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Jim Welborn Bar Services
Helpful Cocktail Tips
Savor the Good Stuff
Top-shelf liquor is a higher quality that is best enjoyed alone. Rather than impressing your friends with your expensive taste, save a buck (and good booze) on buying a brand better suited for cocktails. "You want a liquor that you can enhance with mixers, not one that stands best on its own," But, of course, the choice is yours!
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Serve With Style
Leave the red Solo cups for your next barbecue, and opt for appropriately shaped cocktail and wineglasses instead. If you’re hosting a small group and don’t want to buy new glassware, adjust your cocktail menu to fit the kinds of glasses you have. There’s just something awkward about sipping a martini from a wineglass. And there’s no shame in opting for plastic to avoid washing dishes all night. Clear plastic rocks glasses can accommodate a variety of libations, from
margaritas to wine.
Stocking Your Bar
It doesn’t take a great many bottles to build a bar capable of tackling most of the classic cocktail formulas. But, to begin with, you’ll just need a bottle each of gin, vodka, light rum, tequila, bourbon, rye, blended Scotch, brandy, dry white vermouth, sweet red vermouth, a few essential liqueurs and a handful of bitters. As you grow more ambitious, you can always add to your stock. Making simple syrup is, yes, simple, and you should keep it on hand too.
Please Don’t Stop The Music
Seriously, don’t. Music is another one of those seemingly obvious details that can really set the tone of a party. Avoid awkward silences and keep your guests on their feet by setting up a playlist of tunes beforehand. Try letting your guests take turns being DJ for an eclectic mix of tunes that satisfy everyone’s tastes.
You’re Crushing it, Dude!
So you love a good mint julep, but can’t afford one of those fancy freezers that pulverizes frozen water. You can get perfectly crushed ice like they have in the fancy craft cocktail bars using a Cuisinart. All you have to do, says Morgenthaler, is “Fill your food processor with ice cubes, pulse, pulse, pulse, and before you know it, you’ve got beautiful, granular, fluffy crushed ice.” If you don’t have a Cuisinart, well, you should probably quit drinking and get a job. (teasing)
This 28.00 alternative to a Cuisinart is quite functional and economical!
Just in Case!
Always be ahead of the game and make sure your guests are having a great time....just not that much of a great time! Have on hand the telephone numbers of local taxi services and the websites of Uber drivers to help your friend get home that shouldn't be driving home. You may even have a designated non-drinker at your party who would volunteer to take someone home in case they imbibed too much. There are some communities where they offer free taxi rides home on holidays to prevent driving accidents. Check it out!
Is There a Certain Order for Pouring Cocktail Ingredients?
Spirits First
This practice is more common today, and it's how most build the majority of cocktails. You start with the spirit then add liqueurs, mixers, and enhancers on top of it. The advantage to this is that you can gauge your ratios based on how large or small you poured the liquor, which is the base, the foundation, of your cocktail.
If you overpour the Scotch for a Rob Roy you can easily balance it out with a little more sweet vermouth and have a nice drink that may produce some waste but is still well formed. Likewise, if your customer wants a "light" Cosmo, underpour the vodka and add more cranberry or orange liqueur to compensate for the volume. Starting with the spirit allows you to gauge and adapt the drink to miss pours and to individual's tastes.
Strong (your base ingredient)
Enhancers (dashes)
Mixers (sweets, sours, juices, etc.)
Toppers (sodas, champagne, and other sparkling mixers)
Cool Down Your Beverages Before Icing Them Down For Your Party!
We all know that ice can be a precious comodity at a party. But one sure fire way to go through your ice prematurely is to fill the coolers with warm beverages. Refrigerate what you can at home, or ask the liquor store where you made your purchases, if they can hold your beverages in their walk in refrigerated units a couple of days before your party. If this isn't possible, make sure you fill your coolers with ice and your drinks a day or two ahead and replenish the a few hours before your party! .....and remember, one cooler for clean ice for cocktails and drinks, and another for can and bottle beverages.
Garnishes Ready?
Before your cocktail party starts, have your garnishes ready to go! Pre slice and or quarter your fruits and citruses. Have your cocktail onions, olives, cherries and all the other garnishes that you anticipate your guests will want all prepared ahead of time. Keep them iced and have a few in thier "original state" just in case you want to look like the best host ever by creating their drinks garnish right there and then! Impressive......The idea is to make their cocktail and get them back to the party as quickly as possible. With the line that is going to form at the bar....you will be glad you did!
