August 2021

Barfly® Mixology Gear teamed up with the Chilled 100 to gift New Orleans-based bartender Alexandria Bowler a Deluxe Mixology Kit.

Bowler, and two other bartenders from the Chilled 100, were each gifted a Deluxe kit from Barfly Mixology Gear to help take their mixing game to the next level. Improving your tools is one of the easiest ways to make your craft easier and more efficient. Having tools that work well and look good means you can work faster with less effort and decreased risk of injury by garnish tool or overexertion.

When choosing her set, Bowler opted for the stunning copper finish—a classic style that works well with her personal brand. The kit comes in a range of finishes including, stainless steel, gold, gunmetal black, and more, so each bartender can match their tools to their personal style.

Check out Alexandria Bowler’s unboxing video!

Jade Bar’s Fiery Mandarin

Watch the Cocktail Video on YouTube

Created by Alexandria Bowler

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Cranberry Juice
• 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz. Simple Syrup
• Orange Zest
• Jalapeño Slices

Preparation: Zest 1/3 of an orange directly into a shaker tin. Add in a few thin slices of fresh jalapeno and muddle the zest and pepper with simple syrup. Add cranberry juice, lemon juice, and vodka, and shake with ice. Double strain into a martini glass and garnish with a fresh jalapeno slice. 

The post Unboxing A Deluxe Mixology Set from Barfly Mixology Gear appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum continues their support of tattoo artists with a #SupportYourArtist campaign.

After service industries across the board took a hit through the pandemic, Sailor Jerry has been working to help one sector near to its heart and history––tattooing. Inspired by the legacy of tattoo artist and muse for the brand, Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins, the rum brand has launched a global social media campaign to support top traditional tattoo parlors as voted by consumers.



At the beginning of the pandemic, the brand began the #SupportYourArtist campaign across social media and found ways to support struggling tattoo artists. The brand bought tattoos from out-of-work artists and partnered with tattoo supply maker King Pin to distribute $80,000 worth of supplies as shops reopened. In this new continuation of the program, consumers worldwide can vote for their favorite shop bringing them publicity and a chance to win a custom-built Plinko board and a care package from Sailor Jerry and Tiger Spit Balm.

If you are wondering, a Plinko board is a game of chance where a brave individual shoots a puck through a board to choose a random flash tattoo.

“As a company through William Grant & Son’s StandFast initiative, we’ve looked to support the bar community through the pandemic.”
– Sailor Jerry Global Brand & Cultural Ambassador, Gemma Kane

“As a brand, we also wanted to remember and support the tattoo community, as so much of our heritage is tied up in keeping alive the legacy of Norman Sailor Jerry Collins through the work he continues to inspire today. We’re in it for the long haul and forever thinking of creative ways to help creators get back on their feet and drum up trade post-pandemic. The Plinko project is a fun way to bring together both tattoo fans and support tattoo artists while shining a light on the great work that they do. And we think letting fate decide what ink you get is the kind of whole-assed fun Norman would have approved of.”

Phil DeAngulo with Sailor Jerry Plinko at Memorial Brooklyn Tattoo

Renowned Plinko artist Cristain Roldan was commissioned to make each plinko to spec. Each winning tattoo shop will receive one of the custom-built boards hand-painted with traditional Sailor Jerry Designs and the shop’s logo in the center. Roldan shared, “It was a great pleasure to trace with my brush the strokes of Sailor Jerry’s designs. I will always be grateful to have taken part in this project giving back to the tattoo & creative communities of the world.

The post Sailor Jerry Supports Tattoo Artists With New Campaign appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Need some new wines to celebrate National White Wine Day?

August 4 marks National White Wine Day, and we have rounded up three of our favorite white wines for you to try. Most wine drinkers opt for light and refreshing white wines during the summer months. It’s also a delightful drink for summer foods like grilled fish, salads, and lighter kinds of pasta.

Here are three white wines to keep on hand for National White Wine Day.

Wente Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

This Louis Mel Sauvignon Blanc has fresh flavors of guava and notes of mandarin and lime zest. Refreshing, this wine has a bright acidity with a lingering finish. Its name comes from a French immigrant who traveled to the U.S. in 1870 in search of a place to make wine. Doing what they can to help the environment, all of the grapes used at Wente Vineyards are certified sustainable. It pairs beautifully with oysters and chips with guacamole.

Wente Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

K-J Avant Chardonnay

One of the newest Chardonnays released from Kendall-Jackson, this unoaked Chardonnay has a refreshing taste. The grapes are cold fermented in stainless steel tanks to create a pure expression of the grape. It has notes of pineapple, bright green apple, wildflowers, fresh lemon, and juicy pear—making it a delicious wine to pair with a BBQ grilled chicken. The growing region for this wine is what gives it the unique notes: Monterey County, Santa Barbara County, and Mendocino County.

