Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

I walked into Rab’s Country Lanes on Staten Island expecting a simple slice of pizza, but what I encountered in their kitchen was astonishing. They were crafting a double stuffed vodka pan pie that was nothing short of sensational. I couldn’t help but watch the entire process from start to finish.

The Layers Are Pure Genius

The adventure begins with fresh pizza dough stretched into a deep pan. They generously layer creamy vodka sauce along with thick slices of fresh mozzarella. Then, they fry up a skillet of pepperoni cups, adding a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey, turning them into sizzling hot honey pepperoni cups.

• The Stuffed Layer: Every crumb of pepperoni and droplet of honey grease is tossed into the crust.
• The Extra Cheese: Shredded mozzarella and an additional scoop of vodka sauce follow, layering over the meats.
• The Second Crust: They stretch another dough over the top to seal all the goodness inside.

The Final Bake and Money Shot

The layering doesn’t stop there. The top crust gets smothered with even more vodka sauce, sliced mozzarella, shredded mozzarella, and parmesan. After being placed in the oven, the pie emerges bubbling hot, crowned with a golden crust. Finished with fresh basil and another hefty drizzle of hot honey, it’s a sight to behold.

When they slice through the pie, the cheese pull is legendary—stretching for an eternity. The combination of hot honey, vodka sauce, and melted cheese creates a divine bite. The perfectly crunchy bottom crust adds to the dish’s richness. The result? A pizza that’s heavy, loaded, and absolutely elite in flavor. If you’re in Staten Island, this is a must-try! Who wouldn’t want to devour such a culinary masterpiece?

When it comes to international whiskeys, Irish single pot still holds a special place for many enthusiasts. This spirit, known for its unique flavor profile and history, has garnered admiration across the globe. Recently, it has inspired various American distillers to craft their own interpretations. One standout is Talnua Distillery located in Arvada, Colorado, which has fully embraced this tradition by focusing on producing American single pot still whiskey.

Founded in 2017 by Patrick and Meagan Miller, Talnua aims to honor the traditional Irish style while adding an American twist. The Miller’s journey into distillation began during their honeymoon in Galway, where they fell in love with the complexities of single pot still whiskeys. Talnua prides itself on being America’s first distillery dedicated solely to this style, encapsulating their branding under the motto, "Gaelic Tradition Meets American Pioneerism."

Single pot still whiskey is defined by specific guidelines, including the requirement of at least 30% malted barley and 30% unmalted barley in its mashbill. Additionally, it must be distilled on copper pot stills and aged for at least three years. The history of this style dates back to the late 18th century when a tax on malt led distillers to use more unmalted barley, resulting in a creamy and spicy whiskey character.

Talnua’s own mashbill consists of 50% malted and 50% unmalted barley, with the whiskey undergoing a fermentation process before being triple distilled. They market their products as “American single pot still whiskey” since they cannot use the term “Irish whiskey” due to legal protections associated with that designation.

While Talnua is not the only American distillery creating single pot still styles—brands like Keeper’s Heart in Minnesota also produce similar whiskeys—it distinguishes itself with several bottled-in-bond offerings. For example:

• American White Oak Cask Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond: Aged a minimum of four years in new charred oak barrels, boasting a 100 proof.
• Bourbon Cask & Stave Series Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond: This whiskey is aged in ex-bourbon casks with virgin charred American oak staves, also at 100 proof.
• Sherry Cask Whiskey Bottled-in-Bond: Finished in Oloroso sherry casks for added depth.

One of Talnua’s most prestigious releases is the Olde Saint’s Keep Special Release Whiskey, which is crafted from a selection of casks sourced from various Colorado distilleries. This bottling typically sees a limited run of around 1,200 bottles and uniquely matures in a mix of rum casks, apple brandy casks, rye whiskey casks, and more, resulting in a flavor profile that evolves with each sip.

After tasting Talnua’s range, the whiskey stands out for its rich, spiced nose and a palate reminiscent of cream soda with notes of baking spices and orchard fruits. The bottled-in-bond variations offer a robust experience that appeals to those who prefer higher alcohol levels.

As American interest in single pot still whiskeys grows, Talnua is well-positioned to lead the charge, delivering quality products that honor both tradition and innovation in whiskey-making.

If you enjoy cocktails and cola, transforming your favorite drink into something special can be effortless. Ayisha Mares, a distiller at Vara Winery & Distillery, suggests elevating a basic rum and coke into a delightful "dirty" rum and cola.

According to Mares, achieving a balanced cocktail is key. The sweetness and fizz of cola are perfect starting points, so the goal is to complement rather than overwhelm its flavors. Cody Fredrickson, the Tasting Room Manager at Las Vegas Distillery, emphasizes that anything added should enhance the drink’s natural qualities.

How to Make a Dirty Rum & Cola

For a refreshing Dirty Rum & Cola, follow Mares’ simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz aged rum
• 4 oz sugar-free cola
• ¾ oz coconut cream
• ½ oz fresh lime juice
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters (optional)
• Lime wheel for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine rum, lime juice, and bitters with ice. Shake until chilled.
2. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Top with sugar-free cola, stirring gently to maintain carbonization.
4. Slowly add coconut cream on top for a lovely float.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Mares points out that the flavors of caramel, vanilla, and spice in aged rum pair nicely with cola, while fresh lime brightens the drink. Coconut cream not only adds richness but also creates an attractive layered look.

Other Ways to Elevate Your Cola Experience

If you’re looking to explore even more creative concoctions, here are five additional summer cocktail ideas:

1. Tequila Batanga: Mix tequila, cola, and fresh lime juice in a salted glass for a simple, zesty cocktail.

2. Rum and Cola with Orange Cinnamon Syrup: Enhance your drink by adding homemade orange cinnamon syrup, which amplifies the flavors already present in the cola.

3. Cola Float Cocktail: Combine cola with your favorite spirit and a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a delightful dessert drink.

4. Good Grief: Inspired by the Southern tradition of adding peanuts to cola, mix white rum with Mexican Coke and top it with salted peanut foam.

5. Espresso Twist: Introduce a splash of chilled espresso into your classic rum and coke to deepen the flavor profile.

These variations offer refreshing options to enjoy classic cola in fun new ways throughout the summer.