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« Liquor & Spirits | Main | Liquor & Spirits »

February 4, 2010

Love Mixology Cocktail Class at The Westin St. Francis

If you haven't set up a date night plan for V-day, here's your chance to do something neat. To stage a romantic mood, the Westin St. Francis is offering a special “Love Mixology” cocktail class for couples next weekend.

Lead by their resident “Love Mixologist,” you'll get to shake, stir, and blend your way through three cocktails (with tastings of course). You'll then choose your favorite cocktail to create together in the class. Cocktails include “Agave Kiss,” “Cupid’s Arrow” and “Love Potion #9.”

Caruso_WestinStFrancis.jpg


Don't worry, you won't go hungry. There will be some “love bites” (edible treats) for you to nibble on as you soak up the libations. A copy of all three drink recipes will also be provided for you and your lovey to recreate at home.

westincocktail_CupidsArrow.JPG


“Love Mixology” Cocktail Class
Saturday, February 13
4 – 5 p.m.
The Westin St. Francis
Caruso’s (Tower Lobby)
335 Powell Street
$50 per couple


To make reservations for the “Love Mixology” class call (415) 774-0264.


Tagged as: cocktail, drinks, gourmet, liquor, San Francisco, special events, spirits, valentine

feteafete.com

April 21, 2009

Joanne Weir's New Tequila Book

Tequila in cupcakes? Who would have thought? This Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes recipe from Joanne Weir's new book Tequila: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites is worthy of a try. I'm gonna give them a whirl for Cinco de Mayo week.


Coco Loco Tequila Cupcakes

Makes 2 dozen cupcakes

These soft, moist, and very coconutty cupcakes should come with a warning! Not only can you not stop after eating just one, but these adult-only cupcakes provide enough kick to make you feel like you are on vacation south of the border. The inspiration for this recipe comes from my friend Tina Gherzi, who loves tequila and coconut as much as I do.


tequila_weir.jpg

Cupcakes

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
Large pinch of salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon coconut extract
1/4 cup 100 percent agave tequila
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

Coconut Cream Frosting

1/2 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk, or more as needed
2 tablespoons 100 percent agave tequila
2 teaspoons coconut extract
3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, or more as needed
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut


cocoloco_tequila_cupcake.jpg

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour two 12-cup cupcake pans or line with paper liners.

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl and mixing well after each addition. Add the coconut milk, ginger, and coconut extract and beat for 1 minute at high speed until well blended. In a measuring pitcher, stir together the tequila and buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches to the egg mixture alternately with the buttermilk mixture in 2 batches, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing well after each addition. Fold in the shredded coconut.

Fill each cupcake well about three-fourths full with batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes.

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a rack and let cool completely before frosting.

Meanwhile, to make the frosting, using the electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on high speed until smooth. With the mixer on high speed, slowly add the coconut milk, tequila, and coconut extract. Continue beating until thoroughly combined and smooth, about 5 minutes. Add the confectioners’ sugar and continue beating on high speed, occasionally scraping down the sides of the bowl. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable. Adjust with more coconut milk if the consistency is too thick, or more confectioners’ sugar if it is too runny.

To assemble, spread the frosting on the cooled cupcakes and sprinkle with the shredded coconut.

Recipe from TEQUILA: A Guide to Types, Flights, Cocktails, and Bites by Joanne Weir. Photo credit: Lara Hata. Copyright © 2009. Ten Speed Press, Berkeley, CA.

www.tenspeed.com

Tagged as: baking, book, chef, cocktail, cookbook, cooking, cooking techniques, drink recipe, food, gourmet, Lifestyle, spirits

feteafete.com

April 18, 2009

Sub Rosa Spirits

We're having a love affair with all things Indian (hello, Slumdog), and Oregon distiller Sub Rosa Spirits gives us more reason to dive into more spice dreams. Their Saffron vodka is infused with 8 whoppin' ingredients (cumin, coriander, ginger, black pepper, cayenne, saffron, galangal, and turmeric]. The warm and sexy aromatics dance gracefully with each other, making this perfect for an exotic cocktail recipe. This one has a lotta oomph so don't drink it straight.

sub_rosa_bottle.jpg


I'm impressed with the Tarragon vodka. They infuse with fresh organic tarragon leaves and mint...yum. The taste is both subtle and definite, very gentle on the tongue. I think I might try to use this in cooking too.

