In a reversal of the growing fast growing trend, Boston has banned bottle service.
Most people see bottle service with VIP treatment at a hot club in a big city a special treat and a perk of being able to afford spendy bottles of booze. But one Boston official disagrees and is cracking down on the clubs that offer bottle service to their clients. His argument? That the price of the bottle causes patrons to feel they have to down the whole thing before the night is over which, consequently, steps on the toes of the “happy hour” law of a two-drink max per patron.
Hooray for the average guy!
Just before every bar stool in the nation required buying a full bottle of booze. I’ve been to clubs where every seat requires bottle service, it is a bit much.
As we slide into the heat of August (actually it is cold a foggy here in ess-eff) we found this great collection over on at FoodNetwork.com. They have 3 years worth of cool cocktails to go through, we love the Long Island Green Tea (pictured: photo FoodNetwork.com).
Revolution is my favorite club in Vegas. It is intimate, Beatles retro sheik and located right in the heart of the Mirage. Since we were staying at the Mirage, the location is ideal, just a short stumble to the room elevators!
I liked Revolution so much that I went twice. My last night in Vegas was a Party hosted by PINK Vodka at Revolution. What a great bunch if folks.
The club has a casual bar outside and inside is a room right out of Sleeper. Some of the bottle service areas have some of the cool new Microsoft Surface, it is like an interactive coffee table all controlled by an ashtray. This one was Beatles themed and way cool! It is a great addition to any club.
Pictured is a MS Surface creation of mine honoring our hosts!
Just in time for the derby, this involved, but oh so worth it Julep Recipe comes to us form the folks at Maker’s Mark. I think they know a bit about Mint Juleps.
The Perfect Mint Julep
1 liter Makers Mark
Lots of fresh spearmint
Distilled water
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
This recipe is involved but worth it. If you must skip # 1, mint extract can be purchased at the local grocery.
1. To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Makers Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.
2. To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool. Read the rest of this entry »
I had the pleasure to meet Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell at this past Fall’s whiskeyfest. Jimmy is a true legend in bourbon distilling, having been at it for 54 years. One thing Jimmy has learned in his years is that the perfect cocktail for the Kentucky Derby is the Mint Julep.
With 54 Derbies under his belt, Russell’s Julep has been precisely refined. He uses his higher proof of Wild Turkey 101, which produces a rich, deep and full taste.
Here’s Jimmy’s Julep recipe.
The 54 Julep
2 1/2 oz. Wild Turkey 101
3 sprigs of mint (six to eight mature-sized leaves)
1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 cup crushed ice
In a traditional silver julep cup or double-old fashioned glass, mull two sprigs of mint with the brown sugar and one ounce of Wild Turkey 101 for a few minutes, crushing the mint leaves with a spoon. Add the crushed ice, the rest of the bourbon, and garnish with sprig of mint.