Memorial Day Cocktails
Happy Memorial Day! I love summer holidays — tiki torches, barbecue, summer dresses and cocktails with little umbrellas in them — I love it all (especially the cocktails!) Here are some fun recipes for your memorial day party this afternoon or for any summer soiree you may be hosting.
Bing Cherry Mojitos
via Martha Stewart
Ingredients
Serves 12
* 1 1/4 cups sugar
* 1 1/4 cups freshly squeezed lime juice, about 9 limes
* 3 pounds Bing cherries
* 18 ounces best-quality black cherry or plain vodka (www.beekmanliquors.com)
* 1 bottle sparkling water (750 mL)
Directions
1. Bring sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat; let cool completely. (Makes about 2 cups syrup.) Syrup can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 month.
2. Put lime juice into a medium nonreactive bowl. Halve and pit cherries; add to lime juice. Stir in syrup. Refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
3. Stir cherry mixture and vodka in a large serving bowl. Fill 12 glasses with ice. Spoon 1/2 cup cherry-vodka mixture into each glass. Top off with sparkling water. Serve immediately.
New Orleans Hurricane
via Allrecipies.com
INGREDIENTS
* 1/2 cup ice
* 2 fluid ounces light rum
* 2 fluid ounces passion fruit flavored syrup
* 1 cup lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage
* 1 ounce lime juice
* 1 fluid ounce 151 proof rum
DIRECTIONS
1. In a shaker, combine ice, light rum, passion fruit syrup, lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage and lime juice. Shake well and pour mixture into a Hurricane or other large specialty glass. Float the 151 proof rum on top of the drink.
Delicious Vendors: Whimsey Spice
I came across this delightful etsy store via Swanky Tables a long time ago. Whimsey & Spice is the creation of Jenna and Mark, an art direction and a pastry chef living in New York. They specialize in making sweet food with a dash of spice. I have to admit, I haven’t tried Whimsey & Spice personally, but I can tell you that if it tastes only half as good as it looks, I might develop an addiction!
Among their products, my favorites have to be the pillows they call marshmallows, butterscotch bars, and the gorgeous earl gray sandwich cookies. Yum! For more delicious goodness, visit their etsy shop. They also have a wonderful blog, sweet fine day, where they share insight into their business and family. It is one of my favorite daily reads in my rss feed!
Tales from a Tasting
It is still so surreal to me that I am planning my own wedding! I have to be honest – this doesn’t happen often in the wedding industry and it is mostly the other way around – bride turned planner. Yesterday, my fiancée and I along with his dad attended our tasting at the Gershon Fox Room in downtown Hartford. The chef from Marquee Catering was so generous to work with us on some additional menu choices in addition to their standard selections. Food is a huge deal for us and the one important detail that my fiancée has taken seriously (as most men do!), so we had high hopes and expectations for today. Can I just say it was so amazing for me to be on the opposite side of the tasting? I always attend tastings for my full service and partial planning clients so I know the routine – but it was just so special to be in the other team this time! The chef and staff behind Marquee Catering put out an amazing spread and everything was delicious.
We tasted three yummy salads (yeah… I totally forgot to take a picture so use your imagination!):
Baby greens with seasonal tomatoes, grilled asparagus, sliced romano cheese tossed with a balsamic honey vinaigrette
Endive salad with blue cheese vinaigrette, and
Baby arugula salad with cannellini beans and pancetta with a lemon vinaigrette
And there was some yummy homemade, warm bread:
Our entrees were:
Filet with a Pinot Noir buerre rouge, truffled parisian potatoes and asparagus
Truffle crusted filet mignon with sweet summer peas, whipped potatoes and grain mustard bordelaise.
Herb seared breast of chicken with sautéed spinach fingerling potatoes and wild mushroom jus
Chicken with pan fried gold potatoes, mustard pancetta jus, and baby squash
Salmon with lemon grappa glaze, toasted almond rice and grilled asparagus
So what did we choose? You’ll have to wait to find out! But everything was so super yummy and the decision was TOUGH. A big thank you to all the staff at the Gershon Fox room and Marquee for making our tasting amazing!
Holiday Cocktails: White Christmas
This cocktail was a huge hit at our holiday party (so was the Gingersnap), and even my sugar fearing self took a tiny sip of it and have to admit, it was totally delish!
Ingredients:
* 4 oz eggnog
* 1/2 oz white chocolate liqueur
* 1 oz Southern Comfort
* edible gold flakes or chocolate flakes for garnish
Preparation:
1. Build the ingredients in to snifter glass and stir lightly.
2. Sprinkle gold or chocolate flakes on top.
Enjoy!