Here's a drink recipe for you to try. It has a great floral/acid balance:

Lemon Blossom

1 1/2 oz Sub Rosa Tarragon vodka
1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower liqueur
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. Limoncello

Shaken in mixer, half filled with ice, strained into a cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon peel.

www.subrosaspirits.com

Tagged as: alcohol, cocktail, cocktail recipe, drink, drink recipe, food, recipe, spirits

feteafete.com

December 30, 2008

ESTATE Fellini with Prosecco

Here's another hip holiday cocktail made with Prosecco. FYI, authentic Prosecco comes from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene region of Italy. It's only natural that wine country chefs are loving it, and their popular cocktails feature this great and affordable sparkling wine in their menus.

fellini_prosecco.jpeg


ESTATE Fellini

From Sondra Bernstein & Estate Restaurant, Sonoma, CA

1½ ounce ESTATE made Meyer – Limoncello (or your favorite store brand)
1 ounce Blood Orange Puree
Top with C.V. Prosecco

Garnish with Lemon Twist

Happy New Year!!

www.prosecco.it
www.estate-sonoma.com

Tagged as: cocktail, cocktail recipe, drinks, entertaining, food & drink, holiday, Italy, wine, wine country

feteafete.com

December 28, 2008

Basil Hayden Fizz

Got extra bubbly stashed for New Year's Eve? You might want to try the Basil Fizz cocktail. Made with Basil Hayden Bourbon and champagne, it makes a refreshing drink to ring in the new year. This bourbon is also lighter than most whiskies. The bubbles seem to intensify the liquor's flavor, creating a sweet yet slightly spicy finish. A true sparkling sensation.

Basil_hayden_Fizz2.jpg


Basil Hayden Fizz

1 part Basil Hayden

Fill a Champagne flute with Champagne. Garnish with an orange twist or cherry. Enjoy!



www.smallbatch.com

Tagged as: cocktail, cocktail recipe, drink recipe, drinks, entertaining, food & drink, gourmet, holiday, liquor, spirits

feteafete.com

December 17, 2008

Tiny Bubbles

Kate Simon has plenty of ideas on using Champagne and other sparkling wines to create gorgeous cocktails in her Tiny Bubbles. Timeless drinks are tweaked to feature natural fruit juices, fresh herbs, and other liquors. Classics like Kir Royale (one of my faves) are turned into new bubbly blends.
Tiny_Bubbles.jpg

Popular sparklers like Italy's Prosecco, Spain's Cava, Japan's sparkling sake, and Australia's sparkling reds are also utilized in the book. I really applaud the fact that Simon included mocktail recipes for those who don't want the buzz (Hello, Fauxllini!). There's also recipes for nibbling with the drinks, such as Easy Champagne Chocolate Truffles or the Fizzy Melon Soup. Who knew Champagne can be so fun?

Check out this cocktail recipe below. It looks so pretty...


Stratosphere

The sweet Muscat and acidic berry notes of Italy’s Moscato d’Asti are lovely with the delicate, floral violet liqueur in this adaptation of a recipe from Lucius Beebe’s 1946 classic, The Stork Club Bar Book. It was served at the Stork Club in New York. The original recipe called for Champagne.

Stratosphere_cocktail.jpg

2 whole cloves
3/4 ounce crème de violette
5 ounces Moscato d’Asti, chilled (alternatives: Asti, Prosecco extra dry, Champagne extra dry)
Lemon twist for garnish

Place cloves in a chilled 6-ounce sparkling-wine glass. Add crème de violette. Top slowly with chilled bubbly. Stir gently. Garnish with short strip of lemon peel, first twisting it over the glass to release the flavorful oils into the drink.

