July 2018

Starring in a number of prominent roles in her versatile career, actress Nicki Micheaux is taking a new direction with the horror crime caper film Lowlife, which critics have called a mix of Pulp Fiction and Breaking Bad.

Micheaux plays “Crystal,” a recovering addict desperate enough to arrange a black-market kidney transplant to save her husband’s life.

When she’s not working, Micheaux gives her time and energy to the fight against poverty worldwide as an ambassador for Oxfam. She takes the time to share her inspirational life story through motivational speaking, touching on subjects such as family, spirituality, and embracing your dreams. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her two children.

Chillin’ With Nicki Micheaux

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.

Lowlife is a wild Pulp Fiction style movie. Some say it’s “Breaking Bad meets Pulp Fiction.”

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime?

I like to relax at home or go to the movies. I enjoy busy weekends doing kid stuff. We’re big into sports! Track, soccer, etc. Every weekend we’re always doing something!

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

Lately I’ve been into this dive bar because they’ve got homemade potato chips! I think I’m sort of taking a break from all the healthy eating I was doing for a while.

What types of dishes do you usually order?

I love chicken and salmon dishes. I do have this thing about trying the calamari anywhere I go. Always looking to see who’s got the best.

Chillin’ With Nicki Micheaux

Do you cook?

Yes! I love to cook. I cook very simple food. I like to let the flavor of the ingredients stand out—also it’s better for staying fit.

What types of drinks do you order when out?

Either a Sauvignon Blanc, Kentucky Mule, or a Moscow Mule.

Do you prepare drinks at home?

At home, I usually will drink wine with my dinner.

Do you own a home bar?

Sort of …

Chillin’ With Nicki Micheaux

What is it stocked with?

Mostly it’s left over alcohol from parties I’ve had before. Or from some random recipe. I’ve had a bottle of peppermint schnapps for years!

What would your dream bar be like?

First off, locked up so the kids can’t get into it. I’d love to have a few scotches—from different years. I’d love to have the flavored Macallan. I really enjoyed it when I was in Scotland. Then of course, I don’t know why, but scotch always seems to go with cigars.

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

I go through moods. Vodka, tequila—I’m always into a good tequila chilled with squeezed lime.

Have you ever been a bartender?

No. But I was a cocktail waitress for years at a tequila bar. Hence, my love for tequila!

Follow Nicki on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The post Chillin’ With Nicki Micheaux appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

RNDC now distributing the lifestyle brand’s new lager in Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami markets.

Lifestyle brand Salt Life has announced the launch of Salt Life Lager, now available in Florida stores. RNDC is distributing Salt Life Lager, initially into the Jacksonville, Tampa and Miami markets, with plans to distribute statewide in the coming months. Salt Life Lager is crisp and refreshing with a 4.5% ABV, 17 IBU and a 4-5 on the Lovibond® color scale.

“Salt Life Lager is the perfect accompaniment to the Salt Life lifestyle. We’re not just an apparel brand. Salt Life embodies the lifestyle of people who love to be on the water, whether it’s surfing, diving, paddle boarding or enjoying a day on the lake. We’ve developed a superior product and can’t wait for people to try it.”
– Jeff Stillwell, Salt Life President

Salt Life Lager

Salt Life continues to expand with new retail stores in Huntington Beach, California, Columbus, Georgia, and Daytona Beach, Florida. The brand will debut its first ladies swimwear line at the 36th Annual SwimShow scheduled for July 14-17 in Miami, Florida. Salt Life has also signed several additions to Team Salt Life, an elite group of athletes and sportsmen who represent the best in surfing, fishing, diving and more.

Salt Life is an authentic, aspirational and lifestyle brand that embraces those who love the ocean and everything associated with living the “Salt Life.” Founded in 2003 by four avid watermen from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, the Salt Life brand has widespread appeal with ocean enthusiasts worldwide. From fishing, diving and surfing, to beach fun and sun-soaked relaxation, the Salt Life brand says, “I live the Salt Life.” Numerous professional athletes, sportsmen and other ambassadors in the fishing, surfing, diving, rock, pop and country music worlds have an alliance with the brand through cross-marketing partnerships.

