Archive for Beverages

Oct
04

English Beer

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Beer has been a staple in England for centuries, dating back to the days of Chaucer. The most popular type of beer in England is ale. Ale is a type that is brewed using hops and malt, making it strong and rather bitter. The English prefer ale (darker beer that uses more hops) to lager type, which is popular in America.

English beers
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In England, beer has traditionally been kept in the cellars of the many pubs. Although not refrigerated, the temperature is cooler than room temperature. The English prefer their beer to be only slightly cool, while those in the United States drink beer as cold as possible.

English pubs also sell a good amount of stout and porter. Stout is a darker, heavier hopped ale that has a creamy head when poured into a glass. Porter is a dark beer, which was often known as the workingman’s drink.

In the past, English pubs were tied to specific beers because they were owned by that brewery. In recent years the laws have relaxed, allowing pubs to offer many types of beer. Still, many of the local pubs are owned and operated by breweries. The most popular of these are Whitbread, Bass and Guinness.

In England the term “light beer” is used to refer to a pale beer, such as a light colored lager. Beer is made using hops. The dried flowers of this plant are used to impart a slightly bitter flavor to beers and ales. In England, hop shoots are widely available and are cooked and served as a vegetable.

Stout is a dark beer that originated in the British Isles. Stout has a strong hops smell and is made with dark-roasted barley which gives it a deep dark color and slightly bitter taste. Pale Ale is also common, which is a slightly lighter in color. The darker the color of the beer the more hops and barley have been used in the brewing process.

Beer does not age as wine does and is best consumed as fresh as possible. Beer is usually low-alcohol, typically less than 5% by weight. Water makes up most of the beer or ale, so the taste of the water used will make a distinct difference in the taste of the finished product. This may explain why people often prefer the beer brewed closest to their home.

Graham Williams is the owner of http://www.gw-ebooks.com this site is full of books that are about hobbies such as Brewing your own beer, Camping, Bird watching, Beekeeping. While your there don’t forget to sign up to my newsletter and you will receive monthly discounts in any new book that is added each month you can visit my site here http://www.gw-ebooks.com

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Sep
19

Color Coordinating Cocktail Recipes

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Like an artist using his pallet and brush, the savvy bartender can use a cocktail shaker and delightful cocktail recipes to mix a dazzling array of rich and wonderful colors, even though the colors put into the cocktail shaker might not look as vibrant going in as they do pouring out.

Whether you’re planning a themed bash or just want to liven up a pub’s atmosphere, colorful cocktail recipes are a popular hit with patrons and partygoers year round as many frequenters are forgoing the tap to see what kind of colorful potion the merry bartender can produce with his or her trusty cocktail shaker and arsenal of tasty cocktail recipes. There is even a rising trend of using a clear cocktail shaker so the act of mixing the cocktail recipes can be just as entertaining.

Colorful cocktail shaker concoctions aren’t reserved for the bar anymore, either. A popular ongoing party trend is to blend drink appearance with festive d�cor and entertainment themes. Color coordination of drinks to venue adds detail, sophistication, and excitement to any party or gala event and creative cocktail recipes reflects a fun atmosphere. Even Girls Night Out can be made more entertaining with a colorful theme, complete with martini-matched outfits and accessories. Here is a list of unforgettable colorful cocktail shaker mixed and stirred cocktail recipes for a rainbow of delicious drinks:

Red Cocktail Recipes – Your cocktail shaker has never blushed better with delicious red cocktail recipes for martinis and sweet rosy highballs. Think Santa red for the holidays with a nice white lichee garnish, or true red for a Valentine’s day to remember. Red cocktail recipes are the color of passion and fun, a reflection of excitement and energy.

(Clear Red With Fruit Garnish Martini Recipe) Cosmopolitan – The favorite of Sex in the City character Carrie and pals, the Cosmopolitan is often the signature cocktail shaker mixed drink of happy hour. This favorite of cocktail recipes contains 2 parts Vodka, 1 part Triple Sec or Cointreau, 1 part cranberry juice, and a squeeze of fresh lime. To mix this drink, simply add the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and vigorously shake it. It should be served in a Martini glass with a garnish of your personal choice, often coordinating cherry or lime to contrast the bold red color.

