Tag bartender

NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Crème de Menthe Day on September 15th recognizes the creamy peppermint-flavored liqueur used in cocktails and desserts. Enjoy your favorite combination to celebrate!

Many of the liqueurs we enjoy today started as tonics and cure-alls. And we thank pharmacists for bringing them into existence. Crème de menthe (mint cream) is one of those liqueurs. French pharmacist, Emile Giffard, studied the cooling and digestive properties of mint. His research led him to a recipe for crème de menthe.

Crème de menthe is sweet and mint leaves (usually Corsican mint) give crème de menthe its green color. However, when extracted, the liqueur is colorless. This form of the liqueur is called white crème de menthe. Unless color is essential, both varieties have similar flavors and are interchangeable in recipes.

The traditional formula involves steeping dried peppermint or Corsican mint leaves in grain alcohol for several weeks. This method creates a natural green color.  The following steps include filtration and the addition of sugar.

Several cocktails include crème de menthe as an ingredient. Two popular cocktails include Grasshopper and Stinger. Because of mint’s digestive qualities, crème de menthe makes an excellent after-dinner drink.  Also popular in the kitchen, it is used in many recipes as a flavoring. To make a chilly adult milkshake mix crème de menthe with ice cream.  Add chopped pecans or shaved chocolate as a garnish.

Creme de Menthe Squares
Grasshopper Pudding

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #CremeDeMentheDay

Try crème de menthe for the first time or the hundredth. Add it to a dessert or mix up a cocktail. Stir in some chocolate for a mint chocolate flair. Encourage your favorite restaurant or dessert shop to celebrate the day, too. Give them a shout out for their amazing creations, too. If you don’t have a recipe to try at home, check these out:

Share your crème de menthe recipes. Use #CremeDeMentheDay to post on social media.

The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

On August 28th, National Red Wine Day ushers in the flavors of fall. As the grapes ripen and signal a time for warmer sips, wine drinkers know reds mean tailgating and spicy foods.

Throughout the year, wine days afford us the opportunity to taste and learn about the differences between wines. Earlier this month National Prosecco Day gave us the last bubbly rays of summer. Now we savor the best of the season with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Port, and Syrah.

Red Wine Glasses - Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware - For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3 Visit the RÖD Wine Store
Red Wine Glasses – Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware – For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3

Visit the RÖD Wine Store

Red wine varietals produce deep ruby reds as well as subtle ambers and browns. Their beautiful colors hint at the coming change in the season. With that, we can look for delicious menu changes, too. Besides, what better way to enjoy a great bottle of wine than by pairing it with excellent company and food. Restaurants around the country will be happy to oblige throughout the celebration. Be sure to check out the latest menus from appetizers to desserts.

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition by Madeline Puckette  (Author)
Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition

by Madeline Puckette  (Author)

Don’t fear the red, either. Even if you prefer a sweeter wine, there’s a red for you. Also, blends offer a way to enjoy the best of both wine worlds. And don’t fret. Red, red wine pairs well with salad, steak, dessert and so much more.

If you’re hesitant, attend a wine tasting. There you will learn more each time and find the wine that fits not only your palate but your cooking style, too.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRedWineDay

Pour a glass or two of delicious red wine. Not sure what kind to try? Ask sommelier and enjoy a wine tasting with friends. Use #NationalRedWineDay to share your favorites.

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY HISTORY

In 2014, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Red Wine Day. 

NATIONAL PINOT NOIR DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 34 Comments

National Pinot Noir Day on August 18th encourages wine lovers to experience one of the wine world’s most versatile wines.

Since Pinot Noir’s high acidity along with the lower tannins, it complements food nicely. Wineries around the world produce pinot noir using red wine grapes and primarily the Pinot Noir varietal.

The dry wine includes hints of cherry and raspberry, as well as earthy flavors and notes of floral. It’s one of the world’s favorite red wines, too. One Pinot Noir grown and produced in Burgundy, France bears the name of the region. France also produces more Pinot Noir than any other country. However, today the grape is grown all over the world. The soil, climate, and how it is processed all impact the flavors.

Riedel Extreme Pinot Noir Wine Glasses, Set of 4, Clear,27.16 ounces
Riedel Extreme Pinot Noir Wine Glasses, Set of 4, Clear,27.16 ounces
California Pinot Noir Fontana Wine Kit | Wine Making Ingredient Kit - 6 Gallon Wine Kit | Premium Ingredients for DIY Wine Making | Makes 30 Bottles of Wine
California Pinot Noir Fontana Wine Kit | Wine Making Ingredient Kit – 6 Gallon Wine Kit | Premium Ingredients for DIY Wine Making | Makes 30 Bottles of Wine
SONGMICS 42-Bottle Wine Rack Free Standing Floor, 7-Tier Display Wine Storage Shelves with Table Top, Bamboo Wobble-Free Bottle Holder for Kitchen Bar Dining Room Living Room, Espresso UKWR27BR
SONGMICS 42-Bottle Wine Rack Free Standing Floor, 7-Tier Display Wine Storage Shelves with Table Top, Bamboo Wobble-Free Bottle Holder for Kitchen Bar Dining Room Living Room, Espresso UKWR27BR

Need more Wine?

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPinotNoirDay

The easiest way to celebrate the day is by having a glass of Pinot Noir. However, don’t stop there. There are other ways to get the fullest enjoyment of this wine.

