Articles about cocktails

D: The Broadcast: Jason Kosmas Shakes Up a Watermelon Cobbler

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 13th, 2013 11:16am | filed under cocktails, Mixology is fancy for bartender | Be The First To Comment


Dallas mixologist Jason Kosmas appeared on D: The Broadcast. I post this because he shows you how to make a drink that is perfect for this weekend. I’ve put the recipe below. Continue reading "D: The Broadcast: Jason Kosmas Shakes Up a Watermelon Cobbler"

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Drink This Now: Sol-A-Rita at Lazaranda Modern Kitchen & Tequila

posted by Nancy Nichols | June 12th, 2013 12:25pm | filed under 'Burbalicious, Beverages, cocktails, frozen treats | Be The First To Comment

photo (3)A couple of weeks ago, I had dinner at Lazaranda Modern Kitchen & Tequila on Beltline. For kicks and potential good copy, I ordered a Sol-A-Rita, a gimmicky goblet of a frozen margarita with a mini-bottle of Sol beer inverted in the slush. The drink was a pleasant surprise. The lime juice is freshly squeezed, and the beer is slowly released into the mix. It’s a terrific way to pass the time on a hot summer night.

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What To Drink Now: Blue Chair Bay Rum with Kenny Chesney

posted by Hayley Hamilton | May 13th, 2013 9:54am | filed under celebrity sightings, cocktails, Wine & Spirits | 3 Comments »

blue chair bayThis weekend was ideal for country music and spirits lovers as the Kenny Chesney 2013 No Shoes Nation concert Saturday night also featured the launch of his new rum inspired by sitting in the sunshine in the Caribbean islands sipping rum without anywhere to go or anything to do.  After much thought and research he finally settled on creating his Blue Chair Bay Rum at a small distillery in Barbados just a few feet away from the beach, partnering with Savvy Drinks to create his lifestyle of the islands in a bottle.

Having spent a little time in the Caribbean, I can easily understand how the lifestyle of living on a white sandy beach, listening to music, sipping clean island rum and doing nothing is infectious, if you can bottle that I am immediately there!  And he did.  The White Rum, Coconut Rum and Coconut Spiced Rum are all true to their island inspired name, filled with sweet vanilla, tropical fruit and spice.  I was unable to attend the launch but had a chance to try a sample of all three and a few cocktails, given to me by the producers, before the event. I particularly liked the coconut spiced rum filled with a luscious combination of toasted coconut, warm baking spices like cinnamon and cloves and sweet vanilla. Delicate and smooth, ideal for sipping on their own or mixing into your favorite cocktail. I liked it just mixed with club soda and a sprig of fresh mint.

The product is just now launching and will be available throughout Dallas shortly, each retailing for less than $20 a bottle.  Follow the jump for recipes. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Blue Chair Bay Rum with Kenny Chesney"

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What To Drink Now: Derby Day/Cinco de Mayo – Get Ready For A Fun Weekend!

posted by Hayley Hamilton | April 30th, 2013 10:00am | filed under cocktails, margaritas, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

I like having an entire weekend to celebrate with Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo back to back..having them on the same day last year just about did me in, so this Saturday/Sunday combo allows for a little spacing out of your tequila and whiskey cocktails.  If you need a little inspiration consider one of these for toasting this weekend.  A few spirit samples and recipes were sent for editorial consideration.

Blood Orange MargaritaBlood Orange Margarita
1½ parts Tequila Avión
¾ part Cointreau
1 part Blood Orange Juice
½ part Fresh Sour Mix
Directions: In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients with ice.  Shake and strain; best served over fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Derby Day/Cinco de Mayo – Get Ready For A Fun Weekend!"

