Recipes 185

The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is set to host an exciting new event called "Wine with a Twist" from May 2 to May 4. This event invites visitors to explore nearly 20 wineries nestled between Lake Michigan and West Grand Traverse Bay, right along the 45th Parallel, known for its distinct wine offerings.

During the event, participants can indulge in a unique tasting experience that pairs traditional wine pours with creative craft cocktails. Open from noon to 5 p.m. each day, wineries will offer various wine-based cocktails, from bubbly sangrias to rosé spritzers and bold red wine margaritas.

Tickets for the event are priced at $35 per person, which includes a tasting at each participating winery and $10 in "Cork Cash" that can be used for bottle purchases. For those wishing to attend only on Sunday, a reduced ticket price of $25 is available, including $5 in Cork Cash.

Andie Hobbins, managing director of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, emphasizes the importance of having fun and pushing the boundaries of traditional wine tasting. The event promises to be a delightful weekend adventure for both wine enthusiasts and casual explorers. Attendees are encouraged to gather their friends, plan their stay, and prepare to enjoy a fresh take on the region’s acclaimed wines.

For additional details and to purchase tickets, visit the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail’s website.

The Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, scheduled for Saturday, May 3. To help fans celebrate the event, TODAY’s hosts Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Dylan Dreyer have introduced two delicious cocktails that viewers can enjoy while watching the race.

The first is the classic Woodford Reserve Bourbon Mint Julep, a favorite among Derby attendees, which offers a refreshing blend of bourbon, mint, and sugar. The second cocktail is the Woodford Reserve Spire, providing a unique twist for those looking to try something different. These drinks are sure to enhance the festive atmosphere of one of horse racing’s most prestigious events.

Spring is a season of vibrant blooms and fresh fruits, making it the ideal time to enjoy refreshing cocktails that embody the essence of the season. With an array of bright and bold flavors to explore, here are ten must-try spring cocktails that are perfect for any occasion.

Gin Raspberry Lemonade

This cocktail is an invigorating treat for lemonade lovers. The gin raspberry lemonade combines the zesty flavor of lemon with Limoncello, simple syrup, and raspberries, creating a delightful drink that captures the spirit of spring.

Here is the full recipe.

French 75 Cocktail

A classic Champagne cocktail, the French 75 features gin or cognac, simple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling wine. It’s a celebratory drink that’s perfect for spring gatherings.

Here is the full recipe.

Cucumber Elderflower Gimlet

This elegant twist on the classic gimlet brings together fresh cucumber, sweet elderflower liqueur, and tangy lime juice, along with gin, making it a delightful choice for spring.

Here is the full recipe.

Gin Blood Orange Cocktail

Experience the seasonal flavors with this gin blood orange cocktail. It blends gin with blood orange, spices, rosemary, and prosecco, creating a fragrant and refreshing drink.

Here is the full recipe.

Rhubarb Mint Margarita with Jalapeño Tequila

This cocktail uniquely balances the sweet and tangy rhubarb mint syrup with spicy jalapeño-infused tequila, offering a refreshing twist on the classic margarita.

Here is the full recipe.

Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

For those who prefer frozen drinks, these margaritas made with all-natural ingredients and frozen strawberries are easy to whip up in just ten minutes.

Here is the full recipe.

Blueberry Mojito

This fresh take on the classic mojito incorporates blueberries, white rum, coconut milk, lime, and sparkling water, making it a refreshing and fruity option.

Here is the full recipe.

Strawberry Champagne Mojito

Nothing screams spring quite like a strawberry cocktail. This bubbly drink combines strawberries with mint and champagne for a festive touch, suitable for any occasion.

Here is the full recipe.

Hibiscus Paloma Punch

Bright and floral, this punch features hibiscus, grapefruit, and sparkling rosé. It’s a gorgeous drink that works beautifully for spring celebrations and transitions seamlessly into summer.

Here is the full recipe.

Gin Daisy

With a blend of herbal and floral gin, orange liqueur, and grenadine topped with soda water, the gin daisy is a simple yet delightful cocktail that embodies the fresh flavors of spring.

Here is the full recipe.

These cocktails not only showcase seasonal ingredients but also offer a refreshing way to enjoy the springtime. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying some downtime, these drinks are sure to elevate your experience. Happy spring sipping!

It’s becoming increasingly common to encounter menus at bars and restaurants filled with agave-based cocktails, extending beyond just traditional margaritas to a diverse range that includes mezcal. No longer confined to Mexican establishments, these drinks have taken over the cocktail scene.

