Labor Day Weekend: 5 Best Drinks for a BBQ!

Since Labor Day is this weekend, and like it’s good friend Memorial Day it is known for BBQ’s, I thought it would be helpful to go through the recipes on Cocktail Culture from this summer and gather up a list of what I think are the 5 best drinks recipes for a summer BBQ. With everything you need to get ready for a party, searching for a drink recipe does not have to be one of them!

#1: Bahama Mama- Because we all have those friends that get cranky when it’s too hot…this frozen tropical treat will keep your guests cool and carefree!

• 3/4 parts Malibu Coconut Rum
• 3/4 parts Hiram Walker Crème de Banana
• 1 part Spiced Rum (Malibu Black could be a great addition here, if you have it)
• 1 1/2 parts Orange Juice
• 2 1/2 parts Pineapple Juice
• 1 tablespoon Grenadine
• Crushed Ice

Combine all ingredients with ice and mix them in a cocktail shaker. Serve over crushed ice. Garnish with Orange/Pineapple wedge. Makes enough for two cocktails.

#2: Fresh Watermelon Daiquiri- Because nothing says “summer” like fresh watermelon!

• 1 part Light Rum
• 1 part Hiram Walker® Watermelon Schnapps
• 1 part Fresh Lime Juice
• 3/4 part Simple Syrup

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into cocktail glass.

#3) Mini Margaritas- Same great taste, but much cuter than the classic!

• 1 part Malibu Red
• ½ Part Hiram Walker Triple Sec
• ½ Part Fresh Lime

Shake and strain into a shot glass

#4) White Peach Punch- Any boozy punch with Rainbow Sherbet automatically makes the list.

• 2 cups ABSOLUT Citron® Vodka
• 2 cups Hiram Walker® White Peach Schnapps
• 1¼ cups Cranberry Juice
• 1¼ cups Pineapple Juice
• 2½ cups Fresh Sour Mix
• 2½ cups Lemon-Lime Soda
• 1 Scoop Rainbow Sherbet

Combine ingredients in Punch Bowl ¾ full of ice. Scoop sherbet into balls and float on top or float entire quart of sherbet. Multiple servings.

#5) The Orange Crush- Refer back to drink number 1, you really don’t want cranky friends ruining your BBQ.

• 1 part Absolut Mandarin
• 1 part Hiram Walker Triple Sec
• 1 part Fresh squeezed Orange Juice
• Splash of Lemon-Lime Soda
• Orange slice garnish

Mix all ingredients, except for lemon-lime soda, in a shaker with ice. Strain the beverage over crushed ice and top with soda. Garnish with an orange slice.

Enjoy your cocktails and I hope you all have a fabulous Labor Day Weekend 🙂

-KJ

Friday Feature Cocktail: Sparkling Sangria

With every passing day we’re getting closer and closer to the end of the summer. For as long as I can remember summer has been my favorite season, and when Mother Nature begins bringing the cool breezy air of fall, it also brings sadness along with it (this is nowhere near the sadness that winter brings, but that’s a different story!) With the end of August upon us, I have made it my personal goal to enjoy all of the traditions of summer as often as possible, which to me means BBQs and boozy summer beverages!

What says summer more than a Sparkling Sangria served up with some burgers and dogs from the grill? You’re right, nothing! This edition of our Friday Feature Cocktail Sangria is a delicious Sparkling Sangria recipe from Jacob’s Creek!

JC Sparkling Sangria:

• 4 parts Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Moscato Rosé
• 1 part Hiram Walker Triple Sec
• .75 part Fresh Lemon juice
• .5 part Pineapple juice
• 5 Cinnamon sticks
• 3 Strawberries, halved
• 1 whole green apple and 1 whole lime, sliced

 Build in a pitcher or punch bowl, and stir. Float slices of apple and lime.

This sweet and refreshing Sangria is best served on a hot day, so be sure to serve this at all of your end of summer BBQs while you still can!

Enjoy and Happy Friday everyone 🙂

-KJ

Vintage Hiram Walker Ad Courtesy of A Dash of Bitters!

Hey for all of you readers that are fans of Hiram Walker, here’s a fun ad from 1937 that we saw featured on the blog A Dash of Bitters. I definitely recommend you take a look at the other ads posted on there as well (as a Communications major with a specialization in PR/Advertising I personally love looking through these vintage ads!)

