Mixing it up with ChaiElixir

I’m admittedly a sucker for experimenting with unique and creative cocktail ingredients. That being said, I jumped at the chance to check out ChaiElixir, a brand of all-natural, non-alcoholic, sparkling chai tea beverage. ChaiElixir contains reduced sugar, and is available in three intriguing varieties:

  • Vivid – a blend of crisp green tea and citrus
  • Smooth – oolong tea with vanilla
  • Essence – white tea with peach infusions

IMG_0008

I dutifully sampled all three varieties in their pure, unadulterated states (sans-booze, that is), and I found all three flavors to be light and refreshing. The tea flavors are not muted, so if you are so-so on tea, these babies are not meant for you. I was immediately struck by the potential for versatility; ChaiElixirs would make an excellent mixer for lighter brunch drinks, but would also pair handsomely with whiskey, rum, or vodka for a crafty evening libation.
Equally appealing is the fact that ChaiElixirs flavor profiles are complex enough to be interesting in very simply cocktails with limited ingredients. To illustrates that idea, here are some two-ingredient cocktails recommended by ChaiElixir:

  • IMG_0015Vodka Chai – Two parts non-alcoholic ChaiElixir Fusion; one part vodka or choice.  Enjoy on the rocks or finished with an orange peel, cinnamon stick, or other spice garnish for added touch of “Refreshing Effervescence”.
  • The Mojito Essence – Replace tonic water with two parts bright, lightly carbonated ChaiElixir Essence mixed with one part rum to create an easy and delicious twist on a decadent mojito.  Add seasonal fruits muddled, pour over cubed ice and garnish with fresh mint for a classy look.
  • Chai Bellini – “When in Rome”, dive into sparkling refreshment with the delicious peach infusions ChaiElixir Essence mixed with Prosecco or sparkling wine.  Present in a chilled flute glass for a sophisticated, uplifting experience.

IMG_0014

 

On the other hand, if you are up for the challenge of preparing something a bit more complex, here are some ChaiElixir recipes from New York Mixologist Jason Walsh you might enjoy:

Vivid D’Amour
1/4 muddled orange
1.5oz Brandy
1/4 oz Crème de cacao
1/2oz Ginger syrup
3/4oz Fresh lime juice
ChaiElixir Vivid

In mixing glass, muddle quartered orange slice.  Add all ingredients, and add ½ cup ice; then shake moderately.  Strain over new ice and top off with ChaiElixir Vivid. Garnish with an orange twist.

Cucumber Kiss
1 muddled cucumber wheel
1.5oz Aperol Italian Aperitif
1/2oz Fresh lime juice
1/4oz Blended yuzu juice
ChaiElixir Fusion

Muddle cucumber in mixing glass, then combine all ingredients except ChaiElixir Fusion in mixing glass. Add ½ cup of ice and shake well; strain into a martini or coupette style glass and top with ChaiElixir Fusion.  Garnish with cucumber slice.

 

CHAIELIXIR
chaielixir.com

ChaiElixir provided me with complimentary product to sample for this review. Thanks, guys!

Ironroot Republic Launch Party

I love supporting up-and-coming businesses and brands; especially when they are local, and especially when they have a truly awesome product. Ironroot Republic is a new craft spirits distillery, located right in our back yard, in Denison, TX.  I had the opportunity to attend Ironroot Republic’s launch party last month, where I met the Likarish brothers, co-founds and distillers at Ironroot Republic, who were as friendly as they were interesting to chat with. Oh, and they brought us some really tasty booze to try. And plenty of it. (Gotta love that.)

Jonathan and Robert Likarish practice their art by employing a “grain to glass” philosophy. Ninety percent of the ingredients used in Ironroot Republic products are grown within 60 miles of the distillery. Take, for example, the lemongrass grown by Head Distiller Jonathan Likarish himself, or the coriander grown by the distillers’ MOM (I’m sorry, but how adorable is that?). Additionally, Ironroot mashes, ferments, distills, barrel ages, and bottles all of their product on-site.

