Monthly Archives

May 2019

Spice Up Derby Day With Regatta’s Kentucky Mule

By | Mixology News

Regatta Kentucky Mule, bottle and cocktail with variety of decoration, featured image

Regatta, creator of renowned Regatta Classic Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer along with a full range of craft mixers, is offering a spiced-up, Kentucky-fied version of the popular Moscow Mule cocktail to help revelers celebrate this year’s Kentucky Derby.

While the Derby is notoriously known as the greatest (and fastest) two minutes in sports, the celebrations that surround this beloved May event are plentiful and long lasting.

For those not able to travel to Churchill Downs to witness history and partake in the festivities up close and personal, Regatta has crafted the perfect cocktail to serve guests, whether you’re out at a favorite Derby-friendly watering hole or in the comfort of your own home.

“You don’t have to be at the Kentucky Derby to enjoy the taste of a delicious Kentucky cocktail,” Sam Zarou, CEO of Affinity Beverages LLC (owner of Regatta Craft Mixers), said in a press release. “Our Regatta Kentucky Mule takes the drink to a new level by pairing our perfectly balanced ginger beer with distinct notes of citrus, ginger and spice with lime juice and the pride of Kentucky—Kentucky Bourbon. The result is a spiced-up and refreshing twist, sure to please Derby enthusiasts everywhere.”

Regatta Kentucky Mule, bottle and cocktail with variety of decoration

Regatta Kentucky Mule

Regatta Kentucky Mule

Ingredients:

  • Regatta Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer (to Top)
  • 1.5 oz. Kentucky Bourbon
  • .5 oz. Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • Mint Sprig (to Garnish)

Preparation: Mix bourbon and lime juice in a chilled Moscow Mule copper mug. Add ice and top with Regatta Ginger Beer. Garnish with a mint sprig. Enjoy!

The post Spice Up Derby Day With Regatta’s Kentucky Mule appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

How To Make a Perfect Mint Julep

By | Mixology News

The Perfect Mint Julep, elegant cocktail with garnish, featured image

You likely know that the Mint Julep is associated with the Kentucky Derby, one of the biggest sporting events of the year.

And you wouldn’t be wrong—the Mint Julep is indeed the official cocktail of the race, and more than 120,000 of them are consumed at Churchill Downs each year. But the drink didn’t become the official Kentucky Derby cocktail until 1938, and it wasn’t even originally made with bourbon.

This style of drink actually originated in the Arab world. The word “julep” can be derived from the Persian word “gulab” and the Arabic word “julab,” which were both drinks made with sweetened water and rose petals. As the beverage moved across the continents, Mediterranean folks replaced the rose with native mint. Like the origin of many alcoholic beverages, the Mint Julep started out as a medicine of sorts. Its first print mention was in 1803, when John Davis wrote about it in his book, Travels of Four Years and a Half in the United States of America. In the tome, he described the drink as “a dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning.”

Back then, the Mint Julep was likely made with cognac or rum, which was America’s most popular spirit at the time. It was a favored drink among U.S. presidents, which can be attributed to Kentucky Senator Henry Clay. He introduced the drink to Washington, D.C., in 1850, when he made it a popular libation at the Round Robin Bar in the Willard InterContinental Hotel. According to some, the bar still uses his original recipe to this day.

The modern Mint Julep is made with bourbon, simple syrup, and mint, and it’s served in a frosty silver Julep cup over crushed ice. While we do recommend the Julep cup if you have one available, this drink is just as tasty when sipped out of a lowball glass. We also recommend using overproof bourbon to give the drink a satisfying bite, but the 80-proof stuff will work just fine if you prefer a sweeter tipple.


The Perfect Mint Julep, elegant cocktail with garnish

The Perfect Mint Julep

Photo by Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

Mint Julep

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 oz. Overproof Bourbon
  • .5 oz. Simple Syrup
  • 6 Mint Leaves
  • Mint Sprig (for Garnish)
  • Powdered Sugar (Optional)

Preparation: Add mint leaves and simple syrup to a chilled Julep cup. Muddle gently to release the oils, but be careful not to bruise the mint. Pack the glass with crushed ice and pour bourbon over ice. Stir to mix the ingredients, and fill the glass with more crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and dusting of powdered sugar, if desired.

The post How To Make a Perfect Mint Julep appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

The 6 Best Hotel Bars in Denver

By | Mixology News

The 6 Best Hotel Bars in Denver, two cocktails in a cheers, featured image

The Denver cocktail scene has exploded in recent years.

