Bevvies - Bites & Bevvies

February 22, 2023

Take A Step Back In Time With This Bellini Cocktail

The Bellini Cocktail, created in 1948 at Harry’s Bar in Venice, is a delightful concoction of Prosecco and peach puree. It is a super light, refreshing and fruity drink that is great any time of the year, but is perfect for summertime sipping. It has become a popular favorite for brunch and parties, and it is very easy to make.

The history of the Bellini cocktail is a fascinating one. According to legend, the drink was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, the owner of Harry’s Bar in Venice. He named the drink after the 15th-century Italian painter Giovanni Bellini, whose works often featured beautiful, ripe peaches.

The original recipe for the Bellini called for one part Prosecco and one part white peach puree. The puree was made by blending fresh white peaches with a little sugar and lemon juice. Today, you can find ready-made peach purees in many stores, but making your own is a great way to get the best flavor.

Making a Bellini at home is easy and fun. The first thing you’ll need is some good quality Prosecco; you can use either dry or semi-dry Prosecco, depending on your preference. Dry Prosecco will give the drink a crisp, tart flavor, while semi-dry Prosecco will make it a bit sweeter.

Once you have your Prosecco, you’ll need peach puree, which you can either buy or make pretty easily. If you are going to make your own you will simply blend peeled and pitted white peaches with a little sugar and lemon juice. You can also use canned or frozen peaches, but fresh peaches will give the best flavor.

When you’re ready to mix your drink, fill a champagne flute with two parts Prosecco and one part peach puree. Give it a gentle stir and add a few ice cubes if desired. You can also garnish the drink with a slice of peach or a sprig of mint.

The Bellini cocktail is a delightful and refreshing drink that is perfect for summer. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just want a delicious drink to enjoy on your own, the Bellini is a great choice. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Recipe for a Bellini Cocktail

Bellini Ingredients:

-2 parts dry or semi-dry Prosecco
-1 part white peach puree (homemade or store-bought)
-Ice cubes (optional)
-Garnish (slice of peach or sprig of mint)

Mixing Instructions:

Fill a champagne flute with two parts Prosecco and one part peach puree.
Give it a gentle stir and add a few ice cubes if desired.
Garnish with a slice of peach or a sprig of mint.
Enjoy!

There you have it! This bellini is likely to replace that mimosa you enjoy with brunch. Let us know how your bellini’s turn out!

Looking for other beverage ideas? Check out these great wine based beverage recipes.

February 14, 2023

The Monarch Will Become Your Next Go-to Gin Drink

If you’re in the mood of a delicious Gin based cocktail, then stay right here and you’ll have a tasty Monarch ready in no time. The Monarch Cocktail is a classic cocktail that has been making the rounds at cocktail bars since the 1920s. It has a long and storied history, beginning with its creation at a Prohibition-era speakeasy in New York City.

The story goes that the cocktail was created by a bartender named Joe, who was working at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. He was looking for a way to make a cocktail with a light, refreshing taste and he ended up creating the Monarch. The original recipe was a combination of gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters, and it quickly became a popular drink at the hotel, and then other speakeasys up and down the eastern shoreboard.

Today, the Monarch is still a classic cocktail enjoyed by many and commonly found on menus in quality cocktail bars across the country. It’s a great option for a refreshing and delicious cocktail that’s both classy, but also super easy to make. Here’s a recipe for making a Monarch Cocktail at home:

Key Cocktail Ingredients:

2 ounces of gin
1 ounce of orange liqueur
1 ounce of lemon juice
2 dashes of Angostura bitters

Glass:
Cocktail glass

Ice:
Crushed ice

Garnish:
Lemon wedge

Mixing Directions:

Fill a cocktail glass with crushed ice. Add the gin, orange liqueur, lemon juice, and Angostura bitters. Vigoriously stir the drink until all the ingredients are combined. As for garnishes, a lemon wedge is the most common addition, but in a pinch, a orange slice is totally suitable.

If you are out of Gin or just looking for a twist on the classic Monarch Cocktail, you can substitute another clear liquor you have available. Vodka, white rum, or tequila can all be used instead of gin, and each will bring a slightly different, but still tasty final product. The recipe remains the same; just switch up the type of alcohol to create a unique and delicious cocktail.

