Monthly Archives

March 2023

Sip Classics by Candlelight at Bar Calico Lounge

By | Mixology News

A Southwest-inspired cocktail lounge on the second floor of the historic Freehand New York in the Flatiron district, Bar Calico aims to be a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

 

The inclusive, candle-lit lounge is inspired by artist Georgia O’Keeffe, the mother of American modernism, and how apropos that it was built in 1930; the same decade she created her most well-known works of art. The interior of Bar Calico is chic yet inviting, a reflection of O’Keeffe’s creativity.

The cocktail program’s emphasis is on refreshing yet ‘arid’ drinks and is citrus and liquor focused. Added sugars and simple syrups are not utilized, as Head Bartender Trevor Langer explains that “any sweetness needed to balance flavors is found in the spirit or liqueur that does the heavy lifting.” The inspiration for the cocktails on the menu is the unique flavors and qualities of the American Southwest. “Our team is serving up creative takes on desert-inspired cocktails in an unpretentious manner. Like O’Keeffe, the spirit-forward cocktail program is full of juxtaposition: strong and delicate: elevated and feisty.”

 

trevor langer

 

Langer explains that balance is the key to executing well-rounded beverages and leveling up your cocktail game. “At the highest level, flavor balance is spread across the palate so that the drinker can experience the full spectrum with each sip. Tartness hits the front of your palate, so you get that first; sweetness/fruitiness and alcohol heat hit the large middle part of the palate; then bitterness hits the back and lingers with you after each sip. Making cocktails that flow across each part of the palate independently while also having a cohesive flavor profile is the sign you have leveled up.”

 

Lake Brazee cocktail

 

Quality is more important than ever, he says, now that people are returning to the bar scene, and bartenders need to maintain their composure under pressure. “Prioritization, multi-tasking, and patience in the midst of mania are composite skills that make a great bartender when it’s Saturday night and the bar is going full tilt.” Langer predicts that cocktail bars will soon shift gears from utilizing obscure ingredients to create the most unique, “far-out” drinks to keeping things simpler and “doing more with less.”

The post Sip Classics by Candlelight at Bar Calico Lounge appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Just Chai It

By | Mixology News

We love a good Hot Toddy, and this cocktail from VASO— the elevated rooftop restaurant in the cozy Hallmark town of Dublin, Ohio—is the tastiest and coziest (of course) cocktail to keep your hands warm and taste-buds happy.

 

vaso-just-chai-it-pour

 

You just have to Chai It!!

 

vaso-just-chai-it-dow

Just Chai It

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Jim Beam
  • 1/2 oz Orgeat
  • 2 oz Vanilla Chai Tea

Preparation: Served hot in a vintage teacup. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.

The post Just Chai It appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

We Asked Bar Manager Jules Schneider, What’s Abooze Mouche?

By | Mixology News

Jules Schneider, Bar Manager at Herd Provisions has a decade-worth of experience in the food and beverage industry. Each of his roles along the way revolved around bettering the boozy side of the spectrum. Whether it be working as a bar back, oyster shucker, or bartender, he has always kept one crucial goal in sight: To optimize the ways we drink.

 

ABooze_Mouche_cocktail

Schneider and brother Ethan, a bartending duo from Herd Provisions in Charleston, SC have come together to create a new type of cocktail experience that fits that same mold. Introducing the Abooze Mouche. “I’ve always loved restaurants that do a little amuse bouche before my meal; So we decided to amplify the bar experience here at Herd with a little taste before you get going,” says Juleon, “It all started with Ethan making a delicious pumpkin spice inspired foam for a dessert cocktail. I knew our pastry chef, Danielle, has done caviar pearls for desserts in the past, so I had a brain blast that was centered on the idea of caviar spreads with creme fraiche and finding a way to ‘cocktailify’ it”. The first flavor the Schneider brothers debuted the special with were ‘green tea shots’ – Jameson sour caviar over peach Sprite foam

Chilled chats with Schneider about the thought process behind his concoctions and on the joint’s one-of-a-kind way of cocktailifying amuse bouche known as, “ Abooze Mouche.”

