Recipes 358

Kylie Jenner and her best friend, Anastasia Karanikolaou, celebrated Kendall Jenner’s 30th birthday on a tropical island, which turned into a memorable getaway filled with fun and cocktails. In a vlog posted by Karanikolaou, viewers catch a glimpse of their sun-soaked adventure where they indulged in various foods and exotic drinks.

The highlight of the trip seemed to be a signature cocktail known as Coco Loco, made from coconut water, tequila, gin, rum, lime, and vodka. However, the drink didn’t sit well with Karanikolaou, who struggled to keep a straight face after tasting it, describing the flavor as nearly indistinguishable from coconut water and rum.

As they celebrated, the group, which included Kendall’s family and friends like Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Justine Skye, partook in the festivities that saw Kendall looking stunning in a geometric print skirt and halter top. Kim even shared her own snapshots from the festivities on Instagram, showcasing a vibrant party atmosphere complete with fireworks, tasty treats, shots of her 818 Tequila, and a fantastic vintage-themed birthday cake.

Kendall turned 30 on November 3, and the celebration exemplified a joyous outing marked by laughter and unforgettable moments.

For more insights on the celebration, you can check out the full story on Reality Tea.

Dry January and Sober October have gained popularity as many seek to reduce alcohol consumption during the festive seasons. However, it’s worth exploring the option of moderation throughout the holiday season itself. Traditional choices often lie between high-alcohol cocktails and mocktails, but now there’s an appealing middle ground: low ABV (Alcohol by Volume) cocktails that still provide a festive touch without the risks of high alcohol content.

Here are seven delightful low ABV cocktails to enjoy during the busy holiday celebrations:

Genji

Created at No Smoking Bar in Los Angeles, this cocktail features Nikaido Oita Mugi Shochu, Amontillado Sherry, French Sweet Vermouth, and Angostura Bitters. Ben Rojo, co-owner and bartender, describes Genji as an elegant drink with a blend of fortified wines, boasting complex flavors that enhance its low alcohol content.

Ono Spritz

At Live! By Loews Arlington, the Ono Spritz combines Ono Sake, St. Germain Elderflower, fresh lemon juice, and Fever Tree soda water. Megan Tiambing, Director of Outlets, emphasizes that this cocktail invites guests to slow down and savor their experience.

Mistletoe Spritz

Served at Bar Stilwell at Loews Kansas City Hotel, this cocktail is a festive mixture of Lyres Spritz (non-alcoholic), blood orange syrup, soda water, and Lunetta Prosecco. Bar Manager Ryan Barkalow highlights its bright flavors, perfect for comforting winter evenings.

Verde Oculto

Found at Clandestino in Chicago, Verde Oculto combines Green Chartreuse, Campari, and tonic, creating a cocktail that is balanced and refreshing, according to Gilberto Mendez, Beverage Director at Éxodo Hospitality.

Nutty Spritz

At Pen Top in New York City, the Nutty Spritz combines Disaronno, Prosecco, and Fever Tree Club Soda. Bar Manager Pierre Baysset describes it as a bubbly sip that balances nutty sweetness with elegance, making it ideal for aperitivo hour.

The Baron

Served at Circa 55 Rooftop at The Beverly Hilton, The Baron features a distinctive blend of whiskey, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness. This drink embodies the spirit of the holidays, as articulated by Ryan Patterson, Director of Sales and Marketing.

Botanical Blush

At Topside in Newport Beach, this cocktail combines Lillet Blanc, Italicus liqueur, grapefruit juice, lemon, honey, and rosemary, finished with Scarpetta Prosecco. Chef-Partner Riley Huddleston notes that its bright profile and complexity invite enjoyment without relying on high-proof spirits.

These cocktails exemplify how you can enjoy festive flavors while maintaining a moderate approach to alcohol consumption this holiday season.

In the vibrant culinary scene of Philadelphia, Mecha Noodle Bar has opened its latest location on Front Street. This expanding brand, which has grown to six states, originated from the college dorm experiences of childhood friends Rich Reyes and Tony Pham. "Mecha" translates to "mom and pop" in Vietnamese, serving as a tribute to Chef Tony Pham’s Asian-American heritage as his parents once owned a pho shop.

The menu features an array of comforting Asian dishes, including ramen, pho, baos, and dumplings, as well as a selection of drinks such as bubble teas and sakes. A unique aspect of their business model is their commitment to philanthropy; for every bowl of ramen sold, they donate fifty cents to a local charity. This initiative has led to over one million dollars being raised for charitable causes across their ten locations.

Mecha Noodle Bar
1700 North Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122
267-797-7577
Hours: Mon-Sat, 4pm-10pm (Sun until 9pm)

As the final season of Outlander approaches, fans are eagerly preparing for viewing parties to celebrate the conclusion of Claire and Jamie’s saga. While the exact premiere date remains unannounced, anticipation is high following the prequel series, Blood of My Blood, which kept fans entertained in the meantime.

Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser, has recently published a cocktail book, The Cocktail Diaries: A Spirited Adventure. This book is rich with cocktail recipes inspired by his travels and experiences while filming Outlander. In preparation for the watch party, Heughan shares three cocktails perfect for the occasion, complete with personal anecdotes.

Whisky Highball

This refreshing cocktail was inspired by Heughan’s trip to Japan while promoting Outlander Season 2. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 2oz (60ml) whisky (blended Scotch or Japanese whisky recommended)
• 4oz (120ml) soda water
• Lemon slice (for garnish)
• Ice (cubed)

Directions:

1. Fill a highball glass with cubed ice.
2. Add the whisky and top with soda water.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Garnish with a lemon slice.

Sassenach Cosmopolitan

For a twist on the classic Cosmopolitan, this recipe substitutes gin for vodka, providing a unique flavor profile:

Ingredients:

• 1½oz (45ml) Sassenach Wild Scottish Gin
• ¾oz (22.5ml) Cointreau
• ¾oz (22.5ml) cranberry juice
• ¼oz (7.5ml) cranberry syrup
• ½oz (15ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 fresh cranberries (for garnish)
• Ice (cubed)

Directions:

1. Chill a glass and set aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice and add all ingredients.
3. Shake well to chill and combine.
4. Double strain into the chilled glass and garnish with cranberries.

Bee’s Knees

Particularly fitting for the final season, this cocktail ties into Claire’s role as a beekeeper.

Ingredients:

• 2oz (60ml) gin
• ¾oz (22.5ml) fresh lemon juice
• ½oz (15ml) honey syrup
• Orange twist (for garnish)
• Ice (cubed)

Directions:

1. Chill a glass and set aside.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
3. Add gin, lemon juice, and honey syrup, shaking well.
4. Strain into your chilled glass and garnish with an orange twist.

With these delightful cocktails, fans are sure to elevate their Outlander watch parties, setting the right mood for the final chapter of this epic tale. For more cocktail inspirations, Heughan’s book is available where books are sold.

The complex flavor of lemongrass, reminiscent yet distinct from its lemon namesake, has made it a favorite among mixologists. While commonly used in cooking for dishes like stir-fries, lemongrass also shines in cocktails when prepared properly.

To incorporate lemongrass into your drinks, you can follow several methods:

Infuse Spirits with Lemongrass

Infusing spirits is an excellent way to add flavor without altering the cocktail’s texture. Vodka, white rum, or gin work best for this method. Simply cut the lemongrass stalks in half, slice them into inch-long pieces, and submerge them in the chosen spirit. In about 24 hours, you can start to taste mild flavors, but letting it sit for two weeks yields better results.

Create Lemongrass Syrup

Simple syrup can enhance cocktails by adding sweetness and flavor. To make lemongrass syrup, simmer two chopped stalks with equal parts sugar and water for ten minutes. This syrup can feature prominently in cocktails like a vodka gimlet or add depth to a Moscow mule.

Muddle Lemongrass

Muddling is effective with lemongrass due to its robust texture. Crushing the stalks releases their essential oils for a fresh, vibrant flavor. You can make cocktails similar to a mint julep or a mojito by replacing or combining mint with muddled lemongrass.

Use Lemongrass Tea

Preparing lemongrass tea involves boiling the stalks to extract maximum flavor. This tea can be utilized in tall, refreshing drinks like ginger coolers or a nice cocktail spritzer. It also serves well as a flavorful mocktail base when combined with other ingredients.

Garnish with Lemongrass

For a unique touch, lemongrass can be used as a garnish. Thin strips of lemongrass can add flair to your cocktail, and a whole stalk can function as a swizzle stick. To enhance flavor, bruise the stalk before using it in the drink.

By employing these techniques, lemongrass can elevate your cocktail game, introducing sophisticated, fresh flavors that are sure to impress.

Just like any other kitchen equipment, having the right bar tools can significantly enhance your cocktail-making experience. A cocktail enthusiast, who often engages in shaking, stirring, and muddling, realized that their bar tool collection was outdated—a mismatched array accumulated over the years that didn’t quite meet the mark.

However, a recent discovery of the Caraway Complete Bar Set has transformed their cocktail-making game. Launched in late October, this comprehensive nine-piece set includes a 16.9-ounce insulated cocktail shaker, muddler, wine key, strainer, bar spoon, and jigger, all designed for functionality and style. The thoughtful inclusion of a wooden storage base and a color-customizable fabric-wrapped backer brought aesthetically pleasing organization to the bar space.

