Monthly Archives

March 2022

Chillin’ With Sistas Star, Chido Nwokocha

By | Mixology News

Chido Nwokocha is the charismatic Nigerian-American actor born and raised in Sacramento.

 

As education was a top priority in his childhood home, Chido worked hard to earn his college degree in Health Administration from Ohio University. Here he also shined athletically on the school’s football roster as their wide receiver. After college, he played at the pro level for the San Jose Sabercats of the Arena Football League. After a rough knee injury abruptly halted his football career, he made the choice to go the acting route.

 

He then moved south to Los Angeles, and a plethora of important roles soon followed. He made an appearance in Steven Bochco’s acclaimed Murder in the First, and was also featured on the following series: The Resident, Hawaii Five-0, Scorpion, Shooter, The Night Shift, and The Rookie. A few film credits of Chido’s include Destroyer with Nicole Kidman, and Top Gun: Maverick with Tom Cruise.

Currently, Nwokocha is a regular in the BET show Sistas, which is written, directed, and produced by Tyler Perry. The show follows a group of single African-American females as they cope with their complex love life, careers, and friendships. Sistas was renewed for a second season and Chido will return as Gary Marshall Borders.

 

Chilled had the pleasure to chat with Chido and learn about his off-screen hobbies, fully stocked bar, and love of hosting family and friends.  

 


 

Tell us about the projects you are working on. 

I’m currently working on a new film from Amazon and Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine Production Company called Something from Tiffany’s.

 

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

I enjoy some quality time with my friends watching a good game on tv.  I love being home by myself watching a movie or new series. I am also very active so a good workout whether it be running, lifting weights, yoga, or boxing; I’m happy. 

 

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

I don’t have a specific restaurant in mind, but I always enjoy going to different restaurants and trying their food. It’s been fun getting a chance to see more of what the city has to offer. It gives me something new to look forward to. 

 

What types of dishes do you typically order? 

I’m very simple so I’ll always have protein, carbs, and veggies for a meal. Fish, chicken, steak, French fries, and vegetables.  And then I will treat myself to a dessert like cookies, ice cream, or a brownie. 

 

Any favorite bars? 

Not one in particular, but I like any bar with good vibes, people, and drinks! 

 

What drinks do you order when out? Favorite drink? 

I’m pretty straightforward. Whiskey on the rocks with a splash of ginger ale and a lime is my go-to. If I feel like switching it up, I’ll go with tequila. 

 

Do you prepare drinks at home? 

Yes, I enjoy a good drink at home whether I’m reading, going over lines, or watching anything on tv. I’m very big on wine to end my night. 

 

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with? 

I have everything! Whiskey, tequila, gin, cognac, vodka, wine, and mixers. I have to have it all for myself or guests I have over. I like to consider myself a great host. 

 

Have you ever been a bartender? 

I bartended for a few years in LA. It was a good time and met a lot of people, which was awesome for someone like me who was new to the city. 

 

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be? 

Lebron James or Denzel Washington. 

 

 

 

 

The post Chillin’ With Sistas Star, Chido Nwokocha appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Last Call! 11 Bartenders are Counting on Your Vote. Vote Here!

By | Mixology News

Welcome to the Windsor Whisky Cocktail Challenge, Last Call to Vote.

Black Cherry Whiskey Lemonade Black Cherry Whiskey Manhattan

Each of the 11 entering bartenders have created two cocktails for their entries into the Windsor Whisky Cocktail Challenge—one created with Windsor Canadian Whisky and one using Windsor Black Cherry Whisky.  

 

We asked participating bartenders to share what inspired their cocktails using Windsor Whisky, known for its adventurous mantras— #drinksforthewild and #enjoyitoutthere. 

 

If you have not already voted, this is your last chance to vote for your favorite. Your vote can help a fellow bartender win cash prizes!  

 

Vote Now! 

 


 

Tovah Mandernach

Pink Beach Sky

The colors and flavors of this cocktail reminded me of sitting on the beach at sunset on one of my favorite beaches in Florida. Toes in the sand, relaxing, listening to the ocean waves crashing on the shore.

 

Chococherry Popper 

I wanted to create a pretty drink for camping mornings. I always wake up after a day and night on the lake feeling sore, sunburnt, and a little hungover. And I crave something fresh like a smoothie. So, this is my take on that. 

