Category Archives: la

Apr26

Recap: Brugal Rum at El Dorado with Lindsay Nader

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Lindsay Nader

Lindsay Nader

As part of Bartenders Weekend, one of the after-parties for Speed Rack was at El Dorado bar. It was sponsored by Brugal Rum. LA bartender and new Remy Cointreau ambassador Lindsay Nader guest bartended.

Brugal Rum cocktails

Brugal Rum cocktails; Side Boob & Built for Speed

 

For $5 a cocktail, we probably should have tried all the cocktails but we settled for two of the three. My friend went with the Side Boob which is the greatest name ever for a drink. And I had the Built for Speed. I really like mine. It’s was like a minty, herbal daiquiri. Second Base also sounded fun.

Side Boob – Brugal dry rum, Cointreau, lemon, vanilla syrup, chocolate bitters

Built for Speed – Brugal dry rum, lemon, sugar, mint, Green Chartreuse rinse

Second Base – Brugal dry rum, Aperol, lemon, ginger syrup, lavender, bitters, soda

Brugal was also our party bus sponsor which I loved since they was a sponsor of the party bus at Tales too (ah, memories).

 

Brugal Rum

Bartenders Weekend

El Dorado Cocktail Lounge

1030 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101  —  (619) 237-0550 

All posts about Bartenders Weekend by The Minty

© The Minty // LACocktails.com 2013

Apr26

Sake One Tasting: Momokawa, Sakemoto, G, Moonstone

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Sake One

organic Momokawa

I was invited to try some of the sake produced and imported by Sake One in Oregon.

Some may be familiar with the blue bottle of Momokawa which I’ve actually picked up before from my local Sprouts. Now they have an organic version. Upon tasting, I was instantly reminded of melon. We were enjoying a Latin food lunch and it was interesting to see how the sakes worked with non-Japanese food. Naturally one tends to think of sake with Japanese food, perhaps with sushi. But the brewed sakes works well with any food. I can see this Momokawa bringing down the heat of really spicy food.

SakeMoto

SakeMoto

 

Next we moved on to the SakeMoto. Being a junmai sake, this was the next level up and this is where I typically start looking for a sake to try. I prefer drier sakes and this went well with the saffron infused mussels we were having at the time.

G

G – Genshu

 

Next we had the G, which came in a sleek black bottle adorned with a bright letter G which stands for genshu, another level of refined sake. This retails a bit more than Momokawa and SakeMoto and I would say this would go well with entrees. I really liked this with the blue cheese quesadilla we had. Instead of a wine tasting with cheese, it would be fun to try to match up cheeses to sakes. For those who think wait, but cheese with sake, I have to remind you of some of the cheesy Japanese foods that I’ve seen. Cheese corn ramen? Maybe the perfect thing is to have a sake with that.

Also, sake cocktails have been more refined these days. Since it’s brewed and therefore lower proof, many bars and restaurants with beer and wine use sakes to make cocktails but it’s been a recent trend to use sake in higher end cocktails. No longer is it just a source of booze content. It’s actually being used for its flavor profile as seen in a recent sake competition I covered.

I’d like to experiment with using the G to replace a dry vermouth. Perhaps in a Chrysanthemum cocktail (absinthe, Benedictine, dry vermouth).

Moon

Moonstone – Asian Pear Sake

 

The last sake I tried was the Moonstone. We had the Asian pear sake which as expected is a bit sweeter. This would be your dessert sake. I’d try this with a fruity dessert, sure, but also with chocolate desserts.

The next time I’m in Portland, Oregon, I’d love to visit the Sake One brewery to check out how sake is made. The brewery or kura (Japanese for sake brewery), is just outside of Portland.

 

Sake One

 

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Apr2

Trying Caliche Rum Cocktails by Michel Dozois

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Hot Bartender Michel Dozois

Hot Bartender Michel Dozois for Caliche Rum

I was first introduced to Caliche Rum about a year ago at their launch party.

I haven’t really seen it much on menus so I was glad to try a few cocktails made by Neve Ice’s Michel Dozois at Cana Rum Bar recently. There were also snacks from Rivera.

I had been asked if I preferred savory or sweet cocktails but Michel knows what I like. I still recall his hoisin sauce gin cocktail with fondness. We tried to talk him into recreating the drink with Caliche but he doesn’t like to repeat himself. One day I’ll get the specs though.

Caliche

Caliche – with Cynar, Michel’s Curacao, Tequila, Aperol

 

I’d describe this cocktail made with Caliche, Cynar, Tequila, Aperol and Michel’s homemade curacao as boozey. I was glad for that chunk of Neve ice in there! Everything was exquisitely balanced and every sip revealed a hint of spice.

