I recently featured this cocktail as part of my WPTV Father's Day segment but we've been enjoying it so much I felt I needed to give the Summer Citrus Old Fashioned more love in the form of its very own blog post. This recipe is a delightful Summertime spin on a revered classic cocktail and if you love Bourbon, or even if you THINK you don't, I think you'll be pleased with the results.
Oodles of delightful, fresh citrus and flavor-infused lemon thyme simple syrup (which is super easy to make!) take the edge off the Bourbon while also beautifully enhancing its flavor. The addition of sparkling water also diffuses its potency slightly, making it more appropriate for Summer sipping. You don't want to miss all the fun at your Summer soirée now, do you?
I also love serving it is a fashionable Mason jar so you can also enjoy the beautiful Summer colors of the citrus, thyme and cherries.
I hope you enjoy the delicious Summer Citrus Old Fashioned as much as we do! To see other installments of Cocktail Couture, please click here. What are YOUR favorite Summer-inspired cocktails? Please let me know in the Comment section below!
Print Recipe“COCKTAIL COUTURE: SUMMER CITRUS OLD FASHIONED”
Author: Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet
Makes: 3-4 cocktails
Ingredients
For Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup still water
6-7 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme (if you can't find lemon thyme regular thyme is fine!)
For Cocktail:
1 cup Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon
2 cups sparkling water
¼ cup (or to taste) Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup
6-7 dashes Angostura bitters
1 orange, zested into 1" wide x 2-3" long strips for garnish, and then sectioned
1 grapefruit, sectioned
Thyme sprigs for garnish
Cocktail cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
To make the lemon thyme simple syrup, add the still water and sugar to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
Once sugar is dissolved, remove pan from heat and add the thyme springs. Let steep for about 1 hour. Remove thyme sprigs from the cooled syrup and discard them. Strain the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
To make the cocktail, cut orange and grapefruit sections into bite-sized chunks.
Combine the bourbon, bitters, and lemon thyme simple syrup (to taste) in a pitcher. Adjust flavors to taste and then top with sparkling water just before serving.
Add ice cubes to serving glasses and divide chopped citrus among them. Add an orange twist and a few thyme sprigs to each glass and then pour prepared cocktail over ice and serve immediately!
If you're a foodie you've probably heard of the James Beard Awards. These famed and highly coveted awards are widely considered the culinary equivalent of the Oscars. And, like their Academy Award counterparts, they are equally as career changing for their talented recipients. But while you may be familiar with these prestigious awards, what about the man behind them - just who IS James Beard?
James Beard was a "pioneer foodie" and true champion of American cuisine. The New York Times dubbed him the "Dean of American Cookery" in 1954 and he nurtured and taught a generation of American Chefs who continue to influence our food culture today. But while he had a profound influence on American food, it wasn't always easy going for Beard.
Born in 1903 in Portland, Oregon, Beard was initially determined to pursue a career as an actor and singer. After a brief stint at Reed College during which he was expelled due to his homosexuality, he traveled abroad with a theatrical troupe in pursuit of his dream. It never seemed to happen for Beard though and after moving back to the US in 1927, he ultimately settled in New York City. Here, he continued to try his hand at acting and to supplement his sporadic income, Beard turned to catering. Thankfully, it wasn't long before he realized his future was in food.
Beard established a small food shop called Hors D'Oeuvre and published his first cookbook, Hors D'Oeuvre and Canapés, in 1940 which established him as a culinary authority. This led to even more successful cookbooks, a teaching career as well as a live cooking show on NBC in 1946, making Beard the first American culinary television personality. Beard was the truly consummate host who loved to entertain right up until his death at 81 years old.
Today, Beard's legacy lives on in the James Beard Foundation that was founded after his death in 1984. Thanks to Julia Child, one of Beard's dear friends and colleagues, and Beard's former student, Peter Kump, the foundation's headquarters are housed in Beard's former New York City apartment. It is currently North America's only historic culinary center.
On a recent trip to New York City, Steve and I toured the James Beard House. Yvon Ros, Director of Sponsorship and Special Events for the Beard Foundation, kindly guided us through the Greenwich Village brownstone. Originally built in the 1860's, the home has been lovingly cared for and preserved. "We try to keep it as original as possible," Ros confirmed. "With Chefs and people coming in and out, the space sees a lot of wear and tear. Funds from membership, sponsorships, ticket sales and dinners are used for the constant upkeep. House purveyors are also key and keep the kitchen stocked with essentials."