 


 

Kristopher Taylor  

Spruce Sprigsteen

 

I’ve never been a big camping person or wanting to go out into the woods. When I was in boarding school it was almost a given, I’d be out in the woods. which to me being a city kid from Atlanta felt like I was being punished. We would play a game called manhunt and capture the flag. All I could remember and still do is the taste of leaves, and pine and just the smell nature as a whole. I was running and tried to hide by scaling a tree. I fell off the tree and into dirt, rocks, leaves and whatnot. I was 12 so I wasn’t upset that I was hurt but thrilled that I could experience something new. I’m mean yes, there’s woods in Atlanta I just wasn’t into it. Spruce tips give this sort of piney, citrusy flavor but the aroma brings in the thought a campfire surrounded by a fresh nature at its core after a harsh winter. Good part was it made me want to understand nature and the woods. Bad part is I also fell onto an underground hornet’s nest. So, nature tastes great sometimes doesn’t feel great.  

 

Cherry Sprung Her 

When I was younger my mom would take me out to go cherry and strawberry picking over the summer. She would entice me to go because I didn’t like cherries as a child But knew I’d get strawberries. She tried everything to get me to try different foods and to this day I’m one of the pickiest eaters on the planet. One day we did a picnic in Centennial Olympic Park, and she made chocolate strawberries for me getting into boarding school and to reward me for making that achievement. What I didn’t know was that she snuck chocolate covered cherries into the basket. I devoured the entire thing. Ever since then I still don’t like cherries, but I look back to fruit picking with her and even at that time consider the possibilities of how food can change. Whether texture, bitter, sweet, or just mouthfeel. So, I wanted to create a drink that uses different flavors that bring out the cherry but is also harmonious.  

 


 

Corrie Kennedy 

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay

I work at a Brazilian steakhouse and want to come up with a tropical version of an old fashioned. Working with all the tropical flavors and ambiance at my restaurant has me longing for warm sand beaches and all the tropical goodness that comes with them. 

 

Black Magic Woman

This cocktail takes me back to trips to Grandma’s house. She made the best Black Forest Cake! I would play outside in the backyard while Grandma baked in the house. After playing all day I would come in for a slice and a nice visit.  Black cherry and chocolate are always really good together, so I figured, why not make it into a cocktail that brings back those childhood memories!  

 


 

Terry Hopfensperger 

Apple Tease

Not much of a story for this, other than it took many hours and a lot of tasting for the competition.  

 

Orange Cherry

This was actually a mistake by one of our bartenders, she was making my drink, I was drinking vodka and OJ, so there was a ounce or so of OJ left in my glass, she put black cherry and 7 up and cherry juice and garnished it with an orange. 

 


 

Grant Mohwinkel  

Whiskey Meet Mezcal

MN winters are a blast but they’re also extremely cold! Whiskey helps! Warm up to an ice fishing hole with a simple yet exquisite cocktail! Windsor is the backbone to this cocktail…Windsor’s wonderful rich and fruity notes play so well with the smoky, bitter, and citrus notes from the mezcal and Amaro. Stir one of these beauties up and start sipping!! Before you know it you’ll be all warm and fuzzy even in the coldest of Minnesota winters!  

 

Black Cherry Smoke

I picture warming up around a fire with this cocktail after a long MN winter day on the lake. After spending all day ice fishing in the tundra, the perfect night cap is this simple yet elegant sipper. The black cherry Windsor is the star of this cocktail and mingles effortlessly with the Smokey and fruity bitter notes of the scotch and vermouth. Put your feet up and relax with this well-balanced night capper!  

 


 

Vincent Donohue  

Boreal Manhattan

I love spending time outdoors in the Minnesota winters, seeing the evergreens covered in snow. 

 

Black Cherry Mule

I wanted to create a cocktail that could be easily shared while spending time outdoors with friends. No fancy barware required, just glasses and ice.  

 


 

Jennifer Benz  

The Windsor Paloma

After a long day in the sun, sitting by the fire you need a great refreshment. Nothing too heavy …easy to mix and to relax with each sip! Makes me appreciate spending time outdoors!  

