Latest news with #cocktails
Geek Girl Authority
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
Book Review: THE ROM-COM COOKBOOK
Thank you to Insight Editions for a copy of The Rom-Com Cookbook in exchange for an honest review. The Rom-Com Cookbook The Rom-Com Cookbook by Tara Theoharis with Kristen Mulrooney and illustrations by Sarah Long. The book includes over 50 recipes inspired by your favorite romantic comedies from The Wedding Singer to Wedding Crashers . Any iconic rom-com you can think of is more than likely in this cookbook. Image courtesy of Insight Editions. From savory to sweet, the recipes are categorized into seven clever categories like The Morning After (breakfast) or The Break Up and Makeup (Dessert). My favorite of these categories is Meat-Cute, which features meat-centric recipes like 'The Lost City of D(eliciousness) Charcuterie,' inspired by The Lost City. Image courtesy of Insight Editions. Of course, there is an entire chapter filled with fun and fruity cocktails perfect for a rom-com binge-watch. For example, try out 'The Colonial Woman', inspired by Annie Walker's sky-high meltdown in Bridesmaids. Or mix up the 'Thirteen Going on Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving Daiquiri' while you watch 13 Going on 30. Here's some food for thought. Is it illegal to drink alcohol as your 13-year-old self in your future 30-year-old body? Or does being under some strange, magical rom-com curse exempt you from the law? RELATED: Book Review: Behooved If you are feeling adventurous, check out the Long-Term Relationship category that features cuisine from all over the world, like the 'Crazy Rich Dumplings' recipe inspired by the coveted family dumpling recipe in Crazy Rich Asians. Image courtesy of Cassie Holguin. Are you planning on hosting for the holidays? Make them extra special with several dishes from beloved holiday classics like Last Holiday and Love Actually. The Rom-Com Cookbook features a wide range of fun and accessible recipes accompanied by charming illustrations by Sarah Long. RELATED: Book Review: Gastronogeek: Cult TV Series 'Make a Wish…' Birthday Cake My mom has always been a huge John Hughes fan, and I grew up watching those movies with her. So when I saw the recipe for the cake from Sixteen Candles , I knew I had to make it for her birthday. This is a pretty basic chocolate cake recipe with the addition of coffee, which complements the chocolate perfectly. The icing on the cake (literally) is a simple but rich buttercream, which I preferred over my usual recipe. So thanks to The Rom-Com Cookbook, I now have a new and improved go-to buttercream icing. Image courtesy of Cassie Holguin. Making the cake was a breeze, and the recipe makes it so that even a novice baker could throw it together. It wasn't perfect, especially after the long car ride to the party, but I think that added to the homemade charm. Besides, I doubt Jake Ryan had professional baking skills and his cake in the movie looked pretty damn good. Image courtesy of Insight Editions and Sarah Long. When I walked the cake out with sixteen lit candles on top, my mom immediately recognized the iconic confection. She even teared up a little. Everyone at the party got a kick out of the cake, and I even got several compliments on the taste. I have to agree that it was delicious, and I will be adding this recipe to my favorites list. Next, I've got my eye on the 'Tiramisu…You'll See' recipe inspired by Sleepless in Seattle. RELATED: 8 LGBTQ+ Books to Keep Pride Going for the Rest of 2025 Extras The first fun little tidbit that I noticed was a timeline of the films included in the book from Roman Holiday (1953) to Always Be My Maybe (2019). This cute little diagram demonstrates the wide variety of films included in The Rom-Com Cookbook. Every good movie has a post-credit scene, so why shouldn't a cookbook? Theoharis includes small collections of recipes from the book to create a well-rounded spread, including a drink, an entree, and a dessert. There is a complete dining experience for every occasion, from an afternoon picnic to brunch with the family. Finally, there are a few pages of helpful information, including dietary considerations, measurement conversions, safety tips, and a glossary. RELATED: GGA's Favorite Fandom Cookbooks Gift Guide To Read or Not to Read The Rom-Com Cookbook is such a fun concept, which Theoharis and Mulrooney executed perfectly. I never really thought about food in relation to romantic comedies until I read this cookbook. It captures all the charm of our favorite rom-coms and presents creative recipes in an accessible way. Additionally, there is such a wide variety of dishes and drinks that there is something for every palate and occasion. Image courtesy of Insight Editions. I can easily see The Rom-Com Cookbook being the center of a romantic comedy movie marathon get-together. Everyone could bring a recipe from their favorite movie and create a rom-com buffet to enjoy while watching their favorites. Or pick a dish and watch the movie while you prepare the recipe. Actually, that sounds like something the main character in a romantic comedy would do. While there are plenty of reasons to pick up The Rom-Com Cookbook, the most important is that you now have another excuse to rewatch your favorite rom-coms (as if you need it). RELATED: Book Review: In the Garden of Monsters Get your copy of The Rom-Com Cookbook at your local bookstore. Who knows? You may run into the love of your life! Or get your copy here from the Simon and Schuster website. Book Review: THE ENCHANTED FEAST COOKBOOK
