"cocktail" news and stories

Champagne Cocktail History - LeNell It All

by LeNell Smothers, Posted Dec 30th 2009 @ 5:00PM

Photo: LeNell Smothers

References to Champagne drinks abound in old newspapers, novels and cocktail books. Champagne drinks containing brandy and orange liqueurs in the forms of punches and cups can be found in old cookbook recipe collections such as Mrs. Beeton's "Book of Household Management," first published in 1861.

I've seen mentions of Champagne cocktails in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle archives as far back as 1869, the same year Mark Twain mentions the drink in "Innocents Abroad." The first recipe citation for a Champagne cocktail goes back the "The Bar-Tenders Guide" written by Jerry Thomas in 1862.

Champagne during this time was generally much sweeter than today's popular dry style labeled "Brut," which didn't exist on a label until around 1876. Thomas' 1862 book calls for shaking the ingredients, including the sparkling wine, which was surely a mistake since shaking carbonated drinks can get explosive.

Filed under: Drink Recipes

Happy National Harvey Wallbanger Day!

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by Alexa Weibel, Posted Nov 8th 2009 @ 1:15PM

Harvey Wallbanger cupcakes. Photo: cupcakequeen, Flickr.

Happy National Harvey Wallbanger Day!

Though vodka may be the dominant alcohol of this classic cocktail by pure mass, the drink is differentiated by its distinct layer of Galliano on top.

For those of you wondering how this fancified screwdriver came about, there are three tales of varying interest. The first is simple and straightforward: It was created by bartender Bill Doner at "The Office" bar in Newport Beach, California.

The second is preferable to recount to friends over drinks: California surfer Harvey enjoyed his screwdrivers topped with a vanilla layer of Galliano. After a particularly boozy afternoon following a loss at a surf competition, Harvey overindulged on drinks, and, consequently, stumbled into walls and furniture on his way out the door. As a bar regular, he -- and his drink -- became known as Harvey Wallbanger.

And finally, famed bartender and three-time world champion mixologist Donato "Duke" Antone is purported to have invented the drink in 1952 -- for another thirsty surfer prone to inebriated stumbling -- at his Hollywood bar, "Blackwatch."

After an aggressive advertising campaign for Galliano -- which featured a goofy cartoon character dubbed Harvey -- the drink again gained popularity, reaching its heyday in the 1970s as the essential brunch staple of the era. Though it's often overlooked in recent times, it's still a classic worth enjoying year-round.

The Harvey Wallbanger

Ingredients

- 1 1/2 oz. vodka
- 6 oz. orange juice
- 1/2 oz. Galliano
- Orange slice

Mix the vodka and orange juice in a mixing glass with ice, then strain into a cold highball glass -- the temperature will help allow the Galliano to float on top. Once the orange juice base has settled, carefully serve the Galliano on top, creating a floating layer. Garnish with an orange slice if you're feeling fancy.

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Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz - Feast Your Eyes

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by Alexa Weibel, Posted Oct 21st 2009 @ 10:00AM

Photo: thebittenword.com, Flickr.

The approach of chilly weather may leave many craving warm libations, but this Vodka Rosemary Lemonade Fizz is truly a drink for all seasons. The bloggers of the Bitten Word tackled this Gourmet recipe, which eschews the usual infusion to instead create a simple syrup with sugar, rosemary and lemon juice subbing for water. The syrup can keep for weeks in the fridge and need only be topped with vodka and a dash of club soda to be served.

Rosemary adds a nice mouthfeel and complexity to the crisp, refreshing drink, but almost any herb will serve well in simple syrup, from lavender to Thai basil. Spill your simple syrup recipes or ideas in the comments.

Become a member of the Slashfood Flickr pool to get a shot at having your photos featured in Feast Your Eyes.

Filed under: Feast Your Eyes

Tempting Tastes of YumSugar

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by Monika Bartyzel, Posted Sep 24th 2009 @ 1:00PM

Quick focaccia. Photo: YumSugar.

Each Thursday, we round up a selection of scrumptious links from our friends over at YumSugar. Here's what they've got cooking this week:

Tasty, rustic focaccia can be yours in just half an hour ... if you take a cue from Sandra Lee.

The 411 on speck, an Italian cured, smoked meat.

The ten dishes you must make this fall, from cupcakes to moussaka.

Switch up the classic chocolate brownies by giving peanut butter center stage.

A Raspberry Shag slips basil and raspberries into the ol' vodka.

Sorry, McD's -- Subway is about to become the world's largest food chain.

Are you cool with swapping plates?

Filed under: YumSugar

LeNell It All - Rosé The Riveter

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by LeNell Smothers, Posted Sep 23rd 2009 @ 5:00PM

The Riveter. Photo: LeNell Smothers.

Alabama-born LeNell Smothers defines herself first and foremost as a bartender, but she's been called many things -- most recently, the proprietress of LeNell's liquor store. She's owned her own whiskey label called Red Hook Rye and has been recognized by her home state as an honorary Colonel. Other interests include gin, sin and men.

I drink rosé year round. Get over the idea that it's a flimsy soda-pop wine meant for picnics. When in doubt for food pairing, I often go with the pink. Rosé can be so versatile, even as an ingredient in a cocktail.

You can still find Bordeaux bottles every now and then, labeled claret, that are dark, dry, "serious" rosés. For my cocktail feature this week, I strongly suggest picking up a bottle. If not Bordeaux, look for a rosé made with Bordeaux grapes like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc or a malbec that's so dark, it's almost a light red.

Rosé ain't for wimps. Neither is this cocktail named after Rosie, the American icon who represented the many women who went to work in factories to help us make it through World War II. Toast all the beautiful and strong women in your life who make this world a better place!

Get the recipe for Rosé the Riveter after the jump. ...

Filed under: Cocktail Hour, Drink Recipes