Recipes 341

Celebrate the upcoming Miss Universe 2024 finals with a selection of festive cocktails that honor the cultural heritage of the contestants. This year’s event, taking place in Mexico City, features 90 contestants showcasing their national costumes and evening gowns, culminating in the coronation of the new Miss Universe.

Miss USA – Alma Cooper

Drink Pairing: Autumn Whiskey Sour
This cocktail reflects Alma’s strength and sophistication with its blend of bourbon, honey, and charred rosemary.

Ingredients:

• 2 parts Basil Hayden® Bourbon
• 1 part fresh lemon juice
• ¾ part honey
• 2 dashes apple cider vinegar
• 1 dash Angostura® bitters
• 1 sprig charred rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously, strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with charred rosemary.

Miss México – María Fernanda Beltrán

Drink Pairing: Sweater Weather Margarita
A festive twist on the classic margarita incorporating passion fruit and cinnamon, mirroring María’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 1.25 oz Astral Tequila Reposado
• 0.25 oz cinnamon-infused orange liqueur
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz passion fruit syrup
• Garnish: Cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Shake all ingredients with ice.
2. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Miss Chile – Emilia Dides

Drink Pairing: Dragon’s Hpnosis
A colorful, fruit-forward twist on the Pisco Sour, representing the elegance of Miss Chile.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Capurro Pisco
• 0.75 oz Hpnotiq
• 0.5 oz dragon fruit syrup
• 0.5 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 1 oz fresh key lime juice
• 1 egg white
• Garnish: Bitters design, red dragon fruit slice

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients (except egg white) in a shaker.
2. Shake with ice, strain, and garnish as desired.

Miss Jamaica – Rachel Silvera

Drink Pairing: Berry Smash Punch
Combining Jamaican rum and mixed berries, this punch captures Rachel’s vibrant personality.

Ingredients:

• 4 fl oz Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum
• 2 fl oz orange liqueur
• 16 fl oz pomegranate juice
• 8 fl oz ginger beer
• 2 cups mixed seasonal berries
• Garnish: Mint and thyme

Instructions:

1. Muddle berries in a pitcher.
2. Mix in rum, liqueur, juice, and ginger beer.
3. Serve over ice garnished with mint and thyme.

Miss Venezuela – Ileana Márquez

Drink Pairing: Diplomático Old Fashioned
This drink reflects Venezuela’s rum heritage and Ileana’s grace.

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva
• 5 ml sugar syrup
• 3 dashes of bitters
• Garnish: Orange peel

Instructions:

1. Combine syrup and bitters in a glass, add ice and rum, and stir.
2. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.

Tips for a Miss Universe Watch Party

• Feature Non-Alcoholic Options: Include mocktails or local non-alcoholic beverages.
• Get Creative with Garnishes: Use cultural touches in your garnishes.
• Set Up a DIY Drink Bar: Let guests create their own drinks with provided ingredients.

These cocktails not only celebrate the contestants but also enhance your viewing experience for the Miss Universe finals.

Kodi Satra, the Beverage Manager at Tattersall Distilling, has introduced an innovative cocktail line designed to celebrate traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. Featuring flavors inspired by classic staples like pumpkin, stuffing, and cranberry, these fall cocktails aim to replicate the essence of the season’s favorite dishes in liquid form.

By incorporating elements such as roasted butternut squash and aromatic spices, Satra has crafted drinks that not only pay homage to Thanksgiving favorites but also offer a unique and festive twist for gatherings this holiday season. The cocktails are designed to complement the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal, making them perfect for enjoyment alongside family and friends.

As the holiday approaches, these drinks offer a way to enhance the festive atmosphere, providing an intriguing alternative to standard beverage options. Whether celebrating at home or bringing a special touch to a gathering, these cocktails encapsulate the spirit of Thanksgiving in every sip.

10 Thanksgiving Gin Cocktails To Elevate Your Feast

As Thanksgiving approaches, elevating your holiday gathering can be as simple as incorporating gin into your cocktail menu. Once underrated, gin is experiencing a renaissance, praised for its versatility and ability to complement various flavors. Here are 10 gin cocktails that will infuse your Thanksgiving celebrations with unique and memorable flavors.

