Top 10 Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Top Ten Non-Alcoholic Cocktails for Designated Drivers
Is it your turn to be the designated driver for your group’s next big night out? Don’t worry, just because you can’t drink alcohol doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. You also won’t be stuck sipping plain soda and lime or soft drinks; here are some of the best non-alcoholic cocktails you’ll be able to enjoy while assuring your party that everyone will get home safe and sound.
Sweet Drinks
10. Orange-Lime Mocktail
1 highball glass, chilled
2.5 ounces orange juice
1 ounce lime juice
5 ounces Sprite or 7-up
1 wedge of lime for garnish
Pour the sprite into a chilled cocktail shaker, add the orange and lime juices, and shake well. Pour into the chilled highball glass, and garnish with a wedge of lime or an orange slice.
9. Shirley Temple
1 Highball glass, full of ice cubes
Orange juice
Pineapple juice
Dash of lime syrup
Sprite or 7 up
Grenadine
Fill glass 1/3 with orange juice. Add some pineapple juice and a dash of lime syrup. Fill the glass with sprite or 7up. Top with grenadine. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
8. Roy Rogers
1 Highball glass, full of ice cubes
Orange juice
Pineapple juice
Dash of lime syrup
Coca cola
Grenadine
Fill glass 1/3 with orange juice. Add some pineapple juice and a dash of lime syrup. Fill the glass with Coca-cola. Top with grenadine. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
7. Strawberry Piña Colada Mocktail
1 Cocktail or wine glass or Highball glass
1 cup crushed ice
2 ounces coconut milk
3 ounces pineapple juice
2 tablespoons strawberry syrup
1 tablespoon sugar syrup
Handful fresh strawberries
Cinnamon stick and orange slice for garnish.
Put ice, coconut milk, pineapple juice, sugar syrup, strawberry syrup and strawberries into blender or shaker. Shake well, do not strain. Pour into glass. Garnish with orange slice and cinnamon stick.
6. Mock Margarita
Do not make the mistake of thinking that simply throwing some pre-made margarita mix into a blender with some ice will make a great non-alcoholic drink. Many of these mixes have strange aftertastes and are simply too sweet. The best solution is to make your own mock margarita from scratch.
1 cocktail glass, rimmed with coarse sea salt
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (use more for a more tart drink)
2 ounces of freshly squeezed orange juice (adjust to your liking)
1 teaspoon or sugar (again adjust to your liking)
About 3.4 cup ice
Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend well. Adjust the amount of lime juice or orange juice according to your personal preference. Pour into the cocktail glass, and garnish with a slice of lime.
To make this a fruit margarita, simply add a handful of fresh or frozen fruit, and use a sugared rim instead of a salted one.
5. Karachi Lemonade
1 tall glass
1 ounce of lime or lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Sugar to taste
Pinch of salt
Carbonated mineral water
Ice cubes
Place the lime juice, sugar, and salt in the glass and stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Add the carbonated mineral water and ice cubes, stir and serve. An excellent drink when it’s hot outside.
4. Rail Splitter
1 tall glass
1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 teaspoons sugar syrup or plain sugar
Ginger ale
Mix the lemon juice and sugar together in a tall glass. Once the sugar has dissolved, fill glass with ginger ale and add ice cubes if desired.
Savory Drinks
3. Spicy Mock Salty Dog
1 cocktail glass, rimmed with coarse sea salt
3 ounces grapefruit juice
1 dash Tabasco sauce
1 small pinch cayenne pepper
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake well, at least 30 seconds, strain and pour into a salt-rimmed cocktail glass.
2. Tamarind Mocktail
1 tall glass
1 teaspoon of tamarind paste with seeds removed (see method below)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 generous pinch of salt
1 generous pinch of cayenne pepper
Water or soda water
Mix the tamarind paste with sugar, salt, and cayenne pepper in the bottom of a tall glass. Fill the glass with water or soda water, and add ice cubes if desired.
There are many tamarind pastes available on the market that do not contain seeds; however if the paste is hard are there are seeds, you’ll just need to follow a few short steps. Take about a tablespoon of the paste, place it in a bowl, and pour some hot water over it. Stir, and a few minutes later, you’ll be able to remove the seeds and the paste will be ready to use.
And our number one non-alcoholic cocktail is…
The Mock Caesar
This classic Canadian cocktail is the perfect non-alcoholic drink; it’s tasty without being too thick, it’s spicy without being overpowering, and it is excellent for those who want something other than the run-of-the-mill sugary non-boozy offerings. It’s also much more flavorful than the world-renowned Bloody Mary due to the use of clamato juice instead of plain tomato juice. If clamato juice is not available in your area, please see the note below.
1 Highball glass or tulip glass, rimmed with celery salt and filled with ice cubes.
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice, not syrup
Clamato juice
3-4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
2-3 drops Tabasco sauce
Celery stick for garnish
Pour the lime juice, Worcestershire and Tabasco sauces and Clamato juice over the ice cubes, and stir. Add a dash of salt and pepper if you like, and garnish with a wedge of lime and a celery stick. For better visual effect, use a stalk that still has leaves on it.
If you cannot get clamato juice in your area, you can make your own by mixing tomato juice and the juice from a tin of prepared clams.
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The Best Margarita Mixes
The Best Margarita Mixes: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
We all want to be star bartenders when we give a party at home; however, because of the number of guests it may very well be impossible to make fancy frozen drinks from scratch with fresh ingredients. Time becomes of the essence and instead of making the perfect cocktail, guests simply want a cocktail that tastes good. One of the ways you can cut down on your drink-making time at your party is to use packaged mixes; this way your guests can have a tasty drink and you’ll be able to enjoy your get-together and chat with your friends instead of slaving away behind your home bar.
The most popular cocktail in North America to serve to men and women at parties is the famous Margarita. It can be a sweet “girly” drink by simply adding fruit and substituting a salted rim for a sugared one; the original version with its combination of tequila, sweet, sour and salty pleases even the most macho of guests. Here is our selection of the best Margarita mixes to use at your next house party.
