The big day is approaching. While you might feel obligated to grab a Guinness or one of those pints of green beer that started showing up a week or so ago, why not try some stout based beer cocktails this year?
Naturally, there’s the classic Black and Tan. Traditionally, the B&T is made with Guinness and Bass. The drink works because pale ale is heavier than stout. If you fill a glass halfway with pale ale then carefully pour stout on top, the stout will literally float on top. Not only does the drink look cool, it’s quite tasty, too. If you try this yourself, you probably want to use a spoon to slow the stout down so it won’t mix with the pale ale. Pouring it over the curved back of the spoon should do the trick. There are tools made for this very purpose which mount on the rim of the glass that make the pour a lot easier.
The Black and Red is like the B&T except in the beer styles used. The best option is a framboise lambic topped with a chocolate stout. This decadent drink tastes like chocolate covered berries in liquid form.
The Stout Sangria was originally designed to be a Christmas drink but it’s good anytime. Besides, this day when stout is the star seems like the perfect day to whip up the drink. To make it you’ll need:
One bottle of dry stout
1/2 ounce of simple syrup
1/2 ounce of ruby port
Cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Fill the glass about 3/4 full with the stout. Add the syrup and port then top it up with the rest of the beer. Sprinkle the spice of your choice on top. Drink. Enjoy. Repeat.
The final stout cocktail comes from our favorite guru of cocktails, Colleen Graham. She recently published this recipe for Apple Cider Shandy. It’s an easy drink to make - the best always are, aren’t they? Pour about half an oatmeal stout in a glass. Top it with an ounce of cider. Colleen recommends soft, nonalcoholic, sparkling cider. The flavor of hard cider is too harsh, she says, and will overwhelm the drink. I haven’t tried this one yet but I look forward to experimenting with it to find which cider is my favorite in it.
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There’s nothing like a well mixed cocktail to create a memorable evening. If you’re planning an elegant meal or just a quiet evening at home with your lover this Valentine’s Day, cocktails are your key for making an impression.
The great thing about mixed drinks is that you can create any flavor or experience that you want. From fruity drinks to dark, decadent libations, cocktails have it all. And talk about elegance! A well made cocktail makes for an impressive presentation.
One thing, especially for the newbie, if you decide that you’re going to take the evening in this direction makes sure that you know beforehand what drinks you plan to make. Read the recipes carefully and be certain that you understand them; maybe even take a couple of dry (well, wet) runs before. You don’t want your drinks to fall flat.
Okay, so what cocktails to make? Whenever I think cocktails, I turn to my buddy and mixology guru Colleen Graham. For Valentine’s Day she recommends a bunch of tempting drinks. Some of my favorites are the fruity and fragrant Blushing Geisha, the Champagne simplicity of Axis Kiss, or the always sure to please Death by Chocolate. Check out the rest of Colleen’s Valentine’s Day recommendations.
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I can often be a very oblivious man. I drift along through life totally unaware of time that has passed or of upcoming events or holidays. And so it is that in typical fashion I have let the Fourth of July sneak up on me.
So today I must rush out to buy meat for the barbie and, most importantly, booze for the glasses. I haven’t decided what exactly to serve yet but here are a few ideas.
Beer - Here’s a list of ten summer beers that looks beyond Bud. Of course there’s nothing wrong with a Bud but it’s a holiday so why not try something new? One thing that I’d add to this list is to seek out some local beer. According to the Brewers Association, most Americans today live within 10 miles of a brewery or brewpub. If you live near a brewpub pop in and ask for a couple of growlers of their best summer brew. Keep the jugs on ice and the cap screwed on tight and you can serve your guests some great fresh beer.
Wine - Regular readers of this blog will know by now that I’m a bit of a snob. I can’t help it. Consequently I have a pretty low opinion of Rose’. But no summertime sipper list would be complete without some of the pink stuff. Indeed, despite my snobbishness, I find that I really enjoy a cold Rose’ on a hot day with friends and a bar-b-que. Here’s a nice list of summertime wines.
Cocktails - Want to play bartender? Here’s a handful of some particularly refreshing summertime cocktails. If you want to watch Master Mixoligist Bridget Albert make a caipirinha check this out.
Well, that’s it for me. I have to run to the store.
Happy Fourth!
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