Monday, February 28, 2011

Drinks containing Green Creme de Menthe

After Dinner Mint (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Green Creme de Menthe, Swiss Chocolate Almond
After Eight (desert) (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Green Creme de Menthe, Kahlua
Alexander's Sister (Cocktail): Gin, Green Creme de Menthe, Heavy Cream
Ande's Mint (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Green Creme de Menthe, Kahlua
Apres Ski (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Lemonade, Pernod Absinthe, Vodka
Arise My Love (Cocktail): Champagne, Green Creme de Menthe
Aussie Mozzie (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Orange Juice
Buffalo Julep Cocktail (Cocktail): Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Club Soda, Green Creme de Menthe, Lime Juice, Mint Leaves, Sugar
Candy Cane Cocktail (Cocktail): Candies, Cherry Whiskey, Green Creme de Menthe, Grenadine, Milk, Whipped Cream
Caruso (Cocktail): Dry Vermouth, Gin, Green Creme de Menthe
Connolly's Irish Connection #2 (Cocktail): Baileys Irish Cream, Frangelico, Green Creme de Menthe, Irish Whiskey
Continental (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Lime Juice, Powdered Sugar, White Rum
Creme de Menthe Frappe (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe
Creme de Menthe Parfait (Cocktail): Coconut Cream, Green Creme de Menthe, Heavy Cream, Spiced Rum, White Creme de Cacao
Dazzling Beach (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Mint Leaves, Simple Syrup, Soda Water, Tanqueray Gin
Devil Cocktail #1 (Cocktail): Brandy, Green Creme de Menthe
Dinner Mint (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Creme de Cacao, Green Creme de Menthe
Dirty Girl Scout #1 (Cocktail): Baileys Irish Cream, Green Creme de Menthe, Kahlua, Vodka
Dirty Girl Scout #2 (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Green Creme de Menthe
Doublemint (Cocktail): Coffee, Green Creme de Menthe, Spearmint Schnapps
Emerald #3 (Cocktail): Bitters, Cork Gin, Green Creme de Menthe
Emerald Forest (Cocktail): Gin, Green Creme de Menthe, White Creme de Menthe
Emerald Isle Cocktail (Cocktail): Bitters, Gin, Green Creme de Menthe
Eskimo Joe (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Cinnamon Schnapps, Green Creme de Menthe, Milk
Everybody's Irish (Cocktail): Green Chartreuse, Green Creme de Menthe, Irish Whiskey
Flaming Christmas Bastard (Shooter): Dekuyper Hot Damn 100 Proof Cinnamon Schnapps, Green Creme de Menthe, Peppermint Schnapps
Florida Cocktail #1 (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Lime, Pineapple Juice, Rum, Sugar
Flying Grasshopper (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Vodka, White Creme de Cacao
Ghostbuster #2 (Shooter): Green Creme de Menthe, Tia Maria, Vodka
Girl Scout Cookie #3 (Cocktail): Baileys Irish Cream, Green Creme de Menthe, Kahlua
Girl-Scout Cookie (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Butterscotch Schnapps, Green Creme de Menthe, Kahlua
Grasshopper #1 (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Light Cream, White Creme de Cacao
Grasshopper #2 (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Ice Cream, White Creme de Cacao
Green Devil (Cocktail): Gin, Green Creme de Menthe, Lime Juice
Green Dragon #1 (Cocktail): Gin, Green Creme de Menthe, Kummel, Lemon Juice, Orange Bitters
Green Fizz (Cocktail): Carbonated Water, Egg White, Gin, Green Creme de Menthe, Lemon, Powdered Sugar
Green Island (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Lime, Pineapple Juice, Sugar Syrup, Vodka
Green Lagoon (Cocktail): Gin, Green Creme de Menthe, Pineapple Juice
Green Monkey (Shooter): Banana Liqueur, Green Creme de Menthe
Green Spider (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Vodka
Green Stinger (Cocktail): Brandy, Green Creme de Menthe
Greenback (Cocktail): Gin, Green Creme de Menthe, Lemon Juice
Grüngheist (Cocktail): Bombay Sapphire Gin, Citrus Vodka, Grapefruit Soda, Green Creme de Menthe
Honest Broker (Martini): Broker's London Dry Gin, Brown Creme de Cacao, Butterscotch Schnapps, Double Cream, Green Creme de Menthe, Kahlua
Jade #1 (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Lime Juice, Powdered Sugar, Triple Sec, White Rum
Jocose Julep (Cocktail): Bourbon Whiskey, Carbonated Water, Green Creme de Menthe, Lime Juice, Mint Leaves, Sugar
Mexican Flag (Shooter): Green Creme de Menthe, Grenadine, Tequila Gold
Mexican Grasshopper (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Kahlua, Light Cream
Mexican Leprechaun (Shooter): Green Creme de Menthe, Tequila
Mint Chocolate Chip (Shooter): Creme de Cacao, Green Creme de Menthe
Mint Highball (Cocktail): Ginger Ale, Green Creme de Menthe
Mint On The Rocks (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe
Peppermint Penquin (Cocktail): Chocolate Mint Liqueur, Green Creme de Menthe, Light Cream, Oreo Chocolate Cookies
Pistachio Mint Ice Cream (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Hazelnut Liqueur, Heavy Cream, Vodka
Port and Starboard (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Grenadine
Santa Shot (Shooter): Green Creme de Menthe, Grenadine, Peppermint Schnapps
Shamrock #1 (Cocktail): Dry Vermouth, Green Creme de Menthe, Irish Whiskey
Shamrock Cocktail (Cocktail): French Vermouth, Green Chartreuse, Green Creme de Menthe, Irish Whiskey
Shillelagh (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Spiced Rum, Sweet and Sour Mix
Southampton Slam (Cocktail): Anisette, Club Soda, Green Creme de Menthe
Spiker Cocktail (Cocktail): Brandy, Green Creme de Menthe
Springbock (Shooter): Baileys Irish Cream, Green Creme de Menthe
St. Patrick's Day (Cocktail): Bitters, Green Chartreuse, Green Creme de Menthe, Irish Whiskey
Starboard Light (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Lemon Juice, Sloe Gin
Stop Light #1 (Shooter): Creme de Banane, Green Creme de Menthe, Grenadine
Strega Salute (Shooter): Green Creme de Menthe, Grenadine, Strega
Tequila Mockingbird #2 (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Lime, Tequila
Thin Mint (Cocktail): Baileys Irish Cream, Chocolate Liqueur, Cream, Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, Green Creme de Menthe
Vodka Grasshopper (Cocktail): Green Creme de Menthe, Vodka, White Creme de Cacao
Wrigley's Special (Cocktail): Angostura Bitters, Green Creme de Menthe, Lime Juice, Soda Water, Vodka

