Our new friends at Nirvino have been filming San Francisco’s best barterteder’s making some incredible cocktails. In this episode, Danny Louie shows us how to make his cool summer creation, the Peony. This refreshing cocktail combines gin, coconut milk, flower water, chili and an easy to make hibiscus masala nectar.

get the whole recipe at nirvino
Dosa - SF

Today June 12th, marks the anniversary of a tragedy committed over 250 years ago.

In 1744, the Portuguese Crown declared that the production, distribution, and sale of Cachaça, Brazil’s noble spirit, would be illegal in the Portuguese Colony of Brazil. Fortunately for us all, the Brazilians rebelled and the virtues of Cachaça won.

Still over 250 years later, Cachaça, is still being tortured. Why, in many countries, including here in the United States, Cachaça is recognized officially as Brazilian Rum. Not Cachaça. Cachaça was invented nearly five hundred years ago in Brazil, in the early 1500’s, 100 years before its Caribbean cousin, Rum.

Cachaça is not Rum. Cachaça is made from Fresh Cane Juice and Cachaça can only come from Brazil. Run is made from molasses and can be made anywhere.

As the Third Most Consumed Spirit in the world, and the key ingredient to Brazil’s National Cocktail, the Caipirinha, we believe Cachaça deserves to be recognized as just that: Cachaça, and not Brazilian Rum.

Now the good folks at Leblon Cachaca want you to join in the fight on International Cachaça Day, today June 12th, to recognize Cachaça’s true place in our hearts, on our minds and at our bars. Join us in cities around the world to show your support for this critical cause: Recognize Cachaça. Brazil’s Noble Spirit.

Back in March we attended the Nightclub & Bar Conference in Las Vegas. One of the highlights every year are the lovely ladies that promote everything from energy drinks to mini bowling for bars. Enjoy this little video of our favs.

Booth Babes 2008

Long banned from broadcast, many brands are now tipping there toes into broadcast. The latest comes from Absolut.

From the press release:

..ABSOLUT “Hugs,” continues the brand’s iconic tradition. Part of the “In An Absolut World” campaign that depicts scenes from an idealized world as envisioned by the brand, the spot sends a message of hope during these difficult times, suggesting people should exchange hugs and other signs of affection rather than currency. “Hugs” features a classic soundtrack by beloved jazz artist Louis Armstrong.

Dan Aykroyd’s new Crystal Head Vodka is making it’s rounds on the Internets. Why shouldn’t it. Even if the vodka is no good, the bottle is a glass skull! Who would want to have few glass skulls around the house. The vodka comes complete with the story of the 13 Crystal Heads.

Aykroyd explains,

“brought together, the Crystal Heads are said to contain vast knowledge and enlightenment capable of unlocking our most enigmatic ancient mysteries. Alone, each is believed to house radiant psychic energy, which has magical powers and healing properties.”

See him expound on the story and the making of the quadruple distilled vodka in the video below.

Crystal Head is the “IT” favor for any Halloween party this year.

more pictures at NotCot
Crystal Head Vodka

It had to happen. Absolut and LX.TV have created a new reality show looking for Amreica’s Top Bartender. The series called, On the Rocks” features 12 episodes in which 10 aspiring bartenders compete for $100,000 and the title “America Top Bartender”.

Watch the trailer here and get some tips on what makes a good bartender.

On The Rocks - LX.TV

Maker’s Mark is covering the Election Season with a decked out bus traveling the country. On the bus is a group of ‘journalists’ chronicling the party through a blog and video reports from “Makers Mark News”. See the fisr installment below.

Check out the site to see when the bus rolls into your town. Unfortunately, they aren’t rolling through SF.

Maker’s Mark News, Videos and Humor - Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey