Libations

The Martini’s History

The Martini’s history is as fascinating as one would expect, with historical bits and pieces referenced as far back as the 19th century.

Although the history of this classic cocktail is often the subject of great speculation and debate, most believe the Martini originated in the United States, with many thinking the name was likely a derivative of a popular vermouth brand – Martini and Rossi – used in crafting this potent potable. Still, others believe the Martinez is the precursor cocktail that was served in San Francisco’s Occidental Hotel in the 1860s.

The current versions of this cocktail – like the easy espresso martini recipe have met the challenge of finding a delicious alternative to the traditional recipe, although there have been some interesting recipe twists in the Martini’s history.

Early Recipes

The martini cocktail began to appear in recipe books dedicated to crafting cocktails – with, at that time, recipes and the proportion of ingredients varying by book/bartender. The earliest version of the Martini included equal portions of dry and sweet vermouth, gin, and a dash of orange bitters.

The recipe evolved over time. Eventually, the sweet vermouth was replaced by dry vermouth, and the amount of gin used to create the Martini increased. Beginning in 1920 and lasting more than a decade during Prohibition (1920-1933 in the United States), the Martini grew in popularity in the speakeasy era as a favorite of those who frequented places that served what was then illicit alcohol.

The bathtub gin made during this time was of poor quality, which ultimately evolved to the creation of the Dry Martini – as martini lovers at that time began to use vermouth to mask the taste of bathtub gin – with the vermouth mainly used to flavor chilled gin. Some even order extra-dry, with even less vermouth.

The James Bond – Martini Connection

The Martini, as a cocktail of distinction and elegance, gained further popularity when the Martini became the favorite drink of Ian Fleming’s fictional character James Bond. In the film adaptations of Fleming’s British Spy, Bond cemented this drink’s cultural status when he ordered his martinis – Shaken, Not Stirred.

Evolution & Variations of the Martini

Like most foods and cocktails, the Martini has evolved since its inception – with changes and variations that reflect current preferences and tastes. In addition to the popularized vodka martini, these are the other adaptations–

Substituting a lemon twist or olive for the bitters.
Adding olive brine to make a Dirty Martini
Adding espresso & coffee liqueur creates an easy espresso martini recipe.

A Modern Twist on an Easy Espresso Martini Recipe

Even variations have variations. The following offers an updated version of the espresso martini, adding the deep, rich, and sweet flavor note of maple syrup.

1 1/2 Ounces Vodka
1 Ounce Coffee Liqueur
1 Ounce Freshly Brewed Espresso-Chilled
Pro-tip – If you do not have access to fresh espresso, use strong brewed coffee. Make sure it is CHILLED before adding the coffee to the shaker.
1/2 Ounce Maple Syrup-Adjust for Taste
Ice Cubes

How to Make the Modern Twist on the Espresso Martini

Fill the cocktail shaker with ice.
Add the vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso/coffee, and maple syrup.
Shake the contents vigorously for approximately 20 seconds, so mix/chill all ingredients.
Use a strainer to pour the espresso martini into a martini glass.
Add a dusting of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans.

Feel free to get a bit daring and try the ingredients you prefer. For example, a dash of cinnamon might be a delicious twist to the updated version.

Mixology 101: How to Make a Virgin Cosmopolitan

If you’ve ever watched Sex and the City, you’ve probably seen Carrie Bradshaw sipping on a cosmopolitan. It’s a refreshing cocktail that combines gin, triple sec, cranberry juice, and lime juice.

But if you’re not ready to risk your hangover, try a virgin cosmopolitan mocktail instead! These delicious drinks are perfect for a night out or even a lazy day.

Orange Juice

You can’t go wrong with a virgin cosmopolitan mocktail if you’re searching for an enjoyable, delectable, nonalcoholic beverage. They’re a refreshing drink that’s safe for underage and adults alike.

The simplest way to make an alcohol-free virgin Cosmopolitan is to use orange juice. This citrus fruit has a bright flavor and is a healthy choice for drinking and cooking.

It contains many vital nutrients, including folic acid and vitamin C, essential for your health. It’s also rich in flavonoids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Vodka

Vodka is an odorless and tasteless spirit that can be used in many drinks. It’s distilled from fermentable ingredients such as potatoes, wheat malt, rye, sugar beet molasses, and fruit.

Vodka can also be flavored, a fun way to add interest to the drink. Popular flavors include citrus, vanilla, and berries.

There are also a variety of alternative ingredients that can be infused with vodka, including apples, honey, maple sap, and quinoa. These liqueurs are usually more expensive than the traditional, straight vodkas, but they have a unique flavor that can enhance any cocktail or mixed drink.

If you are looking for a nonalcoholic version of the classic Cosmopolitan, you can easily make it yourself. Just swap out the orange juice for pink lemonade and triple sec for the nonalcoholic orange liqueur, and you’re on your way to sipping a virgin cosmo.

