The Miser’s Guide To Clubbing

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Corey Rozon

After reviewing countless bars and clubs all over the world, we know how easily going out for just one beer can quickly turn into a $200 bar tab.

Hitting up the clubs can be particularly expensive when you factor in cover charge, coat check and the inflated cost of drinks. Thankfully we’ve learned a thing or two on how to save a few bucks when at the clubs. Some tips may obvious, some unorthodox, but they all work.

So without further adieu, here is the Miser’s Guide To Clubbing:

#1 – Pre-Party

Pre-partying is essential for any night out at the clubs. Walking in stone cold sober is one way to ensure your budget gets blown within the hour. So invite over some friends, have a few drinks and get ready for the night. If you are going out solo, and are the type that doesn’t like to drink alone, never underestimate the power of a shower beer. They’re so good you might even want to bring two.

#2 – The Early Bird Gets The Worm

One way to save a little money, and ensure that you will get into the club, is to arrive early. Sure, this might mean that you have to start your pre-game drinking a bit earlier, but since most clubs don’t get started until after 11pm you’ll have plenty of time. Be one of the first to arrive and you will likely get in without having to pay cover.

#3 – Never Pay (Full) Cover

One of the biggest burns to your budget is the cover charge. Going early might be able to save you cover entirely, but if you don’t want to be that guy, you might consider travelling in a pack. Many clubs will offer a discounted rate if you bring your whole entourage with you. It’s always best to call ahead to negotiate the price before you get there. The more women you have in your group, the more likely you will be able to get in.

#4 – Leave The Coat At Home

Most clubs have a mandatory coat check, and depending on the time of the year, a coat may be essential to your survival. If you can, leave the coat at home, or in the car of a designated driver. Failing that, try to double your coats up on one hanger and save a bit of money. For the ladies, a big purse and a thin jacket will work wonders.

#5 – Where Everyone Knows Your Name

One of the best ways to save money is to become a regular. Get to know the staff and the owner. Becoming a friend will help you to get in on the busy nights, usually without having to pay cover. The wait staff and bartenders may even buy you drinks, or at the very least, have a heavy hand when they are pouring them.

#6 – Cash Only

If you really want to save some money you should only bring cash and your ID, leave all plastic at home. Never, I men never, use the ATM machine inside the club. In some instances you can end up paying up to $10 in ATM fees each time you make a transaction. And when you are buzzed, taking out extra money may seem like a good idea at the time, usually more than once in the night. It’s also best to stick to the budget you set for yourself and try not to borrow cash from that friend who always seems to have a little too much cash on hand.

#7 – Special Of The Day

Do a little research and find out which clubs have specials, whether they are Ladies Nights, happy hours, two-for-one drinks or just specials on specific brands. Drink on the cheap and you can drink longer for less. And if you are a guy on Ladies Night you can always ask the ladies to buy you a few rounds.

#8 – Price Is The Difference

The fastest way to blow through your cash budget is to order drinks without knowing the prices. It’s not uncouth to ask for a price menu before deciding on what you want to drink. Knowing where your money can be best spent to maximize your alcohol intake will help you to stretch out the night further.

#9 – Keep It Simple

Now that you’ve seen the price list you’ll quickly understand that the simpler the drink usually means the cheaper the price. Unless there is a special on certain drinks or alcohol, domestic beer is typically the cheapest way to go, and draft even more so. If you are not a beer drinker, always order from the rail when ordering spirits.

#10 – It’s A Marathon, Not A Sprint

Even if it is a two-for-one special you should always pace your drinking. These specials work in benefit of the club, the more you drink the faster you will forget about your budget and the more money you will spend. Remember, you have the whole night, so pace yourself and interject a bottle of water between every other drink. Not only will you save money, but also your body will thank you for it in the morning.

#11 – A Shot In The Dark

If you really want to blow through your money then order shots. Heck, buy a round of shots for everyone at the bar with you. But if you really want to save your money, then just stick with beer or whatever cocktails that are on special.

#12 – Be One Of The 10-15%

This may be counterintuitive if you are trying to make friends with the wait staff, but one of the easiest ways to save money at the club is to not tip, or at least not over tip. If you can, try to start a tab. If they won’t let you start a tab without a credit card then be careful with your tips. Tipping $1.00 with every beer purchase can quickly add up. If your beer is $4.00 that is a 25% tip, generous, but not needed. A tab will enable you to leave a tip of 10-15% on your total bill, but if you are unable to open a tab try calculating the amount of money you will spend in the night and leave the full tip at the beginning. Not only will that help you to curb your tips, but the move may also impress the bartender enough that you won’t have to wait for a drink the rest of the night.

