Not a cocktail, but give it a shot

To be honest, I was a bit hesitant writing about grappa at first. For two main reasons: 1) It isn't a cocktail and 2) My spirit guy made sure to let me know that grappa is one of the "least sexy drinks out there." It probably has this reputation because the only place you'll run into this is at a business steak dinner with large overweight men. But seriously, give it a shot.

GRAPPAS

Grappa is a brandy made of pomace, which are the remains of grapes after they've been used to create wine. That is, grappa is made from the seeds, stems, skin, and pulp of the grape. It is generally drunk from a tulip glass, so that the strength of the alcohol (it is 40% ABV after all) doesn't overpower the aromas of the drink

PO DI POLI

Hands down, one of my favorite grappas. Poli is an old distillery, from 1898, and still uses ancient copper stills to distill the alcohol, as was done in the good-ol-days. The website claims that the grappa has flavors of dried flowers, hay, broom (yes broom), and juniper. To be honest, I taste the flowers, especially hints of rose, but I'm missing the broom.

Grappa probably isn't going to be your first choice of spirits to buy, but if you're in the mood for something adventurous, something that can be great after a big heavy meal, and something unique, think about a grappa.

Well, since they're still in season...

I've recently discovered a pretty remarkable new gin: Nolets. When you take a sip, you're immediately overwhelmed by the strong floral elements, particularly rose, as well as hints of peaches and raspberries. It's light, refreshing, and surprisingly pleasing as a gin. If you're one of those people who can't stand the piney flavor of traditional gin, this might be the spirit for you.

 

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Once you add berry flavors to this already light drink, add a bit of fizz, it become a tantalizingly addictive drink: 

  • one part Nolets gin
  • one part simple syrup
  • one part lemon juice
  • club soda to fill the glass
  • berries in the shaker and as a garnish

Direction: Fill up the shaker with plenty of ice, and any kind of berry. Add in the gin, syrup and lemon juice and shake thoroughly, enough to crush the berries inside. Next, strain the drink and pour into an ice-filled glass, add some club soda to fill the glass, and garnish with berries. Place on top of a wooden crate, take a picture, then sip away. Easy.

Enjoy! 

Pretend like it's not the end of summer.

Oh man, the end of summer: the end of warmth, the beach, and back to school, for those of us lucky enough to still be there. I'm beginning to experiment with cocktails, and came across a very nice drink by Nick Mautone. It's the perfect way to relax, stay hydrated, and reminisce. Here's the recipe:

  • About 2 inches of cucumber, peeled and chopped small
  • 3 parts vodka
  • 1 part St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
  • 1 part lemon juice
  • 1 part simple syrup
  • Club soda to fill out the glass

Directions: Drop the chopped cucumber into the cocktail shaker and muddle away. Then add the vodka, St-Germain, lemon juice, syrup and ice, and shake heavily. Pour into a highball glass and garnish with cucumber, mint or cilantra. 

Enjoy!