zaterdag 2 maart 2024

Jack & Coke 3000 - Supported by AI

Is artificial intelligence already revolutionizing the creation of new products in the drinks industry? It appears to be a promising avenue for generating diverse samples that can then be evaluated by experts for potential success in the market.

Coca-Cola has taken this experimentation to new heights by delving into the realm of AI to craft a Coke Zero flavour fit for the palates of the distant future – the year 3000, to be precise. Surprisingly, they recently unveiled this futuristic flavour as a limited edition offering at the close of last year, prompting curiosity among enthusiasts like myself.

Upon sampling, the familiar essence of Coke Zero is unmistakable, yet there's a peculiar twist in its tail. While some may find it intriguing, I personally found it a tad too unconventional for my liking. Even when incorporated into a classic 'Jack & Coke,' the lingering aftertaste remained prominent, lending a distinct character to the experience.

While I applaud the ingenuity and forward-thinking behind this endeavour, the end result didn't quite align with my palate preferences. Nevertheless, it's a testament to the boundary-pushing nature of both technology and beverage innovation, showcasing the endless possibilities that lie at the intersection of cocktails, spirits, and technology.

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.


zondag 4 februari 2024

Book hunting - I released a book into the wild


Have you ever heard of “Book hunting”? 

In Belgium, this is a fun activity for book lovers. When you have a nice book that you’ve already read, just pack it in transparent plastic and “release” it into the wild (with a note!), where someone else can find it … and enjoy it. 

When I visited the annual book sale of our local library, I thought it would be nice to release a book about one of the most important ingredients in classic cocktails: Vermouth. 

This fortified wine was originally used in cocktails to lower the alcohol level of the drink. Vermouth also adds tasty herbal notes to the drink, because of the many herbs and botanicals used in the production process.

The rest of this post will be in Dutch because it contains instructions for the person who finds my book.

Het boek dat ik heb “vrijgelaten” is “Vermout, de complete gids”, geschreven door Isabel Boons en Ilse Duponcheel. Het bevat zowel de volledige geschiedenis en achtergrond van vermout, als een overzicht van een aantal bekende merken, lekkere cocktailrecepten en nog veel meer.

Je hebt het boek gevonden? Proficiat, neem het mee naar huis, lees het boek en geniet zeker ook van de recepten die erin staan.

Laat weten dat je dit boek hebt gevonden op de Facebook groep van Boekenjagers (facebook.com/boekenjagers) of op www.boeken-jagers.be als je geen Facebook hebt.

Het zou leuk zijn als je ook een reactie achter laat op de Facebook- of Instagrampost over dit boek van Double Strainger.

Ben je uiteindelijk het boek beu, geef het dan door of laat het opnieuw vrij…

zaterdag 20 januari 2024

Blood Orange Old Fashioned


During my wife's recent trip to London, she surprised me with a delightful gift from Harrods – a jar of exquisite blood orange marmalade. The moment I tasted it, I was captivated by its incredible flavour. Now, enjoying a slice of toast slathered with butter and this unique marmalade has become a cherished ritual.

What makes blood oranges truly special is their connection to the original oranges that flourished in Europe. Unlike the sweeter varieties imported from China much later, blood oranges offer a distinct and robust taste that has stood the test of time.
These vibrant citrus gems have not only earned a place in the culinary world but have also become a source of inspiration for mixologists worldwide. A stroll through a liqueur store reveals the influence of blood oranges on various spirits. Brands like Cointreau, feature bottles based on this bittersweet fruit.

In my recent cocktail experiment, I decided to elevate the classic Old Fashioned by incorporating a spoonful of this delectable marmalade. The result? An absolutely delicious concoction that seamlessly blends the rich notes of blood oranges with the timeless allure of a well-crafted Old Fashioned.

Indeed, the world of flavours is vast and ever-evolving, and my journey with blood orange-infused treats has been a delightful exploration of culinary innovation. Whether enjoyed on toast or in a carefully crafted cocktail, the distinctive taste of blood oranges continues to be a source of culinary inspiration and satisfaction. Cheers to the sweet and tangy wonders that enrich our taste buds and create memorable culinary experiences!

Blood Orange Old Fashioned

Ingredients
60ml The Classic Laddie (whisky)
7ml Simple Syrup
2 dashes of orange bitters
a spoonful of Harrods Blood Orange Marmalade
a splash of tonic or soda

Method
First add a barspoon of marmalade to your tumbler, together with a splash of tonic or soda. Give it a good stir to dissolve the marmalade. Add whiskey, simple syrup and bitters. Add ice cubes and give it a good stir for 15 seconds. Garnish with dehydrated blood orange and a cocktail cherry. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

vrijdag 29 december 2023

V Modern Italian - New hot spot in Antwerp


Whenever I'm in Italy, I'm always amazed by the large variety of bars and restaurants. It is surprising to see even the smallest places offering an excellent range of perfectly mixed cocktails. Some venues that look like simple coffee places during the day turn into lively cocktail bars at night.

I was excited when I got invited to the opening of 'V Modern Italian' in Antwerp. I had heard of places like this in big European cities before. The owners had already started a pizza place in Antwerp earlier (V Pizza Antwerp Tower). Now, they were ready for more: great pizzas, but also entrees, salads and plates of pasta, and yummy cocktails in a stylish setting. Sadly, I wasn't able to attend the grand opening. But, I was lucky enough to get a new invite a few weeks later, after a good chat with a friend at the agency that organised the opening. 