Not only are new bars popping up every month, but old-school watering holes are holding their own with perfectly made classic drinks and new signature recipes. It’s a great time to be part of the Denver bartending community because everyone is really rooting for the success of neighboring bars. “The love!” says Poka Lola Social Club beverage manager Peter Danyluck when asked about the best part of the local bartending scene. “Cross-promotion, collaboration, and support of other establishments. It’s not a simple head nod, but a pause in service to come around the bar to hug another bartender from another spot. The respect.”

While you can find great bars all over the city, some of our favorites happen to be in hotels. And because we’re suckers for an excellent hotel bar, these six watering holes top our list of the places to drink in Denver.

Death & Co

Walk into Denver’s The Ramble Hotel on a Friday night, and you’ll stumble upon one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the city. Set inside the new property’s gorgeous lobby is an outpost of the iconic New York bar Death & Co, which is designed with plush velvet seating, crystal chandeliers, and a mirrored back bar where the cocktail magic happens. There’s an exquisite libation for every palate, like the bright Rio By Nite (cachaça, apple cordial, ancho chile, China-China) and the rich Bad Sneakers (Japanese whisky, Islay scotch, coconut, citrus, cinnamon). The fantastic food menu means that you should come hungry for dishes like Maitake Bao Buns and Heirloom Bean Hummus. For a bespoke cocktail experience, you can also reserve a seat for Death & Co’s Suite 6A, which features creative cocktails made with rare ingredients and unique presentations.

death & co bar view

Death & Co

Photo by Amanda Gabriele

Poka Lola Social Club

Tucked inside Dairy Block’s stunning The Maven hotel, you’ll find Poka Lola Social Club, a beautiful Art Deco-inspired bar that’s serving some of the best cocktails in the city. There, beverage manager Peter Danyluck and his team are creating delicious cocktails—not to mention homemade syrups, bitters, and sodas—that nod to America’s turn-of-the-century soda fountain culture. There are twists on classics like the Violet Vesper (gin, violet, aperitif) and creative signatures such as the Lil’ Pick Me Up—a savory, tangy blend of gin, pickled peppers, and lemon. Homemade bottled cocktails enhance the nostalgic vibe, and snacks like the French Onion Dip and Parmesan + Herb Frites help soak up the booze. Don’t miss Poka Lola’s daily happy hour, when Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and rosé are only $6.

Poka Lola Social Club, bar and lounge view

Poka Lola Social Club

Photo by Amanda Gabriele

Ship Tavern

The Brown Palace Hotel and Spa has been serving Denver guests since 1892, so it’s an iconic place to learn about the history of the Mile High City. In addition to excellent dining options like breakfast at Ellyngton’s and afternoon tea in the hotel’s stunning atrium lobby, the on-property Ship Tavern is one of our favorite places to grab a drink in Denver. The old-school staff is down-to-earth and oh-so-friendly, especially when it comes to choosing from its extensive menu. Try the strong but smooth Old Creole cocktail, made with rhum agricole, Green Chartreuse, and Peychaud’s Bitters. Don’t leave without ordering Ship Tavern’s Chermoula Hummus, which was one of the best things we ate on our trip.

Ship Tavern, bar view

Ship Tavern

Photo Courtesy of Brown Palace Hotel and Spa

Panzano Bar

When we spoke to local Denver friends, they mentioned that Panzano is one of their favorite places to get Italian food in the city. And if you’re a guest of the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver, all you need to do is walk downstairs to enjoy the restaurant and bar. Panzano boasts the biggest amari selection in the city, so you can expect plenty of Italian-inspired cocktails like the Monkey Wrench—a barrel-aged mix of scotch, bourbon, Cardamaro, Cocchi Dopo Teatro Vermouth Amaro, and rhubarb bitters. If you’re not in the mood for a cocktail, Panzano has an impressive spirits and beer list that includes just about anything you can imagine. And if hunger strikes while you’re sipping a pre-dinner aperitivo, the fried Brussels sprouts are not to be missed.

panzano bar, bright red martini cocktail

Panzano Bar

Photo by Max Schwartz

B&GC

We love a good speakeasy, especially when it’s a truly clandestine destination. Tucked in an alley around the corner from the luxe HALCYON, a Hotel in Cherry Creek, you’ll find a glowing light and vintage brass doorbell that rings the bar B&GC. Born in the ruins of the former Cherry Creek Post Office, this beautiful bar is a sight to see. It boasts a huge list of classic cocktails in addition to signature drinks like the Let Me Know, a satisfying mix of Plantation 20th Anniversary Rum, applejack, aquavit, golden raisin, brown rice, and lemon. If you want to experience this hidden bar, make sure to text for a reservation, as it usually cannot accommodate walk-ins.