The Transformation of Tequila

Tequila, once viewed as the rowdy party drink of choice, has evolved significantly. Once a staple for college celebrations, it is now appreciated for its complex flavors and quality, often showcased in tasting flights and lavish venues. Tequila is no longer just a shooter; it has transformed into a luxury item that celebrities endorse, mixologists celebrate, and consumers gladly savor.

Understanding Agave

Agave plants, common to the arid regions of the Americas, are essential for producing tequila, which has roots dating back to Aztec traditions. Early forms of this spirit, like pulque, were utilized long before the advent of modern distillation techniques. The first tequila factory was established in the 1600s in Tequila, Jalisco, and officially began adhering to stringent production rules in 1974, which stipulate that it must be made in Jalisco from blue Weber agave.

Agave vs. Mezcal

While tequila is strictly regulated, mezcal is more versatile, made from a wide variety of agave plants. This variability contributes to its complex flavor, typified by a smoky aroma distinct from tequila’s sweetness. In contrast, lesser-known agave spirits like raicilla, sotol, and bacanora offer intriguing alternatives, though they remain less accessible outside Mexico.

As Cinco de Mayo approaches, Long Island boasts many establishments that expertly craft tequila and mezcal cocktails, from timeless classics to innovative creations.

Notable Places for Agave Cocktails

Besito: Classic Margarita

Located at 402 New York Ave., Huntington, Besito offers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine alongside its traditional margaritas, renowned for their freshness. More information can be found at besitomexican.com.

T-Bar: Jalapeño-Cucumber Margarita

T-Bar, a chic venue at 1363 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, combines a vibrant atmosphere with a daily happy hour and a variety of margaritas, perfectly suited for any palate. Visit tbar.li for more details.

Ixchel Mexican: Cielo

At 130 Old Town Rd, Setauket-East Setauket, Ixchel offers a unique cocktail experience with options inspired by Mayan culture, including the refreshing Cielo cocktail. Check out ixchelmexicancuisine.com for their full menu.

The Green Door: Smoked Pineapple Mule

This upscale cocktail bar at 121 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, is known for its inventive drinks, including the Smoked Pineapple Mule, which can be customized with mezcal. More information is available at thegreendoorlindenhurst.com.

Ruta Oaxaca: Tequila and Mezcal Flights

With locations in Patchogue and Woodbury, Ruta Oaxaca features an extensive selection of over 150 tequilas and 175 mezcals, offering educational flights and creative cocktails. Learn more at rutaoaxacamex.com.

Long Island’s cocktail scene is thriving with agave-based options that elevate the drinking experience, showcasing both tradition and innovation.

Nearly 100 bars in Center City will be participating in the return of Center City Sips, offering happy hour specials beginning June 4 and running every Wednesday through August 27. Throughout this season, from 5-7 p.m., patrons can enjoy $7 cocktails, $6 wines, and $5 beers at participating locations, along with half-price appetizers.

The lineup includes various offerings, with many establishments expected to announce their Sips menus closer to the start date. Customers can look forward to deals on seasonal drafts and popular selections such as rosé and margaritas. Notable options include $7 oysters and croquettes at Harper’s Garden, $6 "personal nachos" at Cavanaugh’s, and $10 select pies at Pizzeria Vetri.

To celebrate its 21st season, Center City Sips will kick off with a birthday party on May 21 at Dilworth Park, featuring an early 2000s theme. Admission is free, but guests can purchase ticketed upgrades for more perks.

For further information, visit the official Center City Sips page here.

This collection features 19 refreshing cocktails, each showcasing Cointreau in unique ways. From the classic Corpse Reviver No. 2, which replaces Lillet with Cocchi Americano for a zesty twist, to the Cointreau Spritz, a simple mix of sparkling wine, Cointreau, fresh orange juice, and club soda, ideal for brunch.

Among the highlights are:

• Sangria: Steeping the mix for at least an hour allows the fruit to boost flavor.

• Frozen Margarita: A customizable blend perfect for hot days, just add your favorite frozen fruits.

• Whiskey Daisy: A twist on the whiskey sour that substitutes simple syrup with Cointreau, enhancing sweetness.

• Mai Tai: This tropical delight promises fun and refreshment, perfect with just a brief shake.

• Blackberry Margarita: Combines fresh lime juice and orange liqueur with muddled blackberries for a fruity flavor.

• Classic Margarita: Stresses the importance of quality triple sec for a balanced drink.