 

Windsor Cherry Sunshine

I’ve spent many a day at the beach or on the river islands with friends. We always want an easy, refreshing cocktail! Cherry Sunshine has been a favorite! Sunshine, the water, and Windsor!  

 


 

Geoffrey Trelstad  

Horse’s Neck Sour

Fishing with the boys in the boundary waters. when you are out in the boat you bring the most minimal cocktail supplies what’s better than Windsor, angostura bitters and lemon? nothing!  

 

North Shore Fizz 

After a long day of hiking on grouse mountain just outside Vancouver B.C. do as the locals do and enjoy a cocktail. the altitude of 4000 plus feet makes for great inspiration thus the north shore fizz named after the north shore mountain range. cheers ehh!!!  

 


 

PJ Ford  

Delta Sun 

Driving south to Florida my friends and I stopped in Atlanta to stretch our legs. We took a stroll through a local park chewing on peach rings and soaked in some summer sun. We swung on swings, people watched, and found ourselves in a state of slap happiness, giggling, smiling, and genuinely enjoying our silhouetted company. We talked so fondly of this road stop after the trip even more so than the beaches of Florida.  

 

Lily Toss 

I stayed with a family in the French countryside who adopted a 12-year-old girl from Vietnam. Her, a native Vietnamese speaker and only just learning French, and me, an American who only speaks English, couldn’t speak to each other. Though we were over a decade apart in age and continents apart in life experience we became fast friends. She would climb the cherry tree in the front of the house and shake the tree branches. I’d run around with a bowl trying to catch as many cherries as i could. This cocktail reflects us walking the countryside eating freshly picked cherries not sharing a word with one another but sharing a memory instead.  

 


 

Jessica Gramlick 

True North    

Wanted to participate in the contest but wanted something that everyone could try.

 

BC Limeade

Simple and delicious for everyone!  

 


 

Jeff Oseby 

Windpipe    

Inspired by camping.  

Sailing

Inspired by sailing.  

 


 



 

 

 

 

The post Last Call! 11 Bartenders are Counting on Your Vote. Vote Here! appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Celebrate National Espresso Martini Day

By | Mixology News

According to recent poll of our Chilled 100 Bartenders, the Espresso Martini is the second most asked for cocktail in bars these days, following closely behind an Old Fashioned.  We celebrate this modern classic cocktail on March 15th, National Espresso Martini Day.

Originally made with vodka (named the Vodka Espresso) the Espresso Martini was created in 1983 by bartender Dick Bradsell at Soho Brasserie. Since that time, the cocktail has been riffed on endlessly, but the variation that replaces vodka with cognac arguably is one of the most well-balanced combinations making for a highly sophisticated Espresso Martini every time. The combination of rich cognac flavors paired with coffee is a match made in heaven.  

 

Of course, no matter the variation, our favorite Espresso Martini is garnished with three coffee beans—one representing a toast to health, one to wealth and one to happiness.  

 

The Rémy Espresso Martini is made with Rémy Martin 1738, coffee liqueur, and espresso. Notes of plum, figs, and dark chocolate found in Rémy Martin 1738 combined with the rich notes in coffee liqueur and espresso create a well-balanced drink perfect for celebrating National Espresso Martini Day.  

 


 

Rémy Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal 
  • 1 oz. Espresso 
  • ½ oz. coffee liqueur 
  • ½ oz. simple syrup 

Preparation: Shake, strain twice, serve in coupe or Martini glass. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

 

 

 

 

The post Celebrate National Espresso Martini Day appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

PATRÓN teams up with Mexican racing icon Sergio “Checo” Perez

By | Mixology News

PATRÓN  Tequila is proud to announce they are teaming up with beloved Mexican racing icon and Formula 1 driver Sergio “Checo” Perez. 

This unique collaboration celebrates two Mexican icons coming together, who believe in hard work, community and innovation – and whose steadfast passion, dedication and vision lead to simply perfect outcomes. Now, for the first time ever, PATRÓN and Checo are coming together in their shared commitment to perfection and bringing the traditions, modernity, and integrity of Mexico to life. Mexico is a country of innovators whose talents are rooted in tradition, and this collaboration is built on a mutual passion of being proudly Mexican. 