K-J Avant Chardonnay

Freakshow Chardonnay

Not only does this wine have showstopping packaging, but the contents inside are just as good. Inspired by the Goddess of the Sea, who has been scouring the ocean and tempting pirates and sailors, this white wine is crisp and fruit-forward. Freakshow Chardonnay displays notes of juicy apricot, honeycomb, citrus, and toasted caramel for a satisfying finish. The grapes sourced for this Chardonnay are certified sustainable.

Freakshow Chardonnay

The post 3 Wines to Celebrate National White Wine Day appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

With more and more competitions being held on a national level, here are a few tips to help you stand out!

Use Your Own Photograph

Most pictures pulled from the internet have copyright. When you use these images and present them as your own, you run the risk of disqualification. With cell phone cameras being as advanced as they are, there is no reason why you can’t snap a quick picture and submit it.

Visual

Make sure your cocktail photo is high resolution and use proper lighting. This is a must if you want it to stand out to the judges. In the photo, you should include ONLY the bottle of the spirit being showcased. Do NOT put every single product you used in the photo. It takes away from what you are showcasing, which is your cocktail and the brand holding the competition.

Know Your Judges

When a competition is announced, the judges are usually listed. A quick internet search can help you “know your audience” so that you can craft your masterpiece accordingly.

Tips for Competing Mixologists

Read the Instructions

There will always be judging criteria that you must meet. Not following the rules is a sure way to be passed up.

Showcase the Brand

Make sure that the brand you are using is the star of the show. Always make sure the sponsored spirit shines in your cocktail and is not overpowered by your modifying ingredients.

Do Not Use Competitors Brands

This tip seems like a no-brainer. Make sure you learn about the brand or the importer and use modifiers from their collection. You don’t want to use a competitor brand if you can help it. That information is usually accessible on the website for the brand.

Accesible Ingredients

Homemade ingredients are awesome, but if they are something that is not easily sourced through the internet or a local grocery store, you might want to consider using something else.

Do Not Use Illegal Ingredients

Remember that when a brand hosts a competition, they are looking for cocktails that will be replicated everywhere it is sold. Not all states allow recreational drugs, and not all consumers do them, so do NOT use drugs in your cocktail.

Hopefully these tips will help you to stand out and move on to the next round of any competition you enter.

Wendy Verdel Hodges

National Director of the Chilled 100, Wendy Hodges

Wendy has been in the Food and Beverage industry since her teenage years. She worked her way up from hostess through all aspects of FOH positions. She has over 20 years of bartending experience and has done it all. (nightclub dive bar, cocktail lounge…you name it) She has recently taken on the role of National Director of The Chilled 100.

The post 8 Tips To Stand Out In Cocktail Competitions <em>(From a Judge)</em> appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Have you ever ordered a French 75 at a bar and wondered why it’s called a French 75? What does that have to do with a champagne and gin drink? Well, it’s indeed an interesting story.

The French 75 received its name after the French 75-millimeter light field gun used during WWI. Because cocktail names typically are after events or people, the French 75 is no different. During the 20th century, the gun itself was a major symbol of hope in the news for the battle against Germany.

The first name for the drink was, “Soixante-Quinze” meaning seventy-five. This name later changed to 75 Cocktail, and then to what we know today, the French 75. Over the years, the recipe has altered. When the drink was first created, it contained dry gin, applejack bonded, lemon juice, and grenadine. A little different than the classic cocktail drunk today. The only thing that has never changed about this drink is that all versions contained gin.

There are many ways to serve this cocktail. Over the decades, the glass the cocktail came in has changed. The French 75 was first sipped out of a coupe glass. However, during the late 1920s, the glass switched to a Collins. Now, and since the 1980s, this cocktail is served in a champagne flute.

The first written reference came in 1915 in The Washington Herald. From that point on, the drink was on just about every bar menu. Whether that is the classic version or a riff, it’s something that imbibers continuously order.

Next time you want to make this classic cocktail, try out this recipe.

The French 75

French 75

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Gin
• 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
• 2 Dashes of Simple Syrup
• 2 oz. Champagne

Preparation: Combine all ingredients except champagne into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into an iced champagne flute. Top the cocktail off with champagne and give a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon twist. Enjoy!

The post The Story Behind the Cocktail Name, French 75 appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Whether it’s a sensitivity, allergy, celiac disease, or personal choice, you’re always going to have drinkers who are avoiding gluten; here’s what you need to know to serve them.