Crafted from stainless steel, most tools are dishwasher-safe (excluding the wine key), ensuring ease of maintenance. The standout piece, the cocktail shaker, boasts a robust design that guarantees a secure closure, eliminating messy spills—a significant upgrade from previously used, thinner metal shakers. Additionally, its size is perfect, accommodating two cocktails at once while remaining easy to handle.

The jigger’s innovative design, featuring internal measurement markings, simplifies the process of measuring ingredients, a feature that makes it more user-friendly than traditional jiggers. The other tools—a bar spoon, muddler, and strainer—are high-quality as well, with the muddler offering an ergonomic design and dishwasher-friendly convenience.

The entire set enhances not only functionality but also the visual appeal of the bar area, with color options for the storage backer allowing personalization to fit existing decor. This arrangement promotes efficiency, giving easy access to essentials for cocktail hour without the hassle of digging through drawers.

For those looking to elevate their cocktail crafting, the Caraway Complete Bar Set is currently available for $245, reduced from the original price of $315.

• Caraway Complete Bar Set

This fall season, as the weather cools and the leaves change color, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family around a punch bowl. Whether you’re cozying up by a fireplace or hosting an autumnal gathering, the right beverage can enhance the mood. Here’s a selection of seven big-batch cocktails ideal for fall, featuring a mix of traditional flavors and innovative blends.

Gaelic Punch

This warm Irish punch, crafted by cocktail historian David Wondrich, showcases Irish whiskey. It incorporates classic elements like spirit, sugar, citrus, and spices, creating a comforting drink perfect for chilly evenings. For the best results, use a young Irish whiskey and pre-warm the serving bowl to maintain the drink’s temperature.

Get the Recipe

Nonalcoholic Cranberry-Pomegranate Punch

M. Carrie Allan developed this vibrant zero-proof punch, which combines cranberry and pomegranate juices with a tea-infused simple syrup. To elevate its festive spirit, top this refreshing drink with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. For those who prefer an alcoholic version, you can easily substitute with a dry prosecco or cava.

Get the Recipe

Sparkling Cranberry-Ginger Punch

A delightful blend of tart cranberry juice and spicy ginger ale, this low-alcohol punch leverages frozen cranberries to keep it cool. You may want to have extra sparkling wine handy for guests to enjoy a top-off throughout the evening.

Get the Recipe

Sparkling Pear Punch

In this effervescent punch, chef Mashama Bailey celebrates the flavors of pear through pear brandy, pear nectar, spiced liqueur, hard cider, and fresh slices. A hint of lemon juice adds brightness, making it perfect for both fall and winter festivities. You can prepare the basic mixture a day in advance and just add the sparkling cider on the day of your event.

Get the Recipe

Pomegranate-Tequila Punch

This festive punch merges blanco tequila with pomegranate juice, ginger tea, maple syrup, and lime juice for a perfectly balanced sweet-sour taste. It can be batched up to three days before serving, making it a convenient option for holiday gatherings.

Get the Recipe

Anjou Punch

Crafted by bartender Leo Robitschek, this punch combines Cognac, pear liqueur, cinnamon, citrus juice, and Champagne. Its rich flavors and festive spirit make it an excellent choice for fall and winter celebrations, serving up to 12 people.

Get the Recipe

Cranberry Punch with Sumac

Another refreshing creation by chef Mashama Bailey, this punch features a bright base of frozen cranberries combined with sugar and tart sumac, topped off with sparkling water. The preparation is simple and produces a drink that captures the essence of seasonal flavors without the alcohol.

Get the Recipe

These large-batch cocktails not only provide variety for guests with different tastes but also set a warm and inviting tone for your fall gatherings. Happy mixing!

Michael Smuss, a Holocaust survivor, painter, and fighter during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, has passed away at the age of 99. His death on October 21 was confirmed by his wife in Israel, with Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, announcing that his funeral would take place the following day.

Born in 1926 in Danzig, now known as Gdansk, Poland, Smuss later moved to Lodz and Warsaw. By 1940, he was one of the hundreds of thousands of Jews imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto, which initially housed around 380,000 people, with conditions deteriorating into rampant disease and starvation.

Joining the Jewish resistance, Smuss became involved with an underground group led by Mordechai Anielewicz. During his resistance efforts, he accessed materials to create Molotov cocktails, which were crucial for their fight against Nazi forces. Smuss described how they prepared bottles filled with flammable substances, anticipating the Nazi assault.

On April 19, 1943, when the Nazis attempted to demolish the ghetto, hundreds—Smuss included—fought back fiercely. He successfully resisted and was one of the few to survive what lasted almost a month before the ghetto was subdued. Although he was captured and en route to Treblinka, the Nazis redirected him back due to a labor shortage, leading Smuss to endure life in other camps.