A stirred Caliche Cocktail

A stirred Caliche Cocktail

Next, I got the only up cocktail of the night. Naturally, Michel would want to feature his wonderful line of ice in addition to Caliche but for me, he gave me boozey drink with Caliche, Maraschino and Torani Amer.

Both cocktails though rum based could have been very well been whiskey based. I was delighted how well Caliche played with others. Who says rum always has to be tropical? Sure, Caliche makes a good mojito but it can stand up to the bold amari and other modifiers.

caliche

Caliche Rum

Cana Rum Bar

714 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (213) 745-7090

© The Minty // LACocktails.com 2013

Apr2

The Glenlivet in Santa Monica Tasting Recap

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The Glenlivet

The Glenlivet

Recently Glenlivet’s Nights of Passage rolled through Santa Monica. I had attended last year and quite enjoyed my experience but admittedly, I got there a wee bit late so I missed some of the presentation. I was glad to get more of an education this time — my fave nugget of info was learning how invariably with popularity, others tried to imitate Glenlivet to the point where they had to trademark it the name The Glenlivet so others couldn’t use the name.

 

learning about Glenlivet

learning about Glenlivet

It’s always very interesting to be in a mixed crowd for tastings. I think I almost enjoy these general tastings more because more is explained and no one assumes you know anything about the brand.

We were also treated to food from Superba Snack Bar. I think it’s very necessary to have food at tastings. There should be at least bread or crackers. On this night, there were crostini and lots of tender short ribs.

Glenlivet Scotch tasting

Glenlivet Scotch tasting

I definitely encourage those to join the Glenlivet Guardians to find out when the tastings are. It was nice to taste the 12, 15 and 18 expressions again. This time, I firmly was stuck on the 15 but I found the 12 to be a very nice, every day sippin’ whisky. I certainly can’t fault it on anything. The 18 would be nice after dinner.

We also got chocolate at the end for a special expression. I have to say the spicy chocolate worked really well with the whisky.

 

The Glenlivet

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Apr2

Culver City: Bespoke Cocktails at Oldfield’s Liquor Bar

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The Delicious Sour

The Delicious Sour

Last year, I checked out Oldfield’s Liquor Bar and knew I had to return for a visit — and sit at the bar. And after I tasted Robin Jackson’s Auchentoshan Triple Threat punch, I knew I had to plant myself in front of her bar.

It’s funny because I had met a bar owner from Dallas at the 2011 Portland Cocktail Week and he texted me I needed to go meet Robin after he met her at last year’s Portland Cocktail Week (which sadly I couldn’t attend). It took me a while but I finally did meet her officially this evening when I visited Oldfield’s.

She asked what I wanted and I was in a mood for a sour. She came up with The Delicious Sour (applejack, peach liqueur, lime, egg white). And it was delicious. It was a nice way to ease into the evening after cocktails at Caulfield’s and the neighboring Bigfoot West.

Cigar Box

Cigar Box

Next I asked what she was working on. And then I noticed she had Amaro Braulio which is one of my new favorite amari. She gave me her Cigar Box (Black Grouse, Mezcal, Amaro Braulio, orange bitters). Black Grouse Scotch is smokier than Famous Grouse and if you don’t like the peaty stuff, this may not be for you. But I do like that smokiness and with a bit of mezcal, this was a serious drink. It was done old fashioned style.

Pisco Punch

Pisco Punch

To end, I went back to something lighter and asked for pisco. She made a pisco punch for one with her own pineapple gomme syrup.

Oldfield’s was just as loud this evening when I first went but somehow it was better sitting at the bar. It’s still my preferred way to explore the menu and cocktails at a cool bar.

Next time, I’ll just have to go earlier in the evening.

Oldfield’s Liquor Room

10899 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034 – 310-842-8066

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Mar26

DTLA: Happy Hour at Rivera

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Jeremy Lake, The Minty Hot Bartender 2012

Jeremy Lake, The Minty Hot Bartender 2012

I recently discovered Rivera now has happy hour. When the restaurant first opened, they famously didn’t have discounted cocktails or food for the hungry office workers. They’re fairly close to LA Live, the Convention Center and Staples. I wouldn’t want to discount my food or booze either. Then Rivera started doing reverse happy hour and that seemed to work at catching the folks leaving the nearby entertainment.

Luckily they started happy hour about five months ago. It only took me that long to figure this out. I was looking at their lunch menu online (which hasn’t changed much) and noticed the happy hour menu. Say what? I was there that same week. Okay, it was a week later. But I have made it a semi-regular thing bringing in my coworkers. I needed to find a new happy hour/ after-work hang since I am not frequenting my other two haunts at the moment.

