Apple-ly Ever After at Lugano Wine Bar and Salumeria

Perfect for a Snowy Night in Connecticut!

Last week we had almost a foot of snow dumped on our tiny little state, and this week another twelve inches on top of that! I think I can speak for our entire population when I say, enough is enough!

But what we can't get enough of is apple flavored cocktails! 

And this one from Lugano is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you're not familiar with Lugano Wine Bar and Salumeria in Old Greenwich CT, they took their name from the only Italian speaking town in southern Switzerland and specialize in an extensive Italian tapas menu and salumeria, which offers a wide assortment of unique cured Italian meats and cheeses as well as hearty and creative salads, and a coastal raw bar.

Photo Source: MaxExPR on Instagram

The perfect pairing of items from their amazing menu always comes from their innovative craft cocktails, which, just like their menu items, features modern interpretations of the classics. 

While this isn't the exact recipe they use, it's our variation of this modern classic, the Apple-ly Ever After Craft Cocktail like Lugano!

Apple-ly Ever After Cocktail

• 1 oz Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva Dark Rum
• Dash Lemon Juice
• 1/2 oz Cinnamon Simple Syrup
• 2 oz Apple Cider 
• 1-1/2 oz Prosecco
• Lemon peel for garnish
• Cinnamon Sugar for Rim

Directions:

Prepare a Martini Glass with a Cinnamon Sugared Rim

Combine lemon juice, simple syrup, apple cider, and prosecco in a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake well.

Pour into martini glass.

Sip and enjoy!

Lugano Wine Bar and Salumeria

1392 E Putnam Ave
Old Greenwich CT 06870
(203) 990-0955

https://www.luganowinebar.com/index.php

Remember to always cocktail responsibly

What's on your drink menu?

#WhatsOnYourDrinkMenu

Afternoon Tea Cocktail at Spiga in New Canaan CT

Brunch at Spiga Wine Bar and Salumeria

Enjoy a delightful "Afternoon Tea Cocktail" at Spiga Wine Bar and Salumeria in New Canaan CT! Sunday Brunch just got 'a whole lot better' with the delicious brunch offerings at Spiga!

Photo Courtesy Spiga on Instagram 

There's something for everyone with items like Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, Seafood Frittata, Steak and Eggs, and more!

To accompany your brunch, order a Bellini, a Bloody Mary, or Mimosa (bottomless for $19.95) or better yet, try this delicious "Afternoon Tea Cocktail" to sip on!

Spiga Afternoon Tea Cocktail

• 1 oz Plume and Petal Peach Vodka
• 1 oz St. Germain
• 2 oz fresh black tea (cold)
• Dash rosemary simple syrup
• Lemon Peel

In a cocktail shaker mix ingredients over ice. Shake well. Pour into a brandy snifter and garnish with fresh lemon peels. Sip and enjoy!

Join them soon! Spiga's extensive menu holds something for everyone. From inspired small plates and antipasti boards featuring a selection of salumi and cheeses, to entrees made with free-range poultry, sustainable seafood, and all natural meats. Their large selection of vibrant salads are made with local organic greens and seasonal produce.

• Spiga Wine Bar & Salumeria

  134 Main St
  New Canaan CT 06840
  (203) 920-1351
  https://www.eatatspiga.com/
  
  
  What's on your drink menu?
  #WhatsOnYourDrinkMenu

Besito of West Hartford's Signature Patron Margarita

Bestito's Signature Margarita

We're thrilled to be able to bring you the recipe for the Besito Patron Margarita, the signature cocktail of the West Hartford location that is known for extraordinary food and drink.

Photo Courtesy of Besito's Public Relations Firm Worthampton PR

Besito Patron Margarita

Fill an amber rocks glass with ice and add the following:

• 1 ½ oz Patron Reposado Tequila
• ½  oz Cointreau
• 3 oz “POM” Pomegranate Tangerine Juice
• Squeeze juice of half lime directly over glass

Note: Place stirrer in glass and stir, do not shake drink.

No Garnish, No salt unless requested.