After the war, Smuss emigrated to the United States, where he established a family before moving to Israel and embarking on his healing journey through art. He developed a passion for painting, utilizing it as a means to process his traumatic past. Throughout his life, he maintained an incredible sense of humor, much to the admiration of his family. Smuss’s legacy includes his dedication to educating future generations about the horrors he endured and survived.

Richard Sandoval Hospitality is celebrating Día de los Muertos with an innovative culinary event called Sacred Moon. This initiative transforms the phases of the moon into unique cocktail-and-plate pairings, showcasing the rich traditions of the holiday.

Chef Richard Sandoval, recognized for his passion for Latin American cuisine, is launching Sacred Moon at over 60 restaurants globally. The event features a month-long immersive experience with special menus, decorations, and drinks inspired by the lunar cycle. The culinary highlight includes an intimate tasting dinner that presents three distinct dishes paired with eight cocktails, known as the Lunar Beverage Collection.

The tasting event, designed to deepen the appreciation of Día de los Muertos, will be led by Sandoval along with Chef Giancarlo Sandoval and mixology expert Riesler Morales from Casa Lumbre, a renowned Mexican spirits company. Each cocktail in the collection is inspired by a phase of the moon. For instance, the Lunar Goddess cocktail uses tequila and fig-infused honey, while the Moon’s Embrace features Mexican whiskey and rose water.

For those unable to attend the tasting event, a selection of these specially crafted cocktails will be available at select Richard Sandoval restaurants across the U.S. until November 3. Additionally, certain locations internationally, such as Cayao at the Four Seasons Resort in Cabo San Lucas and Toro at The St. Regis Kanai Resort in Riviera Maya, will also feature the holiday-inspired menu.

Chef Sandoval is sharing a couple of cocktail recipes from the Lunar Beverage Collection for those looking to celebrate at home. The recipes include a cocktail inspired by the New Moon, featuring mezcal and pumpkin, and another inspired by the Waxing Crescent, which mixes tequila with tamarind and black salt.

These curated cocktails not only honor Mexican culinary traditions but also invite guests to experience the vibrant spirit of Día de los Muertos through delightful flavors and artisanal craftsmanship.

There are many factors that connect us as a global community, such as books, music, and movies. Cocktails also play a significant role in this connection, and vodka, in particular, serves as a universal spirit that can enhance flavors from various cultures. Its versatility makes vodka a favorable choice for cocktail enthusiasts around the world.

Experts like Claire Mallett (Catch One LA), Mark Simmonds (Broken Shed Vodka), Jennifer Jackson (Thompson Hotels), Ross Hensley (Aspen Vodka), and Sean Kenyon (Blue Collar Cocktails) shared insights on popular vodka cocktails that deserve a spot on your drink list. If you haven’t sampled these cocktails yet, now is the perfect time to explore.

1. Vodka Gimlet: Initially a gin cocktail, the vodka variation highlights the richness of quality vodka. Mark Simmonds noted the growing popularity of this drink as vodka gains appreciation worldwide.

2. Kamikaze: Originally a shooter, this sweet and sour cocktail made with vodka, lime juice, and orange liqueur has become popular as a classic cocktail. Simmonds recommends serving it like a martini for a sophisticated twist.

3. Dirty Martini: Once gaining traction in the U.S. largely due to James Bond’s influence, the dirty martini is simple yet elegant, emphasizing the quality of the vodka. Claire Mallett suggests shaking until ice chips appear for the perfect chill.

4. Kukur Tihar: Inspired by India’s Festival of Dogs, this cocktail combines vodka, olive juice, grapefruit juice, and cardamom bitters, reflecting the bold flavors of South Asia.

5. Aussie Espresso Martini: A favorite in Australia, this variation of the classic espresso martini incorporates local coffee liqueur and vanilla vodka to create a uniquely smooth texture.

6. Scottish Pete’s Martini: Utilizing Scotch whisky instead of vermouth, this cocktail celebrates a creative historical adaptation that offers a unique depth of flavor with a simple olive juice addition.

7. Cosmopolitan: A quintessential cocktail in the U.S., it gained worldwide fame through popular media, notably "Sex and the City." Featuring vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, and lime, it remains a staple in cocktail menus globally.

8. Bloody Mary: A brunch classic, this cocktail combines vodka with a spiced tomato juice blend. Originating in Paris, it has since become a worldwide staple at brunches everywhere.

9. Vesper Martini: This sophisticated drink, made famous by James Bond, features both gin and vodka, creating a complex flavor profile that has garnered global popularity.

10. Vodka Martini: This foundational cocktail is adaptable worldwide, easily made with quality vodka to suit varied tastes and palates.

These vodka cocktails not only showcase the spirit’s versatility but also demonstrate how it transcends borders, embodying the creativity and diversity present in global bartending cultures. Each cocktail tells its story through the ingredients and the traditions it carries from its origin to your glass.