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Ocho Kitchen and Bar Celebrates Spring With New Dishes and Cocktails

posted by Hayley Hamilton | April 25th, 2013 11:43am | filed under Chefs, cocktails, Mexican Revolution, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »
BBQ Chicken sope topped with apple and onion slaw (photos by Ariel Gonzalez)

BBQ Chicken sope topped with apple and onion slaw (photos by Ariel Gonzalez)

If you are in the mood for a healthy (yes, healthy) take on Mexican/Tex-Mex inspired fare, Ocho Kitchen and Bar may be the spot for you. Chef Joel Harloff tweaks typical Mexican favorites to create a lively menu filled with fresh flavors that are both heart healthy and many, gluten free, like his Cilantro-Caper Salmon Ceviche and The Benjamin grilled chicken fajitas.  Last night Chef Harloff invited a handful of local media folks out to his 8Bar upstairs for a tasting of a few of his new menu offerings, paired with seasonal cocktails. Healthy eating and tasty spirits? I had to attend and taste as his guest.

Jump for more and a look at Ariel Gonzalez’s beautiful photos. Continue reading "Ocho Kitchen and Bar Celebrates Spring With New Dishes and Cocktails"

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DIFF, The Rangers and The Final Four Give Us Reasons To Toast this Weekend

posted by Hayley Hamilton | April 5th, 2013 10:21am | filed under cocktails, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Wine & Spirits |

In addition to all the wonderful things spring brings, it also brings the start of baseball season…joyous for this Ranger fan, with opening day at The Ballpark happening in just hours, along with the end of college basketball for the year.  If you can’t make it out to opening day, or had your basketball bracket blow up and need a distraction from the games this weekend, consider mixing up one of these tasty cocktails.

ballpark cocktailThe Ballpark Diamond
1 1/2 parts Maker’s Mark
Cold Ginger Beer
Directions:  In tall glass, add cubed ice, mix 1 1/2 parts of Maker’s Mark and fill to top with Ginger Beer.

The Red Thread
1 1/4 parts Maker’s Mark
Soda Water
Splash Cranberry Juice
Lime Wedge
Directions: Fill rocks glass with cubed ice, add Maker’s Mark, soda water and a splash of cranberry juice and garnish with a lime wedge. Continue reading "DIFF, The Rangers and The Final Four Give Us Reasons To Toast this Weekend"

What To Drink Now: Easter Cocktails

posted by Hayley Hamilton | March 28th, 2013 9:04am | filed under cocktails, Easter, Wine & Spirits |

Easter not only launches the season where we can officially wear white, it is also the real launch of spring.  If you are looking for a pastel pink, mint green or baby blue cocktail to enjoy with your Easter brunch this weekend consider one of these tasty treats.  Though not as good as a chocolate bunny…what is? These are a great way to leisurely enjoy a warm spring afternoon.

Easter BunnyEaster Bunny Cocktail
MARTINI® Prosecco
1 scoop raspberry sorbet or 1 scoop lemon sorbet
2 or 3 blueberries
Directions – Add raspberry or lemon sorbet to a chilled champagne flute and fill with MARTINI® Prosecco. Garnish with blueberries. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Easter Cocktails"

What To Drink Now: Lucky Green Cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day

posted by Hayley Hamilton | March 14th, 2013 10:46am | filed under cocktails, St. Patrick's Day, Wine & Spirits |

Hopefully you will be feeling the luck of the Irish this weekend.  If you are still looking for a tasty green cocktail to enjoy consider mixing one of these up for your St. Paddy’s Day holiday merriment.  A few selections were sent for editorial consideration.

EmeraldCrushEmerald Crush
2 oz Blue Ice Organic Wheat Vodka
1/2 organic kiwi, peeled
1/2 organic lime, cut into quarters
1 teaspoon organic sugar
Directions:  Muddle fruit and sugar in a mixing glass until well crushed and juicy. Add ice and vodka and shake vigorously. Pour all contents over ice into a tall tumbler and drink with straws.

Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Lucky Green Cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day"

What To Drink Now: Cocktails to Make Oscar Smile

posted by Hayley Hamilton | February 21st, 2013 1:43pm | filed under cocktails, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Wine & Spirits | 2 Comments »

Sunday night the biggest names and brightest Hollywood stars gather to celebrate Oscar and the 85th annual Academy Awards.  Oscar night is a big night in our house, as movies are one of the most loved and time honored past times in America.   Though there are already some upsets this year, especially in the Best Director category, the evening will no doubt be one to celebrate….if for nothing else the honoring of James Bond.  If you are looking for a few tasty libations to help this along, either by toasting the winners or crying with the losers, here are a few nicely themed suggestions.  A few selections were sent for editorial consideration.