Grapefruit Juice

Vitamin C, which supports the immune system and aids in the body’s ability to combat free radicals, is abundant in cranberry juice. It also helps reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and prevent urinary tract infections.

It is an excellent soda alternative for those watching their sugar intake. If you choose to drink cranberry juice, look for one low in sugar and made with fruit instead of artificial sweeteners.

Cranberries are small, red berries from several species of the genus Vaccinium. They can be eaten fresh or added to sauces, slices of bread, jams, and soups. They are native to North America and grow in marshes and bogs.

Triple Sec

Triple sec is a famous citrus-flavored liqueur in many cocktails and mixed drinks. Its flavor is intense and complex, so it’s perfect for adding depth to your glasses.

According to Cook’s Info, triple sec is made by distilling dried orange peels with a neutral spirit. The resulting liquor is then redistilled with Curacao liqueur, which adds orange flavors.

Its strength can vary from 15% to 40% ABV, but most brands produce triple sec within the higher end of this range. It can be transparent or yellow-tinged and may turn cloudy when diluted with water.

If you want to try a virgin cosmopolitan, use nonalcoholic vodka and light cranberry juice. Then, shake the ingredients together and pour them into a glass over ice.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a popular drink ingredient that is easy to make and can provide several health benefits. It may help with weight loss, cleanse the body of toxins, and soothe an itchy throat.

It also has a lot of vitamin C in it. One glass of lemon juice contains around 33% of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C, which supports immunity and lowers your risk of cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.

In addition, lemon juice has many antioxidants. These include hesperidin, diosmin, and lecithin, which can strengthen your blood vessels, prevent atherosclerosis and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

When making a virgin Cosmopolitan, you can skip the rum or vodka and use cranberry, lime, and orange juice instead. You can add grenadine to sweeten the mixture and give your mocktail a little sparkle.

Sugar

Various foods naturally include sugar, a group of sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates. Sugar is also an ingredient in many processed food products. It is a simple energy source but contains no nutrients or vitamins.

Despite their everyday use in many products, sugars can have various adverse health effects, including obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. However, there are ways to control sugar intake and avoid these issues.

This recipe is designed to help you create a virgin cosmopolitan that is alcohol-free and has a refreshing flavor. Using flavored club soda to replace the vodka, you can still get the bubbles without the extra sugars and calories.

This nonalcoholic cosmopolitan mocktail is the perfect drink to serve at a bridal shower, party, or girl’s night. It’s a great way to let people abstain from alcohol or give the sober curious life a try to taste a delicious drink.

Surprising Facts About Wineries

There are many Surprising Facts About Wineries! From where corks come from to why wineries are so important, these facts will make your wine drinking experience even better. We’ll also discuss the health benefits of wine and the best way to store it. Let’s get started! Below, you’ll find 20 fascinating facts about wineries. Read on to learn more about the wine industry!

Interesting facts about wineries

Whether you’re a lover of wine or just curious, you’ve likely heard about some surprisingly interesting facts about wineries and black-owned wineries. From the origins of wine to its unique characteristics, this article aims to educate you about the world of wine. These facts will cover everything from the history of wine to how much wine makes us happy. Here, we’ll highlight some fascinating details.

Appellation refers to the legally designated region on wine labels. For example, “dry” refers to the absence of sweetness in white wines and tannins in reds. The wine itself can be classified as either red or white and has many names. Wines from different regions are called “blends” and may be made from more than one grape variety. Appellations are legal definitions of where a particular type of wine was produced.

Origin of corks

Wineries have long used corks to preserve their products, but the practice has a history. Corks have been used as bottle stoppers for thousands of years, and evidence of them has been found in tombs dating back to ancient Egypt. They were also used as floats for fishing nets, sandals, and personal flotation devices by fishers. Corks are sustainable and recyclable, which is a testament to the wine industry’s commitment to the environment. For three hundred years, the use of cork was the only option, but then people started talking about the TCA effect.

The process of producing corks at wineries involves several stages. First, the cork bark is cut into manageable pieces, and then workers sort it into two main types: technical and “high end” corks. These two types are separated by their density, moisture content, and size. After the cork bark has been sorted, it is boiled, sterilizing it and making it soft enough to fit into a wine bottle enclosure. Finally, the highest-quality corks are punched, while lesser-quality ones are pressed together to create agglomerate corks.

Surprising Facts About Wineries — Fun Facts About Wineries

Health benefits

Drinking wine has many health benefits. Wine has antibacterial properties, which help the body respond to microorganisms. These benefits start in the stomach, where it arrives during meals. Another benefit is the substance resveratrol, found in grapes. This substance is linked to preventing blindness. Finally, when taken regularly, wine can help to avoid a hangover. If you’re looking for ways to improve your health, wine is a great choice!

Organic wines are sweeter than conventional wines, but they are also healthier for you. They contain no sugars, making them perfect for people on a weight loss diet. Organic wine is also gluten-free, so it is a healthy choice for diabetics and others concerned about their diet. In addition, organic wine is an excellent choice for those who’d like to reduce their sugar intake. Organic wine is also free of additives, making it a good choice for people on a diet or looking for a healthier lifestyle.

