Blog Archives

Paloma, Classic

9/22/2017

Your standard Paloma is a breeze to make; pertinent, considering the word paloma means "dove" or "peace." Many northerners believe the Margarita to be the most popular cocktail of Mexico, but in fact, the Paloma far exceeds that tasty treat as the number one cocktail in Mexico. This three part series aims to impart some technical knowledge about this classic cocktail, and some novel ideas that might be a little off the grid.

The "OG" (Original Gangster)

The OG is not, in fact, a proper term for a Paloma, but it seems fitting for this most original and delicious cocktail comprised of tequila and grapefruit soda. Please hold, stop the presses; this is where things get real. Choice of grapefruit soda is key. I would say that a true, true, OG would use Jarritos. This is not up for debate. But, a sweet midwestern girl like me cannot resist any opportunity to use Squirt. Other acceptable choices are: LaCroix Pamplemousse, Fresca, or really any grapefruit seltzer you like. A squeeze of lime or grapefruit can be added, but is not necessary for this recipe.

THE OG PALOMA
Build in chilled collins glass with ice
2 ounces Tequila
top with Grapefruit Soda
Squeeze or garnish lime or grapefruit wedge or wheel

The Fresh Paloma (Alternate "OG")

In rare, catastrophic instances, grapefruit soda is not available. Let me introduce to you a very fresh option that I personally love because it allows us to use my favorite mineral water with a cult-like following, Topo Chico.
In this rendition, the tequila you choose will have the greatest impact on your cocktail, followed by your grapefruit juice. Decide if you prefer a tart beverage (yellow grapefruit and more lime juice) or something a bit sweeter (pink grapefruit with just a hint of lime).

PRO TIP: Always compliment a naturally sweet juice like grapefruit, orange, or pineapple with a squeeze of lime for balance.

THE FRESH PALOMA
Shake and Strain
2 ounces Tequila
.75 ounces fresh pressed grapefruit
.25 ounces fresh pressed lime juice
Top with Topo Chico (or your favorite sparkling water)

1 Comment

Be Brilliant: Barrel Age with Betty

9/12/2017

0 Comments

When it comes to high volume service, getting ahead is the name of the game. A custom barrel aged cocktail is a genius way to deliver a complex cocktail in a speedy fashion.

It's easy to imagine how combining upward of 5 ingredients before service can give you a lot more time to do business, flirt with your guests, or concoct beautiful garnishes.

Consider this Double Brandy Snap which was prepared and aged at The Lab. Then, at the convention, simply chilled in an Erlenmeyer Flask and poured over large format ice in a spice rimmed 9 oz glass. Guests were thrilled with their 30 second craft cocktail! The excess (trust me, there was very little) was then bottled and labeled for the host to keep.

With over 800 guests in attendance, Terracon took advantage of prebatched & barrel-aged cocktails to give their custom glassware a chance to really stand out!

Barrel Aging Do's & Don'ts

DO cure your barrel
DO allow ample aging time
DO test your concoction frequently
DO leave in a cool, dry place
DON'T put citrus or sugar in your barrel
DON'T leave your barrel partially empty for extended periods
DON'T forget to clean your barrel when changing the ingredients

Double Brandy Snap (fills 3 litre barrel)
1 L Copper & Kings American Craft Brandy
500 mL Copper & Kings Butchertown Overproof Brandy
500 mL Art in the Age Snap
250 mL Allspice Dram
250 mL Aperol
250 mL Campari

0 Comments

Paloma, Classic

The "OG" (Original Gangster)

The Fresh Paloma (Alternate "OG")

Be Brilliant: Barrel Age with Betty

Barrel Aging Do's & Don'ts

Author

Archives

Categories