The Other Mulberries

Recently Mud Creek has been showing up at the Santa Monica and Hollywood Farmers Markets with white Mulberries. It is native to China and is only in season for about three weeks. They grow on trees about 10-20 feet tall and are known to release pollen at an unbelievable rate. This caterpillar like berry has a very unusual tart flavor which is why I use it in a Daiquri called, The Granny Smith, because it tastes like you are drinking a very fresh Granny Smith apple.

Muddle 7-10 white mulberries with 3/4 fresh lime juice and 3/4 agave syrup. Add 2 oz of Starr Rum and double strain into a cocktail glass

Lost in Laos

http://www.thisisbrandx.com/2011/03/lost-in-laos-with-matt-biancaniello.html

Cascading Hophead

Very pleased with the final version of my beer cocktail. Cascade hops (thanks to Dave Watrous of Tony's Darts Away) infused into Plymouth Gin, Avocado honey, fresh oro blanco grapefruit juice, lemon juice with a nice double IPA. This is exactly what I was looking for, creating a fully alcoholic beer cocktail. It is very hoppy and IPA-like and even bitter, so one has to love those flavors. Thanks to Jason at Golden State for suggesting to garnish it with rosemary

Hops Infused Gin

Infused hops into Plymouth Gin that really came out quite well. First made a gin and tonic because I am a gin and tonic guy. It was like tasing an IPA and tonic. Then made a Manhattan with it with Redemption Rye, Cynar and Carpano, this was the right fit and had a wonderful flavor. It is hops season so I am going to try to get some different kind of hops to play with and see what else I can do!

Aquavit

Love the limited edition of Gammal Krogstad made by the people of House Spirits Distillery. It is aged in Pinot Noir barrels and is absolutely fabulous. Made a beautiful little flip with it that included four quail eggs and a little honey. It is a perfect drink to follow a series of spicy cocktails.

I am back and will be blogging again, looking forward to working candy cap mushrooms and cream into a drink, maybe an eggnog or something warm with dark rum!