Kick Things Off In Style

Gin Tai G&T
Created by Marshall Minaya, Beverage Director at Valerie.

• 1 ½ oz Principe Apostoles Gin
• ¼ oz roasted walnut orgeat
• 1 tsp Giffard Apricot Liqueur
• 2 drops orange blossom water
• Fever Tree Premium Tonic

Combine all ingredients in a goblet glass filled with ice, then add 6 oz of tonic and garnish with fresh mint and an orange slice.

Festivo
Inspired by Acrónimo Spirits, which produces the world’s first gin finished with sotol.

• 1 oz Acrónimo Gin
• 1 oz Fino Sherry
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes orange bitters

Mix ingredients in a glass, chilling with ice before straining into a coupe glass. Garnish with an orange twist.

Mine Hill Martinez
From Mine Hill Distillery, this cocktail balances seasonal warmth with complex flavors.

• 1 ½ oz Mine Hill Gin
• 1 oz Mine Hill Amaro
• ½ oz Luxardo Liqueur
• Garnish: orange twist

Combine all ingredients, stir with ice, strain into a martini glass, and express the oils of an orange twist over the drink.

Take The Edge Off

Chivalry’s Gin Fizz

• 1 oz Joseph Magnus Vigilant District Dry Gin
• 0.5 oz cranberry juice
• 1 egg white
• Rosemary sprig for garnish

Shake all ingredients and strain into a rocks glass, garnishing with a sprig of rosemary.

Coppercraft Smoked Gin & Tonic

• 2 oz Coppercraft Gin
• 1 oz grapefruit juice
• Tonic water to top
• Rosemary for smoking

Combine in a highball glass with ice, then smoke with rosemary.

Classic Cocktails for After Dinner

Smoked Chai

• 2 oz Coppercraft Gin
• 0.5 oz agave syrup
• 8 oz water
• 4 oz whole milk
• 2 oz black tea
• Spices: cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, fennel seeds

Simmer the ingredients in a saucepan, then strain and mix in the gin and agave syrup.

Lighthouse Gin Wassail

This festive drink makes enough for a group.

• 2 oz Lighthouse Gin
• Assorted fresh juices (apple, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, lemon)
• Spices: cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, nutmeg, fresh ginger

Boil ingredients, then simmer for an hour. Serve with gin added to the hot mixture, garnished with cinnamon sticks and dried fruit.

Incorporating these cocktails into your Thanksgiving festivities will surely impress your guests and create a memorable gathering. Cheers!

2024 has seen a rising trend centered around "cortisol cocktails" on TikTok, also known as "adrenal cocktails." These drinks promise to regulate cortisol levels, the body’s stress hormone, to help reduce stress. The basic recipe includes coconut water, orange juice, and salt, but variations may incorporate ingredients like cream of tartar, colostrum, or various citrus fruits. One user on TikTok shared a budget-friendly version and claimed it didn’t taste bad.

However, experts urge caution. According to Jessica Sepel, a clinical nutritionist, while elevated cortisol levels can lead to health issues, there’s little scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these cocktails in balancing stress levels. The cocktails do provide some hydration and minerals but may not offer the stress relief many hope for. Instead, Sepel recommends focusing on magnesium-rich foods and maintaining a balanced diet to help manage cortisol naturally.

Though there are minimal risks in trying these cocktails, expectations should be realistic as they shouldn’t replace a balanced diet or professional health advice. Sepel suggests alternative methods for managing cortisol levels, including creating a stress-free environment, using supplements for relaxation, establishing consistent routines for sleep, and consulting healthcare professionals for chronic stress management.

For those seeking stress relief, incorporating holistic approaches and maintaining overall well-being is essential rather than relying solely on trending cocktails.

English author and satirist Samuel Butler once stated, “autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers, we more than gain in fruits.” As autumn blossoms, fruits like pears, apples, and Meyer lemons come into season, showcasing their tartness, enticing us into the world of cocktails.

In crafting cocktails, balance is key—finding harmony between sweet and tart, bitter and sweet, and strong and weak. The beauty of seasonal fruits is that they often provide this balance naturally. This narrative resonates with the trend of bartenders adding citric acids artificially; perhaps we should let nature’s produce speak for itself.

However, sometimes nature might need human intervention, especially through quality seasonal liqueurs, which are often made from fresh fruits harvested during their respective seasons and released later.

Here are four fall cocktail recipes that embrace the essence of the season:

Recipes

Apple Sidecar

• 1½ ounces Barber Lee Spirits’ Apple Brandy
• ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec (like Cointreau, Combier, or Naranja)
• ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• Slice of fresh apple
• Cinnamon sugar

Preparation: Wet the rim of the glass with citrus juice and dip it in cinnamon sugar. In a shaker, combine the apple brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into the glass. Garnish with an apple slice.

Smoked Rosemary Pear

• ¾ ounce Alamere Spirits’ French-Wheat Vodka
• ¾ ounce St. George Spirits’ Spiced Pear Liqueur
• ¾ ounce St. Elder Elderflower Liqueur
• ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Preparation: Shake the first three ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Flame the rosemary sprig and drop it into the drink before serving.

Cranberry Rosemary Gin and Tonic

• 1½ ounces Sausalito Liquor Co.’s Marin Coastal Gin
• 2 ounces quality dry tonic (Fever-Tree or Q)
• 1 Meyer lemon wedge
• 5 fresh cranberries
• 3 dried juniper berries

Preparation: Muddle the cranberries in the glass, then fill with ice, gin, and tonic. Squeeze the lemon juice into the drink before stirring, garnishing with juniper berries.

Boysenberry Cosmopolitan

• 1½ ounces Hanson of Sonoma’s Boysenberry Vodka
• ¾ ounce good-quality triple sec
• ¾ ounce fresh-squeezed Meyer lemon juice
• ¼ ounce sweetened pomegranate juice
• 3 fresh pomegranate seeds
• 1 dehydrated Meyer lemon wheel

Preparation: Combine vodka, triple sec, lemon juice, and pomegranate juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass, garnishing with the lemon wheel and pomegranate seeds.

Each of these cocktails celebrates seasonal flavors, offering a perfect way to enjoy fall while honoring the natural balance that fresh ingredients can provide.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are feeling the stress of the holiday season, making a festive cocktail seem like a perfect way to unwind. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening alone, Thanksgiving cocktails can add an extra touch of celebration to the occasion. These drinks, featuring seasonal flavors such as warming spices, crisp apples, and cozy citrus, help create a warm and inviting atmosphere as friends and family come together.

While wine is typically the beverage of choice with traditional Thanksgiving meals, there are delightful cocktails that can complement each part of the feast. The right cocktail not only makes the holiday feel more special but also balances the flavors of the dishes served.

Here are some excellent cocktail recipes to try this Thanksgiving:

Maple Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Four Roses Small Batch
• ½ oz Maple Syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 2 dashes Fee Brothers Black Walnut Bitters
• Garnish: Orange Peel

Directions:Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for about thirty seconds until chilled. Strain over ice and garnish with an orange peel.

Midnight Orchard

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Fear City Spirits Gin
• 1 oz Apple Brandy
• 1 oz Blackberry Syrup (or muddled fresh blackberries)
• ½ oz Lemon Juice
• Garnish: Blackberries and sage

Directions:Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with blackberries skewered on a sprig of sage.

Count Your Blessings

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ oz Jeptha Creed Four Grain Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• 1 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (made with cinnamon, cardamom, & clove)
• ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1 ½ oz Cranberry Juice
• 1 oz Apple Brandy

Directions:Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake thoroughly, and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with apple slices and freshly grated cinnamon.

Thanksgiving Rum Punch

Ingredients (serves 4):

• ¾ cup Kōloa Kauaʻi Spice Rum
• 2 tbsp Honey
• 6 Whole Cloves
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 2 cups Apple Cider
• 1 cup Cranberry Pomegranate Juice
• 1 can Ginger Ale

Directions:In a small saucepan, combine honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and ½ cup cider over medium heat. Cook until honey dissolves and is fragrant (about 7 minutes), then cool and steep for 15 minutes before discarding spices. Mix the spiced cider with remaining ingredients in a punch bowl and serve over ice.

