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. maple syrup
¼ oz. simple syrup
Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain over fresh ice into an Old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with lemon twist. Note: Tasty winter Sour. You can also add egg white for a great finish to the cocktail and this drink can also be served up.

Milestone Mojito (Courtesy of Tony Abou-Ganim & Shellback Rum)
1½ oz. Shellback Spiced rum
1 oz. house made ginger syrup
1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
12-14 fresh mint leaves
1 mandarin quartered (substitute: several kumquats sliced)
Chilled soda water
In a Highball glass, lightly muddle lime juice, ginger syrup, kumquats and mint leaves. Add crushed ice and Shellback Spiced rum.  Stir until outside of glass begins to frost. top with chilled soda water. Garnish with mint sprig.

Sultry Spring Bloom (Courtesy of Pucker Vodka)
1 ¾ parts Pucker Watermelon Wow Vodka
2 parts Cucumber Juice
Splash Fresh Lime Juice
¾ part Simple Syrup
Watermelon Candy Slice
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled highball glass. Garnish with a Watermelon candy slice.

Anjou (Courtesy of Lexington Brass)
2 oz. Grey Goose Pear
1 oz. Clove Simple Syrup
1 oz. Lemon Juice
1 oz. Ginger Beer
Build items in tin. Shake. Strain into martini glass. Garnish with clove.

Tall Tale (Courtesy of Familia Camarena Tequila)
2 oz. Camarena Silver Tequila
1 oz. Lemon Juice
½ oz. Agave Nectar
2 Cucumber Wheels
2 Blackberries
2 oz. Ginger Beer
Muddle cucumber and blackberries in a mixing glass. Add tequila, lemon juice, agave nectar and ice. Shake and strain into a tall glass with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with cucumber wheel.

 

 

HARD Love Affair

• Strawberry vodka
• strawberry schnapps
• splash of OJ
• splash of cranberry juice
• HARD® CLUB

Mix & Enjoy!

HARD Art Basel

•  Muddled Basil and lemon
• Elderflower Liquor
• Pear Vodka
•  HARD® CITRON

Mix & Enjoy!

Not a big sipper? Try the new Hornitos Tequila Lime Shot! The shot combines Hornitos Plata 100& blue agave tequila with refreshing lime and a hint of salt, completely transforming the world of drinking.

#DealAlert Tacos & Tequila at Tenth Avenue Burrito

This month, I’ve been going home every so often to clean my room since I’ve moved out since I have time, and to just get my thoughts together. Oh yeah, can’t forget of course spending time with friends & family. Last week, one of my best friend’s, Sam who is in graduate school was coming home for her spring break so we decided we’d hang out since I had time and didn’t mind coming down. I saw her earlier in the afternoon and had to pick a place for us to grab dinner that night along with our friend Katie.

 I was scrolling through Facebook that afternoon and saw that 10th Ave Burrito (which has been featured in Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives) had a $10 All You Can Eat (AYCE) Taco Special. That sounded great and since Christie granted the places that have their seasonal liquor license early since the Belmar St. Patrick’s Day parade was the week earlier, they had their liquor license. Going by the beach followed by tacos, tequila, and a three musketeer reunion (what my girls and I call ourselves), what could be better?

Before we went to 10th Ave Burrito we wanted to see how Belmar looked since Sandy, it was devastating– the boardwalk was barely there. We saw what we wanted and were starving. When we first arrived we were seated immediately, we each took a look at the drink menu and ordered our tequila cocktails. I started off with The Oaxaca Old Fashioned which was served in a martini glass, it was really delicious and a deal for only $7. Katie & Sam each got the Tequila Sunrise ($6) which they loved!

Next, we ordered our AYCE tacos– Katie & I started with steak tacos and Sam stuck with chicken the whole night. The way the AYCE tacos works at 10th Ave Burrito is that you start off with two tacos of your choice, when you feel your getting low and want to order your next round, you can (any kind of taco excluding shrimp). Sam stuck to chicken but I tried the chicken, fish, and chorizo. Katie tried the chorizo and chicken. We both liked steak best and Sam really enjoyed the chicken tacos. The three of us sort of had a contest of who could eat the most, Katie & I were close but I won.

We got to the meet the owner of 10th Ave Burrito while we were there. He was incredibly friendly and is constantly making sure everyone is enjoying their meal there. Our waitress was very attentive and was always there when we were ready to order another round of tacos. The tequila cocktails are great and are reasonably priced for what you get. The tacos are delicious and you get a ton of food, especially if  you eat a lot for $10!

