July 2021

Wine Institute has announced that O’Neill Vintners & Distillers were awarded the Seventh Annual Winegrowing California Green Medal Leader Award.

This award is presented to wineries and vineyards that have shown excellence in leadership and are committed to sustainability. O’Neill Vintners & Distillers not only lead in grape and wine quality but prove their efforts in sustainable and socially responsible initiates. These strides have generated measurable results, as they believe sustainability shows their commitment to people, the planet, and profit.

“We are thrilled to be presented with this award and honor from the Wine Institute”
– Jeff O’Neill, owner of O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

“As a privately-owned company, we have the autonomy to invest in the future, listen to what consumers expect of us, and harness the energy of our 300 dedicated employees to carry out this critical mission. Congratulations to the O’Neill team and the other award winners this year.”

Their sustainable efforts are ongoing to minimize the use of waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and protect the planet and environment. O’Neill installed BioFiltro’s largest worm-powered winery wastewater system in the world during 2020. This system is capable of filtering more than one million gallons of water per day. Recently, they launched a regenerative viticulture study that will be a three-year research program led by Caine Thompson, O’Neill Vintners & Distillers’ Sustainability Lead. “The study will enhance biodiversity and minimize environmental impact while informing regenerative farming practices and carbon sequestration that others can replicate.”

O’Neill’s Sustainable Efforts

O’Neill’s is also dedicated to their employee and community’s wellbeing. This mission extends to the wine industry and supports any future development of a diverse workforce. In addition, O’Neill is working with an agricultural community that supports more than 200 California grape growers. The main goal is to source 100% sustainability by the end of 2022.

“Our work doesn’t end with this recognition,” said Jeff O’Neill. “It is just getting started.”

The post What is a Green Medal and How did O’Neill Vintners & Distillers Earn It? appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

With a history dating back to 1691, the Nolet Distillery is the oldest still-standing distillery in Holland that is still in the hands of its founding family.

Built in Schiedam, Holland, the distillery survived two World Wars and the French Revolution to remain a prominent fixture in local history. Despite its age, the brand creates a modern and timeless gin that has been winning drinkers over since its inception.

NOLET’S Silver Dry Gin

In 1691, Joannes Nolet started what would become a globally recognized spirit by building a relatively small distillery and passing his skills on to his son, Jacobus Janszoon. While heading the second generation, Janszoon purchased a flour mill that ensured that there was always wheat on hand for distillation. The next several generations continued to grow the company, expanding the size of the distillery before eventually moving it to its current location.

The brand almost had a US-based distillery. Eighth generation Joannes Albertus Jacobus set up a distillery in Baltimore, Maryland. Unfortunately for US-based imbibers, the onset of Prohibition quickly squashed the burgeoning location, and Joannes returned to Holland.

Nolet Family toasting

With such a grand history, the 10^th generation owner and modern head of the Nolet family, Carolus Nolet, could only aspire to greatness. In 1983 he introduced Ketel One Vodka to the US market and slowly worked at crafting a brand truly close to his heart – Nolet’s Finest Gins. Carolus, along with his two sons, Carl Jr., and Bob, have worked to craft a unique collection of gins with Nolet’s Silver and Nolet’s Reserve.

As the family slowly developed their recipe, they chose to step away from the traditional, juniper-heavy flavor and instead experimented with a range of botanicals. The result is Nolet’s Silver, a modern, easy to sip gin that is gluten free, non-GMO Project certified, with no sugar, no carbs, and only 117 calories per 1.5 oz. serving. With notes of peach, raspberry, and rose – the resulting spirit is lightly floral, and fruit driven with a smooth, dry finish.

Nolet Distillery Canal View

The brand’s Nolet’s Reserve is a limited-edition gin bottled at 52.3% alcohol. Reserve is an ultra-premium sipping gin made with notes of saffron and verbena for an incredibly luxurious, silken finish. Bottles of the spirit are allocated annually and individually numbered by and before being packaged in prestigious boxes.

The post 3 Things You Didn’t Know about Nolet’s Gin – A Spirit 300 Years in the Making appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Tropical Distillers has announced they are opening a distillery in Miami toward the later part of 2021.

The Miami-based company will open its distillery in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Allapattah at 2141 NW 10th Avenue. This distillery will offer guests a premium experience just a few feet away from the famous Wynwood Arts District. J.F. Haden’s Mango Liqueur, which is the first spirit to market from Tropical Distillers, will be featured at the distillery. It’s a first-of-its-kind liqueur made from all-natural home-grown Florida mangoes. Crafted without any preservatives, acritical colors, or flavor, the brand is also launching its newest flavor, J.F. Haden’s Citrus Liqueur.

