Two Palates, One Passion—Wine, Spirits, Food, and the Stories Between

SOMM&SOMM

Category: Bourbon Drinks

  • Game Day Grub and Grapes

    Game Day Grub and Grapes

    Winning Wine and Cocktail Pairings for Your October Tailgate.

    October is here, and so are the cravings for heartier dishes that match the brisk air, camaraderie, and weekend football gatherings. As tailgaters fire up their grills and slow-cookers, classic fare like chili, wings, ribs, and stews become the go-to choices for feeding a crowd. But let’s take these crowd-pleasers to the next level with the perfect wine pairings and a couple of cocktails sure to score big at your next tailgate.

    Wine and Food Pairings for Hearty Tailgate Dishes

    Bowl of Game Day Chili – Carstor, CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
    Photo by Eddie Ortiz on Pexels.com

    Spicy Chili + Zinfandel or Off-Dry Riesling
    Few things warm the soul like a steaming bowl of chili on a crisp October afternoon. Whether you’re loading up on beef, beans, or going for a veggie version, chili’s complex layers of flavor (and spice) call for a wine that can keep pace.

    • Zinfandel: The go-to for those who love bold, fruity reds. Zinfandel’s ripe blackberries, raspberries, and touch of sweet spice tame the heat and complement chili’s smoky notes from cumin, paprika, and charred peppers. Avoid the overly jammy versions; seek out ones with balanced acidity to cut through the richness.
    • Off-Dry Riesling: For those craving a white, Riesling’s delicate sweetness and vibrant acidity act as a cooling agent for chili’s heat. The natural sugars help counterbalance the spice, while the lime zest and apricot flavors offer a refreshing contrast.

    SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2021 Seghesio Cortina Zinfandel

    SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2021 Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese

    Pulled Pork – Thogru, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    BBQ Pulled Pork + Syrah
    Pulled pork, whether slathered in a tangy BBQ sauce or slow-cooked with a hint of smokiness, begs for a wine with enough depth to match the savory goodness.

    • Syrah: This bold red offers the structure and body to complement the layers of flavors in pulled pork. Syrah’s black pepper, smoky bacon, and dark fruit notes accentuate the savory spices and richness of the meat. If you’re using a sweeter sauce, pick a Syrah with less oak and more fruit-forward notes to balance the flavors.

    SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2021 Chateau de Saint Cosme Crozes-Hermitage

    Beef Stew – jeffreyw, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    Hearty Beef Stew + Malbec
    A tailgate classic, beef stew’s hearty, comforting qualities demand a wine that can stand up to the richness of slow-cooked beef, root vegetables, and herbs.

    • Malbec: With its deep plum, black cherry, and cocoa flavors, Malbec’s tannins help cut through the richness, while the wine’s inherent juiciness complements the stew’s savory profile. Argentine Malbec, in particular, works wonders here with its earthy undertones and subtle hints of spice.

    SOMM&SOMM Recommends: 2020 Catena Alta Malbec

    Photo by Sergio Arreola on Pexels.com

    Spicy Buffalo Wings + Sparkling Wine
    Buffalo wings are a game-day favorite, but pairing these spicy bites with alcohol can be tricky. Higher-alcohol wines or cocktails can intensify the heat, leaving your mouth on fire instead of enjoying the flavors. So, what’s the solution?

    • Sparkling Wine: The crisp bubbles in a dry sparkling wine or Prosecco serve as a delightful counterpoint to the fiery sauce. The acidity and effervescence cleanse the palate, while a hint of fruit sweetness from the wine helps balance the heat. Plus, let’s face it: bubbles make everything more festive.

    SOMM&SOMM Recommends: LaLuca Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

    The Challenge of Pairing Wine with Spicy Foods

    Spicy game day favorites like Buffalo wings, hot sausages, and jalapeño-laden nachos can make pairing a challenge because alcohol intensifies the sensation of heat. Wines with high tannins or elevated alcohol content (think Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz) can exacerbate the burn, turning what should be a delightful pairing into a flavor clash. That’s why it’s essential to look for wines with lower alcohol, higher acidity, and a touch of sweetness to help balance the heat. When in doubt, sparkling wines or slightly off-dry whites are safe bets.