 

Jules HERD Provisions

 

What kind of experience can guests expect at Herd Provisions?

Herd Provisions offers the clearest version of a vertically integrated farm-to-table mentality. Menus are built to feature seasonally local ingredients with a focus on beef raised on our owner’s property in southern VA – Leaping Waters Farm. Comfort is our driving force, but our constant pursuit of creativity, knowledge, and betterment of the craft is always apparent on the table before you.

 

Tell us about the beverage program and its inspiration, what makes it special?

I’m always starving to mix something that shouldn’t fit. I love to find a weird ingredient or spice, then meditate and take a shower and see what I can pair with that flavor. Or how I can manipulate it to make it the weirdest and sexiest iteration of itself. Whether it’s figs and curry leaves, sandalwood and rooibos tea, or how much salted fino sherry flavor we can cram into an ice cube and still have it freeze.

 

Give bartenders some tips for creating a successful beverage program.

In creating a successful beverage program. I think the most important aspect is to know your audience. Who are you catering to? Give the people what they want! Listen to them, and then surprise them. Start small, and see what you can get away with

 

ABooze_Mouche

 

What does “Abooze Mouche” mean? What inspired the idea?

Abooze Mouche is word play on the classic pre-meal bite “amuse bouche” or mouth entertainment. Most upscale restaurants will include a free bite from the kitchen to showcase a theme or idea the chef is working on in the form of a one or two-bite dish. I was marinating on the idea of caviar and creme fraiche and all the amuse bouches I’ve had before and realized we could do it behind the bar.

Take an elaborate cocktail and split it into two-three parts, a foam/cream, a cocktail caviar, and possibly a textured enhancement. When you look at it this way, the possibilities are endless.

The post We Asked Bar Manager Jules Schneider, What’s Abooze Mouche? appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

6 Whiskies to Try for International Irish Whiskey Day

By | Mixology News

In the spirit of Whiskies Around the World Series—We celebrate International Irish Whiskey Day with 6 must try Irish whiskies.

 

International Irish Whiskey Day is celebrated on March 3rd. Apparently the number three has some significance in Irish whiskey-making, for example there are three styles of Irish Whiskey: Single Grain, Single Malt and Single Pot Still, it must be matured at least three years, and it’s triple distilled.

Since it’s still wintertime, and all we want to do is feel cozy and toasty, warming up the Irish way will surely do the trick. There’s nothing like sipping a smooth Irish whiskey in the winter. Here’s a complete round-up of Irish whiskeys to savor and sip into spring.

Teelings Brazilian Edition

Ireland and Brazil? No, we aren’t talking about a World Cup match here, just Teelings’ new riveting 14-year-old single malt Irish whiskey, aged gracefully in Virgin Amburana Brazilian hardwood. The result is an alluring sweetness and spice that dances between exotic and classic flavors. Think cardamom, coconut, baked apple, and vanilla. Just sinful, like carrot cake (which is an actual tasting note on the website, might we add.)

 

Teelings Brazilian Edition

 

Jameson

Good ole Jameson cannot be skipped in an Irish whiskey round-up. It’s one of the originals, a tried-and-true bar staple that will get you through the chilliest of days. Its bright sweetness makes it very approachable, a friend to even the most novice whiskey drinkers. With Jameson’s easygoing body and classic spicy finish, it is quite easy to sip by itself or added to an Irish coffee or a hot toddy.