J.F. Hadens Mango Liqueur

This opening will be a joint venture for Tropical Distillers, including CEO Buzzy Sklar, the newest partners and former NFL pros Mike and Maurkice Pouncey, luxury realtor Kim Rodstien, and industry vet Andrew Siegel.

The new fully functioning distillery will also be home to J.F. Haden’s Craft Liqueurs headquarters.

“With the recent growth and buzz surrounding Miami as a new business hub, and my 30 plus years of experience in the hospitality industry, we are very excited about the potential success and feel the timing is perfect to be opening up the only distillery in the City of Miami.”
– CEO Buzzy Sklar

Tropical Distillers

At 8,000 square feet, the distillery will include an in-house cannery, a beautiful bar, and a tasting room that’s been designed with colorful vintage wallpaper, giving it an old-school Florida vibe. The distillery will also offer a gift shop with branded merchandise. Presenting daily premium tastings and behind-the-scenes tours, the distillery will showcase its meticulous small batching production process. Guests can even indulge at the bar and sip on a signature J.F. Haden’s Liqueur cocktail or enjoy snacks from the various featured food trucks.

Tropical Distillers will also offer branded tour buses available to book for private parties. When not in use, the bus will cruise around Miami, offering pick-ups to the distillery. Since the launch of the brand in 2020, they have been picked up by national distributors like RNDC. They are currently available in over 1,000 bars, restaurants, and retail stores.

The post NFL Pros Mike and Maurkice Pouncey Partner with Tropical Distillers to Open Miami-based Distillery appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

No need for rose-colored glasses to fall for this pretty-in-pink, pre-Prohibition cocktail

As one of Pantone’s christened colors of 2016, pink spells panache once again. And there’s no better cocktail to celebrate this year’s fashion trend than with the Clover Club cocktail. Made with gin, lemon juice, egg white, and raspberry or grenadine syrup, this rose-hued sipper originated, surprisingly, as a gentleman’s drink.

The Power of Pink

Created as the signature drink of the Clover Club, a group of high-powered businessmen who met at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia in the late 1800s to early 1900s, pink was a power color for the jet-set gent. For example, Gatsby proudly sported a pink suit in the 1925 Great Gatsby novel. This example may explain why manly men, such as the poet Yeats, slurped them down sans shame.

“While pink is now regarded as a feminine color, it was once seen as masculine, making this cocktail aptly colored for the men’s club of its namesake,” explains Rachel Ford, Diageo National Gin Ambassador. As further proof of its virility in Jack Townsend’s 1951 The Bartender’s Book, he described the Clover Club drinker in its heyday as “the distinguished patron of the oak-paneled lounge.”

The Rosy Shade Fades

Unfortunately, just as the shade fell from favor with men, so did the frothy concoction. Deemed as a girly drink alongside its cousin cocktail, the Pink Lady, the Clover Club landed on Esquire Magazine’s 10 Worst Drinks of the decade in 1939. Enter Martinis and Manhattans as the new go-to tipples of success. Essentially, it became the pre-Carrie Bradshaw Cosmo of its era (and what’s so wrong with that anyhow?).

Comeback Kid

However, thanks to this decade’s craft cocktail craze, the sweet and sour sipper is tickling both genders’ palates once more. There’s even a born again Clover Club, the brainchild of Julie Reiner (also of Manhattan’s Pegu Club and Flatiron Lounge, plus Leyenda bar that opened in 2015), in Brooklyn. Named after the original Philly sodality, the darkly lit denizen embodies late 19th-century regalia with wood paneling, red leather tufted couches, velvet curtains, and an ornate tin ceiling. Naturally, the Clover Club libation is first billing on the bar’s menu under the cocktail category. Here, you’ll find a later rendition of the drink; dry vermouth is added to the original four ingredients.

 “Dry vermouth is commonly added today, as it was in the recipe from the 1946 Stork Club Bar recipe book”
– Rachel Ford

Other variations to try, based on recommendations by legendary early 20th-century bartender Harry MacElhone of Harry’s Bar in Paris mentioned in his cocktail books, including swapping lemon juice for lime or including sweet and dry vermouth while scaling the gin back. Add Applejack for a Pink Lady; float fresh mint for a Clover Leaf.

