Smoked Unicum Hot Toddies

I love Hot Toddies.  To me, there is nothing better than a warm, boozy toddy with that zip of lemon and the sweet homey taste of honey to make winter just melt away.  I always think Hot Toddies taste better at home, there's something about curling up into a ball under a cozy blanket with a big mug, and watching the snow fall outside.  It's really the best.

But sometimes you need a shake up: and the Smoked Unicum Toddy will do just that.  Made with Unicum Plum liqueur (sister spirit of the Hungarian spirit Zwack), smoked with Mesquite wood chips in a hand held smoking gun, and sweetened with a dash of Luxardo cherry liqueur; this Toddy might have you wishing that winter will stick around a bit longer than planned.

Smoked Unicum Hot Toddy
Created by Gastronomista

3 oz Unicum Plum Liqueur
1/2 oz Luxardo Liqueur
6 oz Hot Water (Slightly Cooled Boiling Water)
Cinnamon Stick
Whole Star Anise

Equipment

PolyScience Smoking Gun
Mesquite Wood Chips

Instructions

Pour desired servings of Unicum Plum into a decanter or a large jar with cellophane on the top.  Set up decanter with hose of smoking gun inside of the decanter.  If using a jar, poke a hole in cellophane and insert the tube.  Fill Smoking gun with a generous pinch of Mesquite Wood Chips, turn on internal fan, and light with a lighter.

Let vessel fill with smoke, and then seal.  Stir gently, mixing the smoke molecules with the spirit.

In your desired serving mug build the cocktail, starting with the Luxardo, then Smoked Unicum, and top with boiling water that has cooled.  Stir and garnish with a cinnamon stick and a whole star anise.

Wendy Littlefield of Vanberg & DeWulf - Lady Crush Interview

At Tales of the Cocktail 2012, I had the privilege to attend the Beertales: The Most Chemically Complex CKTLS seminar, led by Wendy Littlefield, Fancesco Lafranconi, Adam Richard Seger, and Doug Frost.  One of these crazy complex cocktails in, and I was sold.  Beer in Cocktails!  Genius!

But there’s more to this story, dear readers, before there were Beertails, there was Beer.  Before Wendy Littlefield and her husband Don Feinberg started their importing company Vanberg & DeWulf in 1982, beer in the United States was, well, bad.

Vanberg & DeWulf was the first company to specialize in importing Belgian beers to the United States, which, one could argue, was a catalyst for the entire craft beer movement in America.  Where there was once 52 breweries in the United States, there are now 2500, making a wide range of different style beers.

So what beers does Vanberg & De Wulf import?  A few you've most likely heard of: Lambic, Saisons, Wit Beer, Belgian Stout, Smoked Ales, Abbey Singels, Bobbels and Tripels….(ok, maybe you haven’t heard of all of them).  Know that some of the breweries that they import from have been making beer since 1769, and all showcase the unique method of Belgian brewing.  They were the first to import Duvel, the well known Belgian beer that can be found in almost any discerning beer bar.  Today, V&DW imports beers from elsewhere in the world including Italy, Flanders, England, and Iceland.  One notable selection, LAVA is a smoked Imperial Stout that is brewed at a farm next to an active volcano, is on the top of my list to try TOMORROW.

What struck me the most about the Vanberg & DeWulf story, other than changing the perception of beer in the U.S. and inspiring microbreweries to pop up left and right (NBD), was Wendy’s story.  30 years ago it was an obscure choice to pursue importing beer, and as a woman, I’m sure it had it’s own particular challenges.  We spoke on the matter a bit, Wendy mentioned that it was not uncommon for her to be the only woman not in a bikini at the Beer Wholesaler’s Conventions.

Yet, the Yale grad was not deterred, instead, she found that her male colleagues were curious, they wanted to meet her, and do business with her.  She has proven herself as a knowledgeable importer, an expert on beer and it’s production, and has helped develop some of the most innovative and experimental beers in the last few years.  Lambrucha, for example, was named “Experimental Beer of the Year” at the U.S. Open of Beer and “one of the world’s healthiest beers” by Esquire Magazine.

She’s also quite the hostess.  This year, Vanberg & DeWulf hosted its 3rd annual Coast-To-Coast Toast on November 14, 2013, a national celebration of Belgian Beers held in hundreds of bars around the world (723, to be exact).  The main event was held at the notable Fat Rice in Chicago where all of the beers of the V&DW portfolio were offered.  (Ah, to be a fly on the wall at that party…)

In summation, Ms Littlefield is a force to be reckoned with.  A pioneer in the beer industry, she is a woman who continues to introduce innovative beers to the US market, and never ceases to wow us with new ideas and flavors.

