July 2023

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

The heat isn’t over yet, so the summer cocktails are here to stay until further notice. Before the warm weather escapes us, there is still time to enjoy your favorite tropical. Using fresh and seasonal flavors in the summertime takes your drinks to the next level. Each cocktail below uses fruits and herbs that are in abundance during these months (minus the s’mores drink, but that needed to be included—no explanation necessary). Here are five cocktails to try before August ends.

Limchello Spritz

There is nothing like a spritz in the summer—that’s why on August 1, we’re kicking off the month and celebrating National Spritz Day with this twist on a classic. Transport to a villa in Italy with this Limoncello Spritz. It’s perfect on those hot days for something light and refreshing to sip on and pairs beautifully with your favorite seafood treats.

Mozart S’mores Cocktail

When you’re craving those nostalgic childhood flavors that instantly take you back to sitting around a fire on an August night, this is for you. On National S’mores Day (8/10), enjoy this chocolate and roasted marshmallow cocktail that is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. The sweet notes of vanilla and graham cracker are balanced by the smokiness from the mezcal and toasted garnish.

Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz

If there is one summertime drink that deserves some praise, it’s lemonade. For National Lemonade Day on August 20, try this seasonal favorite. If you aren’t a vodka fan, switch it up with your favorite spirit, like gin or tequila. There is something about a savory herb with a sweet component that is a match made in heaven.

Pineapple Mint Daquiri

Rum doesn’t nearly get the praise it should, so on National Rum Day (8/22), add this fruity and tropical drink to your bar menu. Although rum can be intimidating to those who haven’t tried it, this tropical cocktail is a great way to dip those toes in. It uses summer’s favorite flavors like lime, mint, and pineapple for a delicious taste in each sip.

Perfect Mai Tai

Close out the month with this classic cocktail for National Mai Tai Day (8/30). Although it’s great
to see new and fun creations on a bar menu, there’s a reason why the classics have been around for decades. The Mai Tai is the ultimate beach-vibe drink that will be loved by anyone coming into the bar.

The post 5 Essential Cocktails for August 2023 appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

During this year’s Bar Convent Brooklyn, some of the most sought-after brands hosted our Chilled 100 Bartender members during sponsored educational dinners, with guided spirits tastings paired with fine dishes and desserts.

“Rooster Rojo Tequila was happy to host the Chilled 100 Awards Judges after a long day of tasting. We watched the sun set over Manhattan from the rooftop of the Boro Hotel in Long Island City while eating pizza and drinking Boilermakers. A casual end to an intense day because, at Rooster Rojo, we get bartenders!” shares Katy Wallace, Ron Colon Salvadoreno.

The post Check Out Our Sponsored Chilled 100 Dinner with Rooster Rojo Tequila appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

During this year’s Bar Convent Brooklyn, some of the most sought-after brands hosted our Chilled 100 Bartender members during sponsored educational dinners, with guided spirits tastings paired with fine dishes and desserts.

Under the theme “Open up New York,” Heering, the world’s first and most acclaimed Cherry Liqueur, successfully curated three exceptional events in the Big Apple: commencing with a trendy “Sip & Spray” activation, where key tastemakers and influencers in New York showcased their artistic skills by creating cocktail-themed artworks under the guidance of esteemed street artist, Hektad. Throughout the evening, attendees were treated to inspiring Heering cocktails that perfectly complemented the creative atmosphere.

The showcase continued with a Heering pop-up soirée in the stylish neighborhood of Soho, graciously hosted by CEO Mark de Witte. where both the industry and bartending community were welcomed to indulge in Cocktails & Bites by Heering. Lastly, Heering, a brand that has long inspired bartenders worldwide to create both timeless classics and innovative libations since its inception in 1818, captivated visitors at the BCB in Brooklyn with an eye-catching booth radiating the vibrant hue of cherry-red. Attendees were invited to savor delectable cocktails such as the Heering Old Fashioned and Heering Jungle Bird, while being captivated by Heering’s exquisite Heritage bottles.

Additionally, they were given an exclusive preview of the forthcoming bottle design set to be launched later this year. Be sure to stay tuned!

The post Check Out Our Sponsored Chilled 100 Dinner with Heering Cherry Liqueur appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

During this year’s Bar Convent Brooklyn, some of the most sought-after brands hosted our Chilled 100 Bartender Members during sponsored educational dinners, with guided spirits tastings and paired with fine dishes and desserts.