    Tailgate-Ready Cocktails

    Spicy Margarita
    No tailgate is complete without a margarita twist. This Spicy Margarita brings the heat but balances it with zesty citrus and a touch of sweetness.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz silver tequila (or mezcal for a smoky twist)
    • 1 oz lime juice
    • 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
    • ½ oz agave syrup (adjust to taste)
    • 2 slices jalapeño
    • Tajín seasoning for the rim (optional)

    Instructions:

    • Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip in Tajín seasoning.
    • Muddle the jalapeño slices in a shaker.
    • Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup. Shake with ice until well-chilled.
    • Strain into a glass with ice and garnish with a slice of jalapeño.

    The spicy kick pairs beautifully with anything from wings to grilled sausages, while the citrusy tang provides a refreshing balance to richer dishes.

    Autumn Bourbon Cider
    For a cozy cocktail that’s sure to please, this bourbon-based concoction pairs beautifully with tailgate classics like BBQ or burgers.

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz bourbon
    • 4 oz apple cider (preferably fresh)
    • ½ oz lemon juice
    • Dash of cinnamon or nutmeg
    • Apple slice for garnish

    Instructions:

    • In a shaker, combine bourbon, apple cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon with ice.
    • Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.
    • Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick.

    The warm flavors of bourbon and spiced apple are perfect for cooler weather and pair effortlessly with fall favorites like pulled pork sandwiches or chili.

    Final Play: What Not to Do

    Avoid pairing your spicy wings, chili, or sausage with high-alcohol wines or spirits unless you enjoy setting your mouth on fire! Alcohol intensifies capsaicin—the active ingredient in chili peppers—which can make already spicy dishes unbearable. So, when serving dishes with a lot of heat, think low alcohol, high flavor—your palate will thank you.

    Whether it’s bold, fruity Zinfandels for chili or refreshing bubbles for wings, pairing the right wine or cocktail can take your tailgate game to the next level. Here’s to cooler weather, warmer food, and winning combinations🍷

  • Trendy Cocktails: The Manhattan

    Trendy Cocktails: The Manhattan

    A Timeless Classic with a Modern Twist.

    Few cocktails evoke the sense of sophistication, history, and timeless appeal quite like the Manhattan. This venerable drink has stood the test of time, charming both seasoned cocktail enthusiasts and newcomers alike. As a seasoned mixologist and craft cocktail enthusiast, I’ve often found myself drawn to the Manhattan—not just for its rich flavors, but also for the myriad of variations that allow for endless creativity. Let’s delve into the history, lore, and evolution of this iconic cocktail, along with some delectable recipes and food pairings.

    A Sip of History: The Origins of the Manhattan

    Lady Randolph Churchill

    The Manhattan cocktail’s origin story is as intriguing as the drink itself. The most popular legend dates back to the early 1870s at the Manhattan Club in New York City. The tale goes that Lady Randolph Churchill (Winston Churchill’s mother) requested a special cocktail for a banquet in honor of Samuel J. Tilden, a presidential candidate. The bartender mixed a drink using rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, which became an instant hit among the guests. The cocktail was named after the club, and the Manhattan was born.

    However, some cocktail historians argue that this story is more fiction than fact, as Lady Churchill was in England at the time. Regardless of the true origins, the Manhattan quickly became a staple in bars across America, cementing its place in cocktail history.

    The Classic Recipe

    Classic Manhattan – Babbage, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    The traditional Manhattan is a simple yet elegant concoction. Here’s the classic recipe that has delighted palates for over a century:

    Ingredients:

    • 2 oz rye whiskey (or bourbon, if you prefer a sweeter profile)
    • 1 oz sweet vermouth
    • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
    • Maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel for garnish

    Instructions:

    1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
    2. Pour in the rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
    3. Stir gently for about 30 seconds to chill and properly dilute the drink.
    4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
    5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry or a twist of orange peel.

    Variations on a Theme: Riffs on the Manhattan

    As with any classic cocktail, the Manhattan has inspired countless variations, each adding its unique twist while honoring the original’s spirit.

    1. The Perfect Manhattan

    • This variation uses equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, giving the drink a balanced flavor profile. The recipe is otherwise the same, but the equal mix of vermouths adds a delightful complexity.

    2. The Rob Roy

    • A Scottish cousin of the Manhattan, the Rob Roy swaps out rye whiskey for Scotch. This variation is smoky and robust, perfect for those who enjoy a more intense flavor.