The brand is visible in areas across the media, sports and popular culture landscapes, including music videos, national tour sponsorships, fishing and outdoors-related television shows, professional auto-racing events, the Netflix series “Bloodline,” and Salt Life’s popular YouTube channel. From its first merchandise offerings in 2006, Salt Life has grown with distribution in surf shops, specialty stores, department stores and sporting goods retailers.

Salt Life products are also available to consumers at SaltLife.com and at Salt Life’s various branded retail stores, including recently opened locations in Huntington Beach, California, Columbus, Georgia, and Daytona Beach, Florida. The brand’s flagship store is located in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, where the term “Salt Life” was coined over 15 years ago.

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Source: Mixology News

Prestige Beverage Group has announced the expansion of their Luccio® lineup with the addition of two new flavored Moscatos.

Perfect for the summer months, Luccio’s refreshing and fruit-forward flavors are popular with wine drinkers. Arriving at the ideal time, currently the most sought-after flavor profiles are fruity and sweet, with pineapple snagging the top cocktail flavor. Luccio Flavored Moscatos offer consumers interesting flavors perfectly integrated with premium Italian Moscato to be enjoyed on its own, or in innovative wine based cocktails.

The Lemon Moscato and Coconut Pineapple Moscato by Luccio, imported by Prestige Beverage Group, will be on shelves nationwide this summer with an SRP of $10.99 each.

Luccio Lemon Moscato

Luccio Lemon Moscato

This wine combines the floral and fruity essence of Moscato wine with zesty flavors of lemon. Delightfully sweet with a hint of effervescence.

Luccio Coconut Pineapple Moscato

Luccio Coconut Pineapple Moscato

This wine complements the floral and fruity essence of Moscato wine with a balance of coconut and pineapple flavors. Fruit forward and sweet with a hint of frizzante.

For more information, visit PrestigeBevGroup.com.

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Source: Mixology News

On Wednesday, July 18th, 2018, Belvedere Vodka will be bringing a taste of Janelle Monáe’s “Fem The Future” initiative to the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Before she takes the stage for an unforgettable performance, Belvedere Vodka will be offering concert attendees a newly created Beautiful Future cocktail crafted in collaboration with Janelle.

With a natural synergy between Belvedere and Janelle—a joint dedication to celebrating and advancing the presence of women throughout all industries—Belvedere is excited to complement the partnership with a cocktail fit for a queen. Combining the subtle sweetness of raspberry, the surprising punch of lemon, the liveliness of ginger beer and the natural character of Belvedere Vodka, this Beautiful Future cocktail perfectly encapsulates the pairs toast to a better future.

Belvedere Beautiful Future

Beautiful Future

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Belvedere Vodka
• 3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 3/4 oz. Simple Syrup
• 3 oz. Ginger Beer
• 4-5 Raspberries (for Garnish)
• Mint Sprig (for Garnish)

Preparation: Combine all ingredients (except ginger beer) in a shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with mint sprig and raspberries.

The post Easy to Mix: Belvedere Beautiful Future Cocktail appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House will begin welcoming visitors starting Friday, August 3rd, 2018.

This summer, after more than two centuries of building unmistakable bonds with beer lovers in the U.S., Guinness will finally have a permanent home in America. Diageo Beer Company USA is proud to announce that the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House, located just south of Baltimore, will open to the public on Friday, August 3rd, 2018.

“In my opinion, the word ‘milestone’ doesn’t do justice to this moment in Guinness history. Since we announced our brewery just outside Baltimore, I’ve spent a lot of time here and have come to really love the area and the people of Maryland. I can’t wait to see this place open and become a part of this vibrant community and special beer culture. I really think we have something great to offer folks, both in terms of beer and a fantastic place to visit and experience.”
– Tom Day, Diageo Beer Company USA Chairman and Diageo Global Sales Officer

Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House

While Guinness Draught and the other classic stouts will be brewed exclusively in Ireland and imported to the U.S. to be enjoyed responsibly, this brewery is an important step in the evolution of the brand. Led by Brewmaster Peter Wiens and Head Brewer Hollie Stephenson, the Maryland team will take over the production of Guinness Blonde and experiment with new beers influenced by both American and Maryland brewing tradition.