Bar Towels
It's always a great idea to have plenty of bar towels on hand to pick up messy spills, wipe down surfaces and of course, buff up those cocktail glass till they shine like the top of the Chrysler Building! I find that all cotton is most absorbent and I when I can, I purchase all white towels so that when I add a little bleach in the wash, they come out impeccably clean!
Buy TOO Much?
Let's face it. Most of us have friends over for cocktails and the depth of our liquor cabinets it generally limited to vodka, rum, bourbon and maybe a couple of fun bottles for shots. When giving a party, it can be difficult to determine exactly (or close to) what you will need. There are liquor store chains (TW&M) that will take back unopened beer, wine and liquor (see store online site for details or of coure call). If you aren't fortunate enough to have one of these stores around, develop a relationship with the liquor store you do frequent. Don't just merely flip over the credit car to pay, but take time to engage in a little friendly conversation. First off, it's the nice thing to do, but knowing you, they may let you return what you did not use at your party.
There's a Tool For Every Job!
Get a load of this one...Perfect for retrieving olives out of the jar, and we all know what a pain that is! The big plus about this bar tool is that is leave all that delicious olive juice behind in the jar to be used later in a "dirty" martini, but it also makes for a nicer presentation without all the holes from the fork tines trying to get it out of the jar!
INVITE ELECTRONICALLY
"It's a lot easier to communicate with your guests online," Check online for electronic invites that make it simple to update details and keep track of your attendees. And send an auto reminder a couple of days before the party to help prompt more responses. Of course, an invite hand written and mailed to your guest 3 weeks before the party is very classy (ic) indeed!
Easy Ice Tips
The difference between a cool cocktail and a watered-down glass of mediocrity is that one thing that’s always in your freezer: ice. Add too much and you can barely taste your whiskey, but find the right balance, and you’ll unlock flavors that can’t be achieved at room temperature. Take a look at the cold hard facts of ice for cocktails and figure out which one is right for your favorite drink.
Cubes
If there is a little black dress of ice cubes, this is it. Most of us have an ice cube tray somewhere in our house. To make the clearest cubes, use distilled water if you have it. If not, don’t sweat it. Just boil some water and pour it into the tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap to prevent the freezer taste from penetrating and pop it into the freezer. Cubes are great for drinks you can’t put down, like a Gin & Tonic or fruity cocktails.
Large Format Ice
Whether you prefer spheres or blocks, large format ice is great for drinks like the Old Fashioned or really, anything with whiskey. While large format ice can appear quite stylish, it actually serves a useful purpose. A large, round sphere has less surface area than cubed ice, thus, melting slower, more evenly, and preventing the ice from diluting the base spirit flavor so quickly.
Crushed Ice
The other end of the spectrum is crushed ice, which has plenty of surface area. While it melts faster, it also cools drinks faster. To crush ice on your own, fill a Lewis bag (a heavy duty canvas bag used for crushing ice), or two clean dish towels with ice and pound with a mallet or muddler. The towels and bag actually absorb some of the water so your drink gets less diluted. Crushed ice works great with drinks like juleps or margaritas.
Pre-chilling
Keep things cool without any dilution. If you put your cold drink into a room temperature glass, you’ll lose 20-30% of your chill immediately. Pre-chill your glass by resting ice in it while you prepare your cocktail. But don’t use that ice in your actual drink, as some of it will have already melted. Just dump it out and add your cocktail in.
Remember to have fun with it
Put a unique twist on your ice by adding in fruit or using coconut water. Whatever you’re drinking, you just need your ice to be four things: cold, hard, clean and dry. So kick back with a drink and start chilling.
Cocktail Picks.
Have Fun with Them!
Go to your local liquor store or online and find the perfect "cocktail pic" for your garnishes! It helps to not only set the tone but promotes your party theme!
"You've been to my Trailah before, get yourself a cocktail and make yourself at home!"
We all know that you don't have to put yourself out for friends...or at least not all the time. When friends do arrive, make them their first cocktail of course, then tell them that they know where everything is and to feel at home, make themselves another cocktail and enjoy! And of course the flips side of this is also true. When visiting your friends, offer to make your own cocktails and feel at home in their home!