IMG_9863

Currently, the brothers are offering three diverse and exciting labels:

  • Blue Norther Vodka: created using a non-chill filtration process, and made from the finest hand-selected Texas grains; crisp citrus and caramel essence, followed by honey sweetness, and a rich, silky mouth-feel. Full-bodied with a long, vanilla finish.
    80 proof; ABV 40%; suggested retail price $25
  • Carpenter’s Bluff Moonshine: Texas corn whiskey at its finest, made from rare heirloom red corn; hints of fresh honeydew, white peach, and dragon fruit, followed by lychee nut, dark berries, and a lingering sweetness.
    90 proof; ABV 45%; suggested retail price $25
  • Texas Drought Gin: grain to glass, made from local juniper, European juniper, lemongrass, and coriander. The finish is long and sweet due to the caramel wheat malt base.
    80 proof; ABV 40%; suggested retail price $25

I was treated to a number of delicious cocktails featuring the full lineup of Ironroot Republic spirits, and each and every one was delicious. The brothers were kind enough to share recipes with us, and I can assure you, they ALL bear recreating. Standouts in my opinion included the Martinez, which was delightfully complex, and the Mexican Martini, which was the crowd favorite of the evening.

Martinez

Martinez
1.5 oz. Texas Drought Gin
1.5 oz. Sweet Vermouth
0.5 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur (Seriously, just hunt down the Luxardo. Don’t even bother with cheap imitations.)
2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Shake with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with an orange peel. 


Mexican Martini (pictured as featured image)
2 oz. Carpenter’s Bluff Moonshine
1 1/2 oz. Orange Liqueur (i.e. Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
2 oz. Margarita Mix
1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1 Splash of Sprite
Jalapeno Stuffed Olives, for Garnish

Pour the Moonshine, orange liqueur, margarita mix, lime juice, and sprite in shaker. Fill will ice and shake. Pour into martini glass, and garnish with jalapeño stuffed olive. 

The Iron Word


The Iron Word
0.75 oz. Carpenter’s Bluff Moonshine
0.75 oz. Green Chartreuse
0.75 oz. Luxardo Maraschino Cherry Liqueur
0.75 oz. Lime Juice

Shake with ice and strain into chilled coupe glass.


Denison Donkey
1.5 oz. Blue Norther Vodka
4 oz. Ginger Beer
1/6 oz. Lime Juice

Combine vodka and ginger beer in a copper mug or highball glass filled with ice. Add lime juice, stir gently, and garnish with a lime slice. 

IMG_9846

Denison Donkey

One final thing you should know: the Likarish brothers have some really awesome stuff going on at the distillery, above and beyond what you would expect from your requisite Saturday afternoon tour. Yeah, they’ve got that, too, but here is a full lineup of all of the awesome goings on at the Denison distillery:

  • Friday evenings: the distillery bar is open from 5-9 PM; a tour is available at 6 PM.
  • Saturdays: the distillery bar is open from 2-9 PM; tours are available at 2, 4, and 6.
  • First weekend of every month: Bloody Mary bar with 20+ ways to dress it up. (personally, I am very excited to check this one out!)

Distillery tours cost $5; tours have a 20 person max. Your $5 ticket goes toward your purchase of Iroonroot Distillery swag! 

A huge shout-out to the bartenders at Alamo Drafthouse Richardson for expertly preparing these tasty libations; I always forget how awesome the patio is here. I would go here just to drink, no movie attached. Seriously. 


Ironroot Republic
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
3111 Loy Lake Road, Denison, TX
(903) 337-0495

Available at all DFW and Denison-area spirits retailers, Alamo Drafthouse, and Brix in Plano

Product Review: Equality Vodka

written by Kevin Craft

Fall is coming, which means Dallas Pride is just around the corner! For those of us that that it means our favorite event of the year is coming, you’ll need an impressive cocktail to serve at your pre-pride festivities. I got you covered with Equality Vodka.

I wasn’t sure about taking on a new Texas Vodka (I’ve been a Tito’s fan for a while now), but Equality was very smooth, and pairs with almost any mixer you’ve got in your fridge. Equality Vodka for sure found staying power in my liquor nook.