(Sweet Red Martini Recipe) Pomegranate Martini – This martini is delicious and simple with a tart flavor that is unforgettable. It tastes similar to cosmopolitan cocktail recipes but contains the kicky aphrodisiac pomegranate juice. Into a chilled and sugar-rimmed martini glass, pour equal parts citrus vodka and pomegranate juice, stir gently, and garnish with a twist of lemon. It is simple and elegant with a rich color and full flavor. It can also be mixed in a cocktail shaker if desired.

(Sparkling Red Martini Recipe) Arctic Red – This drink is a fun flavor that is not too sweet or too sour. You will need a chilled sugar-rimmed glass, either highball or martini. The drink is mixed in a glass step by step, with the option of combining the alcohol in a cocktail shaker first. Using a pestle, mash six lime peel twists with two teaspoons of sugar in the bottom of a glass. Pour one oz cranberry vodka into the glass with two ounces club soda over the mixture. Stir with a spoon and strain into a cocktail glass with cracked ice and a slice of lemon. Due to carbonation, using a cocktail shaker is not recommended to mix the entire drink.

(Deep Red Martini Recipe) Mountain Red – Take one part vodka, light rum, gin, and peach Schnapps and shake in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a martini glass and add cranberry juice until the desired color is reached. Add a slice of lime or lemon twist for colorful presentation in either a martini glass or a Collins glass. Some add the cranberry juice to the cocktail shaker along with the alcohol, but this can create an unexpected color result.

(Sparkling Orange Martini Recipe) Orange Crush – This drink is a delightful cocktail similar to the flavor of the soda of the same name. It is served in a highball glass. Into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add equal two ounces each of orange juice and Vodka. Add an ounce of sour mix until the drink is ice cold. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into a highball glass and top with lemon lime soda. Stir the drink gently to distribute carbonation.

Blue Cocktail Recipes – The color blue is said to have a calming affect, and it represents loyalty and confidence. Fresh from the cocktail shaker, a blue martini from one of these blue cocktail recipes is like sipping on a piece of clear sky. Consider blue themed cocktail recipes for a luau-themed party, a winter bash, or to celebrate the 4th.

(Deep Blue Martini Recipe) Blue Martini – This drink is a lovely shade of blue and has an intense flavor. Depth of the blue color depends on the preferred mix. Here is a popular blue martini recipe: Take one part Sky Vodka, one part Blue Curacao, 1 part sour mix and shake well in a cocktail shaker. Preferred garnish is a twist of lemon.

(Light Blue Martini Recipe) Blue Raspberry Martini – If you want to try something smurf-blue, try two ounces vodka, two ounces raspberry liquor, and a twist of Curacao. Shake them together in an ice filled cocktail shaker and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries.

(Light Blue Martini Recipe) Windex Martini – Want to look like you’re drinking something space age or hip? Consider this mix of three parts Vodka, 1 part Curacao (blue), and 1 part Triple Sec. Mix these ingredients in a cocktail shaker full of ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. This one is really cool to watch a bartender pour it out of the cocktail shaker and into a martini glass.

(Mellow Blue Martini Recipe) Cool Blue Martini – This drink is a nice color and not as harsh as the other blue selections. It contains three ounces of gin, � ounce dry vermouth, a splash of blue Curacao, and a dash of lemon juice shaken in an ice-filled cocktail shaker and strained into a martini glass. This drink is garnished with a lemon twist.

Violet Cocktail Recipes- They say that purple represents nobility and wisdom, but for those in the know, a cocktail shaker yielding a purple martini is an exotic treasure. It is almost mesmerizing to watch a purple martini pour out of the cocktail shaker and then be garnished with a bright red cherry. Here is one of the most famous purple cocktail recipes:

(Bright Purple Martini Recipe) Purple Hooter – If you love the color purple, this drink is classy and colorful. Simply add a squeeze of lemon, a dash of Extra Dry Vermouth, 1 splash of both Raspberry Liquor and Sweet and Sour mix to three parts vodka in a cocktail shaker filled with cracked ice. After shaking, be sure to pour it through a strainer into a well chilled and sugar rimmed martini glass.

