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Bar Convent Brooklyn 2019 with Angostura Bitters

July 11, 2019 by Natalie Leave a Comment

A few weeks ago, I was very lucky to get to go to Bar Convent Brooklyn 2019 with ANGOSTURA ^® bitters. Bar Convent started as a small industry meeting in Berlin, and has quickly become one of the most important international bar and beverage trade shows. This is the second year they expanded the show to Brooklyn, NY and I was so happy to join the conference again alongside a brand I truly love, ANGOSTURA®.

THE HOUSE OF ANGOSTURA^®, based on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, has been blending bitters for more than 190 years. They have also been producing fine rums for 130 years, mastering the art of aging and blending. ANGOSTURA bitters are made with the same secret recipe that was developed in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert. As the essential ingredient in so many classic and contemporary cocktails, ANGOSTURA bitters is a crucial brand that truly changes everything within the beverage industry. ANGOSTURA bitters is recognized as the world’s first and best-selling cocktail bitters, making their presence at Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB) truly exciting.

THE HOUSE OF ANGOSTURA greeted guests on Day 1 with a complimentary welcome cocktail to kick off BCB. This time, I was handed a delicious Low-ABV cocktail, served by Chief Mixologist Raymond Edwards: the Amaro Highball, featuring Amaro Di ANGOSTURA^® and the newly-launched soda, ANGOSTURA^® Lemon, Lime & Bitters. Low-ABV drinks have been on the rise over the last few years, and Low-ABV was definitely a noticeable trend at BCB this year. In fact, Raymond shared a seminar at the conference emphasizing the need for bars and other on-premise operators to incorporate No- and Low-ABV beverages into their concepts to appeal to consumer demands.

Amaro Di ANGOSTURA is the latest innovation from THE HOUSE OF ANGOSTURA. It is a deep amber color, offering aromas of cinnamon, dark chocolate and ANGOSTURA^® aromatic bitters. ANGOSTURA Lemon, Lime & Bitters is a skillfully blended non-alcoholic sparkling drink made with natural lemon and lime flavors, and a few dashes of ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters, of course. Although the bitters are 44.7-percent alcohol by volume, using just a few dashes results in a negligible alcohol content, making it the perfect addition to spirit-free and Low-ABV drinks. I love ANGOSTURA Lemon, Lime & Bitters enjoyed as a soda on its own, or as a balancing ingredient within a range of cocktails. I can’t wait to play around with it more!

At THE HOUSE OF ANGOSTURA booth, bartenders from around the country mixed up quite a few delicious drinks featuring the brand’s iconic bitters. The menu included a Trinidad Sour, which ANGOSTURA also served last year, along with an Orange Daiquiri and a Bitter Clipper. There was something for everyone’s palate on this menu.

The Trinidad Sour is a potent little libation containing an ounce of ANGOSTURA bitters, rye whiskey, lemon juice and orgeat. It’s strong, bitter and citrusy.

The Orange Daiquiri was citrusy, bright and tart. It contains ANGOSTURA^® 5 Year Old Rum, ANGOSTURA^® orange bitters, orange juice, lime juice and simple syrup.

The Bitter Clipper was citrusy, strong and refreshing. It was reminiscent of a tiki cocktail and reminded me of a Queen’s Park Swizzle, a drink native to Trinidad and Tobago (just like THE HOUSE OF ANGOSTURA), which features dashes of ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters as a prominent ingredient.

I really enjoyed my second year at Bar Convent Brooklyn, and I hope I can go again next year! It was nice to see so many premium brands and explore the newest trends and products. Not to mention network, share knowledge and learn! It’s been so nice to share a behind-the-scenes look at my BCB experience with ANGOSTURA. What is your favorite cocktail with ANGOSTURA^® aromatic or orange bitters? If you haven’t tried ANGOSTURA bitters, you can purchase at grocers and liquor retailers nationwide and learn more here.

Bar Convent Brooklyn with ANGOSTURA BITTERS

June 22, 2018 by Natalie 16 Comments

Last week I had the pleasure of spending the day with ANGOSTURA bitters at Bar Convent Brooklyn (BCB). The Bar Convent started as a small industry meeting in Berlin and quickly became one of the most important international bar & beverage trade shows. This year the show expanded to Brooklyn, NY and I was so happy I got to experience it alongside a brand that I truly love.

The House of Angostura, based in Trinidad and Tobago, has been blending bitters for more than 190 years. They also have been producing fine rums for 130 years, mastering the art of aging and blending. ANGOSTURA bitters are made with the same secret recipe that was developed in 1824 by Dr. Johann Sieger. They are an essential ingredient in so many classic cocktails, which is why they’re so crucial to the beverage industry. ANGOSTURA bitters are recognized as the world’s first and best-selling cocktail bitters.

At the door, I was greeted by the ANGOSTURA welcome cart and a delicious sample of the Trinidad Sour. This drink was created in 2009 by NYC bartender Guiseppe Gonzalez at the one and only Clover Club in Brooklyn, NY.

