Italian Inspiration with Toschi Fragoli

We were first introduced to Toschi Fragoli during Southern Regional Conference for the United States Bartenders Guild. The 4-day program included sessions on professionalism in the bar community, training on the latest bar gadgets and, of course, spirits tastings.

Tad Carducci partnered with the Italian Trade Commission to educate our group of over 50 food and beverage veterans on Italian Amari. With ease, Tad delivered a brief history on each liqueur followed by a tasting of a craft cocktail using an Amaro. The herbal liqueurs were once used to stimulate ones appetite before a meal. Now, the bitter modifiers are a popular addition to craft cocktails. #ItalianSpirits

We fell in love with Toschi Fragoli. The strawberry liqueur is deliciously sweet without a medicinal aftertaste. The bottle is uniquely shaped and actually contains a couple handfuls of small strawberries. Very cute! We added a botanical Gin and dry Vermouth to balance the bright flavor and rounded out the cocktail with lime juice.

Infrared
1 oz of Toschi Fragoli
1.25 oz of Hendricks Gin
.75 oz of Dry Vermouth
.50 oz of Lime Juice

Garnish: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, basil)

Add ingredients to mixing tin. Fill tin with ice. Shake passionately. Strain mixture into chilled coupe glass. Take #GentleLadySips

We named the cocktail ‘Infrared’ after the Pusha T song of the same name. The smooth beat of the song over poignant lyrics parallel the flavors of the cocktail.

http://italianspirits.ice.it/
www.usbg.org
Photos by Kim Craven Photography
MUA – John Mikal Artistry

My oh Maille!

We’re suckers for a well made condiment. French gourmet mustard company, Maille hosted a private luncheon at Chez Nous on the 3rd Friday in June. Our first time at the cozy restaurant off Spring Street, we made our way up the narrow staircase to be seated with a window view of Payne Street. The polite waitress filled our glasses with chilled Chablis as we met the guests of honor: Charleston’s #FlavorHeroes Maille conducted a nationwide challenge encouraging individuals to share their creative dishes that include a product of Maille. The luncheon at Chez Nous was an effort to show appreciation for their creativity.

Chez Nous prepares a fixed menu everyday giving you 2 options for per course. I love it when restaurants get it simple. Tomato tart appetizer had a buttery crust full of sun ripened heirloom tomatoes.

Followed by a meaty perfectly pan seared snapper and seasoned potatoes. We finished the meal with a decadent chocolate cake with a fudge like center.

I slowly sipped traditional French coffee; just heavenly after the cream soaked confection. The good folk at Maille who accompanied us during the meal, sent us home with two of their signature products: classic mustard and dijon mustard.

We were inspired to craft a Dad friendly cocktail in the spirit of Father’s Day.

Daddy’s Day Off

1 Barspoon of Maille Dijon Mustard
 1.5 oz of Highland Scotch
 1 oz of Montenegro Amaro
 1 Barspoon of In the Raw Agave
 .5 oz of Lime juice
Garnish: Beef sausage, lime slice, Dijon Maille on a Spice Daneson toothpick

Add ingredients to mixing tin. Shake passionately. Pour contents into rocks glass. Garnished with cooked beef sausage, lime slice topped with a dollop of Maille dijon mustard. Enjoy your cocktail Dad, you deserve it!

Italian Inspiration with Toschi Fragoli

My oh Maille!

Cocktail Bandits ©