Visitors to the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House can expect a world-class Guinness experience, blending local Maryland flavor and Irish hospitality, from the staff to the beers to the décor of the buildings and the food in the brewery’s restaurant. The taproom, tours of the 10-barrel brewery, the merchandise shops and the grounds will be open on August 3rd, with the restaurant opening approximately two weeks later. In the meantime hungry visitors will be able to order bar food in the taproom, and there will often be some of Maryland’s finest food trucks on site.

To stay up to date on the Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House in advance of its debut and beyond, visit them on Facebook and Instagram. Whether enjoying a pint in Maryland, Ireland or anywhere around the world, always do so responsibly.

For more information, visit Guinness.com.

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Source: Mixology News

The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C. utilizes cutting-edge whiskey aging technology with power to mimic the barrel aging process of up to 10 years in a matter of hours.

Quadrant Bar & Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., has launched a revolutionary sound-aged spirits program that utilizes sonic-sound wave technology to mimic the taste and qualities of traditionally aged spirits.

Sound-Aged Spirits Program

Using a scientific process that has never been utilized on spirits publicly in D.C., Chris Mendenhall, the lead mixologist behind Quadrant’s award-winning, high-end cocktail program, uses a specially-made homogenizer that applies vibrations of sound energy to create barrel-aged flavor similar to that of five to 10-year-old spirits in a matter of hours. Mr. Mendenhall uses variations of American whiskeys and bourbons with various styles of wood chips to mimic the flavor profiles created from traditional spirits aged in casks.

“After nearly a year experimenting with the technology, we’re thrilled to be the only luxury hotel to launch sound-aged whiskey tastings that takes our culinary approach to the next level utilizing science and technology.”
– Chris Mendenhall, Lead Mixologist, Quadrant

Sound-Aged Spirits Program

Quadrant’s tastings are offered in two ounce pairs; one tasting of the original spirit, called the “base,” and the “aged” variation, called the “change,” for guests to compare and contrast. Pairings vary by style and cost approximately $18 to $20. There are four pairing styles of bourbons and whiskeys, including the following:

• Bourbon Style #1: An example of a pure age reflection, this bourbon shows the true power of the machine without added variables such as wood chips to mimic a cask. The “base” is a 120 proof, nine-year-old Kentucky bourbon. After being sound-aged, the “change,” yields a more mellow bourbon with pepper, leather, and vanilla notes.
• Bourbon Style #2: This seven-year-old Kentucky bourbon has a “base” of 107 proof, and after being sound-aged with American Oak chips soaked in a 10-year port, the “change” yields a sweeter, richer bourbon with caramel notes.
• Whiskey Style #1: The “base” is a 90 proof Tennessee Sour Mash whiskey. After being sound-aged with French Oak chips soaked in sherry, the “change” yields an incredibly smooth whiskey with notes of corn and vanilla.
• Rye Style #1: The “base” is a 100 proof, 4-year-old American Rye whiskey. After being sound-aged with French Oak chips soaked in cognac, the “change” yields bold hints of pepper, orange and chocolate.

Quadrant’s sound-aged tastings offer a unique, educational experience where Mr. Mendenhall walks customers through the process and background on both the base and manipulated variations to showcase how time, and now science, can transform whiskey. Next, Quadrant will expand their sound-aged spirits, offering sound-aged rums and house-made gin created from vodka with various botanicals.

“It’s as if we’ve magically aged whiskey and other spirits in the time it takes you to watch a TV show. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
– Chris Mendenhall

The revolutionary spirits will be featured in Quadrant’s new summer menu, Traveler’s Journal. Created and written entirely by Mr. Mendenhall, the menu will also include high-end, handcrafted, artisanal cocktails utilizing elevated culinary techniques.

For more information, visit RitzCarlton.com.