 

Jameson-Irish-Whiskey

 

Bushmills

The oldest licensed whiskey distillery unsurprisingly produces some mighty fine and reliable Irish whiskey (centuries of work pays off, right?) Your glass or bottle of Bushmills represents 400 years of history on the North Coast of Ireland. This whiskey’s classic bottling is fruity and floral, reminiscent of the bourbon and sherry casks it ages in. It has this unique sweet saline undertone, a nod to the whiskey’s coastal roots.
Powers

Say hello to the first Irish whiskey made with only rye. It’s a recipe carefully crafted for over 200 years, so one could imagine it must be near perfect with that level of dedication. Well, we can confirm that Powers whiskey tastes pretty darn good in this century. Between its Irish roots and its grains, this whiskey is – as you imagine – peppery. But, do not see this as overbearing – this whiskey has a fascinating balance of acidity and sweetness that compliments its spice. It has an alluring aroma of candied orange and toffee, with flavors of clove, honey, and a hint of smoke.

 

Clonakilty

Clonakilty

Easy breezy is the name of the Clonakilty Irish whiskey game. Their lineup of double oak, single grain, and port cask gives you a wide variety of whiskey to savor. Every bottle represents the company’s dedication to sustainability, from grain to bottle, tracking their carbon footprint. Sipping into sustainability is fantastic, especially when the journey is smooth. The double cask go-to is approachable with its exotic banana flavors and nutty, vanilla-laced finish. What is interesting – though – is Clonakilty’s usage of NEOC casks – ex-red wine barrels charred once more to finish aging their selection of whiskeys.

 

Irish Coffee Day Recipe

Keeper’s Heart

Can’t decide if you want Irish or American whiskey? With Keeper’s Heart, you kinda don’t have to. This whiskey distillery proudly blends Irish whiskey with American rye or even bourbon. It’s an impressive pursuit, yielding whiskeys with original character. If you opt for their Irish + American, you will get a dose of caramel spice perfect for a Manhattan. Otherwise, their Irish + Bourbon is an ode to a winter night, warming your soul like eating homemade pie by a fire. And, this guy will thrive dutifully in an old-fashioned.

 

keepers heart

The post 6 Whiskies to Try for International Irish Whiskey Day appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Check Out the Top 10 Finalists in the Silks Gin Garden to Glass Cocktail Competition

By | Mixology News

Check out the TOP TEN (10) Finalists in the Silks Gin Garden to Glass Cocktail Competition.

 

The Cooney family, of Boann Distillery, Ireland, invited the Chilled 100 Bartenders to compete for cash prizes in the Silks Gin Garden to Glass cocktail competition. Stay tuned for the Top Five (5) Finalists, followed by the Top Three (3) Winning Cocktails.

“We wanted to introduce our contemporary style gin to the world of American bartenders and what better way than to run a cocktail competition with the best of the best!” says Sally Anne Cooney, co-founder, Boann Distillery. “We are always on the lookout for new cocktails and love the creativity that comes with cocktail creation.”

The competition brought together some of the most talented bartender in the industry in an interpretation of Garden to Glass. “They have created some of the most exciting and unusual cocktails. The bartenders have taken our “Garden to Glass” theme and interpreted it in many ways and incorporated such interesting ingredients and flavor profiles.”

 

Megan Marshall

New York, New York

This cocktail takes inspiration from the mother-daughter duo tending the hives of honeybees pollinating the orchards from which the gin’s botanicals are born, the stampeding horses traveling through the nearby racetrack at lightning speed, and the sage-like wisdom required to curate a family-owned legacy celebrating the history of the land surrounding their distillery.

The refreshing, bright flavor notes of Silks Irish Dry Gin had this phrase ringing through my ears as the flavors danced across my palate: “This is a journey, where like-minded companions travel along.” With ingredients acting as a nod to the honeybees, fruit orchards and on-site florals, I strived to create a cocktail that embodied the companionship of complimentary flavors traveling together and uplifting the Silks spirit. This signature garden-to-glass cocktail pays homage to the lands surrounding the Boann Distillery.

 

Silks Traveling Sage

 

Silks Traveling Sage

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Silks Irish Dry Gin
  • 1 oz Lemon Juice
  • 3/4 oz Honey-Peppercorn Syrup
  • 13 Blueberries
  • 
4 Sage Leaves
  • 
2 drops Lavender Bitters
  • 
Club soda

Preparation: Add ten blueberries and the honey-peppercorn syrup* to a mixing glass and muddle together. Then, add gin, lemon juice, and two sage leaves. Add ice and shake well. Double strain over ice into a Collins glass. Top off with club soda. Garnish with three blueberries and two additional sage leaves.

