Recipes 341

Blackberries are a delightful ingredient for cocktails, adding a sharp and alluring flavor that can elevate various drinks. These resilient berries, found globally, shine whether enjoyed solo or in concoctions. Their dark, berry-like skin and sweet yet tart flavor enhance beverages when paired with the right complement.

A wide array of flavor combinations exists to enhance a blackberry cocktail, ranging from sweet and refreshing to tangy and spicy. For example, incorporating sugar or dairy can counterbalance the fruit’s subtle bitterness. Popular cocktails like mojitos, margaritas, and brambles pair well with various spirits—bourbon, gin, tequila, and vodka—allowing creative exploration with herbs, spices, citrus, and fruits.

Here are some intriguing flavor pairings for blackberry cocktails:

1. Almond (Amaretto): Blend blackberries with amaretto for a sweet twist, enhancing drinks like the classic amaretto sour.

2. Apple: Combine blackberries with apple juice and bourbon for a refreshing apple-blackberry sour, perfect for summer.

3. Black Pepper: A dash of black pepper can spice up a blackberry cocktail, adding a unique earthy flavor when mixed with vodka or gin.

4. Cinnamon: Use cinnamon to warm up a blackberry drink. A bourbon-blackberry cocktail, including lemon juice and bitters, creates a perfect cozy evening mix.

5. Ginger: Mixing fresh ginger or ginger beer with blackberries adds a zesty bite, ideal for a refreshing summer drink.

6. Hazelnut: Combine hazelnut liqueur with muddled blackberries for a dessert-like cocktail or try a simpler blend with cream and syrup.

7. Lemon and Lime: Citrus flavors complement blackberries well, enhancing drinks like blackberry lemonade or mojitos.

8. Mango: The sweetness of mango pairs beautifully with blackberries, making for a fruity and colorful cocktail.

9. Mint: Minty cocktails, such as a blackberry mojito or mint julep, bring a refreshing vibe to summer gatherings.

10. Red Wine: Incorporating blackberry into red wine cocktails, like sangria, creates a sophisticated and fruity summer beverage.

11. Rosemary: This herb brings a unique flavor to rosemary and blackberry cocktails, offering a rustic touch with a lovely aroma.

12. Sparkling Wine: Muddling blackberries with sparkling wine creates an elegant cocktail perfect for celebrations.

With these combinations, blackberry cocktails offer something for everyone, from bright and refreshing to rich and warming. Whether at an intimate gathering or a lively summer party, these concoctions promise to impress!

As the days grow shorter, Denver’s bartending scene is stepping up its game with inventive and bold cocktails that are as wild as they are delicious. Key players include Poka Lola, The Family Jones, Riot BBQ, and NADC Burger, each offering unique concoctions you won’t want to miss before summer slips away.

Poka Lola Social Club

Location: 1850 Wazee St., Denver
Hours: Sunday 2 – 9 p.m., Monday 3 – 9 p.m., Tuesday – Wednesday 3 – 10 p.m., Thursday 3 – 11 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. – 12 a.m., Saturday 2 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Poka Lola brings a playful twist to Denver’s cocktail culture. Their Hollaback Girl mixes brûléed banana-infused bourbon with pineapple and cacao, delivering a sweet yet toasty finish. The Bad Spray Tan, a daring blend of Mount Gay rum with red curry and coconut cream, offers a smooth and interesting flavor profile, while the Hot Swirl Summer combines a refreshing strawberry daiquiri with a decadent piña colada.

The Family Jones

Location: 3245 Osage St., Denver
Hours: Sunday 4 – 10 p.m., Closed Mondays, Tuesday – Thursday 4 – 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 4 – 11 p.m.
The Family Jones Distillery embodies Colorado’s spirit in their cocktails. The Blucifer Martini, infused with blue cheese and blue spirulina, pays homage to the city’s famous blue statue. They also serve a refreshing Juniper Soak in a charming bathtub-inspired glass. Their Daq N’ Chips features a deliciously herbaceous rum daiquiri that is paired with house-made chips and salsa.