B&GC, patrons at bar

B&GC

Photo by Max Schwartz

The Cruise Room

Martini fans have to make a stop at The Cruise Room, which is one of the most iconic bars in Denver. It was born after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, and entering the pink-hued, Art Deco room is like stepping back to a more glamorous time. If it’s a Martini you’re craving, The Cruise Room will make it however you like it, whether it’s with gin or vodka, dry or perfect, garnished with an olive or a twist. But even those who don’t drink Martinis can enjoy a variety of expertly made classic cocktails. Pop in for a drink, play a song on the jukebox, and enjoy snacks like spicy meatballs and crispy fries with foie gras aioli.

The Cruise Room, tables and bar area

The Cruise Room

The-Oxford-Hotel

The post The 6 Best Hotel Bars in Denver appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

7 Cocktails for Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration

By | Mixology News

Ginger Mint Margarita, cocktail, bottle, glasses and garnishes, featured image

If you’re gearing up for a Cinco de Mayo celebration, ditch the plain old Margarita and whip up something new for a change.

These seven delicious cocktails are super easy to make, so you can spend less time prepping and more time enjoying the festivities. From a caffeinated treat made with cold brew and oat milk to a refreshing mezcal spritz, these Cinco de Mayo drinks will be the star of any party.

Café Olé, bottle and cocktails with garnish, wooden table

Café Olé

Café Olé

Created by mixologist Eric Ribeiro

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz. Tequila Don Julio Reposado
  • 2 oz. Oat Milk
  • 1 oz. Cold Brew Coffee
  • Hazelnut Shavings (to Garnish)

Preparation: Combine Tequila Don Julio Reposado and oat milk into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain contents into a Highball glass over fresh ice. Top with cold brew coffee. Garnish with shaved hazelnut.


Garden Party, cocktail in bowl glass, with garnish

Garden Party

Garden Party

Courtesy of Puesto

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. You and Yours Distilling Sunday Gin
  • 1 oz. Blanc Vermouth
  • .75 oz. Lemon Juice
  • 1/3 oz. Lime Juice
  • 1/3 oz. Agave Nectar
  • 1 Bibb Lettuce Leaf
  • 2 Lemon Wedges (to Garnish)
  • 2 Strawberry Halves (to Garnish)
  • 2 Cherry Tomato Slices (to Garnish)

Preparation: Add first five ingredients to cocktail tin that’s two-thirds full of ice. Shake for 10-12 seconds until tin is frosted. In an empty snifter or rocks glass, use a bibb lettuce leaf to line the bottom of the glass. Dump ingredients of shaker into glass, ice included. Garnish with lemon wedges, strawberry, tomato slices, edible flowers or anything else from the garden that will look great!


The Original Mangonada, cocktail with rim and garnish

The Original Mangonada

The Original Mangonada

Courtesy of La Gloria

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Herradura Double-Barrel Reposado
  • 1 oz. Jimador Anejo
  • 1 oz. Patrón Citronge
  • 4 oz. Mango Puree
  • 4 1-inch pieces Freshly Cut Cantaloupe
  • 1 oz. Lime Juice
  • 2 oz. Simple Syrup
  • Chile Chamoy (to Rim)
  • Chamoy Stick (to Garnish)
  • Orange Slice (to Garnish)

Preparation: Add ingredients to blender. Add one scoop of ice. Blend until smooth. Pour into a glass rimmed with Chile Chamoy. Garnish with an orange slice and chamoy stick.


Marfarita bottle and cocktail with garnish, wooden board

Marfarita

Marfarita

Courtesy of Desert Door Texas Sotol

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 oz. Desert Door Original Sotol
  • 2.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
  • .5 oz Ancho Reyes Poblano Liqueur
  • 1 oz Orange Liqueur
  • Sotol Leaf or Lime Wheel (to Garnish)

Preparation: Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously for 8–10 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass or rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or a sotol leaf.


Oaxacan Spritz, cocktail with garnish on dark background

Oaxacan Spritz

Oaxacan Spritz

Courtesy of Ace Conlon, bartender at Neighbor

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Paquera Espadin Mezcal
  • 1 oz. Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice
  • .75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • .5 oz. Aperol
  • Orange Twist (to Garnish)

Preparation: Add all ingredients, save for the garnish, to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a Highball glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange twist.