Thursday, February 3, 2011

TOP 5 INDIAN BEERS (DONT FORGET UR BASICS)

The Indian beer industry is booming, and a visit to India wouldn't be complete without trying some of the top Indian beers on offer.
Beer was introduced into India by the British, who eventually set up a brewery that produced Asia's first beer -- a pale ale called Lion. However, these days, lager is the only type of beer you'll find available in India. It comes in two strengths -- mild (around 5% alcohol) and a generous strong (6-8% alcohol). Depending on the place, a large 650 ml bottle of beer will cost you between 50-70 rupees ($1-1.50) at a liquor store, and double or triple that at a bar.

1. Kingfisher

www.flickr.com user hyku

Kingfisher, "The King of Good Times", is India's most recognized and widely available beer. Its name has been associated with sports, fashion, and even an airline. The beer itself is a light tasting, easy drinking beer with plenty of malt. It goes down really well -- if not a little too well at times! Kingfisher Strong, containing around 8% alcohol, is fast growing in popularity and has more flavor than the regular Kingfisher Premium, which has 4.8% alcohol. Another variation is Kingfisher Blue, marketed at the young and trendy. This is also a strong beer with around 8% alcohol but it has a very light watery taste. Distinctive and full-bodied Kingfisher Ultra, made from imported ingredients, is the newest label to hit the market.

2. Haywards

www.flickr.com user ampersandyslexia

Haywards beer is light bodied and watery tasting, so definitely not recommended for those who prefer beer with bite! The brand is most well known for its Haywards 5000 label -- a top selling strong beer that contains 7% alcohol. Haywards also produces Haywards 2000, a mild beer with 5.5% alcohol, and the rarer super strong Haywards 10000. Lovers of stout beer may be interested in Haywards Black -- India's first genuine stout beer. It's a strong dark colored beer, with 8% alcohol, and a heavy sweet malty taste that apparently hints of caramel (personally though, I'm not a fan of stout and haven't tried it).

