Recipes 260

In the glamorous 1920s, cocktails were elevated to cultural icons, symbolizing sophistication and rebellion even amid Prohibition. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, brilliantly captures this ethos, portraying extravagant parties on Long Island’s Gold Coast where cocktails played a pivotal role.

Gatsby’s lavish soirées were characterized by flowing champagne and a backdrop of mixed drinks that were not only popular but also trendy. Fitzgerald illustrates this vibrant atmosphere, detailing a bar stocked with an array of gins and liquors, contributing to the air of elegance and excess that defined the Jazz Age.

Notable cocktails from this era included the Mint Julep, Tom Collins, Sidecar, and Gin Rickey. Fitzgerald particularly favored gin for its discretion, noting it was harder to detect on one’s breath. The iconic Plaza Hotel moment in the novel, filled with tension on a sweltering day, revolves around Mint Juleps, a Southern classic that epitomized the Jazz Age.

The Sidecar, made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, showcases the Parisian influence of the time. Meanwhile, the Gin Rickey, a combination of gin, lime juice, and soda water, was embraced for its refreshing simplicity, appealing to both men and women.

Cocktail culture thrived during this period, driven by changing social dynamics. Women embraced the nightlife in speakeasies, stepping away from the constraints of Victorian norms. Bartenders, many returning from Europe, brought back sophisticated recipes that further glamorized social gatherings.

Today, these classic cocktails still resonate, with the Mint Julep remaining a refreshing nod to both Gatsby’s fictional tales and the real joys of the Roaring Twenties.

Classic Mint Julep Recipe

Ingredients:

• 8 fresh mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 2 ounces bourbon
• Crushed ice

Directions:Lightly muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup in a chilled glass. Add the bourbon and fill with crushed ice. Stir until the glass frosts, then garnish with a mint sprig. Traditionally served in a silver cup or tall glass, the Mint Julep evokes the timeless elegance of Gatsby’s parties—embodying a sip of the Jazz Age in every drink.

The JW Marriott Dallas Arts District has recently unveiled the JW Steakhouse on its 11th floor, marking the third dining establishment to open in the hotel since its launch in 2023. This new steakhouse aims to provide an extravagant dining experience complemented by breathtaking views of the Dallas skyline.

Executive Chef Miguel Antonio describes the philosophy behind the menu as a modern take on Texan classics, emphasizing fresh, seasonal ingredients. The offerings include Texas-style dry-aged steaks and creative craft cocktails made from herbs grown in their dedicated garden.

“I see potential to innovate in the steak realm,” said Chef Antonio, highlighting the importance of using garden-fresh herbs, artisanal salts, and carefully curated garnishes to elevate the steak dining experience.

The restaurant caters to every meal, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with a special weekend brunch. Diners can also opt for a three-course Overture Menu, ideal for enjoying a meal before attending a performance.

The menu features an array of starters such as crispy octopus and seared crab cakes, along with premium steak selections like the Allen Brothers porterhouse and Rancher Reserve ribeye. To accompany these dishes, the cocktail list includes unique creations like the Hibiscus Haze, which is blended with mezcal, hibiscus syrup, egg whites, and lemon.

With a commitment to using local produce, JW Steakhouse partners with various regional farms, including Heartbrand Ranch and Profound Microfarms. Chef Antonio expresses enthusiasm about the evolving food scene in Dallas, where culinary offerings are becoming more refined and diverse.

“My aim is to craft approachable dishes that honor the farm-to-fork tradition while incorporating globally inspired tastes into our menu,” he stated, promising memorable dining experiences that resonate with both local flavors and international influences.

For more information, visit the JW Steakhouse website.

Verdure Kitchen and Cocktails is an African fine-dining establishment in Midtown Atlanta, celebrated for its vibrant decor and rich culinary offerings. The restaurant recently marked its second anniversary under the guidance of Executive Chef Jean Louis-Sangare, whose journey in cooking began in Côte d’Ivoire, inspired by watching his mother prepare traditional dishes.

Sangare pursued culinary arts in Paris and later served as chef de cuisine at Le Bilboquet in New York for 15 years before relocating to Atlanta. When he collaborated with restaurateurs Aïda Lemma and Jacob Ilkner to establish Verdure, he aimed to elevate African cuisine and share its flavors with a broader audience.

“It’s a blessing to see that the first African fine dining opening in Atlanta has success,” Sangare remarked, indicating his long-held aspiration to bring African cuisine to the same prestigious level as French culinary traditions. The restaurant has become a favorite among guests for its environment, complete with culinary delights presented alongside live music, making it a perfect venue for special occasions.

