Advice

Someone once ordered a martini at a networking event. “How do you want it?” the bartender asked. I had no idea what he meant but I didn’t want to look dumb. “Uh, shaken?” I replied (because that’s what James Bond says). The bartender smirked. “No, I mean, do you want Vodka or Gin, what brand?, dry, straight up or rocks?” That patron felt dumb. Here’s how to order booze or a drink without embarrassing yourself and avoid being jeered all night.

In August of 2007 the United States Senate declared that September be recognized as National Bourbon Heritage Month. While this may not have much impact with the average consumer, it is an honor for the craftsmen in the bourbon industry. The designation is designed to celebrate "America's Native Spirit" and the significant historical, economical and industrial role the bourbon industry has played in the country's history.

Hello Everyone - Now that summer is upon us, it is time for us to release our NEW exclusive summer craft cocktails available for parties, events, and mixology parties. Due to copyright restrictions and the need to book us for events, we are not revealing the ratios and proportions of the cocktails that is no different than if you go to a bar or restaurant. These cocktails are fresh, hand-crafted, delicious, and beautiful and not available anywhere else.

Don’t be afraid to spice up your ‘rita with a pinch of rosemary or cilantro, or a little jalapeño or habanero chile. But remember, less is more when it comes to herbs and hot peppers. I make a great tequila infusion using the serrano pepper in blanco tequila.

 Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd and to honor what it stands for I am offering up truly "green", farm-fresh, organic ingredients and cocktails for spring. As an added bonus, I list the best fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, and florals to be used in cocktails, infused spirits, syrups, purees, and juices for the season, best way to prepare them, and what base spirits pair best with them. Thank you to Nicole Friend and my friends from over at Sauza Tequila for contributing.

International G & T Day (April 9th) has come and gone, but why not celebrate this classic elixir the whole month of April as we transition from spring to summer. Even though the G & T has lost some of it's luster over the past decade, it still remains iconic, especially for traditionalists. New age bars and bartenders have begun to modernize it by serving it many different ways without losing the distinct G & T taste. The classic G & T is experiencing a renaissance.

Let's face it - it is difficult to construct 'green' cocktails for Leprechaun Day...There just aren't a lot of options to make your cocktail look 'green', but what is St. Patty's Day without sipping a luxurious and delicious 'green' cocktail...March is the gateway to spring cocktails so why not incorporate some 'spring' flavors with 'end of winter' flavors...Being part Irish (on my dad's side), I take a lot of pride in creating this post.

I meant to put this post together last week, but due to unforeseen circumstances and difficult week personally, this V-day post comes early this week. Hopefully you have plenty of time to get the ingredients and perfect these cocktails or study the drinker traits before the weekend or your date arrives.

Dry-Cured, Aged Ham

Thinly-sliced, bold flavored hams with a chewy texture and typically higher salt content.

A classic example of this style of ham, that nearly all of us know, is the Italian favorite, Prosciutto. You’ll find ham in this style typically served in micro-thin sheets as a melt-in-your mouth appetizer.

• Prosciutto
• Bayonne Ham
• Serrano Ham
• Jamón Ibérico
• Speck

Recommended Wines:

As I pursue my Level 2 WSET Advanced Certification in Wine, I decided to share with you my "8 Best Buys" for wine this season along with tasting notes and rating. I will also list my favorite wines right now regardless of expert ratings, cost, and availability (PA has limited distribution for some of these wines).