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mixing business with pleasure: Pomeroy bartender serves special cocktails to G7 leaders
Now that the G7 Summit has ended, the head mixologist at Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge has a few stories to tell. Working closely with Global Affairs Canada, Graham Hart and his team created the G7 Global Cocktail Series, seven cocktails inspired by each G7 country, plus one non-alcoholic option and one for the group as a whole. 'I've never had the federal government weigh in on the ingredients I've used in a cocktail until now. Every ingredient had to be discussed,' says Hart, who began crafting the special menu for the hotel in September 2024. 'There's been a lot of pressure. But I like to say: no pressure, no diamonds. We had one opportunity to do something fantastic, so there's no point messing around.' The nod to Germany? A Berliner Sommer beer cocktail with raspberry and dill. France? La Fille en Rose, a floral martini. And Japan's special drink paid a nod to kintsugi, the Japanese idea of embracing imperfections by repairing broken pottery. Hart hand-cracked and carved ice spears, then put the cubes back together with 24-karat gold to serve to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. 'He just looked and me and said, 'You know what kintsugi is?' Hart says. 'I do. It's about finding strength and beauty in things that are broken.' Served as part of the offerings to the G7 delegates, the cocktails weren't the only drinks imbibed by the world leaders this past week. It turns out that French President Emmanuel Macron is a big scotch fan — in particular, Lagavulin. Hart poured him a rare Lagavulin 12-year-old Fireside Tales, and Macron liked it so much, his delegation came over to take photos and to ask where they could buy more. 'Macron requested the moustache guy — that's me. I had a big white cowboy hat on and a white shirt. I looked a little like Yosemite Sam,' Hart said with a laugh. During the week, Hart served British Prime Minister Keir Starmer a wheat ale from Bragg Creek's Cowboy Trail Brewery. And European Council President Antonio da Costa tried the Canadian Club Chronicles' 45-year-old whisky. On Sunday evening, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted a dinner where Hart served Grizzly Paw Brewing Company's Highway 40 Pale Ale, alongside Establishment Brewing Company's Afternoon Delight Hazy IPA beer from Calgary, and Red Hart Brewing's Irish Red ale from Red Deer. 'I served almost all the world leaders and they were great but, being Canadian, it was one of the highlights of my life to serve our newly elected prime minister,' says Hart, who describes himself as a 'proud Canadian' who has visited 12 of the 13 provinces and territories and has each provincial crest tattooed on his leg. 'It was such a huge honour.' For those of you who are judgy about the thought of world leaders sharing a few drinks, keep in mind Hart's biggest G7 cocktail. Designed for two, the Liquid Diplomacy is served in a globe-shaped decanter and features an ingredient from each of the official G7 countries: Italian amaro, German Riesling, Canadian icewine, port from Portugal, a Japanese yuzu wine, you get the picture. (Because of the Canadian boycott on alcohol from the U.S., Hart used American apple juice.) 'Just like the summit, the Liquid Diplomacy is designed to bring people together, to get them to relax and enjoy a conversation together,' says Hart, who holds an MBA in international hospitality from Switzerland's Glion Institute of Higher Education. 'It was one of the most difficult drinks I've ever made in my career, but it turned out fantastic. 'To be able to express my creativity and contribute in a small way to the G7 is one of the biggest honours of my life.' Cabane a Sucre, a.k.a. The Carney This recipe comes from Graham Hart, head mixologist at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, where the G7 was held in June. It's the cocktail of the month at the Pomeroy in July. Ms. Better's Bitters ( are made in Vancouver; Canadian Club is made in Windsor, Ont. The process of making the Applewood Smoked Ice is complex – Hart cold-smokes the ice, thaws it, re-freezes it and then hand-carves it into cubes. If you're making it at home, he recommends simply making the ice by mixing liquid smoke and water, a ratio of 100 grams of water to two grams of liquid smoke. 2 oz Canadian Club Invitation Classic 15 Year Old Whisky or 2 oz Canadian Club Chronicles 45 Year Old Whisky 1/4 oz (about 1.5 tsp) dark maple syrup 2 dashes of Ms. Better's Bitters Aromatic Bitters Applewood Smoked Ice 1 Maple Taffy candy stick Add smoked ice to a negroni (old-fashioned) glass. Add ice to mixing glass. Add syrup and bitters to mixing glass. Add whisky to mixing glass. Stir 20 times and strain over smoked ice. Garnish with maple taffy stick in the glass. Place on plaid napkin. Serves one.
