Three years ago I had my first sip of Matusalem rum. Back then, I was invited to a webinar about a scientific study on foodpairing. The participants were asked to try it out, using the Matusalem bottles of Gran Reserva 15 and Insolito (until this day the only rosé rum I have ever seen or tasted).
dinsdag 27 augustus 2024
Ron Matusalem Foodpairing
Three years ago I had my first sip of Matusalem rum. Back then, I was invited to a webinar about a scientific study on foodpairing. The participants were asked to try it out, using the Matusalem bottles of Gran Reserva 15 and Insolito (until this day the only rosé rum I have ever seen or tasted).
zondag 14 juli 2024
Two bottles, two stories
Today’s classic cocktail is a mix of two bottles and two stories. The first story is pretty well-known. It’s about the famous English statesman, Winston Churchill. The man loved a good Martini but had a special way of preparing the drink. He must have stated something like “Just glance at the vermouth bottle briefly from across the room while pouring the juniper distillate freely”.
dinsdag 2 juli 2024
The only way is up... or neat?
Neat or Up ???
When serving a nice cocktail, without ice in the glass, there are two different serving possibilities: up or neat. Now what's the difference?
Neat
This terminology is used for drinks served at bottle temperature, without extra chilling like stirring or shaking with ice cubes.
Up
This terminology is used for drinks chilled while preparing (shaking, stirring, ... with ice cubes), but served without ice in the glass. They are usually served in a coupe or Martini glass.
"5 a day" with Fox liqueur
I received a small sample of Fox, a pear liqueur. This sweet bottle of flavour inspired me to create a tasty new drink. Warning: Don't add extra sweetness, this is very sweet liqueur.
I named it "5 a day", linking it to the advised amount of fruit you have to eat daily. Do enjoy this tasty, but super easy 3-ingredient drink.
5-a-day
Ingredients
50ml Martin Miller's Westbourne Strength Gin
20ml Fox pear liqueur
20ml Tio Pepe Sherry
Method
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with lots of ice. Stir for 15 seconds and strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with a sweet cocktail cherry. And enjoy... this is delicious!!!
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.
donderdag 13 juni 2024
A walk in the park
Most recipes on this blog are based on the old classic recipes, with a solid base of good quality spirit. During my workshops when sipping the first drink, I often get feedback that the drink is "pretty strong". A possible reason for that is the simple fact that lots of bars serve lighter drinks to increase their profit. The spirit is the most expensive ingredient after all.
But, that said, on hot summer days we often really enjoy those lighter and easier-to-sip cocktails and longdrinks.
When I received a few samples of Garden Gin, I knew this would be perfect for such easy summer drinks. I created this variation on the 'English Garden'. Garden Gin is produced at the Bloempothoeve (translates as 'flower pot farm'), where they produce all the ingredients for their spirits and liqueurs: edible flowers, herbs and fruits.
A walk in the park
Ingredients
50ml Garden Gin
15ml St-Germain liqueur
40ml Apple juice
10ml Lemon juice
Method
I know some bartenders just build this drink in a glass and give it a quick stir, but since it contains citrus it should be shaken. I'll leave it up to you, just make sure it's really cold and you serve it in a tumbler with fresh ice. I garnished my drink with a leaf of my Cola-herb. This plant is part of the Artemisia abrotanum family (lemon herbs) and smells like Coca-Cola.
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.
zondag 28 april 2024
Spirits Inn Beringen 2024 - Old, odd and rare bottles
The annual spirits festival hosted by my local whisky club “Spirits Inn Beringen” never fails to deliver an unforgettable experience. Each year, enthusiasts are treated to a curated selection of old, rare and exceptional bottles that showcase the rich diversity of quality spirits. It's an opportunity to savour drams from bottles that may be elusive or beyond our usual budgets.
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.
dinsdag 16 april 2024
When Jack (and Thomas) throws a party...
As a devoted fan of the Jack Daniel’s brand for many years, I've never needed convincing of the quality of this iconic Tennessee whiskey. However, it's clear that the Belgian office is dedicated to expanding its reach to a wider audience. While the brand has long been popular among bikers and metalheads in Europe, it's aiming to make its mark in the cocktail scene, and I couldn't be happier about it.
- A Bonded Affaire (featuring JD Bonded, Dry Vermouth, Bitter Liqueur, Maraska, and Umami Pearls)
- Barb Wire (crafted with Fennel-infused JD, Pickled Rhubarb Cordial, and Basil Soda)
- Mickey Mellow (featuring Gentleman Jack, Corn Liqueur, and Toasted Marshmallow)