Hot From The Kettle ®
Among good chefs seasonal cooking is expected. But what about seasonal mixology? Chefs are taking their produce to the bar and shaking up garden fresh cocktails fit for sipping on a sweltry summer night!
Here are two of the most creative "gartending" (bartending + garden = gartending) recipes I've come across. So, gather up some fruit and veg, and get mixing!
Vegans don’t like to celebrate or have fun, right? Wrong! Vegans love food, drink and celebrating just as much as everyone else! Veganism isn’t about depravation at all, it’s about celebrating life – the life of all living creatures.
I love summer, but I love fall too. I think the change of seasons will keep us here, in the Northeast, forever. The farmers' market is abundant with fall fruits and vegetables which inspired this meal.
It's apple season and this recipe for Hard Cider Sangria got me inspired. It's by Grace Parisi of Food and Wine, from the October 2012 issue.
I followed Grace's recipe to the letter but, at the end, spiked the drink with some Cointreau and Calvados to intensify the flavor. The hard cider I used is from Warwick Valley Winery in nearby Warwick NY.
Read about the Chardonnay-Braised Chicken Thighs with Parsnip on that accompanied the Hard Sangria on Mano A Vino!
Photo Credit: Peter ConwayI started off my birthday weekend celebration with fabulous cocktails at the exciting new Pig and Prince Restaurant and Gastro-Lounge at 1 Lackawana Plaza in Montclair. I had some great booze, saw a lot of good friends and had a festive dinner at the magnificent bar.
Photo Credit: Mano A VinoFriday evening, Nell and I wanted a place with a bar, good cocktails and small plates. The Orange Squirrel, where I've not been in a while, came right to mind. Their perfect little bar was quiet at 6:30 on this summer Friday night, though the dining room and bar was filled by the time we left. We had a great evening. Starting off with these great cocktails.
Photo Credit: Southern LivingWith the 138th Kentucky Derby happening next weekend, keep it classic and stick with bourbon- the Southern standby.
For skeptics, bear with me; bourbon can be surprisingly palatable when paired with the right accompaniments. Pick your favorite and drink like a racehorse while cheering on your favorite, oversized derby hat optional.