TALK DRINKS

Game On - The Wild West

When you think of Arizona, you'll most likely think about the great weather. That's probably what was on the mind of some MLB owners back in the 1940's and 50's when they decided to move their teams to AZ for spring training. Over the years the teams have changed, but the spirit of the season has not: fans, sunshine and good times. Late in February, local and visiting fans alike start to fill the 11 stadiums in the nine cities that currently host 14 MLB teams. It is nothing less than party time in the desert.
Of course, baseball means hotdogs and stadium beers, but outside the gates there is a thriving bar and restaurant community ready to satisfy the sun drenched fans. Restaurants that best capture the southwest spirit tend to be most popular with fans. Some of the best spots are found footsteps away from Scottsdale Stadium where I recently attended a game between the S.F. Giants and the L.A. Dodgers. 
First stop for me was The Mission, a new Scottsdale restaurant that smartly betrays its fine dining reputation to host guests in a beer garden on its back patio. I made a beeline for the bar and ordered a Partida Margarita that they feature on their drink menu. Before I knew it, the four people next to me caught on and switched from beer to Partida Margaritas.
My next stop was the Salty Senorita just around the corner. On my way into the game I noticed their large patio filled to capacity with baseball fans and sunshine fans alike. Salty's is modeled after the beach cantinas found throughout the Mexican and southern California coast. With floor to ceiling windows and shutters. There is nothing but fresh air and warm breeze to accompany your tequila, beer and fish tacos. I enjoy Salty and its fantastic tequila list as much as I do Cien Agaves just up the street.
All three of these establishments offer just what you need to clean the winter right out of your mind. Spring cleaning at spring training in Arizona continues to thrill fans of baseball and sunshine alike until April 2nd, so make your plans today. For more information, visit the Cactus League Spring Training website. Let's Play Ball!!! Stephen, Bartender, The Roaring Fork

Cien Agaves - The Wild West

I recently visited one of Scottsdale's greatest believers in 100% blue agave, Cien Agaves Tacos and Tequila. The originators and owners of this fun establishment are entering their second year of serving one of the finest selections of Blue Agave Spirits in the southwest. Bob Schulken and Roque Jimenez reveal their appreciation for Mexico’s national spirit both on their drink list and in their authentic menu. (Their Fish Tacos are fantastic.) Their signature Margarita features a blend of premium Blanco Tequila, 100% Organic Agave  Nectar and fresh lime juice. It takes advantage of the pure blue agave spirit by letting nothing artificial or off-note stand in its way. Bob and Roque have created an atmosphere of south-of-the-border themed colors and art. Cement floors and tiled tabletops complete the look and bring back great memories trips to Mexico’s beautiful beaches. – Stephen, bartender at the Roaring Fork

Domaine de Canton - Windy City Post

It is a very exciting time to be a Chicagoan, both as a citizen and as a bartender. A new French ginger liqueur is popping up all over town and gaining the respect of the Chicago mixologist community. Recently, Domain de Canton held a local competition where the “Lost Horizon” cocktail was introduced and the winner walked away with a trip to St. Martin in February. (Pretty nice prize, especially for Chicago in winter) I had the opportunity to sample this winning cocktail the other week and thought it was brilliant!!! Here is the recipe:
Lost Horizon
2.0 oz Domaine de Canton
1.0 oz Reposado Tequila (Partida)
0.5 oz Cherry Brandy (Peter Heering)
1.0 oz freeze squeezed lime juice
0.5 oz 100% Organic Agave Nectar
egg white
3-4 sage leaves
3-4 cilantro leaves
In a cocktail shaker, add sage and cilantro with lime juice and muddle. Add all other ingredients with ice and shake hard to emulsify egg. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with sage leaves

The only thing I would do differently is flip the measurement of Domaine and Tequila. 1oz Domaine and 2oz tequila. Welcome to a new era for bartending and for the U.S. Cheers - Alex

The Camelback Inn - The Wild West

The Camelback Inn is one of Phoenix's original and favorite resorts. Nestled in Paradise Valley with a commanding view of Camelback Mountain, the resort recently went through a major renovation and remodel, emerging once again as a must visit spot in Arizona. Much of the work focused on the restaurants, lounges and bars that keep the inn's guests returning year after year. I recently visited a few of Camelback Inn's acclaimed dining properties. Cheers - Stephen, Bartender, Roaring Fork

BLT Steak is Chef Laurent Tourondel's adaptation of the modern American steakhouse. They offer Certified Black Angus and prime steaks, American and Japanese Kobe beef, lamb, chicken, fresh seafood and raw bar selections. Generous side dishes and mouthwatering desserts round out the menu and are complimented by sunset views of Camelback Mountain. They also have a great cocktail on their menu called the Last Oasis. The basil leaves accentuate the hints of fresh herbs already present in the blanco tequila, giving the cocktail a lovely herbal aromatic. Fresh lime juice and plentiful amount of tequila provide a pleasant tingle to the watermelon finish. Delicious!!!
Last Oasis
2 oz. Partida Blanco
1 oz. Partida Organic Agave Nectar
2 oz. yellow watermelon puree
1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
2 torn basil leaves.
Build juice to spirits in cocktail tin and shake with ice. Pour in up glass no rocks.