The best part? Finally you can drink as much as you want and know you’re supporting a good cause. (Because that was what was holding us back, right?) For every bottle purchased, Equality Vodka will make a donation to a nonprofit organization recognized for advancing the equality movement for LGBTQI communities.

I created this cool refreshing cocktail recipe that’s perfect to celebrate before hitting the parade and as simple as it can get.

_DSC1006_2

Equality Vodka® Rainbow Sour
2 parts Equality Vodka
3/4 parts Lemon Juice
Water or Club Soda
1 slice of lemon
Water
Food coloring, three colors max

First step: (PROCRASTINATOR ALERT! You’ll need to do this the night before.) Make at least three colored ice cubes in an ice cube tray. You won’t need yellow … it comes into play later.

Second step: When life gives you lemons … slice them and use them as the perfect pop of color in your drink! Lemons not only add flavor to the cocktail, but they’re totally photogenic. (Perfect for any Instagram addicts out there.)  Put the ice cubes in a clear glass, add Equality Vodka, the lemon juice, and the water/or club soda in that order.

New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka

It’s August and I’m clinging to summer with everything that I’ve got.  I’m still living in flip flops and shorts on the weekend, our cornhole boards remain resolute in my back yard, and most importantly, I am far from prepared to part with refreshing summer cocktails. And why should I? It was approximately 146º out there tonight with about 114% humidity. #texas

Enter: New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka. I happily received a bottle in the mail, and let me tell ya, this stuff is basically sunshine in a bottle. New Amsterdam Pineapple is delightfully fruity … enough to be sippable on its own, but it really begs to be highlighted in a cocktail. This vodka is sweet enough to eliminate a real need to add much in the way of additional sugary mixers. In fact, New Amsterdam Pineapple’s sweet flavor profile really begs for a punch of spice to balance it out. Here are two sweet ‘n’ spicy recipes to try (I whipped up the Midsummer Mule, and it was quite delicious.)

IMG_0006Midsummer Mule
2 oz. New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka
0.5 oz. Lime Juice
0.5 oz. Simple Syrup*
2 oz. Ginger Beer
6 slices, diced chili peppers

Muddle 3 chili slices in a tall glass and then pour in all liquids. Add ice and garnish with the remaining 3 chili slices!

*While I did include the simple syrup in my cocktail, I might try leaving it out next time. I’m not convinced it’s necessary since the vodka is really quite sweet on its own!

Highball’s Paradise
2 oz. New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka
2 oz. Pineapple Juice
0.5 oz. Lime Juice
1 tbsp. Jalapeno Jelly

Shake and strain into tall glass over ice. Then, add 2 oz. of soda water. Garnish with sliced chili peppers (optional) for an extra kick!

IMG_9998NEW AMSTERDAM PINEAPPLE VODKA
www.newamsterdamspirits.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Pinterest Recipes
NAPV is available at most liquor stores. Check out their availability maps on their website.

A huge “Thank You,” to New Amsterdam for the complimentary bottle of Pineapple Vodka, and for helping me to hold tight to summer for just a little bit longer. 

 

A Warm Welcome at Ron’s Place

When it comes to bars, it’s nice to see that more and more are placing an emphasis on including Texas-brewed craft beer. A few weeks back, I had the good luck to try out the latest addition to Addison’s bar scene that does just that, Ron’s Place.

Take a proven recipe for success, add in copious amounts of beer and hard liquor, and you have something worth talking about. Ron’s Place opened July 23rd and is the latest on Addison’s restaurant row (a.k.a. Beltline). Ron’s Place is the brainchild of twins Mark and Dirk Kelcher, and these guys are seasoned professionals; they’ve been in the industry for more than 20 years. Locals may be familiar with their other bars (The Hub also in Addison and Ron’s Corner Tavern in Bedford). I have gotten to know The Hub since it’s the home to football watching parties for my alma matter, Texas Tech (GUNS UP!), so I was eager to see what they had in store.