Watermelon Margarita, cocktail with garnish

Watermelon Margarita

Watermelon Margarita

Courtesy of Egg Shop

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Blanco Tequila
  • .5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4 1-inch cubes Watermelon
  • .5 oz. Agave Nectar

Preparation: In an ice-filled cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients. Shake hard and pour dirty. Salted rims are optional, but this one is great with a Tajín rim as well.


Ginger Mint Margarita, cocktail, bottle, glasses and garnishes

Ginger Mint Margarita

Ginger Mint Margarita

Courtesy of Cointreau

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz. Cointreau
  • 2 oz. Blanco Tequila
  • .75 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 slices Fresh Ginger Root
  • 5 Mint Leaves
  • Mint Sprig (to Garnish)

Preparation: Muddle the ginger and mint in the bottom of a shaker. Add the remaining ingredients with ice and shake. Double strain over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a mint sprig.

The post 7 Cocktails for Your Cinco de Mayo Celebration appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

How To Choose Wines By the Glass for Italian Restaurants and Bars

By | Mixology News

Italian Wines by the Glass, bottles on white, featured image

A single glass of wine is typically priced at the wholesale cost of the entire bottle.

That means that a bottle that costs $10 wholesale equates to a $10 glass of wine at your bar or restaurant. Your markup depends on how many glasses you pour from the bottle.

Our job at Chilled is to suggest wines for your wine-by-the-glass bar program. Each online issue will highlight a handful of wines that meet our criteria of quality and affordability. The wines chosen will please the palate on their own or when served with food. This week, we’re discussing the best wines by the glass to offer at Italian restaurants and bars.

Strev Moscato d’Asti DOCG

This new-style DOCG Moscato has a gentle, fair acidity and a balanced flavor that sits somewhere between bold and light. Peach, pear, apple, honey, ginger, and lychee make this Strev Moscato d’Asti irresistible—one glass is never enough. With its delicate sweetness, it is a perfect starter wine that also doubles as a dessert wine.

Suggested glass price: $8

Strev Moscato d’Asti DOCG bottle on white

Strev Moscato d’Asti DOCG


Broglia Il Doge Gavi DOCG 2017

Well-balanced with nonbiting acidity, flavors of green apple and lemon dominate this white wine, along with hints of pear, honey, and grapefruit. It’s fairly dry with pleasant, crisp minerals. Try this pedigree DOCG from Piedmont that drinks well above its price point and will certainly be a bestseller.

Suggested glass price: $9

Broglia Il Doge Gavi DOCG 2017, bottle on white

Broglia Il Doge Gavi DOCG 2017


Purato Nero d’Avola 2017 Organic

This is a certified organic DOC wine from Sicily that features a bottle, paper, and ink all 100 percent recycled. The vegan-friendly wine is lovely and smooth with cherry overtones. It is perfect for both the curious wine drinker and the new generation, as organic wines have their own audience and command higher dollar returns. This wine may become the sleeper success on your menu.

Suggested glass price: $9

Purato Nero d’Avola 2017 Organic, bottle on white

Purato Nero d’Avola 2017 Organic


Colosi Nero d’Avola 2017

Colosi wines make a statement, like with this bold, medium tannic wine that is not so dry. A great value for the money, it’s spicy with leather and tobacco on the palate, followed by rich red and dark fruit. It dazzles the palate with an abundance of full, round flavors. This wine will beckon your guests to order a second glass.

Suggested glass price: $10

Colosi Nero d’Avola 2017, bottle on white

Colosi Nero d’Avola 2017


Statti Gaglioppo 2017

Gaglioppo is an elegant, universal wine. It shines with appetizers, desserts, and red sauces, so it’s a vino that you want both when you’re eating snacks at the bar and choosing wine for a meal. The backbone of red fruit, cedar, vanilla, and chocolate hypnotize your senses, as the soft and bright fruit opens into a spicy, dry finish.

Suggested glass price: $11

Statti Gaglioppo 2017, bottle on white

Statti Gaglioppo 2017


La Lastra Chianti Colli Senesi 2016

A true food wine, this fruit-forward DOCG Sangiovese from Sienna has high acidity, a velvety texture, and a nice finish. Orange rind, cracked pepper, and red fruit cross your palate with each sip. It’s an obvious go-to wine for any restaurant.

Suggested glass price: $12

La Lastra Chianti Colli Senesi 2016, bottle on white

La Lastra Chianti Colli Senesi 2016

The post How To Choose Wines By the Glass for Italian Restaurants and Bars appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News