Marussia Beverages, USA, sponsored our bartender judges during an educational tasting led by spirits expert Joe Nelson.

“What a great night full of delicious spirits and great conversations!” says Danielle Markus, Digital Marketing Coordinator at Marussia Beverages USA

“Hatozaki Whisky, 135 East Gin, and Akashi Tai Sake paired with the Chilled 100 bartenders is the perfect recipe for a successful party! The brands hosted an after party on the heels of Bar Convent Brooklyn at Shan that dazzled with impressive cocktails that flowed throughout the night creating special memories for the brands and bartenders alike.

“The Chilled 100 Bartenders helped make the after party a night to remember. They are the pulse at the heart of what makes these evenings so special. Their knowledge of mixology and their passion for their craft is felt in even the smallest nuances.

“We’d like to give a notable mention to Joe Nelson, New York Metro Sales Manager at Marussia Beverages USA, for an informative and invigorating masterclass and tasting for Hatozaki Whisky, 135 East Gin, and Akashi Tai Sake.”

The post Check Out Our Sponsored Chilled 100 Dinner with Marussia Beverages, USA appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

With a goal to develop a versatile vermouth suited to the current state of cocktail drinking culture, The Zamora Company turned to 20-year plus industry veterans Chris Patino and Stacey Swenson for their expertise.

Together, Chris and Stacey helped to create the formulas for Villa Massa Vermouth Giardino Tradizionale, Mediterranean Dry and Mediterranean Rosso, in partnership with The Zamora Company. We asked the duo about the vermouths and what makes them so special.

Talk to us about Villa Massa Vermouth. What inspired you when creating Villa Massa vermouth?

Chris: Growing up in an Italian family, dominated by Italian culture, I was always surrounded by what were at the time considered to be esoteric bottles of vermouth, amari, amaretto, limoncello, etc. In fact, my grandfather on my mom’s side, Frank Rosati, even owned an Italian bar and restaurant called Villa Rosati’s in Los Angeles in the 60’s & 70’s. So when we were approached by Villa Massa to help create a range of Italian vermouths, to say I was excited would be a huge understatement. Dreaming up botanicals that we could use in the vermouths was the best part, especially when it came to the Dry, as we were told that basically anything found in the Mediterranean was fair game. And I couldn’t be happier with the way that they turned out.

What should bartenders know about Villa Massa Vermouth?

Chris: Working with The Zamora Company to help create Villa Massa Vermouth Giardino has been an amazing experience. And in all fairness, the credit goes to them. But they wanted to make sure that it was a vermouth that served to suit the needs of the current state of cocktails and drinking culture, and that is where Stacey and I came in. We wanted to create something that was super well balanced, so that Vermouth Giardino would blend in seamlessly in cocktails, whether being used as a modifier or as the base of something low-ABV. And of course they are extremely well suited to drink on their own, over ice or with a splash of soda.

What makes it stand apart from other brands on the market?

Chris: I think what stands out the most about Vermouth Giardino is that it was created with cocktails in mind. Don’t get me wrong, the vermouths are great on their own, but we really delved deep into the anthology of drinks that call for aromatized wine, both classic and modern, to essentially kick the tires on the category, to see what it was capable of. But what I really like most about both of the Giardino Vermouths is that they are well balanced in a thought-provoking harmony of herbs and botanicals. Not one single flavor note dominates the overall flavor profile. And you can actually taste (and enjoy) the wine!

Chris Patino

Chris Patino is Co-Owner of Raised by Wolves, a highly acclaimed bar and spirits retail shop, that has helped to place San Diego squarely on the global drinks stage. A 20-year veteran of the spirits and cocktail scene, Chris is also Founder of Simple Serve, a trade-focused marketing agency servicing the drinks industry, as well as Co-Founder of Bartender’s Weekend in San Diego.

Chris is one of the most recognized and admired faces in the industry, thanks to his years served as National Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard and emceeing for large scale industry events, such as Tales of the Cocktail and Speed Rack. His work has earned accolades, including being featured among Beverage Media’s “2019 Bartenders to Watch” and a finalist for “Brand Ambassador of the Year” for three consecutive years at Tales of the Cocktail.