The Good
Margaritaville
This sugary-sweet mix, while it isn’t nearly as good as a freshly-made drink, is still good enough to use when you’re pressed for time. Although it doesn’t contain any juice, reviewers state that it’s tart enough to go well with salt. It does have a slight chemical aftertaste, and people who’ve tried say that cocktails made with it taste like hard lemonade.
Ingredients include water, corn syrup, citric acid, sodium citrate, cellulose gum for texture, gum acacia, natural flavors, preservatives, and food coloring.
Williams-Sonoma Key Lime
This offering has a few more organic ingredients and items that are a bit more recognizable as edible; although it tastes strongly of orange rather than limes, it’s good enough to serve at a party. One of the more unexpected flavors from this mix is the faint taste of honey, and reviewers say that “it hits the spot”.
Ingredients include filtered water, organic agave syrup (to highlight the taste of the tequila), sugar, tangerine juice, key lime juice, citric acid, natural flavors, key lime extract and ascorbic acid which serves as a preservative.
Jose Cuervo Original Margarita Mix
From the makers of Jose Cuervo tequila, this pre-made mix does the job and is recommended for people who prefer their margaritas on the sweeter side. Described as “yummy juice”, it is also a bit salty to bring some balance to the cocktail and also keeps the drink from tasting more like a sweet daiquiri.
Key ingredients include water, high fructose corn syrup, wine, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium benzoate, cellulose gum, natural flavors, food coloring and preservatives.
Master of Mixes
Although this mix makes a cocktail that tastes more like a sweet lemonade and definitely needs more lime flavor, it still works for party situations. It has key lime notes, but some reviewers claim it tastes of chemicals.
The list of ingredients for this pre-packaged mix include water and high fructose corn syrup, lime juice and lemon juice from concentrate, citric acid, sugar, natural flavors, agave nectar, corn starch, and an entire host of chemicals that act as preservatives and colorants.
The Bad
Mr. & Mrs. T Margarita Mix
This mix has been generously described as strangely floral and soapy. Some tasters claim the sweet to sour ratio is good, but most think the mix is simply far too sweet. Unless you like sugary and soapy margaritas, you’re better off giving this one a pass. The only natural ingredient in this mix appears to be agave nectar.
Daily’s Margarita Mix
Overpoweringly sweet with absolutely no lime taste, Daily’s actually makes the world’s most refreshing cocktail cloying, heavy, and no fun to drink. The only reason why a person should serve this at a party is absolutely nothing else is available.
Bacardi Margarita Mix
Sold as concentrate to which water and tequila are added, Bacardi’s mix looks beautiful and makes a handsome cocktail. However, that is as far as it goes; where taste is concerned, it’s a sugar bomb while being overwhelmingly sour. It tastes too much like the sour candies we used to eat as children.
The Ugly
TGI Friday’s Margarita Blenders
This one leaves a waxy residue in your mouth and tastes of chemicals like those found in bug spray. Enough said!
Skinny Girl Margarita
Skinny Girl Margarita isn’t technically a mix; it’s a pre-made bottled cocktail, ready to pour. It’s on our list because it should never be served, no matter how much of a rush you’re in at your party. Although it’s heavily hyped in the media because it’s the brainchild of “Real Housewives of NYC” star Bethenny Frankel, the truth is the beverage is awful. Generous reviewers call the drink “watery”, while others complained the cocktail tasted of onions. The citrus flavor is too heavy, the chemical aftertaste strong, and Skinny Girl Margarita also has the delightful taste of soap.
Both of the “ugly” margarita mixes do come in handy, though; if you want to shut the party down and go to bed, these two mixes will certainly encourage guests to leave!
Remember that Fresh is Always Best
Margarita mixes, no matter how good they are, will never be as good as freshly made cocktails. If you’ve got the time, then make them from scratch. However, if you don’t, then don’t panic; our selections in the “good” category will do. If you can’t find these mixes in your local shops, just remember this rule of thumb: margarita mixes that contain alcohol will usually not taste good. Go for the ones where you need to add alcohol yourself.
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The Difference between Champagne and Sparkling Wine
What’s the Difference between Champagne and Sparkling Wine?
When it comes to special occasions, everybody likes a glass of bubbly to celebrate in style. Champagne is the first thing that comes to mind when milestones are reached and nothing evokes the image of luxury more than sound of a champagne cork popping. However, there are some misconceptions about Champagne and sparkling white wine. Ask a person on the street if there is a difference, and the typical answer will be that sparkling white wine is cheap and inferior while Champagne is the more refined beverage. This is not necessarily true, and here we will explain why.
Champagne
Champagne is a sparkling wine that comes from the French region named “Champagne”, hence the name. Standards of wine labeling in France are a little bit different than in other wine regions of the world: while other countries will use the name of the grape varietal, French wines will use the name of the region where the grapes were grown.
In almost all countries of the world, “Champagne” must be made from grapes grown in the Champagne region and fermented using a prescribed method which is based on international trademark agreements outlined in the 1919 Treaty of Versailles.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is the exact same thing as Champagne; it is simply produced in other regions of the world. Many times, the method used to produce sparkling wine is exactly the same that is used in Champagne, France. However, as mentioned above, the name or “appellation” Champagne is legally protected; hardly any other countries are allowed to call their product Champagne.
However, in the United States, due to national labeling laws, it is legal for wine producers to call their sparkling wines “champagne”.
Is There a Difference in Quality?
While at first glance, many people might say no, all sparkling wines are the same, but the truth is that quality can range from terrible to absolutely sublime. First of all, there are many reasons why Champagne is considered to be the King of All Wines. All Champagne is basically made the same way and all production is held to an incredibly high standard; furthermore, any Champagne, even one that is relatively inexpensive, will be considered to be the finest of the fine wines.
