The Blue Baron
The Blue Baron
By Antonio Gonzalez
Living in Southern California, I love creating tart refreshing drinks for guests and riffing on a classic like the Lemon Drop with Bärenjäger was perfect for this cocktail. Honey, blueberries, and lavender are a match made in heaven. The cocktail is bright, sweet and super refreshing. It’s also easy for everyone to make at home and that’s important now, right?
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Vodka
- 1 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 oz. Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur
- 6 blueberries
- 2 lavender blossoms
Preparation: Muddle blueberries in a tin then add the remaining ingredients. Shake for 5-8 seconds and double strain into a coupe or martini glass. Garnish with 2 blueberries and a lemon twist.
Meet Antonio Gonzales
CHILLED 100 Member, San Diego
I started mixing at a very young age at home in San Jose. Raised by a single mom, I needed to learn to cook dinner regularly and I discovered that I loved putting flavors together. With a little help from my mom’s Better Homes and Gardens cookbook, I became adept at cooking and enjoyed putting my own twist on recipes.
Soon I began cooking for friends and loved seeing their faces light up when they took the first bite. My mom said I should be a chef, but as I got older, I never envisioned making a career of it. When I got to college, I needed some extra cash, so I took on a bartending gig in La Jolla, Ca. Now, years later, I’m still behind the bar mixing flavors and doing what I love most. Despite studying to be a teacher, I just could not bring myself to walk away from the bar scene and I have been hooked by the people and the lifestyle for over 20 years.
I found my calling as a mixologist while working at the Ivy Hotel in San Diego. Management asked if I’d be willing to do a class for guests to show them how to create a cocktail from scratch using fresh ingredients. I jumped at the opportunity instantly. At that time, I admit that I was by no means experienced enough to be a mixologist, but confidence and my ability to connect with guests helped me succeed. To my surprise, my classes quickly gained a following and guests were making reservations just to come and learn more from me!
Next chapter was at the Se Hotel’s full mixology nightclub, where I got my hands on molecular mixology chemicals. I credit this experience for recharging my career, and it boosted me to become a true master of the craft. I improved my mixing ability even more and competed every chance I got, from the Nations World Flair Bartending Championships in Las Vegas, to the annual San Diego Spirits Festival to Lustau’s Solera Standout finals in Spain, even to Puerto Rico where I was a finalist for Bacardi Legacy.
Currently, you can find me stirring up some of San Diego’s most renowned cocktails at the Stake Chophouse & Bar in Coronado.
Antonio Gonzales – CHILLED 100 Member, San Diego
The post Drink of the Week: The Blue Baron by Antonio Gonzalez appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