Serves 1

Recipe used with permission by Tiny Bubbles: Fizzy Cocktails for Every Occasion, Using Champagne, Prosecco, and Other Sparkling Wines (Chronicle Books, 2008).

www.chroniclebooks.com

Tagged as: Books, cocktail recipe, cocktails, drinks, food & drink, holiday, ingredients, liquor, natural ingredients, recipes, spirits, wine

feteafete.com

December 8, 2008

Artisanal Cocktails

Scott Beattie's Artisanal Cocktails has many beautiful cocktail recipes for holiday entertaining. Inspired by the famous drinks from the Bar at Cyrus, Beattie takes mixology to the ultimate gourmet level. Using local and organic ingredients, he created exotic libations with international accents. Try your hand at making the Hot Indian Date, Gin Kimchi, or the Grapes of Roth.

Artisanal_Cocktails_cover.jpg


Meyer Beautiful (My, You’re Beautiful)

Makes 1 cocktail

This is a tart cocktail that explores the complex flavors of Meyer lemons and elderflowers. Elderflowers have a lovely lychee aroma and flavor that marries well with the citrus-floral tones of Meyer lemons. Before you taste your first sip, the sugar, black salt, and lemon zest rim wake up your mouth. Late season Meyers can be rather sweet, so when they lack acid I substitute juice from regular Eureka lemons for half of the lemon juice.

artisanal_cocktails.jpg


Dried zest of 1 large or 2 small Meyer lemons, for rim
5 tablespoons sugar, for rim
1 tablespoon black sea salt, for rim (optional)
1/2 Meyer lemon, for rim
1 egg white
1 ounce Charbay Meyer lemon vodka
1 ounce vodka
3/4 ounce freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
1/2 ounce D’arbo elderflower syrup
Baked Candied Meyer Lemon Peels, for garnish
Edible flowers, for garnish (optional)

Place a V-shaped glass in the freezer to chill. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Follow the recipe on page 19 to make Candied Meyer Lemon Peels. Shake off any excess syrup and slice the peels into thin strips. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat and arrange the strips so they don’t touch. Bake for 5 minutes, remove from the oven, and let cool to room temperature. If they aren’t hard and devoid of moisture when cool, bake for 2 minutes more.

Combine the zest, sugar, and salt on a small plate. Rub the Meyer lemon half around the rim of the chilled glass and shake off any excess juice. Dip the glass into the sugar-zest mixture to coat the rim (see page 38).

Place the egg white in a mixing glass (see page 30), seal it up tight with a firm tap, and shake vigorously for 10 seconds, until white and frothy. Add the vodkas, juice, syrup, and enough ice to fill the glass. Cover and shake vigorously for another 10 seconds. Strain into the sugar-rimmed glass. After about 20 seconds, a nice head will form on top of the drink. Garnish with the candied zest, edible flowers, or both to serve.

Recipe and images used with permission from Artisanal Cocktails by Scott Beattie, 2008, Ten Speed Press.


www.tenspeed.com

Tagged as: artisan, cocktail, cocktail recipe, drinks, entertaining, food & drink, holiday, organic ingredients, recipe

feteafete.com

October 10, 2008

Bols Genever

The predecessor to gin, Bols Genever is the classic white spirit for cocktails. Inspired by the original 1820 recipe, it is touted as the world’s most authentic spirit. Containing 50% maltwine, it has a very rich and smooth flavor. In its modern re-birth, this was actually awarded the AOC status (Appellation d’Origine Controllée), and that's pretty impressive in my book.

Bols%20Genever%20bottle.jpg


An essential cocktail ingredient for nearly two centuries, Genever was featured in the Jerry Thomas's “The Bartender’s Guide” (world’s first cocktail book). I adore the artisan care of the brand's font design - it's an authentic Amsterdam handwritten typography. The smoked glass bottle is also very elegant.


Try the following recipes:


The Holland House

Glass: A small pre-chilled martini-cocktail glass.