I had such a great experience and loved dinner so much that I definitely want to come back when I’m home again soon!

Cheers!

10th Ave Burrito is located at 801 Belmar Plaza in Belmar, NJ

How to Make The Perfect Old-Fashioned

For all you cocktail drinkers out there, it is important to not only love what you’re drinking, but to know what you’re drinking, as well! I always love trying new and creative cocktails and learning how they are made. Some of the best cocktails come from classic recipes with a twist. A simple, yet delicious cocktail is the Old-Fashioned. This cocktail originated in the late 1800s and by the 1960s, it was considered an unusual drink to request at a bar. Alas, it has made it’s way back to mainstream and we are sure happy about it. Broken Shed Vodka, which originated in New Zealand, puts their own twist on this classic drink by subbing the usual bourbon or whiskey for vodka. Try out their recipe below and let us know what you think!

Old Fashioned

• 3 oz. Broken Shed vodka
• 3 dash bitters
• 1 sugar cube
• Zest of lemon/orange/grapefruit
• Garnish- flamed or not

In glass, add sugar cube with bitters and few slices of zest, add 3 oz vodka and 4 cubes ice. Stir for 10-15 seconds. Garnish.

Drink Like a Leprechaun – St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails

Another March, another St. Patty’s Day. If, like me, you’ve grown tired of all the pub crawls, than concocting your own delightful cup ‘o’ gold is the perfect solution. Whether you are hosting your own party, entertaining friends, or just relaxing by yourself, any of these unique and festively appropriate cocktails will do. Check out our round-up of the most Irish of them all!

Irish Mojito (Courtesy of Benjamin Steak House)
1 ½ oz. Bacardi Limon
½ oz. Crème de meth
Muddled mint leaves & lime
3 packets of sugar

Muddle mint leaves and lime. Add ice and Bacardi, shake, and strain into a martini glass. Sink crème de menthe (which floats to the bottom), garnish with a mint and a lime, and enjoy!

Kilbeggan Dubliner (Courtesy of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey)
3 parts Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
2 parts Sweet Vermouth
1½ parts Cherry Syrup
1½ parts Cranberry Juice
Dash Simple Syrup (optional)

Combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake for 60 seconds. Strain neat into a martini glass. Garnish with a black cherry.

Shamrock Shaker (Courtesy of Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs)
1/3 Cup Vodka
1/3 Cup Sour Apple Schnapps
1/3 Cup Lemonade
1/3 Cup Sprite
1 Granny Smith Apple
Cinnamon Sugar Mix

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake up the vodka, schnapps and lemonade. Rim the martini glass with cinnamon sugar mix. Pour into a martini glass and top off with Sprite. Garnish with a Granny Smith apple slice cut into the shape of a shamrock (simply use a shamrock cookie cutter).

Sauza Lucky Rita (Courtesy of Sauza Blue Tequila)
2 parts Sauza Blue 100% Agave Silver Tequila
1 part Dekuyper Melon Liqueur
4 parts limeade
Sugar

In a shaker filled with ice combine all ingredients and shake to chill. Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice and rimmed with sugar. Garnish with a lime. Serves 8.

Nixie (Courtesy of NoMa Social)
2 oz. Milagro Silver Tequila
1/2 oz. Triple Sec
Juice of 1/2 a fresh lime
2 Serrano peppers (one cut in to quarters and one whole, with a slit cut in the end)
1 large strawberry (cut in to quarters)
Crushed ice

In a large mixing shaker, muddle the lime juice, the quartered Serrano pepper & the strawberry until pulpy. Fill shaker with crushed ice. Add the tequila & the triple sec. Shake vigorously. Pour mixer in to a martini glass & garnish rim with whole Serrano pepper.

Irish Spring (Courtesy of Upstairs at The Kimberly Hotel)
1 1/2 oz. Jameson Irish Whisky
3/4 oz. Midouri
1 oz. Grapefruit Juice
1 oz. White Cranberry
1/2 oz. Lemon Juice

Shake & pour on the rocks.

Bloody Mary (Courtesy of Brother Jimmy’s)
1 (46-ounce) can tomato juice
1/4 cup prepared white horseradish
1 3/4 teaspoons Frank’s Red Hot Sauce
1 3/4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 3/4 teaspoons celery salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Cruzan Irish Cherry Soda (Courtesy of Cruzan Rum)
1 part Irish Whiskey
1 part Cruzan Black Cherry
1 part Lemon Lime Soda

Build over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with a cherry and lime.

