Recipes 348

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!

As the autumn chill sets in, there’s a comforting charm in wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a warming drink in hand. While a pumpkin spice latte is a classic, sometimes the occasion calls for something a bit stronger. Enter a delightful selection of fall cocktails that encapsulate seasonal flavors perfectly, ideal for gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire.

You might fancy a Pumpkin Cocktail, which brings the essence of fall straight to your glass, or perhaps an Apple Cider Cocktail that’s a perfect accompaniment to a Friendsgiving feast. For a more spirited spin, try out the Spicy Cowgirl Martini, a fun take on the espresso martini—infused with a kick of deliciousness.

For those occasions where you gather with friends, create big-batch options like Apple Cider Sangria or Pomegranate Margaritas—both crowd-pleasers with a seasonal twist. Additionally, don’t overlook the Michelada, a refreshing blend perfect for game day, or the trendy Spiked Arnold Palmer that strikes a balance between refreshing and cozy.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, guests will appreciate a Caramel Apple Martini—a delightful grown-up twist on a childhood favorite. Why not go all-out cozy with Wassail? This warm punch brims with spices sure to brighten up any chilly evening.

For a special Halloween treat, consider a Chocolate Martini, ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Moreover, Cranberry Mulled Wine will keep spirits high during festive gatherings with its mix of fresh cranberries and warming spices.

All these recipes, from the familiar Pumpkin Spice Latte to the surprising Pomegranate Sparklers, are bound to inspire you to create a cozy atmosphere. So gather your ingredients, invite over some friends or enjoy them solo while curled up at home, and embrace all the flavors of fall!

Throughout the summer months, honey has become a highlight ingredient in Denver’s cocktail scene, especially at Lady Jane in the LoHi neighborhood. The bar’s general manager, Stuart Weaver, has been experimenting with honey in innovative ways, such as a syrup infused with blistered shishito peppers and another made from fermented orange blossom honey. He has previously used Scottish heather honey to enrich a peaty scotch cocktail called "Nine Deaths."

Weaver emphasizes the versatility of honey, reflecting its unique flavor characteristics that vary depending on the floral sources near the bees. He speaks fondly of his father’s hobbyist beekeeping in Texas and encourages bartenders to explore different honey varieties at local farmers’ markets to find the best pairings for their cocktails.

For those looking to incorporate honey into their cocktails, Weaver suggests a gold rule: dilute your honey. His team utilizes a 3:1 honey-to-water ratio for creating syrup, which is a fundamental component in many honey-based drinks. He also shares a few cocktail recipes that at-home bartenders can easily prepare:

Gold Rush

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces bourbon
• 3/4 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce honey syrup

Directions:
Shake and fine strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.

Bee’s Knees

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces gin
• 1 ounce lemon juice
• 3/4 ounce honey syrup

Directions:
Shake and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Airmail

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces white or lightly-aged rum
• 3/4 ounce honey syrup
• 3/4 ounce lime juice
• 2 ounces prosecco
• Mint leaves for garnish

Directions:
Shake and fine strain over prosecco in a chilled coupe glass and garnish with mint.

Visitors looking to savor honey-infused cocktails can try them at various local bars. Notable mentions include:

• Call Me Pearl: Offers an Old Fashioned made with lavender honey. Visit Call Me Pearl
• Leven Deli Co: Features a Matcha Martini sweetened with honey simple syrup. Visit Leven Deli
• Rare Bird: Known for its Flor de Lola cocktail with tequila, honey, and lime. Visit Rare Bird
• Olive & Finch: Serves a honey-infused riff on the classic French 75. Visit Olive & Finch

This summer, explore the sweetness of honey cocktails that warmly complement the season’s flavors.