For full recipes and more engaging cocktail ideas, visit Epicurious.

Toast to Mother’s Day with delightful cocktails featuring liqueurs that capture the spirit of spring. These refreshing drinks are easy to prepare, low in alcohol, and perfect for any gathering during this special celebration.

Juliette Liqueur

Originating from southwest France, Juliette Liqueur is an artisanal peach-flavored liqueur made from heirloom peaches harvested specifically in July. The Juliette Signature Cocktail combines one ounce of this liqueur with five ounces of Brut Champagne for a rosy glow.

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur

This elegant French liqueur, made from fresh elderflowers, offers a delicate floral flavor. The St-Germain Spritz incorporates 1.5 ounces of St-Germain, two ounces of Prosecco, and two ounces of soda water, garnished with a twist of lemon peel for a refreshing finish.

Gabriel Boudier Creme de Cassis

Produced in Dijon, France, this blackcurrant liqueur adds a sweet berry flavor and a stunning color to drinks. A classic Kir Royale mixes it with Champagne, or you can use Prosecco or Cava for a more budget-friendly option.

Italicus Calabrian Liqueur

Dubbed "The Drink of Kings," Italicus is a clear, complex bergamot liqueur. An Italicus Spritz can be enjoyed by mixing one part Italicus with two parts Prosecco, garnished with green olives.

Savoia Americano Rosso

Crafted in Turin, Italy, Savoia Americano offers a bittersweet profile with a complex herbal character. The Savoia Spritz consists of equal parts Savoia and dry Prosecco, garnished with grapes for a refreshing touch.

Disaronno Originale

Celebrating its 500th anniversary, Disaronno is a sweet almond amaretto liqueur known for its smooth taste. The Disaronno Fizz combines 1.5 ounces of Disaronno with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon, served over ice.

Pallini Limoncello

Hailing from Amalfi, Pallini Limoncello is made from hand-picked lemons. The Pallini Spritz combines two parts Limoncello with three parts Prosecco and sparkling water, garnished with an orange or lemon slice.

Alternatives for Stronger Cocktails

For moms preferring something with a bit more punch, options include G.D. Vajra Barolo Chinato, an aromatic wine infused with spices, or Pio Cesare Vermouth, known for its aromatic and herbaceous qualities.

With these unique liqueurs and cocktail recipes, make this Mother’s Day a memorable occasion for the special moms in your life. Cheers!

Crafting the perfect cocktail for Mother’s Day can elevate the occasion, making it festive and memorable. Here are some delightful liqueurs that can transform your celebrations into something extraordinary, offering fresh and vibrant drinks that are both low in alcohol and easy to enjoy.

Juliette Liqueur

Produced in small batches in southwest France using heirloom peaches harvested in July, Juliette Liqueur adds a touch of sweetness to cocktails. The Juliette Signature Cocktail, combining one ounce of this liqueur with five ounces of Brut Champagne, creates a beautiful rose-colored drink.

St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur

This French liqueur, made with handpicked elderflowers, offers a floral aroma and exquisite taste. The St-Germain Spritz, combining 1-½ ounces of St-Germain with two ounces of Prosecco and soda water, garnished with lemon peel, is both refreshing and elegant.

Gabriel Boudier Creme de Cassis

Hailing from Dijon, France, this blackcurrant liqueur lends a rich berry flavor to cocktails. The Kir Royale mixes this liqueur with champagne, while a still wine variant is simply called a Kir.

Italicus

Reviving the traditional Rosolio category, Italicus is a clear bergamot liqueur with complex citrus notes. The Italicus Spritz, made with one part Italicus and two parts Prosecco, garnished with green olives, is a refreshing choice.

SAVOIA Americano Rosso

Crafted in Turin, this bittersweet liqueur infuses cocktails with a rich flavor. The Savoia Spritz, made with equal parts of Savoia Americano Rosso and dry Prosecco, offers a vibrant ruby red hue.

Disaronno Originale

This sweet amaretto liqueur celebrates its 500th anniversary and is cherished globally. The Disaronno Fizz, combining 1.5 ounces of Disaronno with five ounces of sparkling water and fresh lemon juice, makes for a delightful drink.

Disaronno Velvet

For those who enjoy a smoother taste, Disaronno Velvet combines well with coconut water in the Disaronno Velvet Batida, delivering a refreshing snow-white cocktail perfect for warm weather.