Share your favorite pairs and bottle of Pinot Noir by using #NationalPinotNoirDay on social media.

California Delicious Golden State Gourmet Foods Gift Basket, 8 pound
California Delicious Golden State Gourmet Foods Gift Basket, 8 pound

National IPA Day

Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National IPA Day celebrates the beer known as India Pale Ale Beer.

While the IPA is one of the most popular types of craft beers, it’s also making a resurgence with local microbreweries. Many are experiencing success as their brew finds its way into local restaurants and pubs.

Northern Brewer - Kama Citra Session IPA India Pale Ale Extract Beer Recipe Kit - Makes 5 Gallons by Northern Brewer
Northern Brewer – Kama Citra Session IPA India Pale Ale Extract Beer Recipe Kit – Makes 5 Gallons

by Northern Brewer

The IPA seems to have developed out of an idea from the 1700s. When shipping ale to India, adding hops to the beer increased the longevity of the brew. Brewers thought that hops preserved the beer for long voyages to hot climates. One London brewer gained attention for his ability to brew this particular style of beer. George Hodgson shipped many casks of pale ales to India from London. However, no one knows for sure when or who coined the name India Pale Ale.

IPA Indian Pale Ale - Amazing Gifts - Pint Beer Glasses - 4pcs by Amazing Gifts
IPA Indian Pale Ale – Amazing Gifts – Pint Beer Glasses – 4pcs

by Amazing Gifts

Brewers ferment barley to make India Pale Ales. Depending on the length of fermentation, the tannins may cause some bitterness in the beer, even after adding the hops. While IPAs have a reputation of being bitter and hoppy, not all are. They also tend to be crisper than other beers.

IPA Indian Pale Ale - Amazing Gifts - Beer Mug Glasses - 4pcs by Amazing Gifts
IPA Indian Pale Ale – Amazing Gifts – Beer Mug Glasses – 4pcs

by Amazing Gifts

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalIPADay

Raise your glass on National IPA Day and enjoy this day with friends. The beauty of participating in a National Day such as this one is the support you provide for local craft brewers…Cheers! Post on social media using #NationalIPADay

NATIONAL SCOTCH DAY

Jensperspectiveblog 12 Comments
Nothing like a good glass of scotch on a chilly evening.

On July 27th, we recognize an aged whisky distilled from malted barley. Make a toast on National Scotch Day and share a drink with a friend.

Whiskey Stones Gift Set w/ 8 Granite Whiskey Rocks,2 Crystal Whiskey Glasses & Velvet Bag by EMcollection|Reusable Cooling Ice Cubes|Chill Your Scotch & Cold Drinks|Packed in Elegant Wooden Box by EMCOLLECTION
Whiskey Stones Gift Set w/ 8 Granite Whiskey Rocks,2 Crystal Whiskey Glasses & Velvet Bag by EMcollection|Reusable Cooling Ice Cubes|Chill Your Scotch & Cold Drinks|Packed in Elegant Wooden Box

by EMCOLLECTION

Since Scotch is protected by law, specific guidelines must be followed when making it to be labeled as Scotch. Otherwise, it may be an ordinary whisky (or whiskey if it’s made in the United States). First and foremost, Scotch must be made in Scotland. Another requirement includes the grain used in the fermentation process. For Scotch, only malted barley may be used. The Scotch must also be aged in oak barrels for at least three years and have an ABV of less than 94.8%. While most Scotch is made with barley, water, and yeast, other grains can be included, but no fermentation additives, per law.

Beginner's Guide to Whiskey: Traditions, Types, and Tastes of the Ultimate Spirit Paperback – April 7, 2020 by Sam Green  (Author)
Beginner’s Guide to Whiskey: Traditions, Types, and Tastes of the Ultimate Spirit Paperback – April 7, 2020

by Sam Green  (Author)

Scotch whisky dates back to the 15th century where a Scottish taxman recorded the spirit in 1494. Since then, Scotch, barley, malt, and grain have been in and out of the shadows. The distilleries or the smugglers either dodged the king’s taxman or organized against him. Scotch was first protected by definition in law in 1933. It was further protected in 1988 with the Scotch Whisky Act.

Whiskey Decanter Globe Set with 2 Etched Globe Whisky Glasses - for Liquor, Scotch, Bourbon, Vodka - 850ml by Godinger
Whiskey Decanter Globe Set with 2 Etched Globe Whisky Glasses – for Liquor, Scotch, Bourbon, Vodka – 850ml

by Godinger

There are five distinct categories of Scotch whisky including single malt Scotch, single grain Scotch, blended malt Scotch, blended grain Scotch, and blended Scotch.

For all the Outlander fans out there, Sam a.k.a. Jamie Frasier has embarked into the field with Sassanach Spirits.

Outlander, Jamie Frasier, Sam Heughan
Sam Heughan

a.k.a. Jamie Frasier

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalScotchDay

Enjoy some scotch with friends. (Remember always to drink responsibly and never to drink and drive.) Explore other beverages from around the world. Post on social media using #NationalScotchDay.

Season 7 airing now on Friday nights
In order to protect what they’ve built, the Frasers have to navigate the Revolutionary War. They learn that sometimes to defend what you love, you have to leave it behind.
Get the newest episode every Friday!