The proper way to store wine

The best way to store wine bottles is with their cork side down. If you have screw-top bottles, don’t worry about cork angle. If the cork becomes dry, it will allow oxygen to enter the bottle and change the flavor of the wine. Consequently, the wine won’t taste as good as it does on its first day. Alternatively, you can keep screw-top bottles upright. In either case, it’s essential to follow the recommended temperature range for the bottles to avoid the wine from drying out.

If you plan to store wine for long periods, you can use the same technique as when you keep it for short periods. However, if you plan to use the wine right away, you need to store it in a temperature-controlled place with proper humidity. Keeping the bottle temperature within a specific range will ensure the wine retains its flavor. Also, the temperature should be as constant as before. Finally, keeping it in a cool, dark place will ensure that the wine will age correctly.

Tips to Create an Authentic Mexican Fiesta

One of the first things that you have to think about when you decide to throw a party is what theme you want it to have. A Mexican fiesta is a fun option that encourages your guests to have fun. There are a variety of things you can do that will create an authentic Mexican ambiance that your guests will remember for a long time.

Decorate the Fiesta

An authentic Mexican fiesta has bright decorations. These parties don’t have just one color as the theme. Lime green, bright blue, hot pink, and vibrant yellow are all good options for the fiesta. Paper plates and disposable cups in a mix of colors work well with the authentic fiesta experience.

Consider Hiring a Caterer

Hiring a taco truck catering company is one of the easiest ways that you can have authentic Mexican food at your fiesta. A soft taco bar is a great way for your guests to enjoy delicious food that’s tailored to their own tastes. These bars can include a variety of protein options and toppings. Plus, having a taco truck come out is a unique experience for the guests.

Remember Drinks and Desserts

Your guests will want to have something to drink and may even want dessert after they eat their tacos. Individually bottled or canned drinks, as well as cocktails, are ideal options for a fiesta. Agua fresca is a must-have for any fiesta, so don’t forget to serve it.

Your friends can also enjoy dessert after they eat if you offer churros, Banuelos, or Mexican tea cakes. These are grab-and-go so they’re easy to serve. You could just set up a table next to the taco truck.

Enhance the Mexican Experience

Mexican music can liven the party up quickly. Mariachi music, one of the oldest forms of Mexican music, is upbeat and will encourage people to dance and have fun. Salsa music is also a good option if you want to provide the best experience possible. Just be sure that you have space for them to dance safely.

Try to get all of the components of your authentic Mexican fiesta together as early in the planning phase as possible. This can take the stress out of the planning phase and allow you to fully enjoy the experience that you have planned. Make sure you have enough help the day of the party so you can mingle with your guests and make them feel welcome.

5 of the Best Cocktails From ‘Tequila Mockingbird’

Tequila Mockingbird by Tim Federle has quickly risen in popularity as one of the world’s favorite literature-inspired cocktail books! Here are five of the best drinks you’ll find in the book, the stories behind them and what makes them so special.

Romeo and Julep

Inspired by the world’s most famous love story (a title which is a bit questionable upon analyzing the play), this is a twist on the classic Mint Julep. Fresh mint leaves, honey whiskey, peach schnapps and brown sugar come together over ice for a refreshingly crisp drink that perfectly captures the feeling of first love: delicate and powerful at the same time.

Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margarita

For fans of Judy Blume‘s timeless coming-of-age story, this drink is just as much of a classic as the namesake novel. It doesn’t venture too far from a traditional margarita, but this iconic blend of tequila, triple sec, lime and salt isn’t very different from puberty — it’s hard and a little bitter, but you’ll feel great when you finish it.

The Pitcher of Dorian Grey Goose

This pitcher is the perfect size for your next book club! Taking influence from the unforgettable titular character in The Picture of Dorian Gray, it’s a lovely concoction made with vodka (preferably Grey Goose), lemonade, fresh mint leaves and cucumbers. It’s fun, charming and something everyone can enjoy, not unlike the king of beauty and hedonistic pleasure himself.

Tequila Mockingbird

The list wouldn’t be complete without the titular drink! Often referred to as mockingbird, Tequila takes center stage in this recipe alongside crème de menthe, fresh lime juice and just the right amount of sugar syrup. It’s a strong, delightful cocktail that offers a bit of joy to balance out the harsh bitterness of the American classic To Kill a Mockingbird.

A Rum of One’s Own

Based on the extended essay A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf, this drink is able to produce beautiful complexity out of just a few ingredients: namely, dark rum and ground cinnamon. It’s a wonderful ode to the essay’s deeply complex analyses of society and its treatment of women, and it the ideal sweetness to balance out the bitter reality of the modern world.

No matter what your beverage preference is, Tequila Mockingbird has a cocktail for everyone! If you’re searching for something new to spice up your repertoire of drinks, this cocktail book is the way to go!