    3. The Black Manhattan

    • The Black Manhattan replaces sweet vermouth with Averna, an Italian amaro. This gives the cocktail a darker, more bitter edge, making it a favorite among those who appreciate a more complex, herbaceous drink.

    4. The Manhattan Sour

    • For a refreshing twist, add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a float of red wine to your Manhattan. The citrus adds brightness, while the wine brings an additional layer of depth and a beautiful visual presentation.

    5. The Tuxedo Manhattan

    • This variation adds a dash of absinthe and orange bitters to the classic recipe, creating a cocktail with an extra kick and a hint of anise flavor.

    Food Pairings: Elevating the Manhattan Experience

    The Manhattan’s bold flavors make it an ideal companion for a variety of dishes. Here are some pairing suggestions that will enhance your next Manhattan experience:

    Charcuterie – CK Golf from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    1. Charcuterie and Cheese Platters

    • The salty, savory flavors of cured meats and aged cheeses pair beautifully with the rich, spicy notes of a Manhattan. Opt for sharp cheddar, blue cheese, or Gouda alongside prosciutto or salami.

    2. Steak and Roasted Meats

    • A perfectly cooked steak, whether ribeye or filet mignon, is an excellent match for the robust flavors of a Manhattan. The cocktail’s rye or bourbon base complements the umami of the meat, while the vermouth and bitters balance the richness.

    3. Dark Chocolate Desserts

    • For a decadent treat, pair your Manhattan with a dark chocolate torte or flourless chocolate cake. The bittersweet chocolate and the cocktail’s complex sweetness create a harmonious blend of flavors.

    4. Smoked Salmon

    • The smoky, briny taste of smoked salmon is an unexpected but delightful partner to a Manhattan. The cocktail’s herbal notes from the vermouth and bitters cut through the richness of the fish.

    5. Grilled Portobello Mushrooms

    • For a vegetarian option, grilled portobello mushrooms offer a meaty texture and earthy flavor that pairs well with the Manhattan’s deep, complex profile.

    The Manhattan’s Place in Modern Mixology

    In recent years, the Manhattan has seen a resurgence in popularity as more people embrace classic cocktails. This renaissance has brought the Manhattan back into the limelight, with bartenders and home mixologists alike experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. From barrel-aging the cocktail to infusing the whiskey with exotic spices, the possibilities for reinvention are endless.

    Manhattan Evening
    Manhattan – Golden Steer
    Manhattan & Old Fashioned
    Martini and Manhattan Anniversary Cocktails – Sinatra Las Vegas

    The Manhattan’s enduring appeal lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer it with the traditional rye whiskey or enjoy exploring its many variations, the Manhattan remains a cocktail that invites creativity while honoring its rich heritage.

    So the next time you’re in the mood for a cocktail that exudes elegance and history, reach for the ingredients to craft a Manhattan. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or decide to experiment with a modern twist, you’re sure to enjoy a drink that has captivated cocktail lovers for generations. Cheers 🍸

    Cover photo credits: Graeme Maclean from Glasgow, UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

  • The Art of Island Cocktails

    The Art of Island Cocktails

    In the dim glow of flickering imaginary tiki torches and the tantalizing scent of exotic spices wafting through the air, ten adventurous souls gathered for an exclusive evening of island-inspired libations and culinary delights. Hosted in the beautiful home of Bonnie Cooper and narrated by cocktail enthusiasts–Greg and Tammy (e.g. SOMM&SOMM), the stage was set for an unforgettable exploration into the art of Tiki drinks.

    A Plethora of Juices and Garnishes

    The evening kicked off with a tantalizing welcome cocktail, the “Tropical Butterfly.” Drawing inspiration from the classic French 75, this enchanting concoction took a tropical twist with the addition of passion fruit and butterfly pea flower extract. As guests savored the vibrant hues and refreshing flavors, the hosts set the stage for the evening’s festivities, promising a journey through the rich history and diverse flavors of island cocktails.

    Tropical Butterfly Cocktail Recipe
    Ok… Let’s Make Some Cocktails!

    With anticipation building, the guests eagerly embarked on their mixological (yes, I said it) adventure, starting with the quintessential classic: the Piña Colada. Originating from Puerto Rico, this timeless blend of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice was elevated with a hint of lime for balance, captivating the palates of all who indulged. As laughter filled the air and glasses clinked in delight, it became evident that this beloved concoction was indeed a crowd favorite.