The Kelcher brother’s newest endeavor is a smaller scale bar that focuses on craft beer and also has a vast selection of bourbon, whiskey and scotch . Inspired by their eccentric Uncle Ron and his obsessive beer can collection, they’ve created a friendly little neighborhood bar. (You know, like one of those places where everyone knows your name.) There is plenty of character packed into the place, given the modest size of the bar. Dimly lit, the walls are flanked with rustic-looking bookshelves displaying their booze and some of Uncle Ron’s famous international beer can collection. It’s a welcoming bar where you can go as you are, get a good drink and probably strike up a conversation with a fellow patron.

While the hard liquor they offer is worldly, I found that the beer list is mostly American. They pride themselves on taking advantage of domestic brewed beers and, get this … offer at least 12 Texas-brewed beers on tap.

During my visit, I managed to maneuver myself through the packed space to score a seat at the bar. I tried out two different beers I haven’t seen in many other Dallas bars. The first was a beer out of Montana’s Big Sky Brewing Co. called, funny enough, Moose Drool. Despite the name, this brown ale was rich, tasty and full of flavor. It was a bit creamy and could complement a wide variety of foods. The second beer I tried was from even further up north, the Alaskan White. This was a fairly typical style Witbier with hints of citrus and spice.

If you’re anything like me and suffer from analysis-paralysis when it comes to decision making, you will understand my appreciation for the concise beer descriptions on the menu. It won’t make the decision for you, but should help make the job easier. That said, the staff was very personable and attentive, and are glad to help out. The descriptions worked for me as both beers I went with were well worth it. Next time I will probably go for one of their Texan brews and maybe a whiskey (or two).

Tack on a short and sweet menu of bar food favorites and Ron’s Place has a winning combination that Uncle Ron would be proud of.

Maybe it was that I went on Grand Opening Day, or that it was happy hour and The Hub is next door, but parking spots were hard to come by. I ended up finding a spot behind the building without too many problems. Just know, when visiting Ron’s Place, go ahead and take the first spot you see, even if it’s a few doors down. (It’ll be worth the walk.)


RON’S PLACE
www.RonsAddison
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
4145 Beltline Road, Addison, TX 75001
(214) 628-0634

The Kelcher Brothers and Uncle Ron picked up the first two drinks for myself and the other patrons during its Grand Opening party.  Thanks, gents!

Drizly for Rizzy

109º.  My car today said 109º.  Let’s be serious, y’all … that’s some bullshit.  Temperatures anywhere north of 95º shouldn’t be a thing, but when they are, the best place to be is firmly in a pool … and preferable with a cool pool float*.

Well … I did just that last weekend.  Only problem?  I didn’t take enough booze with me down to the pool to outlast the whole arc the sun makes over my pool.  I had a cooler with a couple bottles of water and the remnants of the six-pack we started the day with, but we knew that wasn’t going to do.  Enter: Drizly.  I’d heard about the many alcohol delivery services that have hit the Dallas scene as of late, but I went with them because their logo is adorable  (Drizly … it’s like grizzly! Adorable.)

With a refreshed hope for the remainder of the afternoon, we navigated the app to pick out some whiskey, vodka, and cider (for the gluten-intolerant faction amongst us) to hold us over.  To round out the order, we tapped in some bar goodies for later (ahem, Luxardo cherries), a bag of ice, and some mixers.

IMG_1473Seemingly immediately, I got a confirmation that my order was on its way!  We were stoked.  Since we were clever enough to note on our order that we were by the pool, we listlessly paddled around the pool anticipating the delivery.

Then … it happened … Jose strolled into the pool area with a bag of ice and it couldn’t have been more than 30 minutes after I placed my order.  He greeted us, confirmed I was the one who ordered (because who wouldn’t want to intercept THAT delivery?!), dropped off the ice, then scurried off to get our box of goodies.  (Yup, it was a whole box … we’re ballin’.)  Back again with the goods, he offered to fill my cooler and ice down the drinks.  I mean … that’s some white glove service!

With the cooler and my glass full without so much as removing my pinky toe from the pool, my friends and I were ready to wait out the sun properly lubricated–both with liquor and sunscreen.  A huge thanks to Drizly for the seriously special delivery!

