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

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

May 20

Celebrate National Strawberry Month with these 3 Sweet Treats

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Foods | No Comments

What are your favorite foods to look forward too when warm weather season approaches? I am all about the fresh fruit! Did you know May is National Strawberry Month? What better way to celebrate this fruity holiday than with delicious, strawberry flavored snacks and drinks that remind us of summer.

fresh strawberries in a bowl

3 Fruity Treats for National Strawberry Month

For Those Who Want A Guilt-Free Frozen Snack

Have you heard of mochi? It is a small, round confection consisting of a soft, pounded sticky rice dumpling formed around an ice cream filling. The ice cream flavors the confection while the mochi adds sweetness and texture.… Read more

Nov 06

A Night Out: Gourmet Dinner and a Movie at CMX Cinebistro

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Entertainment, Restaurants | No Comments

Dinner and a movie. An evening out with some good food and entertainment. A way to temporarily escape real life and immerse yourself in some drama, intrigue, comedy or action packed stories. Such a fun plan, right? We just need to choose a movie and then coordinate our dinner reservation so that we get to the theater in time. And we can’t forget traffic! But there is good news as Cinebistro has got this all figured out for us as we discovered on a recent evening out.

With Halloween around the corner, we found a theater that was showing a classic show: Beetlejuice.… Read more

Jul 06

Cocktails, Outdoor Dining and Ping-Pong in Chicago

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Restaurants, Spirits | 22 Comments

It’s definitely Summer in Chicago. Rain or shine, there are so many fun things going on to share with you.

Sunshine

Earl’s Kitchen + Bar

I learned about this restaurant last August at a Food and Wine Event that I wrote about here. I had no idea that this place was going to become my “go-to” place for a bite to eat and/or cocktails on the patio. Earl’s is located in a newly developed area called New City which is bordering Lincoln Park in Chicago. In this community, you will find restaurants, a movie theater, bowling alley, grocery store, furniture store and apartments among other stores to check out.… Read more

Dec 28

Instant Party with Vitani Martinis

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Alcohol, Favorite Finds, Foods | 27 Comments

I admire people who see a need for a product or service and make it happen. Especially when we are talking martinis! That is exactly what Vitani’s founders, Eric and Jackie Gichner, did four years ago when they created craft martinis in a ready-to-go design.

After meeting with Jackie to hear what inspired her to launch this brand as well as what she and Eric wanted consumers to know about Vitani martinis, I left with the following insight. It really all started very simply. Jackie’s go to drink is a Dirty Martini. Making them at home just didn’t happen due to (in)convenience and taste.… Read more

Oct 16

How to Build a Home Bar

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Bar, Education, Entertaining, Entertainment, Favorite Finds, Housewares | 16 Comments

Making cocktails for your friends and family doesn’t need to be intimidating or complicated. You are all set in the kitchen with your ingredients and cookware, but what about your home bar? Do you have everything you need? Or is the question, do you know what you need? Having the basic components and equipment available is a really good start. Knowing how often we like to entertain this time of year, it seems appropriate to showcase how simple it is to build a home bar.

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Mixologist Extraordinaire, Lynn House. Lynn shared her recommendations on what you might want to consider for your home bar.… Read more

Aug 13

Entertain with La Croix Sparkling Water

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Beverage, Entertaining, Recipes | 29 Comments

Quick run to the grocery store today and found myself wandering in the water aisle. I am one of those people who always have water in my hand (or located close by) for a quick drink. What I find myself doing in my ever-present containers of water is to add flavors like fruit or herbs. But, how convenient would it be to be able to grab a can of water already flavored with bright flavors aside from lemon and lime?

You may have already heard of or enjoyed La Croix carbonated waters but when was the last time you took a look at the huge variety of flavors they now offer?… Read more

Aug 02

Vodka Cocktail for Breaking Bad Fans

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Alcohol, Bar, Foods | 2 Comments

When did you get hooked on the cable television series, Breaking Bad? When it first launched or after watching multiple seasons’ worth of episodes at a time wishing it wouldn’t end? (I was the latter). Either way, the landmark series about a chemistry teacher who heads into the dark drug world becoming a murderous kingpin with the code name, Heisenberg, now has vodka named after him.

The limited edition line of Heisenberg Blue Ice Vodka was inspired by the Breaking Bad series and launched by Sony Pictures Television and 21^st Century Spirits. For devoted fans of Walter White, you can buy the three special blue bottles each with a catch phrase from the show and a silhouette of Walter on the bottle:

Tread Lightly
Say My Name
The One Who Knocks

If you are a vodka fan, here are some interesting details.… Read more

May 26

2015 NRA Favorite Finds

Posted by Inspiring Kitchen | Restaurants, Retailer, Trade Show, Trends | 25 Comments

The 2015 National Restaurant Show just ended leaving me with lots of interesting products and trends to share with you. While the NRA show is predominantly for those who work in the food service industry, there are definitely items that can be found from the consumer standpoint as well as giving ideas of trends that will potentially be in the retail world for consumers to purchase. The vastness of the show includes such categories as restaurant equipment, foods, beverages, table top (dinnerware, glassware, etc), decor and technology. What I am sharing below is a taste of what I saw that I think you might find intriguing.… Read more

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