The Monarch Cocktail is a timeless classic that really has stood the test of time. It’s a very classy cocktail that is also light and refreshing cocktail which makes it perfect regardless of whether it’s enjoyed with friends or as a nightcap. The best part is with just a few simple ingredients, you can make this classic cocktail at home in no time. Enjoy!

Need other gin based cocktail ideas to try for your next party? Find great gin cocktails here.

January 19, 2023

Make A Grasshopper For St Pats Day This Year

The Grasshopper cocktail is a classic, creamy and minty cocktail that dates back to the 1920s. It is believed to have originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, though there is disputed evidence that the cocktail may have been created in San Francisco. The Grasshopper is a sweet, dessert-like cocktail that is traditionally made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. It is often served as an after-dinner drink.

If you’re looking to make a Grasshopper cocktail at home, here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:
• 1 ounce crème de menthe
• 1 ounce crème de cacao
• 1 ounce cream

Glass:
• Cocktail glass

Ice:
• Crushed Ice

Garnishes:
• Chocolate shavings
• Mint leaves

Cocktail Mixing Instructions:

Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
Pour in the crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream.
Shake the ingredients well until they are combined.
Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with chocolate shavings and mint leaves.

Your Grasshopper cocktail is now ready to enjoy! The grasshopper is a classic, creamy and minty cocktail that is perfect for after-dinner sipping. It’s a sweet treat that will leave your guests feeling satisfied, and it’s lovely green color makes it a perfect drink for your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Make some this year and let us know how they turned out!

Need some other beverage ideas? You can find a lengthy list of drinks you can make at home here.

January 19, 2023

Try Out A Paper Plane, A Great Prohibition Era Cocktail

The Paper Plane cocktail is an iconic cocktail that has been enjoyed by people around the world since its invention in 2007. The cocktail was created by Sam Ross, a New York City bartender who wanted to combine two of his favorite spirits in a way that was both sophisticated and approachable. Ross used equal parts Aperol, a bitter Italian aperitif, and bourbon whiskey, along with a splash of Amaro Nonino and the juice of half a lemon. The result was a cocktail that was both sweet and tart, with a hint of bitterness from the Aperol.

This simple cocktail quickly became popular, and it is now a staple at many bars and restaurants. The Paper Plane cocktail has also been featured in movies, television shows, and various other media outlets, further solidifying its place in popular culture.

If you’re looking to make a Paper Plane cocktail at home, here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

1.5 ounces of bourbon whiskey
1.5 ounces of Aperol
0.75 ounces of Amaro Nonino
Juice of half a lemon

Glass:

Coupe or Rocks glass

Ice:

Ideally cubed, but crushed can work even though it will water down the drink a bit.

Garnish:

Lemon twist

Instructions:

If you go with a rocks glass, add a couple cubes of ice. However, the more traditional preparation is to strain out the ice and pour directly into a coupe glass.
Add the bourbon whiskey, Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and lemon juice to a shaker filled with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
Strain the mixture into the glass.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Your Paper Plane cocktail is now ready to enjoy! This cocktail is a great way to start a night out or to wind down in the evening. Cheers!

Looking traditional cocktail recipes? You can’t go wrong with this Manhattan recipe.

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

We Love This Rum Infused Horchata Recipe

Horchata is a delicious and refreshing drink that has its roots in Spain, Mexico, and Central America. It is traditionally made with a mix of rice, almonds, cinnamon, and water, and is said to have originated in Valencia, Spain. The drink has been around for centuries, and is said to have been brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors.

Horchata is often served over ice and can be enjoyed with a variety of different flavors, including vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, and coconut. The drink can also be made with other ingredients, such as barley, sesame seeds, or tigernut.

In Mexico, horchata is traditionally made with rice, almonds, cinnamon, and water. It is usually served with ice, and is often flavored with vanilla or cinnamon. It is also sometimes served with a variety of different fruits.

