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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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