Besito Mexican

46 South Main St.
West Hartford, Connecticut 06107
Phone: 860-233-2500

On the web: http://www.besitomexican.com
Instagram: @besitomexican
Twitter: @besitomexican
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BesitoMexican

Remember to always cocktail responsibly.

Sour Cherry Shrub Cocktail at Ordinary New Haven

There's nothing ordinary about Ordinary New Haven! Located at the former site of the historic Hotel Taft on Chapel Street in New Haven, it's a fun place for great food, drink, and snacks!

We love this Sour Cherry Shrub Cocktail they recently featured and know that you will too! Get on down to Ordinary and try one! And if you can't get there right away, we've got our version of the recipe below to hold you over until you can!

Photo Source: Ordinary New Haven Instagram @OrdinaryNewHaven

The Sour Cherry Shrub Cocktail

• 1 oz. Sour Cherry Shrub (cherry infused white or fruit vinegar w equal parts simple syrup)
• 2 ozs. Mezcal
• 3 ozs Grapefruit Juice (ordinary uses fresh grapefruit juice!)

Mix with ice in a shaker. Shake well and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with Blueberries or Cherries and Fresh Mint. Make a sour face and enjoy!

Ordinary New Haven
990 Chapel Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203-907-0238

www.ordinarynewhaven.com

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

Victorious Party Cocktail at NEAT in Westport CT

You've got to hand it to Molly! When she is feeling adventurous at NEAT in Westport CT she comes up with some pretty amazing combinations. We love this one - the Victorious Party Cocktail!

It's perfect for celebrating the end of summer - and here's our take on the recipe so you can enjoy one until you can get yourself to NEAT to try the original!

Photo Source: Neat Westport Instagram @NeatWestport 

The Victorious Party Cocktail at Neat Westport

2 ozs Rum (we used The Real McCoy 3 YR Silver, Barbados)
2 ozs Lime Juice
1 oz strawberry infused simple syrup
Splash of club soda
Muddled strawberries and mint

Shake well and float 1/2 oz Green Chartreuse on top
Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh mint

Neat Westport
6 Wilton Road
Westport, CT 06880.

(203) 557-8955

http://neatwestport.com/

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

A Chocolate Chip Cocktail for National Chocolate Chip Day

Another National Holiday, National Chocolate Chip Day, arrived today!

But really, isn't EVERY day meant to celebrate chocolate?  In honor of this great holiday, we decided to celebrate with a Chocolate Chip Cocktail! 

Yup. You heard right! A chocolate chip cocktail!

Happy National Chocolate Chip Day!

Chocolate Chip Cocktail by CTCocktails.com

Chocolate Chip Cocktail 

• 2 ozs Pinnacle Cookie Dough Vodka 
• 1 oz Amaretto
• 2 ozs Milk (we used Almond Milk, but you can use any milk, even half and half to make it REALLY decadent)

Mix with ice and strain into the glass of your choice garnished with a rim* of brown sugar, miniature chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.

*Note: we used spun sugar on the rim of the glass to help "set" the ingredients

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

National Watermelon Day with Onyx Moonshine

Who Knew!!!

That's right! Today is National Watermelon Day and we're celebrating with this sweet and spicy drink by Onyx Moonshine!

Happy National Watermelon Day!

Photo Source: Onyx Moonshine Istagram @onyxmoonshine 

Watermelon-Peno Cocktail

2 oz Onyx Moonshine

4 oz fresh #watermelon purée  

Jalapeño infused simple syrup to taste 

Serve over ice. Garnish with a fresh watermelon wedge, lime wheel, and sliced jalapeños

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

Refreshing Watermelon Ginger Lemonade at Bar New Haven

Here's a great summer drink to enjoy with friends on a hot summer night!

Perfect with BAR's light appetizers and pizza, or simply on its own, it's the Watermelon Ginger Lemonade courtesy of Bar New Haven!