Hostess Gifts: The Best Wines at $15, $25, and $50
If you are attending a holiday party this season you cannot arrive empty handed! There are so many fabulous gifts to give in honor of your hostess and wine is on the top of my list for every occasion. It is easy to pick up and everyone I know appreciates a good bottle of wine. I asked our friend Anu at Swirl Events to give us her top picks for wines in three different price points
$15 and under
* Monte Velho, Red Table Wine, Alentejo, Portugal $12
* Crios, Torrontes, Salta, Argentina $11
* Ben Marco, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $18
* Sorrelle Branco, Prosecco, $14
$25
* Cloudy Bay Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand $30
* Seghesio, Zinfande, Sonoma, CA $24
$50
* Ridge Pagani Ranch, Sonoma, CA $35
* Orin Swift Cellars, The Prisoner, Napa, CA $37
* Montinore, Parsons’ Ridge Estate, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $35
* Argyle, Reserve Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR $42
I am going to pick up a few of her recommendations. Can I just say that I love the Argentina wine that she has chosen? The wine from that region is absolutely delicious!
And if you are feeling a bit more generous consider giving a Swirl gift certificate. Swirl is so fabulous — they come with everything one needs in order to host a wine tasting event. I know of so many people who would LOVE this as a gift (myself included!). To learn more, visit Swirl’s website.
Spotting Trends: What is New in Food
There was a lot of yummy food on display at BizBash by some of Manhattan’s top catering companies. We got to sample a variety of signature drinks, chocolate confections, and petite appetizers. The main trend? Food as art.
I think a lot of couples underestimate the impact that food has on your event. We all know it is the largest expense and the single element guests are guaranteed to remember from your wedding day. Still, people tend to neglect the idea that food can be as much a part of your wedding day theme and décor as flowers, candles, and table linens. If you are having a French country themed fete, why not serve a variety of French food and wine? A rustic, evergreen style wedding could serve these petite paper cones filled with a variety of nuts and a spring of evergreen as garnish.
You can create a fusion of food to suit your theme and stylize it in a way where it fits in with your décor. It is an inexpensive way to continue your wedding style into other elements of the day. I recommend that you sit down with your caterer or chef and discuss options to liven up your dishes and add an artistic flair. Think about shapes, color, taste, and texture. Here are a few ideas:
Going Old Hollywood? Stick with classic cocktails (which are making a huge comeback) such as the classic martini, gin and tonic, or whiskey sour. For food, serve canapés with different spreads (avocado, blue and cream cheese spread, ham and olive), welsh rarebit toasties, cocktail sausages, and silver dollar hamburgers. For dinner, serve wedge salad or classic cob salad with a classic steak, chicken, or Italian dish.
For a rustic, late summer evening wedding outside, consider serving a variety of chilled wines or sangria’s in pitchers. Champagne flutes served with a few blueberries, raspberries or blackberries for flavor and color. As an appetizer, antipasto platters with cured meats, cheeses, peppers and mushrooms. Parmesan stuffed mini artichokes, crab cakes with tarter dipping sauce, and dates stuffed with goat cheese. For dinner, a light cesaer or garden salad with braised lamb shank with rosemary, beef tenderloin with port and chestnut sauce.
Another trend that is evident already in recent weddings are miniature foods. Shot glasses filled with bisques, soups, and little deserts. Tiny french fries, burgers, sandwiches, and cheesecakes. I love the idea of miniature foods, especially deserts and hors d’oeuvres; it allows your guests to sample a lot of food without getting too full!
Often times these are more of a customized menu verses the wedding package variety. If you can’t stray from your prepackaged meal, ask the chef if they would be willing to plate the food in a unique and artistic way. Chefs are artists by nature and most of them welcome putting new spins on the same old dishes!
Signature Cocktail: Ginger Snap
I love this martini. I think it would be perfect for an autumn themed wedding / party! I also think it has a bit of Old Hollywood Glamour behind it. I don’t know if I am just channeling Ginger from Gilligan’s Island, but I think it would be a fabulous addition to your old hollywood themed fete!
The Gingersnap Martini
* 75 oz. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
* .5 oz. ginger brandy
* 4 oz. eggnog
Combine rum, brandy, and eggnog in a blender. Blend to desired consistency. Garnish with a ginger snap for dunking.
Recipe courtesy of TheBar.com
Real Wedding Menu: Autumn Inspired Fete
The menu that you create for your wedding can be as creative and tailored as your caterer will allow. I really feel as though food, aside from vows, are the most important feature to any party. It cannot be overlooked. Your guests are looking forward to a delicious meal inspired by both of your personalities!
I’ve created this autumn inspired menu based on hearty dishes that represent my favorite season well. Fall foods are colorful and those colors should be well represented on your guest’s plates: oranges, greens, reds, and purples.
hor d’oeuvre: Fig Crostini
with prosciutto, ricotta and red wine reduction
There are so many different foods you can tower on top of toasted bread. This recipe had me at fig! It is a delicious and luxe surprise for your guests to nibble on. Source: MyGourmetConnection.com
hor d’oeuvre: Eggplant Rolls
with walnuts, garlic and herbs
I may have to have a dinner party just so I can serve this dish. The combination of flavors is quintessentially autumn. Source: AZCookbook
hor d’oeuvre: Tomato Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a hor d’oeuvre staple at most gatherings — and for good reason. Tomatos and basil are in their highest season, so why not take advantage of their full and natural flavor? Coupled with a deliciously toasted slice of buttered bread you have a finger food that all your guests will enjoy! Image Source: RealEpicurean.com (click for their recipe, too!)