Run Out of Olive Juice before the Olives?
It happens all the time.....well, it really depends on how dirty your friends want to get! Don't leave your olives in a jar without juice because you used it all making dirty martinis. Do yourself a favor and run to your local liquor store and buy a jar of olive juice for those extra dirty martini drinkers and save an olive....they can't speak for themselves! You can go online as well, but I have found that you can find this product nearby and quite reasonably priced. The Barsmith label which comes in a 12.7 oz. bottle was only 3.99 at Publix. Shop and compare, but much this brand was a much better deal than some online costing up to and over 12.99 for a 12 oz. bottle! Oh and btw...it's delicious!
Crystal Plastic Cups!
Elevate your party by ditching the red solo cups for your cocktails and use crystal plastic cups. No need to break the bank by buying or renting glass barware for your party, not to mention all that washing up! Besides, you spent all that time (and money) making all those beautiful cocktails, Let their colors shine through!
Bar Top Tables:
Dress them Right!
Choose a table cloth that will fall to the ground. At a mid-point tie off the table cloth with a color coordinated ribbon or cord that re-states your theme. This will do several things for you. Make your event look polished, continue the theme of your event with color and texture and most of all, will prevent the wind from blowing the table cloth up and making an entire mess of things!
Drama, Drama, Drama!
It's All About Theatrics
Learn one or all of these great attention getters and you are sure to be a hit at your cocktail party! Click on the link below and let the fun...and practice, begin!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNYxSepBHJs
Make it Easy! Make It FUN!
This applies to anytime of the year really, but with the additional stress and demands of the upcoming Holiday season, there is no need to stress out! Go to your favorite deli and or grocery store and order some delicious eats for your party. You will be surprised at how tasty they will be and all you have to do is pick them up! Spend time doing other things for your party, or just plain ole' chillin. The best part of all of this is that you will get to spend more quality, relaxed time with friends and family and after all you threw the party because??? Exactly!
Party Favors!
The icing on the cake, or in this case, "cocktail party" would be a party favor that your guests can take home, looking back at your party bringing a smile to their faces! It can be a grand as you like or as simple as you like. One of my favorites is a vile that you have filled with a delicious liquor! Possibly Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey! Make your selection based on your parties theme, or just a few (or one) of your favorites! On the tag, choose a phrase that would remind them of your party! Bon Voyage, Happy Holidays, 40 and Not Dead, It's a Boy! Aloha...You get the idea!
Party Decisions
A cocktail party can be as simple or complex as you wish to make it. There are a few questions you should ask yourself to begin planning a party:
How many guests will be attending?
Is this a casual event for friends or a formal business networking event?
How much time and effort do I want to put into it?
Will there be a full bar or a limited cocktail menu?
Will the party be indoor or outdoor? If outdoor, do I have a plan for inclimate weather?
What type of food will be served?
Is there a theme for the party?
Should guests be asked to bring anything?
How much money do I want to spend?
Maple Syrup
Pumpkin spice’s time has come and gone (almost). A couple weeks back, the Chicago Tribune suggested that pumpkin spice, seated comfortably atop of the ruins of other autumn flavors, may soon topple and meet a long overdue end. But what will replace it?
Maple will. Specifically, maple syrup. The article continues: “Mentions of maple as a flavor in nonalcoholic beverages on menus are up 86 percent this year over last. And as maple mentions rise, pumpkin mentions have fallen by 20 percent. Find a maple syrup you love and keep it instock behind your bar at home....Look for some upcoming "maple" cocktail recipes here at our site.
Individual Snack Cups
I don't know about you, but I certainly appreciate seeing bar/cocktail snacks in individual disposable paper cups! That way I know they came right from the package into the cup...no other fingers in the pudding so to speak!
Check out the Parking Situation!
Before you create your invitation list, check out how many cars you are able to have parked without affecting your neighbors. Talk to your neighbors if you are going to have guests park in front of their homes on the street, certainly not in their drive ways....and you also might want to check with your local police department and see if there are any regulations regarding parties and parking limitations. A little footwork upfront may save you a lot of time and aggravation in the end.....or even worse during your party!
