TALK DRINKS

Sip on the Perfect Margarita during National Tequila Day

Tomorrow, July 24th, is National Tequila Day. And you know what that means...celebrate with some tequila!

Sip and savor your tequila as we honor the favorite spirit of Mexico and enjoy with family and friends.

Looking for something special to make? Then why not try the Partida Margarita, also known as the "Perfect Margarita" as declared by Martha Stewart.

Read Martha's blog post here and learn how to make the Partida "perfect" Margarita by watching master mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout.

With the right ingredients and some Tequila Partida, you can mix the perfect margarita just like Jacques!

 

Staying Cool in New Orleans with a Cocktail

Its that time of year again. Temperatures are rising and spirits are flowing. Jazz music plays on every street corner while the rattle of cocktail shakers fills up bars and restaurants.

You're down south in New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail, the annual festival of cocktails, food and culture, bringing together the best of the mixology community and food industry for a 5-day long celebration!

The seminars are endless and the cocktails are out of this world. From tequila to rum, vodka to gin, brandy to whiskey and much much more, there is plenty to learn about...and taste during this long weekend of lectures, dinners, competitions and tastings.

While the Hotel Monteleone front steps may serve as prime location for many events, the fun expands throughout the city and its restaurants. Explore, taste and learn but don't forget to stay cool in that Louisiana heat!

We hope you enjoy the festivities this year...

Cheers!

Fight the Heat Wave with Bacardi's 60 Second Cocktail Program

A heat wave is upon us all and hopefully some of you are still continuing your 4th of July holiday weekend!

Fight the heat now, and all summer long, with Bacardi's "Salute to Summer's Best 60 Second Cocktail Program," launched by BACARDI, USA in partnership with the USO. With the help of chef John Besh and mixologist Bryan Stowe, the program offers a new menu of cocktails and grilling dishes using the Bacardi flavors. To access this menu, join the Fanpage (http://www.facebook.com/#!/60SecondCocktails) and start mixing and cooking. For each new fan, Bacardi will donate $1 to the USO, in addition to their $75,000 donation made at the beginning of summer.

Too hot to mix up some drinks and start grilling? Don't worry. These recipes are all simple, quick and use fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Cocktail recipes including the BACARDI Limon Iced Tea and DEWARS Callaway Cockatil will only take you 60 seconds to make!

Join now and start cooling down while also supporting a great cause, especially during this patriotic time!

 

Cheer-On Mexico with Tequila or a Partida Margarita!

The World Cup is well underway and the intensity, excitment and high energy that comes along with it is surely felt all over the country. It's hard not to hear the screams and shouts from fans out of every bar and restaurant showing the various games. Sometimes these festivites end in laughter ... sometimes they end in tears.

Yet as the series heatens up, so does the bar scene. The next matchup is today at 2:30pm (EST) between France and Mexico. Both of their opening games ended in a draw and both teams are reaching for a victory.

If you get the chance, take the time out of your day and get to your local bar to cheer on Mexico with some tequila, the nations favorite spirit. Too early in the day to sip on straight tequila? Then why not order a margarita. After all, it is summer!

Can't get to the bar but can watch the game from home? Make your own margarita with this recipe below:

The Partida Margarita

1 1/2 oz. Tequila Partida

3/4 oz. Agave Nectar

3/4 oz. Water

Juice of 1 fresh squeezed lime

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake. Strain into a rocks or margarita glass over fresh ice. Taste for balance. Garnish with lime wheel.

Go Mexico!!

Welcome Warmer Months with Summer Editions

Memorial Day has passed and summer is officially upon us all. As warmer weather becomes consistent with each and every day, our afternoons, nights and weekends are filled with rooftop bars, beach outings and backyard barbeques.

With this new season comes the Beefeater Summer Edition, the limited-release lighter style gin created from the same 9 natural botanicals in Beefeater London Dry Gin, along with 3 additions including elderflower, black currant and hibiscus. (And the bottle is so pretty!)

So in the summertime when the livin's easy...sip on a refreshing cocktail made with this 'Summer Edition' to keep things light and breezy.

 
    
  

Try entertaining friends at your summer gatherings with this cockatil from Beefeater:

Summer Cooler

In a large, tall glass, pour 2 parts of Beefeater Summer Edition Gin over ice.

Add a 1/2 part of elderflower cordial or liqueur.