 

“At PATRÓN, we celebrate the progressive pioneers and bold innovators who drive powerful outcomes in their lives,” said Kathy Parker, PATRÓN Global President and CMO. “Just as PATRÓN goes to extraordinary lengths to deliver perfection in every drop, we are proud to work with Checo Perez, who goes to extraordinary lengths to deliver perfection at every turn. From his incredible career as a trailblazing driver, to his work for his community in Mexico, Checo truly strives for excellence in everything he does.  We are honored to welcome a fellow Mexican icon to the PATRÓN familia.” 

 

Like the art of PATRÓN tequila production, racing is a team effort that requires the same commitment to craftsmanship and quality from the team. Everyone plays a vital role in bringing to life the vision, the passion, and dedication that leads to simply perfect outcomes. 

 

PATRÓN tequila is proud to celebrate progressive pioneers, like Checo, whose relentless desire to blaze a trail in racing leads to bold innovation on the track. At PATRÓN, we are constantly experimenting and creating bold innovations while staying true to our handcrafted production process with a tireless dedication to perfection, just as Checo refines his craft with a respect for time-honored tradition of the sport.  

 

At least 60 hands help create and passionately handcraft PATRÓN tequila through hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, to masterfully combining a few all-natural ingredients through a traditional, time-honored distillation process to the individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, before it leaves the distillery at Hacienda PATRÓN. Upwards of 74 hands support Checo before he leaves the pit and begins to race. Checo and his familia on the track, like PATRÓN, understand the value in taking the meticulous precision and handcrafted care — no matter how long or challenging the process—to ensure perfection. 

 

This exciting collaboration will kick off with a one-minute hero film depicting the bold roads that Checo has traveled to get to where he is today, allowing loyal fans an opportunity to connect with him in a way they haven’t before with a behind-the-scenes look at the life of Checo Perez, while enjoying a glass of PATRÓN. The video showcases Checo’s passion and pride for Mexico as he reflects on his craft, innovation and hard work through a metaphorical journey following him along the dusty dirt paths of Jalisco’s highlands region—where PATRÓN carefully handpicks its 100 percent Weber Blue Agave—to the modern streets of his home in Guadalajara, Mexico. The video aims to bring to life Checo’s passion and pride for Mexico that drives him to go to extraordinary lengths to achieve perfection, just like PATRÓN.

 

“No matter where in the world racing takes me, Mexico—namely Jalisco—is my home, and I am always excited to return,” said Perez. “PATRÓN shares my relentless desire to innovate in my sport and pride for our country. I have much respect for the tremendous lengths the PATRÓN familia goes to achieve simply perfect tequila. I’m raising a glass of my favorite PATRÓN Silver in celebration of this exciting union and what’s to come.”

 

Fans can view the Checo and PATRÓN film, directed by creative luminary Ritesh Gupta, on the PATRÓN YouTube channel and Checo’s social media channels.  Stay tuned for what PATRÓN and Checo are up to at a race near you! To learn more, follow @PATRON and @schecoperez on social media or visit https://www.patrontequila.com/.

 

For more information, please contact patron@mbooth.com.

 

 

 

 

The post PATRÓN teams up with Mexican racing icon Sergio “Checo” Perez appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

5 Espresso Martinis to Guzzle in NYC

By | Mixology News

Almost Espresso Martini Day! Let’s celebrate.

 

WFH has us debating either drip or drink at 4pm, so why not blend both for the ultimate power hour?  

 

Espresso Martinis are easy to shake and leave lots of room for creativity with its simple spec: booze, espresso, and coffee liqueur.  

 

*Pro-tip for a frothy top?

Shake hard and fast to aerate the drink and serve quickly,suggests Dianne Lowery, beverage director at Macchina. 

 

Consider these five city spots serving caff-ed variations—thats if you cant grind espresso beans at home. Thats one of the reasons the Espresso Martini has had such a resurgence in popularity,” says Lowery. 

 


 

Macchina 

Slip past The Bedford bar and set foot in Macchina, a rustic-industrial room serving Tuscan stone-fired pizzas and herbaceous cocktails. The beverage program, powered by Lowery who trained under the late (and great) Sasha Petraske, accents Italian aperitivo in a modern manner–linking long-time Italian liquids with everyday tea leaves and coffee beans. 