Wine Bottle Openers
Buy and use a wine bottle opener that you are comfortable with in using....Nothing worse than looking a new fangled bottle opener and trying to decide which way is up, let alone open that bottle of wine in front of guests!
When is an Olive More than Just and Olive?
When it's stuffed, pickled, brined, peppered and so much more! Have fun with the idea and head to you local supermarket or liquor store and check out all the amazing things they are doing with olives today! Some may be perfect for cocktails and some will make excellent tidbits to have for your guests at your next cocktail party!
In This Case...Think Small!
What a great idea! Small 8 oz cans of soda are perfect for your cocktail party. Individual servings. This will help keep your party clean and clutter free...pour and throw away! And of course, each guests gets bubbly fresh soda each and every time !
Coasters
Cocktail napkins are a total necessity when you have appetizers at your party, along with small plates of course. Using cocktail napkins for drinks is another story. There is nothing worse than having a cocktail napkin deteriorating and sticking to the bottom of your glass. Don't create a situation where your guests have to find a place to dispose of the all but destroyed napkin. Certainly offer them a cocktail napkin if they would like, but offer coasters for your guests to set their drinks down on. Have coasters strategically placed where you guests can always grab one. It will help absorb the condensation on the glass preventing water stains on their shirts when they go to raise their glass for a sip of their cocktail, and it will also help prevent those white water stain rings on your beautiful wooden furniture. If you have time and plan ahead, you can order paper coasters that fit the theme of your party with your name embossed on them. If not, paper coasters are available at supermarkets, liquor stores and of course party supply stores.
What Champagne Works Best for Champagne Cocktails?
It doesn't make sense to use a premium champagne for cocktails since subtle nuances will be lost to whatever you are mixing in. One consideration would be the sweetness of your cocktail recipe. Extra Dry may work best overall, but if you want sweeter, go with Demi-Sec. Since the champagne is a big part of most of these drinks, you dont want to choose one that is bad on its own...one that is acceptable on its own will probably do. Since Champagne (as in from France) costs a lot more than sparklings from many other places, you might do well with a dry prosecco from Italy, cava from Spain, Cremant de Bourgogne from France, or a decent American "champagne".
Redneck Koozie!
Now I don't any pushback from the peanut gallery on this one! LOL. To help keep your guests cocktails nice and cold and condensation free, either wrap your plastic solo cup with a napkin and insert it into another slightly larger cup or insert your plastic cup into a slightly larger styrofoam cup! You get the idea...it's called insulation :-)
When is Ice Not Just Ice Anymore?
It’s 2017. Cocktail enthusiasts-slash-geeks have come to expect crystal-clear spheres, slowly melting cubes and frozen water whose shapes jive with the drink’s vessel and category, from spears in Collins glasses to pebble ice for Cobblers. So where do we go from here?
Now, companies are using robots and engineering software to create logos and shapes on—and in—your cubes. “We’re just at the beginning of the big, bold, fun, customized ice for cocktails trend,” says Camper English, a journalist and the publisher of Alcademics, speaking at a seminar on the subject at last July’s Tales of the Cocktail booze conference in New Orleans. “I think we’ll see things get a lot more creative before the excitement settles.”
It Doesn't Have to be Big and Fancy All the Time!
Sometimes keeping it simple is the best! Have a martini night with friends and look for premade party pics full of deliciousness...Onion, peppers, olives, and so much more! Crack open a jar and let your friends choose their poison adding it to their martinis.
Layering Cocktails
Right behind flavor, a drink's presentation can make or break it. You can do all sorts of things to dress up a cocktail, but few can beat the impressive look of one with layered ingredients. These stunning drinks are colorful, vibrant and can impress anyone. The trick is learning how to float ingredients on top of one another. Once you understand how the specific gravity of liquids works and develop the technique, you can layer drinks to your heart's content. It's really quite straight forward.
Make it "Purty"
If you're not from the South, that means impressive. If you are the creative type (LOL) it means Fabulous! But in any vernacular it means taking that little extra time to make your guests feel you are really glad to welcome them into your home! Spread that Holiday Cheer!