#13 – Disappearing Act

When out with a group of friends one of the hardest things to do is leave early. No one wants the party to stop and you’ll usually be browbeaten into staying to have just one more. This quickly turns into another round, and before you know it you’ve closed the bar once again. In order to avoid this extended bar tour and save some money learn how to pull a Houdini. Simply disappear, apologize for it in the morning or send a text message while you are in the cab on the way home. Going home early is not a sign of weakness, your body, and your wallet, will thank you for it in the morning.

Additional Tips

For the guys: Try not to buy drinks for the girls, and definitely stay away from those girls who will only use you for drinks.
For the girls: Use men for drinks.

* As seen on Best Of Money Carnival and Totally Money Carnival.

Author: Corey Rozon

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Gau Jal (Cow Water) – April Gross-Out Bar Drink Of The Month

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Corey Rozon

In Hindu culture, the cow is honoured as a symbol of unselfish giving. Everything that the cow produces, from its milk to its manure, not only has a use, but is also thought to have some sort of therapeutic value. So much so that even the cow’s urine is used for its medicinal properties.

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization in India, has taken it a step further and has begun production of a soft drink made from cow urine, which they have dubbed Gau Jal, or Cow Water.

As the Telegraph’s article, “India makes cola from cow urine“ reports, the RSS plans to produce a soft drink that will rival the likes of Pepsi and Coca-Cola.

The mixologists here at BarWhiz are always up for a challenge, as can be seen in some of our other gross out drinks, such as the Kopi Luwak cocktails and our Airag cocktail recipes. We figured Gau Jal shouldn’t be too much of a challenge, so have come up with 5 cocktail recipes with a cowey twist:

#1 – Billiard Bull

2 oz citrus flavored rum
3 oz gau jal
3oz red bull
lime wedge

Add rum to a highball glass filled with ice, squeeze lime wedges and drop into glass, top with equal parts Gau Jal and Red Bull and serve.

#2 – Vanilla Cow

1 1/2 oz vanilla vodka
1 dash Lemon Juice
gau jal to fill
lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish

Add vanilla vodka and lemon juice to a highball glass filled with ice, top with Gau Jal, garnish with a lime wedge and a sprig of mint, and serve.

Before going forward, here’s a little scene from Man Vs. Wild that
might make all this talk about urine seem a little less strange
and prepare you for the next cocktail named after Bear Grylls…

#3 – The Bear Grylls

1 1/2 oz gin
5 oz gau jal
1/4 tsp salt

Add all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice and serve

#4 – Apple Wizz

2 oz apple brandy
4 oz apple juice
lime wedge
gau jal to fill
lime slice for garnish

Add apple brandy, apple juice, and juice from lime wedge to a chilled highball glass with ice, top with gau jal, garnish with a slice of lime and serve.

#5 – Golden Shower

1 1/2 oz whiskey
1/2 oz advocaat
1/2 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz lemon juice
gau jal
lime slice and mint leaves for garnish

Shake whiskey, advocaat, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled beverage glass, top with gau jal, garnish with lime slice and mint leaves, and serve.

Thumbnail by Stefan Stegemann under CC-BY-SA License

Author: Corey Rozon

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Easter Themed Cocktail Ideas

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Corey Rozon

So far this year the mixologists at BarWhiz have provided you a list of saintly drinks, from St. Valentine to St. Patrick, but today is all about Easter.

Easter is a Christian holiday that not only marks the end of lent, but also celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also the time of year where children search for hidden chocolate eggs that where scattered around their homes by a magical bunny…

As for why bunnies became associated with Easter, just look no further than Christopher Moore’s satirical novel, Lamb. In his book, Moore’s character Joshua (Jesus) drunkenly gushes his affections for bunnies while at a wedding reception, declaring, “Henceforth and from now on, I decree that whenever something bad happens to me, there shall be bunnies around.” And that’s why we have the Easter Bunny.

From the walking dead to magical bunnies, Easter is one time of year that a tasty drink idea will be appreciated by all, and especially by those that gave up the drink as part of their Lenten sacrifice.

So without further adieu, here are your 5 Easter themed cocktail ideas:

#1 – Easter Bunny

1/2 oz vodka
1 oz creme de cacao
1 tbsp cherry liqueur
1 tbsp chocolate sauce

Pour all ingredients into a martini glass with ice and serve.

#2 – Easter Egg

1 oz blue curacao
1 oz white creme de cacao
half-and-half cream

Pour blue curacao and creme de cacao over ice cubes in chilled martini glass, float cream on top and serve.

#3 – White Rabbit

1 oz white rum
1/2 oz amaretto
1/2 oz kahlua
1/2 oz baileys
1 oz cream

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into rocks glass and serve.

#4 – Carrot Martini

2 oz citrus vodka
1 oz grand marnier
1 3/4 oz carrot puree
nutmeg and cinnamon for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.

#5 – Resurrection

2 oz pernod
2 oz brandy
2 oz yellow chartreuse

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a collins glass and serve.