Sangare’s philosophy revolves around showcasing the diverse ingredients and dishes from African nations, such as the Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco, while experimenting with Western culinary techniques. He emphasizes that African cuisine distinguishes itself through fresh, bold flavors derived from local landscapes, and aims to elevate these dishes to new heights.

The menu features a variety of inventive and traditional dishes, including shrimp and avocado plantain bites, Nigerian spiced crab cakes, and Ethiopian honey-glazed sea bass. Each recipe reflects Sangare’s cultural heritage and dedication to innovation.

“I use all the ingredients that we have in Africa…to bring that to fine dining,” Sangare explains, emphasizing the uniqueness and beauty of African culinary traditions. His ambition extends beyond Atlanta; he hopes to expand Verdure to cities like Miami and New York in the future, aiming to represent African cuisine more broadly across the United States.

Lions fans can now elevate their tailgating experience with a new collection of canned cocktails, launched by Grit City Spirits in collaboration with the Detroit Lions for the 2025-2026 season. These craft cocktails are perfect for game days and come in flavors such as “Tailgate Tea,” “Peach Pride Tea,” “Half & Half,” and “Michigan Mule,” each blended with Grit City Vodka or Grit City Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The eye-catching can designs feature the Lions’ signature Honolulu blue and silver colors, along with bold Detroit typography. This new collection celebrates the Lions’ recent successes, specifically acknowledging their consecutive NFC North Division Championships in 2023 and 2024.

The canned cocktails are available in four-packs priced at $14.49 and variety eight packs for $27.99 at various retailers across Michigan.

In sports news, the Detroit Lions (2-1) recently secured a thrilling 38-30 victory against the Baltimore Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. Fans can catch the Lions back at home as they prepare to face the Cleveland Browns this Sunday at 1 p.m. on FOX.

BarChef NYC, located at 21 W. 35th Street, has emerged as a new contender in New York’s cocktail scene since its opening in June 2025. This remarkable establishment belongs to Frankie Solarik, whose Toronto original has already garnered acclaim as one of the most innovative bars worldwide.

Set against the iconic skyline, BarChef NYC offers an extraordinary cocktail experience that blends creativity with artistry. Cocktails are not mere drinks but immersive experiences that engage all the senses, with prices ranging from $22 to $43. Highlights from the menu include the Illuminated Eucalyptus, featuring rum, tequila, fir cream, and white chocolate, which is presented with an ethereal touch as fog drifts across the counter. Another standout, the Spring Thaw, is replete with flowers and herbs and offers delightful citrus and chamomile notes.

The efficacy of this immersive design is attributed to the careful attention to detail in crafting each cocktail. Solarik’s philosophy is that cocktails should evoke emotion, prompting him to use ingredients that tell a story, such as the Golden Honey Penicillin, which embodies the essence of sunshine through its complex ingredients like beeswax-infused Jonnie Walker Black Label and turmeric-saffron ice.

With a seating capacity of just 82 across a 3,200-square-foot space, BarChef fosters an intimate atmosphere. The modernist kitchen counter allows patrons a close-up view of cocktail creation, where techniques often resemble culinary artistry more than traditional bartending. Solarik’s extensive background, which includes working in various kitchens and cocktail programs worldwide, informs his innovative approach. Each element, from infusions and bitters to garnishes, is crafted in-house to maintain creative control.

Alongside Culinary Director Lionel Duke, who has developed complimentary dishes for the bar, Solarik has successfully shaped a unique experience that shifts the perception of cocktails from mere consumption to artistry. The ambiance, infused with dark luxe interiors and a retractable glass roof, further enhances this expectation, allowing the New York skyline to become part of the drinking experience.

At BarChef NYC, each cocktail invites guests to pause, sip, and immerse themselves in the craft while redefining what it means to enjoy a drink. This provocative approach encourages visitors to rethink the possibilities of cocktail culture itself.

As fall approaches, it’s the perfect time to embrace the season’s comforting flavors, particularly pumpkin. This versatile ingredient can bring warmth to your cocktails, offering an appealing twist that complements the transition from summer to autumn.

If you’re wondering how to incorporate pumpkin into your favorite alcoholic beverages, there are several creative methods. You can use pureed pumpkin, pumpkin juice, syrup, or pumpkin spice, allowing for a wide range of cocktails that celebrate the season.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

One festive option is a pumpkin pie martini. This cocktail balances the sweetness with pumpkin puree (canned or homemade) along with vodka or RumChata for creaminess. To maintain a balanced flavor, consider using unsweetened pumpkin puree, adjusting the sweetness with syrup to your taste.

Pumpkin Nog

While eggnog is traditionally a holiday staple, you can adapt it for fall by adding pumpkin puree. This twist allows you to enjoy pumpkin nog earlier in the season, making it a delightful drink for Halloween parties or Thanksgiving dinners.