Whether or not you’ll be donning a Gatsby-style pink suit this season is still iffy. What’s not in question is what to toast the arrival of spring (and this year’s ‘it’ color) with. Here’s how to shake up the potent pink power drink of old on your own:

The Clover Club Cocktail

The Clover Club Cocktail 

“The bold juniper presence in Tanqueray London Dry both pairs well with and stands up to the sweet, tart, and creamy elements of this particular classic,” says Ford. 

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin
• 1 Egg White
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz. Raspberry Syrup

Preparation: Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or raspberries.

The post Drink in History: Clover Club appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

It’s a winter paradise, a summer oasis, a railroad town, a chic mountain getaway and a homey place to relax all at once.

Located in the northwestern part of the state they call The Last Best Place, the town of Whitefish is an idyllic community straight out of a storybook. Despite its small-town status, its walkable area somehow boasts a top-quality food and beverage culture fit for a big city.

Cheers from Whitefish, Montana

Even better, its progressive nature (including a recent environmentally friendly-push dubbed Be a Friend of the Fish, complete with a handy checklist) has made it a welcome place for locals and tourists alike. From the diviest of dive bars to the craftiest of craft cocktails, here’s your guide to where to imbibe in wonderful Whitefish.

Bar Fare in Whitefish, Montana

Spotted Bear Spirits

A premier spot for craft cocktails, Spotted Bear Spirits concocts their own boozey creations right on premises and serves them up in the most inventive drinks in town. From their house-made classics like vodka and gin, to a delectable coffee liqueur, the spirit of Montana thrives in each one whether the gin’s piney juniper or local Montana Coffee Traders coffee in their liqueur. Spotted Bear then brings it all together behind the bar with stunning cocktails, including the Snowghost which employs their vodka and coffee liquor along with half and half, as well as cold brew.

SpottedBearSpirits.com

Bonsai Brewing Project

From community-made spirits to suds Whitefish can call all their own, Bonsai Brewing Project is an outstanding microbrewery in which every detail has been deliciously perfected. Aside from its comfy digs (including ample outdoor seating) and a menu of food that doesn’t have to be so good yet somehow is (see: massive hotdogs boasting a variety of unique fixin’s), it’s their beer which is the star of the show. Much like Spotted Bear, Bonsai employs a litany of local flavors in their palate-pleasing brews, including local honey in their Lil’ Blond Honey. Other highlights include the wheat ale Rise Up and an India Red Ale dubbed Due North.

BonsaiBrew.com

Bulldog Saloon

It’s a saloon in the best sense of the word. Make like John Wayne and put your belly to the bar at the Bulldog, housed in a century-old building which during past iterations sold bait and tackle during prohibition and boasted a soda fountain during the 40s. These days you’ll find cheap drinks and quality eats at the Bulldog, which borrows its name from the mascot for the Whitefish school district. Get a pint from their seen-it-all friendly bartenders and pair it with their famous Huckleberry Wings, which combines the town’s popular berry with their perfectly-cooked chicken wings.

Fart-Slobber.com

The Firebrand

Doubling as the expansive lobby for its namesake downtown hotel, The Firebrand is outfitted with a variety of comfy couches and roaring fires along with your regular bar and tables. What they serve however is uniquely local libations, whether you want to warm up (a Hot Buttered Rum made with Whitefish Spiced Rum and a house mix) or cool down (their Orchard Margarita which boasts a spice apple syrup). Wind down the night at the Firebrand, or just wake up there thanks to a top-notch breakfast… and maybe even an Irish Coffee.

FirebrandHotel.com

Glacier Distilling

Although Glacier Distilling is technically located in Coram, Montana (about a 40 minute drive away from Whitefish), it’s worth a visit if you’re already in town. Located at the steps of its eponymous Glacier National Park (a stunning bastion of mountains, lakes and wildlife), Glacier Distilling is a highly respected spirits-maker which concocts everything from whiskey to apple brandy, along with more unique offerings including a Cherrycello (cherry limoncello), Huckleberry Gin (using that aforementioned fruit), and pear brandy. The passion for Glacier Distilling, from its owners, locals and tourists alike, make it one of the most exciting distilleries in the west.

GlacierDistilling.com

The post 5 Bars to Visit in Whitefish, Montana appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Brunch always tastes better when paired with a Mimosa.

This classic cocktail is a simple yet delicious one. Only made with two ingredients, but these ingredients must be high quality. The refreshing taste reminds those that you don’t need much to make something taste good. A Mimosa, compared to the Screwdriver (made with vodka instead of Champagne,) is much lighter.

