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
Charleston Vikings
Scotch on the beach may sound like a naughty cocktail name but it actually describes our afternoon with Highland Park Scotch and the United States Bartender’s Guild. We boarded a bus and headed over to the Windjammer on Isle of Palms. I’m embarrassed to say it was the first time we’ve had our feet in the sand all 2017.
We sipped frozen pineapple and whisky coladas while a few fellas played giant beer pong with trash cans and beach balls.
After a lunch of pulled pork and fixin’s, we teamed up for a battle of the sexes.
Fueled by Highland Park mules, our team of all girl boozy lovers were challenged to build a sea vessel using only cardboard boxes, duct tape and trash bags.
We’ve faced worse. We carefully thought and comfort in mind, we secured a 4 sided floating craft complete with team flag and drink holder, we needed it to toast our victory.
The boat built by the guys team took on water and quickly capsized under a wave. Never modest about triumph, the ladies team was sent home with a bottle of the Single Malt Scotch.
Inspired by another victory, we create a cocktail in honor of our accomplishment.
Maiden Voyage
1.5 oz of Highland Park Scotch
.5 oz of Hoodoo Chicory Liqueur
1 oz of Orange Juice
1 barspoon of Gent’s Spiced Orange Syrup
Hibicus and Sea Salt rim.
Add scotch, liqueur, syrup and orange juice to mixing tin full of ice. Shake passionately. Pour mixture into glass rimmed in hibiscus salt and filled with ice. Take #GentleLadySips
www.highlandparkwhisky.com
www.gentsgingerale.com
Photos by Arielle Simmons: http://ariellesimmons.com
Mexico + Patron
We are so pumped to announce that we are going to Mexico the week of February 22 to the Patron Hacienda tequila academy!! Look at the sexy passport case that @patron sent us. ???? We can’t wait to share everything once we’re there!
Altos Tequila Training
We had the pleasure of having Jesus Hernandez, the master distiller for Altos Tequila come out to 492 Restaurant here in downtown Charleston, for a taste and talk seminar on the agave plant, which is used for tequila. Jesus was very knowledgable on the agave plant, he has been distilling this spirit for over 19 years.
He talked about the different categories and classes of tequila. He also extended an invitation to Mexico if wanted a more detailed lesson. Tequila is such a complex liquor and its extremely important to us to learn as much as possible.
Tequila Don Julio: Farm-to-Shaker Event
We never need an excuse to indulge in agave spirits but Tequila Don Julio provided a one of a kind experience. We were told to meet at Proof for a welcome cocktail and to await the bus. Proof is known for innovative whiskey cocktails but today, mixologist and bar owner, Craig Nelson prepared at delicious tequila, made with Don Julio 70th Anniversary, called The Underdog.