Forbes
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Why Ketel One Has Placed Such A Big Bet On The Martini
Ketel One has placed a big bet on marketing activations around the martini, including an event held ... More at The Polo Bar restaurant last year in New York City. Ketel One's big bet on the martini isn't just for National Martini Day on June 19. The Dutch vodka brand says it's all-in on the martini all year round. 'When that glass comes out, everyone thinks differently; there's an expectation that that person has a little bit more knowledge when it comes to cocktails,' Ryan Hughes, brand director at Ketel One, tells me during a virtual interview. 'That triangular-shaped glass has the opportunity to evoke a lot of emotions.' Over the past year, Ketel One's martini-focused campaigns have included a holiday campaign with actor Patrick Schwarzenegger and a second campaign with the White Lotus star that highlighted a vesper martini that blends Ketel One with Tanqueray gin and took inspiration from the hit HBO TV show. Most recently, Ketel One is offering a sweepstakes giveaway for three Dorsia memberships, partnering with the members-only platform that raised $50.4 million in seed and Series A funding earlier this year and helps members get tables at the restaurant hot spots that are the most difficult to book. Other recent activations have included influencer and media events at New York City restaurants The Polo Bar and Dante, as well as an espresso martini machine that can make cocktails in around 20 seconds for bars and restaurants. The consumers that Ketel One says it is targeting with these marketing campaigns are cocktail enthusiasts who tend to be older, more likely to live in a city and come from a higher income household. 'You need someone who's going to want to get away from a vodka soda and say, 'You know what, it's time for me to have a martini,'' says Hughes. Ketel One's martini marketing is also a nod to the brand's heritage. Ketel One was founded in 1983 by Carel Nolet Sr., part of a Holland family that has been distilling alcohol since 1691 and still retains 50% ownership of the brand after selling the other half to liquor giant Diageo for $900 million in 2008. His sons, Bob and Carl Nolet Jr., remain actively involved in managing the business. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 19: Patrick Schwarzenegger attends Ketel One Family Made Vodka ... More Celebrates Patrick Schwarzenegger As Its First-Ever Spirit Advisor at Times Square EDITION Hotel on November 19, 2024 in New York City. (Photo byfor Ketel One Family Made Vodka) Hughes credits Nolet Sr. for the brand's strong association with the martini. When he came to the U.S., he felt that no vodka he tried was able to shine in any of the cocktails he tried. 'And so when they created that vodka, it was always about creating unforgettable cocktail experiences,' says Hughes. Rival vodka brands have increasingly been placing bets on the martini, which is a popular drink order at the bar, ranging from the espresso martini to even mini variations. Many have the campaigns have starred celebrities, including a spot that debuted just last week from Grey Goose featuring Oscar-winning actress Zoe Zoe Saldaña, Tito's Handmade Vodka spot with TV personality and entrepreneur Martha Stewart around Dry January and last year's campaign by Pernod Ricard's Absolut vodka with 'Espresso' singer Sabrina Carpenter. 'We've created a leadership gap and everyone is noticing that,' says Hughes. 'They're now nipping at our heels.' Efforts to reinforce Ketel One's legacy association with the martini have paid off, according to the brand, which claims it has reached its highest level of U.S. household penetration in the last five years, citing data from market researcher Numerator. Ketel One also claims to have gained vodka market share for 105 consecutive weeks through May 24, citing data analysis from Nielsen and the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association. Hughes says the martini's versatility can also help lure in new drinkers, those that may prefer the citrus that comes from a lemon drop or coffee in an espresso martini. Other drinks that Ketel One have recently promoted include a peppermint espresso martini and a White Lotus inspired Thai chili espresso martini. He says there's further experimentation around botanicals, cucumbers and other unique flavors that Ketel One keeps a close eye on. 'Vodka is so versatile,' says Hughes. 'It has this blank canvas for people to be able to play with.'