Making a Rum Infused Horchata at Home

For those looking to make a rum infused horchata at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

-1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice
-1/2 cup of almonds
-1/4 cup of sugar
-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
-4 cups of water
-1/2 cup of dark rum
-Vanilla extract
-Ice
-Garnishes such as cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or slices of fruit

Instructions:

In a blender, combine the rice, almonds, sugar, and cinnamon. Blend until the mixture is a fine powder.
Add the water and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.
Add the rum, vanilla extract, and stir.
Serve over ice in a tall glass and garnish with cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, or slices of fruit.

When making a rum infused horchata at home, you have a few options when it comes to the type of rum you use. Dark rum is the most traditional choice, but you can also use spiced rum or white rum to give it a different flavor. You can also switch up the garnishes you use, such as adding in a shot of your favorite liqueur for an extra kick.

Whichever type of rum you choose, make sure to use a high-quality brand to get the best flavor. To serve, simply pour the horchata into a tall glass over ice and garnish with your favorite garnishes. Enjoy!

How about a latin dish to go with these great drinks? Try out this tasty empanada recipe.

January 19, 2023January 19, 2023

This Spiked Watermelon Agua Fresca Is A Winner

The history of Agua Fresca dates back centuries to the Aztecs and Mayans of Central America. Most notably, the Aztecs used agua fresca to help cool down in the hot summer months. They would mix water with fruits, herbs, and flowers to create refreshing and flavorful beverages.

Today, agua fresca is a popular Mexican drink that is enjoyed around the world. It is made from a variety of fruits, such as watermelon, mango, pineapple, papaya, and more. It can be served over ice, blended with ice, or simply served chilled.

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious way to cool down this summer, why not try a spiked Watermelon Agua Fresca? This refreshing and flavorful drink is perfect for hot days and can be made with a variety of spirits, such as vodka, tequila, rum, and gin.

To make a spiked Watermelon Agua Fresca at home, you’ll need:

• 2 cups of frozen watermelon chunks
• 2 cups of cold water
• 2 tablespoons of agave syrup
• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 ounces of tequila
• Ice
• Garnishes (such as mint leaves, lemon or lime slices, etc.)

To make the Agua Fresca:

Place the watermelon chunks, cold water, agave syrup, and lime juice in a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a glass, then top it with the tequila.
Add ice, if desired, and stir to combine.
Garnish with mint leaves, lemon or lime slices, or other garnishes of your choice.
Enjoy!

A spiked Watermelon Agua Fresca is a great way to cool off on hot summer days! You can easily substitute the tequila for other spirits, such as vodka, rum, or gin. And you can also change up the garnishes, such as adding berries or melon slices. Just be sure to use the freshest ingredients, such as freshly squeezed lime juice and frozen watermelon chunks, to get the best flavor.

How about some other fancy drinks to try out the next time you have guests? You can’t go wrong with these tasty mango margaritas!

January 19, 2023

Try Out An Irish Buck Cocktail For A Tart Drink

The Irish Buck cocktail is a unique twist on the classic whiskey sour, with a tart and sweet combination of flavors that make it the perfect summertime drink. The history of this cocktail dates back to the 19th century in Ireland, when it was made with a mix of Irish whiskey and ginger beer. Today, the Irish Buck has become a popular drink worldwide, but its roots remain firmly planted in Ireland.

The traditional Irish Buck cocktail is made with Irish whiskey, sweet-and-sour mix, and ginger beer. However, there are several variations that can be made with other types of spirits, such as bourbon, vodka, or rum. No matter which spirit you use, the combination of sweet-and-sour mix and ginger beer will give you a refreshing and flavorful summertime drink.

To make an Irish Buck cocktail at home, you will need:

2 ounces of Irish whiskey. You can substitute the irish whiskey for a blended, rye or bourbon if that’s all you have on hand.
2 ounces of lemon juice or sweet-and-sour mix. We’ve also tried making one of these with fresh lime juice which was also quite tasty
4 ounces of ginger beer
Ice
Optional garnishes – use a lemon or lime wedge

Instructions:

Fill a rocks glass with ice.
Add the whiskey, sweet-and-sour mix or lemon juice, and ginger beer to the glass.
Stir until combined.
Add a garnish of your choice, such as a slice of lemon or lime, an orange wedge, or a sprig of mint.
Serve and enjoy!