Beverage Director (and the Minty Hot Bartender 2012) Jeremy Lake along with Julian Cox put together the cocktails. The following is a mix of what’s currently available but catch these soon because they’re gearing up for Spring menus soon.

arepas with BBQ shrimp

arepas with BBQ shrimp

The food for happy hour includes stuffed olives, arepas with BBQ shrimp, a short ribs tamailii, the always delicious tortillas florales and more. All for $5 a pop. I’m currently obsessed with the arepas and tamalii (that’s how they spell it).

daiquiri

daiquiri

Happy hour cocktails include classics like daiquiri and Gold Rush. The Rivera’s Cup– a take on a Pimm’s cup is also very popular with tequila and cucumbers. There’s also a few beer and wine options.

tamalii short ribs

tamalii short ribs

Mushrooms add to the already great flavor of the tamalii short  ribs.

Saved by Basil

Saved by Basil

Saved by Basil is already off the list but I’m always curious about Dimmi based cocktails. The Italian grappa lends itself well to fruity concoctions. Plus, I love basil. My alter ego is The Basil.

La Ofrenda

La Ofrenda

On the regular cocktails list, La Ofrenda is one of my favorites with housemade blood orange chips and foam. The tequila based cocktail is a showy cocktail but still has a lot of substance to back it up. I was sitting at the bar before a Lakers game and so many people were intrigued by this drink. Sure, the Barbacoa and Blood Sugar Sex Magic are still probably the best sellers but I have a feeling La Ofrenda will go far. At least until the end of the blood orange season.

Autumn Sour

Autumn Sour

Whenever I want to go light, I ask for a sour. The Autumn Sour is a nice one.

Flor de Jerez

Flor de Jerez

I love that Rivera has a whole section of sherry cocktails right now. The Flor de Jerez is my pick at the moment.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo

Rivera is probably known for its wide selection of tequilas but it also has a strong whiskey selection as well. Get classics like the Monte Carlo here.

Chet Baker

Chet Baker

Or if you like rum, the Chet Baker from the happy hour menu is also a deal.

Carroll Gardens

Carroll Gardens

One of these days, I’ll have to put together my Manhattan Project post. I’ve been on a hunt trying all the different Manhattan variations. Carroll Gardens may not be as well-known as a Little Italy or a Red Hook but it has it’s place in my heart.

Rivera Restaurant

1050 South Flower Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015-5100 – (213) 749-1460

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Mar7

International Women’s Day Celebration at Cole’s Tomorrow, March 8

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Hollis Bulleit & Jaymee Mandeville

Hollis Bulleit & Jaymee Mandeville

Tomorrow, Cole’s in Downtown Los Angeles is hosting a Mad Tea Party for International Women’s Day from 1PM to 7 PM.

Hollis Bulleit (Bulleit Bourbon) and Kat Wit (Dominick’s) will host the party as part of LUPEC LA (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails). There will be food and drink specials from Cole’s as well as guest bartenders Jaymee Mandeville (formerly Drago Centro and now with Barcadi) and Karen Grill (formerly Playa and now with Bestia) mixing it up.

Ladies are encouraged to wear hats, tea dresses and gloves for the Mad Tea Party theme.

Cole’s will be introducing the new Happy Hour sliders and tots.

Drink specials mentioned:

  • Brent Falco: Pommeau du Normadie & Selection Calvados Cobblers & Bulliet Bourbon Seelbachs
  • Zahra Bates:  Jello Cocktail shots
  • Cari Hah: Nova Fogo Old Fashion & Hot Tea Cocktail
  • Jaymee Mandeville: Dewars 12 cocktails
  • Karen Grill: Hendricks punch
 

Plus Ms. Hollis mentioned Bulleit Rye Champagne Punch and possibly Friday Bloody Marys and beer from Lost Coast Brewery (an all-female brewery).

Mad Tea Party for International Women’s Day Celebration

1-7 PM, March 8, 2013

Cole’s Red Car Bar

118 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014-2006 – (213) 622-4090

© The Minty // LA Cocktails 2013

Feb25

Novo Fogo’s Bars on Fire This Thursday at Big Bar + Cana Recap

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Lil' Twisted's Jaymee Mandeville and Cari Hah

Lil’ Twisted’s Jaymee Mandeville and Cari Hah

 

Recently, Novo Fogo‘s Bars on Fire landed at Cana with Lil’ Twisted’s Jaymee Mandeville and Cari Hah. And this Thursday, February 28th Matthew Biancaniello takes up the gauntlet at Big Bar.

I’m not sure what Matt has up his sleeve but the ladies of Lil’ Twisted served up some awesome Novo Fogo cocktails including the following:

Powder Puff

Powder Puff

 

Jaymee made a drink called Powder Puff. Before you think it’s going to be syrupy sweet because of its innocent name, take a look at the ingredients; Novo Fogo silver cachaca, blanco vermouth, blood orange juice, Prosecco, Campari foam. It was my favorite drink of the evening and reminded me a little of Tears of a Clown, a Campari drink currently on the menu at Cana.

