Venice Duck Brewery

There's a new beer in my town, and its made by Venice Duck Brewery.  Yesterday John Henry Binder and Christian Warren kicked off the "Dogtown Duck" IPA yesterday at the famous James Beach in Venice California.  These guys are two bartenders who worked together at James Beach and loved beer, and decided to brew their own.

I happen to love IPA's and Dogtown Duck is every IPA lover's dream.  Citrusy, floral, the perfect amount of bitter that is easy to drink.   Finally, a local beer, by two local guys that really represents the true essence of Venice.  

There's a lot to be said about the gentrifying times of Venice, some good, some bad, and I'm glad to see old school locals are moving forward, yet keeping the true essence of what Venice means so close to their hearts.  

With four more brews on the way, Venice Duck an agave Blonde ale, German malts and a touch of agave.  Stoner Duck an American Brown ale with hints of chocolate, hops, and a mild tea aroma from hemp seeds.   Lone Duck a Belgian Abbey, and Lucky Duck a Belgian White Ale.  There's a lot to look forward to and watching this company grow.

The party was a huge success, with family and friends to celebrate with, and delicious food prepared by James Beach Chef, Jorge Valines.  My personal favorite was the IPA braised duck sausage in a puff pastry.  

You can find Dogtown Duck IPA at James Beach, 60 North Venice, Venice CA
Danny's Deli, 23 Windward, Venice CA, and Bar Melody 9132 S. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

http://www.veniceduckbrewery.com/?m=201307

http://www.startender.iconosites.com/

Calavera Tequila

Calavera Tequila is a new product you should know about.  From Jalisco Mexico, each bottle hand painted in a skull bottle that is bartender pour friendly.  Right now you can find this tequila in California, and will soon be available in other states.

Calavera Tequila will be featured in the upcoming Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and the silver tequila has already won it's first award in San Diego.  But, mark my words, the Reposado will win multiple awards.  It's amazing!

Follow Calavera on Facebook.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Calavera-Tequila/540527582660749

Breaking Bad Blue Margarita

I wish I could take credit for this idea, but it was not mine.  I just made them all night at work for our Breaking Bad series finale party.  It was a lot of fun, and the guests loved the reference to the show.

We used Zarco tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, blue curacao, and a dash of simple syrup.  The rim was a blue dye salt.  Tasty, delicious, and really helped the ambience and festivity of the event.

It was a great way to say goodbye to Walter White, Jesse Pinkman, Skyler, Hank, Marie, Junior, Saul, and every amazing character who made this show the success it was.  We salute you.  Cheers!

www.startender.iconosites.com

Pumpkin Martini

Fall is pumpkin season.  Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin cream cheese, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, so I also wanted to contribute a Pumpkin martini that you can make at home.

I like to use Stolichnaya Vanilla vodka.  Pour 3/4 ounces of vodka over ice, pour a tablespoon of pumpkin puree, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and shake.  Rim the martini glass with pumpkin 

spice.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick.  Simple ingredients, and perfect for the season. 

http://www.startender.iconosites.com/

Salted Caramel Chocolate martini

I love Stolichnaya's new Salted Caramel vodka.  Yup, I said it.  It tastes like heaven.  Stoli has some of the best flavors in the world.  I just added a chocolate liquor to a martini shaker, add 3/4 vodka, shake and strain into a sugar and salted rim martini glass.  It tastes like this ......

Aperol Spritz

A couple of years ago I went on my dream vacation to Italy with my family.  I have such affection for the food, the culture, and of course the wine.  I was so surprised to see everyone in the restaurants of Lake Garda in Northern Italy drinking a orangish-red drink in a wine glass.  I mean it was everywhere!

This is where I first learned of the Aperol Spritz.  Hugely popular in Italy.  I knew of Aperol as a bartender, but I really didn't know what to do with it, and no one ever asked for it.