Each floor of the brownstone features portraits and paintings of Beard at different ages and stages of his career. Menus and tributes as well as a library full of books are also on display as tributes to the amazing culinary events which have taken place in the house featuring some of the countries most revered Chefs.
And while you might expect the kitchen of the James Beard House to be a grand, ultra modern showcase, it's essentially the home's original kitchen. It was brought up to code, however, which was a huge undertaking in and of itself. At any moment though, you feel Beard could appear from around a corner, offering you a caviar-stuffed mushroom and glass of Champagne.
Behind the kitchen is a glassed in atrium which leads out to a spacious courtyard that's perfect for pre-dinner cocktails when the weather allows. Thankfully, the neighbors are pretty understanding on event nights.
The second floor features the library, which now serves as the main dining room as well as what used to be Beard's bedroom and bathroom. This portion of the house retains much of its original charm, right down to the avocado green walls, pineapple wallpaper and the bedroom's mirrored ceilings and completely mirrored bathroom.
It WAS the 70's and 80's after all!
Beard's mattress was also placed against a bay of windows that faced the street. Ros shared a humorous anecdote, "Beard loved to entertain but rumor has it when people saw his feet against the window, they knew not to come in."
Many thanks to Yvon for the wonderful tour and I hope you've enjoyed the virtual tour of the James Beard House. Next time you're in New York City, please consider arranging a tour and/or attending one of the many amazing dinners offered throughout the year. You'll be benefiting up and coming Chefs and preserving one of America's oldest culinary institutions.
Steve and I will be attending the Beard Foundation's annual Summer event "Chefs & Champagne" featuring Honoree Padma Lakshmi next Saturday, July 28th. Please click here for more information and we would love to see you there! You can also click here to read more about previous years and honorees (Marcuss Samuelsson, Bobby Flay, John Besh) here on my website.
James Beard House | 167 W. 12th Street | New York City, NY | 10011 | www.jamesbeard.org
Father's Day is this weekend and you know what that means. It's time to show Dad just how much you love him and appreciate ALL he's done for you.Yep, no pressure at all.
And if Dad happens to be a wine lover, shopping for a special gift can be extra intimidating - but never fear! I've got some wonderful Father's Day gift ideas for you that I also recently shared on WPTV with one of Palm Beach Counties favorite Dads, John Favole! These selections are guaranteed to cinch you the coveted title of The Favorite Child.
When it comes to shopping for wine, remember to keep it simple. This is not the time to be delving into the climats of Burgundy and paying hundreds of dollars for a bottle of wine.
Instead, stick with familiar grape names and wine regions that are similar to those you know your Dad already enjoys. And if there's one thing children usually know, it's what Dad likes to drink, right? So whether he reaches for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or something a little stronger, simply spending a few dollars more for a special bottle can sure make Dad's day and make him feel appreciated.
Father's Day Wine Recommendations: These classic bottle are surefire palate pleasers and are also pretty widely available:
1.) The Prisoner Wine Company "The Snitch" Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California ($35): This wine is the latest, limited-edition release from this uber-popular producer. It features Chardonnay blended with a touch of Roussanne for an extra Summery wine with delightfully lively notes of tropical fruit, peach and citrus.
2.) Palmaz Vineyards Amalia Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California ($70): Perfect for the collector, this gorgeous, hand-crafted Napa Valley Chardonnay from the Palmaz family will surely make Dad smile! It's also a fabulous place to visit next time he's traveling out to wine country.
3.) Erath Estate Selection Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($35): For the Pinot-loving Pop, this wine from one of the Willamette's Valley's most notable producers is a wonderful choice. This Pinot delivers classic notes of cherry, earth and spice crafted solely from estate grown fruit.
4.) Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California ($70): If Dad prefers big, bold red wines, this classic Cabernet from renowned winemaker Chris Carpenter is definitely the way to go! Crafted solely from estate, mountain grown fruit, this well-structured Cab features luscious notes of dark fruit, tobacco and spice accompanied by ample, age-worthy tannins.
And if Pop has all the Pinot he can handle at the moment, opt for a wine-related accessory or book instead. Or to zhuzh up a bottle of wine, pair it with one of these vinous essentials:
"The Wine Bible" by Karen MacNeil ($17): This book is a must for anyone interested in learning about wine! The completely revised and updated Second Edition was recently released making it the perfect time to snatch this up for Dad.