Ingredients:

1¾ shots of Bols Genever
¾ shot of Noilly Prat dry vermouth
½ shot of freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ shot of maraschino liqueur

Technique: Shake the ingredients with large, hard, cold ice cubes and double-strain into the glass.

Garnish: Spray and rim a zest of lemon.

(This strong, dry, complex cocktail was the signature drink of the Holland House, once one of New York’s finest cocktail bars.)

HOLLAND%20HOUSE.jpg


The Collins

Glass: A large long-drink (Collins) glass.

Ingredients:

2 shots of Bols Genever
1 shot of freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ shot of rich sugar syrup (2 parts sugar: 1 part water)
soda water.

Technique: Shake the Bols Genever, lemon juice and sugar syrup with large, hard, cold ice cubes, double-strain into an ice-filled Collins glass and top with soda water.

Garnish: A lemon wedge, dropped in but not squeezed.

(The original Collins was made with genever, not gin; genever brings a pleasant depth and slight fruitiness to the Collins.)



www.bolsgenever.com

Tagged as: alcohol, cocktail, cocktail recipe, drinks, food & drink, spirits

feteafete.com

September 9, 2008

Bourbon Heritage Month

It's National Bourbon Heritage Month! Celebrate this month with tasty Bourbon roasted oysters and a nice Manhattan from Knob Creek. Check out the following recipes:

Knob Creek Manhattan

2 parts Knob Creek Bourbon
1 part sweet vermouth

Shake ingredients and serve with a cherry.

Knob%20Creek%20Manhattan.jpg




Knob Creek® Bourbon Roasted Oysters

4 Blue Point oysters, with shells
½ cup Knob Creek® Bourbon
1 teas. light brown sugar
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
Rock salt
Spicy Bacon Butter (see below recipe)


bourbon%20oysters.jpg


One day before serving:
Shuck the oysters, saving the shells (they should be washed thoroughly after shucking). To make marinade, combine all other ingredients, stirring until brown sugar is dissolved. Pour marinade over oysters and refrigerate overnight (be sure dish is well sealed and that oysters are covered by marinade).

Next day:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour rock salt onto baking dish (the salt will help keep oyster shells upright during baking). Place four shells on top of the salt and put one marinated oyster into each shell. Roast in oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until plump. Transfer to serving plate, garnish each with a small piece of Spicy Bacon Butter and serve immediately.

Yield: One serving

Serving tip: Place a layer of shredded cabbage on the bottom of each serving plate – it adds color to the plate while holding the oyster shells in position.


Spicy Bacon Butter

¼ lb. butter (1 stick), softened
1/8 cup bacon, minced
¾ teas. garlic, minced
¾ teas. shallot, minced
¾ teas. kosher salt
¾ teas. black pepper
¼ teas. crush red pepper
1½ teas. parsley, chopped

Blend all ingredients in mixer until thoroughly combined. Chill in refrigerator until needed.


(Oyster and Spicy Bacon Butter recipes courtesy of McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant)


www.knobcreek.com

Tagged as: bourbon, cocktail recipe, cooking, drink, food, food & drink, Liquor and Spirits, Oysters, recipes, seafood

feteafete.com

July 30, 2008

Peppermelon Cocktail

It's National Watermelon Day this coming Sunday, so here's a refreshing Peppermelon cocktail for you to celebrate! The balance of sweet and spice makes this super addictive. If you're in the Bay Area and too lazy to make this yummy drink yourself, hop on down to SF bar Elixir - they will be serving this cocktail all day.

peppermelon%20cocktail.jpg


Peppermelon

Recipe by H. Joseph Ehrmann

1.5oz Bluecoat Gin
.75oz black pepper honey syrup
1oz watermelon juice
.5oz lemon juice

(Use organic ingredients wherever possible.)