Stacey Swenson

Stacey Swenson, a 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry and native of Iowa, is one of the most passionate and sought-after talents on aperitivo and Italian drinking culture. Honing her craft as a bartender and mixologist in Chicago, Stacey relocated to New York some six years ago and in that time has held notable positions including head bartender at Dante (#1 World’s Best Bar, 2020), bar director at Bar Pisellino, bar director for Mattos Hospitality group opening Lodi and 9 Orchard hotel. Stacey was also awarded Star Chefs Rising Star Bartender of 2019.

Stacey is recognized and awarded for her sophisticated, balanced and outright fun interpretations of aperitivo and Italian classics as well as innovative low-proof offerings. As partner of drinks marketing collective Simple Serve, Stacey uses her expertise and acute industry knowledge to create cocktail programs and brand strategies for some of the most recognized names across the bar and spirits sectors.

The post We Ask Industry Experts Chris Patino and Stacey Swenson About Co-Creating Villa Massa Vermouth appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

A Modern Twist on Limoncello: Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz, Taste the Amalfi Coast at Your Doorstep!

Perfect for summer sipping, Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz is bold, energetic, zesty and has authentic citrusy notes that are a nod to Italy’s famous lemon regions. Cocktail lovers are brought to the shores of the Amalfi Coast each time they pop open the new Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz. Created by the Zonin family and its 200 years of wine-making excellence, it’s the first Spritz to market, ready-to-serve and straight from the source!

The taste of lemon complements a variety of cocktails, and Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz brings that extra something to classic drinks. Check out these easy to make cocktail recipes made with the Spritz:

Coastal Spritz

Ingredients:

• Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz
• Ice
• Lemon Slice
• Rosemary Sprig (for garnish)

Preparation: Chill, serve. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel and rosemary sprig.

Sorrento Sangria

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz
• 1 oz. Sparkling Water
• Fresh blueberry
• Fresh mint (for garnish)

Preparation: Fill highball halfway with crushed ice. Pour the cocktail mixture over ice in each glass. Garnish with mint sprigs and dehydrated lemon wheels.

Almafi Martini

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Zonin Coastal Lemono Spritz
• 1 1/2 oz. gin
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• Fresh mint and lemon peel twist (for garnish)

Preparation: Shake all the ingredients except Zonin very well with ice and strain in a Martini glass. Finish by pouring Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz in the glass and garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel and mint sprig.

Margarita Spritz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz
• 1 1/2 oz Tequila
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Tajin Salt Rim
• Lemon slice (for garnish)

Preparation: Rim glass using lemon juice around rocks glass and tajin salt. Shake all ingredients except Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz very well with ice. Strain over fresh ice in rimmed glass.

Italy is never far away when you open a bottle of Zonin’s Coastal Lemon Spritz! Zone-In™ today and see what all the buzz is about with a free sample request of this innovative Italian creation. Its tart and zing is an invigorating start to a season of celebrations where you’re truly treasuring every special moment.

The post Mix Summer Sips with Zonin Coastal Lemon Spritz appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

It’s National Tequila Day!! Celebrate with a cocktail .. or two. Cheers!

Bencotto Italian Kitchen

Bencotto Italian Kitchen recently introduced a new cocktail program, pulling inspiration from international travel to create a menu with options outside of traditional Aperol spritz or negronis.

Photo courtesy of GBOD Hospitality Group

Sweet But Not Too Sweet

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz. Tequila
• 1/2 oz. Passion Fruit liqueur
• 1 oz. Pineapple
• 1/2 oz. Lime
• 4 Dashes R&D Fire Bitters

Preparation: Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Pour over ice and serve with a Tajin rim.

Cabo Wabo Cantina

Sammy Hagar’s rockin’ Strip-side restaurant at the Miracle Mile Shops inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, will serve its signature “Cocorita.” The tropical-inspired margarita is made with Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila, lime juice and crème of coconut, served on the rocks and garnished with a freshly toasted coconut rim.

Photo courtesy of Cabo Wabo Cantina

Cocorita

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 oz. Cabo Wabo Blanco
• 1/4 oz. triple sec
• 1 1/4 oz. Coco Lopez
• 1/4 oz. lime juice
• 3 1/2 oz. Sweet & Sour

Preparation: Combine all ingredients and shake with ice. Serve on the rocks in a glass rimmed with freshly toasted coconut. Garnish with freshly toasted coconut.