Author: Corey Rozon

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How To Make A Killing As A Bar Server

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Corey Rozon

Although a tight fitting tank top and a pair of orange short-shorts won’t hurt, showing some skin isn’t the only way to make a killing as a server. When it comes to making great tips, whether you work at a bar, a club, or a restaurant, it all boils down to one thing, the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Although simplistic, the ethic of reciprocity encompasses the concept of the hospitality industry as a whole. So simply put, in order to make a killing as a bar server, just follow the Golden Rule. If that simplified explanation is a little too vague for you, maybe this 18-step guide will help to shed a little light:

Step #1 – Introduction

After you guests are seated, the first thing you should do is introduce yourself to your table. Give them your name and make them feel welcome. Although this should go without saying, many servers neglect to do this simple step. Not only will it make your guests feel welcomed, but also if you should provide excellent service, they will remember your name and ask for you the next time they visit your establishment.

Step #2 – Eye Contact

Your first impression is always the most important, so besides making sure you are neat in appearance, during your introduction it is very important to keep eye contact with your guests. Not only does it show confidence, but it also makes the guests feel that they have your undivided attention.

Step #3 – Smile

This should go without saying, but even if you are having a bad day, your smile is one of the most important things you have in your arsenal. No one wants to deal with a grumpy server, so keep it light and show them that you are happy to be there, even if you are not.

Step #4 – Menus

Menus can get dirty, so before you had them to your guests make sure they are clean. Hand them out individually, starting with the children’s menus first, followed by the eldest female at the table and then everyone else.

Step #5 – Quality Check

Depending on the type of environment where you work, you may not have a chance to do quality check of the table. Therefore , you should not only ensure that it is clean while you are introducing yourself, but that it is also set properly. If anything is missing, or looks low, make sure you replace or replenish it right away.

Step #6 – Drink Orders

After you have introduced yourself, quality checked the table and handed out the menus you’ll want to take drink orders. Many times your guests will be thirsty, so be prepared; they may already know what they want. Drink orders can take some time to be filled, so while you are waiting it is a good policy to return to the table with water for your guests immediately after the drink order has been placed. Don’t forget, a slice of lemon on a glass of water can go a long way.

Step #7 – Specials

After you have taken the drink orders, but before you leave the table, make sure you explain what the specials of the day are and ask your guests if they have any questions about the menu.

Step #8 – Know The Menu

This is probably the most important aspect of serving. Servers who are familiar with the menu, to the point that they know what each dish is comprised of, will almost immediately earn a higher gratuity, especially from those guests who are concerned about what they eat. By having the knowledge to quell the concerns of your guests, and readily answer any of their questions, your confidence in your knowledge of the menu will help put their worries at ease.

Step #9 – Upselling

Many restaurants encourage upselling, and although it can be a great tactic to increase the amount of a bill, thereby increasing your overall gratuity, many times upselling can sound forced and unnatural. Remember the Golden Rule here, if you yourself would not appreciate the upsell than you should not try to push it on your guest. Upsells are usually best given before the guest has made up their mind, so after dropping off the drinks and before coming back to take their food order, mention the upsell items at that point.

Step #10 – Taking Orders

Listening skills come into play here, and it is very important to listen to what a customer orders, especially with those customers that are concerned about food allergies or make multiple modifications. Although there are many schools of thought on how to properly take orders, specifically if you should write them down or not, it is at your own discretion what you feel most comfortable with. Whether you are going to do it by memory or write it down, it is extremely important to repeat back the order to customers. Wait until the entire table has finished ordering and then repeat the order in full. It looks very impressive if you can do it by memory. Orders should always be taken from the eldest lady at the table and then working clockwise. When customers are ordering appetizers, never assume that they will be shared or that they want them with their meal, always ask how and when they would like it served.

Step #11 – Quality Check Food

Always quality check the food before bringing it to the table, especially in the case of customers with food allergies or modifications. The server is the last line of defence before the food is brought to the customer, so make sure you do your due diligence and confirm that the meals are correct.

Step #12 – Serving Food

In a best case scenario all your for orders will be ready at the same time without any mistakes, so when serving your guests, just as with order taking, the meals should always be served to the eldest lady at the table and then clockwise from there. If you are able to, serve from the right. Ask to make sure everything is okay and if they would like anything else. This is a good time to check drink levels as well. If anything looks low, ask if they would like to replenish it. In the case of water, make a note and come back to fill their water glass.

Step #13 – Refilling Drinks

When it comes time to replenish drinks, such as water, coffee or tea, never refill the drinks over the table. Not only is it dangerous, as you may spill hot liquid on a guest, but it can also be intrusive. Always remove the guests glass to refill it.