Sassy Shamrock (Courtesy of Pucker Vodka)
1 ½ parts Pucker Sour Apple Sass Vodka
1 part Lemon Juice
½ part Simple Syrup
½ part Elderflower Liqueur
Soda

Add first four ingredients to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and strain. Pour into a Collins glass and top with soda.

Kilbeggan Irish Storm (Courtesy of Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey)
1½ parts Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
3 parts Ginger Beer
1 part Fresh Lemon Sour

Build all ingredients over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Sauza Sour Apple Margarita (Courtesy of Sauza Blue Tequila)
1 can frozen limeade
1 cup apple juice
1/2 cup Sauza Blue Silver 100% Agave Tequila
1/4 cup DeKuyper Sour Apple Pucker
1 Granny Smith apple
1 Lime

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher filled with ice. Mix well. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve chilled or over ice. Garnish with an apple slice. Serves 4. Enjoy!

Cruzan Pot of Gold (Courtesy of Cruzan Rum)
1 1/2 parts Cruzan 9 Spiced Rum
3/4 part DeKuyper Orange Curacao
3/4 part Fresh Orange Juice
2 parts Fresh Lemon Sour

Shake ingredients together with ice and strain into a cinnamon and sugar-rimmed cocktail glass. Garnish with a flamed orange peel.

Black Opal (Courtesy of Jacques Bezuidenhout)
1 1/2 oz. Partida Reposado
1 1/2 oz. Guinness Draft
1/2 oz. Tawny Port
1/4 oz. Agave Nectar (Cut with water. So the Agave Nectar is cut with equal parts water as we do with the Marg)
Dash of Angostura Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled wine glass or small pint glass without ice. Garnish with some grated or ground cinnamon powder. Guinness Note: Take a pint of Guinness before hand and use a bar spoon to stir it up for about 30 secs. This removes some of the Co2.

Over the Rainbowjito (Courtesy of Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs)
1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
4 Fresh Mint Leaves
2 Teaspoons Sugar
1/2 Cup brewed and chilled Green Tea
1 ounce white rum

In a zombie glass, muddle the lime juice, mint and sugar together until the leaves are lightly bruised. Add ice until the glass is almost full and then pour in the rum and green tea. Stir.

Nothing Poor about Doyle’s Pour House

I’m Arlene, Empty Nester of Small Chick Big Deals. This weekend started out in the south Jersey shore area. Just some adults looking for some good food at a good price and some good company. Friday night, decided to meet up with some friends from southern jersey in a town about halfway between us is Barnegat. Heard there was a Doyle’s Pour House that had opened there. I’ve been to the one in Tuckerton and found they had some unique menu items and a comfort food/Irish bar atmosphere. It sounded just right for some adults on a Friday night. We met our friends there and they told us there was a 30 minute wait. Okay, on a Friday night, I could live with that. The bar was full, so we waited and chatted by the doors with our call buzzer in hand. Now, when I say the bar was full this was a bar that wrapped around 1/3 of the restaurant. There are also 2 pool tables on the opposite wall that were busy as well.

Guiness Stew

Once seated, we had great service. Drinks brought promptly and well made. I had an Absolute martini and it was made absolutely perfect with 3 olives. Now a little thing that is my own particular pet peeve about martinis; if you served martinis, you should be serving them with nice sized olives, not little salad olives. Here, Doyle’s gets an A+ with 3 huge, healthy olives. One of the specials was a Guinness stew served over mashed potatoes. One of my buddies and I decided to order that and the stew was great. The stew covered the mashed potatoes and filled the plate it was served in. The meat fell apart, no need for a knife for this meal. It was comfort food at some of its best. You know I’ll be going back to Doyle’s.

Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Valentine’s Day comes but once a year, and when it does, make sure you are prepared to woo your beau. We’ve rounded up some of the most delicious V-Day libations, which are sure to impress whoever you are romancing. We’ve even thrown in a naughty wine that you can try at a NYC hot spot! Check out the list below, whip one up (with love, of course) and have a Valentine’s Day to remember!