 

I traveled to India and fell in love with chai [tea] and started drinking a lot of dirty chai lattes, so I thought, why not try it in an Espresso Martini?Lowery shares. Her Chai Espresso Martini contains coconut [cream] to balance the intensity of the spirit, espresso, and spices alike. Dehydrated coffee replaces the classic three-bean garnish atop the coupe glass. 

 

Regarding the resurgence in popularity: People arent used to going out, so they need the extra pick-me-up at the end of a meal,Lowery finishes. 

 

Chai Espresso Martini

Ingredients: 

  • 1 ½ oz. Vanilla Vodka 
  • ¼ oz. Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 
  • ¾ oz. Coconut Chai Syrup 
  • ¾ oz. Espresso 
  • Dehydrated Coffee 

Preparation: Shake vigorously. Strain and pour in a chilled martini glass. Top with dehydrated coffee. 

 


 

Vestry 

Slide into Vestry, a sophisticated Michelin-rated restaurant specializing in striking seafood dishes and stellar drinks amid contemporary surroundings adjacent to The Dominick hotel lobby. 

 

The bar team alters the familiar frothy sipper in its Back in Black cocktailcombining Japanese whisky, rich Tahitian vanilla, and a bold cold brew combo. The dimension of the vanilla adds an interesting taste profile to the drinkit creates a richness,” chef Shaun Hergatt describes. He suggests pairing the lowball cocktail with the Wagyu Beef Cheek (dressed in potato purée and miso-mustard) or the dark chocolate-coated Vestry ‘Mallomarduring dessert. 

 

Having the one-two punch of liquor and caffeine is very appealing,Hergatt mentions. 

 

Back in Black

 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 oz. Toki Japanese Whisky 
  • 1 oz. Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 
  • 1 oz. Espresso 
  • ¼ oz. Tahitian Vanilla Syrup 

 

Preparation: Shake with ice then double strain onto a large cube in a rocks glass. 

 

*Pro-tip per chef: Put a spring inside of the shaker when you move the drink (to help add extra body and froth). At Vestry, the spring from the top of the cocktail strainer is removed and used. 

 


 

One/Bar 

Belly up at Our/Bar, a hip hangout pouring various cocktails while producing small-batch vodka on-sitemaking it Manhattans first distillery since Prohibition. New Yorkers are constantly running around and energized by caffeine,bar (general) manager Kaddy Feast admits. 

 

Feasts revised Espresso Martini is a stand-out as it stars her not as sweetcoffee liqueur with a more authentic espresso coffee flavor profile. 

 

I was taught how to make my own coffee liqueur in college by my friend’s mother,she says. The great thing about making your own coffee liqueur is that you can use any coffee you like, sweeten it to taste, and select the spirit. It made sense to have Our/New York Vodka (with its exceptionally smooth flavor profile) to be the only liquor in the drink. 

 

This drink is made for New York,Feast closes. 

 

 

Espresso Martini

 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 oz. Our/New York 80-Proof Vodka 
  • 1 oz. Our/Bustelo-luha* (Café Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee, Our/New York 80-Proof Vodka and Simple Syrup) 
  • 1 oz. Espresso 

 

Preparation: Combine all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe. Garnish with 3 coffee beans. 

 


 

Comodo 

Convert comfortablein Spanish and you have Comodo. Chef Felipe Donnelly’s target is to take comfort foods from his time in Latin America and infuse a New York sensibility to create flavorsome dishes in a stylish eatery (within Freehand New York hotel). 

 

That’s exactly what we are doing behind the bar with our Espresso Martini [riff],head bartender Lyle Reed states. His dishes are full of flavors you can find in this drink from our Carnitas Tacos (where pork is rubbed with coffee) to our house-made moles which contain (and pair well with) cocoa.” 

 

No doubt the Insanely Good Espresso Martini fits perfectly with the intention and flavor profile of Comodo’s Pan-Latin food. It strikes a balance between the established recipe (rich, heavy mouthfeel) and new discovery to goodespresso notes. 

 

Espresso is second only to peanut butter in being a perfect pair with chocolate, so after knowing we wanted cacao, cherry was a natural second addition,Reed explains. 