Riot BBQ

Location: 2180 S Delaware St., Denver
Hours: Sunday – Monday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Closed Tuesdays, Wednesday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Riot BBQ’s cocktails aim to thrill. The Bourbon Peach Smash highlights the season’s juicy peaches and meets bourbon’s warmth with mint and lemon. The Clementine Margarita delivers a zesty flavor, while the standout Spicy Cucumber Margarita combines jalapeño-infused tequila with cucumber for a refreshingly spicy sip.

NADC Burger

Location: 1441 Larimer St., Denver
Hours: Open Daily 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
NADC Burger channels tropical vibes in its cocktail selection. Try the Night Fever, which combines smoky mezcal with melon and cucumber for a cooling effect. The Deathwish cocktail mixes rum, allspice, and boba for a blend of richness and sweetness. Their Tokyo Fishhouse Punch is aromatic and layered with Japanese whisky and coconut, making for an intriguing drinking experience.

These establishments reflect the adventurous spirit of Denver’s cocktail culture, serving drinks that are memorable in both flavor and creativity.

Nestled on top of Bow Market in Somerville is Nook, a stylish cocktail bar renowned for its inviting atmosphere and a unique cinema-themed drink menu that changes every three to four months. Recently, the theme revolves around iconic films, offering cocktails inspired by classics like "The Silence of the Lambs" with the “Little Starling” cocktail, which features a fava bean shrub and chianti float, and "The Big Lebowski," represented by “The Other Lebowski,” a blend of clarified milk punch and cold brew.

While visiting, I decided to try “The Substance,” named after Coralie Fargeat’s body horror film. It was served in a whiskey glass with a tajin-lime garnish. Although the drink’s color was more subdued than expected, its flavor was vibrant, spicy, and refreshing. My companion opted for “The Long Goodbye,” a mix of house rum, Aperol, coffee, cinnamon, lime, and wormwood bitters, which was just the right balance of spice and sweetness, beautifully served in a highball glass.

I also tasted “Gordon Cole,” a nod to "Twin Peaks," featuring ingredients like Vecchio Amaro del Capo, Aperol, lemon juice, and baijiu. The drink was as bold and unexpected as the TV show, with a striking shade of luminescent orange.

Nook is known for its inventive cocktails, often featuring unusual elements such as mascarpone-washed vodka or gouda-washed Irish whiskey, and all infusions and ingredients are made in-house by a creative bartending team. This dedication to experimentation has produced some equally unique past offerings, including dashi-infused whiskey and feta-infused rum.

As a part of Bow Market, guests at Nook can take their drinks outdoors, enjoying them around the market while exploring the other shops and eateries. The ambiance, particularly in the evening with candlelit tables, makes Nook an ideal spot for a date or a cozy gathering, providing an especially charming environment for those seeking a themed cocktail experience in Union Square.

For more information, visit Nook.

Harvey’s Coffee & Cocktails, located at 2706 Olive Street in Midtown St. Louis, is quickly becoming a local favorite since its opening in 2024. The venue blends a cozy atmosphere with an exciting menu, offering everything from early morning espresso to evening cocktails.

One of the standout features of Harvey’s is a large live projection that showcases serene beach scenes, creating a calming ambiance at any hour. The space includes a stunning 16-foot bar made from repurposed barn wood, which adds to the rustic charm.

Harvey’s is not just a coffee shop; it also offers flexible event hosting. Whether it’s for private parties, happy hours, or catering special events, the venue can accommodate up to 95 guests. They are ready to customize menus and decorations, making it an ideal choice for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.

Let’s take a sensory trip to the Italian coast with the delightful Aperol, a cocktail beloved for its bittersweet profile and bright orange hue. First crafted in 1919 by brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri, it quickly became a favorite across the globe, particularly as the star of the classic Aperol Spritz. However, there are many inventive ways to savor this unique spirit beyond the Spritz.

Cocktail Recipes

1. Paper Plane

   • Ingredients:
     • 3/4 oz bourbon
     • 3/4 oz Aperol
     • 3/4 oz Amaro Nonino Quintessentia
     • 3/4 oz lemon juice
   • Directions: Shake ingredients with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass.

2. Apparent Sour

   • Ingredients:
     • 2 oz Aperol
     • 3/4 oz Elderflower liqueur
     • 3/4 oz lime juice
   • Directions: Combine in a shaker with ice, shake, and pour into a glass.

3. 3-2-1 Aperol Spritz

   • Ingredients:
     • 3 oz Cinzano Prosecco D.O.C.
     • 2 oz Aperol
     • 1 oz soda water
     • 1 slice of orange
   • Directions: Combine all ingredients over ice in a wine glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

4. Contessa

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 part London Dry Gin
     • 1 part Aperol
     • 1 part Cocchi Americano
     • Orange rind
   • Directions: Mix with ice in a shaker and strain into a glass filled with ice, express orange rind over the top.

5. Naked and Famous

   • Ingredients:
     • 3/4 oz Aperol
     • 3/4 oz mezcal
     • 3/4 oz yellow Chartreuse
     • 3/4 oz lime juice
   • Directions: Shake all ingredients with ice until chilled, then pour into a coupe glass.

6. Love Gun

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 sprig tarragon
     • 1/4 cup Staple Gin
     • 2 tbsp fresh blood orange juice
     • 2 tbsp Aperol
     • 1 tbsp simple syrup
     • 4 tbsp pink champagne
   • Directions: Muddle tarragon, add other ingredients apart from champagne, shake with ice, and strain into a glass before topping with champagne.

7. Unusual Negroni

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 oz dry gin
     • 1 oz Lillet Blanc
     • 1 oz Aperol
     • Orange rind
   • Directions: In a rocks glass filled with ice, stir the ingredients together and garnish with the orange rind.

8. Icelandic Lady

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 oz Reyka Vodka
     • 1/2 oz Aperol
     • 1/2 oz honey syrup
     • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
     • Champagne or Prosecco to top
   • Directions: Shake all ingredients and serve in a flute, topping with champagne.

9. Milady’s Spritz

   • Ingredients:
     • 2 oz Lambrusco
     • 1 1/2 oz Aperol
     • 1/2 oz Santoni Amaro
     • 1 oz club soda
     • Blood orange slice
   • Directions: Combine ingredients in a glass and stir gently.

10. Gentleman Caller

    • Ingredients:
      • 1 oz Dorothy Parker Gin
      • 1 oz Tio Pepe Fino Sherry
      • 1/2 oz Aperol
      • 1/2 oz Génépy
      • Lemon Twist
    • Directions: Stir with ice and serve in a chilled glass.

11. Spice, Girl

    • Ingredients:
      • 1 1/2 oz Montelobos Espadin Mezcal
      • 3/4 oz Ancho Reyes
      • 1/2 oz Foro Amaro
      • 1/4 oz Aperol
      • 1/4 oz Raspberry Oleo Syrup
      • 3 dashes Blood Orange Tincture
    • Directions: Mix ingredients in a double rocks glass with ice and stir, then garnish.

Whether you’re enjoying a relaxing evening at home or hosting a lively gathering, these versatile Aperol cocktails promise to transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Italy. Cheers!

Nothing is worse than serving a dull cocktail when you aim to impress. The vibrant aesthetics of craftsman cocktails can fail without the proper balance of aroma and flavor, and one often overlooked aspect is smell. The aroma of a drink is a crucial part of its identity, intricately linked to how we perceive flavor.

John Roel Carpo, a bar manager at various Manhattan restaurants, emphasizes the importance of scent in cocktails. For him, the aroma isn’t just an afterthought; it’s essential. Carpo states, “I always do scent. It creates a burst of aroma that hits your nose before the first sip,” noting that this step is vital when creating complex, balanced drinks.

The connection between scent and taste isn’t fully understood, yet it’s widely accepted that our sense of smell profoundly influences our tasting experience. Aromatic elements often come disguised as garnishes, such as charred rosemary or burnt orange peels.

Tips for Enhancing Cocktails with Scent

Carpo provides practical advice for those wishing to elevate their home cocktails. First, align the peel or zest with the cocktail’s base liquor. For instance, pairing orange zest with a Mezcal negroni can enhance the drink’s essence, while a Bellini can be brightened up with a spritz of peach liquor.

Additionally, cocktail perfumes can be easily made at home. A straightforward approach involves mixing one part water, two parts vodka, and an aromatic ingredient or blend. This mixture should be allowed to standalone in a jar for several days to two weeks, allowing the flavors to infuse. Once ready, strain the solid materials and transfer the liquid into a fine mist spray bottle, making it easy to enhance cocktails instantly.