Pumpkin Spice Old Fashioned

To give the classic old fashioned a seasonal upgrade, substitute the sugar or simple syrup with homemade pumpkin spice syrup. Adding real pumpkin puree can enhance the drink’s flavor while maintaining the cocktail’s classic appeal.

Pumpkin Hot Toddy

On chilly evenings, a pumpkin hot toddy can warm you up. Mix whiskey with pumpkin spice syrup and hot water for a comforting drink, optionally adding lemon juice for a refreshing balance.

Pumpkin Cold Foam Espresso Martini

Elevate an espresso martini by topping it with a pumpkin cold foam, made from heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice syrup. This addition adds a festive touch without overpowering the classic coffee flavor.

Pumpkin Soda Moscow Mule

For a refreshing drink, you could make pumpkin soda to mix with a classic Moscow mule. This involves a bit of effort by preparing a pumpkin puree, mixing it with sugar and spices, and then carbonating it for a unique soda experience.

Pumpkin White Russian

To give a twist to a classic white Russian, blend vodka, coffee liqueur, cream, and a couple tablespoons of pumpkin puree. This combination delivers a dessert-like cocktail reminiscent of a pumpkin spice latte.

Pumpkin Margarita

For margarita enthusiasts, consider a pumpkin margarita by adding pureed pumpkin and pumpkin spice syrup to your traditional mix of tequila and Cointreau, garnishing with a pumpkin pie spiced sugar rim.

Gingered Pumpkin Rum Cocktail

Lastly, you can use pumpkin butter in cocktails for added thickness and sweetness, such as in a ginger and rum cocktail. Pairing ginger with pumpkin creates a warming drink that’s perfect for cozy fall evenings.

Embracing pumpkin in your cocktails allows you to enjoy the season’s essence in a new way, offering a delightful twist on classic drinks.

Grand Central Terminal is set to transform into an exciting F1-themed event on September 23 and 24, featuring whisky tastings and a real Aston Martin F1 car. From 3 PM to 8 PM, Vanderbilt Hall will come alive with a unique blend of racing excitement and cocktail culture, courtesy of Glenfiddich and the Aston Martin Formula One Team.

This pop-up celebrates the launch of Glenfiddich’s limited-edition 16-Year-Old single malt Scotch, which draws inspiration from the performance and precision of Aston Martin racing. Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich’s global brand director, emphasized the significance of this release, stating it invites whisky and motorsport enthusiasts to engage with these iconic brands in innovative ways, creating memorable experiences beyond the racetrack.

Guests must be 21 or older to partake in sampling the new whisky either neat or in cocktails. Additionally, attendees can test their skills with a Formula One-style Batak challenge, and admire a full-scale Aston Martin F1 replica car displayed right in the terminal. The event also offers pop-up bars serving complimentary drinks and a customization station where participants can take home branded merchandise.

Moreover, Grand Central’s Grand Brasserie and Campbell Bar will serve tastings, while Central Cellars will provide complimentary bottle engraving with the purchase of the new whisky. The Scotch itself features tasting notes of maple syrup, caramelized ginger, and Chantilly cream, showcasing a synergy of craftsmanship and precision.

Best of all, admission to this thrilling experience is free. For those wanting to enjoy top-tier Scotch while immersing themselves in the buzz of an F1-themed environment in Manhattan, this event is not to be missed.

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn’t diminish the value of the new Dogfish Head Tropical Cocktail Mix Pack. Designed for enjoyment even outside the warm weather, these refreshing canned cocktails, made with real fruit juices and crafted spirits, are ideal for gatherings like tailgates and bachelor parties.

In light of the “Extend Your Summer” contest, let’s playfully categorize each cocktail flavor in the mix pack with different personalities often found at bachelor parties:

Blood Orange Mango Vodka Crush – The Early Riser

This individual is either up for an early morning run or the first to pop open a cocktail after a night of partying. No matter which, it’s a feat worth noting, especially as friends enter their thirties.

Pineapple Orange Rum Mai Tai – The Party Shirt Guy

This guy boasts a collection of colorful floral and Hawaiian shirts. No matter the occasion, he’s not shy about sporting his favorite floral ensemble, even when the dress code demands something a bit more formal.

Peach Mango Rum Punch (NEW) – The Group Dad

The first of your friends to become a parent, he’s always looking out for everyone. While he ensures everyone stays hydrated, he can also be the voice of reason when some friends might revert to immature antics.

Strawberry Lime Tequila Margarita – The Wild Card

Just fresh out of a relationship and ready to live it up, this guy’s charisma gets him into and out of tight situations. He gathers numbers and stories alike, making him a memorable figure of the weekend—and a source of endless tales afterwards.