Photo Source: Bar New Haven Instagram 

Watermelon Ginger Lemonade

Muddled watermelon
1.5 ozs Titos vodka 

1 oz Giffards ginger liqueur
2 ozs soda water
2 ozs Ripe Lemon Sour
top with watermelon ale floated on top

Stir and garnish with a Watermelon Wedge and Orange Wheel

Sip and enjoy!

Bar New Haven

254 Crown Street
New Haven, CT 06511

203. 495.1111

http://www.barnightclub.com/

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

Strawberry Mojitos at Grant's Restaurant Farm To Table Dinner

Grant's Restaurant "Farm to Table" Featured Cocktail

Chef Billy Grant never disappoints. Whether it's an amazing dinner at one of his many restaurants or a farm to table dinner held off premise at Roseberry Farms, there's always great food and fun cocktails!

Here's the featured drink from Grant's Roseberry Farms June 2015 "Farm To Table" event!

The Strawberry Mojito!

Photo Source: Grant's Restaurant Instagram @grantsrestaurant 

And you can make a strawberry mojito similar to the one served here!

The Strawberry Mojito

Ingredients:

• Fresh Strawberries
• Fresh Limes (or a good lime juice like Rose's Lime Juice)
• Fresh Mint
• Simple Syrup
• Bacardi White Rum

Directions:

Muddle strawberries and mint leaves.

In a mixing glass combine muddled strawberry & mint, 3 ozs lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 2 ozs white rum

Shake and serve over ice.

Garnish with fresh strawberry, lime wheel, and mint sprig
Sip and enjoy!

Grants Restaurant and Bar
977 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-236-1930
Website: billygrant.com/grants

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

A Back Nine at Bogey's Grille and Tap Room in Norwalk CT

Bogey's Grille and Tap Room in Norwalk CT is a neighborhood favorite serving hearty American food, great beers on tap, and is known for their fun outdoor dining.

And, now that patio season is quickly approaching - how better to enjoy the warm weather than to sip on a spiked lemonade and enjoy the summer breezes while munching on some delicious American pub grub!

Here's Bogey's spiked lemonade version - dubbed - The Back Nine!

Photo Source: Instagram @BogeysNorwalk

The Back Nine

Ingredients:

6 ozs lemonade (Bogey's uses house made lemonade)
1.5 ozs cucumber vodka

Shake well, and serve over ice in a tall tumbler. Garnish with a cucumber wheel, lemon wedge and fresh mint.

Bogey's Grille and Tap Room
3 Wilton Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: 203-957-8686
Website: bogeysnorwalk.com

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

Humo y Fuego at Bar Taco in Westport, Stamford, and West Hartford

A Bar Taco "Guac & Cocktail" Pairing!

It's finally summer on the East Coast! That means al fresco dining, parties with chips and dips, and lots of cool cocktails!

Here's a great cocktail we found for you from Bar Taco - and even though this was photographed at their Atlanta GA location, there are THREE Bar Taco locations in CONNECTICUT where you can find this cocktail, too!

These amazing drinks are called the Humo y Fuego, the perfect accompaniment to some guacamole and chips, or any snack or appetizer for that matter - and Bar Taco was nice enough to share the recipe with us. We're passing the deets on to you...because we're nice like that too! Boom!

Photo Source: Instagram @ericabogart_
Thank you Erica for sharing!

Humo y Fuego

Directions:

In a mixing glass combine

1.5 oz Sombra Mezcal
.5 oz Green Chartreuse
3 ozs Lime Juice
Muddled Tomatillo

Shake well. Prepare your cocktail glass with a Paprika Pepper Salted Rim. Pour mixture over ice in glass carefully so as not to disturb rim. Garnish with a sliced jalapeno.

Sip and enjoy!

Bar Taco Connecticut locations:

Bar Taco Stamford
222 Summer Street
Stamford, CT
203.323.TACO (8226)

Bar Taco Westport
20 Wilton Road
Westport, CT
203.222.TACO (8226)

Bar Taco West Hartford
971 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT
860.586.TACO (8226)

Website: www.bartaco.com

Not in CT?
Bar Taco has locations in Port Chester NY, Atlanta GA, and Reston VA!

