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Charmed Cocktails

Chef Ron Oliver has an eye for design… not only for making beautiful food and drinks but also for finding ways to incorporate his culinary passions into jewelry. His clever and eye catching necklaces allow you to pair your favorite dish using eggplant, chilis or fruits with glass ornamentation of Nature’s bounty.

Ron also recently put out a charming booklet of his own colorful cocktails. Pulling from a wide range of ingredients – including surprises like avocado – the gorgeous photos are enough to inspire any enterprising foodie to take their talents behind the bar. Along with the book, Ron created Drink Charms, which are elegant little “bracelets” for the cocktail glass.

I love the idea of presenting a guest with a glass with a bejeweled marker so I don’t end up washing glasses throughout the night when people mix them up or leave them in another room. In addition to adding a festive touch, the personalization of your guests’ glasses brings an extra element of style to your soiree or brunch.

Consider a set for yourself, and keep in mind that these goodies make charming hostess gifts and holiday surprises for the foodie or cocktail lover in your life.

The Historic Los Angeles Cocktail Pilgrimage

This invite-only cocktail tour took place at the end of August, and I am terribly remiss in not yet telling you about one of the best days I’ve spent in Los Angeles, sooner. Not only did our busload of happy tipplers get to experience our fair city with fresh eyes but every stop we hit had cocktailian significance.

David Wondrich, respected cocktail geek, I mean, historian, created the tour, and acted as head storyteller and imparter of liquid wisdom & lore. I know I was not the only one who reveled in this unique experience, and hung on his every word… even as cocktail by cocktail, those words became the teeniest bit foggy in backward recollection. (We even took home signed copies of his book “Imbibe” for our libraries!)

Plymouth gin funded the daylong journey, fed us and lubed our senses with historic cocktails. Plus, they sent Simon Ford their charming Brand Ambassador to act as host. (If you’ve met Simon, you know he gave us a hellova good time.) Even Jacques Bezuidinhout came down to L.A. to mix up Partida drinks along the way with fellow Brand Ambassador Damian Windsor. (sidenote: After reigning supreme on the West Coast mixology scene for so long, the impressive strides in So-Cal bartending has caught San Francisco's attention…Yee-hah! A united California.)

We assembled at Cat & Fiddle (6530 W Sunset Blvd, Hwd) for a lunch of shepherd pie and Moscow Mules, a vodka and ginger beer drink created in Hollywood in the early 20th Century, traditionally served in a copper cup. Marcos Tello helped assemble our motley crew from members of his bartender association called The Sporting Life.

Bellies full, and ready to soak up a full day of drinking, 20+ high-end barkeeps from around the city, LA-based cocktail bloggers: Chuck Taggart form GumboPages, Marleigh from Sloshed and yours truly, as well as the venerable Ted “Dr. Cocktail” Haigh and Joe of Barkeeper fame piled into a full sized bus to the original site of Don the Beachcomber’s first bar (1727 N. McCadden, Hwd).

Sadly, the home of tiki favorites is now – sigh – a parking lot. However, we stood on the sidewalk and raised our Zombies to the chain link fence, toasting a dead man who helped put the pink umbrellas and rum in tropical fruit juice.

Our next stop was in front of a construction site on Wilshire Boulevard, once home to the legendary Coconut Grove (3400 Wilshire Boulevard) where the Rat Pack and other Hollywood greats once swizzled and sipped their way into the gossip pages. The Brown Derby’s iconic sign now sits atop a strip mall across the street.

Next, our tour went “high-brow” and we sipped drinks inside the Polo Lounge at the “Pink Palace” (aka: Beverly Hills Hotel 9641 Sunset Blvd, BH) It shouldn’t surprise you that a classy group like ours finished our visit with our own cocktails on their front lawn before re-boarding the bus.

We careened down into town, catching sideways glances from snooty residents when our bus pulled into the parking lot of a fancy food store. Formerly the site of the legendary Chasen’s restaurant (where I was lucky enough to attend the 1995 Pulp Fiction Oscar party when I worked at Miramax Films) it pained me to see expensive produce where movie stars once mingled.