*Honey-Peppercorn Syrup: Combine one cup of honey, one cup of water, and 3 tablespoons of black peppercorns over medium-high heat. Stir until the honey fully combines with the water. Once the mixture comes to a boil, lower the heat, and let it simmer for five minutes. Then, take it off the heat and let it cool completely. Strain into another container and discard the peppercorns.

 

Jes Gutierrez-Switaj

Brooklyn, NY

When I was young, the garden and the forest were magical places. There was nothing more exciting than eating something you grew yourself, or something that you foraged in the wild. When I was older, I moved to Arizona, a new place magical in its own way. The intoxicating scent of citrus blossoms filling the air everywhere you go. It must be what perfumes heaven.

Citrus in such abundance you couldn’t give it away. The desert was also the only place I’ve ever been successful in growing lavender, it’s fragrant blossoms just as potent as those of the lemon trees. I used to sit outside late at night and watch the stars while basking in its heady bouquet.

Taste and scent have such a strong memory connection, and with this cocktail I wanted to capture the essence of flavors and aromas that were particularly meaningful to me personally, just all in one glass!

 

Lavender Bramble

 

Lavender Bramble

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Silks Gin
  • 
1 oz Lavender Syrup
  • 
1 oz Lemon Juice 
Blackberries 
Mint*

Preparation: Muddle 4-5 blackberries and a sprig or two of mint in the bottom of glass. Fill glass with crushed or pebble ice. Separately, combine Silks Gin, lavender syrup, and lemon juice. Stir to incorporate syrup well. Pour into glass. Garnish. Stir before enjoying. Garnish with fresh mint, lemon wheel, blackberries.


*Lavender Syrup
 Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tablespoons food grade dried lavender flowers
  • Squeeze of lemon

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan on medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, simmer until mixture reduces by about half. Fine strain, bottle and refrigerate.

 

 

Terence Allen

New York, New York

For Beets Sake came about by a city boy taking a trip up to the country and seeing a basket of plastic beets. I personally find that to be a funny and interesting story at the same time. Beets from a home vegetable garden, cilantro, and ginger both ingredients grown from the ground so presumably could be found in gardens.

 

For Beets Sake

 

For Beets Sake

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Beet Infused Silks Gin
  • 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Ginger/Cilantro Simple Syrup
  • 1 egg white

Preparation: I infused 2 cups of the Silks Gin with 1 cup of chopped fresh beets for 3 hours. I made a ginger/cilantro simple syrup from 0.25 cups grated ginger and 1 bunch of cilantro in 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. To make: Dry shake the egg white, add 2oz of the gin, 0.5oz fresh lemon juice, 0.5oz ginger/cilantro syrup and ice in the small shaker. Shake for approximately 20 second. Strain into a chilled Martini glass and garnish with a cilantro sprig on top of the foam Garnish with cilantro sprig.

Michael Hastings

Nashville, TN

My search for the perfect Garden to Glass cocktail started with the Silks Gin family bee-keeper duo. I wanted to ensure every aspect of the gin was represented by an element in the cocktail. From the sweet red apples in the fresh pressed apple juice, to the selection of which type of honey I used. I decided on Orange Blossom to complement the botanicals in the gin. Nothing really gives me that home grown garden feeling like peppers and basil.

These ingredients serve as the “little something extra”. Using a sweet red pepper instead of a jalapeño or habanero really makes a difference in the mouthfeel of the spice. The garnish is straight from a beekeeping farm. With just a hint of spice from the red pepper slice, and the smoke of the cinnamon stick rolling into your nostrils, each sip takes you deeper and deeper into the garden. From my garden to yours, Honey, “Bee”-have!