The drink has become a phenomenon, as many restaurants offer bottomless brunch. In case you want to make your own Mimosa, we suggest going to extra mile to make it perfect. Instead of buying store-bought orange juice, which often contains tons of sugar, try juicing your own. Depending on how many Mimosas are being drunk, you won’t need too much orange juice. Instead of overpowering the Champagne or sparkling wine with the citrus, simply add a small amount.

This classic drink is typically served in a Champagne flute or a wine glass. You can even add on different garnishes like a strawberry slice or blood orange wedges. Some add a splash of grenadine for some color or swap out orange juice for grapefruit. It pairs magically with eggs benedict or a large stack of pancakes. Mimosas are a classic for a reason.

Here is a simple recipe.

Mimosa

Mimosa

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. Sparkling Wine or Champagne
• 2 oz. Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Preparation: In a Champagne flute, add fresh-squeezed orange juice. Top with chilled sparkling wine or Champagne. Garnish with an orange wedge and serve.

The post Classic Cocktail: Mimosa appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

This week we are bringing you two recipes for a drink of the week.

Created by Master Mixologist Remy Eldinary, the Ayurvedic Jackass is made with a homemade lavender turmeric syrup. Whether you want to add this to your favorite mocktail or give your simple cocktail a boost, this syrup will become a summer favorite. The cocktail has fresh floral notes, and with turmeric, it provides holistic healing properties from the herbs.

Give this cocktail a try.

Ayurvedic Jackass

Ayurvedic Jackass

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Luksusowa Vodka
• 3/4 oz. Lavender Turmeric Syrup*
• 3/4 oz. Lime Juice
• 2 oz. London Essence Ginger Beer

Preparation: Fill up a copper mule glass with pebble ice. Add all ingredients and stir to combine. Suggested Garnish: Lime slice and Lavender

*Lavender Turmeric Syrup

Ingredients:

• 1 qt. Sugar
• 1 qt. Water
• 2 tbsp. Ground Turmeric
• 3 tbsp. Dried Lavender Buds

Preparation: Boil until reduced and strain.

The post Drink of the Week — Ayurvedic Jackass appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

We have rounded up some killer cocktails to mix up this holiday weekend.

Whether you’re looking for some last-minute additions to your drink menu or taking a night off and heading to a firework show, sip on one of these festive Independence Day cocktails. There is nothing better than a summer 4th of July drink! You’ve got your pasta salads, hamburgers, and red, white, and blue decorations, now you need a cocktail to enjoy it all.

Feeling patriotic? Here are some 4th of July cocktails to mix up this weekend.

Templeton Rye “Summer Smash”

Templeton Rye “Summer Smash”

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Templeton Rye 4 Year
• 1/2 oz. Amaretto
• 3-4 Blackberries
• 1 1/2 oz. Fresh Sour Mix
• Rocks Ice
• Lemon Twist & Rosemary Sprig
• Garnish

Preparation: Combine Templeton Rye, Amaretto, blackberries, and fresh sour mix in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and double strain into a Collins glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and rosemary sprig.

Stars & Stripes Smash

Stars & Stripes Smash

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. ABERFELDY 12-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• 2 Lemon Wedges
• 6-8 Fresh Mint Leaves
• 1/2 oz. Local Honey Syrup (2:1 local honey: boiling water. Mix to fully integrate and let cool before using)

Preparation: Muddle lemon, mint, and honey in a shaker tin and then add ABERFELDY 12-Year-Old. Add ice and shake vigorously before straining into chilled glass over ice. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Fiesta Americana Acapulco Villas

Fiesta Americana Acapulco Villas

Ingredients:

• 5 oz. Pineapple Juice
• 2 oz. White Rum
• 2 oz. Coconut Cream
• Wedge of Pineapple to Garnish (optional)
• 1 Cherry (for decoration)
• Strawberry Grenadine

Preparation: Pulse all the ingredients along with a handful of ice in a blender until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and garnish as you like.

Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 oz. Zachlawi Dry Arak
• 1/4 oz. Omhpiko Mastiha Liquor
• 2 oz. Fresh Homemade Watermelon Juice
• 1/2 Lime
• Cucumber Strip
• Watermelon Cube
• Mint
• Zaatar Salt Rim

Preparation: Mix equal amounts of zaatar and salt in a shallow bowl. Rub a watermelon cube around half the rim of a tall glass. Dip one side of the watermelon cube in the zaatar mix. Leave the watermelon cube to the side. Combine Arak, Mastiha liquor, watermelon juice, lime juice, and a cup of ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into the glass. Garnish with a cucumber strip, fresh mint, and the watermelon cube

Cocktail from: ZIZI NYC

Red, White & Duke

Red, White & Duke

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Duke & Dame
• 3/4 oz. Hpnotiq
• 1/2 oz. Blue Curaçao
• Club Soda
• Fresh Strawberry Slices

Preparartion: Shake Duke & Dame, Hypnotiq, and Blue Curacao in cocktail shaker and pour into rocks glass over fresh ice. Top off with club soda. Garnish rim with strawberry slices.