This means that no matter what bottle of Champagne you choose, you’re going to be happy; and even though the entry-level Champagnes are great, the more expensive ones simply get better the higher the price is.
On the other hand, sparkling wines, because they only need to be “fizzy” and aren’t held to the same high standards, can range from truly awful to simply beautiful. One of the reasons why some sparkling wines can taste so bad is that they are not made by the same methods as Champagne. The French product takes years to make, while imitation champagne and inferior sparkling wines only need a few months.
Therefore, in general terms, Champagne is a sparkling wine, but not all wines that sparkle are Champagne.
How do I Select a Good Sparkling Wine or Champagne?
First of all, avoid half bottles or the tiny single serving bottles of champagne or sparkling wine. They are simply not worth it; they’re usually not fresh and won’t taste good. Always get a full-sized bottle or better yet, get a magnum, which is the equivalent of two bottles. Larger bottles let the Champagne age more gently. Some of the best Champagne and sparkling wine will come in a double magnum.
Champagne comes in a range from bone-dry to super-sweet. As a rule of thumb, any Champagne with the word “Brut” on the label will mean that it is dry to extra dry; “Sec” means medium dry, while “Doux” means sweet. As mentioned earlier, due to high production standards, all Champagne will be expensive but well worth the money.
Cava is sparkling wine from Spain. Although it is very good quality, it is not produced with the same hand-made method; the process is mechanized. This means that the price will be a fraction of those of French Champagnes. Cava tends to be dry with a hint of green apples and smoke. If budget is a concern, then Cava might be the best sparkling wine for you to try.
Prosecco from Italy is a sweeter sparkling wine that is also made differently from Champagne and Cava. This is a very good wine for casual sipping, and is very affordable. Professional wine reviewers like the fruity flavors and state that this is an excellent alternative to Champagne if price is a concern.
Asti is another Italian sparkling wine that is sweet, affordable, and quite low in alcohol content. For those who like sweet wines, Asti is a balanced sparkler that is never cloying. It only contains half the amount of alcohol that Champagne has.
Crémant sparkling wine from France is the one you want to try if you can’t afford Champagne but still want something of superior quality. Basically, it is the same as Champagne, made with the same methods but the grape varietals used may be different. The average price for a bottle of Crémant is about $20 USD, an absolute bargain for the quality of wine you get.
Sparkling Wines to Avoid
A good rule of thumb is that there are plenty of good sparkling wines that are under $20 USD. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get good quality. You do however, need to spend something. Dirt-cheap sparkling wines usually have a low alcohol content and will taste like fizzy soft drinks, cloyingly sweet and pinkish in color. They are made with the lowest common denominator when it comes to quality. With all the affordable and beautiful-tasting sparkling wines on the market, there’s no reason to select something that will leave you unsatisfied and unhappy!
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Top 5 Hot Alcoholic Drinks
The Top 5 Hot Drinks for Cold Weather
When it’s snowing outside and the temperatures dip below the freezing point, there’s nothing nicer than coming back indoors and enjoying a nice hot beverage. Instead of having a regular cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate, why not jazz things up a bit with one of our top five hot cocktails?
5. Blueberry Tea
This drink is an old-fashioned, sophisticated classic; while present-day bartenders may not be familiar with it, the recipe is easy enough to describe and it can be made at home in a jiffy.
1 brandy snifter (a footed glass with a large bowl), with a sugared rim
1 ounce Grand Marnier
1 ounce Amaretto
Hot black tea, unsweetened (orange pekoe or Assam black tea work best)
Slice of orange for garnish
For maximum aroma and flavor, first warm the glass by pouring in hot (not boiling) water, and let it sit for a minute or two, then empty out the water and sugar the rim. Pour in the Grand Marnier, Amaretto, and fill the glass with the hot brewed tea. Garnish with a slice of orange. Perfect for those who want a winter warmer that isn’t heavy with cream or other thick liquids. The caffeine from the tea will also work as a pick-me-up to help you recover from the cold.
For an extra special treat, use Earl Grey tea instead of a plain black version. Herbal tea may also be used.
4. Spanish Coffee
This timeless after-dinner dessert drink also is perfect after an evening walk in the snow or cold weather. To get the best flavors, only use freshly brewed drip coffee because instant coffee will taste somewhat metallic.
1 coffee mug or pousse-cafe glass, with a sugared rim
1 ounce Kahlua or other coffee liqueur
1 ounce white or silver unaged rum (Bacardi works best)
Black, freshly brewed coffee
Whipped cream
Orange slice for garnish
Warm the coffee mug first by pouring some hot water in it and leaving it for about 30 seconds. Remove the water, sugar the rim, and add the Kahlua and Bacardi rum. Fill the mug with hot black coffee, and top with whipped cream. Garnish with an orange.
To make the Spanish Coffee a bit more elaborate, drizzle some Kahlua over top of the whipped cream and add a maraschino cherry.
3. Hot Toddy
A favorite with the older generation, this is a beautiful hot drink that should not be ignored by the younger crowd. The combination of spices and hard liquor will warm you up, and anecdotal evidence exists that a hot toddy can help alleviate some of the symptoms of a common cold.
1 coffee mug or pousse-cafe glass
1 ounce blended whisky
2 teaspoons honey (add more to taste)
2 cloves
1 star anise
1 cinnamon stick
1 slice of lemon
Hot water
In a pot, boil the water with the spices and slice of lemon, let simmer for a few minutes so that the spices infuse the water. In the coffee mug, add the whiskey and honey, stir. Add the spiced water, serve, and enjoy.
2. Hot Buttered Rum
Another old-time favorite hot drink, hot buttered rum is an absolute delight to drink on cold, wet, and windy days. White unaged rum can be used, but if you want a cocktail that will delight your taste buds and knock your socks off, try the dark, spiced rum that comes from the West Indies.
