TALK DRINKS

Miami Ink - Welcome to Miami

Margie and I had a great time the other night celebrating the birthday's of Ami James & Chris Nunez from the hit show Miami Ink. The party was held at their new lounge Love Hate on South Beach. The Spirits of choice for the birthday boys were Zyr Vodka and Partida Tequila. Their outstanding bartender / manager  / mixologist, Christian Sanders, has come up with some very unique cocktails using fresh juices and ingredients such as yuzu, fresh ginger and cucumbers. This is a spot you have to check out and get a tat while you are there. Welcome to Miami - Marita

Chicago’s Criminal Seduction – Windy City Post

I attended a charity fashion show for Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund last Friday at the Libertine. A few notable sponsors of the event were Oakley Eyewear, Vidal Sassoon, CT Couture, Partida Tequila and Bonnie & Clyde’s Clothing. The evening was kicked off by the sounds of DJ Marcos Morales while the guests enjoyed margaritas and the fashion show began around 11pm. The models did an awesome job working the staircase runway and there was even a model from America's Next Top Model. Here are a few memorable pics from the evening that will help relive the experience. Cheers – Alex

The Amatitan Monk Cocktail - Windy City Post

Here is a tasty cocktail I found when visiting a great restaurant in Chicago called MK. John Kinder, who is one of their talented mixologists, created this delicious recipe. Stop by MK when you get a chance. Say hello to my buddy John and ask him to whip you up one of his cocktails. You won't be disappointed!! Salud - Alex

Amatitan Monk
2 oz Partida Tequila Reposado
3/4 oz St. Germain
1/4 oz Benedictine
1/4 oz lime juice
1/4 oz lemon juice
Shake and strain into cocktail glass.

"I like this recipe because it lets the Tequila shine while taking advantage of the natural acidity in Tequila and St. Germain. The Benedictine adds complexity as a third or fourth note." - John Kinder

Are You Worthy? - Welcome to Miami

How many times have you stood behind the velvet rope outside a club or bar praying to be one of the selected few to be chosen by the almighty doorman? Do you look at yourself in the mirror before you leave and ask yourself "Am I worthy"?
What makes these arrogant guardians of the gate such experts in selecting the ideal club goer to gain access to ....? Is there a school that they attend?

Tales of the Cocktail - New Orleans 2008

Last year, I attended Tales of the Cocktail for the first time and was blown away with what a quality event it was. Most of the best bartenders around the country were to be seen in NOLA either enjoying some cocktails or teaching their craft. The 5 days were jam packed with Spirit & Cocktail Seminars as well as cocktail dinners and a lot of late night cocktail enjoyment.

I am very much looking forward to this years Tales of the Cocktail that will run from July 16-20 in NOLA. Ann Tuennerman is the organizer and owner of Tales of the Cocktail and she's got this year's Tales full with even more events. Check out www.TalesoftheCocktail.com for more info. Ann has also been looking for signatures as she is lobbying for the Sazerac Cocktail to be recognized as the official Cocktail of New Orleans.

I hope to see you all in the Big Easy for this Wonderful experience. Cheers - Jacques

The Skinny Carlos - Hotlanta Times

We all know that tequila is a very mixable spirit due to its flavor profile and body. Well, I've got a new Tequila cocktail that will be on the menu at Trois this month. It is called the Skinny Carlos and was inspired by the Mexican billionaire and 2nd richest man in the world Carlos Slim. He recently beat out Bill Gates and is second only to Warren Buffet. Here are the ingredients:

The Skinny Carlos
1.5oz Tequila Blanco
1oz Lillet Blanc
3/4oz fresh grapefruit juice
1/2oz pomegranate syrup
1.5 z of Brut Champagne
First, add the champagne to a Collins Glass with ice. Shake the first four ingredients over ice and strain into a Collins Glass over ice and champagne. Garnish drink with a large grapefruit twist and enjoy!

After experimenting, I realized that adding the champagne first helped create a more balanced taste with or without a straw. 
Navarro Carr
Bartender at Trois
1180 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, GA 30309

The Sporting Life #2 – L.A. Happenings

Who says there’s nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon? Apart from getting together with new friends to explore & advance the cocktail culture of your current chosen home city. (disclaimer indemnifies, as we’re all transients and my wife chose for me to live here) Host Marcos Tello has an ever increasing rolodex full of top notch bartenders. Last Sunday, we had a gathering at Osteria Mozza of nearly 30 of L.A.’s finest to talk cocktails. It was an informal get together of pros, amateurs and cocktail bloggers, all interested in creating and finding out about great cocktails in LA.

Viva Partida! - Everything's Bigger & Better in TX

Last week, Sofia Partida was in Austin and did a series of Partida Tequila tastings with diverse restaurants all over the city. One of these tastings, which I happened to attend, was at Bess Bistro (Sandra Bullock's Restaurant).  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't wait to get it in!! I always enjoy people’s reactions when they taste quality Tequila such as Partida. We all had a wonderful experience and got to see the diversity that this city provides. Viva Partida!! Salud - David