The food was great. I especially enjoyed the starter and the pizza tartuffo. But, for detailed food insights, I'll let my food-blogging wife handle that. As for drinks, I tried their ‘special’: “Limoncello Pineapple Smash” (Vodka, Limoncello, pineapple juice, a splash of lemon and Sprite, garnished with a sprig of thyme and a dehydrated pineapple wedge). It was a bit too sweet for my liking at first, but some extra stirring had a positive result.  

My wife loved her non-alcoholic version of the “Viola” (Normally mixed with Tequila, lime juice, violet extract and edible glitter. Served with Violet flowers).
After dinner, I asked the waitress for a drink recommendation instead of dessert. From the extended menu of signature and classic cocktails, she suggested the Negroni, and it was spot on. Upon request, the bartender stirred the drink right in front of me. 


One more thing: don't judge the place by its outside appearance. From the street, it looks like a pretty narrow building. But once inside, you’ll notice it's double in size. They had two buildings combined into one large place. The bar is absolutely spectacular, the open kitchen has nothing to hide and DJs play the right music to set the mood. Since they only opened this month, they are still slightly harder to find on social media, which will of course resolve in the next months. I love the concept, the vibe is very cosmopolitan. This restaurant could be in Rome or even New York. 

Address
V Modern Italian, Schuttershofstraat 49, 2000 Antwerpen

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

zondag 17 december 2023

Tennessee Bonded Coffee

It’s the season to indulge in the magic of festive libations, and what better way to elevate your holiday spirits than by crafting a delightful concoction with the all-new Jack Daniel’s Bonded? 
As I embarked on a journey of mixology, I found myself inspired to reinvent a classic – the Tennessee Coffee. The result? A sip-worthy creation that transcends the ordinary and adds a touch of yuletide cheer to your celebrations.

The Jack Daniel’s Bonded, with its rich and robust flavour profile, provided the perfect canvas for my holiday experiment. As I meticulously combined its notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, I discovered a harmonious blend that complemented the warmth of a well-brewed espresso. The result was nothing short of extraordinary – a symphony of flavours that danced on my palate, creating a sensory experience that resonated with the festive spirit.

Picture this: the aromatic essence of freshly brewed espresso mingling with the smoky and sweet undertones of Jack Daniel’s Bonded, creating a tantalizing fusion that awakens your taste buds. The sweetness of caramel intertwines with the subtle hint of vanilla, all wrapped in the embrace of oak-aged perfection. It's not just a drink; it's a celebration in a cup.

This newfound Tennessee Coffee variation is destined to be a highlight of your holiday gatherings. Whether you're hosting an intimate family gathering or a lively festive soiree, this concoction is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The deep, velvety notes of Jack Daniel’s Bonded provide a sophisticated twist to the classic coffee, making it a memorable choice for toasting to the joys of the season.

So, this Christmas, why settle for the ordinary when you can elevate your celebrations with a sip of something extraordinary? Gather your loved ones, raise your glasses, and savour the unique blend of flavours in this festive-inspired Tennessee Coffee. Cheers to a season filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy that only a well-crafted drink can bring!

Tennessee Bonded Coffee

Ingredients
50ml Jack Daniel’s Bonded
15ml Kahlua coffee liqueur
15ml Monin Cinnamon syrup
25ml fresh espresso (I used a Nespresso cup)
Double cream

Method
Add the whiskey, coffee liqueur, espresso and syrup in a shaker with lots of ice. Give it a good shake and strain it into your favourite coffee cup. Add double cream (shake it up first, but you don’t want it whipped all the way). Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.

maandag 13 november 2023

Revolutionary

It's been a while since I picked a recipe from the 'Peaky Blinders book to play around with.

Yesterday I started from the 'Revolution' recipe and tweaked it a bit. I also decided to serve the drink up, without ice. 

Revolutionary

Ingredients
30ml Leoncé Dry Vermouth
30ml Cointreau
40ml London Dry Gin
30ml Lemon juice
Absinthe

Method
Add everything but the Absinthe to a shaker with lots of ice. Give it a good shake for 10 to 12 seconds. Double strain in a bold tumbler. Add a mist (spray) of Absinthe. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are not paid promotions or recommendations.

dinsdag 31 oktober 2023

Antwerp Mule

Due to the high demand for our 'Cocktail & Mocktails' workshops, I've been on a quest to select new and exciting recipes to elevate our evenings. 

So far, we've delved into the world of aperitif-style drinks and tantalizingly sour cocktails. Now, I'm thrilled to announce a new addition to our repertoire: mules.

Recently, I had the pleasure of experimenting with the Antwerp Mule, a delectable creation by Njam-Chef Stephanie Bex. This delightful concoction promises to be a crowd-pleaser and a refreshing addition to our upcoming workshops.

Antwerp Mule

Ingredients
50ml Elexir d’Anvers
15ml Lime juice
London Essence Ginger Beer

Method
Fill a highball glass with ice cubes. Add the Elexir d’Anvers and the lime juice. 
Give it a quick stir and top with ginger beer. 
You could add a wedge of lime as a garnish, but it’s really optional. 

Disclaimer: All pictures and texts are copyrighted by Geert Conard and Esito Consulting unless stated otherwise in the article. While some items might have been gifted by the producer or distributor, these are in no way paid promotions or recommendations.