1 coffee mug
1 or two ounces of dark spiced rum
1 teaspoon butter
1 or 2 teaspoons brown sugar
Hot water
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1 slice of lemon
1 star anise
Boil the water in a pot with the spices and lemon slice. While everything is simmering, place the butter and brown sugar in the coffee mug, and muddle the two together. Add the spiced hot water, and add the rum. Give everything a stir and enjoy.
And our choice for the best hot drink for cold weather is…
Polar Bear Hot Chocolate
This is the grown up version of a drink we all grew up with; hot chocolate. Nothing in the world beats a creamy smooth hot chocolate topped with a spoonful of whipped cream; here’s how to make it with a delightful adult twist. The Polar Bear is more than likely to become your new favorite winter-time beverage. It can be made with a pre-packaged instant hot chocolate powder, but it is simply phenomenal when made from scratch.
1 coffee mug
1 ounce white crème de menthe liqueur or Koskenkorva Minttu if available
1 ounce chocolate liqueur
5 or six ounces of milk
2 or 3 pieces of semi-sweet chocolate
Whipping cream
Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
Warm the milk in a pan, and add the pieces of chocolate, stirring often until the chocolate is melted and you have basic hot chocolate. Add the Koskenkorva Minttu and chocolate liqueur to the mug, then pour in the hot chocolate. Stir briefly, then top with whipping cream, and garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.
To add to this drink’s wow factor, drizzle a small amount of green crème de menthe liqueur on top of the whipped cream and top with the maraschino cherry; the combination of white, green and red will make the drink look like a gorgeous liquid peppermint candy.
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Maple Syrup Liqueur
A Canadian Delight: Home-made Maple Syrup Liqueur
When most people think about Canada, their thoughts will usually run to some of the country’s most famous (or infamous) culinary and cultural exports; Canadian back bacon, Celine Dion and Justin Bieber (who do tend to act like hams during live shows), ice hockey, butter tarts, Nanaimo bars and William Shatner.
Fortunately, there are some other things that Canadians are good for that can compliment or make up for the other exports, and one of the most important things is maple syrup. Sweet and uniquely flavoured, for centuries it was the only sweetener available in North America and was used to make maple butter, candies, sweets, cakes, and deliciously enough, cocktails and liqueurs.
Maple syrup liqueur isn’t exactly a huge industry in Canada; this is probably because good home-made liqueur can be made at home. Quite soon though, as international demand for all things maple syrup increases, we can be sure to see our liquor store shelves festooned with bottles of commercially produced maple syrup liqueur.
Although quite rare, there are some commercially available specimens: N.V. Maison des Futailles Sortilège Maple Syrup and Canadian Whiskey Liqueur from Quebec is one that is building a good reputation for itself. If you can’t find the deliciousness that is a maple syrup liqueur in your area, there’s no need to despair; you can easily make it at home yourself.
Making Maple Syrup Liqueur at Home
The recipe itself is easy: Just get a clean jar with a lid that seals properly, or a bottle that can be corked, and pour in one cup of Canadian rye whiskey and one cup of maple syrup. Close the jar, and give everything a good shake, then put it in the refrigerator for about two weeks. It will then be ready to serve.
Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? Well, before you run out and buy a bottle of Aunt Jemima pancake syrup and a bottle of generic Canadian rye whiskey, you have to keep in mind that the liqueur making process will only work if you use proper ingredients. The syrup that you usually put on pancakes at a breakfast restaurant usually doesn’t contain maple syrup at all; it just contains hi-fructose corn syrup and some maple flavoring. If you use this in your recipe, you’ll end up with something that will taste overpoweringly sweet with not much flavor.
Real maple syrup must be used. This is the stuff that’s usually three or four or even five times the price of Mrs. Butterworth’s Pancake Syrup, and it’s pricier for good reason. Maple syrup is a pure ingredient; no additives or preservatives are added to it. Real maple syrup comes from Eastern Canada – namely Quebec and Vermont in the north-eastern United States. Maple syrup is also produced in Ontario, Canada and in the American state of Maine. It comes in various grades and has a very strong flavor that almost all find incredibly tasty. The highest grade of maple syrup is Grade A Light Amber, which is delicate, sweet and floral; however, if you want a liqueur with a strong maple note, then you might want to go for a grade B syrup: in general terms, the darker the syrup, the stronger the maple taste.
As far as rye whiskey is concerned, get a good one. Crown Royal is almost always a winner and can be enjoyed on its own, and Canadian Club is also a good
Canadian whiskey.
By mixing top quality maple syrup and rye whiskey, you’ll get a terrific tasting and uniquely Canadian liqueur.
But How do you Drink Maple Liqueur?
There are several ways to drink maple liqueur. Because it is a very warm flavor, it’s probably a drink to consume during the winter time or on wet, rainy days. The best way to drink it is neat, served in a nice port wine glass or footed shot glass. It can also be served on the rocks.
Maple Coffee
A traditional favorite way to drink the homemade liqueur is to make a fancy coffee with it. If you’ve got maple sugar, use it to rim a coffee mug. Simply pour in some freshly brewed coffee, add one or two ounces of the liqueur, and top with some whipped cream.
Quebec Paralyzer
Maple liqueur also makes an interesting substitute for Kahlua in the cocktail known as a Paralyzer. In a glass full of ice cubes, simply pour in ½ ounce of vodka, 1.5 ounces of maple liqueur, and pour in some Coca-cola until almost the top of the glass. Float some Half&Half or whole-fat milk on top, and garnish with a slice of lime.
Maple Ginger & Rye
A hiball drink that’s very common is rye and ginger ale. The two flavours go together perfectly, making a drink that’s smooth with just a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for people who find rum and coke to be too sugary. Maple liqueur would be a great addition; however to make the most of the flavors and avoid too much of a sugar flavor, it should be made in a tall glass.
Simply fill a very tall glass with ice cubes, pour one or two ounces of maple liqueur, ½ ounce of rye, and ginger ale over the ice cubes. Give a stir and serve.