 

Insanely Good Espresso Martini

Ingredients: 

  • 1 ½ oz. Vodka 
  • ¼ oz. Cherry Heering 
  • ¼ oz. Creme de Cacao 
  • ¼ oz. Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur 
  • ½ oz. Stumptown Hairbender’ Espresso 

Preparation: Shake hard and strain into a coupe or martini glass of your choice. Express a fresh orange peel over the drink (and discard) to give some lightness when you put your nose to the glass. 

 


 

Bar Calico 

Float to the second floor of Freehand New York and find Bar Calico, a Southwestern-style cocktail concept stemming from Authentic Hospitality (The Jane Ballroom, Georgia Room) with mod-feminist painter Georgia OKeeffe being its muse. 

 

A few fragrant cocktails are named after OKeeffes femme paintings while others acknowledge the Latin flair in the air like the caffeinated Carajillo Martiniserved cold. A carajillo is a hot coffee drink to which hard liquor is added. 

 

The Carajillo Martini is a perfect balance of flavors,manager Lucas Canan begins. Cold brew concentrate gives the drink cocoa notes and a strong kick of acidity. Licor 43 imparts citrus and spice. Our homemade cinnamon syrup is rich and sweeta balancing counterpart to the cold brew rounding out the cocktail. We shake the drink very hard with Kolddraft Ice Cubes, giving the finished cocktail a nice viscosity and a creamy texture. 

 

Carajillo Martini

Ingredients: 

  • 1 oz. Absolut Elyx Vodka (or Avion Silver Tequila) 
  • 1 oz. Licor 43 
  • ¼ oz. House-made Cinnamon Syrup  
  • 1 oz. Cold Brew Concentrate 
  • Orange Peel  

Preparation: Shake hard with Kolddraft Ice Cubes. Strain into a coupe or martini glass of your choice. Garnish with a fresh orange peel. 

 

The Espresso Martini is more future than fad. Today, with the ever growing focus on good ingredients and properly made cocktails, it makes sense for the Espresso Martini to stick around. When made right, its a perfectly balanced cocktail and one that can be ordered in almost any bar,Canan concludes.

 

 

 

 

The post 5 Espresso Martinis to Guzzle in NYC appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Toast to Bar Owner Jennifer Seidman, Women’s History Month

By | Mixology News

Meet Jennifer Seidman!

 

Owner of Acme Bar & Company, Jennifer is a hospitality veteran. She is a self-taught whiskey collector and certified sommelier. The bar has an award-winning collection of whiskey and mezcal. Located in Berkeley, California, Acme Bar & Company even has a cocktail education program.  

 

Let’s meet the woman behind the bar. 

 


 

What was the inspiration behind this bar?  

I have always felt that people, myself included, want to drink great quality spirits, beer, wine, and cocktails in a casual, relaxed, warm environment. I would go out and want to drink fine spirits, but the only places I could go were fancy restaurants and hotel bars. So I created a warm, friendly neighborhood bar known for quality drinks. 

 

Are there any cocktails that are customer favorites?  

Acme’s house Old Fashioned has been a crowd favorite for years. We sold 4,607 in pre-pandemic 2019, 1,736 in Covid 2020. 

 

Who created the bar menu? What inspired the cocktails?  

Our bar menu is always a collaboration of everyone on staff. All bartenders create the cocktail menu together. They develop and work on recipes on their own, then as a team, we make them together, critique and tweak them, and voila! House cocktail menu. The menu changes regularly, it’s inspired by many things. Acme has had politically inspired menus, cartoon-inspired, music-inspired, and seasonally inspired (holiday menus). 

Acme Bar & Co offers a Cocktail of the Week! What inspired this?  

During 2020 when cocktails to-go became a thing, we came up with doing a weekly cocktail special to give our customers something yummy and different every week. During the lockdowns, we all needed something to look forward to, and this was our way of giving our customers something fun during a dark time. 

 

What makes this bar stand apart from others? Are there any special techniques that have been implemented behind the bar?  

Acme is special because of its staff and customers. We strongly believe in creating a warm, welcoming environment that is welcoming and inclusive to all of our community. Our strong technique is belief in quality, consistency, training the crew to make the same drink every time. We measure pour all of our ingredients, use fresh juices, house-made syrups, and high-quality Small hand foods syrups; we stir our spirituous cocktails with thermometers; we use large format ice for our house Old fashioned and for single spirit pour or if requested by any customer. Acme has monthly meetings that include spirit, cocktails, beer/wine, and technical training. 