This classic Irish Buck cocktail is a refreshing and easy-to-make summertime drink. With its tart and sweet combination of flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. So why not give it a try and see how you like it? Cheers!

Looking for something great to make for dinner tonight? We have a multitude of easy recipes to choose from, so take a look at our dish recipes and give one a shot. Let us know how it turns out.

January 3, 2023

8 Great Non-Alcoholic Gin Mocktails

Non-alcoholic gins are becoming increasingly popular as a healthier and more socially conscious way to enjoy a classic gin based cocktail. Not only are they low in calories and sugar, but they offer a delicious and refreshing alternative to the traditional cocktail while still allowing you to enjoy the taste of gin.

For those who are looking to try their hand at making a delicious non-alcoholic gin based mocktail, here are 8 great recipes to get you started:

Gin Fizz: This classic mocktail is made with lemon juice, simple syrup, seltzer, and your favorite non-alcoholic gin spirit. Mix the ingredients together and garnish with a lemon wheel for a delicious and refreshing cocktail.
Berry Basil Smash: For a sweet and savory mocktail, try this twist on the classic Mojito. Muddle together blackberries, basil, and lime juice and then top with non-alcoholic gin, seltzer, and simple syrup.
Citrus Spritz: This easy mocktail is made with grapefruit juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and seltzer. Top with a splash of non-alcoholic gin and garnish with a lemon wheel for a light and refreshing beverage.
Ginger Mint Cooler: For a spicy and minty twist, try this flavorful mocktail. Muddle together fresh ginger and mint leaves and then add tonic water, lemon juice, and non-alcoholic gin. Top with a sprig of mint for a delicious and cooling beverage.
Cucumber Mint Fizz: This light and refreshing mocktail is perfect for summer days. Muddle together cucumber slices and mint leaves and then add tonic water, lime juice, and non-alcoholic gin. Top with a cucumber slice and a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.
Pineapple Sage Spritz: Create a tropical mocktail with this easy recipe. Muddle together pineapple slices and sage leaves and then add tonic water, lime juice, and non-alcoholic gin. Top with a slice of pineapple and a sprig of sage for a fruity and fragrant beverage.
Lavender Lemonade: For a light and floral mocktail, try this recipe. Muddle together lavender buds and lemon slices and then add tonic water, simple syrup, and non-alcoholic gin. Top with a sprig of lavender for a beautiful presentation.
Grapefruit Rosemary Fizz: For a unique and flavorful mocktail, try this recipe. Muddle together grapefruit slices and rosemary leaves and then add tonic water, simple syrup, and non-alcoholic gin. Top with a sprig of rosemary for a refreshing and fragrant beverage.

When making non-alcoholic gin based mocktails, the type of non-alcoholic gin spirit you use is important. Look for a spirit that has a juniper berry base and is made with natural botanicals. The type of glass and ice used is also important. For a more traditional look, use a highball glass filled with ice cubes. For a more modern look, use a rocks glass filled with crushed ice. For a more elegant look, use a martini glass filled with a single large ice cube. Finally, be sure to add garnishes to your mocktail to make it look and taste even better. Common garnishes include lemon wheels, cucumber slices, mint sprigs, pineapple slices, lavender buds, and rosemary sprigs.

No matter what non-alcoholic gin based mocktail you choose to make, you are sure to enjoy a delicious and refreshing beverage. With these 8 great recipes, you can be sure to impress your friends and family with your mixology skills!

Ready to get tropical? Try one of these yummy non alcoholic rum recipes.

January 3, 2023January 20, 2023

9 Great Non-alcoholic Gins You Will Enjoy

Non-alcoholic gin has recently become a popular option for those who either don’t drink or are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption and enjoy a delicious gin-based mocktail. In the past, non-alcoholic gins were only available in a few specialty stores, but now you can find them in most supermarkets and liquor stores.

The non-alcoholic gin market has grown substantially over the past few years, with more and more brands offering their own versions of the classic spirit. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. To help you out, we’ve rounded up nine of the best non-alcoholic gins on the market.