Fruit, herbs, and spices such as lavender, ginger, or cinnamon can create fragrant combinations that cater to various tastes. Adventurous drinkers might even explore savory elements like curry or hot peppers. However, it’s crucial to avoid scent saboteurs like old, scent-filled ice and strongly flavored mixers to preserve the intended bouquet and taste of the cocktail.

Elevating cocktails through scent not only adds depth but also transforms the sensory experience, turning an ordinary drink into an extraordinary one.

Tim Felkner is set to launch Broderick, a new cocktail bar in Denver’s Wash Park neighborhood, at 1080 S. Gaylord St. Opening on August 19, this venue aims to provide a cozy atmosphere for patrons looking to enjoy a drink before or after dinner. Felkner expects the bar to function as a relaxed gathering spot, especially for those facing long wait times at nearby restaurants.

Broderick will feature a menu of Felkner’s signature cocktails, including the negroni and old fashioned, along with items from his past experiences in San Francisco. Reflecting on the vibrant social life he shared with friends, Felkner wishes to recreate that ambiance in this new location, complete with inviting couches and soft lighting.

In addition to crafted cocktails, the menu will include light bites, such as $10 salads, $15 paninis, and $22 charcuterie boards. Initially, Broderick will operate from 4 p.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, with plans to extend hours to offer coffee and breakfast options in the near future.

This is Felkner’s second venture into Denver’s bar scene after running a previous spot in Ruby Hill. He expressed that the Ruby Hill location lacked sufficient space and foot traffic, making the move to a more vibrant area like Gaylord Street a strategic choice.

Felkner encountered lengthy permitting delays with the City of Denver, taking about nine months to secure the necessary approvals. He previously experienced a faster process in San Francisco, where he often secured permits within three months.

Despite the delays, Felkner is enthusiastic about Broderick’s opening. His parent company, Broderick & Co., also plans to launch a line of spirits under the Broderick label in the future.

For more information and updates, visit BusinessDen.

With summer in full swing, gardens and farmers’ markets overflow with fresh herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and parsley. These aromatic plants not only enhance dishes with their flavors but also carry historical significance and medicinal benefits.

Herbs have long been integral to human diets. For example, basil’s origins trace back to India and Persia, serving culinary and medicinal purposes alike. Ancient Egyptians revered mint for its digestive qualities, while Mediterranean rosemary symbolized remembrance in Greek culture. Although parsley often sits as a garnish, it was once celebrated by the Romans as a sign of good luck.

During summer, these herbs flourish, making them perfect for home gardens. Basil needs full sunlight to thrive and is frequently used in recipes like pestos and pasta. Mint, which prefers partial shade, can spread rapidly if not managed. Rosemary, a resilient perennial, is excellent for roasting, and parsley adds a peppery touch to various dishes.

Incorporating these fresh herbs in your cooking can elevate meals without much effort. To maintain their potency, add herbs toward the end of cooking. For instance, basil enhances tomatoes and mozzarella, mint brightens citrus drinks, rosemary complements roasted meats, and parsley enlivens salads.

Herb-infused Recipes

Here are a couple of simple recipes to make the most of summer herbs:

Simple Basil Pesto Pasta (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. While pasta cooks, combine basil, Parmesan, nuts, and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of cooking water. Toss pasta with pesto, adding reserved water for desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Mint Citrus Cooler (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 orange
• 1 cup cold sparkling water
• Ice cubes

Directions:

1. Muddle mint leaves with sugar in a pitcher until fragrant.
2. Add lemon juice, orange juice, and sparkling water. Stir gently.
3. Pour over ice and garnish with additional mint leaves.

Preserving Fresh Herbs

To enjoy fresh herbs year-round, consider freezing basil in pesto or ice cubes with olive oil. Mint can be dried or frozen for use in winter teas, while rosemary retains its flavor when dried. Parsley also freezes well when chopped and stored in bags.

The use of herbs in cuisine is steeped in history, with many cultures attributing various meanings to them. Today, their appeal lies in their taste and the connection they provide between the garden and the kitchen. Growing and using herbs fosters seasonal eating and reduces food waste, enhancing the joy of home cooking.