Located in the Southwestern inspired Lodge, the R Bar is the catalyst for social activity. This contemporary gathering spot is the perfect place for meeting new people or gathering with old friends. R Bar features a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, house-made infusions and the Inn’s signature margaritas. A full menu of appetizers, small plates, and full entrees perfectly compliment this high energy lounge and patio. Their Acai Passion cocktail uses Acai liqueur and passion fruit paired nicely with citrus and tropical fruit hints of blanco tequila. Mint leaves offer a fresh, latent herbal presence. It is a refreshing cocktail great for relaxing on R Bar's gorgeous patio.
Acai Passion
1 oz. Partida Blanco
1 oz. Veev Acai Liqueur
1 oz. passion fruit puree
3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
3/4 oz simple syrup
1/4 oz. Grand Marnier
3 mint leaves
All all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake well and pour over fresh ice with mint sprig as garnish.

Fun Loving Health Nuts Hit Happy Hour - Rocky Moutain Times

Back in 2005, a group of Denverites got together for a little bike ride to their favorite hang out. They had so much fun that they continued to get together every week for a little pedaling and partaking. 2 years later scores of fun loving bicycle enthusiasts take to the streets every Wednesday for some crazy themed bike rides to bars all around downtown Denver.

Although their strict rule is "Never talk about Denver Cruisers", the word is out. Beginning at the Gin Mill north of downtown at 7, the riders work their way through the city stopping at notable spots such as Great Divide Brewery, Herb's, El Chapultapec, and on to spots south like as The Garage.

Themes for the rides have included pajamas, beach parties, dead celebrities, wig night, and this week (in honor of talk like a pirate day) "Pirates and Sea Men". These are great opportunities to meet fun-loving people and have a great Wednesday night in the mile high city. Ride Free - Scott

Red Rocks Aphitheater - Rocky Mountain Times

Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado is arguably the most remarkable venue for live music in the United States. Sitting under the summer stars with the lights of Denver stretched out as a backdrop and a full moon rising on the horizon in the east is just one of the things that has drawn music fans to this venue for more than 100 years. Red Rocks has won the award for outdoor venues so often that they finally removed it from the competition and named the award after it.

Sun Worshiping in the Mile High City

Summer brings about many rituals to Coloradans; opening day of baseball season, skiing in shorts at A-Basin, white water rafting and kayaking, hiking, biking, volleyball in the park and pool parties. There are few things that we here in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains love more than the getting outside after the long dark winter. 

Perhaps my favorite activity is whiling a summer day away on one of the many roof top patios that adorn the city. From the three distinct patios of Lodo’s Bar & Grill, to Uptown Downtown, to late night at the Funky Buddha, or the beer garden at My Brother’s Bar, the nightlife and cocktail culture of Denver spills into the outdoors as soon as Mother Nature relinquishes her wintry grip.

Back to the Glamour Days - Welcome to Miami

Happy 4th of July!!! Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to see Alice Russell, one of the UK's hottest singers at the Delano's Florida Room. From the soulful, jazzy music to the master mixologists behind the bar; not to mention my ever so dreamy companion for the evening, you could not have asked for a better night out on South Beach.

Walking into The Florida Room takes you back to an era of glamour and class of Miami Beach that the South Beach of today has made us forget. Mind you I am not old enough to remember!! All I have are the stories from my parents and pictures of the land that neon and velvet ropes have erased from our minds.

CONDUIT RESTAURANT in S.F.

Happy Monday. If you are ever in San Francisco, you have to check out this fantastic restaurant called CONDUIT. CONDUIT is an ultra modern and sleek dining experience in the heart of San Francisco. Black wood tables and chairs and black tiled floors fill this 110-seat dining room. Steel, copper and bronze adorn the bar, walls and ceiling.
A few weeks ago, I joined Lead Barman Reza Esmaili and Executive Chef Justin Deering in hosted a Cocktail Dinner during S.F. Restaurant Week. We hosted a multi-course dinner matched with Partida Tequila cocktails to showcase San Francisco’s vibrant cocktail culture, and of course, our delicious food. Reading the menu was enough to make your mouth water. Salud - Jacques

The Cigar Bar - The Colorado Rockies

Since the introduction of the smoking ban in Colorado on June 1, 2006 there has been a period of adjustment in the hospitality business. Many small neighborhood bars that relied on a clientele of smokers have had to rethink their business plan to stay alive. Although it has been difficult on the smoking public, it has opened a number of new places to go for non-smokers, whom before wouldn’t have ventured into places that were notoriously smoky. As other bars conform to the new playing field, a loophole in the law has allowed a small number of bars to continue to allow smoking. One such place is my bar, Cigar Bar in Lakewood.