Cachata

Cachata

 

The ladies may be best known for their agave love but they did a strong job with their cachaca drinks this evening. Cari came up with Cachata with Novo Fogo barrel-aged cachaca, housemade horchata and cinnamon. I have heard of adding a bit of rum to horchata but I liked it better with cachaca. This was one of those drinks that can sneak up on you since it goes down so smoothly.

Burn it Up

Burn it Up

I wanted to try all the drinks but had to skip out. I did end with Jaymee’s Burn it Up (Novo Fogo barrel-aged cachaca, Drambuie, Angostura bitters, Fee Brothers barrel-aged bitters). This was most like my usual brown, bitter, stirred drink so thumbs up!

The drink I didn’t get to try but smelled lovely was Cari’s Chrysanthemum Dreams (Novo Fogo silver cachaca, turbinado syrup, lemon juice, chrysanthemum tea, candied ginger). It was great fun to watch the dried chrysanthemum flowers “bloom” as the tea steeped.

Cana Rum Bar

714 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (213) 745-7090

 

Check out Novo Fogo’s Bars on Fire at Big Bar on Thursday, February 28 (7-10 PM) with Matt! I wonder if he’ll be wearing a soccer jersey?

Big Bar at Alcove

1927 Hillhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027 — (323) 644-0100

© The Minty // LA Cocktails  2013

 

Feb19

Tiki Farewell, Bahooka

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Bahooka

Bahooka

 

I really can’t remember the first time I ever went to Bahooka but I have always loved it. Sadly the Polynesian/ Tiki restaurant and bar is closing in a couple of weeks. The space and alcohol license was sold but Bahooka maintains its name. This article mentions the possibility of salad dressing under the Bahooka name to be sold at Costco. During my visit on Sunday, our bartender mentioned there were two sales. So the beloved kitschy decor and possibly all those fish tanks may have gone to another buyer. I can only hope they mean to display or open their own tiki bar someday.

 

the bar at Bahooka

the bar at Bahooka

 

At 6 PM, there were a throng of people and the restaurant said it’d be at least a 2 hour wait. They were severely undestaffed and though they were plenty of tables, they just did not want to seat people. It was probably a good thing. We stood around the tiny bar and marveled.

flaming bowl of booze

flaming bowl of booze

 

Groups ordered flaming bowls of booze while I cautiously sipped my Planters Punch.

Planters Punch

Planters Punch

 

I probably would have gotten my favorite tiki drink, a Mai Tai, but a friend warned it was just very sweet. I lucked out. My Planters Punch was fine, if a little warm.

We managed to snag a booth eventually and took it all in. Where would all this STUFF go? I will miss the crazy decor but I won’t miss the food. Anyone who goes should know it’s for boozin’ rather than snacks.

 

Bahooka Family Restaurant

4501 Rosemead Blvd., Rosemead, CA 91770  –  (626) 285-1241

© The Minty // LA Cocktails  2013

Feb13

213 Day Today, Free Membership to Cana Rum Bar & Win a Trip to San Diego

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Tears of a Clown

Tears of a Clown

Today, February 13 marks the first 213 Day for the 213 Nightlife Bars – The Varnish, Seven Grand, Las Perlas, Caña Rum Bar, Casey’s, Cole’s, Broadway Bar, Golden Gopher, 4100 Bar, and Tony’s.

Everyone who goes to any of the 213 bars will receive a complimentary membership to Caña as well as a raffle ticket to win a trip to San Diego. The winner will receive train tickets to San Diego, hotel stay and drinks for two all night at Seven Grand San Diego.

Juniper Flats

Juniper Flats

In the meantime, I’ve been enjoying the new drinks menu at Cana.

My faves so far are Tears of a Clown (Campari, Cocchi Americano, lime, maple-thyme syrup, fizz) and Juniper Flats (Tanqueray gin, Averna, lime, guava, canela). Both are simply delicious, easy drinking and thirst-quenching after a round of dancing with the new Thursday night music made more lively by DJ Anthony Valdez (KCRW).

Red Eye to Rio

Red Eye to Rio

I didn’t have a chance to inquire about the Red Eye to Rio (Leblon cachaca, lime, maple syrup, “that evil rum,” Peychaud’s bitters) as I was a bit busy. I should have asked what that evil rum was but maybe it’s a general observation about rum? Perhaps I’ll ask tonight during 213 Day!

Cana Rum Bar

714 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (213) 745-7090

For all 213 bars locations, check out 213 Nightlife.

© The Minty // LA Cocktails  2013