Step #14 – Two-Bite Rule

In most cases, a guest will know if they like their meal within the first two bites. Give them a few minutes to get settled in before heading back to check on them. If something is wrong with the meal you do not want to make them wait for you to return. Although it may be impossible to time it, try not to show up at the table mid-mouthful. If anything is wrong with the meal take responsibility for it, apologize and rectify the issue as quickly as possible. In the case of things like hair, spoiled or undercooked food, voiding the dish from the bill is recommended. The two-bite rule goes for all courses of the meal, from appetizers to desserts.

Step #15 – Clearing

Dishes should only be removed when everyone at the table is finished, a caveat of course being if a guest asks you to remove their dish. Not unlike serving, dishes should always be cleared from the right, however the order is unimportant. This goes for both appetizers and mains.

Step #16 – Dessert

A dessert menu should always be offered, and in many cases it is customary to bring the dessert menu to the table and let the guests decide. First ask them if they would like any coffee or tea, paying particular attention to what they would like with it, be it milk, cream sugar, lemon or honey. Let the guest mull over the dessert menu while you are filling their drink order.

Step #17 – Handling The Bill

When it comes to the bill there are many factors to take in mind, firstly, when to bring the bill. In most cases you let the customer ask you to bring it. Never assume that after their main course, or even dessert, that they are finished for the evening. They may want to add a few more drinks or even another bottle of wine, so patience is the key. That being said, many guests want to leave immediately after they have finished their meal, so ensuring that you make yourself available to them is the best way to go. Always ask how they prefer the bill; never assume that it is one bill. Split the bill according to your guest’s wishes, and if they only want one bill, never assume who is paying for it. The best tactic here is to place the bill in the middle of the table. Finally, offer to process the customers payment in the manner of their choosing, and in the case of cash, always bring back exact change. Unless they ask you to take it, always wait to the customer leaves before you retrieve the bill.

Step #18 – Thank Your Guest

Once the bill is paid that does not necessarily mean your guests are no longer under your watch. In the case of guests finishing up their drinks, you should continue to check in on them and attend to their needs. When they are ready to leave you can ask if they need any help, hailing a taxi, putting on their coats, etc – above all, make sure you thank them for coming.

This 18-step guide is just that, a guide. Following it won’t guarantee bigger tips, but it will definitely ensure that you will at least receive the minimum. Personality will help you to get a higher gratuity, so remember the Golden Rule and always strive to go above and beyond when it comes to your level of service. If you do it right, your tip may even look like this:

Author: Corey Rozon

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St. Patty’s Day Themed Cocktails

Posted on March 13, 2012 by Corey Rozon

St. Patty’s Day is the one-day of the year where everyone is Irish. This cultural and religious holiday first took place in 1783 to commemorate Saint Patrick, one of the most commonly recognized patron saints of Ireland. You know Ole St. Patrick, he’s the one that rid the island of snakes. Today, the celebration consists of wearing of green and drinking green beer.

Here at BarWhiz, we say forget the green beer, if you really want to drink like the Irish, go for something black, but if Guinness isn’t your thing, maybe this list of St. Patty’s Day themed cocktails will do:

#1 – Irish Flag

1/3 oz green crème de menthe
1/3 oz Bailey’s
1/3 oz Grand Marnier

Slowly layer ingredients in order to a shot glass and serve.

#2 – Emerald Isle

1 oz gin
1 tsp green crème de menthe
2 dashes of bitters
1 mint leave

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into chilled martini glass, garnish mint, and serve.

#3 – Dublin Handshake

1/2 oz Baileys Irish cream
1/2 oz Irish whiskey
3/4 oz Sloe gin

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into martini glass, and serve.

#4 – Dancing Leprechaun

1 1/2 oz Irish whiskey
3/4 oz Drambuie
3/4 oz lemon juice
ginger ale
lemon peel
1 mint leave

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into highball glass with ice, garnish with a twist of lemon and mint, and serve.

#5 – Irish Trash Can

1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz light rum
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz peach schnapps
1/2 oz Blue Curacao liqueur
1/2 oz triple sec
1 can Red Bull® energy drink

Add all ingredients to a Collins glass with ice, top with Red Bull, and serve.

Author: Corey Rozon

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Top 10 Spring Break Destinations Of 2012

Posted on March 7, 2012 by Corey Rozon

We have already provided you with the World’s Top 15 Beer Festivals, the World’s Top Wine Festivals, and the Top 12 ‘Must Attend’ Music Festivals Of 2012, today we will discuss the best places to go this year for spring break.

So without further adieu, here are the Top 10 Spring Break Destinations Of 2012:

#1 – Nassau, Bahamas

Budget is the theme for the 2012 spring break. Everyone is on one and looking for a spring break destination that meets theirs. Bahamas fits that bill with super cheap spring break packages to Nassau. The cost, plus the blue water and white sands, are sure to draw a huge spring break crowd.