A few blocks away, we stopped at 140 Rodeo Drive and "ooh’d" while cocktailing on the sidewalk across from where Mike Romanoff once served fancy drinks to Los Angeles elite. Cocktail history buffs may also remember Tail O’ the Cock (477 South La Cienega) as the place where the “tequila daisy” or margarita gained popularity back in the 1930’s. Now a rental car parking lot across from Norm’s, we didn’t hold back enjoying daisies of our own.

We drove past several more historic sites, a blur by now, truth be told, and ended with dinner at West Hollywood’s Formosa Café (7156 Santa Monica Blvd) frequented by movie stars since 1939.

This experience was an incredibly generous gesture on the part of Plymouth gin, and a bonding experience like no other for our L.A. crew. Many thanks to all involved!

A Deep Breath, A Sigh of Relief and A Raised Hand

Sitting in La Guardia, this morning, the intensity of this past week rolls off my shoulders and settles into a warm, little comforting place in the back of my mind. I’ve done it. I went through B.A.R. training (12 hours per day for 4 days, followed by the exam day, which is comprised of shaking and stirring; a multi-page written exam; and a blind tasting evaluation.)

The course is chock-full of information, and not designed for beginners. It is definitely a program for industry professionals, and despite my 2 1/2 years as “The Liquid Muse,” I found it incredibly challenging.

The teachers are passionate and informed leaders in the world of wine and spirits. Does it get any better than having Dale DeGroff, Paul Pacult, Doug Frost, Steve Olson and David Wondrich share their knowledge and experience all day, everyday, several days in a row? Not to mention Andy Seymore, Willy Shine, Aisha Sharpe and Leo DeGroff to support their efforts? My only complaint is not having more time to go over the many details they each had to impart and the many questions each new question conjured up.

As the panel of award-winning, renowned experts galloped through centuries of history, blind tastings of all the major spirits categories, and the study of practical application of all of it, I had moments of wondering just how I’d retain every important name, date, place and tasting note. They did their best, of course, to address our questions, but to keep moving along at a healthy clip and squeeze the whole program into a few days, it was integral that every student showed up with a solid foundation of knowledge already.

And, that’s the way it should be, right? In order for the B.A.R. program to mean something and have this certification carry some weight, it needs to be difficult. It is meant to be the test that separates the “men” from the “boys,” if you will. We get the results of our exams back in 6 weeks. Apparently, we will be reached by phone and the outcome will be explained to us – where we did well, where we could improve, and ultimately, if we can put those three little letters “B.A.R.” on our resumes.

No matter what, I do know that I’ve come out with a deeper understanding of the exciting field I work in. I’ve made some new friends from around the country, and went through the trenches with some of my existing ones. I’m ready to dip my nose into many more books and glasses to continue educating myself with both the history of cocktails, and the cutting edge trends on the horizon. And, I have a million more questions to pose…

Cocktail Puzzle

Tickle Your Brain With Tipples!

Kyle Branch, a private bartender in Los Angeles, created this "Cocktails of the American West" word search puzzle for the online version of Sante Magazine. Test you cocktail knowledge to see how many you can find...

Cocktail Geeks - Shop Til You Drop!

The 'Exposition Universelle des Vins et Spiriteaux' now has a shopping section.

Mixology heavyweights Anastasia Miller and Jared Brown have been spending a lot of time in France getting pieces in the "Exposition" catalogues and ready for the public.

And, now you can buy a little tiny piece of it to take home via t-shirt, mug or whatnot. this is a great place to start looking for holiday gifts...

New Bitters!

Fee Brothers Introduces Rhubarb Bitters

Obviously, I could barely contain my excitement when I saw Joe Fee walking around Tales of the Cocktail - in his khakis and hat - with a bottle of new bitters peeking out of his pocket. Any of us who are dedicated to taking a classic approach to 'the cocktail' (which by definition includes bitters) and giving said cocktail a slightly modern / original twist would jump for joy at a new product.