Pink Cocktail Recipes – Lately when the world considers pink, we think of awareness. Several pubs are joining in the pink cause by using a special pink cocktail recipe to create a pink ribbon themed drink with a percentage of the proceeds going to Breast Cancer research. Pink is a cheerful color, one with pep and brilliance that reflects satisfaction and serenity no matter which of the pink cocktail recipes you use.

(Clear Pink Martini Recipe) Pink Cadillac – This cocktail calls for Tequila and contains eight parts Sweet & Sour mix, 3 parts Tequila, 1 part Triple Sec, 2 parts lime juice, and a splash of cranberry juice (for color.) Some add Grand Marnier. It can be sort of orange depending on how much cranberry you use. This cocktail is shaken in crushed ice and served in a regular cocktail glass.

(Varies) Pink Pillow – In a glass, pour three ounces of vodka. Slowly mix in small amounts of Grenadine until the drink is the desired level of pink. After you have achieved the right color, add equal parts sour mix and Ginger ale.

(Opaque Pink Martini Recipe) Pink Drink – This cocktail recipe requires two parts Grenadine and milk mixed in a cocktail shaker with one part vodka, Galliano, and Countreau. Shake vigorously in a cocktail shaker and strain into a glass. Garnish with a little cream for a heavenly appearance and a yummy flavor.

For some of these cocktail recipes, the cocktail shaker is not recommended due to the possibility of the carbonation of an added soda ingredient creating a fizzy mess. This does not happen every time you put soda in your cocktail shaker, but depending on the level of dilution, you may choose to mix the alcoholic ingredients in the cocktail shaker and stir in the soda right before presentation.

Cocktail recipes, like the shape and size of the cocktail shaker, can vary from bartender to bartender, but generally the most colorful cocktails have relatively similar cocktail recipes from pub to pub with only slight variation in ingredients. The most common variations in cocktail recipes concern garnishes and presentation, but substitutions in alcohol can occur. Be sure to ask your bartender which mix will be used if you have any questions about the martini recipe prior to ordering. Colorful cocktails right out of the cocktail shaker are a wonderful addition to any party, but remember to drink responsibly. Although some of these drinks look less serious than other alcoholic beverages, remember to consume in moderation, as all of these cocktail recipes contain alcohol. Enjoy!

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Sep
03

Secrets To Choosing Champagne

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Champagne, or sparkling wine as it is known outside of France, certainly conjures up romantic images. Champagne has a reputation for being THE beverage to serve at most special occasions. And rightfully so. At it’s finest, Champagne is delicate, crisp and clean. A good bottle flirts with the perfect qualities of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or other grapes from which it was made.

Champagne should be served cold. Most experts suggest 45 degrees Fahrenheit as proper serving temperature. Bottles may be stored on their sides or upright. It is best not to store Champagne in an area where the temperature fluctuates greatly.

Champagne is often served in specialized stemware
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Incidentally, a great tip for rapidly chilling a bottle is to fill an ice bucket around the bottle with equal amounts of crushed ice and ice water. Always keep the champagne on ice, not in the freezer, between servings.

Color and sweetness are characteristics of champagne that one sees on every bottle. Champagne is not always made from white grapes, hence the different colors. Rose, for example, is created by adding red, still wine to the cuvee. The same effect in rose can be achieved by utilizing the color of the red wine skins. Red Meunier or Pinot Noir grapes are used to make a sultry and delectable Blanc de Noirs Champagne.

Next time you check out the label on a Champagne bottle, you’ll see references to it’s sweetness. Brut, as a classification, is probably the most dry. Perhaps you enjoy a dry Champagne, but want a touch of sweetness. Your best bet is a classification known as “extra brut. “Interestingly enough, should you see a classification that reads “extra dry”, it represents medium dryness. You like your Champagne sweet? Make sure the label reads “sec”, or ” demi-sec.” The latter being quite sweet, and is frequently served as a dessert wine.