#2 – Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

The current economic conditions may be in a slump, but the snow conditions this year are at record highs. If you want to trade fun in the sun for fun on the slopes, then Whistler should definitely be your spring break destination of choice. Home to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics; Whistler has some of the best skiing conditions in North America.

#3 – European Destinations

From Amsterdam, London and Paris, to Rome, Florence, Madrid, and Berlin, exchange rates in the whole of Europe are reasonable enough for most spring breakers to justify heading across the pond for a week of partying. Although you’ll be trading one winter for another, you’ll avoid the summer tourist crowds and be able to see and do more.

#4 – Acapulco, Mexico

Acapulco is probably Mexico’s second or third best beachside party city, with Puerto Vallarta and Cancun coming in at the top two. But don’t worry, there is still plenty of party here to go around. Whether you are looking for a quiet hideaway, like Playa Pie de la Cuesta, or crowded party central, like La Condesa, Acapulco has plenty of beaches to choose from. Since Mexico is notorious for a cheap place to party, you are bound to find a lot of like minder spring breakers here.

#5 – Cancun, Mexico

Mexico’s Caribbean is home to the second best party spot in all of Mexico, Cancun. With beautiful beaches, and spring breakers to match, this inexpensive party spot is a great place to get your spring break on, and on a budget. The clubs are open late and the beaches are full to capacity during the day, so the spring break party never stops.

#6 – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

This beachside, mountain city is not only the best place to party it up for spring break, but also offers the greatest all-inclusive deals. With friendly locals, gorgeous beaches and an awesome nightlife, Puerto Vallarta is the place to be this spring beak.

#7 – Miami, Florida, USA

For those looking to save money and stay closer to home this year, Florida is going to be another top destination for spring breakers to blow off some steam. Both south Beach and Miami Beach will be hopping this year. South Beach is where you will find all the best clubs, so dress to impress if you want to get in. Miami Beach is bit more laid back and easier on the wallet.

#8 – Panama City, Florida, USA

Panama City was the mtv’s spring break headquarters in 2009, and even though this year they’ll be filming in Vegas, Panama City Beach is billed as the best beach to party at in 2012. With over 27 miles of beachfront, Panama City is a great close-to-home place to party in the sun, while still saving some money.

#9 – Puerto Rico, USA

Even though Puerto Rico is a US territory, which means American spring breakers can attend without first getting a passport, the drinking age here is only 18. Throw in the fact that it is relatively cheap to party here, and you have a perfect mix for a fun in the sun filled spring break that you don’t want to miss.

#10 – South Padre Island, Texas, USA

Easy to get to, and none too expensive, South Padre Island is going to be one of the most popular spring break destinations spots for 2012. With hundreds of miles of beachfront, this is a great place to party and participate in almost every conceivable water sport there is imaginable.

Author: Corey Rozon

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World’s Top Wine Festivals

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Corey Rozon

Last month we took a look at the World’s Top 15 Beer Festivals, as rated by BarWhiz, and today we are going to share with you a list of our most favourite wine festivals.

So without further adieu, here are the World’s Top 17 Wine Festivals:

#1 – The Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – February 27 – March 4, 2012

By far the best wine festival in North America, the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival is host to over 180 wineries, who pour an astounding 791 different kinds of wine to thousands of guests each year. With winery experts on hand, you can learn about your favourite wines, discover new ones or try rare wines from wineries all over the world.

#2 – BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival
Charleston, South Carolina, USA – March 1-4, 2012

The four-day March event is now into its seventh year. Praised as one of the top wine festivals in the U.S., the BB&T Charleston Wine and Food Festival is a combination of home-grown cooking infused with the talent of celebrated chefs and winemakers from all over the world.

#3 – Russian River Wine Road Barrel Tasting Weekend
Healdsburg, California, USA – March 2-11, 2012

This event is all about sampling straight from the barrel. With over 100 wineries participating, that’s a lot of barrels to taste. All you need is a $40 wristband, your trusty tasting glass, and you are off to the races… I mean cellars.

#4 – Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Melbourne, Australia – March 2-21, 2012

With more than 200 events centred on wine education, this 17-day long Food and Wine Festival has been keeping Australian wine drinkers happy for the last 20 years. Wine lovers can experience over 250 tasting events and interact with international sommeliers, chefs and wine producers from around the world.

#5 – World of Pinot Noir
Shell Beach, California, USA – March 2-3, 2012

World of Pinot Noir will bring together over 100 Pinot Noir producers from around the world for a 2-day event featuring wine tasting and education seminars in Shell Beach, California. This is a must attend event for all the Pinot Noir lovers out there.

#6 – Cincinnati International Wine Festival
Cincinnati, Ohio, USA – March 8-10, 2012

Celebrating its 22nd year, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival has been one of the Midwest’s largest annual wine events since 1991. Hosting over 130 wineries, who pour up to 600 different kinds of wine to thousands of guests, this wine extravaganza features food, live music, auctions, and even a golf tournament.