Quebec Russian
Just like the famous Black Russian cocktail, this one will also be dark, sweet, and strong. When you’re asked if you’d like a second one, you’ll surely shout “oui”! In a short glass with a few ice cubes, pour 1.5 ounces of maple liqueur and ½ ounce of vodka. Stir and drink.
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Does the City of Harbin Make the Best Beer?
Does the City of Harbin Make the Best Beer?
Harbin is a city in northern China and is the capital of the Heilongjiang province. The tenth largest city in the country with over 5 million inhabitants living in the city limits, it also has something that can be considered a national treasure: China’s oldest beer brewery.
Harbin is a city that is famous for a few things; in the winter-time it’s bitterly cold but artists manage to make a city of ice sculptures that is unparalleled anywhere in the world, and it is also a UNESCO “City of Music”. Because Harbin at different times throughout its history belonged to China and Russia, the city is also known for its buildings and architecture that reflect its incredibly multi-cultural past. In fact, in the early 1900’s during railway construction, the city of Harbin was made up of residents from 53 different countries, and 45 languages were spoken on the city’s streets.
Due to wars and political situations, many of Harbin’s residents had to leave the country, but one thing that got left behind was a deep love and understanding of beer. The Harbin Brewery, which some critics say make “plain” beer, is a jewel in China’s beer crown. While many will claim that Tsingtao beer from further east in the country is better; people who live in Harbin and people who have been fortunate enough to spend some time there know that Harbin Brewery beer is good, but there are independent brew pubs all over the place in the city and these are the places to go if you want a beer that is simply outstanding.
Harbin is an extraordinary place for beer lovers. During the summer, beer gardens abound where local micro-breweries offer their wares along with the best kebabs and bread on the continent. During the winter time, brew-pubs offer hot spicy foods that make their in-house beer taste even better. The citizens’ love of beer can be seen everywhere from the omnipresent Harbin Brewery products to the street decorations which happen to be old beer barrels. Harbin is the best city to visit in Asia for beer tourism, hands down. Here are some of the varieties of beer that you can get in brew-pubs in Harbin.
Black beer A personal favorite of mine, and one of the main reasons why I’ll be going back to Harbin for a “beercation”. This dark brew offered in many brew-pubs but not available in cans or bottles at the supermarket is a real treat; unlike Scottish or Irish stout beers, Harbin’s black beers are more along the lines of Mexican black beer like Modelo Negra, but with a touch more of an espresso note and a slightly creamier texture. If you’re expecting something like a Guinness, you’ll be a bit disappointed because Harbin’s black beer is a bit more refreshing in nature. Black beer goes beautifully well with typical Harbin dishes that are loaded up with cumin and chilies.
Seaweed beer While seaweed beer is still something new and not mainstream, the stuff they make at brewpubs in Harbin will make you wonder why it isn’t mass produced for the international market. It’s nice, with a flavor that makes you think of the ocean. Like a fine whiskey, this is a beer that needs to be savored. It goes very nicely with beer snacks such as fresh cucumbers covered in a sesame oil and garlic sauce. It’s also great with tofu dishes.
Wheat beer Also known as white beer, this is one variety that is absolutely terrific in Harbin’s brew pubs. Mostly made with wheat, it is top-fermented and is generally known as a German type of beer. The beverage is cloudy-looking, and generally is not made with hops and is instead flavored with things such as herbs, orange peels, or even coriander. A small amount of hops may be used. The result is a delightful beer that is slightly sour and goes beautifully with dishes such as hot and sour soup. Furthermore, a Harbin wheat beer in the afternoon with a thick slice of Harbin’s famous da-lie-ba bread and renowned sausages is a treat that no visitor to the city should go without.
Harbin is the city of beer; and there is no other place in the world like it. Beer is delicious, it is inexpensive, and there are a number of brewpubs that will suit every taste and budget; from places that serve traditional Chinese food from other regions, pubs that serve Russian food, and tiny, locally known places that serve Harbin’s delightfully multi-cultural infused cuisine. There is a beer for every palate, and it’s worth spending the money to take a trip to the northern city just to sample their fantastic brews.
Another great thing that makes Harbin the beer capital of Asia and one of the world’s greatest beer-producing cities of the world is that the public transit system is great. Buses run frequently, are clean, go everywhere you need to go in the city and announce all the stops in Chinese and English, all for an incredibly reasonable price. This means you can go to Harbin, enjoy all the beer you wish, and you’ll make it home safely without putting anyone else in danger because you won’t be behind the wheel of a car.
Therefore, to answer the question : “Does Harbin make the world’s best beer?” we must say we don’t know yet and we must gladly make a few more trips to the frozen city in China’s Heilongjiang province, sample some more of the brews on offer to be doubly sure.
Tweet It! #HarbinBeer
How To Make Your Own Wine At Home
Is Home-made Wine Any Good? How do you make Your Own Wine?
Due to high costs and/or personal preference, for centuries people have been making their own wine at home with varying results. Some home wine-makers are true craftsmen and make wines that can easily rival the best of the best that’s on the market; others just want something cheap, simple to make and not too terrible tasting. To answer the question above, the only thing that can be said is “it depends”. It depends on the person making the wine, their goals, and it also depends on personal preference. It can range from barely drinkable to fantastic. Here we’ll have a look at one of the most basic methods of home winemaking, results, and what steps you can take to dramatically improve the quality of your wine.
“Jug and Balloon” wine making
This method is the most basic and it’s inexpensive. Wine experts will turn up their nose at this method, but if you’re not too fussy, it will be worth a try.
You’ll need a sterilized gallon (4-liter) plastic jug and a large balloon that’s been rinsed out (balloons sometimes have a thin coating of powder, so don’t forget this step).