Cause a Stir
One of the basic rules of mixology is that anything clear gets stirred; if it ain’t clear, shake it. The former seems easy enough, right? Not so. It takes a lot of practice to become proficient with a bar spoon, and most nonprofessionals have a difficult time getting it right.” A simple solution for the bar spoon–challenged is to use a plastic chopstick for exactly 30 seconds. No more, no less. But whatever you do, don’t try to stir and chew gum at the same time. You might hurt yourself.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a common ingredient in drink recipes, whether you’re making cocktails or iced coffee. The secret is to make it ahead of time so it is well chille before adding to your cocktail. Don’t be tempted by bottled sweeteners; if you can boil water, you can make simple syrup. It’s an easy step but an important one. By dissolving granulated sugar in hot water before adding it to cold beverages, you ensure an even distribution of sweetness without any gritty crystals left in the bottom of the glass. Here’s a go-to recipe that will keep refrigerated for a month.
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil; simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
Make Ahead
The syrup can be refrigerated in a glass jar for up to 1 month. If you need to store it longer, it can also be frozen.
Notes
Simple syrup is also fantastic when flavored or spiced. Try cinnamon syrup, lemon-thyme syrup, rosemary syrup, vanilla syrup and a concentrated demerara sugar rich syrup, which has a rich molasses flavor. If you need to make larger quantities, stick with the easy 1:1 ratio of water to sugar.
Liquor Pourers
It's Your party and it's up to YOU! You may want to consider purchasing bottle top pourers for your liquors. Making cocktails for a lot of friends goes faster, but it does loose a little bit of the personal touch by hand measuring with a jigger. But than again, your witty reparte will soon enchant your guests while you make their cocktails. So as I said, It's Up to You!
Party Platters for Your Party...Genius!
Make sure you have a fun time at your own party! Plan ahead, shop ahead and get to your grocers deli department and take a look at all their wonderful party platters! There are too many to mention, but pick the ones that suit the type of party you are throwing! It saves time and nerves, let's you enjoy your guests during the party and the cost is surprising comparable to you going out and buying everything and making them yourselves!
Be Selective and Smart!
Unless you know that you are going to use the liquor you buy for yourself after your party, buy smaller bottles to be able to make that special cocktail for your guests, but go with a pint, not 750ml or more...It's a waste, not to mention expensive. Having a great time with friends doesn't always mean you have to break the bank!
Wireless Sound!
Remember, if you crank up the volume of the music to be heard outside you are blasting your guests who are inside! Invest in a wireless speaker(s) The Amazon "dot" that fits into a wireless speaker is perfect. Believe me, it works out great and you can turn the volume to the level that is appropriate for an outdoor setting. Don't forget, lasts up to 8 hours without being plugged in so it's totally portable. Garage, bathroom, bedroom, patio..you get the idea.
Have a Plan!
It's always a smart idea to have a backup plan if the weather you wanted for your party doesn't show up......With weather all over the map so to speak, snow, rain, high winds, make sure you have a back up plan drawn up so you can make a few quick changes to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for your guests!
Get Out That Blender!
I have a blender, but to be honest I rarely use it....But with the holidays come frothy, creamy frozen drinks and you need a blender in many cases to make them. Now...if when you pull your blender out and it smells a tad like pineapple, then soak and wash it well before use...It's most likely from the last frozen drink you made this past summer! LOL You can always use your food processor but then you may be limited to the amount of liquids you can use at one time and the ice cubes will totally scratch up your lexan bowl making it ugly. We don't want an ugly processor bowl sitting on our counters now do we....Check out Wal-Mart and of course sales, and purchase a blender that will suit your needs keeping in mind the cost of the blender vs. the amount of use it will get. I will make two suggestions. Make sure the blender has the ability to crush/puree ice and get one that has a glass container...it will serve you better and longer in the long run.
Festive Anytime Coasters
Change you coasters as often as the mood or theme of your party. No party? Well then choose a color that compliments your home decor. What a great way to add to the ambiance of your party. Simply select any number of colors and prints in cocktail napkins and insert them into the acrylic coaster!
In This Case, Two or Three is Better Than One!
Like most of us, not many have a wet bar with a bar sink right there to rinse out cocktail shakers and more. In this case, having two or three cocktail shakers on hand makes for better utilization of time, not having to run back and forth to the kitchen, but also, keeps the integrity of the cocktail you are making. It wouldn't do to have two different cocktails fighting each other in your guests glass!
Christmas Crackers!