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Martini Culture Is Getting Getting More Personal
Clarified martinis, savory infusions and bold garnishes are redefining the classic cocktail in bars across the country. The martini is no longer a fixed idea. What was once a precise formula—gin or vodka with dry vermouth, stirred, served up—is now a broader category open to experimentation and reinterpretation. 'There are plenty of ways to exercise creativity to produce a new variation on the classic martini,' says Maura Milia, a global brand ambassador for Italian vermouth maker Martini, via Zoom. Although the classic martini serve has evolved, Milia specifies the baseline for the cocktail is still the same with two main ingredients. First is the base (gin or vodka) and second is dry vermouth. (And martinis should actually be stirred, not shaken.) Martinis continue to hold a strong presence in the U.S. cocktail scene, with 20% of on-premise cocktail consumers ordering them at bars and restaurants, according to CGA by NIQ's 2024 Cocktails Report. The preference spans across all age groups, indicating the martini's staying power even as tastes shift. The espresso martini, for instance, stands out for its rapid rise over the last few years. Between the third and fourth quarters of 2023, it rose from eighth to fourth in U.S. cocktail sales, growing 91%. In 2024, its sales increased another 116% annually. Despite its minimalist origin, the modern martini has become a canvas for invention. Variations stretch beyond ratios and ingredients. Bartenders now infuse base spirits with herbs, substitute vermouths or reimagine the serve altogether. What was once a straightforward cocktail has grown more flexible and more personal. Some of the changes are subtle, others far more radical. 'Since I'm based in Mexico, I have access to all different ingredients from Europe or the rest of the world,' Milia says. 'I was pleasantly surprised by trying a martini that was infused with Hoja Santa, which is known as Mexican peppermint. It gave the martini this very aromatic and herbal aftertaste while keeping the flavors crisp and sharp.' These adaptations aren't necessarily new, but their frequency and visibility are increasing. Even the most debated versions, like the dirty martini, are being reconsidered. 'Many consumers have different tastes and preferences, so it's a good thing that dirty martinis are evolving,' she says. 'As new generations develop their palate, cocktails that we all know and love will need to evolve to cater to these new tastes.' At the center of this shift is the drinker's desire for control and variation. Fewer people are ordering martinis exactly by the book. Instead, they're seeking precision and customization. The structure of the drink is an invitation to modify, but the process demands restraint. 'Like most things in mixology, it's all about balance,' she says. 'The precision comes at the beginning, with only two core ingredients, and then the mixologist can add their personal flair.' Proper technique affects more than presentation, and with so many variations, simplicity can show the drink was made with care. That said, temperature and dilution are often overlooked by casual drinkers, but they are critical. 'In a classic martini, the correct dilution is essential to soften the alcohol and open up the botanicals,' Milia explains. 'Over stirring or over shaking will make the martini watery and flat, which loses the silky texture while under diluting will create an unbalanced and hard to drink martini.' The growing diversity of ingredients also plays a role. Milia notes that most people assume dry vermouth is essential, but other types are worth attention, such as white vermouth. That blend offers an alternative for those unsure about the traditional version. 'It has subtle sweet vanilla flavors, and it falls right in the middle of sweet and dry,' she says. 'This balanced profile makes it a more approachable variation.' The rise of the 'filthy martini,' a version made with little or no vermouth and house-made brines, is also changing expectations. Milia says that modern drinkers are 'starting to prefer less-strong, more approachable serves, without giving up the martini all together.' Customization extends to the garnish, the brine and even the dilution method. The result is a drink that looks familiar but rarely tastes the same twice. Still, not every modification works. Too much experimentation without focus can lead to imbalance. 'I think a cocktail only becomes gimmicky when it isn't thoughtfully crafted,' Milia says. 'When too many ingredients and flavors are mixed, without attention to detail and thought for what the consumer desires, it can often be overstimulating and look to be doing too much.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Everything you need to stock the perfect home bar: tools, glasses, and spirits