Ingredients:
1 package (0.25 ounce) package of dry active yeast (the same type you use to bake bread)
4 cups of sugar
1 can of thawed fruit juice concentrate (use any flavor except citrus)
3 ½ quarts (3.3 litres) of cold water; use more or less if necessary
Before mixing any of the ingredients, use a sterilized needle to poke a miniscule hole in the tip of the balloon: this will allow gasses to escape while preventing any oxygen from getting in and ruining the flavor of the wine.
Mix the sugar, dry yeast and fruit juice concentrate together, and pour into the sterilized jug. Fill the jug with cold water, and then fit the balloon over the opening of the jug. Use a rubber band if necessary to secure the balloon in place.
Place the jug in a cool, dark place. In a day or so, you’ll notice the balloon starting to inflate; this is due to the sugar turning into alcohol. During this process, gasses are released. When the balloon has deflated back down to its original size, it means the wine is ready to drink. It usually takes about six weeks for this to occur.
Results: This recipe for home-made wine will give you a beverage that is quite high in alcohol content and taste, according to reviewers, can range from “unbearable” to “ok to sip”. The problem with this method of wine making is that the wine doesn’t get siphoned off from the resulting sediment at the end of the fermentation process; furthermore, if the balloon doesn’t have a small hole in it, the wine will develop an “off” taste. If the hole is too big, the resulting exposure to oxygen and other microbes in the air can make the wine taste musty. However, if you’re new to winemaking and want to try something simple before running out to buy expensive equipment, this might be a good method to try.
Also working in favor of this recipe is the fact that a degree of experimentation can be done; sugar can be reduced and proper wine yeast may be used to improve flavor.
Inexpensive improvements
According to home wine-makers with years of experience under their belts, the above process can be improved tremendously by two factors: siphoning after “primary fermentation” and “aging” in a sealed sterile container in a cold place for about a month.
When the balloon has deflated, it’s a sign that the primary fermentation is complete. With plastic tubing, siphon the wine; however be careful not to disturb the sediment at the bottom. The sediment is the stuff that will make the wine taste bad. Make sure the new container is also sterile, and glass will work much better than plastic.
Tightly seal the new container once it’s been filled with the wine; no gasses will need to escape. Keep the wine in a dark cool place like a refrigerator, and let it sit for about a month. The taste will be comparable to that of an inexpensive commercial wine, but the alcohol content will still be higher.
Expensive improvements
For more professional results, it will cost more money. First of all, instead of using a fruit juice concentrate, fresh fruit can be used, but this fresh fruit will need to be processed by crushing, chopping, or boiling, depending on the variety used. This “must” will also need to be strained.
A wine kit including things like primary and secondary fermentation containers, 6 feet of food-grade tubing, thermometer, bung and airlock and straining bag can be purchased in a specialty shop, along with ingredients such as special wine yeast, campden tablets, acid blends, and pectic enzymes.
Many more steps are required to make professional-quality wine at home, and for this reason most wine drinkers simply prefer to buy a commercially available variety. In countries like Canada, there are businesses that cater to “home-made” wine makers; they have all the supplies, will mix your ingredients for you, store your wine while it ferments, and when the wine is ready, they may even siphon the wine into the secondary fermentation containers for you; some of these “U-Brew” companies will even bottle your wine so that all you have to do is pick it up when it’s ready.
The Final Verdict
Making basic wine at home with the jug and balloon method can bring mixed results. That being said, one of the best wines I’ve ever had was a home-made wine; the winemaker used a jug and balloon, fresh peaches picked at their ripest stage, very little sugar, and wine yeast. She siphoned the wine into big glass jugs, sealed them and let them age for several months in the cool basement of her home. The result was a wonderfully dry white wine that was crisp and had the aroma and flavor of dried apricots and snap peas.
The point of making wine at home is to experiment while keeping costs down. With a bit of practice, you’ll find a recipe and method that suits you and your tastes just fine.
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The Best Hangover Remedies
The Best Hangover Remedies
We’ve all had those nights where we’ve had far too much to drink and we pay the heavy price the next morning. Nausea, headache, weakness, and general malaise are only some of the symptoms that we must put up with. Some home remedies to treat a hangover can actually make you feel worse; a heavy, greasy breakfast can aggravate your nausea and the famous “hair of the dog”, which is basically an alcoholic beverage, will simply get you drunk again and will only put off a hangover until later.
What we are listing here are a few tried-and-true home remedies that will ease your suffering somewhat; however we must emphatically state that this does not constitute medical advice or medical treatment and we are not doctors. If you are suffering from a violent reaction to alcohol or are worried about the severity of your hangover, get professional medical help immediately.
Now, with that out of the way, here are some of the best hangover remedies.
Bananas
Eating a banana might seem like a strange remedy, but it’s the best way to replace all the potassium that was lost the night before. Drinking copious amounts of alcohol makes you urinate much more than usual; when you urinate, you also happen to eliminate potassium. Having a banana will give you a bit of energy to face the day.
Ginger
Ginger has been used to fight nausea for millennia; it’s great to combat seasickness as well. The easiest way to consume ginger is in the form of ginger ale or ginger beer, which are both non-alcoholic soft drinks.
What some experts claim is more effective in alleviating a hangover is fresh ginger tea; if you are feeling all right enough to stand up for a few minutes, peel some ginger root and cut about 10 slices of it. Place the slices in a pot with about four cups of water and boil for ten minutes. Strain it, and add the juice of half a lemon and the juice of one orange. Sweeten with about one half a cup of honey, and sip as much as needed.
Water
Overindulging in alcohol dehydrates you, and it’s the dehydration that can leave you feeling weak with a pounding headache. It’s necessary to replenish your body’s fluids, so have at least eight glasses of water. Water also works well to prevent a hangover; have a couple of glasses of it before going to bed or make sure that while you’re drinking alcohol you have a few rounds of plain water as well.
Lemon and Honey Tea
While this sounds too simple to work, it’s actually very effective. It will replenish fluids and sugars that get lost to a hangover. The honey, which contains fructose, competes for the metabolism of alcohol and will prevent the headache which occurs when there is a rapid change in alcohol level. Plain sugar will not be absorbed as quickly as honey and will therefore not work as well.