3. Royal Challenge

www.flickr.com user bubblesandbugs

Royal Challenge Premium is a mild beer containing 5% alcohol. It's most popular in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Orissa. The beer has a long brewing cycle, giving rise to its slogan of "Brewed Longer, Brewed Better". In comparison to many Indian beers, it's quite a full bodied and tasty beer. It's not as flavorsome as the Kalyani Black Label, but is still distinctive.

4. Kalyani Black Label

www.flickr.com user anaxolotl

Kalyani Black Label is one of India's oldest lagers and is particularly popular in eastern India, in cities such as Kolkata, as well as Delhi. It comes in both premium and strong varieties. The strong beer is described as "a smooth, mellowed brew with an extra bite". Its alcohol content, at 7.8%, packs quite a punch, along with its sweet aftertaste. If you like a beer with flavor, go for Kalyani.

5. Kings

Sharell Cook

The beautiful beaches of Goa and Kings beer go hand in hand. This beer, which unfortunately is only brewed and sold in the state of Goa, is a highlight of any trip there. The Kings Black Label premium pilsner is a very light tasting, pale colored, beer that's known for its smoky malt aroma. Its got an alcohol content of 4.85%, and is priced very attractively. A small 375 ml bottle will only set you back around 35 rupees (75 cents) at most beach shacks, and half that at a liquor store. No wonder Kings remains a fond memory for many people long after the vacation is over!

TOP TEN TIPS FOR PROFESSIONAL BARTENDER

Bartenders or "mixologists" just don't get enough credit. People seem to think that anyone can mix a quality cocktail. They usually only realize the difference between a beer-tender and bartender when they receive a truly horrible drink. Those who imbibe and enjoy finer beverages tend to be a bit more appreciative.

Here are ten tips that will help anyone become a more professional bartender (in no particular order):

1. Always keep your bar surface, stools, glasses, serving station, and preparation area spotless. People do not want to pay top dollar for cocktails that are prepared sloppily or in a dirty area. Sitting on a dirty stool or placing belongings on a sticky surface as one sits down is also offensive. An immaculate bar with shiny glasses and bottles is as important as the quality of your products and the skill with which you prepare cocktails.

2. Make sure that you garnish cocktails properly. If you are unsure of appropriate garnishes, pick up bartending book. It pays to know as much as possible about your trade, and it also translates into better tips.

3. Never tell a customer that you can make a particular cocktail that he requests if you aren't sure you can make it properly. Ask the guest to give you a moment then go look it up (or ask another bartender) to make sure you prepare it correctly. It pays to keep a bartending book handy for such occasions.

4. Make sure your garnishes are fresh. Nothing ruins a perfectly good cocktail faster than a wilted lemon wedge or a wrinkled olive. Take the time to cut fresh fruit and twists and keep garnishes chilled. If you store olives in a bit of olive juice, they will stay fresher longer.

5. Know your customers. If you serve a customer regularly, you should be able to remember what he or she orders. Greet the guest and offer his or her usual cocktail, mixing it precisely. Also, remember if the guest prefers onions over olives or a twist instead of a wedge, and if there are any other special touches, such as a splash of soda, or just one ice cube. People enjoy being recognized and pampered.

6. If a good customer asks for a particular item on more than one occasion and you don't have it in stock, see if you can order a bottle to keep on hand for that customer, even if it isn't something you serve regularly. Surprise the guest with it on his next visit.

7. If you bartend in the lounge of a restaurant, pay attention to guests seated at the tables. If the wait staff is busy, you should certainly check on guests and freshen their cocktails while they wait for their server. Doing so reflects well on your establishment and your professionalism. It also generally translates into more and better tips.

8. Do not assume that the customer wants a "well" drink simply because he or she does not specify a brand. Always inquire, or recommend a good product. This is especially important when you are serving affluent guests.

9. If you are required to wear a uniform, make sure it is clean and pressed. You should be well groomed and always look your best. If you don't wear a uniform, dress in tasteful, professional attire. Do not overdo jewelry, fragrance, or makeup.

10. Be courteous and friendly at all times. You'll find that most people will respond in kind. If guests behave rudely, take the high road and remember that they are only making themselves look bad. You will be respected by those whose opinions actually matter.

