Summer

The METAXA Sour cocktail made with METAXA 12 Stars, in landscape orientation
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

3 Spins on Classics for July 4th

3 Refreshing Spins on Classics for July 4th

by David Klemt

The METAXA Sour cocktail made with METAXA 12 Stars, in landscape orientation

Our friends over at Rémy Cointreau want to help you celebrate the 4th of July with your guests, so they sent over these three enticing cocktail recipes.

Back in January of this year they sent us cocktails dedicated to the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz. And about four months ago, Rémy Cointreau shared National Cocktail Day recipes with us. In turn, we shared them with you.

More importantly, two of these builds are reinterpretations and refreshes of well-known classics. Below, you’ll find a reinvention of a Whiskey Sour and a Mojito.

There’s also a frozen Margarita, a perfect refresher for hot summer days and nights. Although, one can argue that this is a spin on the original, figuratively and literally since it’s going into a blender.

Of these three drinks, the METAXA Sour is the one I’m most eager to try. Most people are likely familiar with Cointreau and Rémy Martin Cognac.

However, they’re probably less acquainted with METAXA. Guests who appreciate a fine Cognac or complex whiskey or rum will likely enjoy METAXA 12 Stars. This brandy is the marriage of sweet Muscat wine from the Greek island Samos, fine wine distillates aged for up to 12 years, and Mediterranean botanicals.

Before being bottled, METAXA 12 Stars is aged in heavily toasted oak barrels for at least 12 months. Along with spice, expect dried citrus fruit, toffee, coffee, and chocolate on the nose and palate.

Personally, I recommend experimenting with METAXA 12 Stars (and its peer 7 Stars) in your brandy, bourbon, rye, and rum cocktails.

Cheers!

METAXA Sour cocktail, made with METAXA 12 Stars spirit from Greece

METAXA Sour

  • 1.7 oz. METAXA 12 Stars
  • 0.7 oz. Fresh lemon juice
  • 0.3 oz. Sugar syrup
  • 0.7 oz. Egg white, or 1 Tbsp. Meringue
  • Orange zest to garnish

The METAXA Sour is a spicy, citrusy, and bright take on the traditional sour. First, prepare a rocks by adding a large sphere or cube of ice. Next, simply add all of the ingredients (minus the garnish, of course) to a shaker filled with ice. Shake well, then strain, and dry shake to emulsify. Note: Some bartenders prefer dry shaking first, then adding ice, and then shaking again. Finally, pour into the prepared rocks glass, garnish, and serve.

Frozen Berry Margarita cocktail made with Cointreau

Frozen Berry Margarita

  • 1 oz. Cointreau
  • 2 oz. Blanco tequila
  • 0.75 oz. Fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 cup Frozen berries
  • 0.25 oz. Simple syrup
  • 5 Ice cubes
  • Speared lime wheel and berries to garnish

Break out the blender. Oh, and try to sell more than one at a time to be more efficient.

This recipe is easy: add all of the ingredients except the garnish to a blender. I bet you know what’s next—blend everything together. Pour into a Margarita glass, garnish, and serve.

The Rémy Mojito cocktail, made with Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal

The Rémy Mojito

  • 1.5 oz. Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal
  • 1 oz. Fresh lime juice
  • 0.5 oz. Simple syrup
  • 1 0z. Sparkling water
  • Handful of mint leaves to muddle
  • Mint sprig to garnish

This recipe is a bit of a departure from the traditional Mojito your guests know and love. Therefore, it’s a new way to re-engage with a classic and have a new experience.

Start by adding pebble ice, Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, lime juice, simple syrup, and a handful of mint leaves to a shaker. Per the recipe, using pebble ice should prevent the mint leaves from being broken and torn apart. Shake well, pour into a Collins glass, and top with the sparkling water. Garnish with mint sprig, and serve.

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor KRG Hospitality received compensation, monetary or otherwise, in exchange for this post.