As someone who has spent the majority of the last five years testing spirits, wines, and bar essentials, it's safe to say I know a thing or two about building a home bar. Whether that's finding you the best muddler to use (or telling you what a muddler is used for) and rounding up the most versatile spirits for your cocktails, I have even the most inexperienced mixologist covered. From cocktail tools to smooth-sipping spirits, here's everything your home bar or bar cart needs to entertain. Bar tools OXO Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker $22.49 This functional cocktail shaker has a cap that also doubles as a jigger — allowing you to measure your pours with ease. It's completely leakproof, for even the most rigorous cocktail shakers, and weighs well under a pound for portability. The parts are easy to separate, too, and won't require you to wrestle them apart after use. Shop Beneno Wine Opener $13.99 (18% off) In a world of electric wine openers, you must be wondering why I'm recommending this option. Well, first off, I've had it for years and it's opened countless bottles of red wine for me — with ease. And also, there's something just satisfying about screwing the corkscrew off yourself — I love hearing the pop when I've finally managed to wrestle it out. This option has a great grip, and I've rarely chipped a cork on the way out. It's also a much more affordable pick compared to electric options. Shop Winco Wooden Muddler $5.69 I'm all about a wooden muddler as they're easy to clean and, in my opinion, are the most durable. I specifically use this option to gently mash fruits (especially berries) for summer cocktails. I like the larger surface area and am fond of how efficiently this can crush any berries without completely mushing them. It's all in the amount of pressure though, so make sure not to be overly aggressive when you're muddling. Shop Ice Bucket with Lid, Ice Tongs, Spoon, and Strainer $27.99 No bar cart or bar setup is complete without an ice bucket and ice tongs. An ice bucket can keep your prosecco or white wines chilled, even outside, and the tongs make it easy to scoop just the right amount of cubes into your glass. You'll also get a scooper and an ice strainer in this set, allowing you to store ice for longer — and say goodbye to that pesky melted water with ease. Shop A Bar Above Premium Bell Jigger $19.15 (13% off) Ever seen bartenders measure out their liquors before they pour it in the shaker? Yep, that's what a jigger is used for. This one offers ten internal measurements, and has a stainless steel finish that makes it durable and long-lasting — it resists rust and corrosion. It's extremely precise, and makes a great bar addition for professional and beginner mixologists alike. Shop KITESSENSU Cocktail Shaker Set $36.99 (26% off) If you don't want the hassle of buying individual tools, this cocktail shaker set has everything you need. You'll get a Martini Shaker, Jigger, Strainer, Mixer Spoon, Muddler, Liquor Pourers, corkscrew, and ice tongs within this set. Plus, a stand to hold them all. I also love that the set comes with an included recipe booklet, perfect for novice mixologists to test their skills. Shop Glasses JoyJolt Spirits Stemless Wine Glasses $17.95 (18% off) A lot of wine aficionados might say you need separate glasses for red and white wines, but if you just don't have the space, stemless wine glasses can work in a pinch. I've owned this set for a while now, and they haven't chipped, even after multiple dishwasher trips. You'll get four glasses in this (I bought two sets) and you can even shop them in fun patterns — Hello Kitty wine glasses, anyone? Shop Martini Glasses Set of 2 $19.98 From espresso martinis to dirty gin martinis, the right glass can truly elevate your drinking experience. This set of two delicate crystal glasses will make you feel like you're running a speakeasy in your living room. It's sturdy, has a comfortable grip, and looks good on a bar cart. It's also dishwasher safe for ease of cleaning. Shop Glaskey Whiskey Glasses Set of 4 $18.99 Yes, you could get the expensive Baccarat tumblers if you've