This week’s drink comes to us from Wilmington, NC, mixologist & author Joel Finsel. In his words, “One of my favorite summertime drink creations is the Lotus. It’s light, clean and refreshing. Pairs equally well with sushi (particularly spicy bits or anything at all dipped in savory soy sauce and wasabi) and anything char-grilled.”

Created by Jonathan Pogash, The Cocktail Guru, New York City, served at the Empire Room, NYC. Courtesy of Bluecoat Gin.

The champion of cocktails!

Cucumber-Basil Collins An easy-to-make cucumber infused gin is the centerpiece of this refreshing cocktail …Read More

Manny Hinojosa, mixologist and bar manager at the Walnut Creek Yacht Club submitted this drink recently. He’s been mixing up some amazing cocktails and this one is no exception. Gin, Campari, fresh strawberry puree, a little lemon juice, simple syrup and of course balsamic vinegar give this cocktail a nice tang and touch of sweet.

This cocktail was invented by Harry MacElhone in 1919 at Ciro’s Club, London. He original used crème de menthe but switched it with gin at Harry’s New York Bar, Paris, in 1929.

What’s Up, Doc? Looking for a new way to add vegetables to your diet? Try this carrot cocktail. We can’t promise it’s good for you, but it sure is good. …Read More

“I never have more than one drink before dinner. But I do like that one to be large and very strong and very cold and very well-made.”

—James Bond, “Casino Royale”

The “one drink” that Bond is talking about is the Vesper—named after villain/love interest Vesper Lynd. Made with gin, vodka and Lillet, this martini variation, it is indeed very strong.

Extra credit info:

Bond was very particular about the brands used in his drink, … Read more