Maestro Dobel Pumpkin Spice Reposado

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Maestro Dobel Reposado Tequila
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• ¾ oz Lime Juice
• ¾ oz Pumpkin Spice
• Garnish: Cinnamon Salt Rim

Directions:Rim a cocktail coupe glass with cinnamon salt. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the chilled glass.

Calvados Sidecar

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Boulard Calvados VSOP
• 0.75 oz Bauchant Orange Liqueur
• 0.75 oz Lemon Juice

Directions:In a shaker, combine the liqueur, lemon juice, and Calvados with ice. Shake and strain into a glass, garnished with orange zest.

Galliano Espresso Martini

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Vodka
• 1 oz Galliano Espresso
• 1 oz Espresso

Directions:Blend all ingredients together and enjoy.

Apple Cider Bourbon Sour

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Eric LeGrand Single Barrel Bourbon
• ¾ oz Apple Cider
• ½ oz Lemon Juice
• ½ oz Maple Syrup

Directions:Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

These cocktails offer a festive way to toast the holiday as you gather around with family and friends. Enjoy the flavors of the season and make some cherished memories this Thanksgiving!

A new cocktail bar in Brickell, named Panamericano, has opened its doors, featuring a speakeasy vibe and a unique twist on craft cocktails inspired by North and South American themes. Located on the second floor of Mary Brickell Village, the entrance is discreet, marked only by an unmarked door and a doorbell, leading into a modern and sleek space dedicated to the art of mixology.

Owner Andrei Stern, a native of Mexico, has created a menu that celebrates the spirit of the Americas. The bar focuses on Latin American-inspired drinks prepared with regional ingredients sourced from throughout the continent, such as vodka from Peru, gin from Mexico, and rum from Belize. These cocktails are designed to playfully "Americanize" classic recipes, with options like the "Taco Martini," flavored with taco notes and garnished with a miniature taco, and a highball dubbed "From Argentina with Love," which nods to a beloved Argentine dessert.

In addition to its inventive drinks, Panamericano introduces immersive "ceremonies" themed around Latin American traditions. For example, the "Cacao Ceremony" combines cacao and corn in a fragrant foam, while the "San Pedro Ceremony" is served with a candle to enhance the sensory experience, drawing on Ayahuasca rituals. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, there’s the "Water Divination Ceremony," honoring Colombia’s Kogi tribe, which is offered to guests blindfolded, promoting a unique engagement of the senses.

The design of Panamericano reflects its commitment to showcasing the cocktail-making craft. The bar features a T-shaped layout with a 39-inch work stage, allowing guests to observe the bartenders as they create each drink. This interactive approach makes the cocktail experience more than just ordering; it’s about appreciating the artistry behind it.

To foster a community among cocktail lovers, Panamericano will host monthly bar takeovers, featuring local bars like Kaiju and Swizzle Rum Bar, for unique mixology collaborations. Stern emphasizes the goal of enhancing Miami’s cocktail culture and celebrating the local talent within the industry.

For more information, visit Panamericano.

Panamericano
900 S. Miami Ave.; 305-403-7304; Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to midnight.

On a rainy evening in Seoul, the ambiance of Chaeg Bar in the Mangwon-dong neighborhood sets the scene for a unique trend known as “text hip.” The bar, dimly lit and echoing classical music, features walls adorned with shelves overflowing with books, some available for purchase and others to read on-site. The menus, creatively designed, list cocktails named after literary classics, enhancing the literary atmosphere.

Patrons, immersed in the cozy environment, sip drinks while they delve into their chosen books, embodying the idea that reading can be not only enjoyable but also trendy. Chaeg Bar has captured the essence of “text hip,” where literature and socializing intertwine seamlessly.

This cultural movement is amplified by the influence of K-pop stars, such as Minji from NewJeans, who are making reading appealing to a younger audience. The ambiance, combined with intriguing cocktails and the charm of books, has turned this bar into a favored hotspot for late-night readers looking for a blend of relaxation and enrichment.