Vesper Martini Cocktail Image, JPEGFor James Bond, a classic…shaken not stirred.

Vesper Martini
3 parts Hendrick’s Gin
1 part Stoli Gold
1 part Lillet Blanc
Directions:  Shake it very well until it is ice cold and strain into a martini glass.  Garnish with a thin slice of lemon peel. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Cocktails to Make Oscar Smile"

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What To Drink Now: Valentine’s Cocktails for You and Your Sweetie

posted by Hayley Hamilton | February 10th, 2013 9:09am | filed under cocktails, Food, Valentines Day, Wine & Spirits |

Still looking for the perfect drink on Valentine’s? If you’re trying to create an air of romance, or just whip up something fun and creative on Valentine’s night, consider one of these tasty cocktails that will put you in the mood for love.

Wild Strawberry Seduction
2 oz. SKYY Infusions Wild Strawberry
1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz. Apple Juice
½ oz. Honey Solution
2 Medium Basil Leaves
2 Medium Strawberries
Directions:Muddle basil, strawberries and lemon juice. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and double strain into coupe glass.

Pomosa
4 oz Sparkling Wine
1 oz Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
Directions: Pour chilled Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka into a flute.  Top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry.

Cupid’s Cuvée
1 ounce Shellback Spiced Rum
3/4 ounce Sloe Gin
1/2 ounce Falernum
2 ounces Brut Champagne
Lemon Twist Garnish
Directions:  Combine liquids except champagne in cocktail shaker with ice. Stir or shake according to preference. Strain into chilled flute. Top with Brut Champagne. Garnish with lemon twist.

Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Valentine’s Cocktails for You and Your Sweetie"

The Happy Hostess Presents a Dinner for Two: Valentine’s at Home (Recipes Included)

posted by Lesley Mann Lynch | February 5th, 2013 11:00am | filed under cocktails, Happy Hostess, Uncategorized, Valentines Day | 1 Comment »

Chocolate-hazelnut cake with chocolate-banana ganache and raspberries.

For those of you wishing to avoid the crowds of people rushing out for their prix fixe this Valentine’s Day, plan an intimate dinner at home. You can spend the money you save on a day-after couples’ massage.

Blood orange and champagne cocktail

Normally, I would give tons of advice about how to get the pasta from the kitchen to the table in less than a minute or how to time your courses, but I won’t. The whole point of eating in for Valentine’s Day is that you can eat at 5:30 or 10:30, or you could never get past the cocktails and leek and chard tarts. Chocolate ganache can be better for breakfast anyway.

Well, perhaps a few pieces of advice are in order. If you want to eat this savory tart (jump to see the photo) as badly as I do, you need to remember one crucial point: the puff pastry must be defrosted in the fridge the day before you bake the tart. You really don’t want to see how ugly a last-minute defrost of puff pastry can be in the microwave. And, really, I w0uld be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you that you really must have your butter and asparagus shavings ready the moment you pull your pasta from the boiling water. Fun can be structured. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

 

Continue reading "The Happy Hostess Presents a Dinner for Two: Valentine’s at Home (Recipes Included)"

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What To Drink Now: Super Bowl Super Cocktails

posted by Hayley Hamilton | January 31st, 2013 9:27am | filed under cocktails, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Super Bowl, Wine & Spirits |

As another season of football draws to a close, yet again without the Cowboy’s in the prime spot. This Super Bowl Sunday celebrate the tradition of the day along with the teams with a frosty beverages and tasty snacks that will make any party a hit.  Need a little inspiration?  Shake up one of these cocktails this weekend, it will make watching the game much more fun.

Harbaugh Bloody Sunday
4 ounces Jalapeño-Infused Camarena Silver Tequila*
3 ounces Fresh-Squeezed Blood Orange Juice
1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
2 ounces Orange Liqueur
Directions:  In a cocktail shaker, combine jalapeño-infused Camarena Silver Tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice and Cointreau. Fill with ice, shake and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with a blood orange peel.
*Jalapeño-Infused Camarena Silver Tequila – Slice up a fresh jalapeño pepper and allow it to steep in 1 cup of Camarena Silver Tequila for 2 hours. Remove the slices by pouring the mixture through a mess strainer. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Super Bowl Super Cocktails"

What To Drink Now: A Toast To National Pie Day

posted by Hayley Hamilton | January 23rd, 2013 9:31am | filed under cocktails, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Wine & Spirits |

Happy National Pie Day!  To celebrate this sweet occasion, without indulging in flaky pastry and too much whipped cream, consider shaking one of these pie inspired cocktails to toast a day all about dessert.

