GQ Magazine's 20 Best Cocktails

If you get a chance to check out the August issue of GQ magazine, its definitely worth picking up. They have an article titled The 20 Best Cocktails in America - And Where To Find Them.

Although, it would certainly be up for debate as whether or not all the cocktails listed truly lived up to the name of the article, there are definitely some winners in there, and those alone are worth the price of the issue.

The highlight of the article would definitely have to be Jon Santer's update of the Airmail. It is the perfect example of just how complex and intricate a cocktail can become, all the while remaining completely integrated and sublime on the palate.

Even the use of the garnish, which in too many cocktails is merely an after thought, excells at further showcasing the aromatics and nuances that make this cocktail such a delight to drink.

The Airmail:
1.5oz Bacardi 8
1oz Honey Syrup
.75oz Fresh Lime Juice
Splash of Dry Prosecco

Combine Rum, Honey and Lime juice into shaker tin. Shake and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Top with a splash of dry prosecco and garnish with a mint spring and a dash of Angostura bitters.

To make honey syrup, combine one part hot water with one part honey and mix well.

Midtown Cocktail Week

Attn: Sacramento Bartenders

Presenting: MIDTOWN COCKTAIL WEEK

When: August 5th-11th

I just wanted to let all you guys know about Midtown Cocktail Week that we have coming up here in Sacramento, Tuesday August 5th - Monday August 11th.

Its a week long celebration of the cocktail here in Midtown and whether you're are a whiskey head, a tequila connoisseur or you just flat-out like to party than there is something planned for you.

Any and all of you are invited to take part in any night of the week, but remember to keep the Monday the 11th open for sure, because we are having an exclusive bartender's ball hosted by Bulleit Bourbon.

I look forward to seeing all you throughout Midtown Cocktail Week, so down below is a full itinerary for the whole week.

If you guys have any questions or concerns please feel free to shoot me an email.

ErickCastro
MidtownCocktailWeek.com

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Midtown Cocktail Week Itinerary
August 5th-11th

Tuesday, August 5th: Cocktail Party Kickoff:
Where: L Bar & Martin Miller's Gin
What: Appetizers and cocktails for towards bartenders, press, industry, etc.

Wednesday, August 6th: The Cocktail Dinner
Where:
1. Mason's & Grey Goose
2. Ink & Diageo
3. Mulvaney's & Brown Foreman
4. Bistro 33 & Corzo
What: Full-course meals across midtown. Cocktails complimenting the dish will be sent out with each course of the meal. Cocktails to be prepared by each restaurant's own mixologist.

Thursday, August 7th: Partida Tequila Mixology Competition
Where: Zocalo
What: Bartender competition meant to highlight the use of fresh produce and high-quality spirits.

Also on Thursday: Guest Bartender Night
Where:
1. Zocalo & Partida
2. Kasbah & Skyy
3. LoungeON20 & Pacific Edge
4. GV Hurley & Ultimat Vodka
What: Talented mixologists from all over US taking over various bars and bringing their own cocktail menus with them.

Friday, August 8th: The Magnificent Margarita
Where:
1. Zocalo & Partida
2. Whiskey Wild & Don Julio
3. Azul & Corralejo
4. Centro & 1800
5. Ernesto's & Patron
What: Participating restaurants across town will all showcase their own seasonal/house margaritas. Twists on the classic will also be encouraged.Prices to vary by location.

Saturday, August 9th: Mysteries of Absinthe Seminar
Where: LoungeON20 & Kubler Absinthe
What: Seminar geared towards those interested in absinthe, yet possibly having a limited exposure to its flavor and history.

Monday, August 11th: Closing Party
Where: Whiskey Wild & Bulleit BourbonWhat: Closeout party for all restaurant and bar industry.

The Feminine Mystique

Here I am again, I have a list of things that I should be taking care of for Midtown Cocktail Week that is coming around the corner in just two weeks, but instead I’m screwing around on the computer and procrastinating as usual.

I have a competition tonight at 9pm in San Francisco, for 42 Below Vodka, over at Café Du Nord. I’ll be competing for a trip to New Zealand, so if any of you are in the area and want to come out and show some moral support, than I would greatly appreciate it.

I’m gonna be competing with, the Feminine Mystique, a cocktail that I came up with for the cocktail menu over at Lounge ON20, whose bar program I spearheaded here in Midtown Sacramento.

Normally, I shy away from vodka, and tend to gravitate towards gin, whenever a recipe calls for a component along the lines of a neutral spirit.

However, this is one cocktail that I believe works best with vodka, because the vodka helps reign in the flavors of St. Germaine and Orchard Pear.

The Feminine Mystique:
1oz 42 Below Vodka
.5oz Orchard Pear
.5oz St. Germaine
.5oz Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
.5oz Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients with ice and shake vigorously. Serve up and garnish with a lemon twist.