For many, Friendsgiving is a wonderful opportunity to gather with loved ones and experiment with holiday recipes that might not make it to the main Thanksgiving table. It’s also a chance to indulge in food and drinks without the pressures of elaborate meal preparation. When it comes time to bring a contribution, why not skip the traditional casserole and impress your friends with delicious, crowd-pleasing cocktails instead?

Here are some go-to cocktail recipes that are sure to elevate your Friendsgiving:

Thanksgiving Jungle Juice

This punch serves up a festive twist on the classic jungle juice, perfect for those looking to be the life of the party. Easy to create in a big batch, it’s a delightful way to serve those at your gathering.

Find the Thanksgiving Jungle Juice recipe here.

Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas

Combine apple cider and tequila for a refreshing drink. A touch of hot honey with Calvados introduces lovely caramel apple notes, making this cocktail an excellent choice for fall.

Get the Spicy Apple Cider Margaritas recipe here.

Kalimotxo Cola Punch

Elevate red wine with a splash of Coca-Cola for a refreshing punch that will surprise your guests. It’s a coming-together of casual drinks with festive elements, making it perfect for the occasion.

Discover the Kalimotxo Cola Punch recipe here.

Lambrusco Smash

This cocktail showcases Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine, combined with other ingredients to create a sophisticated, flavorful drink that everyone will love.

Check out the Lambrusco Smash recipe here.

Pumpkin Pie Martini

If you can’t spend time making pumpkin pie, this martini gives you all the festive flavors of the dessert in a glass. It’s an absolute favorite among guests.

View the Pumpkin Pie Martini recipe here.

Cranberry-Apple Sangria

With a blend of cranberries and cinnamon, this Sangria is perfect for the holidays. Prep in advance and serve it in one big pitcher for easy entertaining.

Get the Cranberry-Apple Sangria recipe here.

Cranberry Aperol Spritz

Put a seasonal twist on the classic Aperol Spritz with cranberry juice for a drink that’s visually striking and deliciously refreshing.

Find the Cranberry Aperol Spritz recipe here.

Apple Pie Bourbon Shots

For bourbon enthusiasts, these apple pie shots bring together essential fall flavors for a festive treat that will ignite the party.

Learn how to make Apple Pie Bourbon Shots here.

Turkeytini

Dessert lovers will adore this cocktail that melds delectable flavors of Baileys, chocolate liqueur, and bourbon into an unforgettable treat.

Check out the Turkeytini recipe here.

Apple Cider Spritz

This seasonal spritz takes the inspiration from the summer classic and beautifully marries it with spiced cider for a delightful fall drink.

Get the Apple Cider Spritz recipe here.

By opting for these festive cocktails as your Friendsgiving contribution, you can ensure your gathering is filled with warmth and cheer.

St. Joe’s Café has officially opened its doors in downtown Hillsdale, fulfilling the dream of owners Joshua and Hannah Minicio. Initially imagined while Joshua was in Oklahoma making artisan sourdough bread, their concept took shape after he and Hannah moved to Hillsdale.

After signing the lease in 2021, it took a whole year before they could begin construction, which has spanned the last two years. Now, the café is welcoming patrons to enjoy wood-fired pizza, cocktails, and local Ad Astra coffee, among other offerings.

"Everyone likes pizza, no matter who you are," said Joshua, highlighting the café’s inclusive menu which is designed to cater to the community’s tastes. The Minicio family is focused on providing high-quality ingredients, even sourcing many locally.

The couple has been impressed by the response so far. "Each weekend, we learn something new and we grow as a staff," Hannah noted. Joshua emphasized their commitment to quality, explaining how the simplicity of pizza means they can focus on sourcing top-notch ingredients.

St. Joe’s Café plans to expand their hours and menu offerings, including a bread subscription program featuring sourdough bread and pastries baked in-house. They are currently open Thursday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., with lunch and breakfast hours on the horizon.

The café is located at 92 N. Broad St., Hillsdale, and more information can be found on their website.