The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod

The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod will toast to the holiday with an array of offerings at its restaurants, bars and lounges. Sip on CHĪ’s Confucius’ Smile cocktail, made with Casamigos Reposado tequila, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur, lilikoi, lime juice, vanilla syrup and cardamom bitters.

Photo credit Anthony Mair

CHĪ’s Confucius’ Smile

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 oz. Casamigos Reposado Tequila
• 3/4 oz. Chinola Passion fruit liqueur
• 1/2 oz. Passion fruit pulp
• 3/4 oz. lime juice
• 3/4 oz. vanilla syrup
• 2 dashes cardamom bitters

Preparation: Add all ingredients into a shaker tin and shake for 10 seconds. Double strain over fresh crushed ice. Glassware: rocks glass wrapped with a bamboo leaf.

Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge

Gatsby’s Cocktail Lounge is a Prohibition Era-inspired ethereal escape with a curated collection of vintage and rare champagnes, visually stunning cocktails and aromatic bubblies. One of their most popular cocktails is the Hibiscus Paloma, is made with Casamigos Blanco tequila, housemade hibiscus syrup, lime and topped with Fever Tree grapefruit soda.

Photo credit Jose Salinas

Hibiscus Paloma

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Blanco Tequila
• 3/4 oz. Hibiscus Syrup*
• 1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• 4 oz. Grapefruit Soda (Gatsby’s uses Fever Tree)

Preparation: Rim a Collins glass with hibiscus salt and sugar. Combine all the ingredients except the soda in an ice-filled shaker. Shake and then strain over ice into the glass. Top with grapefruit soda. Garnish with grapefruit half-wheel and hibiscus flower (optional).

*Hibiscus Syrup

Create a simple syrup. Once created, soak hibiscus tea bags for approximately 15 minutes in hot simple syrup, adjusting time based on taste. Soaking longer will give it a stronger taste and richer color. The syrup is good for up to two weeks. Hibiscus Salt and Sugar: Mix equal parts coarse sugar and coarse salt with a pinch of dried crushed hibiscus. Adjust for preference.

El Chingon

El Chingon Is known for its award-winning hand-crafted tequila cocktails and extensive menu of tequilas, which pair perfectly with its Mexican fare and high-energy atmosphere. Favorites include the Madero, a mix of Real Del Valle tequila, house-made watermelon cordial, lime and Tajin.

Photo courtesy of GBOD Hospitality Group

El Chingon’s “Bad Ass” Madero Margarita

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. Watermelon Cordial (watermelon juice, lime juice and agave nectar)
• 2 oz. Real Del Valle Tequila

Preparation: Combine all ingredients and shake. Pour over ice and serve with a Tajin rim. Garnish: Tajin; lime wedge

Commonwealth

Commonwealth Offers a stylish social scene within the burgeoning bar district in Downtown Las Vegas. The 6,000-square-foot cocktail bar is a collision of art and industrial architecture mapped across two floors. Inside, wooden beams drip with crystal chandeliers and original brick walls coated in newspaper remnants tell the secrets of a bygone era. Mixologists sling hand-crafted cocktails from a menu of signature drinks as well seasonal selections, including Midnight Smoke, made with Reposado tequila, mezcal, agave, grapefruit bitters, angostura bitters and bruleed grapefruit.

Photo courtesy of Corner Bar Management

Midnight Smoke

Ingredients:

• 3/4 oz. Mezcal
• 3/4 oz. Teremana Reposado
• One bar spoon agave syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
• 2 dashes Hopped Grapefruit bitters

Preparation: Garnish with bruleed grapefruit (brown sugar bruleed with hand torch til it caramelizes).

The post 6 Festive Cocktails to Celebrate National Tequila Day appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

The subtle pleasures of bartending inspired Chilled 100 Bartender Mark Drummond to pursue it as a career. His attentiveness often shocks the guest, and that response is something that fuels his passion for bartending.

He discovers more and more of these subtleties every day at his current place of work, Dusk Cocktail Bar and Sushi. Chilled spoke with Mark to learn a bit more about his techniques, favorite ingredients, and where he sees his current industry heading.

Who has been most influential in your development as a bartender?

Over the years I have seen a lot of good and bad bartenders. I learn more of what not to do when I see a bad bartender

Do you have any advice for bartenders new to the game?