Combine all ingredients in a boston shaker full of ice and shake well for 10 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish on the rim with a small watermelon cube that has a coating of black pepper on one side.


www.elixirsf.com


-Tami

Tagged as: alcohol, cocktail, cocktail recipe, drink, food & drink, recipe, San Francisco

feteafete.com

April 20, 2008

Green Cocktail - Country Thyme

In celebrating Earth Day this week, here's a yummy 'green' cocktail from Elixir of San Francisco. This refreshing and pretty drink is really versatile (you can use whatever fruit is in season) and fun to make.


Country Thyme

1 ½ oz. Square One Organic Vodka

10-15 Fresh organic blueberries (can also be made with other fresh berries like black berries or huckleberries but may need more sweetener. Use whatever is in season and fresh)

1/2 of an organic lemon, in pieces

¼ oz. organic agave nectar

Country%20Thyme.jpg


Place blueberries and lemon pieces in a mixing cup and muddle to juice both. Add agave nectar and vodka, and then top with ice. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Place one small sprig of Thyme in the palm of your hand and slap it to release the oils. Twist it and place at the bottom of a 10 oz glass (highball or old fashioned bucket) and fill with ice. Strain the drink over the ice. Take a nice big, pretty sprig of Thyme and slap it again before sticking it into the drink as a garnish.


www.elixirsf.com


-Tami

Tagged as: cocktail, cocktail recipe, drinks, organic, organic ingredients, seasonal

feteafete.com

February 5, 2008

“Spin the Bottle” with XYZ Bar (W San Francisco)

Local lovebirds in SF can celebrate Valentine's Day with the “Spin the Bottle” event at the XYZ Bar at W San Francisco. Co-hosted by Jimmyjane, the flirty event will let participants play the exclusive W Hotels + Jimmyjane SPIN ME game, which includes many provocative and racy adventure games.

W%20hotel%20Living%20Room.jpg

Spin the Bottle Event
XYZ Bar at W San Francisco
181 Third Street
Thursday, February 14, 2008
6pm - 8pm


Guests will also be able to enjoy Valentine cocktails, such as the ones below:


ROSE PETAL

1 ½ oz Finlandia Cranberry vodka
¾ oz Cointreau Liqueur
1 oz fresh lemon juice
Float of Champagne
Method: shaken and served up. Finished with a champagne float
Garnish: sugared rim


XYZ%20Bar.jpg

RASPBERY TRUFFLE

1½ oz Stolichnaya Razberi Vodka
¾ oz DeKuyper light Crème de Cacao
½ oz Chambord Liqueur
Method: shake Vodka and Crème de Cacao and serve up. Float Chambord
Garnish: a cocoa rim


See you at the XYZ!

Tami

Tagged as: cocktail recipe, cocktails, holiday, recipe, San Francisco, San Francisco event, special events

feteafete.com

January 14, 2008

Blue Lotus Vodka

Get a wake up call with Blue Lotus, the newest addition of Lotus Vodka. Enhanced with Guarana, Taurine and Caffeine, it has a nice spicy kick. Drink it straight, or use it as a great addition for a bloody mary at brunch.

blue%20lotus.jpg


Packaged in eco-friendly materials, the brand also donates a portion of sales proceeds to local and national charities (Project Ahimsa, Pathways for Kids and the Dalai Lama Foundation). So go out there and rack up your karma points with Blue Lotus!

recipes.jpg


For more info, visit: www.lotusvodka.com


See you at the bar,

Tami

Tagged as: cocktail recipe, cocktails, liquor, San Francisco, spirits

feteafete.com

November 28, 2007

Wings of Cherubs Book Signing 12/3 (SF)

Fans of classic cocktails will appreciate the book release of Wings of Cherubs. Written by Guillermo Toro-Lira, the historical narrative reveals the secrets of the Pisco Punch, the popular concoction (made with Peruvian Pisco brandy) that originated in early 1900s San Francisco. History buffs will enjoy the rare historical anecdotes of SF, which ultimately features the famous drink recipe.

wingsofcherub.jpg


Cantina Bar
580 Sutter Street at Mason (next to Hotel Rex)
Monday December 3, @ 7 p.m.


