National Mint Julep Day

May 30th is National Mint Julep Day, so I had to take a quick minute and feature it on my blog.  I really enjoy a mint julep since it has whiskey.  It's so simple and perfect for summer.  Take fresh mint and muddle with sugar add ice, and your favorite whiskey, stir with a bar spoon and add a splash of club soda.  So fresh, so minty, so refreshing, and can be enjoyed anytime of year, not just at the Kentucky Derby

Watermelon Margaritas

I rallied Sunday afternoon and made fresh watermelon margaritas with chips, strawberry salsa, and guacamole before we kicked off our day in sunny Venice, CA.  

I am always researching new lime juices to use at home for margaritas.  I dislike sour mixes.  I tried Califia lemon limeade juice.  It has a refreshing taste, it's local to southern California.  It's a much thinner consistency than a lime juice or sour mix, which I really liked.  You don't use that much anyway.  Next, I took a half of a mini watermelon, and juiced it.  

I just filled up my glasses with ice, added 2 ounces of white tequila, home made organic simple syrup, lemon limeade, and watermelon juice.  I shook it vigorously.  Just fantastic, delicious and fresh.  

I decorated my table, with my bar shaker, cocktail mermaids, cute bar napkins.  It's important to decorate your table for better ambiance.  

Pairing the margaritas with the salsa and guacamole was a perfect start to a perfect Sunday Funday with great friends!

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

www.califiafarms.com

Basil vodka and strawberry lemonade

Using fresh herbs in cocktails are great for the summer.  I like to muddle fresh basil at the bottom of a shaker glass with a touch of agave syrup.  I add ice to the glass, and fill with 2 ounces of vodka.  Shake vigorously, and pour over fresh ice.  Top with fresh strawberry lemonade.  I juice the strawberries, and mix it together.  Garnish with a sprig of basil and a lemon wedge.  So refreshing!

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Paloma

My new favorite drink of summer is.........a Paloma.  I take 1 1/2 ounces of tequila, and pour it over ice, I like a salty rim, and I add fresh grapefruit juice, a splash of club soda, and a splash of fresh lime juice.
 Delicious and refreshing.  If your daring add a floater of Mezcal.  Ole!

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

Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo a Mexican-American celebration to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War.  Also, a day to just drink lots of tequila, Mexican beer, and Mezcal.  All, which happen to be my favorite!

In celebration of this holiday, I would like to share my cocktail Diablo with you.  Take sliced serrano chilis or jalapeno and put in a shaker glass, add fresh blackberries, a dash of agave nectar, and fresh lime juice.  Muddle these ingredients together, add ice and top off with your favorite tequila.  For this recipe I use Calavera Reposado.  Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.  The color is a deep rich berry color.  You can rim the glass with salt if you like.  The heat from the chilis is amazing!  Garnish with a blackberry.

Salud!

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http://www.calaveratequila.com/

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