Remember to always cocktail responsibly!

The Las Ramblas Sherry Cobbler Cocktail at Mezon Tapa Bar in Danbury CT

There's a party going on with the "Las Ramblas" Sherry Cobbler Cocktail!

Photo Source: Mezon Tapas Bar and Restaurant

There's always a good time at Mezon Tapa Bar and Restaurant in Danbury CT! Their vibe always transports you to a time of tradition, passion, flavor, and soul!  

And we love the sound of this new cocktail, the "Las Ramblas" Sherry Cobbler. 

And where did they get the name for this great cocktail? 

It's named after a popular street in Spain where parties happen round the clock!

 The Las Ramblas Sherry Cobbler Cocktail

.5 oz Amontillado sherry
.5 oz Pedro Ximenez sherry
.5 oz Dry Sack Medium sherry
.5 oz simple syrup
4 lemon wedges
4 raspberries

Muddle raspberries, lemon wedges, and simple syrup in a tin. Add remaining ingredients. Shake and double strain over crushed ice.
Garnish with mint sprig.

Mezon Tapa Bar and Restaurant
56 Mill Plain Road
Danbury, CT 06810

Phone: 203-748-0875

Website: mezonct.com

Remember to always drink responsibly!

Apple Cinnamon Margarita with Ripe Bar Juice

We're thrilled to be featuring this Apple Cinnamon Margarita posted on Instagram by Jon, cocktail connoisseur, (and mixer of fine elixars from Morales Martini Mansion).

This fun cocktail was created in honor of Cinco De Mayo, and, because CT weather isn't cooperating with summer temperatures, the apple cinnamon's harvest flavors are perfect for spring's cooler temperatures until the hot weather hits!

We also loved that this unique cocktail uses Ripe Bar Juice as one of its mixers. Ripe Bar Juice is a local company, right out of New Haven CT!

Photo Source: Instagram @Jon_m_in_CT

The Apple Cinnamon Margarita with Ripe Bar Juice

In a mixing glass combine:

2.5 oz. Jose Curevo Cinge Cinnamon Flavored Tequila
1.5 oz. Ripe Bar Juice - Agave Margarita
0.5 oz. Orange Curacao
1 oz. Simply Apple Juice
0.5 oz. Apple Cider

Shake well

Prepare a Cinnamon and Sugared Rim in a Margarita Glass
Pour gently from mixing glass into margarita glass so as not to disturb garnished rim

Garnish with a fresh apple slice and churros

Remember to always drink responsibly!

Strawberry Summer Daze at Post 154 in Westport CT

Post 154 in Westport CT is an amazing space! A restaurant in a historic post office. It's a restaurant, a bar, and a fun place to meet up with friends for great food and beverages.

We can't wait to try this light refreshing cocktail they've created, the Strawberry Summer Daze!

Photo: Instagram @Post_154

 

Strawberry Summer Daze

1.5 ozs. Strawberry Infused Belvedere Vodka
1/2 oz. Basil Simple Syrup
4 ozs Fresh Lemon Juice
Splash of Rhubarb Bitters 

Serve in a tall glass over ice. Garnish with Fresh Basil, Strawberries and Fresh Ground Pepper

 

Post 154

154 Post Road East
Westport, CT 06880

203-454-0154

www.post154.com

Remember to always drink responsibly!

Try a Rodeo Ride at HooDoo Brown Barbecue in Ridgefield CT

Be sure to try the Rodeo Ride Cocktail at HooDoo Brown Barbecue - the perfect pairing to good BBQ!

They're putting the finishing touches on their signature cocktail menu, and so far this is our favorite, the Rodeo Ride, available at the soon to open (May 22nd!) HooDoo Brown Barbecue in Ridgefield CT!

Photo Source: Instagram_@HooDooBrownBBQ

What gives this cocktail its kick? The limited edition Absolut Texas Vodka, infused with a warm spicy flavor, inspired by the cuisine of the great state of Texas!