Hiram Walker may not sell cocktail gins anymore, but if you’re looking for sloe gin you can still find Hiram Walker Sloe Gin today!

Enjoy

-KJ

National Rum Day

Hi guys – Stephanie back in action here! I wanted to post this earlier in the day, but have instead spent several hours of my day sitting in Massachusetts and, more specifically, Boston rush traffic.

So at this point in the day, you’ve probably heard that it’s National Rum Day, which is fantastic news! My favorite rum cocktail is probably the Hemingway Daiquiri – slightly tart, slightly sweet, it’s perfect for any day that you want to turn into a National Rum Day. We have also featured some fantastic rum cocktails the past several years on the Cocktail Culture blog to celebrate this most auspicious occasion.

But I thought, this year, let’s feature something a little more out there – let’s call it “silly” even! But this cocktail, the name coupled with the list of ingredients, takes me to a nostalgic place. And, given that yesterday was National Relaxation Day, we’ll combine the two and offer up the Bahama Mama – a rum cocktail with a Caribbean beach/cruise flair that was mean to be sipped while lounging under an umbrella with a good book in tow. Take a look for yourself:

Bahama Mama:

• 3/4 parts Malibu Coconut Rum
• 3/4 parts Hiram Walker Creme de Banana
• 1 part Spiced Rum (Malibu Black could be a great addition here, if you have it)
• 1 1/2 parts Orange Juice
• 2 1/2 parts Pineapple Juice
• 1 tablespoon Grenadine
• Crushed Ice

Combine all ingredients with ice and mix them in a cocktail shaker. Serve over crushed ice. Garnish with Orange/Pineapple wedge. Makes enough for two cocktails.

So kick up your feet, relax, and let that Caribbean mindset take control. There seems no more perfect way to celebrate National Rum Day!

Cheers!
SJ

TOTC: Juniperlooza!!!

The view walking in!

Sorry for the delay, but I would be remiss not to share with you the last, but certainly not least, event that we attended while down in New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail. After countless tastings and events from Wednesday afternoon through Saturday, I began to feel the exhaustion kicking in, and I questioned whether or not I would be able to make it to the Juniperlooza party Saturday night, sponsored by the Pernod Ricard Gin Portfolio. Luckily, I had my Tales Veteran counterpart, Stephanie, with me, giving me pep talks that yes, I could make it, and no, this was not a party I wanted to miss!

Juniperlooza Guide description of Live Talent

As we pulled up to the venue I saw food and drink trucks lining the perimeter of an outdoor patio, and I could hear the live music blasting from inside the venue (do we have any fans of Aloe Blacc out there, I can tell you he was AMAZING)! As I walked around I expected the same 3 or 4 cocktails to be served at each of the drink carts, but I was extremely wrong! There were 25 different cocktails, each made with one of the gins in the Pernod portfolio (Beefeater, Beefeater 24, and Plymouth) mixed up fresh, on site by 42 incredible bartenders (get ready for some name dropping folks) such as Jim Meehan, Tony Abou-Ganim, Lynnette Marrero, Erick Castro, Jason Littrell, Kenta Goto and many more!

I tried my best to sample each of the drinks, (keyword being sample), but have to report that I did not make it through all 25. I can tell you that some of my favorites included the Clover Shrub, created by Jim Meehan, the French 75 ‘Tony Style’, created by Tony Abou-Ganim, and of course, a classic Tom Collins.

Delicious Pernod Gins served at Juniperlooza

Tom Collins

• 2 Parts Plymouth Gin
• .75 Part Fresh Lemon Juice
• .75 Part Simple Syrup
• Cub Soda

Shake all ingredients with ice, except club soda. Pour over fresh ice into a highball glass. Top witih club soda. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

This was such an all around memorable event, from the performances, to the atmosphere of the venue, to the amazing cocktails themselves, and I cannot wait for next year 🙂  -KJ

Mr. Aloe Blacc performing live!

Friday Feature Cocktail: Mini Margaritas!