Each cocktail perfectly embodies different personalities, making for a fun experience that can be enjoyed year-round.

For those who want to bring home the fun, find the Tropical Cocktail Mix Pack near you!

Making simple syrup for cocktails is easy and requires only two ingredients: sugar and water. This versatile syrup enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in various drinks. Here’s how to make your own simple syrup at home and some creative variations to try.

Basic Simple Syrup Recipe

1. Ingredients: Use one part sugar (white sugar works well) to one part water. If you want a thicker syrup, you can adjust to two parts sugar to one part water.

2. Mixing: Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat.

3. Boiling: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved. It shouldn’t take long—about 3-5 minutes.

4. Cooling: Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool completely.

5. Storage: Pour the cooled syrup into a glass jar and seal it tightly. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Using Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a common ingredient in many classic cocktails, including:

• Mint juleps
• Daiquiris
• French 75s
• Whiskey sours

You can substitute simple syrup for liqueurs in drinks to lower alcohol content or adjust sweetness. For instance, orange simple syrup can replace triple sec.

Flavor Variations

1. Citrus Simple Syrup: Add citrus peels (like lemon or orange) to the saucepan to infuse flavors as the syrup cooks.

2. Herbal Simple Syrup: Include fresh herbs (such as mint or rosemary) during heating for aromatic enhancements.

3. Spiced Simple Syrup: Add spices like cinnamon sticks, cloves, or star anise to the mix for a warm flavor profile.

4. Fruit Simple Syrup: Cook fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries, with sugar and water for a fruity syrup perfect for cocktails or desserts.

Additional Uses

Beyond cocktails, simple syrup can sweeten:

• Coffee or tea
• Homemade lemonade
• Sorbets

You can even use it in baking; brushing simple syrup on cakes helps retain moisture and adds a glossy finish to fruit tarts.

Experiment with different bases like honey or agave instead of sugar, and remember that you can prepare a no-heat version by simply mixing sugar with hot water until dissolved. This shortcut is practical when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen.

Overall, simple syrup is a fundamental ingredient that opens the door to a world of cocktails and flavored beverages, allowing you to explore your creativity behind the bar.

As fall arrives, the air cools, days shorten, and excitement builds for favorite seasonal activities like returning to school, sporting fall fashion, and decorating with pumpkins. While many anxiously await pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, there are other delightful ways to embrace fall flavors beyond coffee.

This year, why not celebrate the season with a selection of delicious cocktails that capture classic autumn tastes? Here are eight scrumptious drink recipes to enjoy, whether you prefer to craft them yourself or opt for pre-made cocktail kits.

1. Sparkle Maple Old Fashioned
   Reimagine the Old Fashioned with a fall twist by using WhistlePig rye whiskey and their special sparkle maple syrup. Combine 1½ ounces of rye whiskey, ¼ ounce of sparkle maple syrup, and three dashes of bitters. Stir, ice, and garnish with orange peel for a cocktail that glimmers.

2. Maple Sour Two Ways
   Create a seasonal rendition of the whiskey sour by substituting simple syrup with maple syrup. Shake 1½ ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice, and ½ ounce of maple syrup with ice. Pour into a glass with ice and sprinkle with cinnamon for added flavor. For a New York sour variation, float red wine on top for a beautiful finish.

3. The Fall Collins
   This refreshing drink transforms the classic Tom Collins. Mix 1½ ounces of gin, ¾ ounce of spiced apple syrup, and ½ ounce of lemon juice. Shake well, serve over ice, and garnish with dried apple slices. A cocktail kit for The Fall Collins is also available from The Griffo Distillery.

4. Apple Cider Sangria
   Perfect for gatherings, this easy recipe combines sliced Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with lemon, orange, ginger beer, and white wine in a pitcher for a delightful autumn punch.

5. Apple Cider Mimosa
   Refresh your brunch with this fall-inspired twist by swapping out orange juice for apple cider in your traditional mimosa. Enhance presentation with edible sprinkles on the rims of your champagne flutes.

6. Cranberry Apple Margarita
   Blend together 1½ cups each of tequila, apple cider, and cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail) along with ¾ cup of orange juice. For a fancier touch, garnish with apple slices and rim the glasses with a mix of granulated and brown sugar.

7. An Apple A Day
   For a more sophisticated drink reminiscent of apple pie, prepare a spiced syrup with cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and sugar. Shake this syrup with bourbon, apple brandy, vanilla liqueur, apple cider, lemon juice, and serve garnished with a slice of Granny Smith apple.

These cocktails highlight the richness of fall flavors, perfect for cozying up on brisk evenings or celebrating seasonal gatherings. Enjoy responsibly, and embrace the essence of autumn in every sip!