I love Blueberry Pie, especially in the summer when all the berries are super sweet and juicy.  Enjoy this cocktail all year instead.

Blueberry-tini
1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Açai-Blueberry Vodka
1/2 oz Triple Sec
3 oz Pomegranate-Blueberry juice
Splash club soda
Directions: Pour ingredients into shaker. Shake until chilled then pour into a martini
glass. Garnish with skewered blueberries. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: A Toast To National Pie Day"

What To Drink Now: Art In The Age Cocktails

posted by Hayley Hamilton | January 4th, 2013 12:35pm | filed under cocktails, Wine & Spirits | 2 Comments »

It is a new year, why not add a little kick to your cocktail with a spirit that includes all the spiciness you need right in the bottle.  Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction Craft Spirits (say that 5 times fast) is quite an interesting and innovative little brand that has created a line of spirits dedicated to bringing back flavors you loved as a child (root beer, gingersnaps, strawberry pie) through liqueurs with natural spice filled flavors.  Whether sipped on their own over ice with a simple squeeze of citrus or blended into cocktails each sugar cane based, 80 proof liqueur brings a unique edge to any cocktail gathering or celebratory occasion.  The brand, a part of the William Grant and Sons portfolio, has created four different spirits so far, SNAP, ROOT, RHUBARB and the most recent addition, SAGE, each made with a variety of different herbs and spices, capturing the essence of their name and each USDA certified organic.

I recently had a chance to try each of the Art in the Age spirits on their own and mixed into fresh and seasonal drinks.  Here are some favorites and a little more about each spirit, keeping the basic idea in mind that you would use ROOT where you would use Rum; use SNAP where you would use Whiskey; and use RHUBARB Tea and SAGE where you would use Gin or Vodka.  Samples of each spirit were given for editorial consideration. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Art In The Age Cocktails"

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What To Drink Now: Last Minute New Years Cocktails

posted by Hayley Hamilton | December 31st, 2012 9:26am | filed under cocktails, New Year's Eve, Wine & Spirits |

Still looking for inspiration for tonight’s libations for your New Year’s Eve celebration?  Here are a few innovative and delicious cocktails to the rescue – mix up a batch of any of these ahead of time so all you have to do is add ice while enjoying your party.

Bubbly is the norm on New Year’s Eve, but you can transform your inexpensive glass of Cava or Prosecco with the addition of an array of liqueurs.  Add in floral St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, gingery Domaine de Canton Liqueur, fruity Chambord raspberry liqueur, spicy SNAP liqueur, or any array of other flavored liqueurs you may have in your liquor cabinet that will add an extra special touch to your favorite sparkler.  Add a few pomegranate seeds or raspberries for an additional special touch.

Or take the Champagne cocktail up a notch with this from Cointreau.

Sugar and Spice
½ oz. Remy Martin VSOP
½ oz. Cointreau
1 sugar cube
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Top with chilled Champagne
Build all ingredients in a chilled champagne flute.  Garnish with a long lemon twist. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Last Minute New Years Cocktails"

What To Drink Now: It’s The Holidays…Have a Cocktail

posted by Hayley Hamilton | November 30th, 2012 1:18pm | filed under cocktails, Holidays, Wine & Spirits | 1 Comment »

Thanksgiving has past…Black Friday and Cyber Monday are over, and if you managed to get through the eating and the start of the shopping, you are surely in store for a great holiday season.  Toast your survival and the season with a festive cocktail made with some of your favorite spirits.  Need some inspiration, consider mixing up one of these.