Nine Great Non-Alcoholic Gins

CEDER’S Classic Non-Alcoholic Gin: This South African gin is distilled from juniper and other botanicals to give it a classic juniper-forward flavor. It pairs well with tonic water or soda and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle will run you approximately $25 USD.
Seedlip Spice 94: This non-alcoholic gin is made with a blend of allspice, cardamom, and grapefruit peel. It’s perfect for mixing with tonic or ginger beer and can also be enjoyed neat over ice. A 750ml bottle is usually around $35 USD.
Kin Euphorics Dreamland: This non-alcoholic gin is made with a blend of juniper, citrus, and chamomile. It pairs well with tonic water or ginger beer and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle costs around $30 USD.
Caleño Tropical Non-Alcoholic Gin: This Colombian gin is made with a tropical blend of pineapple, lime, and juniper. It’s perfect for mixing with tonic water or soda and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle is about $25 USD.
H2O Non-Alcoholic Gin: This Dutch gin is made with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and citrus. It pairs well with tonic water or soda and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle goes for about $25 USD.
Free Spirits: This is NA gin is a great blend of citrus and cardamon. It pairs well with tonic water or soda and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle typically costs around $35 USD.
Stryyk Not Gin: This British gin is made with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, coriander, and citrus. It pairs well with tonic water or soda and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle runs $25 USD.
Kin Euphorics Bloom: This non-alcoholic gin is made with a blend of juniper, chamomile, and elderflower. It pairs well with tonic water or soda and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle typically costs around $30 USD.
Everleaf Non-Alcoholic Aperitif: This Italian non-alcoholic aperitif is made with a blend of botanicals, including juniper, chamomile, and citrus. It pairs well with tonic water or soda and is best served over ice. A 750ml bottle wil cost you roughly $30 USD.

These nine non-alcoholic gins offer a great way to enjoy the flavor of gin without the alcohol. Whether you’re looking for a classic juniper-forward flavor or something a bit more adventurous, there’s sure to be something to suit your taste. With a variety of flavors, these gins are perfect for creating delicious and refreshing mocktails. So, why not give one a try?

Curious about other great NA spirits? Check out this list of great non alcoholic rums to test out.

January 3, 2023January 20, 2023

6 Wonderful Non-Alcoholic White Wines

Non-alcoholic white wine is a refreshing and tasty alternative to regular white wine. It has the same flavor and aroma as traditional white wines, but without the alcohol content. This makes it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a glass of wine without the worry of overindulging.

Non-alcoholic white wine is created using a process known as de-alcoholization. This is done by adding an enzyme to the wine, which removes the alcohol without affecting the taste or aroma. The result is a low-alcohol white wine that is light and refreshing, yet still has the same flavor and aroma as regular white wines.

There are many varieties of non-alcoholic white wine on the market. Here are six great non-alcoholic white wines to try:

Fre Alcohol-Free Chardonnay – This wine is made from Chardonnay grapes and has a light and refreshing flavor. It is light-bodied and has flavors of green apple, citrus, and melon. This wine retails for around $17 USD.
Château de Fleur Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc – This wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes and has a crisp and refreshing finish. It has flavors of citrus, green apple, and a hint of grassiness. This wine retails for around $12 USD.
AIX Non-Alcoholic White Wine – This wine is made from a blend of Grenache, Vermentino, and Viognier grapes and has a light and fruity flavor. It has flavors of peach, melon, and citrus. This wine retails for around $13 USD.
Fre Alcohol-Free Pinot Grigio – This wine is made from Pinot Grigio grapes and has a crisp and refreshing finish. It has flavors of pear, melon, and citrus. This wine retails for around $14 USD.
Ariel Non-Alcoholic White Wine – This wine is made from a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio grapes and has a light and refreshing flavor. It has flavors of melon, peach, and citrus. This wine retails for around $10 USD.
Fre Alcohol-Free Riesling – This wine is made from Riesling grapes and has a light and refreshing finish. It has flavors of apricot, melon, and citrus. This wine retails for around $17 USD.

Non-alcoholic white wine is a great alternative for those looking for a refreshing and tasty beverage without the worry of overindulging. With its light and fruity flavors, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif or with a meal. There are many varieties of non-alcoholic white wine on the market, so there is sure to be one that fits your taste. Try some of the wines listed above to find the perfect one for you.

Want some non-alcoholic red wines to try out? Check out this list of nine great reds.