Negroni Week Bike Ride
Negroni Week Charity Bike Ride
Negroni is a classic Italian drink that begs to be celebrated.
Campari & Imbibe Magazine host Negroni Week anually to raise money for charities around the world.
This year the Cocktail Bandits participated in Negroni Week by hosting the Negroni Week Charity Bike Ride as a part of the Charleston US Bartenders Guild.
We rode from Saltwater Cowboys on Shem Creek to Mex 1 on Sullivan’s Island to benefit the Lowcountry Food Bank!
1 out of 5 children in Charleston rely on food banks for their meals. Lowcountry Food Bank is committed to serving those that need it.
A Negroni is a classic cocktail that uses only three simple ingredients. To make your own, combine
1 part Gin
1 part Campari
1 part Vermouth
Garnish with an orange peel and serve in a cocktail glass on the rocks.
The beautiful Tegroni featured above (Negroni with a twist) was served as our reward for successfully completing our four mile ride through Charleston. Mex 1 added a fun coffee infusion to the cocktail that really showed off the classic cocktail’s versatility.
We also enjoyed delicious Negroni spiked push pops and pie
Are you celebrating Negroni week? Upload your pictures below!
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[usp_gallery]Imbibe Magazine ’75 People to Watch in 2018′
We are so proud to be listed among Imbibe Magazine 75 People to watch in 2018. Thanks for the allowing us to share some of our journey.
Read the full feature using the link below:
Dinner at the Navigator’s Table
An enjoyable dining experience is comprised of delicious food, exceptional cocktail, timely service and good company. This summer, we shared an eclectic meal among an even more diverse dinner group; all with a mutual love of Charleston. Renaissance Hotel brand ambassador and world renown Chef, Andrew Zimmern, hosted dinner at the hotel’s downtown Charleston location featuring cuisine prepared by local favorites including dishes from a few of the dinner guests and Andrew Zimmern himself.
Speaking of guests, we were joined by songstress Elise Testone, Chef and restaurant owners: Mike Lata and Kevin Johnson and magazine editor, David DiBenedetto.
Watch – Enjoy – Comment – Share
Part 1
https://youtu.be/7xu-lAV2KFM
Part 2
https://youtu.be/UmddAFx8NWg
https://www.instagram.com/rencharleston
https://www.instagram.com/1kept/
https://instagram.com/chefaz
https://www.instagram.com/thegrocerychs/
https://www.instagram.com/elisetestone/
https://www.instagram.com/davedibenedetto/
https://www.instagram.com/mikelata/
Masquiat
Masquiat: An Art Infused Halloween Event
Art has always provided a space for expression. Join us on October 28th as we play homage to culture changing artist while celebrating the season.
Attire:
As expression, colorful and loud as possible!
Wear your favorite Masquerade mask or craft a custom mask with us during the event.
October 28, 2017 – from 7pm – 11pm
Enjoying bites from Chef Marcus Middleton and a custom knife display and craving station hosted by Quinton Middleton of Middleton Made Knives
Craft and seasonal cocktail served by Cocktail Bandits featuring Virgil Kaine, Cathead Vodka, Bristow Gin and many others!
Games, painting stations, photo booth and so much more!
Redux Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit art center located in downtown Charleston.
Support local art.
March Madness Part 1 #CHSWFF 2017
Although, we are well into the month of September, we have to recap all of the MADNESS, and CRAZINESS from March. We are not talking basketball, we are talking about the food, fashion, and non profit events that took place… And we were definitely in attendance for it ALL! This three part series, will cover our crazy month that we call MARCH MADNESS… We hope you all enjoy!
Part One – The Food and Wine
Charleston Wine and Food Festival is a five day festival that has over 110 events. That’s right, there are more than 20 events each day to satisfy every foodie/bevvie’s desire to eat, drink and enjoy the amazingness that is better known as Charleston’s food scene. Events are located all around the city but Marion Square is always the central location for most of the festivities. We were able to experience signature dinners, tasting tents, exclusive beverages, mixology classes and amazing after parties this year and can’t wait to share it all!
#CHSWFF was really fun this year because we were able to be a part of the CHSWFF Street Team. The street team was comprised of the top culinary bloggers and influencers in the city. Awesome people like Holy City Handcraft, Queen of the Foodage, Charleston Shop Curator, and Basil and Bubbly were also street team cohorts. Since there were so many events, the #chswffstreetteam was able to split up and give complete coverage of the entire festival.
