Signature Drink from Blackberry Farm

One of the most popular questions I get from Brides is "What's a good Signature Drink for my reception? You know...One that you haven't seen anywhere before...?"  

My answer: Try this:

Vanilla Poached Pear

The Vanilla Poached Pear, one of our most popular drinks, is a take on classic dessert flavors translated into drinkable form, and for adult enjoyment no less! Now don't go thinking this is a super-sweet, make your teeth hurt kind of "dessert" drink. We prefer real cocktails, but more importantly, we prefer balance, and that means a perfect marriage between the sweetness of the vanilla syrup and the slight heat of the Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka. Contrasting elements brought together by the warm, mouth-filling flavor of pure vanilla bean and the richness of ripe pear. Winter is here and red fruit flavors take over so it makes sense to add a splash of Pinot Noir for color and body.
Not too sweet, not too sharp, just a perfectly balanced cocktail that happens to conjure memories of a classic red wine poached pear, and since we're moving out of pear season this is the only chance to taste it!

Vanilla Poached Pear 

Add to shaker:
1.5oz Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka
.5oz Pinot Noir
.25oz vanilla syrup
Squeeze of lemon wedge
Hard shake 10 count and pour into chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with lemon peel

Vanilla Syrup
4 Vanilla beans, split and scraped
3 cups sugar
1.5 cups boiling water
.5oz vodka
Combine all ingredients except vodka and stir until dissolved.
Add splash of vodka when slightly cooled, stir again, strain and store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks.

Jesse Ratliff, Mixologist
January 1, 2011

http://www.friendsofblackberryfarm.com/tasting-notes/vanilla-poached-pear.html

I Feel A Block Party Coming On!

Alright, let's be honest, there's only so much Inside Time one can take. Cabin Fever has officially set in for many of us.  


Take this opportunity to get to know your neighbors.  Invite them over for an impromptu cocktail party. Here's Food & Wine Magazine's Cocktails Building Blocks Guideline.  



Food & Wine Magazine Cocktail Building Block Guideline


Source: http://www.foodandwine.com/images/sys/201002-a-cocktail_chart.pdf

For those of your guests that would like a non-alcoholic nightcap, try this: 

Mulled Cranberry Cider

Ingredients

• 8  black peppercorns
• 6  whole allspice
• 6  whole cloves
• 2  (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
• 1  gallon apple cider
• 2  quarts cranberry juice drink

Preparation

Place first 4 ingredients on a 5-inch-square piece of cheesecloth; tie with string.

Bring cider and juice drink to a boil with spice bag in a Dutch oven. Partially cover, reduce heat, and simmer 30 minutes. Remove and discard spice bag before serving. Serve hot or cold.

From Southern Living: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=10000000257386

A toast to your weekend

As a toast to your weekend, we are going to share some of our favorite adult beverages today. Drinks are something that are so easy to customize just for your party or event! Even by using one of your favorite drinks but by switching the name you can create a festive accent to your event. Here are some of out favorites for you to try this weekend. With festive names, of course!

Tailgate Twister:

6 Beers

1 750ml of Vodka

1 Can of frozen pink lemonade concentrate 

1 liter of Sprite to taste

Mix all in a large cooler and enjoy with friends !

Thanksgiving Thirst Quencher: 

Also know as 

Frozen Cranberry Margaritos via Southern Living

1- 10oz can frozen mojito mix

3/4 cup tequila

1/4 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce

1 tbs orange liqueur

2 tbs fresh lime juice 

Ice

Combine fist 5 ingredients in a blend. Fill blender with ice to 5-cup level, and process until smooth. Serve immediately.