 

Honey, “Bee”-have

Honey, “Bee”-have

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Silks Irish Dry Gin
  • 
1/2 oz Schönauer Apfel
  • 
3/4 oz Velvet Falernum
  • 
1 oz Fresh Pressed Apple Juice
  • 1/2 oz Fresh Pressed Lemon Juice
  • 1 bar spoon Pure Orange Blossom Honey
  • 
1 quarter slice of Sweet Red Pepper
  • 2 Basil Leaves 
Top with Elderflower
  • Tonic 
Cinnamon zest on top

Preparation: Muddle red pepper slice, honey, basil, lemon juice and apple juice in a mixing tin.  Then add Silks Gin, Velvet Falernum, and Schönauer Apfel. Add Ice and shake. Double strain over fresh ice into tall Collins glass. Top with Elderflower Tonic. Zest cinnamon on top. Smoke cinnamon stick garnish. Garnish with Edible flower, pepper slice, and smoking cinnamon stick on a slice of honeycomb

 

 

Nadine Medina 

Las Vegas, NV

I grew up with a mom that had a green thumb. I remember all the beautiful aromas of the vegetable garden, herb, fruits, flowers, and the nearby meadow. When I tasted Silks Gin, that’s what it reminded me of. That once in a blue moon there’s a perfect night where you can smell, taste, and see all those beautiful things, because it’s just bright enough to see but still dark out!

 

Blue Moons & Meadows

 

Blue Moons & Meadows

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Silks Gin
  • 3/4 oz Violet Syrup
  • 
3/4 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 
1/4 oz yuzu juice
  • 
1/4 oz Rosewater
  • 
5 dashes Angostura chocolate bitters
  • 1 oz egg white

Preparation: Put all ingredients in shaker tin with ice and dilute well by shaking until outer tin is frosted. Strain ingredients through a double strainer and tap the side of the second strainer to get a beautiful egg white top. Garnish with Blue Pansy and dehydrated corn flower petals

 

J.A. Harrison 

Nashville, TN

I am a local beekeeper who, in addition to my full-time bartending job, owns Cloud-Monger Urban Farm and Certified Wildlife Habitat, where I care for several honeybee hives, flocks of laying hens and runner ducks, and cultivate dozens of varieties of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and two hydroponic garden ponds. 
 
For this cocktail, in addition to local honey I harvest from my own farm in Nashville, I also support surrounding area farmers like Dave Hughes by purchasing kale from his farm in Bethpage, TN; Wade and Ann Wheeler by purchasing Granny Smith apples from their orchard in Dunlap, TN and Lauren Palmer by purchasing wheatgrass from her farm in Smyrna, TN. Just as the botanicals for Silks Irish Dry Gin are hand-forged from family apple orchards, honeybees, and hedgerows,

“The Garden That Tilts” pays homage to foraging locally and sustainably from my own market. 
 
”The Garden That Tilts” incorporates flavors that are fresh, bright, and balanced to showcase the versatility and integrity of the gin and accentuating complimentary botanicals around the showcase spirit helps coax out the gin’s own story and allows it shine brightly in a truly garden-to-glass cocktail expression.

The Garden That Tilts

 

The Garden That Tilts

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Silks Irish Dry Gin 
1/2 oz Ancho Reyes Verde 
1/4 oz Adelaide*
  • 1 oz garden green juice**
  • 1/2 oz lime juice

Preparation: Combine all liquid ingredients in a mixing tin with ice, shake, and strain into Nick and Nora glass.

*I used this Nashville-based liqueur because my goal is sustainability, supporting local artisans, and reducing carbon footprint, however, if you are in a different market where Adelaide isn’t distributed, try it with Giffard Wild Elderflower!

**To make one quart of garden green juice, use a Breville or similar centrifugal juicer to juice and combine 246g green apple juice, 124g ginger juice, 102g lacinato “black magic” kale juice, and 22g wheatgrass. Add to that 220g of local honey and 118g filtered water and stir together to combine. I wanted to support a local farmer who grows wheatgrass on her property, but if wheatgrass isn’t easily or readily accessible in your market, it can be foregone. And if you don’t have access to a centrifugal juicer, most juice bar/smoothie bodegas will sell you green apple, ginger, kale, and/or wheatgrass juice if purchasing is easier.