Alex Kirles, the House of Angostura US Brand Ambassador, was shaking this little concoction up. A mix of ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters, rye whiskey, orgeat, and lemon juice. This drink packs a punch because it contains over an ounce of the bitters! The Trinidad Sour is a great way to start or end a meal, or in my case, start the day!

At the ANGOSTURA booth they were mixing up one of my favorite drinks of all time; the Queen’s Park Swizzle. This is a drink I’m quite familiar with as I used to crank these out behind the bar when I worked at PKNY. I also still make a ton of these at Dutch Kills. The best way to describe this drink is a fancy mojito, but in my opinion, way better. The Queen’s Park Swizzle got its name from the Trinidadian hotel where it was first concocted in the 1920s. It includes ANGOSTURA 7-year-old Rum, demerara syrup, lime juice, mint, and the essential ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters.

I really enjoyed my time getting to know Martin Tummino, who is the House of Angostura Cocktail Ambassador, and self-proclaimed “Swizzologist.” “The Queens Park Swizzle is not just the National Cocktail of Trinidad & Tobago, it represents a technique, a tool, — and a cocktail structure that belongs to the Caribbean and all of Latin America.”

The last cocktail of the day was the Amaroni. This cocktail included Amaro di Angostura, gin, sweet vermouth, and ANGOSTURA orange bitters. I loved this one because it’s a variation on one of my favorite classics, the Negroni. Amaro di Angostura launched in 2014, to celebrate the company’s 190-year anniversary. I love the use of ANGOSTURA orange bitters in this cocktail because it adds zesty tropical orange notes and spices.

I really enjoyed my time at Bar Convent Brooklyn and I can’t wait to go again next year. It was nice to see so many premium brands and explore the newest trends and products. Not to mention network, share knowledge, and learn! I think my favorite Angostura fact that I learned was hearing about the legend of the oversized label. Which I have to say, I’ve always wondered about! Apparently, Angostura bitters’ too-big label came into being when the Siegert brothers divided tasks. One brother was responsible for labeling, and the other was responsible for bottle sourcing. The two miscommunicated, resulting in a mistakenly oversized label that to this day remains the brand’s signature.

It’s been so nice to share a behind-the-scenes look at my BCB experience with Angostura. What is your favorite cocktail with Angostura bitters? Would you think about going to Bar Convent Brooklyn next year? If you do, I will definitely be seeing you there because I would not miss this event for the world. Cheers everyone! If you haven’t tried Angostura bitters you can purchase at liquor retailers nationwide and learn more here.

Healthy Drinks: The Bitter Beet Detox Cocktail

January 17, 2018 by Natalie 1 Comment

Can we drink and be healthy? I’m not quite sure but we can try! I made this Bitter Beet Detox Cocktail with Fernet-Branca that’s super herbal and refreshing. Fernet-Branca is made from bitters and herbs, and though it goes down relatively smooth, the aftertaste kicks and lingers. It is, as almost everyone describes it, an acquired taste.

The base of Fernet is made from grapes and includes generous helpings of the antioxidant saffron, as well as some rhubarb, chamomile, and ginseng. With the rumored herb count somewhere between 20 to upwards of 40, much more goes into Fernet, and other ingredients include peppermint oil, sage, bay leaves, gentian root, and even St. John’s wort. Almost all Fernet recipes are secret though!

The combination of herbs, whatever they all are, settles the stomach, aids digestion, and people often cite it as a hangover cure. Originally, people drank the liquor to cleanse the system, sipping it following dinner. Historically Fernet has been used for health reasons which made it perfect in this Bitter Beet Detox Cocktail.

Bitter Beet Detox Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. Fernet-Branca

1/2 oz. ginger liqueur

1 oz. fresh beet juice

3/4 oz. lemon juice

1/2 oz. honey syrup

thyme, for garnish

Cut your beets into small pieces and run them through your slow juicer. If you don’t have a slow juicer you can make juice in a blender and fine strain. You can also buy it at your local health food store. Add all of your ingredients to your cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.

Can I be honest with you guys? I’ve never been a huge fan of Fernet. I have drunk it on occasion to use it exactly what it was meant for — digestion, upset stomach, or hangover. I’ve never truly enjoyed it in a drink and it’s never my first choice. This Bitter Beet Detox Cocktail has kind of changed my mind though.

The earthiness of beets goes so well with all the herbal notes of Fernet. Ginger liqueur adds some nice spice and sweetness to this drink together with the honey. Honey is a great natural sugar and is full of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. The lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the cocktail. In addition, thyme is a great aromatic for garnish and also has many health benefits. Thyme can boost the immune system as well as aid in heart health, provide relief from stress, and is rich in anti-fungal and antioxidant properties.