"Judgement of Paris" by George Taber ($20): The hardcover edition of this book which depicts the legendary wine tasting that pitted California and French wines against one another is a true classic! And who better to tell the story than Taber who was the only reporter there documenting this monumental event that would change the wine world forever...
The Vinturi Essential Red Wine Aerator ($20): Dad can tame those tannins in his next glass of red wine without having to decant the entire bottle with this handy gadget. It transforms wines from tart and astringent to smooth and supple in seconds!
Riedel Magnum Wine Decanter ($67 - marked down from $80 on Amazon!): Perfect for decanting both full-bodied white AND red wines, this beautiful crystal decanter is as practical as it is beautiful. It's ideal for decanting an entire bottle of wine and will have Dad looking like one sophisticated oenophile when entertaining at home!
Coravin Model One Wine Preservation System ($199): This innovative gadget has revolutionized the way we now enjoy and collect wine. A super thin needle inserted through the cork of any wine bottle allows the user to siphon out a glass of wine without disturbing the wine. It's perfect for keeping tabs on that bottle of Bordeaux you've been aging so no more guessing whether a wine is at its prime or not.
But if Dad's more of a Cocktail Connoisseur, why not surprise him with his own Signature Cocktail? The "Summer Citrus Old Fashioned" is my Summer-infused take on a true classic that is sure to delight him on Father's Day, and quite possibly ALL Summer long.
This delicious cocktail features easy to find ingredients including Bourbon (I like Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon ($20)), Angostura bitters, sparkling water and oodles of fresh citrus and thyme for garnish. It also calls for lemon thyme simple syrup that is super easy to make (and can conveniently be made a day ahead) that will make you look like a true mixologist!
Please click here to watch the full WPTV segment and simply scroll down for the recipe for the Summer Citrus Old Fashioned. Cheers to all you fabulous Dads out there and I hope you have a very Happy Father's Day!!!
Print Recipe"FATHER'S DAY SUMMER CITRUS OLD FASHIONED"
Author: Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet
Makes: 3-4 drinks
Dad is sure to enjoy this Signature Cocktail on his special day and ALL Summer long!
Ingredients
For Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup:
1 cup sugar
1 cup still water
6-7 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme (if you can't find lemon thyme regular thyme is fine!)
For Cocktail:
1 cup Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon
2 cups sparkling water
1/4 cup (or to taste) Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup
6-7 dashes Angostura bitters
1 orange, zested into 1" wide x 2-3" long strips for garnish, and then sectioned
1 grapefruit, sectioned
Thyme sprigs for garnish
Cocktail cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
To make the lemon thyme simple syrup, add the still water and sugar to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
Once sugar is dissolved, remove pan from heat and add the thyme springs. Let steep for about 1 hour. Remove thyme sprigs from the cooled syrup and discard them. Strain the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
To make the cocktail, cut orange and grapefruit sections into bite-sized chunks.
Combine the bourbon, bitters, and lemon thyme simple syrup (to taste) in a pitcher. Adjust flavors to taste and then top with sparkling water just before serving.
Add ice cubes to serving glasses and divide chopped citrus among them. Add an orange twist and a few thyme sprigs to each glass and then pour prepared cocktail over ice and serve immediately!
Pssst. I have a secret to tell you. A secret...de fromage! And if you love cheese as much as I do, I hope you can join me for this special episode of "Wines of the Week" on Facebook LIVE featuring fabulous Cheeses of Europe. Entitled, 'Secrets de Fromage,' this show features an exceptional selection of tantalizing cheeses, as well as a wonderful lineup of wines from around the world to pair with them.
And let's face it, from George and Amal to Beyoncé and Jay-Z, some pairings are truly special. They have a sizzling synergy and are simply greater than the sum of their parts. In this episode, I'm also going to share some tips and tricks to help you create exceptional, 1+1=3 wine and cheese pairings at home. Just be ready for your friends and family to start stopping by on a much more regular basis.
So are you ready to dive in?
Please scroll down for the list of featured wines and cheeses mentioned in this episode, but you simply must watch the video below for ALL the juicy details! Also, as promised, links to all the resources mentioned in the show can be found directly below the list of wines and cheeses.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #1: Pair Cheeses and Wines of Similar Weight & #2: Pair White Wines with Cheese.