Know Your Spirits

There are plenty of spirits that in theory are gluten free, but some may have cross-contamination or residual gluten depending on the production and bottling methods. Generally speaking, tequila, mezcal, rum, and wine are all gluten free, but always check if there are warnings on the label as they might be bottled in environments that also bottle products with gluten. While this may seem pedantic, for those with extreme allergies even a slight amount of gluten can cause severe reactions and pain.

Gluten Free Cocktails

Most vodka, regardless of what it’s made from, can be gluten-free thanks to the distillation process. However, this doesn’t make it safe for everyone. Instead, opt for vodkas made from gluten-free ingredients like corn or potatoes.

Lay Off the Mixers

When it comes to additional ingredients like mixers, liqueurs, and even sodas, figuring out what’s safe can be tricky. Ingredient lists can be long, complicated, and include ingredients that don’t seem like gluten up front. Worchester sauce, often used in Bloody Mary’s, can contain malt syrup which contains gluten. Most ingredients will specify if they are gluten-free, but if not, always double check.

Watch Your Brews

When it comes to beer, cider, and anything on tap, there are a few rules to follow. Because of how beer is made it almost always has gluten. There are some gluten-free beers on the market, as well as gluten-reduced beers, but these may still cause reactions for those with severe allergies. Cider is almost always safe, but note that seasonal or special brews made with additional ingredients and spices might not be. Another important consideration when working with beverages on tap is that if tap lines are not properly cleaned between uses cross-contamination can happen. With proper sanitation, this should not be a risk, but those with severe allergies may need to avoid drinks from the tap.

Gluten Free Cocktails

When In Doubt, Ask

One of the first things to note is that if a customer is celiac, you should make sure to wash your hands, and any tools you will be using to avoid cross contamination. To that end, if a customer asks for a drink without gluten, it’s worth asking for details if they are not specific. If they ask for a drink suggestion, you can clarify what spirits they’re comfortable with and see if there are ingredients they know are safe for them. With gluten allergies having such dramatic ranges of intensity, it’s always best to know what you’re working with to ensure you can mix up a drink that’s delicious and safe.

The post How To: Gluten Free Bartending appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

The Aviation is like the unicorn of cocktails: mythical, wildly colorful, and hard to find.

A lavender, blue-hued drink served up, the Aviation includes gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette (a liqueur made from violet flowers). Those last two ingredients are what makes this drink a wildcard in the pre-Prohibition cocktail hall of fame. You either love the Aviation or abhor it.

For starters, the Aviation is an in-your-face Gin Sour with a seemingly hot mess of flavors. You’ve got the juniper from the gin, sour from the citrus of the lemon juice, syrupy fruit from the maraschino liqueur, and fragrant perfume from the crème de violette. Neither the gin nor the juice is the star of this drink; the maraschino liqueur sits front and center, while the crème de violette adds depth and color. A lot is going on but done right it’s an interesting and refreshing drink.

The Aviation first made its print debut in 1917, in the last cocktail recipe book published before Prohibition: Recipes for Mixed Drinks, by Hugo Ensslin, a German-born bartender, who created the drink while working at the Hotel Wallick in New York City.

In 1930, the recipe appeared in print again in Harry Craddock’s The Savoy Cocktail Book, but without the crème de violette. Perhaps Craddock was in a hurry and copied Ensslin’s recipe down wrong, or perhaps he thought it just tasted better without it. Whatever the reason for the recipe discrepancy, Craddock’s version is what most bartenders today know as the Aviation, but without any clue of the reason behind its moniker. But when you add the crème de violette, the drink name suddenly becomes obvious, because the drink takes on a sky blue color.

However, until a few decades ago, the Aviation cocktail was basically grounded. Why? Because crème de violette disappeared stateside. In 2009, after 40 years of being unavailable on the market, it was resurrected when Haus Alpenz began importing an Austrian violet liqueur. Since its comeback, some American distillers are producing their own version, such as The Bitter Truth’s Crème de Violette.

Long story short, the Aviation is a cocktail that modern Americans are still unsure about because of its floral-forward notes. Let’s say the Aviation has wings but requires a few more flight hours before it’s ready to take off in the United States.

Here’s the original recipe to decide for yourself.

Aviation

Aviation Cocktail

Ingredients: 

• 2 oz. Gin
• 1/4 oz. Maraschino Liqueur
• 1/4 oz. Crème de Violette
• 1/2 oz. Lemon Juice
• Flamed lemon peel (for garnish)

Preparation: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with flamed lemon peel.

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

Source: Mixology News

Each month, Chilled is bringing you five essential cocktails based on our National Drink Day Calendar. Don’t forget to reference it so you can prepare for the upcoming holidays.