Free and open to the public; complimentary appetizers and Pisco Punch will be served.
The author will read from his new book, with a Q&A to follow. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase.


www.piscopunch.com

-Tami

Tagged as: Books, cocktail, drinks, history, liquor, local events, recipes, San Francisco, San Francisco event, special events

feteafete.com

October 19, 2007

Get Your Joie de Veev

Now you can party hard without the usual guilt, thanks to VeeV acai liqueur. Infused with acai berry (the superfood of the moment), Prickly Pear (folk remedy for hangovers) and Acerola Cherry (high in vitamin C), it has a light refreshing flavor that goes well with tropical cocktails and mojitos. It's also great chilled neat or on the rocks.

For each bottle sold, VeeV makes a $1 donation to help preserve the Amazon rainforest. Already a fave in LA hot spots and beyond, celebs such as Drew Barrymore and Jessica Simpson have been digging their VeeV cocktails as they shake it up on the dance floors. So what are you waiting for? VeeV it up! It's the better way to drink.


VeeV.jpg


VeeV Acai Mojito recipe:

2 oz. VeeV
1 Tbs superfine sugar
Lime wedges
Club soda
3 fresh mint sprigs

Muddle mint leaves, superfine sugar and lime in a mixing glass. Add 2 oz. of VeeV and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain the mixture into a tall glass and top with club soda. Garnish with fresh mint sprig and enjoy!

www.VeeVlife.com


See you at the bar,

Tami

Tagged as: acai, acai berry, acai liquer, acerola cherry, cocktail, cocktail recipe, drinks, liquor, mojito, prickly pear

feteafete.com

October 3, 2007

Damrak Gin Mixology Challenge - Rye Bar, SF 10/9

San Francisco Gin Alert!

Come cheer on your favorite top bartenders as they mix up creative DAMRAK® gin cocktails for a chance to win a trip to the Bols Bartending Academy in Amsterdam. Cocktails will be judged on originality, personality, functionality, compatibility of ingredients...and of course, taste!

gin.jpg


When: Tuesday October 9, 2007
contest at 7 p.m.


Where: Rye
688 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102


Damrak ® will also be featured at the upcoming San Francisco Independent Spirits Festival on Saturday October 13, 2007 at the W Hotel


Upcoming competitions:

Damrak ® Mixology Challenge--LA

Wednesday October 10th
4:30 pm
Takami Sushi& Robata Restaurant
811 Wilshire Blvd. 21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA


Damrak ® Mixology Challenge--NORTH BAY

Monday, Oct 8th
6pm
West County Grill
6948 Sebastopol Avenue
Sebastopol, CA

Damrak ® Mixology Challenge--EAST BAY

Monday, Oct 15
7pm
Scott's Seafood
1333 North California Blvd
Walnut Creek, CA

Damrak ® Mixology Challenge--SOUTH BAY

Monday, Oct 22
7pm
Fahrenheit Ultra Lounge
99 East San Fernando Street
San Jose, CA

Tagged as: bars, bartending, Bols Bartending Academy, cocktails, competition, contest, Damrak gin, drinks, gin, liquor, mixology, spirits

feteafete.com

August 9, 2007

Limited edition El Tesoro Anniversio tequila celebrates distillery's 70th anniversary

Tequila connoisseurs will be excited to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the El Tesoro distillery. Carlos Camarena, owner and Master Distiller, will be in San Francisco to celebrate this milestone with the launch of a limited edition El Tesoro Anniversio tequila. This special edition is aged seven years and was lovingly created in memory of his grandfather, Don Felipe, who built the distillery La Altena in the mountains of Jalisco Mexico in 1877. El Tesoro distillery still utilizes the artisan methods of traditional ovens and crushing methods for the agave plant. El Tesoro is the only 100 percent blue agave tequila double distilled at 80 proof and bottled without water added.

tequila.JPG


For Northern California folks, there will be two special events held in honor of this special anniversary. Check out the following details and RSVP to the email listed below.

*Special Events in San Francisco*

-Bottle Signing, meet & greet with Master Distiller Carlos Camarena.