Cupid’s Kiss

Cupids Kiss

Served at The 40/40 Club

• 3oz of D’USSE
• 1oz watermelon pucker
• Splash of simple syrup
• Splash of sour mix
• Muddled lemon wedges

Shake and serve in martini glass

Pink Cosmo 

Pink Cosmo

Served at Sotto 13

•  2 oz. Tito’s Vodka
• 1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
• 3.4 oz. Cranberry juice
• 1 Squeezed lime wedge
• 3 Dashes of Rose

Shake & garnish with lime wheel on glass

The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart

Served at Spice Market

• 1 3/4 oz. Bourbon
• 3/4 oz. Lime juice
• 1/4 oz. Simple Syrup
• 3/4  oz. Hibiscus Base
• 4  dashes of Cherry Bitters

Combine all ingredients and shake well. Pour into a highball glass. Enjoy!

Valentina

Valentina

Created by Mixologist Esther Gonzalez at the Bryant Park Hotel Cellar Bar

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Cherry vodka
• 2.5 oz. Tres Leches Liqueur
• 1 oz. Cherry Morello Puree (blend with simple sugar half & half)
• 1 oz. Valrhona white chocolate (melted)*
• 2 oz. Valrhona  dark chocolate (melted)*
• Pineapple juice
• Red sugar crystal  – glass rim
• Mint leaves for garnish

Supplies:
2 small plastic dispenser bottles with a narrow spout for melted chocolate sauces
Cold Martini Glass – place martini glasses in the refrigerator overnight

Directions to melt chocolate:
Set up a baine marie (double boiler). Place the chocolate in small pieces in the pot and stir very slowly  With a wooden spoon. Make sure the temperature is kept at medium heat .  Do not overheat the chocolate. Once the chocolate is melted put it aside, but still on top of the baine marie.  Place chocolate sauces in the containers while still hot.

Directions for cocktail:
In a shallow bowl or plate, place the pineapple and rim the martini glass. Place the red sugar crystals  in a plate and very slowly coat  the rim of the martini glass. Give a second or two for the sugar to adhere to the glass rim.

Slowly pour the white chocolate sauce around the middle of the glass. Creating a belt like look. Slowly pour the dark chocolate sauce right on top of the white chocolate sauce, do not mix together. Slowly pour the dark chocolate sauce under the red sugar crystals on the rim of the glass. It might be easier to turn the glass sideways. Place the glass back in the freezer  to keep cold and have the chocolate sauce set.

In a shaker mix the Tres Leches  and  Cherry Vodka with ice. Shake once. Take the glass out and pour the Morello Cherry Puree up to the rim of the white chocolate. Using a spoon, pour the mixture of Tres Leches and Cherry Vodka slowly to keep the puree. Separate. Garnish with Mint leaves.

Midtown

Midtown

Served at Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel

• 5 fresh raspberries- muddle
• ¼ oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice (or juice from half a lemon)
• 2 oz. sweetened chamomile tea
• *1½ oz. bourbon (Maker’s Mark or Woodford)

Serve in a snifter glass without ice. Garnish with a rose petal or lemon wheel.

Rose Gimlet

Rose Gimlet

Created by Canard, Inc. (SCBD loves Canard Inc.!)

• 1.25 oz rosehip-infused gin*
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice (or substitute 1 oz Rose’s lime juice for simple syrup and fresh lime juice)
• 3 drops rose water
• Edible rose petals (for ganish)
• *1/2 cup dried rosehips
• *1L bottle of your favorite gin

Pour gin in a large pitcher, add dried rose hips and cover pitcher. Leave in a warm place (on the counter should work) overnight. The infused gin can then be returned to the bottle and kept for future use, or can be strained and used immediately.

Shake infused gin, simple syrup, lime juice, and rose water with ice and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with edible rose petals.

G-E-M 

G-E-M

Served at Alobar

• 1 oz. Rye
• 1 oz. Silver Rum
• 1 oz. Ramazzotti Amaro
• ¼ oz. Luxardo cherry syrup
• ¼ oz. sweet vermouth

Serve chilled in a martini glass. Garnish with Luxardo cherry.

Cupid’s Kiss 

Cupid’s Kiss

Courtesy of Pucker Vodka

• 1 1⁄2 parts Pucker Vodka Raspberry Rave
• 2 parts Pomegranate Juice
• Splash Lime Juice
• 3-4 dashes Orange Bitters
• 1 part Lemon-Lime Soda

Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker over ice. Shake and pour into rocks glass.

