Shakin' Up Summer Cocktails at Halcyon in Montclair

by Elizabeth Palmer Starnes

Nothing says springtime quite like a bright fruity cocktail. I sat down at Halcyon’s marble bar with Sharon Eagan and tested out some of the new cocktails they plan on serving to celebrate the sunnier, warmer days of spring.

The cornerstone of these spring cocktails is a collection of in-house infused fruit liquors currently working their magic in big glass jars under the bar. Fruits like pineapple, watermelon, peach, and orange are married with liquors like vodka, rum, and tequila. After a few weeks, the flavors meld and create the perfect foundation for a cocktail.

Read More

Summer Cocktails: Part 2

by Melody Kettle

Cucumber Margarita, photo courtesy of Ryan DePersioAs the temperatures continue to rise, al fresco parties are becoming the trend.  But every good party needs great libations.  Therefore, as your local ambassador of good food and good drink, please enjoy Part 2 of the Summer Sipping Series!

Amanti Vino, 33 Church Street, Montclair, has offered a recipe for a “beat the heat” cocktail that “hails from the rain battered borders of the United Kingdom,” a drink called  Think Pink.

But before you get shaking, Amanti Vino provided a little background about the cocktail:

Read More

Summer Cocktails: Part 1

by Melody Kettle

My Pimms CupI’ve been a red wine loyalist for about six years.  Except for one very indulgent Baconized Bourbon cocktail, I’ve been strictly vin rogue. The recent heat wave, however, has changed my inclinations; I’ve been looking for something refreshing, cold, and ‘ahem – alcoholic.  

During my pursuit of the perfect summer libation, I’ve developed a fondness of a British cocktail known as a Pimms Cup. This classic English drink, which does not appear on American Bar menus nearly as frequently as it should, is made with Pimms Cup No.1, a distilled alcohol made from a gin base, and deep red and has flavors reminiscent of spice, berries and tannic tea.  On a side note, I find it rather medicinal and soothing to an upset stomach.

I was told, by a Brit, that no Brit actually includes the word “cup” when referring to this cocktail, but, regardless, if you want an easy cocktail that’s full of flavor and not super-sweet, this is the one – no matter what you call it. There are a few variations on the recipe, but all pretty basic. Here’s one:

Read More