Bring your own or purchase on site. To honor 70 years of quality and tradition, Carlos, third generation and master distiller of El Tesoro Tequila, is proud to present a limited edition El Tesoro Anniversario tequila.


When: Wednesday August 15, 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Where: John Walker, 175 Sutter Street


-A conversation and tasting with Carlos Camarena. A Q&A and discussion about the history of El Tesoro.

When: Wednesday, August 15, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Where: Cantina, 580 Sutter Street (at Mason next to Hotel Rex)


****Please RSVP to darizzo@gmail.com


-Tami

Tagged as: Carlos Camarena, El Tesoro Tequila, limited edition El Tesoro Anniversio tequila, Liquor and Spirits, local events, Master Distiller, San Francisco, special events, tasting, Tequila

feteafete.com

June 14, 2007

A Toast to Father's Day with Sonnema VodkaHERB

To salute hard-working dads everywhere, Sonnema VodkaHERB has created a couple herbaceous martinis so our favorite dads can kick back and relax this Father's Day. Using a premium herb-infused charcoal distilled vodka from Holland, the noticibly smooth finish is what fathers will definitely appreciate.


The VodkaHerb Martini

Method: Muddle the cucumber in the cocktail
shaker and add ice. Add the Dry Vermouth
and VodkaHerb and shake with ice.
Doublestrain into the ice-chilled glass.

Ingredients: 2 slices of cucumber
80 ml Sonnema VodkaHerb
10 ml Dry Vermouth
Garnish: 1 slice of cucumber

Vodkaherb

VodkaHerbitan

Method: Shake with ice and double strain
into the ice-chilled glass.

Ingredients: 60 ml Sonnema VodkaHerb
5 leaves of Thyme
10 ml Maple syrup
35 ml Cranberry juice
Garnish: A branch of thyme

Happy Father's Day!

Tagged as: fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, International, Lifestyle, Liquor and Spirits

feteafete.com

June 13, 2007

Mastering The Art Of Cocktails With Tony Abou-Ganim

Perfect for a Father's Day gift, nationally acclaimed mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim has recently launched an informative DVD, "Modern Mixology: Making Great Cocktails at Home" that demonstrates what every drink enthusiast needs to stock a home bar. From recommending the proper bar tools (and showing viewers how to use them) to dishing out expert tips and secrets on executing the perfect cocktail, Tony's DVD also has a special feature on demonstrating the most popular cocktail recipes. Easy to follow and fun to watch, you can view each cocktail recipe at your own pace. Soon you will be confident at whipping out cocktails, becoming the star host of your parties.

Tonypour

Available at www.Themodernmixologist.com or Modernmixologydvd.com; you can also purchase Tony's bar tools (TAG BAR) at www.ultimatebarchef.com

See you at the bar,

Tagged as: fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, International, Lifestyle, Liquor and Spirits, Parties

feteafete.com

June 7, 2007

XUXU - The Heavenly Bavarian Kiss

Get a splash of summer fun with the new Bavarian import, XUXU. A 'heavenly kiss,' it's a refreshing vodka drink made with farm-fresh strawberries. Containing 66% fruit puree, this versatile German favorite is great on the rocks, or drizzled over ice cream and cakes. It's also ideal to mix it with sparkling wines and in other fruity cocktails (see recipe below).

Xuxu_royale_2

XUXU Royale

Ingredients:

6 cl Sparkling Wine (e.g. Blanc Foussy)
2 - 4 cl XUXU

Preparation:

Pour chilled XUXU in a sparkling wine glass and fill it up with sparkling wine.

For more recipes, check out www.xuxu.de

See you at the bar,

Tagged as: Dessert, fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, International, Lifestyle, Liquor and Spirits

feteafete.com

May 4, 2007

A Plymouth Toast to Mom

Whether it's breakfast in bed or brunch at her favorite brunch spot, treating mom to a delicious meal should definitely be part of her special day. A Breakfast Martini is a citrus indulgence she can savor while she is showered with the adoration she deserves!