STOCKING BAR

The vast majority of recipes can be prepared with a small group of common ingredients. We have prepared two lists: the first contains the basic ingredients that will let you prepare the most common cocktails, but that is only suitable for stocking a small bar, a party and nothing really professional and open to a big public
The second list is more complete and you can prepare almost anything with it, except for some obscure cocktails (but then again, in that case it's not your fault and the customer probably knows he is being a bit difficult)

Basic Ingredient List
Beer Blended or Rye Whiskey Bourbon Wine (white and red) Brandy Gin Pernod Rum (light) Tequila (white) Scotch Whiskey Triple Sec Vermouth (dry and sweet) Vodka Cola Grenadine Cranberry Juice Lemon Juice Carbonated/Sparkling water Tomato Juice Tonic Water Ginger Ale Orange Juice Lime Juice	Bar sugar Black Pepper Worchestshire sauce Cocktail olives Angostura Bitters Limes (6-12) Lemons (6-12) Oranges Tabasco Sauce Bottle Opener Measuring cup Corkscrew Cocktail Shaker Paring knife

Basic Ingredient List
Amaretto Beer Blended or Rye Whiskey Bourbon Brandy Brandy (apple) Campari Cognac Cointreau Creme de Cassis Creme de Menthe (white and green) Curacao (blue and white) Galliano Gin Irish Cream J�germeister Kirschwasser Pernod Port (ruby, tawny) Rock and Rye Rum (Anejo, dark, gold and white) Sambuca Scotch Whiskey Sherry (fino and cream) Sloe Gin Southern Comfort Tequila (white, gold and silver) Triple Sec Vermouth (dry and sweet) Vodka Vodka (flavored - Lemon, Pepper, Currant) Wine (white and red) Whiskey (Canadian, Irish) Apple Cider Coconut Cream Beef Bouillon Clamato Juice Coffee Cola Cranberry Juice Pineapple Juice Ginger Ale Lemon Juice Orange Juice Peach Nectar Carbonated/Sparkling water (Club Soda) Tomato Juice Lime Juice Tonic Water Grenadine	Allspice Celery Apples Bar sugar Cinammon (ground and sticks) Pepper (black) White pepper Cocktail olives Cucumber Eggs Honey Cocktail onions Sugar (cubes and syrup) Angostura Bitters Horseradish Limes (6-12) Nutmeg Orange bitters Orgeat (almond syrup) Bananas Peaches Peychaud's bitters Raspberry Syrup Rock salt (Margarita salt) Rose's Lime Juice Lemons (6-12) Oranges Strawberries Tabasco Sauce Worchestshire sauce Cocktail Shaker Ice tongs Measuring cup Zester Corkscrew Paring knife Blender Ice bucket Bottle Opener Champagne stopper Mortar & Pestle Bottle taps

Bartending Terminology

After-Dinner Drinks

Drinks typically served after a nice meal. A perfect topper for the evening.

Box

Pour into and out of a shaker, usually only once. Gives the drink a quick mixing without shaking.

Call Drink

A liquor and mixer, of which the liquor is a defined brand. (ie. Tanqueray and Tonic, Bacardi and Coke)

Chaser

Consumed immediately after a straight shot of liquor to create a different taste.

Cobbler

Any liquor served in a collins or highball glass with shaved or crushed ice and garnished with fresh fruit and mint sprigs.

Cocktail

Any of various alcoholic beverages consisting usually of brandy, whiskey, vodka, or gin combined with fruit juices

Collins

A drink akin to a sour which is served in a tall glass with soda water or seltzer water.

Cooler

A drink consisting of ginger ale, soda water, and a fresh spiral or twist of citrus fruit rind.

Crusta

A sour-type drink served in a glass that is completely lined with an orange or lemon peel cut in a continuous strip.

Cup

A punch-type drink that made up in quantities.

Daisy

An oversize drink of the sour type, normally made with rum or gin.

Eggnog

A traditional holiday drink containing a combination of eggs beaten with cream or milk, sugar, and a liquor such as brandy, rum, or bourbon.

Fix

A sour-type drink similar to the daisy.

Fizz

An effervescent beverage.

Flip

A chilled, creamy drink made of eggs, sugar, and a wine or spirit.

Frapp�

A partially frozen, often fruity drink.

Grog

A rum-based beverage with water, fruit juice and sugar.

Highball

Any spirit served with ice and soda water in a medium to tall glass.

Julep

A drink made of bourbon, mint, sugar and crushed ice.

Lace

Last ingredient in a recipe, meaning to pour onto the top of the drink.

Lowball

A short drink made of spirits served with ice.

Mist

A liquor served over a glass filled with crushed ice.

Mulls

A sweetened and spiced heated liquor, wine or beer, served as a hot punch.

Neat

The consumption of a spirit as a straight.

Negus

A punch-like combination containing a wine, such as port, heated with spices and sweetened.

Nightcap

A wine or liquor taken before bedtime.