To make lemon and honey tea, boil about one cup of water, and add as much freshly squeezed lemon juice and honey as you like. The more you drink, the better.
Plain food
While food might be the last thing you want to think about due to your topsy-turvy stomach, you will need to eat something to regain your strength. The best things you can ingest are plain, dry toast, clear soup, or plain rice.
If you don’t think you can tolerate solids, start off with a plain chicken or beef broth, and later work your way up to toast or rice. Leave the heavy, spicy food until much later, when you’re feeling more like your normal self.
Ice
If your head is pounding, one of the quickest ways to get relief is to put some ice cubes or crushed ice in a plastic bag, wrap it in a towel, and place it on your head. A washcloth dipped in cold water will also work. For this treatment to be effective, you’ll also need to lie down and rest while applying the ice pack or cool cloth.
Sport Drinks
Sport drinks will replace electrolytes, fluids, and glucose. They are great to combat dehydration. If you don’t have sport drinks at home, you can make one yourself. Simply squeeze the juice of one lemon into a tall glass of water, add sugar along with a pinch of salt, and give it a stir.
Juice
Fruit juices are a good way to replace the vitamins, minerals and sugars that were lost during the night of cocktails. Freshly squeezed juice will raise your blood sugar levels back to normal. If you think that orange juice will be too acidic for your already upset stomach, apple juice will also do the trick.
Multivitamins and Antacids
Taking a multivitamin that contains B vitamins will be a good idea as well, and you can always take an antacid such as Pepto-Bismol to calm a “funny tummy”. However, before taking a medication such as an antacid, it will be best to check with your doctor to see if it is appropriate for you.
Time
Research has shown over and over again that the best remedy for a hangover is time. If possible, stay in bed with the curtains closed and sleep for as long as you can. And remember, chances are that by tomorrow, you’ll be good as new.
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The Five Best Cocktails You Can Make at Home
The Five Best Cocktails You Can Make at Home
There’s nothing worse than going out to a fancy bar or restaurant with your friends for a fun evening, ordering some cocktails, tasting them, and finding that they are absolute rubbish. From lazy, inexperienced bartenders to harried waitresses who are looking after ten tables as well as mixing their own drinks, the high prices demanded from drinking establishments often are simply not worth it.
There are also a lot of establishments where, as a cost-cutting measure, will pour less alcohol into each drink. Furthermore, while most bartending manuals recommend 1 ½ ounces of alcohol for each cocktail to bring out all the best flavors, the majority of restaurants, bars, and pubs will only use one ounce. Some places will use even less; this is why the drinks taste flat, lifeless, watered-down or overly sweet. Even worse is the fact that some places will use pre-packaged mixes or will use products that have expired. You deserve better.
Your best option if you want to have some great cocktails is to make them at home. This way, you get to select the best and freshest ingredients, and you’ll also be able to follow the classic recipes to the letter in order to get the perfect balance that’s missing from so many outside establishment offerings. You’ll save money, and with the money you save, you’ll be able to afford those the recommended brands of liquor to make your drinks. Bars are notorious for using no-name, obscure, cheap brands and charging far too much.
To make the five best cocktails at home, you’ll need a few things. You’ll need a supply of ice, an ice scoop or tongs, some cocktail glasses or tulip-shaped glasses, tall glasses, and short “old fashioned” glasses. As the saying goes, cocktails just won’t taste as nice if they’re served in the wrong kind of glass.
You’ll also need a blender if you want to make the frozen, slushy type of cocktail.
The Top Five
The Caesar
The perfect drink for those who want something savory, not sweet. This Canadian concoction is wildly popular in its nation of origin, and is quickly becoming a favorite in other countries as well. Most Americans who try the drink for the first time describe it as a Bloody Mary that’s taken to heavenly heights. If you’re outside of Canada, it’s best to make this drink at home because the bartender will most likely get the recipe wrong.
1 tulip or tall glass, rimmed with celery salt (do this by dragging a slice of lime along the rim and dipping the rim into a dish of celery salt)
1 ½ ounces vodka
6 ounces Clamato juice (a proprietary blend of clam broth and tomato juice)
2 dashes Tabasco sauce
4 dashes Worcestershire sauce
Freshly ground black pepper
1 celery stalk
1 lime wedge
If you cannot find Clamato juice in your area, you can improvise by mixing tomato juice with the liquid from tinned clams.
Fill a tulip or tall glass that’s been rimmed with celery salt with ice. Add the vodka, Clamato juice, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauces; stir. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper, and place a stalk of celery (leaves included for visual effect) in the drink. Garnish the glass with a wedge of lime; squeeze some into the drink for an added kick.
Margarita
A margarita is quite possibly one of the most sublime cocktails ever invented, but you’d never know it judging by the sickly-sweet, slushy messes that many establishments serve. After making this one at home, you’ll simply be amazed at the layers of intrigue this drink offers in the flavor department. You can make the original version, or you can make the more modern frozen version by placing the ingredients in a blender.
Original Margarita
One cocktail or tulip glass, with a lightly salted rim (done by dragging a wedge of lime around the rim and dipping into a dish of sea salt)
1 ounce Cointreau (Triple Sec also works if budget is a concern)
2 ounces of white/silver (unaged) Tequila
1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice. Shake for at least thirty seconds, and pour into glass. Garnish with a slice of lime or a slice of orange.
To make fruit versions of this cocktail, replace the salt rim with a sugar rim, and simply add fruit to the recipe and put all the ingredients in a blender with plenty of ice.
Long Island Ice Tea
This is a classic American drink; strong, flavorful, and perfect on hot summer nights.