Happy Friday everyone! This week I wanted to share with you a fun recipe that shrinks down your classic Margarita into one miniature cocktail (also known by some as a shot). What I love about this recipe is that it uses new Malibu Red, classic coconut Malibu Rum mixed with Tequila (if you still haven’t tried this yet, I suggest you do so immediately, you won’t regret it!) And of course, I love it even more because it uses old pal Hiram Walker Triple Sec as well 😉

Mini Margaritas

• 1 part Malibu Red
• ½ Part Hiram Walker Triple Sec
• ½ Part Fresh Lime

Shake and strain into a shot glass

If you have big plans for tonight and you have a feeling a Mini Margarita just won’t cut it, try out a Classic Triple Sec Margarita substituting Malibu Red in for the Tequila!

Enjoy and have a great weekend 🙂

-KJ

TOTC: Cocktail Culture’s B-day Bash!

Cocktail Culture celebrating b-days with Hiram Walker Whipped

While in New Orleans, Steph and I thought it the perfect time to celebrate our birthdays that just so happened to book end Tales of the Cocktail this year (My birthday is July 22 and Steph’s birthday,  just one week later,  is July 29). As we sat and planned what we thought would be the most appropriate way to celebrate such an exciting occasion, we both knew that cocktails had to be involved (big surprise there). Being big advocates of birthday desserts, we decided to whip up some cocktails using Hiram Walker’s newest liqueur, Hiram Walker Whipped (did everyone catch my pun?).

Cocktail Culture with Greg of A History of Drinking, toasting with CosmoWHIPolitans and Whippsicles

We met up at Le Booze at the Royal Sonesta Hotel (wearing homemade neon b-day shirts) on the Friday night during  Tales, and sampled two of the delicious recipes that are featured on the Whipped bottle and the bottle’s necker. We indulged in CosmoWHIPolitans and Whippsicles (the Whippsicle tasted just like an orange creamsicle!) in the company of some of our good friends in the cocktail community, including Greg of A History of Drinking and Kara of Tipple Sheet (Sorry we missed each other, Drink of the Week!)

Recipe featured on the bottle necker, yum!

Hiram Walker Whipped provided a great way to create a fun new take on a classic cocktail as well as the perfect ingredient for creating new sweet and boozy creations. We both had such a great time celebrating and we appreciate everyone who was able to join us for a Hiram Walker Whipped birthday drink 🙂

Our awesome birthday shirts!

National Watermelon (cocktail) Day!

I have to take a break from reporting about Tales to celebrate National Watermelon Day(it’s not actually watermelon cocktail day, but I know why you’re all visiting this site). I bet you’re probably thinking, “Well then what does that have to do with cocktails?”, and I’m glad you asked! I see today as a way to not only celebrate the perfect for summer, refreshing fruit, but to also celebrate a well-loved product of ours here at the Cocktail Culture blog, Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps!

Here are some of our favorite recipes using Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps!

French Laundry

• ½ part Elderflower Liqueur
• ½ part Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps
• 3 parts Brut Champagne

Build in-order in a champagne flute

Watermelon Drop

• ¾ parts Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps
• ¾ parts ABSOLUT Citron

Layer Citron on top of HW Watermelon. Serve with a lemon.

Watermelon Martini

• 1 ½ parts ABSOLUT Vodka

• 1 part Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps

• 2 parts Cranberry Juice

• 1 splash Pineapple Juice

Shake with ice. Strain into a chilled martini glass.

These are just some great watermelon cocktails you can make, and we encourage you to get creative on this joyous National Watermelon Day 🙂 We also suggest you take a look at Hiram Walker’s Facebook page for some more watermelon recipes and drink photos!

Enjoy!

-KJ

TOTC: ABSOLUT Welcome Reception!

Wednesday afternoon was my first day in New Orleans for Tales of The Cocktail, and my trip began with an incredible welcome reception sponsored by Absolut Vodka, held at the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center. Walking into my first official Tales event, I was extremely excited after hearing Stephanie share stories of parties from Tales past, but I was unsure what to expect. I can tell you that even though I have a large imagination, never did I think I would be walking into a room where it was snowing.

Hard at work with the nitro

Guests stepped out of the heat and humidity of New Orleans in July and into a Swedish winter wonderland where the cocktail selections seemed endless. There were various wooden sheds constructed throughout the event where guests could grab a variety of delicious cocktails, as well as take a break from the snow (some sort of foam water concoction I was told).  One of the highly visited rooms at the event had an ‘Absolut Future’ theme and was using liquid nitrogen to serve up Skane Julep Shots.  And, because all great parties need great music, there was a DJ on stage playing some party classics (don’t worry, “Play That Funky Music” was included!)