    Piña Colada Cocktail Recipe

    Next on the menu was the legendary Trader Vic Mai Tai, a true icon of Tiki culture. Guests were offered the opportunity to compare the original recipe with a unique variation crafted exclusively for the event. While both iterations dazzled with their exotic flavors of rum, lime, and almond, the subtle nuances offered a fascinating glimpse into the art of mixology, showcasing the endless possibilities for creativity within the Tiki repertoire.

    Cousins!
    Tammy shakes up a classic Mai Tai
    Trader Vic’s Mai Tai
    Greg’s Mai Tai

    Venturing further into the realm of island libations, the evening unfolded with the tantalizing allure of a classic Sex on the Beach cocktail. Paying homage to the playful spirit of 1970s cocktails, this fruity concoction offered a tantalizing blend of vodka, peach schnapps, cranberry, and orange juices—a delightful nod to the era of disco and decadence.

    Sex on the Beach Cocktail

    As the night progressed, guests were transported to the bustling streets of Singapore with the iconic Singapore Sling, a timeless blend of gin, cherry liqueur, and citrus, enlivened with a splash of soda water. This classic cocktail, originating from the renowned Raffles Hotel, captured the essence of colonial-era indulgence, inviting guests to savor each sip with reverence for its storied past.

    Singapore Sling Cocktail
    Erin contemplates the next cocktail
    Ready for some mixology 😉

    Rounding out the evening was the rich and robust Halekulani cocktail, a bourbon-based libation infused with the tropical flavors of passion fruit and lime. Named after the famed Hawaiian hotel, this sophisticated elixir offered a fitting finale to a night of sensory exploration and culinary delight.

    Halekulani Cocktail

    Amidst the spirited chatter and laughter of friends, we indulged in a sumptuous array of Polynesian delicacies, from succulent pulled pork with huli huli sauce to savory fried rice and more. Each bite paired seamlessly with the vibrant flavors of the evening’s cocktails, creating a symphony of taste and texture that lingered long after the final toast.

    What a Fun Evening!

    As the night drew to a close, and the last embers of the imaginary tiki torches flickered into darkness, guests departed with memories of an evening filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the intoxicating allure of island escapism. With plans already underway for future events celebrating the art of mixology, it was clear that this enchanting journey through Polynesian cocktails was just the beginning of many more adventures to come.

    Huli pau 🍹

  • Trendy Cocktails: Distiller’s Punch

    Trendy Cocktails: Distiller’s Punch

    Every now and again you find new inspiration from old classics. In the case of this cocktail–the Distiller’s Punch–my inspiration came from an evening of mixology with Tammy. She began with her riff on the classic Sidecar, but with bourbon instead of the traditional Cognac (I prefer Remi Martin VSOP in the original). The Cointreau and fresh squeezed lemon juice really completed this cocktail. Not to be outdone, and following the theme of fruit-forward bourbon cocktails, I decided to make the classic Man o’ War. This Kentucky Derby inspired drink (named after a racehorse) is similar to the bourbon sidecar, with the addition of another bourbon-friendly ingredient–sweet vermouth.

    With the previous two cocktail fresh in our minds, we began discussing the lack of bourbon and whiskey in tropical cocktails or tiki drinks (not the same thing ;)). It didn’t take long to find an interesting Mai-Tai inspired cocktail from the Halekulani Hotel in Hawaii. The Halekulani Cocktail is filled with tropical fruit juices and bourbon… yes… bourbon! After reviewing several variations of this cocktail–all of which used different proportions of orange, pineapple and lemon juices–I decided to riff. The Distiller’s Punch contains lime juice instead of orange juice because it seemed to work better with the Four Roses Small Batch Select Bourbon 😉

    While this cocktail could be given a Hawaiian name, such as ‘Aniani Lani’ (translation: glass of heaven), I decided to pay homage to the bourbon lovers and call it Distiller’s Punch.