 

Rachel Wright 

Buffalo, NY

Like the Silks family, Buffalo and the surrounding area of New York State are covered in orchards. It is a fall and winter tradition to serve mulled cider from local orchards to warm the body and soul. Likewise, as we transition into spring, dandelion weeds can be found everywhere throughout the city and more rural areas alike. “After Apple-Picking” a tongue in cheek Frost reference incorporates a traditional mulled apple cider with a twist. Highlighting the sour and slightly sweet flavor of apple blossoms in Silk Gin, I juiced fresh green apples as opposed to using the typical golden delicious or red delicious varieties in mulling cider.

Although dandelion greens are plentiful within my area, it is not recommended they be foraged in an urban setting for risk of pesticide. However, dandelion green tea can easily be obtained from any grocery store for around $5 USD. Dandelions have a slightly bitter and earthy flavor which will balance well against the bright citrus notes of Silk gin. Lastly, I utilized, Cocchi Americano as a modifier to sustain the uphold the honey and bright citrus notes of the Silk Gin and Regan’s Bitters to highlight the orange and dry coriander notes and finally garnished with sage to highlight some of the herbaceousness of the gin.

After Apple Picking

 

After Apple Picking

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz. Silks Dry Irish Gin
  • 3/4 oz. Cocchi Americano
  • 2 dashes Regan’s bitters  
1 1/2 oz. Green Apple Juice*
0.6 oz. Dandelion Syrup**

Preparation: In a shaking tin, add ingredients. Shake for 15-20 seconds with ice, until seal is created, and tin feels cold. Double strain with a traditional hawthorn strainer and through a fine mesh strainer to ensure that all ice chips are removed. Serve in small punch glass or teacup.

Take a quarter slice of apple and sprig of fresh sage and skewer on to your cocktail with a pick…no pick? Just place on top. *Green Apple Juice: If you have a juice extractor you can easily juice the entire apple minus the core to create this. If you do not, you can take one whole sliced apple and muddle into the cocktail shaker to release the flavors of the apple.

**Dandelion Syrup: Take 1 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar and place on to a medium saucepan on medium heat. Carefully remove strings of 4 dandelion tea bags being careful not to break them and place with water and sugar in pan. Let simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes, then remove the tea bags, take off heat and let cool.

Donna Meister

Jacksonville, FL

I’ve never personally had a green thumb, but if there’s one plant anyone can cultivate and keep alive in the south, it’s aloe. When I tasted the clean, floral flavors of Silks Irish Dry Gin, I knew I wanted to craft a refreshing drink that wouldn’t overpower the delicate botanicals already present in the spirit and aloe was the perfect carrier to allow those flavors to bloom. You don’t have to do the harvesting; aloe water can be purchased at most major grocery stores in the juice aisle.

I then chose to highlight some of the less prevalent botanicals used to make the gin, chamomile, and sage, for their calming effects and intense aromatics. Honey is used as a sweetener as a nod to the honey used in the gin’s production as well. Elderflower liqueur is readily available in most liquor stores and is used to amplify the intensity of one of the core botanicals harvested at the distillery for the gin. To honor the distillery’s commitment to sustainability, the garnishes came from ingredients already being used in the drink to use every part of the fruit and herb. The butterfly pea flower tea float on top of the drink mimics the ombre design of the Silks gin bottle.

The tea itself will react with the citrus in the drink, turning from blue to purple to magenta, as the clear bottle turns to the white and purple label and blue bottom. The drink is meant to reflect the values of the distillery, be a visual reference to the brand, and include my own regional Florida twist using aloe as a blank canvas for flavor.