One tall glass, full of ice
½ ounce Tequila
½ ounce Gin
½ ounce Rum
½ ounce Cointreau or Triple Sec
½ ounce lemon or lime syrup (sugar dissolved in lime or lemon juice)
Coca cola
Pour all ingredients over ice, top with Coca Cola. Garnish with a slice of lime. If you want to try the original recipe, increase all ingredients to one full ounce. However, do keep in mind your drink will contain 4 ounces of hard liquor!
White Russian
This is a cocktail that has made a huge comeback; while it was hardly ordered 10 years ago, it’s been rediscovered by the under-30 set.
One tall glass, full of ice
1 ounce Kahlua
1 ounce Vodka
Milk
Pour the vodka and Kahlua over ice; top the glass with milk or Half&Half, which is a cream/milk mixture. You can add more Kahlua if you want a sweeter drink, but remember that the more Kahlua you add, your drink will become darker in color.
The Classic Martini
This is a drink that so many places get wrong but will still charge you an arm and a leg. Make it at your own place, and you’ll see why this drink has always been fashionable since its introduction decades and decades ago.
One martini glass, chilled
One cocktail shaker, full of ice
2 ounces of Gin or Vodka
½ ounce of dry Vermouth
1 drop of whisky or spritz of whisky*
Twist of lemon or 3 olives on a tooth pick as garnish
Pour all ingredients into the cocktail shaker, but DO NOT SHAKE, stir gently for at least thirty seconds. Strain into the chilled martini glass, and either add the olives or gently twist a bit of lemon rind above the beverage but do not place it in the drink.
To make an extra dry martini, reduce the amount of vermouth. Some professional bartenders will use a spritz bottle to spray the inside of a martini glass with a bit of whiskey; however this will detract from the classic “crispness” of classic martini.
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Pakistan’s Murree Beer
Pakistan’s Legendary and Elusive Murree Beer
Beer connoisseurs and brew lovers across the globe are always searching for a pilsner or lager beer that represents the highest element of beer-dom: a great refreshing beer that has subtle yet deep flavors, has hints of hops but isn’t too hoppy, has a certain amount of carbonation but doesn’t taste of baking soda, has a clean finish without making one feel as though the beer is watered down. Finding such a beer is considered to be like finding the Holy Grail; because personal preference plays such a huge role in finding the perfect beer, nobody can really say there is such a thing as a “perfect” beer.
However, one such beer does exist, and it’s made in a country where pilsner and lager aficionados would least expect it. The one beer that brewmasters and consumers alike (well, those fortunate enough to get their hands on it) both claim is the world’s best is Murree Beer, which is made in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
While alcohol is forbidden in Islam, one must not forget that Pakistan is home to several religious minorities, all of whom have the right to drink. Furthermore, Pakistani citizens can apply for permits to purchase alcohol; the serving of alcohol to non-Muslim guests in private residences is allowed. However, these permits are not handed out like candy; they are difficult to come by. While the brewery is running at full capacity and can barely keep up with domestic demand, plans to expand are not in the future and due to the nation’s Islamic-based laws concerning alcohol, export of Murree beer was banned until earlier this year, when the brewery finally got a license to export to non-Muslim countries.
Pakistan is home to the Murree Brewery; one of the manufacturing units is in Rawalpindi while the other is in Hattar, in the country’s North West Frontier Province. Established in 1860 to meet the demand of British personnel living in the area around the town of Murree, the brewery also makes a world-class quality single-malt whisky.
Where Can You Get Murree Beer?
So the question is, if you’re one of the few people who will be lucky enough to get to Pakistan in the first place, where do you go to get your hands on what is arguably the best beer in the world?
This is where things can get a little tricky. If you’re visiting Pakistan as a regular tourist, you’ll probably need to go to a fancy hotel where they have a permit to sell alcohol. However, this may not be a great idea due to the political and social upheavals happening in the country. If you’re in Karachi, you might be able to find special liquor outlets which are quasi-legal and cater to foreigners who are working in the city. These can be difficult to find and you may need to enlist the help of a local friend.
Guest houses that cater to overseas and foreign engineers who work on telecommunications projects or other such projects are also legally allowed to sell beer to their residents. Again, most of these guest houses do not advertise and do not have signs posted outside; the only way you can find them is if you are in fact one of the foreign workers who has been sent by your company who has pre-arranged your accommodations or if you happen to be invited in by one of the residents to have a meal in the guest-house cafeteria.
Safety First
Before going into the characteristics of Murree Beer, it must be said that when you do find Murree Beer in Pakistan, drink it discreetly in private; never drink alcohol in a public place. To do so is incredibly fool-hardy and is asking for more trouble than one can ever imagine.
Taste and Characteristics
One of the more popular beers is Murree’s Classic Lager, which is a European Pale Lager and has an alcohol content of 5.5%, which is quite strong considering most lagers in Europe weigh in at 4.9% to 5 %. Described as “premium beer”, it is smooth on the palate and is similar (some say superior) to classic European lagers.
Contributing to the outstanding character of Murree beers is the fact that all of the barley used is from Australia. According to the chief executive Isphanyar Bhandara “we don’t compromise on quality and the Australian barley is first class.”
Murree beers are part of the rare breed of lagers that are fantastic on their own and are also terrific with a wide variety of food. While one might be tempted to say that Murree beer is best with traditional Pakistani food such as seekh kebabs, chicken tikkas, beef curries and karahi chicken, it actually goes equally well with Chinese dishes such as steamed garlic chicken, hot and sour soup, and steamed buns. The old advertising jingle from the days of the Raj “Eat, drink and be Murree” certainly rings true as the beer adds another level of enjoyment to one’s food.
Crisp, smooth, light and subtle yet complex and refreshing, Murree beers are a delight to try, and with some continued good luck, the elusive famous beer of Pakistan’s Himalaya foothills will soon be making an appearance at a fine liquor store near you. As Mr. Bhandara says:
“Murree Brewery’s desire is to show the international community that Pakistan doesn’t have to be known as a country that exports terrorism, that this can be a country that exports beer.”
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