As far as price is concerned, French Champagnes are going to be the highest priced. If you are reluctant to spend the “big bucks” on French Champagne, their are some very good alternatives. In recent times, some legendary French Champagne makers have started making an American variety in California. Mumms, for example, has a wonderful Cuvee Napa made in California. Very tasty and reasonably priced! Also, try some Spanish “Cavas”, they are very inexpensive and quite good

O.K., hopefully this information will be helpful the next time you’re asked to pick the Champagne for a special occasion. The truth of the matter is, let your taste be your guide. Hey, I’m sure you’ve got good taste, you’re reading this article.

Author: Michael Hutchins

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Aug
24

The Basics of Sake

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Throughout history, there has been a legacy of delicious duos. Soup met crackers, peanut butter courted jelly, and ham was introduced to eggs. Recently, a new duo has joined the ranks of great culinary creations: sushi and sake. Move over wine and cheese, you’ve got competition.

Sake, while it is Japanese for “alcoholic beverage,” has a more specialized meaning in America. Here, sake generally refers to a drink brewed from rice, more specifically, a drink brewed from rice that goes well with a rice roll. Some people even refuse to eat raw fish without this escort.

Sushi, as an entrée, is something people either love or hate. For those who have never tried it, sushi can seem unappealing. Some people don’t like the concept of eating raw fish, others aren’t willing to try something new, and, naturally, some people fear a protest from the Little Mermaid. Whichever apprehension people have about sushi, the existence of sake has helped the raw fish industry; sushi must raise its glass in a toast. Sake, single handedly, has helped reel people into the raw fish craze.

Perhaps this is based on sake’s natural ability to enhance sushi, or perhaps it’s based on the fact that novices find it easier to eat raw fish once they are a tad tipsy. Whatever the reason, sake and sushi are a winning combination. But, of course, they aren’t the only combination.

Like most wine, sake goes with more than one thing: sushi and sake are not in a monogamous relationship. Instead, sake is very versatile; it is able to be served alone, or with a variety of other foods. Some of these foods include Tempura, Chinese Food, and Yakitori. Read More→

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Aug
03

German Beers Come In Many Varieties

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Germany has been brewing beer for many centuries. Beer is part of the culture in Germany. There are over 1200 breweries in Germany, more than any other country in the world. By law, German beer can only contain these four ingredients, hops, barley-malt, water and yeast. This law comes from a strictly enforced doctrine that dates back to 1516. With over 5,000 brands of beer available in Germany it is offered in all types and styles ranging from light to dark and everything in-between.

Glas of german
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German beers come in many varieties. These can be divided mainly between ales and lagers. Ales are very hoppy, meaning that they use a strong amount of hops in brewing. Many German ales use wheat hops which make for a stronger, often sour tasting darker ale. German hops are often made using wheat grain instead of barley because wheat grows more prevalently in many areas and so is more readily available.

German lager beers are generally stronger and darker than lagers found in the United States. Some well-known types of German lagers include Pilsener, Bock and Doppelbock. Every region in Germany produces a different type of beer, which it has become famous for. Pilsener beer is the most popular of the German lager beers. It has a pale color and a light taste that is predominately hoppy. Bock is a darker, heavier bodied beer with a bittersweet taste. Doppelbock is a strong, full-bodied beer with a darker color. It gets its darker color from high colored malts.

The Munich Germany Oktoberfest is a yearly festival that is famous throughout the world. The event traditionally takes place each year during the 16 days up to and including the first Sunday in October. It attracts both tourists and residents and is known for the long tables and bench seating. Nearly 6,000 liters of beer are served each year during the festival. Munich breweries make special beer that is available only during Oktoberfest. It is slightly darker and stronger with a higher alcohol content than other beer. It is traditionally served in a one-liter tankard with the first one being served to the Bavarian Minister-President.

by Graham Williams
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