Visit the website or download the app (Apple, Google), sign up for Drizly, and use my referral code (SusieDrinks) to get $5 off so you’re ready the next time you need that assist–be it in the pool, around 5pm on a particularly boring work day, or even as a lifeline at a party when you’re running low on ice or (banish the thought) whiskey.

DRIZLY
www.drizly.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Referral code SUSIEDRINKS (get $5 off your first order)

*One of my cool pool floats … I have the pink one, too!  Check out Urban Outfitters to get your own! (I ordered mine through the Mockingbird Station store!)
11417489_1454627471527450_901858044_n

I received a $100 credit for Drizly to try out the experience.

Village Burger Bar

I remember the days when weekend nights were spent at The Loon (RIP) and were often followed by late night burgers and fries at Village Burger Bar.  If I had a dollar for every time I called a cab to pick me up at VBB, I’d have about $7.  (I miss the days that I could do that and not feel like death warmed-up the following day. Damn y slowing metabolism and adult responsibilities.)

Village Burger Bar has been around for years and has proved its staying power.  So many other burger joints have come and gone, but they’re still around flipping burgers and slinging drinks until 2am in West Village — oh … and at three additional locations now.

Throughout the years, I remember craving their frozen rum & Cokes (which are a bit sweeter than what I usually go for).  On these 100º+ days, though, they’d be a welcome refreshment.  However, VBB recently switched out their longstanding Cuba Libre with an even more summery option–Frozen Cherry Limeades.  Let me tell you, folks … they’re dangerous.  They’re sweet, but not overwhelmingly so.  Make sure you bring a Sharpie to keep count of how many you’ve downed.

The next drink that hit the table (gently) was a Strawberry Martini (vodka, strawberry puree, simple syrup).  It packed a decent vodka punch … along with some serious vitamins.  The strawberry was just enough to give the drink some flavor without making it too goopy. 

While VBB is famous for its burgers (and bar), that’s not all it has to offer.  Their Grilled Buffalo Chicken Strips are a light way to start a meal, served “naked” with their hot sauce on the side.  However, if you’re into the whole “eat so much that I need to unbutton my pants” thing, go for the West Village Dip.  This dip’s legit, y’all … cheese, bacon, tortilla chips … damn.  I mean damn.

VBB offers “Bespoke Burgers” where you can choose your own patty (beef, turkey, or chicken) then pair it with any (and all) of 9 cheese, 14 sauces, and 17 toppings (including a fried egg, dried cranberries, and bourbon caramelized onions).  I kind of hate math, but my calculations show that you could make … a lot of different burgers.  If you’re not super into the whole “define yourself by your burger choices” thing, they offer eight suggestions.  My long time favorite has been the Swiss ‘Shroom Burger.  Make that happen sometime.

I took my dad along for this review and he’s a finicky eater.  (It was his second review with me and he’s getting good at it!  I don’t have to smack his hand anymore when he tries to take a bite of his food before I’ve gotten sufficient documentation.)   When I say finicky … I’m not kidding.  This man likes well done cheeseburgers, “plain and dry with ketchup only and a side of well done fries” … and that’s exactly what he ordered on our visit to VBB.  He said, as boring as his cheeseburger was, that it was a great burger and the accompanying shoestring fries were perfectly crispy.

To top off the meal, my dad got a tall, frosty glass of St. Arnold’s draft root beer.  I mean … I was sick to death that I was sick (literally) and couldn’t steal a sip of it.

They offer a full bar, the aforementioned burgers, paninis, plenty of sides (the siren call of the onion rings and truffle fries was nearly unavoidable), some desserts (hello, root beer float), and plenty of other deliciousness.

Overall, Village Burger Bar is as good as I remember it.  Now that I have eaten it (a bit more) sober than I was accustomed to previously, I realize the quality behind the menu.


Village Burger Bar
www.villageburgerbar.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

West Village: (214) 443 9998
Mon-Sat: 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sun: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
 Allen: (469) 854 6616
 Legacy: (972) 801 2772
 North Dallas: (214) 484 4679