Skane Julep Shot

• ABSOLUT Vodka
• Nitro muddled w/ caraway & mint
• Simple Syrup

Another great drink we tried out at this event was a Lemongrass Collins

• Lemongrass infused ABSOLUT Vodka
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Simple Syrup
• Club Soda

While nothing can truly capture the atmosphere of the event, below are some photos in case you weren’t able to join us in New Orleans (or if you were there and you need a refresher since your entire week seemed to blur together 😉 )

A glimpse of the snow and one of the rooms when first entering the event

Stephanie enjoying a cocktail

DJ on stage

Sandeman Porto Rocks Tales of the Cocktail

Ladies of Nova with The Don

Last week’s annual Tales of the Cocktail event was, once again, a great success! Brands old and new had the opportunity to connect with top spirits connoisseurs and consumers throughout this five-day alcohol-fueled extravaganza and among those brands was the prestigious Sandeman, one of the world’s top producers of port.

Sandeman made sure their presence was known, which is essential in such an increasingly over-crowded market, hosting a series of tastings virtually, intimately with attendees, and in dinner form… George Sandeman and “The Don,” the world’s first iconic wine logo, were also there to add a touch more fun and credibility to all of the happenings.

Festivities kicked off Wednesday night with an interactive tasting through Snooth.com that was led by Gregory dal Piaz, Editor in Chief at Snooth, and George Sandeman and was broadcast live via video and across Twitter. The tasting included an impressive range of wines including:

Sandeman 10 Year Old Tawny Porto NV
Sandeman 20 Year Old Tawny Porto NV
Sandeman Founder’s Reserve Porto NV
Sandeman Vau Vintage Porto 2000

The tasting also showcased a number of cocktail recipes that followers of the chat were encouraged to try at home and attendees to the tasting in New Orleans had a chance to taste. The event was very well received- check out the full recap on Snooth.com which includes video clips as well.

A particular highlight of the weekend was the Sandeman Spirited Dinner at Arnaud’s. At the welcome reception, guests were lead upstairs where they were handed a Sandeman Sparkler which they took with them as they walked a mini red carpet to a photographer who was taking photos of guests with “the Don” while  George made the rounds introducing himself to guests and mini appetizers were also being offered.

Guests were then seated for dinner and were presented the “Sandeman Sporting Chance” the winning cocktail of the recent Tales of the Cocktail 2012 Porto Cocktail Competition created by Colin Bollini, of The Rail in Bloomingtin, IN which paired with Amuse Bouche. George Sandeman welcomed guests, Bollini spoke about his cocktail.

Sporting Chance

• 1 oz Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto
• 3/4 oz El Dorado 12 Year Old Demerara Rum
• 1/2 oz Hardy VS Cognac
• 1/4 oz Rich Demerara Syrup (2:1)
• 2 dashes Fee Brothers Whiskey Barrel Aged Bitters
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Mint leaves

Lightly muddle five or six mint leaves with demerara syrup in the bottom of a julep cup. Add the port, rum, cognac, syrup and bitters. Stir briefly to combine. Fill julep cup with crushed ice. Stir to chill until cup frosts. Form mound of crushed ice on top; pour cocktail.

As the dinner progressed they were offered delectable bites paired with signature Sandeman wines and cocktails such as The Sandeman Tawny Port Cobbler with a choice between Shrimp Arnaud, Crabmeat Monaco or Chicken & Andouille Gumbo;  The Sandeman 75- made by legendary New Orleans bartender Chris Hannah was a spin on the classic French 75 with a Watercress Salad;  The Sandeman Bourbon Port Punch with the main course of  Gulf Fish Marguery, Chicken Victoria or Veal Porterhouse Meuniere; and for dessert, Sandeman Port with Baked Alaska or Caramel Custard.

Also during Tales, Sandeman hosted a special “Aromatized and Fortified Wines” Tasting which was a special tasting of a wide range of brands and products including Port, Sherry, Madeira, Marsala and Vermouth. Note: Sandeman produces wines from each of these categories, though they are lesser-known in the US.

Overall, Sandeman was a great success at the Tales of the Cocktail event this year and surely left an impact on attendees. For more information on Sandeman and specialty cocktail recipes please visit their Facebook page or website.

Cheers!

-CC