Cocktails and Art

An illustration of Chris Gall's that was featured in the ArtsEye press release.

This post may appear to be slightly anomalous, as I'm highlighting an event that, sadly, I won't be able to actually attend myself. So why am I taking the time to write about an Opening Reception at an art gallery in Tucson, Arizona that is taking place tomorrow night?

For those of you who may not know, I used to live in Tucson - I went to college there and hung around for a little while afterwards before moving to the greater Hartford area. And I still like to think that the piece of my heart that I fondly left there is still involved in the unique culture and happenings within the city. So when I received a pitch that the ArtsEye gallery was hosting an Opening Cocktail Reception to exhibit Chris Gall's illustrations from the new "The PDT Cocktail Book", I had to share the news. Both illustrator Gall and author Jim Meehan are expected be on site on Saturday, December 3rd to sign copies of the book. And I would only expect that delicious cocktails will be prepared, also, to accompany the artwork on the walls!

The combination of artwork and cocktails is one that I am noticing gaining momentum over the last six months or so. I was able to, in Miami this summer, attend the Miami Arts District "Art Walk" - a monthly event - where Mandarine Napoleon cocktails were served at The Workshop gallery space. I also wrote a while ago about the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators and their series "Drawing Under the Influence". The combination has also been mentioned in conversations I've had for events in the 2012 calendar year.

Mandarine Napoleon, again, is further cementing the relationship between cocktails and art by participating next week in Art Basel, one of the most prestigious art shows around the world. If you are in Miami, you should consider checking out the events in which the brand will be participating. 



Have a drink for me, Tucson. Cheers!

If You Were a Cocktail, Which Would You Be?

And we're considering cocktails anything from beer to wine to whiskey on the rocks or carefully crafted concoction.

This is the question I posed to the office today and I was pleasantly surprised by their answers.

Boss Steve:

Cocktail: Negroni
What's in it:
1 oz Aperol
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz gin
Why: The first time I had this cocktail was overlooking the Pantheon in Italy, reminding him of Italy and good memories. It tastes like Italy.

Financial Finagler Antonio:

Cocktail: Old Cuban
What's in it:

6 mint leaves
1 ounce simple syrup (or less, to taste)
3/4 ounce fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 1/2 ounces Bacardi 8 (or substitute another medium-bodied gold rum)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 ounces chilled champagne

Why: Because it's Spanish, but not really - just like him. (Anthony's heritage is Puerto Rican, mine is Cuban - I think he's just jealous ;0) )

Intern Kayla

Cocktail: Tequila Sunrise
What's in it:
1 ¾ oz. tequila
5 ½ oz. orange juice
1-2 dashes of grenadine
Why: Because it's pretty, fruity and fun and reminds her of Mexico!

Star Spirits Sipper Stephanie:

Cocktail: Tom Collins
What's in it:
2 oz gin
1 oz lemon juice
1 tsp superfine sugar
3 oz club soda
1 maraschino cherry
1 slice orange
Why: "If I were a cocktail I'd be a Tom Collins, because I'm simple, bubbly, and come with both a sweet and (rarely) sour side. ;) It's a cool, classic drink that is most perfectly suited for the summertime atmosphere, just like me."

Me:

Cocktail: Good ol' glass of Pinot Noir
What's in it: Pinot Noir!
Why: Because it's spicy but mellow - light enough to enjoy casually, but serious enough to stand up for itself. ;)

So there you have it! That's the majority of the BAT team in a shaker!

Which cocktail would YOU be?

Here are some of my favorite answers:

From Dale Cruse of Drinks Are On Me " I'd be a French 75. Classic but timeless. A little sweet, a little herbal, a lot bubbly. All delicious."

From Kasey Scafariello, a friend, "How about a shot? i would be peanut butter and jelly. (3/4 Frangelico and 1/4 Chambord) the reason? because i'm usually nutty with a splash of sweetness :)."

From Casey O'Brien, a friend, "Hard cider because I'm sweet and I'll warm your heart"

From Mallory Murphy, friend, " I'm not really a put together person.. I'm a little disheveled so I'd have to be something that doesn't necessarily work together but it works -- Jack and ginger and its a little bit sweet but its got a kick."

More to come!

Cheers!
-CC

It's here! The Manhattan Cocktail Classic May 14-18th

It’s finally here! After it’s smashing fall preview event, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic is back to the city that never sleeps for a multi-day event “celebrating the history, contemporary culture, and artful craft of the cocktail.”

According to the Web site, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic is:

Part festival, part fête, part conference, part cocktail party, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic brings together the unparalleled talents and opportunities of the bars, bartenders, and restaurants of our great city for five days of activities, both educational and celebratory in nature, championing the common ideals of authenticity, equality, sustainability, service, and pleasure. (There will be some drinking involved, too.)

The event kicks off this evening with the sold-out gala, where cocktail enthusiasts and professionals will be in the hands of the finest mixologists stirring up what I can only assume to be an exorbitant (but what else would you expect?!) number of crafty cocktails at the New York Public Library.

The rest of the weekend is jam packed with seminars, tours from Behind the Bar at some of New York’s most renowned cocktail bars, and a three-hour booze cruise. Need I tempt you more? Steve was able to attend the fall preview in October and writes a preview about the full-blown extravaganza, and other upcoming cocktail events, here.

These events are sure to sell out, so get your tickets soon. Steve and I will both be in attendance at the gala, so be sure to come say hello!