Cranberry Caviar Cocktail

Cranberry Caviar Cocktail

Created by Canard, Inc. 

• 3 oz. of sparkling vodka
• 1.5 oz. of triple sec
• splash of white cranberry
• lime wedges (for garnish)
• 5 grams sodium alginate
• 500 grams cranberry juice
• 10 grams calcium chloride
• 1500 grams cold water
• 1 syringe

To make Cranberry Caviar, mix sodium alginate and cranberry juice and blend well with hand blender. Let liquid sit for 3-4 hours to release any gasses. Whisk together calcium chloride and water in large bowl until well combined. Fill the syringe with the cranberry mixture. Begin to push droplets from the syringe into the calcium-water bath. Keep in mind, the longer the droplets sit the less juicy the “caviar” will be. Gently remove caviar from bath with slotted spoon, and place in another dish/bowl filled with cold water to gently rinse them off. Combine vodka, triple sec, and white cranberry and shake with ice to chill. Pour into a martini glass, garnish with cranberry caviar and lime twist, and serve straight up.

Soffocone

And if none of those fun recipes strike your fancy or you’d rather be pampered than do the pampering, head to A Voce for a fun and very flirty treat. The restaurant will be serving 18 L bottles of Soffocone Di Vincigliata Toscana by the glass for $25, quartino for $37.50, or the carafe for $125. Soffocone translates to fellatio and the oversized bottle is the only one available in the US. The bottle wasn’t even permitted across the border until the X-rated label of this Blow Job Wine was revised. Naughty, naughty!

 

Spodiva – Spiked Hot Chocolate

Since it’s getting colder and the snow is finally coming down, now is the perfect time to warm up with a nice hot cocktail. Bar master Chris James of The Ryland Inn, located in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, created the perfect spiked hot chocolate recipe called the Spodiva. In the cocktail, Chris uses Spodee, a spice wine meets moonshine liquor, along with other choice ingredients.  Feel free to head to the historic restaurant and have him whip you up a cocktail, or make it yourself using the recipe below!

Spodiva from The Ryland Inn

Spodiva – a hot chocolate cocktail
The Ryland Inn’s Christopher James

Ingredients

• 1 oz. SPODEE Wine and Shine
• 1 oz. heavy cream
• 1 oz. dark creme de cacao
• 1/2 oz. 2:1 simple syrup

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a cappuccino frothing mug.
2. Hold under cappuccino wand and froth for 30 seconds.
3. Pour ingredients into a punch cup and serve steaming hot.
4. Garnish with freshly ground cinnamon.

Enjoy!

The Martini Glass Every #JerseyGirl Should Have…Cheers To Being A #JerseyGirl!

Looking for the perfect gift for the Jersey Girl in your life? Then look no further then the Jersey Girls Martini Glass by Designs by Lolita ($24 value).

The glass has Jersey Girls written right in the middle of it (shown above) and has cute little Jersey sayings around it like a ferris wheel with Atlantic City, the parkway sign, hairspray, and more. Oh yeah I can’t forget it says that we don’t pump our own gas! I love how fun, cute and creative it is!

It also comes in the signature Designs by Lolita gift box and a recipe for the “Jersey Girls” Martini (shown below).

This glass is an ideal gift for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any celebration!

Cheers! 😀

*Disclaimer: The PR team sent me this product. I was not required to write about these experiences and my opinions are my own and unbiased.*

#SCBD ‘Spiked’ Adult Chocolate Milk Recipe

Ever have one of those days when you need a nightcap? Bailey’s Irish Cream has to be one of my favorite liquors, it’s flavorful, creamy and can be used in many cocktails & desserts. It can also be used in cocktails like spiked chocolate milk.

Here’s my recipe for simple yet delicious ‘spiked’ adult chocolate milk…

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Milk of choice (you may need more or less depending on your glass size)
• 1 shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 1 teaspoon of Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup

Instructions:

1. In a glass of your choice pour milk, shot of Bailey’s, & chocolate syrup.
2. If you have a stirrer, stir to your liking if not use a spoon and mix it together so it looks like chocolate milk. Feel free to use or more less chocolate syrup and Bailey’s depending on how strong & chocolate tasting you like it.
3. Once it’s the way you like it– sip & enjoy!

This recipe is so simple and delicious, perfect for dessert or a nightcap. Next time you think of buying a bottle of Adult Chocolate Milk, think again, the recipe is simple and only requires three ingredients!

Cheers!