And... here it is... Rhubarb bitters!!

Although Rhubarb will be lur-ve-ly in Autumn cocktails - maybe with a little pumpkin, whiskey and maple syrup (my new Thanksgiving cocktail), it is also great for the end of summer! Mixed with fresh citrus juices, maybe some shochu -- I'm getting thirsty just thinking about it.

Barkeeper in L.A. is our mecca of high-end bar goods and classes. Joe Keeper carries all Fee's Brothers products, and, of course, it is available online. Be ahead of the game and become well-versed in rhubarb bitters before all the hot-shot bartenders get it in drinks for their Fall menus!

Clean Up Your Filthy Martini

We all love a dirty martini, now and again. However, an unhygienic martini is something we can certainly live without.

Think about it. You go to your favorite joint. You order a dirty martini, with an olive (or two). The bartender digs his or her fingers into the jar (which could have been hanging around the bar for a week or so), skewers the olives and pours a little of that juice into your drink. Have you ever asked yourself how many times any number of bartenders have dipped their hands into that same jar?

This is why martini lovers everywhere are thanking God for Dirty Sue!

The L.A.-based company was started by a couple of our very own local bartenders Eric Tecosky & Terry Fradet. During a shift at the stylishly casual Jones Hollywood the pair pondered why no one had thought of bottling quality olive brine before. Here we are a year later and the duo are impressing the swizzle sticks off of cocktail lovers and bartenders, everywhere. (They even got picked up by BevMo – the Disneyland of liquor shopping!)

You can also buy it directly off their website, and while you’re there pick up an adorable Dirty Sue t-shirt for the lady in your life. Who wouldn’t want to wear the Dirty Sue pin up girl across their knockers? Other than martinis, “dirty” is but a state of mind…

The Dirty Sue Martini
3 ounces vodka
3/4 ounces Dirty Sue

Shake over ice and strain into a chilled martini glass

Another Lady Cocktail Blogger Hits the Airwaves...

Martini Talk has joined us online. It is a pleasure to sip alongside yet another well-written, female-inspired drinking blog.

So, raise a 'tini' drink with me and welcome Christa Vagnozzi to the blogosphere!

Who’s Got Spirit?

The Doheny Leads Los Angeles Through Three Cheers for World Cocktail Week

Down in LA, we don’t get a lot of cocktailian recognition. And, frankly, a lot of that is our own damn fault! While New Orleans has Tales of the Cocktail and San Francisco created the first “cocktail week” in the country, we’ve sat on our butts while Britney, Lindsay and Paris get all the drinking-related publicity.

Well, that’s all changing…

Cheer One: The Doheny was the only establishment to celebrate not once but THRICE. Cocktail week kicked off on May 8 in LA at Cedd Moses’ exclusive hideaway with a specially-created cocktail menu for the first (invite-only) event for cocktail aficionados. Two of my favorite barmen in the world, Vincenzo Marianella and Eric Alperin, were shaking, stirring and sweating (oh-so-discretely) behind the bar for suited and dolled-up patrons of the members-only club on opening day of World Cocktail Week.

The menu featured drinks from: Sagatiba cachaca, Plymouth gin, Marker’s Mark whiskey and Barsol Pisco. The cocktails were divided between classic and Vincenzo’s new creations. Brand Ambassadors Simon Ford (Plymouth) and Jamie Terrell (Sagatiba) flew in for the special event and to buy us all gin and cachaca drinks – woo hoo!

Cheer Two! On Saturday, May 10, Cedd donned a dazzling pin-striped suit and celebrated his birthday at Doheny and invited another round of pals down to sample his swanky spot and sip the special sauce. (In addition to giving Cedd a big birthday hug, I was also happy to get another of Vincenzo’s original cocktails called the Rio, which was still on my mind from Thursday…)

Cheer Three!!! On Monday, May12, Damian Windsor (Tequila Ambassador for Partida, pictured center, right) threw a bash for the real stars of this week-long celebration: LA bartenders! Damian is Head Barman at Seven Grand, which is also owned by Moses, and just a few blocks away from The Doheny.