Have I given you enough reasons to make this cocktail? YES! I hope you will give this healthy Bitter Beet Detox Cocktail a try. I can’t wait to make more fresh vegetable juice cocktails. Is there anything, in particular, you’d like me to use? Let me know below in the comments below. xo

Holiday Spirit Gift Guide

December 16, 2017 by Natalie Leave a Comment

Are you a last minute shopper like me? Every year I say I’m going to get a head start but I never do. I think I work better under pressure anyways. I put together this Holiday Spirit Gift Guide in case you need any last minute ideas on what to get that special someone. I’m never disappointed with a bottle of booze and I’ve included all my favorites to gift and get. The best part? These are all under $50!

Monkey 47 Gin $45– An unusual gin from the Black Forest in Germany, Monkey 47 contains a unique ingredient, cranberries! The 47 comes from the number of botanicals that go into this unique gin and is bottled at a healthy 47% ABV. In 2011 Monkey 47 won the World Spirits Award Gold in the Gin category and Gold for best in class for the Gin Worldwide at the International Wine and Spirits Competition London. Such a great gin to use in cocktails and a staple in my home bar.
Plantation Pineapple Rum $32-This blended rum is crafted in two parts, first by infusing ripe Queen Victoria pineapples in rich, aged Plantation Original Dark Rum for 3 months. Then they distilled a second batch using pineapple rind with their classic white rum, blended the two and before bottling, matured them for an extra period in the barrel. The result is an absolutely delicious, bright rum with pineapple essence to blend with the lushness of the infused Plantation Rum. Enjoy it straight on ice or mix it with a cocktail. This was originally supposed to be a limited edition Rum gifted to friends, family, and limited stock in certain bars. It was such a hit they decided to keep making it. I was lucky enough to receive one of the very first bottles and that’s the one that sits at home on my bar cart. I’ll sip on it when I’m feeling special!
Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequila $25– Altos Reposado Tequila is a super premium, high quality, 100% agave tequila. Altos Reposado is aged in oak barrels for 4-6 months, which creates a rich and complex taste perfect for drinking on its own or in cocktails. Margarita, please! It was rated a 94 at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.
Laird’s Apple Brandy $32– Laird’s Apple Brandy is hands down my favorite spirit there ever was. Besides the fact that it is a must-have for any at home cocktail enthusiast because of its history and presence throughout classic cocktail culture, it is from my home state of New Jersey. Laird’s also holds distilling license number 1 in the USA making it the oldest and the first distillery in America. It’s also the oldest family-run distillery in the country, run by a 7th generation Laird, Lisa Laird Dunn. Did I mention George Washington is the only other person to have the family recipe? Drinking this is like drinking history and everyone needs a bottle on their home bar. The Jack Rose is my favorite classic cocktail and are perfect for drinking during the holidays.
Pierre Ferrand Cognac $40– A top-quality golden Grande Champagne Cognac from distinguished boutique producer Pierre Ferrand. A lively, expressive style with fresh fruit flavors and good depth from this award-winning house. This is what I drink and mix with at home and also what I prefer to use behind the bar. Ferrand is also the producer of the Plantation Rums. Pretty much my favorite line of spirits. Check out Citadelle Gin too!
Glen Grant 12 year Scotch $48– I’m not a huge Scotch drinker but I love the Glen Grant 12 year. I call this the beginner Scotch because it is so easy to drink! It’s light and fruity with notes of apple pie, caramel, vanilla and subtle spice. Glen Grant 12 year is great to drink alone but also mixes great in cocktails because of its subtle flavors.
Amaro Nonino $47– This is one of my favorite Amaro’s because it is so unique! A digestif made from grappa infused with herbs, plus grain alcohol, and ingredients that include caramelized sugar, bitter orange, cinchona, licorice, quassia wood, rhubarb, saffron, sweet orange, and tamarind. Has an herby fragrance, with a mildly bitter spicy taste. Great on its own before or after dinner and in my favorite Paper Plane cocktail!
Elijah Craig Bourbon $33– Bottled exclusively from a dumping of 70 barrels or less, all drawn from the middle to upper floors of the traditional metal-clad rickhouses. It is the original Small Batch Bourbon, having been made available even before the term was invented.
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal $36– I love all the expressions that Del Maguey puts out but the Vida is really great for the price. A fruity bouquet complemented by honey, vanilla and agave. Palate spiced with cinnamon, sandalwood, and ginger, with a citrus undertone. Finish is smoky soft and lingering. Great on its own but especially great in cocktails. I use this at home and behind the bar.
Faretti Biscotti Liqueur $30– A uniquely delicious spirit, the famous Faretti liqueur comes from Northern Italy where wonderful biscotti cookies are baked in rustic brick ovens. This is one of my absolute favorite liqueurs! It is great on its own, in coffee, but especially in cocktails. You’ve probably seen me use it on the blog numerous times. It is a great substitute for when amaretto is called for in drinks and in my opinion yields a much more delicious flavor. Faretti is so festive for the holidays and makes a wonderful Christmas gift. Crack it open with coffee and dessert!

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Bitter Beet Detox Cocktail

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