I ordered one, and it was refreshing, blood orange flavor, simple and delish.  Aperol spritz is Aperol liquor served over ice, topped with prosecco, and a splash of club soda, and garnished with an orange.
Aperol is becoming more popular in the United States, and a highly requested drink from well travelled individuals.  Salud!

www.startender.iconosites.com

Nolet Gin Razmatini

Have you tried Nolet Silver gin?  A gin from the Netherlands, brought to you by the Ketel One family.  It has a distinct flavor of rose, raspberry and peach.  There's nothing else like it.

I enjoy a Nolet Razmatini.  An ounce and a half of Nolet Silver, 1/4 ounce Chambord, a dash of peach puree, shake and strain.  It enhances all of the natural flavors of this modern gin.

You can also enjoy this straight up and and strained into a martini glass, and garnish with fresh raspberries.  Light, refreshing, fruit forward and a great summertime cocktail.  Salud!

http://www.startender.iconosites.com/

Lemonade cocktails for summer

I really love fresh lemonade cocktails for summer.  Using the freshest ingredients from your local farmer's market.  We have a plethora of lemons here in California, just juice, add water, agave syrup.

This cocktail recipe is for a Lemon, mint cooler.  Fresh squeezed lemonade, add mint leaves, and Citrus Vodka.  Light, refreshing and summery.  Simpler times to enjoy with friends.  Salud!

http://www.startender.iconosites.com/

Michelada

Michelada is a Mexican beer served with a mixture of lime juice, tomato juice, and spices.  There are many variations of recipes for this refreshing concoction.  It seems like it's a hard drink to find, and have someone make a good one for you.  The ingredients are the key.

I love Tecate served in a glass rimmed with Tajin the original flavor, fill with ice, add a small amount of bloody mary mix to the bottom, a few squeezes of lime, and top with the Tecate.  

It's a great summer drink, perfect for brunch, ideal for a hangover, and so full of flavor!  Salud!

http://www.startender.iconosites.com/

Pimm's Cup

One of my favorite summer drinks is a Pimm's Cup.  It's from England and perfect to sip at a garden party, during cricket, or in the comfort of your own home.  It's easy to make and light and refreshing with summer fruits, and herbs.

I take fresh mint, and cucumber and muddle it at the bottom of the glass, I squeeze fresh oranges, lemons and limes, I shake the glass with the ice and I strain the muddled mint, and fresh juice over fresh ice, top with Pimm's and lemon lime soda.  I garnish it with a sprig of mint.

You can also substitute champagne for the lemon lime soda, and this is a Pimm's Royal Cup!

http://www.startender.iconosites.com/

Whiskey Tasting at Sassafras!

I went to a great whisky tasting with Young's Market and I had a chance to try their whole portfolio.  I stepped into Sassafras on Vine Street in Hollywood, a really cool Savannah townhouse that features craft whiskey drinks.

One of my new favorite libations was Midnight Moonshine that comes in many different flavors.  I tried the blueberry, strawberry and apple pie.  They were to die for!  The strawberry lemonade was so easy to drink, and at 100 proof, enjoying this on a hot summer day in a mason jar would make you a happy lady.  It tastes great and packs a punch.  http://www.juniorsmidnightmoon.com/

Next, I tried a Buffalo Trace cocktail mixed with farm fresh blackberries, cracked pepper and a few other ingredients that I can't remember.  The bartender from the Townhouse, Venice Beach won an award for this drink and it was well worth it.

I tried to venture out and try some whiskey and scotch's that I haven't had in a long time, or new products.  Angel's Envy super smooth, aged up to 6 years in charred white oak barrels and finished in ruby port wine cask's.  This is a new favorite of mine! http://www.angelsenvy.com/?/home

I had the best Sazerac of my life mixed with Templeton Rye.  The bartender who made it also won an award for his recipe.  http://www.templetonrye.com/home/

I also tried FEW bourbon.  I wasn't crazy about the regular bourbon, but their rye was fantastic!
http://fewwhiskey.com/

My friends and I had a great time taking photos in the photo booth, enjoyed tons of oysters, and had a great time with each other.  New friends, old friends, in a whiskey bar.  A great way to spend an evening!

http://www.startender.iconosites.com/