And now, in her own words, after the jump:

Habanero Grapefruit Margaritas

Hey!  It's National Margarita Day!!!  I have no idea why National Margarita Day is in the depths of February.  Truth, I have no idea why there is a need for a "National Margarita Day" when we already have Cinco de Mayo, and every day of the summer.  But I digress.  It's National Margarita Day!

Because it is 50 degrees here in New York City, it's a Saturday, and I'm feeling festive, let's have a margarita, shall we?  But not just any margarita, an extra-spicy habanero infused margarita, to keep us warm until summer finally arrives.  

Enjoy!

Habanero Grapefruit Margarita

This story was originally featured on BirchBox.com 
Created by Gastronomista

This Margarita is for those who like their cocktails HOT!  Habanero infused tequila is easy to make, and instantly heats up a traditional marg. This cocktail has a low baritone heat from the peppers, which contrasts marvelously against the bright flavor of the grapefruit.  

1.5 oz Habanero infused Camarena 100% Agave Silver Tequila (see below for recipe)

3 oz Freshly squeezed grapefruit juice

.5 oz Fresh lime juice

.5 oz Simple syrup

Orange zest and sugar for garnish

Sugar for rimming

Mix sugar and orange zest on a small plate. Rim edge of glass with lime juice and gently dip into the sugar. Shake well with cracked ice and strain into a highball glass. Garnish with a whole habanero pepper (not recommended for eating). 

Option:  If you’re not into spice, use Joven (Silver) Tequila instead of habanero-infused tequila.

Habanero-Infused Tequila

2 Habanero peppers

8 oz Silver 100 percent agave tequila (we used Camarena Tequila)

Slice peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place into a non-reactive bottle and add tequila. Depending on your tolerance to spice, you will want to adjust the time you leave the habanero slices in the tequila. After just a few hours, the tequila will be quite spicy, so you might want to taste it after four hours or so. If you really like heat, let it infuse for 24 hours. If it’s too spicy, use half joven tequila and half habanero-infused tequila when making your margaritas. 

Pro Tip: Habaneros are notoriously spicy and can be tricky to work with.  Take out contacts before slicing, and refrain from rubbing your eyes with your fingers.

Sea & Scotch Hot Chocolate

 

Another big storm has rolled into NYC, and it's got me craving a warm cup of hot chocolate (with a kick, of course).  Boozy hot chocolate!??!  YES PLEASE.

I love the pairing of Bowmore and chocolate, the sweetness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty Islay scotch, a natural choice for a hot boozy tipple. 

I used the Bowmore 15, The Darkest expression, which is a rich and more intense version of Bowmore Legend.  It's aged in Bourbon casks, and then spends the last 3 years aging in Oloroso Sherry casks, giving it a bit of a tannic bite.  The Darkest has the sweet flavors from the malted barley and the flavors of vanilla and caramel from the oak casks, stone fruits, coffee, with a chocolate note coming out on the mid palate, and that signature salty beach bonfire note that is found in all Bowmore scotches. 

The Darkest pairs exceptionally well with Jacques Torres Wicked Hot Chocolate, made with real chocolate (none of that powdery mix nonsense).  The high quality chocolate pairs so well with Bowmore, the chocolate, the salt, and all that smoke.  Topped with a layer of frothed cream, and you've got a decadent treat to warm you up, despite all the snow outside. 

Sea & Scotch Hot Chocolate

1.5 oz Bowmore 15The Darkest
3 oz Prepared Jacques Torres Wicked Hot Chocolate (follow instructions on the package)
3 oz Frothed Milk or Cream (I like Half & Half)

Build in a mug starting with Bowmore, adding the chocolate.  Stir and mix thoroughly, and froth milk using a Nespresso Aeroccino+.  Top chocolate and scotch with frothed milk. 

Bottoms up!

Enjoy!

Valentines 2014 - Gift Guide

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and so you've probably got a little bit of last minute shopping to do.  A perfect Valentine's dinner for me involves a gorgeous dry-aged steak dinner at home, a few glasses of bubbly, followed by a few glasses of something stronger.  I've always loved Valentine's Day, everything is red and cheerful despite the dreariness of winter outside, and it's always a perfect excuse to buy an extra-fancy bottle (or two) for that special someone.