GG SERVING TIP: I also love to serve Brie with Braswell's Red Pepper Jelly ($6.95). This delightfully spicy jelly is positively DELICIOUS and the fat in the cheese keeps its heat in check.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #3: Pair Sparkling Wine with Rich, Salty Cheeses & #4: Pair Wines and Cheeses with Similar Flavors.
GG SERVING TIP: Due to Comté's delightful flavor profile, I love to serve it with Marcona almonds and dried apricots.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #5: If it Grows Together, it Goes Together!
GG SERVING TIP: Serve this delectable Italian cheese with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and meaty Castelvetrano olives for maximum deliciousness.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #6: Pair Red Wines with Hard Cheeses!
GG SERVING TIP: This gorgeous, bright orange hard cheese is complemented by a variety of dried fruit such as apricots, cranberries and figs.
PAIRING PRINCIPLE #7: Pair Cheese and Wine with Opposite Flavors!
GG SERVING TIP: Serve creamy, salty blue cheeses with a generous drizzle of honey for an over the top sweet and salty experience - YUM!
- Learn more about the wine making term, "Sur Lie"
- Click here to go to my Facebook LIVE "Wines of the Week" playlist where you can search for my Italian Wine Month episodes (why can we STILL not share a playlist URL from Facebook, Mark Zuckerbeg?!?)
- Learn more about the wine term "Terroir" I hope you enjoyed this episode of “Wines of the Week” featuring 'Secrets de Fromage' from Cheeses of Europe.
I sure enjoyed sharing these delightful cheeses and wines with you, and I hope you find these pairing principles helpful next time you're entertaining at home. And I'd really love to know what YOUR favorite wine and cheese combinations are so please let me know in the Comments section below.
To view previous episodes of “Wines of the Week,” please click here and enjoy!
From my recent rosé-infused podcast interviews, Facebook LIVE shows and mouthwatering food & wine pairings (if I do say so myself!), I really hope you've been enjoying Rosé Month here on The Glamorous Gourmet.
I only say that because...it's about to get even BETTER!
It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2018 Glamorous Rosé Giveaway featuring a fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne ~ an $85 value! This bottle is perfect for Summer indulging like lounging in the pool on your oversize pink flamingo floatie with a BIG glass of bubbles in hand because, as the name implies, this Champagne is specifically designed to be enjoyed over ice!
Moët & Chandon pioneered this trend in 2011 with the release of their Moët Ice Impérial Champagne. This special cuvée was inspired by Summering St. Tropez socialites (i.e. Margherita Missoni) sipping their chic "La Piscine" cocktails by the pool, which consisted of Champagne with frozen Champagne ice cubes. Based on the success and immense popularity of the Ice Impérial, they debuted the Ice Impérial Rosé last year!
Not only is the Impérial Ice Champagne formulated to improve as the ice melts, it also comes with distinctly different serving instructions than traditional Brut Champagne. Imbibers are encouraged (yes, encouraged!) to serve these wines in wide, Cabernet-style wine glasses with three large ice cubes as well as any accoutrements that might highlight the wine's freshness and aromatic intensity. For the Imperial Ice Rosé, suggestions include mint leaves, citrus wedges, ginger slices, cardamom seeds and/or red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and even watermelon.
And if THAT didn't blow your mind, mixing these Champagnes with spirits and liqueurs is also encouraged! And I'm happy to report, after some experimenting, I've come up with my own glamorous, yet simple cocktail that embodies the free spirit and relaxed elegance of Summer: the Rosé Elderflower Fizz. This glamorous combination of Impérial Ice Rosé with St Germain elderflower liqueur, strawberry and lime = c'est fantastique!
To enter The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway for this fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne (again, an $85 value!), all you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Summer food and wine combination. It's that simple!
For ADDITIONAL chances to win, simply comment on other blog posts here on my website. Each ADDITIONAL comment on another blog post will count as ONE additional chance to win!
The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Thursday, May 31st and ends next Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at 9:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange shipment/delivery – the cost of which is also included as part of the contest!
Thank you in advance for your participation and feel free to spread the word! Best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so please leave your comment(s) now. I look forward to announcing the lucky winner next Thursday!!!