Avant Gardner

Avant Gardener

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 oz Silks Irish Dry Gin
  • 1 oz aloe water
  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz chamomile honey syrup
  • 1/2 oz elderflower liqueur
  • 5-6 fresh sage leaves
  • 1/2 oz butterfly pea flower tea float

Preparation: Heat water to a boil. In one mug, brew 1/2 cup hot water with one bag of chamomile tea. In another mug, brew 1/2 cup hot water with 1 tablespoon dried butterfly pea flowers. Strain each after 5 minutes. Reserve and chill butterfly pea flower tea. Mix chamomile tea with 1/2 cup honey while hot, chill to serve. Using a knife and cutting board, cut a few thin slices from the midsection of a lemon and reserve for garnish. Squeeze the remaining lemon and add 0.5 oz lemon juice into a mixing tin with 5-6 of the lower leaves from a sprig of fresh sage. Then add 0.5 oz chamomile honey syrup, 1 oz aloe water (store bought is perfect), 0.5 oz elderflower liqueur, 1.5 oz Silks Irish Dry Gin, and ice to shake. Strain into a chilled Collins glass filled with ice and place lemon wheels down the side of the glass. Float butterfly pea flower tea on top of the cocktail and insert the reserved sprig of fresh sage directly next to the straw for garnish.

 

Paula Lukas

New York, NY 

I’ve visited Ireland many times and have always loved it! I remember looking out of the plane window the first time and being in awe of its beauty! My inspiration for my cocktail is all the wonderful times that I’ve had in Ireland. Beautiful green fields, gorgeous flowers and everyone seems to have a garden which they are incredibly proud of! I have several friends that live in Ireland, and they always show off their gardens with such pride! I’ve traveled quite a bit and I’ve never felt as welcomed as when I go to Ireland. Which reminds me I’m due for a trip back!  
Several of the ingredients in my cocktail are from local markets so I can support others beautiful gardens. I name my cocktails after songs. Bright Side of the Road by Irish singer Van Morrison is such an uplifting song I thought it was very fitting for my cocktail! Slainte!

Bright Side of The Road 

 

Bright Side of The Road 

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Silks Gin
  • 1/2 oz Applejack
  • 
1/2 oz champagne vinegar
  • 1/4 oz lemon juice
  • 
1 tsp blackberry jam
  • 
1 sprig rosemary
  • 
1 sprig of dill

Preparation: Combine liquid ingredients, jam, 1 sprig each of dill and rosemary in a shaker with ice. Shake and fine strain over fresh ice in a large rocks glass. Garnish with one lightly slapped sprig each of dill and rosemary, apple slice and honeycomb. The honeycomb will slowly melt into the cocktail.

 

Robin Wolf 

Los Angeles, CA 

The LA Woman is truly garden to glass, and an example of what sustainability in cocktails can look like. To feature the amazing botanicals in Silks Irish Dry Gin, I’ve taken my inspiration from the honey notes and strong juniper backbone of this artistic spirit and developed a drink that is light and approachable with intriguing notes of earthy vegetables (beets) bright acidity (lemon) and a surprising bit for the ginger and pepper.

Each sip will take your tastebuds on an adventure, utilizing items from your own backyard! (Or cross-utilizing them from your restaurant kitchen, like I did). Featuring the nuanced and sublime Silks Irish Dry Gin, the LA Woman will have you grooving all night. As Jim Morrison sang, you’ll be asking yourself “Are you a lucky little lady in the city of light?

 

LA Woman

 

LA Woman 

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Silks Irish Dry Gin
  • 3/4 oz beet juice
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz honey syrup
  • 2-3 shakes fresh cracked pepper
  • 1 sprig garden thyme
  • 3 oz ginger beer

Preparation: Shake all ingredients (reserve ginger beer) with ice. Strain over fresh ice in a thrifted vintage rocks glass. Add ginger beer and stir gently with barspoon to incorporate. Garnish with fresh thyme and lemon wheel. *Honey syrup: mix your favorite honey 1:1 with hot water and stir to dissolve. Let cool before using and refrigerate after use.

The post Check Out the Top 10 Finalists in the Silks Gin Garden to Glass Cocktail Competition appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News