Without further ado:

1.  Start your Valentine's evening right with a bottle of Angostura No. 1, the company's newest limited edition sipping rum from their Premium Cask Collection.  It's sweet, with a lot of wood and citrus on the nose.  It has round sweet flavors of caramel, lemon, spice, cinnamon, toasted nuts, roasted peaches, and a finish of banana pastry.  It is a complex sipping rum that has been produced in a limited quantity of 9,600 bottles.  While rum is following the trend of whiskeys and producing limited edition releases, the price point of rum has not yet caught up with whiskey.  No. 1 drinks like a much more expensive bottle, and will surely impress your someone special.  $49.00

2.  This year for Valentine's Day, Moët & Chandon has a fantastic gift box ready to go!  The box set comes with a bottle of Moët Rosé Impérial, and two champagne flutes - perfect for romantic gondola rides or impulsive picnics!  $119

3.  Heart-Shaped Cheese Trio from River's Edge Chèvre comes with three artisanal bloomy-rind goat cheeses: Petit Bonheursmooth with Pink Peppercorns, Old Flamedense, and Hearts Desire with Spanish Paprika.  $78

4.  There is nothing more romantic than a perfectly cooked, perfectly salted steak.  There's something so lovely about the ritual of splitting a large cut for two, and spending the entire meal savoring each bite together.  Dry aging makes the meat more buttery and full of flavor, and nice marbling keeps your steak juicy.  Go for this Dry Aged Porterhouse beauty from Strassburger.  $249 for 4 20 oz Steaks.

5.  This year spring for a special treat, Casa Dragones sipping tequila!  This tequila is one of the best things I've tasted all year, it is silky smooth, and has a complex layering of pineapple mango, passion fruit, agave, with a creamy mid palate, and a clean yet spicy finish.  Basically, it's the best tequila on the planet.  Casa Dragones also comes in a gorgeous Turquoise Blue box set that comes with two hand-etched Riedel tequila sipping glasses, and a hand-etched crystal decanter filled with this delicious ambrosia.  $275

6.  I am so smitten with Pancracio Chcolates from Spain - I love these little chocolate lip truffles lacquered in red chocolate!  $20

7.  Need more bubbles?  Bravo!  Try Chandon Étoile Rosé from the Napa Valley, a gorgeous bubbly with almost a blood orange color to it.  It has notes of bright citrus, raspberry, candied orange peel, passion fruit, grapefruit pith, with an undertone of clay and leafy green grass.  It has a nice clean finish, and stays on the palate for quite a bit.  This wine is aged for a minimum of five years, and has a bit of Pinot Noir grapes added to the mix to give it its distinctive color and flavor. $50

8.  Still need more bubbles?  I'm a huge fan of Chandon Rosé, also from the Napa Valley, which is a great Rosé for any occasion.  It is a light and dry bubbly with tasting notes of berry, cherry, stone fruits, crisp pear, and a bright green apple.  Plus it is at a great price point of $22! Shall we open a bottle now??  But of course!

9.  Want to get creative with that Chandon Rosé?  Mix it into a cocktail!

4 Raspberries
1/3 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
3/4 oz Gin
1/4 oz Simple Syrup
2 dashes Rose Water

Muddle Raspberries with Gin and Simple Syrup.  Add Lemon Juice and Rose water, and shake with ice.  Strain into a cocktail glass and top with Chandon Rosé.  

10.  Sweetheart Heels by Alice + Olivia will heat up any outfit, no matter how cold it is outside.  $295

11.  The morning after Valentine's Day requires just as much attention!  Breakfast in Bed with hot French Toast, Maple Syrup, Fresh Fruit, and a delicious cup of coffee.  Keep it quick and easy with a Nespresso Maestra Machine in Candy Apple Red.  I love the vintage look of this machine, sure to look handsome in anyone's kitchen.  $550

12.  If you're looking for a gift for a discerning whiskey-lover, try Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix Limited Edition Irish Whiskey.  The Phoenix is a blend of three different kinds of Irish Whiskey: Golden Grain, Pot Still Whiskey, and Malt.  There's flavors of caramel, spice, oak, candied orange peel, grapefruit, and a spicy tannic finish that comes from the two years it has spent in Oloroso sherry casks.  It's a delightful dram, and a powerful one at that, coming in at 55% ABV.  $63

14.  For those with a sweet-tooth for both design and Amaretto, Moschino has teamed up with Disaronno to create a charming limited edition bottle for Valentine's Day, making for a perfect night-cap on such a sweet night.  $24

xxG