Top up with club soda or ginger ale and garnish with a squeeze of lemon and summer fruits.

Sip & Savor Your Tequila This Cinco de Mayo

No matter what city you find yourself in today, the tequila will be flowing from almost every bar and restaurant with endless amounts of deals and specials.

But don't cheat yourself this holiday! When drinking your tequila, make sure to actually taste and enjoy the flavor that tequila brings to your drink. Why not even consider sipping it straight? Either way, don't just grab the first shot glass you can reach and "slam" that shot down.

To help savor the spirit of Mexico, watch this segment from CBS titled "Take  A Ride on the Tequila Express"

Then go out and truly enjoy that tequila!

If your celebrating this years holiday at a backyard party or at home then be sure to make a Partida Margarita:

• 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
• 3/4 oz. Pure, organic Agave Nectar
• 3/4 oz. Pure Spring Water
• 1.5 oz. Partida Tequila Blanco

Shake all ingredients with an ice shaker. Strain over fresh ice into a Margarita glass.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

Don't Miss Out On The Fun! Get Your Manhattan Cocktail Classic Tickets Now...

If you're in New York during the Manhattan Cocktail Classic there are certain events you don't want to miss out on...

For those tequila lovers and enthusiasts, Steve Olson is hosting "Agave Session, Magical Elixirs of Mexico!" on Monday May 17th at 6:15 at the Astor Center. Taste the exotic elixir while paying tribute to the heritage and culture of Mexico's favorite spirit. Get your tickets now, you don't want to miss out!

And don't forget about The Gala, held at the New York Public Library on Friday May 14th at 9pm. This kick-off event is sure to be entertaining for all. With music, guest mixologists and surprise chefs, it would be hard not to attend. Order your gala tickets before it sells out..

Be sure to use this 25% Off Discount Code: MCC Friend, when purchasing your tickets!

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day With Food & Cocktails...Did We Mention The Tequila?

The Manhattan Cocktail Classic is quickly approaching so it's time to get your tickets before they sell out!

This year, get ready for a fiesta and come (thirsty and hungry!) to the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence Day with Partida Tequila and the Gourmet Latino Festival at Yerba Buena on Perry Street. Embrace the true Mexican culture with Partida and classic Mexican cuisine.

Get your tickets here:

http://2010tickets.manhattancocktailclassic.com/orderticketsarea.asp?p=65&a=32&backurl=/Default.asp?SearchMonth=&monthsubmit=&SearchText=&Go.x=&Go.y=&pg=1#abc

And just to add to the party, use this 25% OFF CODE: MCCFriend while purchasing your tickets!

AMERICANcocktails.com, Now Here To Serve All Your Cocktail Needs

We are excited to report that AMERICANcocktails.com has officially launched, "serving the world, one cocktail at a time"...

AMERICANcocktails.com is not your ordinary drink guide. While the site features over 2500 creative cocktail recipes, with additions added weekly, it also includes information regarding major drink categories, drink preparation, garnishing, bar terminology, glassware and reviews of leading spirits and liqueurs. Basically a one stop location for bartenders, mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts!

Thanks to Bar Media and our friend Robert Plotkin, this site is live and ready after 3 years of hard work, just waiting for you to visit and learn how to create some top-notch cocktails (free with no membership or registration sign-ups)!

Head over now and don't forget to check out this months's feature for your April Cocktail Party...The Daiquiri.

Tasty Cocktails at The 'Swanky' Empire Room

Jonathan Pogash is at it again, creating another one of his famous cocktails for The Empire Room, NYC's 'swanky' cocktail lounge in the ground floor of the Empire State Building. 

Whether you happen to be in midtown, want to visit this famous New York City attraction or just find yourself in the mood for a sophisticated cocktail, then stop by to try this new concoction available amongst the bars upscale selections.  

Clover Club

1 egg white

1/2 oz. Mathilde raspberry syrup

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

1/2 oz. simple syrup

1 oz. Beefeater Gin

1/4 oz. Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth

Dry shake (shake w/out ice) first for approximately 10 seconds. Add ice and shake again for another 10 seconds. Strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with mint sprig and raspberries.

Journey Through The History & Taste of Mexico At Manhattan Cocktail Classic

Springtime has a certain meaning for cocktail enthusiasts in the New York area. Just as the weather warms and spirits rise, there comes a time where for 5 days, bartenders, restaurants, mixologists and cocktail lovers gather to celebrate the culture of the cocktail: The Manhattan Cocktail Classic.