Tap-to-Table at Craftsman’s Taphouse
Allagash brewing and Holy City Brewing took over the taps at Craftsmen’s Taphouse for a lunch of flights and small bites. Allagash, a North Carolina company commenced the meal with a pour of their Belgian Wit-bier paired with a piece of fried lobster. The buttery sauce combined beautifully with freshness you can only get from local crustaceans. Holy City Brewing followed with their Bowen’s Island Oyster Stout alongside a bite of fried oyster stew. The creaminess of the perfectly fried oyster (which is no easy feat) and the almost milky stout melted in my mouth.
We were ultimately served three courses, each more complex and delicious than the previous pairing. I was impressed by the adaptability of the beers chosen for the flights. Some brews neutralized spice while others enhanced the silky texture of the seafood. Well done!
Iron Mixology Challenge
Bar Mash played host to a cocktail competition that’s not for your average bartender. Charlotte Voissey, brand ambassador for William Grant & Son moderated a “Top Chef” style cocktail challenge. Each round, competitors were given mystery ingredients to create a craft cocktail with. Each round was timed and contestants were eliminated if their cocktail got the lowest score from the judges’ panel.
Attendees were treated to a Hendrick Gin punch created by Charlotte to whet their whistle, yummers! Head bartender and owner of The Gin Joint, won the competition after crafting a cocktail with the last mystery ingredient, balsamic vinegar. Its amazing to watch creatives in the moment; the packed bar agreed as attendees cheered on each bartender. Hoping the festival brings this event back next year!
Origins of Ice Class
One of my favorite classes from Charleston Wine and Food was the ICE class that was led by Charlotte Voisey of William Grant & Sons. In the beginning of the class, she opened with a cocktail that had one large ice cube; it was delicious! After the cocktail, she talked about the origins of ice. Frederick Tudor, a New England business man, created the commercial ice business about 200 years ago. He would take ice from his lake in Boston and send it down to places like South Carolina, the Caribbean and even all the way to India. Before that time, cocktails were served punch style, warm. The accessibility of ice changed everything.
After learning about the history of ice, we enjoyed Mint Julep cocktails that are served with plenty of crushed ice and a vodka Martini that is stirred with ice but poured neatly in a chilled glass.
SieMatic Kitchen
The King Street concept kitchen studio served as a VIP lounge for day 1-3 of #CHSWFF. The comfortable King Street location provided beverages and bites for festival talent and media. The state-of-the-art kitchen hosted live food and beverage demonstration throughout the afternoon supplying entertainment and refreshment for all the drop-in guest.
Chef Marvin Woods of the newly opened Gentry Bar, prepared spaghetti squash bolognese with juicy veal, incredible and nutritious!
Charlotte, North Carolina mixology legend, Bob Peters, crafted a fun French 75, with a little help from Johnny #FestivalMade. This classic cocktail is simple to make and pleases every palate. We will be visiting Bob at The Punch Room in North Carolina very soon!
Tasting Tents
The last 3 days of Charleston Wine & Food festival in the tasting tents in the Culinary Village are the place to be! There are food, wine, beer and spirits vendors all around Marion Square and we tried almost every sample available! It was also great to catch up with other foodie friends, take plenty of food photos and dance to live music.
Industry Lounge
We found refuge from the hustle and bustle of the culinary village in the Opentable VIP tent. Located conveniently by the exit and the restroom. This climate controlled lounge provided media and talent an on-premise location to charge their phone and rest their feet. Friday through Sunday, different chefs and bartenders hosted tent takeovers providing libations and snacks to VIP badge holders.
Additionally, media outlets like Eater and Hoffman Media held social media interviews live on Facebook! We met Brian Hoffman, of Southern Lady Magazine, who was gracious enough to sign our copy of his book ‘Coupe’.
#CHSWFF Top 3
1. Super Swag bag
2. Seeing all our favorite Food & Beverage folks
3. What The Pho?!? Party at Le Creuset
What the Pho??
Hands down, THE best event/after party of #CHSWFF was “What the Pho?!” The entire Le Creuset was made over with Asian inspired decorations. It was beautiful. There were over 20 different pho dishes to sample and just as many cocktails to pair with the noodles. They had gin, tequila, vodka and whiskey cocktails to keep us warm on that cold, cold evening. It was only 46 degrees, but we couldn’t tell because we were on the dance floor all night… The DJ was awesome, even had us sweating!