From my recent rosé-infused podcast interviews, Facebook LIVE shows and mouthwatering food & wine pairings (if I do say so myself!), I really hope you’ve been enjoying Rosé Month here on The Glamorous Gourmet. I only say that because…it’s about to get even BETTER!
It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2018 Glamorous Rosé Giveaway featuring a fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne ~ a $100 value! This bottle is perfect for Summer indulging like lounging in the pool on your oversize pink flamingo floatie with a BIG glass of bubbles in hand because, as the name implies, this Champagne is specifically designed to be enjoyed over ice!
Moët & Chandon pioneered this trend in 2011 with the release of their Moët Ice Impérial Champagne. This special cuvée was inspired by Summering St. Tropez socialites (i.e. Margherita Missoni) sipping their chic “La Piscine” cocktails by the pool, which consisted of Champagne with frozen Champagne ice cubes. Based on the success and immense popularity of the Ice Impérial, they debuted the Ice Impérial Rosé last year!
Not only is the Impérial Ice Champagne formulated to improve as the ice melts, it also comes with distinctly different serving instructions than traditional Brut Champagne. Imbibers are encouraged (yes, encouraged!) to serve these wines in wide, Cabernet-style wine glasses with three large ice cubes as well as any accoutrements that might highlight the wine’s freshness and aromatic intensity. For the Imperial Ice Rosé, suggestions include mint leaves, citrus wedges, ginger slices, cardamom seeds and/or red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and even watermelon.
And if THAT didn’t blow your mind, mixing these Champagnes with spirits and liqueurs is also encouraged! And I’m happy to report, after some experimenting, I’ve come up with my own glamorous, yet simple cocktail that embodies the free spirit and relaxed elegance of Summer: the Rosé Elderflower Fizz. This glamorous combination of Impérial Ice Rosé with St Germain elderflower liqueur, strawberry and lime = c’est fantastique!
To enter The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway for this fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne (again, a $100 value!), all you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Summer food and wine combination. It’s that simple!
For ADDITIONAL chances to win, simply comment on other blog posts here on my website. Each ADDITIONAL comment on another blog post will count as ONE additional chance to win!
The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Thursday, May 31st and ends next Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at 9:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange shipment/delivery – the cost of which is also included as part of the contest!
Thank you in advance for your participation and feel free to spread the word! Best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so please leave your comment(s) now. I look forward to announcing the lucky winner next Thursday!!!
Cheers,
The post A Glamorous Rosé Giveaway: Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
It's Week 3 of Rosé Month on The Wine Atelier Podcast and in this episode, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who's had his finger on the pulse of rosé since his first cover story on the subject ten years ago, Mitch Frank, News Editor of Wine Spectator Magazine.I'm also happy to report, his second cover story on the subject, Rose's New Era, graces the cover of the latest issue of Wine Spectator which hits newsstands this week. This issue boasts a gorgeous cover and is chock full of wonderful information about rosé wine, including great recommendations and an interview with the latest celeb getting in the rosé game, Jon Bon Jovi!In this podcast episode, Mitch shares the key factors involved in the meteoric rise of rosé in the years between his cover stories. He also speculates as to where this trend is headed and which factors are crucial to its continued growth and popularity. For those who are new to rosé, Mitch shares his advice on the most helpful and least intimidating way to shop for these wines, and to my own personal delight, he reveals his favorite dish to pair with rosé (hint: he lives in New Orleans so you KNOW it's delicious!). And finally, Mitch discusses his fascinating career path and how he ultimately made the move from covering presidential elections for Time magazine to working for Wine Spectator in 2005.Whether you're new to rosé or a seasoned aficionado I think you'll really enjoy this episode and many thanks to Mitch Frank for taking the time to talk to me. Please pour yourself a glass of something pink, kick back and press the play button above for ALL the details! All resources mentioned in the show are listed below.
THANKS FOR LISTENING!!!
- To share your thoughts on this episode, please do so in the Comments section below.- To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this show on Twitter, Facebook and/or Pinterest.- If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes where you can also subscribe so you won't miss a thing!RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:1.) Our Word of the Day: "Saignée"2.) To learn more about what a "Corked" wine is, please click here3.) Mitch Frank's current WineSpectator.com articles4.) Wine Spectator's Wine Ratings Plus app5.) My recent Facebook LIVE show on "Gateway Rosés" in which I elaborate on my own personal history with pink wine.
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