You’re going to make bad tasting cocktails! Keep trying new things and eventually you will make great cocktails.

What is your favorite ingredient right now and why?

I’m on spice, so I say jalapeño goes great with lemon or lime.

How do you go about creating a cocktail? Is there a specific process or simply a moment of inspiration?

I see something or think something and start to create

Do you have a special technique you use or a tip for making a particular drink?

Be a show person. You’re always on-stage shaking is the way to go.

Where do you see cocktail culture headed?

I see more things coming from the classic cocktail with a modern spin on them. This is the new wave.

The Exploding Armadillo

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Infused tequila (jalapeño)
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz Cointreau
• 1/4 oz passion fruit to sweeten
• Splash mezcal smoky tequila

Preparation: Shake and strain into a coupe. Garnish with dried lime wheel and mint sprig.

The post Get to Know Chilled 100 Bartender Mark Drummond appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

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

Picture this: it’s a hot July day. After spending the entire day at the beach, you head to your favorite bar for a lobster roll and a cocktail. Life is good. If you aren’t beating the summer heat with a tasty cocktail, it’s time to start. During July, we’re sipping on all of the most delicious libations.

There is still time to revamp your menu and add a few summer cocktails. Here are five cocktails
you should try during July.

Menotti’s Cold Coffee Grog

A coffee cocktail is a no-brainer when it comes to a bar menu. It’s perfect for brunch, dinner, or an after-dinner treat—this one will be loved. Celebrate World Rum Day (7/9) with this coffee crowd-pleaser. With hints of vanilla to bring out the warmth in the rum and topped with a liqueur-infused whipped cream, you can’t go wrong.

Escape (If You Like Piña Coladas)

National Piña Colada Day on July 10 deserves to be celebrated. Of course, you can serve up the classic cocktail, but this twist is worth wild. Not only is it a beautiful cocktail with the toasted coconut rum garnish, but there is nothing like a tropical cocktail on a hot summer’s day. The addition of sparkling wine adds the perfect amount of bubbles.

Alabama Slammer

There is something about juicy cherries in the warm weather that just makes sense. Celebrate National Cherry Day on July 16 with this twist on a classic. Traditionally taken as a shot, this Alabama Slammer is crafted with a cherry-infused Amaertto and paired with fresh orange and lime juice. The gin lovers will be obsessed.

Raspado #2

National Ice Cream still deserves to be celebrated in the spirits world. If you’re looking to add a cooling cocktail to the menu, look no further. This tequila-based drink not only has shaved ice but it’s filled with watermelon and mint notes—the best combination for summer-time heat. Pair this with your brunch menu for an unforgettable experience.

Grape & Vines Mergarita

Your bar menu wouldn’t be complete without a spicy marg—only the most hyped cocktail of the year. On this National Tequila Day (7/24), shake up this refreshing yet fiery cocktail to serve your guests. Trust us when we say this one will be a hit. It has the perfect amount of sweetness from the agave to complement the jalapeño and cucumber puree.

The post 5 Essential Cocktails for July 2023 appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Celebrate National Daiquiri Day with an El Floridita Daiquiri made with Dos Maderas Aged Rum.

The Daiquiri is often made with white rum however choosing rum with barrel-age character like Dos Maderas 5+3 adds pleasant complexity to this classic cocktail.

“The Dos Maderas 5+3 is a complex rum that has flavor notes not only of sweetness but the flavors of influence from the sherry barrel aging bring about a nuttiness and dried fruit component that add great nuance to the Daiquiri. The addition of maraschino liqueur brings about an interesting twist of depth into the very classic cocktail. Enjoyed shaken and up, over crushed ice, or frozen, the Daiquiri is a classic vehicle to showcase the beauty of a well-constructed complex rum, and this cocktail does just that,” shares Diana Novak, national director Craft Spirits Education and Development for Palm Bay International.

El Floridita Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Dos Maderas 5+3 Aged Rum
• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 Tbsp. of cane sugar
• ½ oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur
• 1.5 cups of crushed ice

Preparation: Chill a large Coupe or Snifter glass. While it cools, zest the lime then cut in half and juice both parts. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend at a medium speed until the texture is smooth. Strain into your chilled glass and garnish with the freshly grated lime zest. Enjoy!

The post Celebrate National Daiquiri Day with an El Floridita Daiquiri Featuring Dos Maderas Aged Rum appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News