Whether sprinkled on a salad, muddled in a cocktail, or stirred into a sauce, these herbs remind us that even the simplest ingredients can profoundly impact our meals. A handful of fresh herbs can transform your cooking and bring the essence of summer to your table.

In the world of mixology, finding new ingredients to elevate cocktails is a continuous adventure. One unique addition gaining attention is Szechuan peppercorns, known for their distinctive flavor and the tingling sensation they provide. Brian Callahan, co-owner and Beverage Director of Darling, shares his method of using Szechuan peppercorns in cocktails through a tincture. This process involves sous vide cooking the peppercorns in grain alcohol at 150°F for 6 to 12 hours, achieving a concentrated essence perfect for cocktails.

Szechuan peppercorns, often confused with Szechuan peppers, can enhance drinks considerably. They offer a warming heat that adds complexity to cocktails like Negronis and Whiskey Sours. However, caution is advised. As mixologist Ryleigh Bouchard points out, their strong flavor can easily overpower delicate cocktails and is not recommended for sweeter or creamy drinks.

To fully enjoy the tingling benefits of Szechuan peppercorns, bartenders are encouraged to use them in drinks that allow their unique flavor to shine without being overshadowed by other competing tastes. For cocktail enthusiasts looking to experiment, the tincture method provides a new way to enhance the drinking experience while adding a surprising twist to familiar favorites.

For further details, check out the original article on The Takeout.

Gin, a clear spirit with a robust flavor profile, is crafted primarily from juniper berries and other botanicals, offering a unique twist to cocktails. While gin is akin to vodka in its lightness, its complex botanical notes set it apart, leading to a variety of delicious cocktails. Here’s a selection of refreshing gin-based drinks to enjoy.

Salty Dog

This easy-to-make cocktail combines gin and grapefruit juice, enhanced with a salt-rimmed glass for balance. Use a dry gin to let the grapefruit shine through, and garnish with a wedge of citrus.

Gin And Tonic

A classic that requires only gin, tonic water, and lime, the gin and tonic is highly adaptable. Experiment with garnishes like mint, cucumber, or rosemary to elevate this timeless drink.

#1 Crush

For rosé lovers, this gin cocktail mixes rosé wine with gin and Campari, finished with fresh citrus juices for a fruity and botanical twist on a spritzer.

Gimlet

Combining gin, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, the gimlet is sweet, tart, and refreshingly quick to prepare. Just shake the ingredients with ice, strain, and enjoy.

Tom Collins

This cocktail melds gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda, creating a fizzy delight perfect for summer refreshment.

French 75

A sophisticated mix of gin, fresh lemon juice, and champagne, the French 75 is both festive and potent, garnished with a twist of lemon for a touch of elegance.

Vesper Martini

James Bond’s signature drink is a blend of gin, vodka, and vermouth, served shaken over ice, topped with a lemon peel for a sophisticated finish.

Gin-Gin Mule

A delightful twist on the classic mule, this version uses gin and combines it with lime juice, simple syrup, mint, and ginger beer for a refreshing cocktail.

Strawberry Gin Smash

With muddled strawberries, lime juice, gin, and tonic water, this cocktail partakes in the “smash” tradition, where fruit is gently muddled for optimal flavor.

Negroni

An evergreen favorite, the Negroni features equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari, creating a well-balanced cocktail celebrated for its bold flavors.

Aviation

This beautiful drink combines gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette for a floral, slightly sweet taste that captivates the senses.

Bee’s Knees

Simple yet elegant, the Bee’s Knees mixes gin with lemon juice and honey, embodying the quintessential Prohibition-era cocktail that masks the harshness of low-quality gin.

Bramble

A fruity delight that includes gin, lemon juice, sugar, and crème de mûre, the Bramble features a "bleeding" effect thanks to the blackberry liqueur.

Corpse Reviver #2

A revitalizing blend of gin, lemon juice, Cointreau, and Lillet Blanc, finished with a dash of absinthe, this cocktail is designed to cure what ails you.

Cucumber Cooler

Refreshing and simple, the Cucumber Cooler mixes gin with lime juice, sugar, mint, and soda water, perfect for summer sipping.

These cocktails showcase the versatility of gin, from refreshing highballs to sophisticated martinis. Whether you prefer fruity flavors, classic concoctions, or herbal hints, there’s a gin recipe to match your palate!