Tag Archives: Cocktail

The Short History of Gin + Cocktail Recipe

Gin, with its storied past and complex botanical profile, stands as one of the most versatile spirits in the world. Born in the Netherlands during the 16th century, gin was originally conceived as a medicinal elixir. Known as “genever,” it was distilled with juniper berries, which were believed to have healing properties. The drink’s popularity soared when British soldiers brought it back home, where it evolved into the gin we know today. Over centuries, gin has maintained its allure, with its crisp, aromatic character lending itself to countless cocktails, from the classic martini to the effervescent gin fizz.

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The Martinez: Pre-Prohibition Elegance in a Glass

Long before the Gin & Tonic or the Manhattan became household names, the Martinez quietly laid the groundwork for modern cocktails. Often considered the direct ancestor of the Martini, this drink emerged in the mid-1800s, likely originating in San Francisco or the small town of Martinez, California, where bartenders were experimenting with the new Italian vermouth arriving on American shores. Its creation reflects an era when cocktails were as much about balance and sophistication as they were about fortifying spirits for the workday—or the long evening ahead.

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Happy Hour: Citrus Basil Smash

When the sun is blazing, conversations stretch long into golden evenings, and the backyard beckons with its promise of grilled food and lazy laughter, the only thing missing is the perfect summer cocktail. It should be something refreshing yet complex, light enough to sip under the sun but layered enough to hold its own as the stars come out. Whether you’re mixing a single drink for a quiet moment on the porch or preparing a pitcher for an impromptu gathering of friends, this is a cocktail that captures the essence of summer in every glass.

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Sanjh Introduces New Cocktails Crafted by Mixologist Yangdup Lama

On the heels of Yangdup Lama’s Sidecar x Sanjh pop up, Sanjh, the elevated restaurant paying homage to 3,500 years of rich historic Indian cuisines, unveils a list of new cocktail creations. Expertly crafted by renowned mixologist Yangdup Lama, Director of Mixology at Sanjh and Travel + Leisure Asia’s 2022’s Mixologist of the Year, the new cocktails feature a fusion of traditional Indian flavors and modern mixology techniques.

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Happy Hour: Pisco Sour

Pisco is a colorless or amber toned grape brandy made in Peru since the 16th century by Spanish settlers. Since that time pisco has been distilled using traditional methods, and Pisco Porton is one of the finer examples of the product. We met with the Pisco Porton master distiller, Johnny Schuler while he was in Dallas. Schuler resides in Lima, Peru where he owns restaurants and has an entertaining television program that features Pisco Porton.   

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Happy Hour: Aperol Spritz

The classic Aperol spritz recipe on the back of the Aperol bottle calls for three parts Prosecco (or other sparkling wine), two parts Aperol, and a splash of soda. The concoction is fizzy and vibrantly orange in flavor, softly sweet and just a tiny bit bitter—perfect for sipping before dinner as an aperitivo. Earlier versions of the spritz used Select, which some tasters find more complex, or Campari, which is quite a bit more bitter and bracing. But you can spritz with whatever bittersweet liqueur you prefer—or even combine two of your favorites.

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Happy Hour: The Mojito

Mojito is a traditional Cuban highball made up of five ingredients and having rum as alcoholic base. Mojito is very popular among alcohol starters due to it having relatively low alcoholic content. In today’s time there are hundreds of variations of Mojito and especially its mocktail counterparts are quite popular among teetotalers.

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Dos Jefes Offering Special Paired Cocktail Dinner October 6th

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Dos Jefes is introducing a distinctive dinner series it’s calling The Mexican Pantry.

Executive Chef Samir Dhurandhar and Salvador Ordaz will kick off the monthly dinner specials on Thursday, Oct. 6, with an artful and savory Mexican prix fixe menu featuring: Continue reading

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