#7 – McMinnville Wine & Food Classic
McMinnville, Oregon, USA – March 9-11, 2012

In the heart of Oregon wine country, McMinnville will host a 3-day wine festival that features 160 of the Oregon’s best wineries. Participants can take part in wine tasting events, or just purchase wine by the glass, bottle or even case.

#8 – Zinfandel Festival Paso Robles
Paso Robles, California, USA – March 16-18, 2012

With more than 50 Paso Robles wineries hosting events, the Zinfandel Festival Paso Robles is one of the largest of its kind. The event will feature tasting of the local Paso Robles Zinfandel and Zinfandel blends, as well as food from some of the region’s best restaurants. For the Zinfandel lover this is definitely a must attend event.

#9 – St. Croix Food and Wine Experience
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, USA – April 17-22, 2012

Named one of the best International Food and Wine Festivals by Forbes Travel, the St. Croix Food and Wine Experience brings together local chefs, celebrity chefs, cooking show personalities and top winemakers from around the world. This wine festival sells out fast, so if you still can, you should buy your tickets now.

#10 – Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival
Banff, Alberta, Canada – May 4-5, 2012

The top Banff & Lake Louise area chefs provide the cuisine to complement the wide assortment of national and international wines for you to try on at the Banff Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival. With the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, there is no other place you should be this summer.

#11 – Taste of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands – May 31 – June 3,2012

Featuring a wide assortment of wine tasting events, demonstrations, and food oriented events, the Taste of Amsterdam drew in over 15,000 food and wine lovers for their inaugural event. The 2012 festival is shaping up to be even more spectacular then the last.

#12 – International Pinot Noir Celebration
McMinnville, Oregon, USA – July 27-29, 2012

This 3-day event is held in the heart of Oregon’s wine country and includes such things as wine tasting events at local wineries as well as educational seminars on wine aging from some of the world’s top pinot noir makers. There will also and wine-pairing seminars provided by 50 guest chefs.

#13 – GrapeFest
Grapevine, Texas, USA – September 15-18, 2012

It may surprise you, but Texas is America’s 5th largest wine-producing state, and as the saying goes, everything is big in Texas. Their annual wine festival, the GrapeFest, brings in some 250,000 people to sample both local wines and international ones alike. Oh, and there is also a grape stomping competition.

#14 – Cornucopia
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada – November 8-11, 2012

This 4-night festival includes a Gala Grand Tasting event that features more than 75 different wineries as well as some of the greatest cuisine from the area’s most notable chefs. There are also plenty of hands-on seminars and fascinating winemaker dinners to attend.

#15 – Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival
Barbados, Caribbean – November 16-19, 2012

This Barbados wine festival, which also includes food and of course rum, takes place for 4 days in November. Featuring a wide variety of chef demonstrations, tasting events and interactive sessions, the Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival is the must attend wine event in the Caribbean this year.

#16 – Franschhoek “Magic of Bubbles” Cap Classique and Champagne Festival
Franschhoek, South Africa – November 30 – December 2, 2012

The “Magic of Bubbles” festival is all about the bubbly. From Champagne to Cap Classique, Franschhoek will be home to all things sparkling wine for three days in December.

#17 – Boston Wine Expo
Boston, Massachusetts, USA – January 26-27, 2013

Featuring over 1,800 wine tasting events from more than 300 wineries from around the world, the Boston Wine Expo is easily the largest wine festival in the continental US. There are also many educational seminars hosted by experts in wine making and pairing. If you are just hearing about this event now, unfortunately you’ve already missed the 2012 festival and will have to wait until next year, but don’t worry; you can just attend the other 16 events above. Call it training.

Author: Corey Rozon

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A Bouquet Of Valentine’s Day Cocktails

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Corey Rozon

It’s that time of year again. Love is in the air, little naked babies are flying around shooting people with arrows, and… wait a minute.

You do know what today is, right? Well she sure does. And let me guess, you forgot, again.

You forgot to order the dozen long stem roses. Forgot to make reservations at that romantic little restaurant downtown. And even forgot to pick-up a heart shaped box of chocolates.

In the immortal words of Douglas Adams, “Don’t Panic”, all is not lost yet.

As Myscha Theriault suggests, you can stay in for “a steamy yet affordable Valentine’s Day”, and surprise her at home with a bouquet of romantic cocktails:

#1) Happily Ever After

1 3/4 oz Rhum J.M. Blanc
3/4 oz Cynar
3/4 oz Cherry Heering
1/4 oz Averna
2 Dash Rhubarb Bitters
1 Dash Whiskey Barrel Bitters

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a martini glass filled with crushed ice. Add bitters and stir.