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Source: Mixology News

NOLET’S Rose Gimlet Raindrop Cake® is the perfect twist on a typical martini.

The creators of the popular Raindrop Cake have created the first-ever booze-infused version of the cake, made with a NOLET’S Silver Gin martini in mind.

Rose Gimlet Raindrop Cake

NOLET’S Rose Gimlet Raindrop Cake

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup NOLET’S Silver
• 1 3/4 cups Water
• 3/4 tsp. Agar
• 1/8 cup Granulated Sugar
• 75 ml Rose Extract
• Small Edible Rose Petals
• Small Dome Silicone Mold

Preparation: Boil water in a small pot. Sprinkle in agar and stir until completely dissolved. Add granulated sugar and stir until dissolved. Add Rose extract, NOLET’S Silver and stir. Remove pot from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Pour mixture into mold. Place rose petals. Chill and set for at least two hours. Un-mold, serve and enjoy!

The post Must Mix: NOLET’S Rose Gimlet Raindrop Cake appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Less than 3,000 bottles of pre-fire Bourbon available in this one time-release.

Heaven Hill Distillery has announced the release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a rare bottling produced at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery before it was destroyed by fire in 1996. Only 41 barrels produced in 1989 and 1990 passed taste testing for inclusion in this limited release that represents Heaven Hill’s heritage of distilling.

“As stewards of the Bourbon movement we take pride in the perseverance that is a hallmark of Heaven Hill’s 83-year history. We remain committed to an enduring legacy of quality and patience, just as we have since 1935.”
– Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill

27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch

Heaven Hill Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon, selected from limited remaining stocks of pre-fire barrels, has been closely monitored and allowed to age for an astounding 27 years. All but five of the barrels in this small batch were aged on the first and second floors, where increased humidity and evaporation caused the proof to drop. When all 41 barrels were mingled for bottling, the natural barrel proof was an unusually low 94.7 proof (47.35% abv). The resulting taste profile begins with an aroma of dried fruits and baking spices, with pipe tobacco notes developing after some time in the glass. A gentle entry is followed by an explosion of vanilla and floral flavor with traces of pepper and clove. After a slow and warming build up, the finish is incredibly long, yet very soft.

This ultra-premium Bourbon will be released in an elegant, tall 750ml bottle placed in a custom wooden box bearing two H’s on each side signifying the Heaven Hill name. The bottle is secured in the box with magnetic closure and sits in a blue satin-lined base. The distiller’s notes label features hand-written bottle numbers, distiller tasting notes, and DSP-KY-31, denoting the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. The one-time release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon, shipping late fall 2018, will be available in limited markets for a suggested retail price of $399.

For more information, visit HeavenHillDistillery.com.

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Source: Mixology News

Optimized for Juniper-Rich Gins, It Powers the “Pink Gin & Tonic,” Summer’s Effortless Drink.

Fever-Tree, the world’s leading producer of premium tonics and mixers, unveils the launch of Aromatic Tonic for the U.S. market. Inspired by a historic recipe used by the British Royal Navy in the 19th century and using the highest quality angostura bark sourced from South America, Aromatic Tonic will add a splash of pink to Highballs this summer.

Fever-Tree’s co-founders Charles Rolls and Tim Warrillow have once again gone to the ends of the earth to source the highest quality ingredients for the new Aromatic Tonic. While researching historic ingredients and early references of tonics, Tim discovered medical records of British Navy surgeons prescribing angostura bark as a fever remedy or “tonic” as far back as the early 19th century. The gentle bitterness of angostura bark from South America is balanced by the sweet, spicy flavors of various ingredients, including vanilla from Madagascar, pimento berry from Jamaica, ginger from Cochin, and cardamom sourced from Guatemala.

This combination is rounded off with Fever-Tree’s signature quinine from the Congo and soft spring water to create a tonic water with subtle aromas of exotic spice and fresh citrus, a refreshing aromatic flavor and a clean, dry finish to complement. Like the 19th century tonic, the South American angostura bark extract gives Fever-Tree’s Aromatic Tonic a distinctive rosé pink hue.