Soup: Butternut Squash and Garlic Soup
One of my favorite foods of fall is butternut squash soup. I think the key to making this dish extra delish is to add a bit of sweet; whether it be honey, sugar, or a substitute, sweetness really brings out the flavor. Otherwise, it can end up tasting dull. Image Source: Delightful Deliacies (visit their website for their recipe)
Salad: Corn Fritters, Tomato and Arugula Salad
The author of this recipe drizzled a bit of honey over the corn fritters and tossed the arugula in a mixure of white vinegar, olive oil, whole grain mustard, salt and pepper. This salad would also be bolder if the tomato’s were oven roasted. Source: Love and Olive Oil
Pasta Dish: Pumpkin & Parmesan Ravioli
with Rapini & Pine Nuts
In lieu of a traditional pasta dish, consider serving this autumn inspired marriage of pumpkin, pasta, Parmesan and pine nuts. Ravioli is such a comfort food and one your guests will truly enjoy. Source: Under the High Chair
Main Course: Pork Tenderloin with Orange-Sherry Sauce
and a side of braised red cabbage and garlic mashed potatos
“Pork tenderloin is an extremely versatile meat that lends itself well to a variety of seasoning and sauce variations. The pungent flavors of orange and sage complement the pork perfectly and make a beautiful entree for a fall dinner party.” Source: MyGourmetConnection.com
Desert: Autumn Trifle
with Spice-Roasted Apples, Pears, and Pumpkin-Caramel Sauce
There are so many options for deserts in the fall: pies, cakes, and cookies. All comfort foods. I loved this autumn inspired trifle which has many of the same ingredients you’d find in your favorite fall deserts. Source: TravelersLunchBox.com
Signature Cocktail: Autumn Sunset
This is a perfect cocktail for an autumn wedding or cocktail party. Are you in the fall spirits yet? I’m so sad to see summer go, but fall is my favorite season. I love the changing of the leaves, comfort food, warm sweaters and scarves, plus all the fun fall activities.
Autumn Sunset
1 tsp minced pumpkin puree
1 oz brandy
½ oz Calvados
2 oz apple juice
¼ oz grenadine
splash soda
garnish cinnamon stick
Put all ingredients except grenadine and cinnamon stick into cocktail shaker, shake vigorously and pour into a tall martini glass. After pouring, drizzle grenadine on top so it falls to the bottom of the glass to create the effect of an “autumn sunset.”
If you wish to drink this beverage hot, omit the splash of soda. Pour ingredients into 8 oz glass coffee mug, add 6 oz hot water, stir vigorously to blend. Add grenadine as above. Garnish with cinnamon stick plus three whole cloves.
Recipe courtesy of cocktail.com and photograph by Martha Williams.
Signature Cocktail: A Lovely Pear
Okay, I’ll admit it: its a bit cheesy. But I like the occasional corny factor, and so do a lot of you! Therefore, I present:
A Lovely Pear
Insert a collective “awwww”
4 parts Absolut Pears
½ part apple juice
1 part white grape juice
1 ½ part peach puree
1 part lime juice
(Serves two)
Combine all ingredients, shake and strain into 2 martini glasses.Garnish with a Pear slice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
It does sound super yummy, and would make a cute addition to your wedding day! Thanks to CocktailAtlas.com for the recipe and photograph!
Signature Cocktail: Wild Berry Mojito
Wild Berry Mojito
Ingredients:
1-1/2 oz. Bacardi Light Rum
3-4 each of fresh blackberries, blueberries and red raspberries
8-12 fresh mint leaves
juice of one lime
1 oz. simple syrup
soda water
mint sprig for garnish
Directions:
In a 12-oz. highball glass, muddle mint, simple syrup, wild berries and lime juice.
Fill glass with crushed ice — it is very important to use crushed ice, not cubed — then add rum.
Stir well until the ice is reduced by 1/3, then top with more crushed ice, stirring until the glass begins to frost on the outside.
Spritz with soda water and stir one last time to incorporate.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint that has been dusted with powdered sugar and two long straws to avoid tickling your nose with the garnish.
Tips: To muddle the mint against the bottom of the glass, use just enough pressure with your muddler to release the oils from the mint without tearing it. The back surface of a wooden spoon will serve as a muddler stand-in if needed. Use a lime squeezer to fully extract the lime’s juice. To make simple syrup, dissolve an equal amount of granulated sugar in boiling water and then allow syrup to cool. Store in a clean bottle in a cool place.
Candice’s Idea: Display your signature cocktail in various vintage glass pitchers on a specialty table. Include a description of your signature drink and the ingredients — and to tie it all together have the printed description match your invitation / menu cards.
Cocktail recipe courtesy of The Modern Mixologist.