#2) Saint Valentine

1 1/2 oz white rum
1/2 oz Port
1/2 oz Grand Marnier
1/2 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass.

#3) Berry Sweetheart

1 1/2 oz vodka
3 oz cranberry juice
3 oz apple juice
1 oz honey
maraschino cherry for garnish

Pour all ingredients into a highball glass filled with ice, stir and garnish with a maraschino cherry.

#4) Brazilian Rose

2 oz Leblon cachaça
3 oz guava juice
splash of triple sec

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a martini glass and garnish with a rose petal.

#5) Cherub’s Cup

1 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
2 oz vodka
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/4 oz simple syrup
1 oz muddled strawberry
Sparkling Wine
strawberry for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a collins glass, top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry

#6) Agave Kiss

2 oz Herradura Tequila Silver
1 oz white creme de cacao
1 oz double cream
1/2 oz Chambord
white chocolate flakes rim
raspberries for garnish

Shake Herradura tequila, white crème de cacao, double cream and Chambord in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, pour into a chilled martini glass, rimmed with white chocolate, add a spear of fresh raspberries, and serve.

#7) Chocolate Martini

2 oz vodka
1 1/2 oz creme de cacao, white
powdered cocoa for rim

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with cocoa.

#8) Strawberry Kiss

1 oz Tequila Rose
1/2 oz light rum
1 oz chocolate liqueur
1 oz half and half

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled martini glass.

#9) The Sweetest Thing

1 oz Bourbon
1/2 oz Crème de Frambois
Champagne
raspberries for garnish

Pour bourbon and crème de framboise into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne and garnish with raspberries.

#10) Bésame

2 lime wedges
handful of raspberries
1 1/2 oz Agavero
passion fruit juice
dash of Chambord

Muddle limes and raspberries in a highball glass. Add Agavero, top with passion fruit juice and add a splash of Chambord. Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into highball glass and serve.

#11) Love Potion #9

1 oz strawberry vodka
1/2 oz white crème de cacao
1/2 cup strawberries
scoop of vanilla ice cream
1/2 cup ice
strawberry for garnish

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a chilled margarita glass and garnish with a strawberry.

#12) Passion Cocktail

2 oz gold tequila
3 oz cranberry juice
1 oz lime juice
2 oz Grand Marnier
lime slice for garnish

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into a chilled stemmed glass and garnish with a lime slice.

Author: Corey Rozon

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World’s Top 15 Beer Festivals

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Corey Rozon

Last week we shared with you the Top 12 ‘Must Attend’ Music Festivals Of 2012, and today we’re going to let you know about the World’s Top 15 Beer Festivals.

#1 Oktoberfest – Munich, Germany

German peoples have celebrated the mother of all beer festivals, and easily our number one choice, since 1810. Oktoberfest has now grown into a 16-day festival attracting 6.2 million people from all over the world. This festival should be on the bucket list of any beer connoisseur, or anybody for that matter.

#2 National Winter Ales Festival – Manchester, UK

Hosted by CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ales, this winter beer festival has been taking place every January since 1997. NWAF, as it is commonly known, features more than 200 different types of beer and its mandate is to showcase the best winter ales, such as stouts and porters, that are produced in the UK.

#3 Great American Beer Festival – Denver, Colorado, USA

Boasting over 1600 different kinds of American beer, this three-day annual festival takes place at the end of September each year. Located in the Denver Convention Center, beer connoisseurs from all over the world sample the wares of over 450 domestic breweries.

#4 Qingdao International Beer Festival – Qingdao, China

This two-week long event is the largest beer festival in Asia, and features beer tasting from all over the world. Packed with both drinking, and of course karaoke, competitions, this is probably one of the best beer festivals outside of Oktoberfest.

#5 National Capital Craft Beer Festival – Canberra, Australia

Over 80 craft breweries get together each April in Canberra, Australia to add a touch of class to the once thought lowbrow act of beer swilling. With gourmet food and beer pairings you will never look at beer the same way again.

#6 Great British Beer Festival – London, UK

The sister event of NWAF, the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), is the summer event organized by CAMRA. Offering over 450 beers from British breweries, as well as 200 foreign beers from countries including Belgium, Germany and the USA, this is a great warm up festival for those who plan on heading to Oktoberfest.

#7 Cape Town Festival of Beer – Cape Town, South Africa

This November festival celebrates “all things beer”, and features over 20 breweries, with more than 50 different kinds of beer. If you plan on attending, shell out the extra cash and go for their King Package, which comes complete with an individual draught tap, a keg, a branded mug, and you’re your own personal beer wench… but just don’t call her that to her face.

#8 Great Japan Beer Festival – Tokyo (June), Osaka (July), Yokohama (August), Japan

This three-part beer festival runs over the course of three months during the summer and occurs in three different locations. Offering more than 270 beers from over 50 local and 30 international breweries; the Great Japan Beer Festival attracts over 20,000 Japanese and foreign beer lovers alike.