Add some fun and whimsy to your Christmas party! These simple party favors will have your guests smiling and laughing! A perfectly simple way to spread holiday cheer!
Lighting & Aroma
To set a warm and inviting ambiance use indirect lighting.
Overhead lights are too harsh and glaring, but may be used on a very low setting if dimmer (aka rheostat) switches are installed.If you have not already, now is a good time to consider adding dimmers, which require no special wiring and are relatively easy to install by replacing your existing switches.
Never use fluorescent lighting, which makes the room feel cold and unwelcoming. Fluorescent lights are also extremely unflattering, and you may consider eliminating them from your home forever.
Votive candles work great because they provide warm indirect light and there is really no limit to how many you can add to a room. Votives are also much safer than regular candles, because the flame is somewhat protected by the glass holder.
For aroma, votives are available in a variety of scents, which can add another dimension to the cocktail party. Scented candles are suggested for the cocktail area and bathroom if they will not compete with other aromas. Be sure to choose the same scent for all of your candles to avoid competing smells. Alternatively, you may use unscented votives and simmering cinnamon & citrus in water for aroma. Use unscented candles in the dining area.
Be sure your outdoor pathways and steps are well lit for safety. Use white glow sticks for extra temporary lighting on walkways and steps, if needed.
Chips and Dips!
How soon we forget! Simple is almost always better and we all look back with fond memories of the days of a basket full of chips and a bowl full of our favorite dips. One (1) 16 oz container of sour cream and one packet of Liptons onion soup. Mix well, chill and serve...delish. How about 16 oz of sour cream and one packet of the original Hidden Valley Ranch House dressing! Mix well, chill and serve. Let the good times begin!
Time to Enjoy a Different Cherry!
Tis' the Season! Head to your local gourmet store or liquor store and take a look at how many different flavors of cherries there are...You will be amazed. It's like there are just as many different flavored cherries as there stuffed olives! When you see each flavor I am sure certain cocktails will come right to mind right away! Not only do they add flavor, but the different colors really add something extra to your cocktail.
Don't Forget Your Bartender or D.J.!
When you have a moment, make a plate up of all those delicious goodies you made for your guests and take them to your Bartender or D.J., or for that matter, anyone who is working your party. A little gesture that will go a long way.
Keep It Clean!
Whether you are doing it yourself or if you hire someone to help out, make sure that someone is constantly going around picking up empty glasses, napkins, hors d oeuvre plates etc. It will keep the festive party feeling going along with making the time spent cleaning up after the party to a minimum.
Sometimes It's The Littlest Things!
Make sure you have either twist off tops or pop tabs when you buy your beer...or else??? Have one of these on hand for sure!
Get It Together!
When setting up your "help yourself bar", make things easy and convenient for your guests. Group similar liquors togther. Have the taller bottles to the back and the shorter ones to the front so they are plainly visable. Have your glasses to one side with the ice bucket and tongs. Have your garnishes to one side and grouped by type as well and make sure to leave a fork or set of tongs for your guests to use when selecting their garnishes.
Left to right; glasses and ice, liquors in the center, mixers and then garnishes to the right. The flow follows the steps your guests are going to use in making their own cocktail!
Sparkling Glasses
A simple dish rag or towel with a few tablespoons of white vinegar on it is all you need to make your glasses sparkle. It will evaporate and leave you without any taste, but if you're still worried you can fill a shallow pan or plastic dish tub with hot water and add 2 cups of vinegar to it. Give things a soak, shake off excess water and let sit to dry. Or, if you have a dishwasher, you can add straight vinegar to the rinse aid compartment for an added boost.
Nuts Anyone?
Nuts are a terrific snack food to have at a cocktail party. They are fairly inexpensive, take little time to prepare and set out, and the combination of salty and sweet really goes well with cocktails. Be a little creative. Have a variety of flavors in small bowls placed strategically around your party area. There are a multitude of heats, smokiness, spiciness, sweetness and herbaceousness. Have little place cards in front of each one letting your guests know what they are popping in their mouth.....It may save some gasps or choking when they get a mouth of jalapeno peanuts!
Use a Grapefruit Quarter Slice or Twist
Grapefruit is an overlooked cocktail garnish. I like a twist with my martinis and a half-moon slice with my margaritas. It adds an alluring perfume without lemon’s acidity.
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