2017 Charleston Wine and Food West was one for the books. We ate. We drank. We learned. We danced…. And we can’t wait til 2018! Cheers to an awesome event!
www.bobpeters.net
www.opentable.com
Honoring ‘The Peanut Man’
Mount Pleasant resident and entrepreneur, Anthony Wright brought entertainment back to food service. Tony made appearances at local area football games; singing his signature tune while slinging boiled and roasted peanuts; all seasoned with his original and secret recipe.
The Peanut Man was not only a voice for his community but also a voice of an era. Mr. Wright pioneered the concessions market showcasing the diversity of peanuts and creative ways to market your brand and products using charm and personal know how.
Gone too soon and will be missed, we paid tribute to the legend with this cocktail, Tony Montana
Tony Montana 1.5 oz of Tequila .5 oz of Lemon Juice 1 Barspoon of boiled peanut juice Add ingredients to mixing tin. Shake passionately. Strain cocktail into chilled martini glass. Garnish with boiled peanuts. Imbibe respectfully.
Dish + Martini Glass www.westelmcharleston.com
Cocktail Photography by John Mi’kal Goforth
You are missed!
www.tonythepeanutman.com
Black Girl Magic in ESSENCE Magazine!
We partnered with ESSENCE Magazine to create three cocktails inspired by Black Girl Magic. Pick up a copy of the February Magazine from your local supermarket to get the recipes to our celebratory cocktails!
Thanks ESSENCE Magazine for the opportunity to share a few of our home bar tips and custom cocktails
www.essence.com
Los Muertos
Day of celebration to honor loved one lost – Dia de los Muertos. This Mexican holiday represents vibrancy and love. November 1st and 2nd is a time for family and friends to gather for festive food, drinks and dancing. Marigolds have long been used in ceremonies and rituals to pray respect to the deceased. We used handmade marigold flower crowns and marigold scented candles to pay homage to the Mexican tradition.
We invited our friends and family to join us at Apartment A to have a Sauza Tequila cocktail we created to celebrate the occasion. Our cocktail reminds us of the best parts of life: adventure, opportunity and love. We served the “Last Dance” from a Mikasa pitcher as everyone enjoyed tacos and danced to bachata.
Below are a few of the other cocktails we created using Sauza Tequila, Menage a Trois Berry Vodka, Cocktail Crate Syrups and Hooch limeade soda.
Megavirus
Sauza Blanco Tequila – Six & Twenty Cream Whiskey – b’Lure Blue Hibicus extract – Lemon Juice – Cocktail Crate Ginger Bee syrup
Rebirth
Sauza Reposado Tequila – Sage Liqueur – Rose Extract – Lime Juice – Tonic Water – Black Lava salt rim
The Ritual
Crown Royal Vanilla – Amaro Montenegro – Menage a Trois Berry Vodka – Hooch Limeade Soda – Wild Hibiscus Syrup
THANK YOU
www.sauzatequila.com www.b-lure.com www.cocktailcrate.com www.oandohooch.com www.amaromontenegro.com www.crownroyal.com www.sixandtwentydistillery.com www.apartmentachs.com www.creechsfloristinc.com
Shake with love!
It may surprise you to learn that neither Taneka nor Johnny have any formal bartender training. Taneka has work experience in several bars and restaurants in Charleston but no one bothered to “teach” either of us how to shake a cocktail. It wasn’t until we started the Cocktail Bandits’ blog that we bought a book of cocktail recipes and most importantly, a cocktail shaker.
This basic bartender’s kit contained a shaker and other bar tools, most of which broke shortly thereafter but our home bar would never be the same. We noticed the difference a proper shake and strain can have the enjoyment of a cocktail.
As of late, our SILVERgrade shaker has been the go-to for events and home cocktail creation. The slender body aids in its handling during the “shake” and the top can be removed without a fight (a stubborn top can ruin a live demonstration or kill your flow during mass cocktail production). Our stainless steel shaker arrived with a double jigger, 2 pourers, cleaning cloth and a red velvet pouch. All the pieces can be placed inside the shaker and carried in the red bag to a pop-up event or a friends’ home.