Nip

A quarter of a bottle.

On The Rocks

Poured over ice cubes.

Pick-Me-Up

A drink designed to relieve the effects of overindulgence in alcohol.

Posset

It consists of a mixture of heated ale or wine curdled with milk, eggs, and spices. An old british drink from which the eggnog was derived.

Puff

A traditional afternoon drink made of equal parts spirit and milk, topped with club soda and served over ice.

Punch

A party-size beverage consisting of fruit, fruit juices, flavorings and sweeteners, soft drinks, and a wine or liquor base.

Rickey

A drink made a liquor, usually gin, a half lime and soda water.

Sangaree

A tall chilled and sweetened wine/liquor garnished with nutmeg.

Shooter

A straight shot of whiskey or other kind of spirit taken neat.

Shrub

Spirits, fruit juices, and sugar, aged in a sealed container such as a cask or crock, then usually bottled

Sling

A tall drink made with either brandy, whiskey or gin, with lemon juice, sugar and soda water.

Smash

A short julep made of liquor, sugar, and mint.

Sour

A short drink consisting of liquor, lemon or lime juice and sugar.

Supercall

Also known as top shelf or super premium. The high octane, often higher proof alcohols.

Sweet and Sour mix

Sweet and Sour Mix can be made with 1 - 1 1/2 tbs. Lemon Juice and 1 tsp. of Powdered Sugar

Swizzle

A tall, traditionally rum-based cocktail filled with cracked ice.

Syllabub

A beverage made from a mixture of sweetened milk/cream, wine and spices.

Toddy

A sweetened drink of liquor and hot water.

Tot

A small amount of liquor.

Virgin

Non-alcoholic

Flaming Drinks

The technique of flaming drinks is very fun and rewarding if practiced correctly, since it makes the atmosphere very flashy and professional.
The basics consist of knowing that most alcoholic drinks are flammable (the higher the proof the easier they are to ignite), and it is usually best to warm the alcohol before igniting it
In general, follow these rules:

It is very important to pre-heat the glass that will host the flaming drink, since glass is very prone to breaking when its temperature changes too much suddenly
When heating the glass, do not use a direct flame on it, since it will shatter or darken
The actual technique consists of igniting the pre-heated alcohol in a spoon, then adding it to the glass (which already contains the cocktail). If performed correctly, the cocktail should catch fire
It is legally required by most jurisdictions to keep a fire extinguisher in the bar if you make flaming drinks
When ignited, flames tend to burst up quickly for a moment. This flame is hot enough to burn your hair instantly, so watch out and always leave enough room for it to exhaust its initial burst
Once heated, do not keep heated alcohol around for too long, it is actually very dangerous because it catches fire easily (especially on summer)
Keep flammable objects far, this includes your bottles, which should be properly closed with their lids prior to igniting the drink
After igniting the drink, it is strongly suggested to not add any more alcohol, as it is quite dangerous

First Shot: Hennessey Black the Done Different Cognac

Hennesey Black bottle on white backdrop.

feb 2, 2011

Will Hennessey Black be known as the mixing cognac? It may be too soon to say. Our tasters have yet to sample the libation but the buzz is strong that this creative blend of eaux-de-vie aged in oak can stand-alone or punch up a stale old cocktail.

Terms like light and fresh, not normally attributed to cognacs, have been used to describe the spirit. Tasting notes included hints of citrus, honey and grapes.
Hennessy Black was selectively released earlier this year in Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Philadelphia but is now available nationwide. The suggested retail price per 750ml bottle is $39.99.
Placement is pervasive in the club circuit, but if you can’t get out try the Hennessy Black Dance Floor hosted on HennessyBlack.com where you can upload your own unique dance moves via web video and add music plus other effects to create your very own dance scene.

BARMENS SPCL COCKAILS

The Absolut Prosperity drink is made from vodka, Parfait Amour, Lychee Liqueur, lime cordial, mint leaves and Schweppes Russian, and served in a highball glass.

Absolut Prosperity Ingredients

2 parts Vodka (Absolut)
1 part Parfait Amour
1 part Lychee Liqueur
1 dash Rose's Lime
4-5 Mint Leaves
Schweppes Russchian

Absolut Prosperity Instructions

Muddle the mint, vodka, Roses lime and liqueurs in the bottom of a highball glass.
Fill the glass with crushed ice and Schweppes Russchian.
Garnish with a sprig of mint, and a maraschino cherry or physalis fruit.

Garnish

Mint Sprig

ASHLEY MICHEALS