The gentle bitterness of this blend of aromatics perfectly complements gins of a bolder, juniper-rich flavor and enhances even the shyest of botanicals. For the perfect serve and a modern twist on the classic Gin & Tonic, pair Aromatic Tonic with Tanqueray or Plymouth Gin over ice and garnish with a lemon zest. Aromatic Tonic is a versatile mixer also apt to amplify a range of vodkas for an elevated Highball, or even enjoyed as a sophisticated soft drink on its own.

Fever Tree Pink Aromatic Tonic

This offering expands Fever-Tree’s U.S. portfolio to 11 pioneering mixers and tonics to pair with premium spirits. Aromatic Tonic, with its focus on juniper-rich gins, also rounds out Fever-Tree’s signature Ultimate Gin & Tonic Pairing Guide, which now covers the four main flavor profiles of citrus, floral, herbal and finally, aromatic. Unlike most mixers on the market today, which contain high fructose corn syrup, saccharin or aspartame, Fever-Tree products contain no artificial sweeteners, preservatives or flavorings, restoring taste and quality to the category.

As market leader and pioneers of the U.S. premium mixer category, Aromatic Tonic reflects Fever-Tree’s commitment and intrepid attitude to sourcing the highest quality ingredients, botanicals and taste that is at the heart of all of its products. The U.S. launch of Aromatic Tonic comes at a prime time, with pink drinks owning the summer of 2018.

“We are unique in incorporating a rare ingredient, angostura bark, and matching it with other unusual aromatics that reflect our unwavering commitment to sourcing the highest quality ingredients. This approach enables a distinctive third flavor element to be effortlessly introduced into the serve. The result is great tasting, easily prepared mixed drinks for aspiring home bartenders and sophisticated bartending pros who seek straightforward cocktails without compromising quality. Fever-Tree mixers are a testament to simplicity perfected.”
– Charles Gibb, Fever-Tree North American CEO

Fever-Tree’s Aromatic Tonic arrives in select top bars, restaurants, hotels and retail stores in July, 2018 (SRP $5.99/200 ml 4-pack and SRP $3.99/500 ml). For more information, visit Fever-Tree.com.

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Source: Mixology News

All Natural Mixmasters with Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur

I love the Brown Derby—a cocktail born in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the 1930’s—and the Honey & Bourbon Bärenjäger immediately brought that flavor profile to mind. The simplicity of shaken Bourbon, honey and grapefruit has always spoken to me. However, in the heat of a Chicago summer it might leave you seeking something a little more refreshing, so I added mint, sparkling mineral water, aromatic bitters and pellet ice to create the Honey Pot.

Honey Pot

Honey Pot

By Elizabeth Mickiewicz

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 Bärenjäger Honey & Bourbon
• 1 1/2 Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice (Fine Strained)
• 8 Mint Leaves
• Top with Sparkling Mineral Water (I Prefer Topo Chico)
• 5 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters
• Mint Sprig (for Garnish) & Metal Straw

Preparation: Combine Bärenjäger Honey & Bourbon, Grapefruit Juice & mint leaves in a shaker tin with 1/4 c pellet ice and give it a quick whip shake. Strain into the glass, add pellet ice, top with Sparkling Water and more ice if needed. Dash the bitters on top, slap the mint sprigs against the back of your hand to express the oils, place next to metal straw.

Meet Elizabeth Mickiewicz

CHILLED 100 Member, Chicago

Elizabeth has worked behind every kind of bar imaginable. She truly fell in love with the mixology craft in early 2013, then was a Cocktail Apprentice in 2014 at Tales of the Cocktail, building many relationships there. Shortly after she headed for Chicago by way of Los Angeles, looking to grow and challenge herself within the professional bartending world.

She is the Director of Bar Operations for Aparium Hotel Group, based in the Windy City, and is currently opening Free Rein Restaurant in their new St. Jane Hotel on downtown’s Michigan Avenue.

Elizabeth Mickiewicz – Chilled 100 Member, Chicago

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Source: Mixology News