The Rodeo Ride

1.5 ozs Absolut Texas Vodka
3 ozs. Fresh Lime Juice
Serve over ice
Garnish with fresh jalapeno

Opening May 22nd 2015!

HooDoo Brown Barbecue

967 Ethan Allen Highway
Ridgefield, Connecticut
(203) 438-6033

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoodooBrownBBQ

Remember to always drink responsibly!

Blackberry Gin Lemonade - A Refreshing Spring Drink

Now that fresh berry season is approaching in Connecticut - it's time to enjoy some refreshing spring cocktails that feature delicious juicy berries. Here's a cocktail that fits the bill, Blackberry Gin Lemonade, that Instagrammers Mike and Manda found on Pinterest by Michael Wurm's Inspired By Charm website and recreated!

Photo Source: Mike Skarka  Instagram @Michael_Skarka
Mixologist for this Cocktail: Instagram Manda Koch

Cocktail Recipe Creator: Michael Wurm: Instagram @InspiredbyCharm

Here's the ingredients you'll need to create this cocktail!

Blackberry Gin Lemonade:

For the lemonade:

• 2 cups blackberries
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup water
• 3/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)

For the cocktail:

• 1/2 cup sparkling water (chilled)
• 1/2 cup gin
• Ice
• Fresh blackberries, for garnish

For the entire recipe including directions, please visit the creator of the recipe, Inspired By Charm

Remember to always drink responsibly!

The Spread SONO "Carlito's Way" Vodka Cocktail Recipe

The Spread in South Norwalk participated in the recent "Community Plate" event in Stamford and we had the chance to taste their special Vodka cocktail, "Carlito's Way."  Carlito's Way was named in honor of their executive chef, Carlos Baez. The Spread was nice enough to provide us with the cocktail recipe so you can try it home.



Ingredients:

• 2 oz vodka
• .5 oz lemon and basil infused simple syrup (directions below)
• .5 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
• .25 oz grapefruit infused balsamic (directions below)

To make the cocktail, simply mix all ingredients in a high-ball glass over ice, shake to mix, and garnish with a fresh basil leaf!

How to Make Lemon and Basil Infused Simple Syrup: put basil leaves and lemon segments in a blender, amounts to taste, then mix with sugar water and strain through cheesecloth

How to Make Grapefruit Infused Balsamic: this can be made by infusing white balsamic with grapefruit rinds or can be purchased at a specialty oil/vinegar store.

The Spread South Norwalk
70 N. Main Street
South Norwalk, CT 06854
203-939-1111

thespreadsono.com

Mediterraneo of Norwalk's Thyme Infused Irish Whiskey Sour

Today's craft cocktail comes from the Mediterraneo of Norwalk CT courtesy of bartender Craig Ventrice. It's a great play on the traditional and classic whiskey sour, incorporating Irish Whiskey and thyme infused simple syrup. Let's give a cheer for the Irish for this one!

Mediterraneo Norwalk
Address: 353 Main Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851
Phone: (203) 229-0000
Menu: zhospitalitygroup.com

Thyme Infused Irish Whiskey Sour

Photo Courtesy Craig Ventrice Instagram @craiven15

Ingredients:

• Jameson's Irish Whiskey
• Thyme Infused Simple Syrup
• Lemon Juice
• Egg White

White Wine Sangria Recipe

Sangria is good anytime of the year. Check out Barcelona Wine Bar in West Hartford, Stamford, or Milford for Sangria. If you are having a party try this White Wine Sangria recipe at home. 

Photo Source: Pinterest

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (about 4 oranges)
• 1 bottle white wine, like Pinot Grigio
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1 red apple, diced
• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1/2 cup seedless grapes, cut in half
• 1 lime, thinly sliced
• Club soda

Directions:

In a large pitcher, combine the orange juice, white wine, agave nectar, apple, pineapple, grapes and lime. Stir until well combined. Reserve in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Add 2 ice cubes to each glass, then pour the sangria until the glass is 3/4 full. Use a long spoon to scoop some fruit into the glass. Top off with club soda. Cheers!