got the cash, but these Amazon dupes will do just fine — and they're literally a fraction of the cost. You'll get four crystal glasses in this set. Each is scratch resistant, and dishwasher safe, and has a simple, elegant look. If for whatever reason your glasses arrive even slightly damaged, the brand will quickly issue you a replacement too. Shop JBHO Champagne Glasses $29.96 Toast to your celebrations with these durable crystal glasses. They're hand-blown, surprisingly durable, and are also dishwasher safe. It's best for champagne and sparkling wines, and holds seven ounces of liquid. Fill it to the brim or use it for a toast, either way these champagne flutes don't disappoint. Shop Vintage Art Deco Nick and Nora Coupe Glasse $49.99 Nick & Nora glasses are not a necessity for your bar cart, but they can be used for a variety of cocktails — including martinis, gimlets, and even champagne. I love the vintage design on these, and friends constantly ask me where I purchased them. I specifically use them to serve Manhattans, but the sky is the limit with what you serve in them. I'd rather you buy this set than spring for martini glasses and champagne flutes, especially if you're short on space. Shop Godinger Highball Drinking Glasses $22.79 Highballs are best used to serve mixed drinks — due to their larger capacity. This clear set is dishwasher safe, durable, and has a thick base, which the brand says adds stability and keeps these glasses from shattering. They can hold up to 14 ounces, and can even double as regular water glasses on days you're not entertaining. Shop Glenfiddich 18 year old Whiskey $158 Slightly pricier than both the more economical 12-year-old, this caramel-toned whiskey is easily a bar cart favorite. Expect notes of ripe fruit, baked apple, and oak. The flavor is deep, full, and warm — for me, it tastes like the first day of fall. Drink it neat or use it to create an old fashioned. Shop Gray Whale Gin $51.99 I love Gray Whale for its botanical flavor, featuring juniper, mint, and lime, amongst others. It pairs really well for a summer-themed martini, and tastes great with a splash of tonic water. I also love that the brand gives back to ocean conservation efforts, and protects the majestic Gray Whale with every purchase. Shop Dobel Atelier: Animales Endémicos $253 Every bottle in this limited edition collection is hand-painted by Oaxacan artisans, featuring bright, vivid, and intricate designs. This option is priced over $200 but it's well worth the price for its unique design, collector's quality, and of course, smooth, full flavor. Expect hints of chocolate, agave, and dried fruits on your tongue, and a subtle finish with a hint of smoky wood. Shop Ron Del Barrilito 3 stars $40.94 There's something about a rum old fashioned that just screams summer to me. Make your own with my favorite rum of choice, Ron del Barrilito. Made in Puerto Rico, this smooth medium-bodied rum features notes of vanilla, almonds, dry fruits, and just a hint of ripe bananas. It's just sweet enough to make it easy to drink, and leaves a lingering smoky finish on your palate long after the drink is done. Shop Del Maguey Vida Mezcal $41.96 For non-mezcal drinkers, Del Maguey is a great intro to the brand. This smoky liquor coats your palate and honestly reminds me of a deep honey and cinnamon blended together — with a hint of that smoky flavor all mezcal comes with. Drink it neat or make a margarita out of it — yes, you can use mezcal to make margaritas too. Shop Dubliner Irish Whiskey $30.84 This no-frills Irish whiskey is just what you'll crave after a long day's work. It's a smooth sip, packed with flavors of honey and smoky peppers. The finish is silky smooth and leaves a taste of sweet fruit wrapped with honey on your palate. As far as well-priced whiskeys go, Dubliner's bourbon cask aged whiskey is up there. Shop Ketel One Vodka $29.97 I'm not much of a vodka drinker, but if I had to pick, it would always be Ketel One. It pairs seamlessly well in a martini, and is silky smooth — making this one of the only vodkas I can truly stomach. It has a crisp, refreshing flavor, and tastes best chilled. Shop Mionetto 'Prestige' Organic Prosecco $13.54 No one does prosecco like Mionetto, and their organic prosecco is my favorite from their Prestige Collection. It has a rich flavor with notes of ripe golden apples, honey, pear, and peach. It's fresh, and the drink of the summer. Layer it in a spritz or sip it by itself. You and your guests won't be disappointed. Shop