If this isn’t inspiration enough plan a visit to Sigel’s on Greenville Ave. next Wednesday for their Artisan/Craft Distillers event.  Over 65 spirits will be available for tasting and several of the craftiest distillers will be on hand to talk about their tasty products including Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson, Proprietors of  Firestone & Robertson Distillery in Fort Worth; Dan Garrison, Proprietor of Garrison Brother’s Distillery down in the Hill Country; Phil Prichard, Proprietor and Master Distiller of Prichard’s Distillery; and Mark Taverniti, Proprietor of Old Tahoe Distillery.  The event is free but an RSVP is required.  If you haven’t tried Dan Garrison’s Texas Whiskey, or any of these other artisanal libations, now is the time as they are all on sale for this event.
A few spirits samples for cocktails below were sent for editorial consideration.

Avión Autumn Apple
1 ½ parts Tequila Avión Silver
1 part lemon juice
1 part agave nectar
1 part fresh pressed apple juice
Directions – Add all ingredients into a shaker, shake and pour into a rocks glass. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: It’s The Holidays…Have a Cocktail"

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What To Drink Now: Halloween Libations

posted by Hayley Hamilton | October 25th, 2012 10:00am | filed under cocktails, Wine & Spirits | 4 Comments »

The time to celebrate goblins and ghouls is almost upon us, so raise a glass to your favorite scary witches, vampires and ghosts and enjoy a tasty treat this Halloween in liquid form.  Here are a few devilishly delicious ideas to enjoy on all Hallows Eve; some selections were sent for editorial consideration.

I am always in the mood for a glass of wine and these add a little fun to any party, not just on Halloween.

If Halloween makes you a little loony, try a glass of Lunatic White from Luna Wines.  An unexpected blend of 38% Albarino, 34% Malvasia Bianca, and 28% Chardonnay makes this a scene stealer at any party.  Filled with floral, fruit and spice notes, this white wine delivers the characteristics that you would hope from each variety included, and blends them together to create an approachable, food friendly and very fun white wine. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Halloween Libations"

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What To Drink Now: Cointreau at La Maison Cointreau

posted by Hayley Hamilton | October 23rd, 2012 2:36pm | filed under cocktails, Wine & Spirits |

Alfred Cointreau (left) with Cointreau Brand Ambassador Richard Lambert

Last night 200+ guests arrived at historic The Aldredge House on Swiss Ave. to be transported to a cocktail infused world courtesy of Cointreau, the orange liqueur created over 160 years ago in France that became best known in this area for its inclusion in our state’s favorite cocktail, the margarita.  However, Cointreau goes far past the traditional margarita for its cocktail uses, as the sweet orange and floral notes of this luscious liqueur mix well with anything from club soda to iced tea, and last night the La Maison Cointreau experience displayed how.   Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Cointreau at La Maison Cointreau"

What To Drink Now: New Spirits

posted by Hayley Hamilton | October 19th, 2012 3:16pm | filed under cocktails, Texas Spirits, Wine & Spirits | 4 Comments »

JEM Beverage Company Co-Partners (left to right) Ben Jenkins, Master Distiller Michael Pfeiffer, John Straits and Evan Batt

Spirits have come a long way in recent years, moving beyond the traditional brands to more artisanal products created with innovation, passion and determination in mind, and always keeping high quality and great taste in mind. Here are a few new spirit brands available in Dallas that embrace these ideas. A few selections were sent for editorial consideration. Continue reading "What To Drink Now: New Spirits"

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What To Drink Now: Columbus Day

posted by Hayley Hamilton | October 8th, 2012 9:39am | filed under cocktails, Silly Reasons to Celebrate, Wine & Spirits |

Statue of Christopher Columbus in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Where would we be without Christopher Columbus, so in honor of him and his day, here are some suggestions fitting to toast the adventurous Italian who, thanks to the Spanish monarchy, was finally able in 1492 to sail the wide ocean blue.
Several suggestions were sent for editorial consideration.

In honor of Columbus, Drink Italian wine -
The easy to drink Tuscan Rosato from Santa Christina will help anyone feel Italian. Made from a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, creating a wine with ripe strawberry, raspberry and cranberry with an approachable style that can be enjoyed with anything from light salads to pasta with a light tomato sauce.  Continue reading "What To Drink Now: Columbus Day"


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