To purchase your own SILVERgrade shaker set, visit
www.SILVERGRADE.com
Photography by Dinwiddie Photography
Nails by Jada Sanders Nails
Top Ten Charleston Cocktails
What is a Charleston Cocktail?
When we asked bartenders, as well as Charleston cocktail lovers to define a “Charleston Cocktail” – we got very similar responses from almost everyone. They stated that the most popular cocktails in Charleston are “porch pounders”.
Porch Pounders are crisp, refreshing beverages made with a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a hot summer day on the porch or at the beach.
Here are our top 10 Charleston Porch Poundin’ cocktails.
1. Peninsula Tea- (Cocktail Bandits Original)
- Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka
- Tippleman’s Ginger Honey Syrup
- Topped with Blenhim Ginger
- lemon
This is one of the first cocktails we curated for a public event. This cocktail is made with all local SC products and is extremely light and refreshing. Anything made with Charleston tea is perfect anyway. Learn more about Peninsula Tea in our book, Holy Spirits! Charleston Culture Through Cocktails
2. Green Gimlet- (Feathertop)
- Gin
- Genepy
- Cucumber
- Lime
- Matcha Tea
- Thyme
This beautiful, green gin cocktail is so smooth. The crisp, cool flavor of the cucumber is perfect for any warm occasion. Bartender Ryan Jones, of Feathertop says that it has been a hit since they have opened and we have to agree!
3. Charleston Daiquiri- (Rarebit)
- Dark rum
- Banana liquor
- Local honey
- Lemon
Rarebit’s bartender, Ramon Caraballo, came up with this super simple, yet bright and beautiful cocktail. The rum and banana liquor pair perfectly together and are the perfect suggestion for any hot, humid day in Charleston.
4. Double Standard- (Cocktail Club)
- Gin
- Jalapeno
- Lemon
- Honey Simple Syrup
This gin cocktail, made by Ryan Welliver of Cocktail Club, is a great balance of sweet and spice, its the beverage to order on a nice Charleston summer eve.
5. Shoulder Monkey- (Darling Oyster Bar)
- Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whiskey
- grilled pineapple & sage syrup
- Orgeat
- Lemon
- Grilled Pineapple
Its rare to find a scotch cocktail in Charleston and even more difficult to find one that is palatable in this heat. This beautiful scotch and sage cocktail from The Darling is extremely easy on the eyes and taste buds.
6. Instant Vacation – (Canes Rhum Bar)
- Mt. Gay Rum
- Ginger
- Felernum
- Orange Juice
- Lemon Juice
This drink should be called an “Instant Staycation” because that is how it feels when you take one sip of this fabulous cocktail. Rum was the first liquor that was drank in Charleston and this cocktail explains why people love it!
7. Arnold Palmero – (492) – vodka
- Vodka
- Ramozzotti
- Yerba Mate’
- Strawberry
- Lemon
The Arnold Palmero is a play on the classic sweet Tea and lemonade drink called the Arnold Palmer but this cocktail has a bit of a kick. Bartender, Megan Deschaine, says the Yerba Mate’ gives you a burst of enegy and the strawberry purée creates the beautiful color.
8. Bubbly Bliss – (Cocktail Bandits original)
- Striped Pig Gin
- Strawberry puree
- Lemon juice
- Agave
- One Hope Bubbly Wine
Created for a fun photoshoot with @charlestonweekender, this champagne drink is a simple, fun and fruity DIY cocktail that can be made for a girls day at the pool. Find more Cocktail Bandits recipes in our book!
9. The Barn Raiser- (S.N.O.B)
- Honey-Infused Bourbon
- Orange bitters
- Blenheim’s Ginger Ale
- Orange bitters
This cocktail embodies everything about Charleston in the summer. This cocktail is simple, effective, and full of bourbon! Oh and we love anything with Blenheim’s Spicy Ginger Ale.
10. Foraged French- (The Westendorff)
- Sorrel Infused Hat Trick Gin
- St. Germain
- Cava
- Mint
- Lime
- Basil
The Westendorff was extremely creative with this cocktail. The Sorrel infused Gin combined with the St. Germain liqueur gave this cocktail delicious floral notes. It felt like sipping spring/summer.
We had a great time visiting and listing our top Charleston cocktails for the summer! Now, go try one of these “Porch Pounders” for yourself and enjoy this amazing city! CHEERS!
This article was originally published in the Post and Courier
