InspiringKitchen.com Cocktails Archives

Oct 06

A Lesson in Royal Brackla Scotch Whisky

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Cocktails, Restaurants, Spirits | No Comments

If you are a Scotch drinker or want to learn more about it, then this article is for you. A night at The Aviary with Royal Brackla Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky turned in to an evening of incredible food, inventive scotch cocktails, an education on Scotch and lots of laughter among friends both new and old.

Our evening was comprised of those with varying levels of expertise when it comes to single malt Scotch. We talked about the spirit’s history, how it is produced, brands, recipes and of course, flavor. As I continue to improve my knowledge about Scotch Whisky, I thought I would share some of my takeaways.… Read more

Oct 01

Celebrate Wine Days at the Sofitel Chicago Hotel

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Chicago, Cocktails, Foods, Tourism, Travel, Wine | No Comments

Looking for a Fall getaway that includes delicious food and wine and a location that can’t be beat? Book a stay at the Sofitel Chicago located just off Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile for Sofitel Wine Days.

Sofitel Wine Days

If you are a wine lover, French wine in particular, then Sofitel’s Wine Days are for you. I attended the opening of their Faire la Fête wine tasting celebration which was hosted on La Terrace. From whites to rose to deep reds, these wines were delicious and oh so fragrant.

Sofitel Chicago Wine Days will continue through October 31 with seasonal fall wine dinners, which are part of the larger wine dinner series, and weekly complimentary wine tastings.… Read more

Jun 12

Piccolo Buco & Cooper’s Hawk Introduce Authentic Roman Pizza

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Beverage, Chicago, Cocktails, Foods, Restaurant Opening, Restaurants, Tourism, Travel | 4 Comments

Have you ever traveled to an international city on vacation and discovered the most amazing food and then tried to figure out how you can bring it home with you? Well, Tim McEnery of Cooper’s Hawk had that same experience, only he made it happen! Read about how Piccolo Buco and Cooper’s Hawk are bringing Roman Pizza to Chicago.

Piccolo Buco by Luca Issa & Cooper’s Hawk

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Introducing Piccolo Buco, by Chef Luca Issa of Piccolo Buco Roma and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants, where you will find the most delicious and unique Roman pizza.

⁣The magic of Chef Luca’s pizza comes down to the extraordinary crust that is light and airy inside and yet has a tall crispy edge.

Aug 13

7 Summertime Spirits, Cocktails and Mocktails

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Alcohol, Beverage, Cocktails, Recipes, Trends | 10 Comments

Staying home in 2020 doesn’t have to mean missing out on socializing with your family and friends. It just requires us to be more creative in our methods of communication. Happy Hour may now need a computer (thanks, Zoom and Facetime!) and virtual guests but our choice of cocktails and mocktails has increased.

From fruit infused beer to green tea mocktails to fragrant rosé and more, here are seven brands to cheer on friendship and family from the safety of your home.

Spirits, Cocktails and Mocktails

Organic Rosé All Day Spritz

Rosé All Day is introducing the perfect warm weather libation: Organic Rosé All Day Spritz!… Read more

Jun 26

A Culinary Exploration of Finland’s Food and Drink World

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Cocktails, Restaurants, Travel | 9 Comments

Traveling to Northern Europe to explore Finland’s food and drink world should be high on your list of culinary adventures given the enormous talent found in the country.

Finland may be known for the Northern Lights, snowy-white winter beauty of Lapland, Salla Reindeer Park and Santa Claus Village, but there is so much more to be found in this stunning country. An under-the-radar culinary world that rivals that of cities far larger is quietly but powerfully making enormous impressions on those with an appreciation for the talent that creates dishes worthy of award recognition.

Without the glitzy fanfare of their neighbors, this low-key, yet sophisticated country has an impressive food and beverage space.… Read more

Dec 10

Creative Cocktails: The Porthole

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Barware, Cocktails, Serving Piece | One Comment

What’s the most memorable way you have ever been served a cocktail? How about from a Porthole? No, not in front of one or through one but created and presented in one. In Chicago, we are known for many amazing restaurants and chefs. Yet, there is one chef that is widely known for his innovative dishes and dining experiences. You may already be very familiar with Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea, Next and The Aviary fame. In these locations, the food becomes works of art not just in taste but in presentation as well.

With that in mind, Martin Kastner from Crucial Detail, designed an incredibly unique vessel that showcases the ingredients used to make the infused cocktail, tea or oil so that it becomes a part of the experience.… Read more

Nov 21

25 Best Holiday and Hostess Gifts

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Art, Candles, Cocktails, Coffee, Cookbooks, Cooking, Foods, Gift Guide, Gifts, Holidays, Home Decor, Home Design, Knives | 16 Comments

It’s the fabulous time of year for celebrating the holidays with your family and friends. When it comes to choosing hostess and holiday gifts, sometimes it is hard to know where to start. Inspiring Kitchen is here to be your personal holiday shopper. You will find a range of gifts that focus on cooking, entertaining, home décor, foods and beverages to thrill your host, hostess, family and friends. Don’t forget to treat yourself as well to these wonderful gifts.

Finding unique gifts for the food lover is always challenging but have I got two solutions for you! Both items are perfect for those who love making a dish their own.… Read more

Jul 10

Summertime and Sangria

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Cocktails, Foods, healthy eating, Party, Recipes | 15 Comments

Don’t you just love this time of year when the sun is out, grass is green, fresh ingredients are plentiful and everyone is enjoying the opportunity to spend time together outside? Well, living in the Midwest means I take advantage of any chance to do what I love to do: entertain friends with delicious dishes and even better, cocktails outside on the deck. Thanks to Beso Del Sol, I was able to introduce their new Sangria to my friends.

My goal was to make a dinner that had a fresh, healthy and summery twist to it but wouldn’t take the whole evening to make.… Read more

May 27

Whiskey Cocktail Battle

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | BBQ, Cocktails, Iron Chef Competition, Recipes | 2 Comments

We all know what Iron Chef Competitions are these days, right? We watch them on TV, have been able to participate in them ourselves with our friends or compete against our colleagues in corporate team building events. Well, this evening was a twist on what is an always, exciting evening of food competitions. Sponsored by Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, World Food Championships and Yummie Nation, 6 competitors created a cocktail made with Larceny Whiskey that was to be paired with BBQ dishes made by our restaurant host, Chicago q.

The participants were 5 restaurants/bars and 1 caterer that were competing in two different whiskey-pairing categories: main course and dessert.… Read more