As the summer party season goes off full-tilt this weekend
with Fourth of July celebrations across the US, it calls for tasty cocktails
and happy hours spent with family and friends. I love to entertain so I’m
rather excited for the upcoming celebrations, but I’ve come to learn that the
best entertaining occurs when the host or hostess actually has time to spend
with their guests. So, how does one ensure that their guests are well cared for
while enjoying the festivities themselves? Easy … planning and streamlining.
As for the planning part, think
through your menu and perhaps opt for casual cuisine. After all summer begs
casual. Pre-make as much as you can and don’t be afraid to delegate. As for streamlining,
Rabbit Barware by Metrokane offers several super handy gadgets that make
cocktail hour a happy one. From opening bottles to mixing cocktails and even
preserving wine, all can be accomplished with a touch of a button.
Beginning with Metrokane Rabbit
“Electra” Corkscrew ($40), which pulls a cork in 7 seconds and a single charge
opens 30 plus bottles, my initial thought was “Wow, lazy much?” but this gadget
simply makes life easier. And this is what you’re aiming for when entertaining.
Not to mention that the Rabbit Corkscrew looks sleek (available in black and
red) and makes a nice looking addition to your bar.
Next up, is the Metrokane Rabbit Electric Cocktail Mixer
($20). I place this on the “essential for entertaining” list. The Rabbit Electric
Cocktail Mixer holds 18oz and mixes a cocktail in 15 seconds or less. It’s
powered by a 6500-rpm motor, runs off of 2 - AAA batteries and now that I’ve
tried it, I can’t imagine entertaining without one.
Lastly is the Metrokane Rabbit Electric Wine Preserver
($40), which is also available in black or red, this gadget pulls a vacuum of
19 Hg in a wine bottle in 10 to 15 seconds and preserves wine’s flavor for up
to a week. Now I realize that not everyone has “leftover” wine after a party,
but if you do I can comfortably recommend this wine preserver.
Okay, now that you have a few barware recommendations
let’s get to a few Fourth of July cocktail recommendations. Chefs Lee Anne Wong
and Joey Campanaro, as well as mixologists Alie Ward & Georgia Hardstark
have fashioned recipes specifically for this very special occasion of our
country’s Independence Day celebration.
Red, White & Blueberry - By Chef Lee Anne Wong
Ingredients:
- 4 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed and strained lime juice
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice
- ½ cup freshly squeezed and strained orange juice
- 1 part simple syrup
- 4 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
- Assorted berries: raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries
- Splash club soda
Directions: Combine the juices, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, simple
syrup, and mint leaves in a large shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain
into 2 tall glasses over ice and add a splash of soda. Cut berries and mint
leaves as garnish. Serve immediately.
From America to Peru - Now, if you’re feeling a little
adventurous and want to depart from a traditional drink, the mixologists at
Portón pisco have offered two cocktail recipes to The Daily Dose readers. What
is pisco? It is a native Peruvian spirit made from grapes.
Portón Blueberry Cooler
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ part Portón
- ½ part St. Germain
- ½ Fresh Lemon Juice
- Muddles Fresh Blueberries
Directions: Build over ice in a rock glass; garnish with
mint leaves
Freedom Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 1 part Portón
- 1 part Fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 part Simple syrup
- Splash club soda
Directions: Muddle limes in the bottom of a tall rocks
glass. Combine Portón, lime juice and simple syrup in a shaker with ice; shake
and strain into glass over ice and garnish with lime wedge.
Orange You Glad It's Got Tequila?
Courtesy of mixologists Alie Ward & Georgia Hardstark
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 oz. Reposado tequila
- 3/4 oz. Orange liqueur
- 3/4 oz. Espresso, chilled
Directions: Add all the ingredients to a tall glass or a
cocktail shaker. Add ice and stir for 30 seconds to a minute, and strain into
an up glass. Garnish with a strip of orange peel, spiraled inside the glass.
Puttin’ On The Spritz
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Chardonnay
- 1/2 cup lemon-lime soda
- Lemon
- Lime
Directions: Fill glass halfway with ice. Pour Chardonnay
over ice and top with lemon-lime soda. Add a few lemon and lime slices to
glass, and garnish with lemon wheel
Rabbit Barware is available online at the Metrokane Store
and select retailers nationwide. Whatever way that you choose to celebrate our
country’s independence, please remember to drink responsibly and Happy Fourth
of July!