Beautiful drink slingers from all over the metropolis headed downtown to raise a glass with Damian during a toast coordinated between bars in New York, San Francisco and London. Although, as Windsor puts it, “by the time the toast rolled around the person on the other end of the phone on the east coast was smashed.” (Would one really expect any different?)

Bravo to The Doheny for leading the way for the LA-contingency of World Cocktail Week enthusiasts, proving the commercial right: membership does indeed have its privileges.

World Cocktail Week Begins Today

If ever there was a time to raise a glass in honor of raising a glass, its now!

As decribed by The Museum of the American Cocktail, "World Cocktail Week was established to celebrate the rich history of the cocktail and recognize the craftsmanship and skill of the bartenders who have been mixing them for over 200 years." Bartenders, Mixologists, and otherwise described Cocktail-Enthusiasts around the world kick off celebrations over the next couple of weeks to pay homage to their profession and passion.

San Francisco
San Francisco Cocktail Week is back for its second year. I went up north with my photographer pal, Claire Barrett, last year, and covered the parties at Rye, Jardiniere, and the wrap up party at Absinthe (the site of this year's grand finale, too).

Also in San Fran, this year, Tony Abou Ganim is going to be honored for his contributions to local Mixology, namely his infamous Cable Car cocktail which he created at Harry Denton's Starlight Lounge.

Washington DC
Meanwhile, in our Nation's Capital, the city's top bartenders are gathering at Proof on May 12. Tickets cost $135 with some proceeds going to support The Museum of the American Cocktail. The swanky soiree includes passed hors d'oeuvres and five specialty cocktails created by each of the mixologists involved.

Los Angeles
We're no shlumps down here in So-Cal, either, although being part of our celebration may cost more than the price of a drink. This evening, uber-hip members-only drinking club The Doheny in downtown LA is featuring Brand Ambassador/Mixologist, Jamie Terrell, who will showcase Sagatiba cachaca and several Brazilian cocktails. Additionally, The Doheny's Head Barman Vincenzo Marianella will present his own cachaca creation, the Rio. Plymouth Gin Brand Ambassador/Mixologist, Simon Ford, will also be on hand highlighting classic cocktails such as the Corpse Reviver #2, Hanky-Panky, Positano, and Vincenzo’s Spring Collins. (I know where I'm drinking tonight...)

Where Else?

Please let me know if your bar / city / country is doing something unusual and fun for cocktail week. I'd love to post it here!

Continue the Party in New Orleans!

And if all this hullabaloo feels like a warm up for Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, July 16-20... it is. The Museum of the American Cocktail is also re-opening its doors in the Big Easy around the same time. There is just so much dang cocktailian fun down there, you won't be able to contain yourself! Buy your tickets for that before they are gone, like the last sip of the last drink at last call. Boo-hoo.


Happy Cocktail Week, Everyone!

What's the Deal with Absinthe?

Check out this article at LiveScience.com which has some interesting insights into what does - and doesn't - make the Green Fairy dance...

The Stars Align To Light Up Your Cocktail Hour...

My pal, Gwen, a fellow cocktail blogger (blogress?) at Intoxicated Zodiac has these awesome new eco-friendly "astrological cocktail candles." Best of all, the cool candle holder becomes a Rocks Glass when you're done! And, they even fit a stylish and "green" lifestyle. Below is her description:

Astrology meets the Cocktail with a twist of green. A collection of 12 eco-friendly candles made from gm-free soy wax in a recycled glass votive.

Each candle, one for each Astrological sign, has an exclusive scent which is associated with it's unique Cocktail recipe. The recipes utilize plants, herbs and flowers associated with each individual sign.

Imagine inhaling a scent specially formulated for you... therapeutic, supportive, cleansing–Celestial Cocktail aromatherapy! and the best part, each candle comes with the printed version of it's Celestial Cocktail recipe so that later you can make a drink specially created for you. Order here.