 

Are there any trends you are seeing behind the bar? 

A return to a true focus on quality and great service. I think bartenders and customers are tired of 20 ingredients, precious cocktails (I think they have been tired of it for a while). I think everyone is tired of the snobby bartender. I embrace the high-end whiskey drinker just as much as I embrace the vodka soda drinker. I have always believed bartenders are similar to the host of a great house party. They set the tone. They create the feel of the place. When you walk into my bar, the bartender greets you right away with a warm hello and a smile, no attitude, no pretentiousness. And then that bartender pours you the exact drink you want – that’s a great experience. I think it’s the direction bars are moving in. And if they are not, I know that’s exactly what my bar focuses on and believes in.

 

 

 

 

The post Toast to Bar Owner Jennifer Seidman, Women’s History Month appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Bar Convent Brooklyn 2022—Bigger and Better!

By | Mixology News

Bar Convent Brooklyn is set for June 14-15, 2022.  

Bar Convent began as a small industry meeting in Berlin in 2007 and quickly became the leading international bar and beverage trade show. The event expanded globally, arriving in Brooklyn in 2018.  

In 2021, Bar Convent Brooklyn attracted 3,000-plus attendees. With 134 exhibitors, over 50 new products debuted, 65,000 ounces of mixers were used, and 250,000 drinks and spirits samples poured over two days.  

“It was so good to be back together in person seeing our customers reconnect with friends and colleagues while doing business,” says Jackie Williams, Event Director, Bar Convent Brooklyn. “The industry reunited stronger and more inspired, connected, and unified than ever.” 

What to Expect at Bar Convent Brooklyn 2022 

Bar Convent Brooklyn 2022 is set for June 14-15, at its new home—Industry City. The move to Industry City will allow Bar Convent Brooklyn to expand its offerings and provide more space for exhibitors to bring their brands to life.  

One of the biggest initiatives for 2022 is a reduction in the event’s waste impact. A sustainable focus is evident from more recycling bins to biodegradable cups and cutlery to sustainable garnish solutions. “Even our staff shirts will be made of recycled materials,” explains Williams.

Bar Convent Brooklyn expects to grow the audience of attendees too. “We’re seeing many of our exhibiting brands taking more space to build unique and creative experiences,” shares Williams. There will also be more education and more networking opportunities at Bar Convent Brooklyn this year. 

Bar Convent Brooklyn’s collaborative business environment in which bar and beverage community pioneers gather to celebrate and sculpt the future of liquid culture sets it apart from other trade events. “Our high-quality curated education program—the event where both exhibitors and attendees go to discover new industry trends—is a top benefit of Bar Convent Brooklyn,” adds Williams. 

In the words of a 2021 attendee: “I’ve been to a lot of shows and Bar Convent Brooklyn is one of the best. We had a magnificent first day meeting a lot of great contacts and will be back next year!”  

 

Registration for Bar Convent Brooklyn is now open. Be sure to register before May 8 to secure discounted ticket pricing.

 

 

 

 

The post Bar Convent Brooklyn 2022—Bigger and Better! appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Toast to Ada Coleman, National Women’s History Month

By | Mixology News

Back in the early 1900s, Ada Coleman became the first female head bartender at the American Bar in the Savoy Hotel.

A position she would hold for nearly a quarter century, Coleman is one of the most recognized bartenders of all-time, and the creator of the iconic Hanky Panky cocktail. And today, the Bar is the longest surviving cocktail bar in London and one of the most renowned in the world. 

 

To find out more, through some research, I connected with the Savoy’s in-house Archivist, Susan Scott.  

 

“The cocktail was invented for Sir Charles Hawtrey, a British actor, director and producer. “Scott emphasizes however that “Sir Charles was not related in any way to the famous British actor George Hartree, who used the stage name Charles Hawtrey and encouraged the belief that he was Sir Charles’ son.”

 

Sir Charles did have a son, but it wasn’t George. 