It’s hard to believe how quickly the summer months pass us. While we head into the last few weeks of summer, you’ll want a refreshing cocktail to sip on. Each of these five essential cocktails celebrates one of the national days in August. The nights become chilly, and no matter how old we get, we prepare for that “back to school” feeling. Embrace the last month of summer and enjoy one of these five essential cocktails.

Here are five cocktails you can enjoy during the month of August.

Yuzu Spritz

Yuzu Spritz

Begin August with National Spritz Day (8/1). Spritzes are the epitome of summer. The possibility of flavors is endless. This summer spritz contains the popular Yuzu juice. Yuzu has been all the rage this year when it comes to cocktail making. This drink is one you won’t want to skip.

RumChata Root Beer Float

RumChata Root Beer Float

A root beer float is a nostalgic childhood favorite. As a kid, there’s nothing better than sipping on a glass of root beer, unless there’s a spoonful of vanilla ice cream involved. This adult version is just the thing to make on National Root Beer Float Day (8/6). The creaminess of RumChata mixes perfectly with a spiked root beer.

CC Special Tea

CC Special Tea

Celebrate bubbly on National Prosecco Day (8/13) with a coconut treat! This rum-based cocktail has notes of honey, green tea, and lemon zest for the perfect combo. Topping cocktails with Prosecco adds a refreshing and light mouthfeel. It also gives the drink great depth.

Raspberry Basil Lemonade

Raspberry Basil Lemonade

Nothing truly screams August like good ole lemonade. It’s another childhood favorite that should be celebrated. On August 20, celebrate National Lemonade Day with this twist on a classic. August is the end of the raspberry picking season, so it’s the best time to enjoy these little berries when they’re fresh. Add the muddled basil, and you have a refreshing drink on your hands.

Lemon Drop Martini

Lemon Drop Martini

Citrus is a cocktail’s best friend; there are so many cocktails that have a citrus base or accent. The Lemon Drop Martini is for all the lemon-lovers of the world. Its sweet and tart flavor will be exactly what you need on National Lemon Juice Day (8/29).

The post 5 Essential Cocktails for August appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

We’ve all seen that copper mug on the table at a bar. It’s almost always filled with a Moscow Mule.

This classic cocktail is on every bar menu, and it’s fairly simple to make it. With just three ingredients: vodka, ginger beer, and lime juice, it’s a drink that so many people love and order. This classic drink is always served in a copper mug—why?

There are a few reasons, and one of the main ones is temperature. Copper mugs have a superior thermal conductor, which means that they respond to the temperature of what’s inside. If the contents within the mug are cold, it will keep the drink cooler, same with a warm drink. When a Moscow Mule is poured into the copper mug, the cup itself becomes chilled.

Another reason for this specific mug is many Moscow Mule drinkers believe the copper enhances the flavor. This cocktail is fizzy and has a lot of carbonation from the ginger beer. Imbibers think the mug brings out the spiciness from the ginger beer and makes it more refreshing.

Moscow Mules have tons of riffs—people who don’t enjoy vodka switch the spirit out for something else. A Mexican Mule is made with tequila, and a Kentucky Mule contains bourbon. An Irish Mule has Irish whiskey while a Jamaican Mule has spiced rum. Depending on what mood you are in, you can opt for any spirit. That is the beauty of the Moscow Mule.

Next time you’re in the mood for the classic vodka cocktail, here is our favorite recipe.

Classic Cocktail Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Vodka
• 1/6 oz. Lime Juice
• 4 oz. Ginger Beer

Preparation: Combine the vodka and ginger beer in a copper mug over ice. Add the lime juice and stir gently. Garnish with a lime slice and mint sprig.

The post Classic Cocktail: Moscow Mule appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Who doesn’t love a decadent cocktail? This Drink of the Week is from the bartender and Chilled 100 member, Timmie Hoffman.

For Timmie, bartending was just something to pay the bills. But, after a few years of diving into the scene, she realized she was obsessed with the craft. She currently works at Happy Accidents in Albuquerque. “The vibe is that everyone from every race is welcome, and that is the best part. Young, old, straight, queer, trans every night is a big melting pot of humans, and it’s beautiful.”

Creating cocktails for her comes from many different directions. For her creamy and decadent cocktail, she uses coconut cream. Next time you’re in the mood for something chocolatey with a hint of spice, check out Timmie’s drink.

Naughty & Spice

Naughty & Spice

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. of Red Chile and Pecan-Infused Vodka
• 3 oz. Coconut Cream
• 1/2 oz. of Chocolate Syrup
• 4 drops of Xocolatl Mole Bitters

Preparation: Add in a shaker tin, shake with ice, strain into glass, garnish with a Biscochito cookie.

The post Drink of the Week: Naughty & Spice appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News