Breakfast_martini

The Plymouth Mother's Day Breakfast Martini

2 oz. PLYMOUTH GIN
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp. orange marmalade

Fill mixing glass with ice. Add ingredients and shake well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with toast point.

Happy Mother's Day!

Tagged as: Breakfast, fashiontribes.com, Food and Drink, International, Liquor and Spirits, Seasonal

feteafete.com

April 17, 2007

K & L Launches New Champagne Club

Champagne lovers will be happy to learn about the new champagne club from K&L Wine Merchants. A great opportunity to try top quality vintages, this recently-launched club is dedicated exclusively to bubbly. Get all the shopping legwork done by the K&L wine experts and have their top picks delivered directly to your door. Featuring the most exclusive and latest selections, it also makes a great luxury gift for the wine lover in your life.

K&L Champagne Club members will receive two bottles of fine Champagne, specially selected by K&L’s Champagne specialist, every other month for $69.95. Each shipment includes one bottle from an artisanal grower Champagne house and another from one of the grand marque producers in Champagne. From luxury bottles to undiscovered gems that sell for a fraction of the price of top producers, K&L offers more than 100 Champagnes. Their own bubbly expert Gary Westby regularly travels to Champagne to keep tabs on the trends from the hottest wineries, so members will always receive the most exclusive selections.

Champagne_toast

The fourth club launched by K&L, this venerable wine merchant also offers three other wine clubs: The Signature Red Club, The Premium Wine Club, and the the Best Buy Wine Club, all ranging from $17.95 to $49.95 per month.

To join, go to: www.klwines.com

The Sweet Life

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April 11, 2007

Get Your Taste Buds Tingling With Boca Loca Cachaça

Not just another import, Boca Loca Cachaça is the Brazilian sugar cane rum for drinks typically made with rum, vodka or tequila. Distilled from single-plantation, hand-harvested and pressed sugar cane from a small cachaçaria (plantation) in Sao Paulo, Boca Loca (Portuguese for "crazy lips") represents the nation's finest distilling tradition.

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A premium sugar cane spirit, its smooth and full-bodied flavor contains subtle floral notes that linger nicely on the palate. Mingled with melon and honey, it has a distinctive, pure sugar cane finish. Originally produced twenty years ago as a labor of love on a small family sugar plantation, the heritage and quality of this hand-crafted cachaça has captivated international drink connoisseurs.

For more recipes (see below), visit: www.drinkbocaloca.com

Classic Caipirinha

(Brazil's national cocktail, pronounced kie-purr-REEN-yah)

1 1/2 oz Boca Loca
1 lime
2 teaspoons fine sugar

Clean and cut a lime into eight wedges. Place the lime and sugar into your glass and mash the ingredients together to create a paste. Add ice equal to your glass then add the Boca Loca. It's important to keep stirring to keep the sugar mixed well.

Boca Passion Fruit Batida

2oz Boca Loca Cachaca
1oz Passion Fruit Juice
1/2oz Fresh Lime
2 Bar spoons Condensed milk

Place all ingredients into a blender. Blend well, pour into an elegant martini glass - or your favorite cocktail stemware -- garnished with fresh passion fruit and serve (This is a very fresh, traditional drink in Brazil. Almost any tropical fruits can be substituted).

See you at the bar,

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January 31, 2007

Arouse Your Sweetheart's Ardour With The Plymouth Passion

There's no better way to say those three little words than presenting this aptly-named drink, The Plymouth Passion. Easy to make, the smooth taste of Plymouth Gin and the exotic combo of pomegranate and passion fruit will definitely stir up more than enough passion between you and your sweetheart.

Plym_pom_3

1.5 oz. Plymouth Gin

1.5 oz. Pomegranate Juice

1.5 oz. Passion Fruit Juice

Squeeze of lime

Fill a tall glass with ice, add Plymouth Gin and top with equal parts pomegranate and passion fruit juices. Add squeeze of lime and then stir.

Enjoy!

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