The post Must Mix: 4th of July Cocktails appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

In conjunction with Waze, a leading traffic and navigation app, HEINEKEN USA has announced its partnership to promote responsible consumption.

Starting this summer in California, the campaign will use in-app notifications and offer vouchers to encourage consumers not to drive when they drink. Known in the industry for promoting responsible drinking, HEINEKEN USA is the first beverage company to partner with Waze in the United States.

Heineken Partners with Waze

After beginning Memorial Day weekend, this program will extend throughout the entire summer. This promotion will be available to Waze users throughout the state of California, with room to expand. As users attend social venues including, restaurants, beaches, parks, and sports stadiums, the app will target them and encourage safe decision-making behind the wheel. The Waze users traveling to these venues will be offered a rideshare voucher that can be redeemed throughout the summer.

“We like to say HEINEKEN has been social networking since 1873, but we recognize bringing people together for a drink comes with responsibility. Encouraging responsible consumption is core to our ethos and central to everything we do.”
– Josephine Bertrams, SVP and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of HEINEKEN USA

“Our new partnership with Waze in the U.S. is an exciting extension of this commitment. We’re working with Waze to encourage people to make safe and smart decisions as they spend well-deserved time with family and friends this summer.”

Heineken

While researchers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have said drinking and driving fatalities have decreased 51% since 1982, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, drunk driving is still the number one cause of death on American roads. There is still work that needs to be done. HEINEKEN is continuing to encourage drinking in moderation, as 10% of their media spend goes to responsible consumption annually.

“The last year has been challenging for everyone, and we’re excited to see the progress being made towards a ‘new normal’ for people in the United States”
– Fernando Belfort, Head of Waze Mid-Market for North America

“We want to make sure drivers can celebrate in the safest way possible and believe our innovative partnership with HEINEKEN USA will discourage dangerous behavior on the roads. With Memorial Day weekend historically being one of the biggest driving holidays of the year, this is a critical time to remind people on the road to drive safely and responsibly.”

This partnership snowballed from HEINEKEN’s “When You Drive, Never Drink” global campaign. It also adds to their ongoing list of collaborations that encourage safe decision-making on the road. This partnership with Waze will focus on creating a positive impact for responsible alcohol consumption.

The post HEINEKEN USA Partners with Waze appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Leave your shaker behind the bar and make the most of your time off with High Noon’s Limited Tropical Flavors.

Whether you’re looking for a new canned item for behind the bar or looking to stock your cooler for your next pool party, High Noon is an easy drinking, refreshing hard seltzer that’s perfect for summer. This season, they’ve launched a new limited-edition tropical eight pack with two new flavors.

Each flavor of High Noon is made from only three ingredients: real fruit juice, five-time distilled high-quality vodka, and sparkling water, creating a craft-worthy sipper that is low-carb and low-calorie. The brand has a year-round line up of Grapefruit, Pineapple, Black Cherry, Watermelon, Peach, and Lime flavors. For this summer only, you can also enjoy Mango and Passionfruit in the Tropical eight-pack.

The award-winning hard seltzer isn’t just a great way to make your days off more enjoyable – it’s also a fantastic option for behind the bar. If you’re at a hospitality location with beach access or a pool (that allows booze of course), High Noon is a great and refreshing canned option that’s higher end than some of the alternatives. So, you’re not only making your program easier, but you’re providing a classier option. Even if your bar/restaurant isn’t water-side, High Noon RTD’s are simply a delightful addition to any canned beer or seltzer you might already have. You can even dress them up by serving them poured with a high-impact garnish.

With their low ABV and classic can style, High Noon makes for the ultimate all-day sipper to bring to your preferred body of water. Whether you’re heading to the pool, a lake, or a beach, High Noon can come with you anywhere. Enjoy your days off, crack open an ice-cold mango hard seltzer!

The new pack is only available through September; make sure to pick up a pack for your beach bag ASAP.

The post From Bar to Beach Bag, High Noon’s Tropical Collection Needs to be on Your Radar appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News