The Cocktail Journey
Finding the perfect drink for the season
The change of seasons usually ushers in new weather, new wardrobes and
new attitudes, as people are naturally ready for the upcoming changes.
Just like chefs who adapt their restaurant menus seasonally to take
advantage of the freshest ingredient offerings, you too should
consider introducing seasonal splendor into your cocktail
mixing.
SPRING COCKTAILS: (APRIL TO JUNE)
Days start to get longer, the weather starts to get warmer, and
fantastic ingredients start growing out of the ground in the early
harvest. It’s Julep time! April and May are when berries come into
season and are great ways to enhance your spring drinks. At the same
time, fresh herbs like mint, basil, cilantro and sage are sprouting.
These ingredients add an element of ‘brightness’ to spring cocktails.
Toast to warm weather by serving a refreshing Moscow mule, Spring
Sangria and Julep at your next party.
SUMMER COCKTAILS: (JULY TO SEPTEMBER)
When hanging out around the barbeque with friends, lounging
Adirondack-style poolside or stretching your toes in the sand become
higher on your list of priorities, it has got to be summer. July through
September are the hottest months, and the best time for cool, fresh
concoctions. Think about adding seasonal ingredients like ripe peaches,
apricots, cherries and cucumber, and your summer drinks can take on a
whole new level of refreshing tastes. Guest will love keeping cool with
Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade, PainKiller2 & Mojitos, just to name a
few.
FALL COCKTAILS: (OCTOBER TO DECEMBER)
Temperatures drop, as do the leaves right along with them. Fall brings
holiday ingredients like pumpkin, pomegranate and persimmons, these
allow for a variety of fall cocktail recipes, like Pumpkin Punch,
Pomegranate Bourbon or a phenomenal Spiced Persimmon Old Fashioned.
Cocktails featuring fresh apples, pears and butternut taste and smell
amazing. As the weather gets cooler, many people prefer fall drinks to
be richer in flavor, thicker in body and served heated. A Hot Toddy,
Irish Coffee or Warm Apple Brandy will always be appreciated when the
weather changes.
COCKTAILS:(JANUARY TO MARCH)
There aren’t as many fresh ingredients to choose from during this time
of year, winter is a true cocktail lover’s season. When the blustery
winds start blowing, break out the brown spirits, warm spices and even
dried fruits. Whiskey, cinnamon and cranberries feature prominently in
many winter cocktail recipes. Holiday inspired flavors work for this
season, like a Espresso White Russian, Spiked Hot Chocolate or a Hot
Buttered Rum. Garnishes that include candy canes, chocolate and whipped
cream are crowd pleasers. Gin is a great winter spirit with an aromatic
hint of juniper, anise and cardamom. And for New Year’s Eve,
champagne-based cocktails add elegance and are the perfect way to ring
in the New Year.