Pallini Limoncello

Crafted from hand-picked Amalfi lemons, this liqueur is both natural and refreshing. The Pallini Spritz combines two parts Limoncello with three parts Prosecco and a splash of sparkling water for a bright lemon-yellow drink.

Alternatives for Stronger Tastes

For mothers who prefer bold flavors, consider:

• G.D. Vajra Barolo Chinato, an aromatized wine perfect for sipping.
• Pio Cesare Vermouth, an aromatic wine from Piedmont, Italy, ideal for sipping with lemon zest.

These liqueurs and cocktail recipes create a delightful way to toast your special day together, ensuring that every sip is as memorable as the moments shared.

During a weekend of unrest in Athens, police arrested over 70 individuals as violent clashes erupted in the Exarchia neighborhood. The riots began following a music performance in a nearby park, escalating into widespread chaos as protesters hurled Molotov cocktails, stones, and fireworks at police, igniting vehicles in the area.

Local authorities reported that 72 people were detained, with one officer sustaining injuries during the confrontations. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the disturbances intensified late Saturday night, specifically around the junction of Kallidromiou and E. Benaki streets. In response to the aggression, police employed chemical agents to disperse the crowd.

The turmoil unfolded just days after a bomb exploded near the offices of Hellenic Train, Greece’s primary railway operator. Fortunately, the explosion caused limited damage and resulted in no injuries, as the attackers had notified two media outlets shortly before the detonation.

This unrest coincides with the second anniversary of a devastating railway disaster in which 57 people lost their lives when a freight and passenger train were mistakenly placed on the same track. The incident highlighted significant flaws in Greece’s railway safety system, prompting protests from victims’ relatives against the current government.

In recent weeks, numerous demonstrations have taken place across Greece, with citizens rallying for higher wages amid soaring living costs. Popular demand for better financial support continues, as many households struggle to manage increasing expenses for food, housing, and utilities, despite the government’s cumulative 35% increase in the minimum wage since 2019.

Kevin Peterson leads an intriguing double life: by day, he is the mastermind behind Sfumato Fragrances, and by night, he transforms his retail store in Detroit into Castalia, a craft cocktail bar where he seamlessly blends the worlds of perfumery and mixology. His journey, which also led to the publication of his book, Cocktail Theory: A Sensory Approach to Transcendent Drinks, stems from a long path of diverse careers, including those as a line cook, auto mechanic, and an engineer with advanced degrees in physics and mechanical engineering.

Peterson’s fascination with the intersection of scent and flavor emerged from his long-standing interest in cooking, eventually evolving into a commitment to perfumery. This path was not merely a career shift but a quest for a creative outlet beyond the analytical realm of engineering. Together with his wife, he built Sfumato and later opened Castalia, where he began to conduct extensive mixology experiments. He meticulously researched combinations of flavors, aromas, and presenting drinks in their ideal forms, all to uncover the "Platonically ideal" cocktail—which seeks the quintessential representation of a drink.

At Castalia, Peterson explores innovative cocktail crafting that emphasizes scientific principles, merging the artistry of mixology with rigorous data collection. His fascination lies in the relationship between scent and taste, propelling him to experiment with flavor profiles and textures. His philosophy incorporates the idea that cocktails should be more than just a combination of ingredients; they should tell a story through their carefully constructed flavors.

Peterson’s insights also include the concept of motifs in cocktail creation. He believes in focusing on specific ingredients to highlight rather than overwhelming the drink with too many competing flavors. His observations have led him to recognize the importance of space and sensation in tasting—how different ingredients interact with various sensory points on the palate and in the aroma.

He adeptly merges the art of perfumery into cocktail crafting, recognizing that aromas have their forms of dynamics—much like top, middle, and base notes in perfume. Peterson discusses how these elements correlate with user experience when sipping a cocktail, creating an evocative journey for the drinker.

Through his bar, Peterson demonstrates that successful flavor combinations can stem from unconventional pairings, such as blueberry and horseradish, challenging the perception of individual ingredients. Part of his expertise involves the careful consideration of presentation, emphasizing the visual aspect of drinks, which engages customers emotionally and sensibly.

As Peterson continues to innovate within this duality of his profession, he aspires to enlighten others about the subtle complexities behind creating a remarkable cocktail experience. His contribution to the beverage world combines empirical research, sensory exploration, and a passion for storytelling—all essential ingredients in crafting memorable drinks. He encourages aspiring mixologists to focus on familiar favorites and gradually expand their horizons, assuring that mastery in cocktail crafting is an accessible adventure.