    Distiller’s Punch

    2 oz. Bourbon (I used Four Roses Small Batch Select)

    1/2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

    1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

    1/2 oz. Pineapple Juice

    1/4 oz. Grenadine (made from scratch)

    1/4 oz. Brown Sugar Simple Syrup

    2 dashes Tiki Bitters (Bittermen’s ‘Elemakule’ Tiki Bitters)

    Add all ingredients to a shaker, add ice and shake for 30 seconds. Serve over an over-sized ice cube (or ice ball). Garnish and enjoy!

    Cheers 😉

  • Trendy Cocktails: Rockstar

    Trendy Cocktails: Rockstar

    Carambola is really the star of this cocktail. The star fruit (Carambola) is a slightly sweet-sour fruit from Southeast Asia. Fortunately, we didn’t have to pack luggage and book a flight to get our hands on these amazing and often misunderstood fruit. A quick word of caution. Star fruit contains a toxin called oxalate that can cause medical issues (Star fruit intoxication).

    Star fruit – Photo by Victor Cayke on Pexels.com

    The Rockstar cocktail is a whimsical riff on a classic Whiskey Sour. The pear-like flavors of star fruit work well with lemon, and the ginger syrup brings a little tiki-ness (is that a word?) to the drink. Star fruit is a mid-Autumn thru early-Winter fruit. So, it’s a little counterintuitive to relate it to tiki cocktails… but it looks so tropical… so exotic 😉

    The Rockstar

    1 Star Fruit

    2 oz. Bourbon (I used Four Roses)

    1 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice

    1/2 oz. Simple Syrup

    1/4 oz. Ginger Syrup

    Muddle 1/2 the star fruit in a shaker. Add the remaining ingredients. Add ice and shake until well chilled. Strain and pour over ice. Garnish with a slice of star fruit.

    Drink up!

  • Trendy Cocktails: Autumn Leaves

    Trendy Cocktails: Autumn Leaves

    Fall weather calls for dark liquors. It’s time to put away the Summer tiki cocktails and gin-infused libations. Cooler weather inspires mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike to concoct liquid expressions of the season. There are many classic cocktails to keep us warm during the cooling months of Autumn. Only a few brown liquor cocktails arouse the senses, and recall flavors of Fall. This Manhattan-inspired cocktail is Autumn in a glass.

    This Manhattan-inspired cocktail is Autumn in a glass.

    For me, Fall is a season of baking spices, earthy citrus, and fiery colors. So… in that spirit, I set out to create a cocktail that pays homage to the season. The Autumn Leaves cocktail is smooth and inviting. The cinnamon spiced bourbon is framed perfectly by the Aperol, while the sweet vermouth gives a nostalgic characteristic to the cocktail. It all comes together perfectly with the addition of several dashes of orange bitters.

    Autumn Leaves

    2 oz. Cinnamon Spiced Bourbon (I prefer Jim Beam Red Stag Spiced Bourbon)

    1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

    1/2 oz. Aperol Apertivo

    4-6 Dashes of Orange Bitters

    Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake. That’s right… I said shake. The bourbon Gods frown upon the very idea of shaking a cocktail, but this is an exception. The syrupy Aperol doesn’t mix well enough (for my taste) during a classic Manhattan-style stir. Also, I prefer the complete integration of the ingredients along with the semi-frothiness and opaque Fall colors from shaking this cocktail.

    Strain into a chilled Martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.

    Enjoy!

  • Trendy Cocktails: The Blood & Bourbon

    Trendy Cocktails: The Blood & Bourbon

    Finding the right pre-dinner cocktail can sometimes be a challenge. As with wine, there is a difference between ‘right’ and ‘right now.’ Sometimes we succumb to convenience… and choose the ‘right now’ option. A pre-dinner cocktail should set the tone and expectations for the upcoming culinary experience. As a side note, I consider every meal (including pizza delivery) a culinary experience if you are sharing it with friends and family.

    The Blood & Bourbon Cocktail has everything you need to get those tastebuds working. The blood orange liquor provides just enough citrus, while the tarragon gives the subtle herbiness to put bring cocktail to the next level.

    The Blood & Bourbon Cocktail

    2 oz. Bourbon (my wife prefers Basil Hayden)

    1/2 oz. Blood Orange Liquor

    1 oz. Sweet Vermouth

    4 to 6 Dashes Orange Bitters

    Pinch of Crushed Tarragon

    Place all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain into a coupe-style or martini glass. Keep everything close by because you’ll want another one 😉

    Cheers!