#9 Thai Beer Festival – Bangkok, Thailand

Although when one thinks of Thailand, being a great producer of beer does not naturally come to mind. However, if you have ever had a chance to attend this annual festival, which occurs in late October, then you know that Thailand is more than just about its beautiful beaches and tasty food… their beer is pretty damn good as well.

#10 PINT Bokbier Festival – Amsterdam, Netherlands

The best-known, and largest beer festival in all of Netherlands is without a doubt the PINT Bokbier Festival. Taking place each year in late October at the Amsterdam Beurs van Berlage, this beer festival hosts more than 50 varieties of bokbier.

#11 Czech Beer Festival – Prague, Czech Republic

This two-week long beer festival occurs each year in May and offers over 70 brands of Czech beer, all served in authentic glass pitchers by over 200 beautiful Czech barmaids wearing traditional Czech costumes.

#12 Mondial de la Biere – Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Canada’s largest beer festival takes place every June in Montreal. Known for its beautiful women, and gourmet dishes, Montreal is the perfect backdrop for beer connoisseurs to samples beers from all over Quebec, Canada, and the World.

#13 The Belgian Beer Weekend – Brussels, Belgium

Hosted at the Grand Place in Brussels, this three-day beer festival occurs every September and features over 250 different kinds of beers, from pilsners to trappist beers.

#14 Oregon Brewers Festival – Portland, Oregon, USA

Over 80 craft breweries from across the United States come together each July to take part in this four-day event, one of the nation’s longest running craft beer festivals. Serving up more than 20 styles of handcrafted brews to over 80,000 beer connoisseurs, this beer festival is the best place to learn everything there is to know about craft beer.

#15 Bitter and Twisted International Boutique Beer Festival – Maitland, Australia

Serving over 50 craft beers from around the globe to over 4 thousand attendants, this Australian beer festival takes place inside the ‘yard’ of an old maximum-security jail and is definitely a must attend event for any beer lover.

Author: Corey Rozon

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Insect Infused Cocktail Recipes – January Gross-Out Bar Drink Of The Month

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Corey Rozon

Putting insects in alcohol is not a new trend – Tequila anyone? However, many bars all over the world are now jumping on the entomophagy trend and making cocktails infused with insects, whether as part of the ingredients or just as a garnish.

Just take a look at the Artesian Bar, located in the Langjam Hotel in London. Their insect infused cocktail combines cognac, Japanese tea with roasted tarantulas and scorpions.

Then there is New York City‘s own White & Church. According to this New York Post article from last summer, White & Church now has a host of insect infused cocktails, such as their Blue Velvet, a tobacco-infused brandy garnished with scorpions.

I’ve never been to White & Church myself, so I cannot confirm if these insect infused cocktail rumours are true, but I did take a peek at their online cocktail menu, and sadly, not a bug in sight. Either they weren’t as popular as hoped, or it might also have something to do with their cocktail that included toasted honeybees as a garnish. For those in the know, there has recently been alarming news of honeybees suddenly dying off in large numbers.

If you were hoping to try your own insect infused cocktail, why not mix your own at home. Here is our take on 5 cocktail recipes with a buggy twist:

#1) A Drink Named Irving

1 oz crème de menthe (green)
1 oz crème de cacao (white)
1 oz vodka
6 roasted grasshopper legs for garnish

Shake all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into chilled martini glass, garnish with grasshopper legs, and serve.

#2) A Mosquito

1.25 oz rum
12 mint leaves
12 mosquitoes
1 tbsp sugar
0.5 oz limejuice
2 oz soda

Place mint leaves and mosquitoes in bottom of glass, add crushed ice, rum, sugar, limejuice, and muddle. Top with soda, garnish with mint leaves, and serve.

#3) Barking Spider

1 1/2 oz tequila
1 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
3/4 oz dark rum
1 dash triple sec
1 dash sweet and sour mix
1 splash orange juice
roasted tarantula legs for garnish

Shake all liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, strain into chilled collins glass, garnish with tarantula legs, and serve.

#4) June Bug

1 oz melon liqueur
1 oz coconut rum
1 oz pineapple juice
maraschino cherry and roasted June Bug for garnish

Add all liquid ingredients to blender filled with ice, blend on low setting, pour into highball glass, garnish with a skewered maraschino cherry and roasted June Bug, and serve.

#5) Glow-Worm

1 1/2 oz melon liqueur
1 1/2 oz peach liqueur
3 oz orange juice
3 oz pineapple juice
1 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
tequila worm for garnish

Fill a highball glass with ice. Layer ingredients in order of list without mixing. Top with Blue Curacao and float tequila worm on top.

Author: Corey Rozon

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Insect Infused Cocktail Recipes – January Gross-Out Bar Drink Of The Month

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