 

“One day, Sir Charles simply walked into the American Bar (he was a regular) and asked Miss Coleman to create a pick-me-up for him as he was feeling a bit under the weather.  When he tried the drink, he evidently found it did the job, and exclaimed “that’s the real Hanky-Panky.” 

 

During Coleman’s tenure, another one of the most recognized bartenders at that time, Harry Craddock, started working at the Savoy. 

 

Craddock was originally from the United Kingdom, though spent many years in the United States. He reportedly mixed the last legal drink in America before Prohibition (according to a placard next to his likeness at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum) and is credited with the Savoy Cocktail Book where the Hanky Panky Cocktail was first officially published.  

 

And while his name is synonymous with the book, Craddock was a great collector of cocktail recipes – but not a writer.   

 

Scott believes Craddock was just in the right place at the right time. “His talents were not really literary,” she notes. “Craddock did exactly what it says on the title page and compiled about 750 of the most popular cocktails available in the American Bar at that time.”  

 

And Although stories speculate that Coleman and Craddock didn’t get along, and Coleman was ultimately pushed out, or transferred because of him, Scott tells me, “There was no possibility of getting the top job in the American Bar as long as Miss Coleman was there. And while it is easy to say that there was no love lost between them [Coleman and Craddock], that is just supposition.” 

 

Coleman was only the second head bartender at the American Bar and today remains only one of two women who helmed it. When she retired in 1926, five newspapers wrote about it, with one of them describing her as the “last of the famous barmaids.” (photo below)

 


 

The Hanky Panky

 

As noted in the Savoy Cocktail Book  

Ingredients:

  • 2 dashes Fernet Branca 
  • ½ Italian Vermouth 
  • ½ Dry Gin 

Preparations: Shake well and strain into cocktail glass. Squeeze Orange peel on top.

 

 

 

 

The post Toast to Ada Coleman, National Women’s History Month appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

11 Bartenders are Counting on Your Vote. Vote Here!

By | Mixology News

Welcome to the Windsor Whisky Cocktail Challenge.

 

Each of the 11 entering bartenders have created two cocktails for their entries into the Windsor Whisky Cocktail Challenge—one created with Windsor Canadian Whisky and one using Windsor Black Cherry Whisky.  

 

Vote for your favorite bartender and whisky cocktail recipes below. Your vote will help a fellow bartender earn a spot in the TOP 5 Finalists announced on March 21st and can win cash prizes!  

 

On March 27th International Whisk(e)y Day Windsor Whisky will announce the TOP 3 Winning Bartenders.   

 

First place winner gets $1000! Second place winner pockets $500, and 3rd place winner $250. 

 

Vote Now! 

#windsorcocktailchallenge  #drinksforthewild  #enjoyitoutthere

 


 

Tovah Mandernach

 


 

Kristopher Taylor

 


 

Corrie Kennedy

 


 

Terry Hopfensperger 

 


 

Grant Mohwinkel 

 


 

Vincent Donohue 

 


 

Jennifer Benz 

 


 

Geoffrey Trelstad 

 


 

PJ Ford 

 


 

Jessica Gramlick 

 


 

Jeff Oseby

 

 


 



The post 11 Bartenders are Counting on Your Vote. Vote Here! appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Happy International Women’s Day!

By | Mixology News

Women of the Vine & Spirits hosts “Raise Your Glass for Equality” Toast in Celebration of International Women’s Day

March 8 from 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM PST, on International Women’s Day, uplifting this year’s theme #BreakTheBias.  

 

Women of the Vine & Spirits (WOTVS), dedicated to boldly pushing the wine, beer, and spirits industry toward a more diverse equitable and inclusive era has announced program details for its annual free and public event, Raise Your Glass for Equality Toast, to be held virtually on International Women’s Day.  

 

About Women of the Vine & Spirits

Women of the Vine & Spirits is an all-encompassing global organization, dedicated to boldly pushing the wine, beer and spirits industry toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive era that supports business development and innovation, empowering all to thrive. Our members connect through our global network and collaborate across all industry sectors. We provide our members with benefits that include education, training, mentorship, and networking as well as tools, services and resources toward DE&I, and personal and business development. For more information, please visit womenofthevine.com.

 

 

 

 

The post Happy International Women’s Day! appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News