This year, the event runs from May 14-18 and whether your looking to become more educated about the world of cocktails or witness (and even partake) in the various displays of talent, you should buy your tickets now. Between the various festivals and seminars, theres sure to be something to enlighten your mind, and your taste buds!

If you're attending this years events don't miss "The History and Evolution of Tequila, North America's First Distilled Spirit".  What better way to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence Day than with Partida Tequila and Yerba Buena Restaurant.

Travel on a journey through the history of Mexico and Tequila- from the Aztecs through the Revolution to present day. Taste traditional and contemporary cocktails, of course accompanied by authentic Mexican fare. Look out for surprise bartenders and guests, adding more excitement and flair to this traditional Mexican fiesta.

Purchase your tickets here !

A Toast In Austin!

Congratulations to our friend Mindy Kucan in Austin Texas for her feature story on Austin360.com!

Since her win in 2007 at the Hilton Hotels' Top Bar Chef Competition with her cocktail - Hot Summer Night - Mindy has been steadily climbing her way through the national mixology community. From mingling with fellow bartenders in New Orleans at Tales of the Cocktail to mixing it up at Anvil Bar & Refuge, the popular Texas cocktail spot, Mindy has begun to make a splash in the world of mixology and cocktails.

With her positive attitude and passion for learning, she has continued to refine her style and win numerous awards, gaining respect as a women amongst mixologists!

Read the full aritcle, accompanied with a video interview and recipes, here:

http://www.austin360.com/food-drink/beer-wine-spirits/creative-bartender-helps-stir-the-cocktail-revival-in-530133.html

Hop Into Spring With An Easter Bunny Cocktail

Spring is officially here! For some people this means warmer weather and lighter jackets. For others it means just another step closer to summer. This year, Spring kicks off with Easter landing right at the beginning of April.

What better way to 'hop' on into the season with a tasty Easter Bunny Cocktail, perfect for enjoying during your brunch, lunch or dinner. For those of you that don't celebrate Easter, mix up this drink for a relaxing spring Sunday afternoon!

Easter Bunny

(Compliments of Drinks Mixer)

1 1/2 oz dark creme de cacao

1/2 oz vodka

1 tsp chocolate syrup

1 tsp cherry brandy

Shake creme de caocao and vodka with ice. Strain over ice in an old-fashioned glass. Float chocolate syrup and cherry brandy.

Partida Tequila Awarded "Extraordinary/ Ultimate Recommendation" at Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Distinguished judges of the cocktail community have awarded Partida Tequila top scores at the first Ultimate Spirits Cocktail Challenge!

The competition, led by America's leading spirits expert F. Paul Pacult, took place in four stages over three days, throughout a rigorous judging process.

• Partida Reposado (aged 6 months) and Partida Elegante Extra Anejo (aged 36-40 months) were both awarded 94 points, "Extraordinary/Ultimate Recommendation."
• Partida Blanco (unaged) received 92 points and an "Excellent/Strong Recommendation."
• Partida Anejo (aged 18 months) received 86 points, "Very Good/Recommended."

Partida received the top aggregate score in the Tequila category among 64 brands. Congrats Partida!!

 

Judging panel included: F. Paul Pacult, Sean Ludford, Dale DeGroff, Andy Seymour, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Steve Olson, Doug Frost, James Conley, Ethan Kelley, Audrey Saunders, David Wondrich and Gary Regan.

 

 

 

Never Enough Whiskey

St. Patty's Day was just two days ago. Incase some of you haven't had your fill of whiskey yet, you should try sipping on some Michael Collins Irish Whiskey to start off this weekend (while watching some NCAA Basketball games of course!)

The Michael Collins distillery, founded by Michael Collins - leader of the 1st Irish national army, is the last independently owned distillery in Ireland. Whether enjoying the citrus and honey flavors of the Blend or savouring the smoky flavor of the Single Malt, you are sure to be pleased by this double-distilled Irish spirit!

Try this Irish Smash cocktail made at LEI, the South Street Seaport's newest bar.

2 parts Michael Collins Blend

3/4 part simple syrup 

3 lemon wheels

6-8 mint leaves

Muddle 3 mint leaves, simple syrup and two of the lemon wheels in a cocktail shaker. Add Michael Collins Blend and shake well with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with the remaining lemon wheel and a sprig of fresh mint.

Cheers!