Images courtesy of LaFORCE on behalf of Rémy Cointreau

Bar Nightclub Pub Brewery Menu Development Drinks Food

Código 1530 Mezcal bottle
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Summer 2022 is the Summer of Mezcal

Summer 2022 is the Summer of Mezcal

by David Klemt

Código 1530 Mezcal bottle

Move over tequila, rum and gin, because this year the drink of the summer is something different.

Summer 2022 is the Summer of Mezcal.

Traditionally, sure, we’re led to believe that lighter spirits (white rum, gin) are best for the hotter months. Of course, dark rum is another route people often take during the summer.

However, mezcal is on fire at the moment. In fact, it has been for the past few years now. So, why not feature it on your summer drink menu?

Mezcal adds depth and complexity to classic cocktails, engaging guests by offering new flavors. And, of course, mezcal is also a fantastic starting point for modern drinks.

Below you’ll find six summer mezcal recipes from Collin De Laval, company mixologist for Código 1530. He turned his attention to Código 1530 Mezcal Artesanal for the Summer of Mezcal.

To learn more about Código 1530 and De Laval, check out Bar Hacks episode 57. Cheers!

Código 1530 La Palomita

La Palomita

  • 1.5 oz Código 1530 Mezcal Artesanal
  • 0.75 oz Lime juice (fresh, of course)
  • 0.25 oz Aperol
  • 4 oz Yuzu-lime soda
  • 0.25 oz Simple syrup
  • Lime wheel or wedge to garnish

Prepare a cocktail glass with fresh ice. In a shaker, combine Código 1530 Mezcal, lime, Aperol and simple syrup. Shake well, pour into cocktail glass, top with yuzu-lime soda, and garnish with lime wheel or wedge.

Código 1530 Tropicana

Tropicana

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and prepare a cocktail glass with fresh ice. Shake vigorously, pour, and garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Código 1530 Mezcal Margarita

Mezcal Margarita

Prepare a cocktail or Margarita glass with fresh ice, then combine all ingredients in a shaker (also with ice). Shake, pour, and garnish with a lime.

Código 1530 Mezcal Ranch Water

Mezcal Ranch Water

Combine Código 1530 Mezcal, lime juice, and agave nectar in a cocktail or highball glass with ice, top with soda water, and stir.

Código 1530 Mango Mezcal Paloma

Mango Mezcal Paloma

In a shaker with ice, combine Código 1530 Mezcal and all three juices. Shake vigorously, strain into a highball glass with fresh ice, top with soda water, and garnish with grapefruit peel.

Código 1530 Mezcal Espresso Martini

Mezcal Espresso Martini

If you own, operate or are on the leadership team at a bar—or if you’re a bartender or server—you know the Espresso Martini has once again found itself having a moment. So, while you’re building out your summer mezcal menu, don’t forget this trendy drink.

Add all the liquid ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Pour into a Martini glass (consider preparing by chilling if you don’t already) and garnish with coffee beans.

Images courtesy of Código 1530

Vera Wang launches Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

New Sparklers for Summer Celebrations

New Sparklers for Summer Celebrations

by David Klemt

Vera Wang launches Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco

Operators can expect a massive amount of weddings to take place this summer and should angle to land rehearsal dinners and receptions.

After all, one driving element of pent-up consumer demand in Summer 2021 comes from 2020 weddings.

For many, weddings and other big celebrations call for bubbles. Well, just in time for summer celebrations come the releases of three challengers to Champagne’s throne.

Time for a PARTY

There is, perhaps, no designer or brand name more closely associated with weddings than Vera Wang.

The designer behind the eponymous label is largely credited with revolutionizing the bridal industry in the ’90s. Her bespoke wedding dresses remain the top choice for brides around the world. Of course, she also makes couture bridesmaid dresses.

Expanding ever since first dominating the bridal space, a bride can rock a Vera Wang ring and fragrance while wearing her Vera Wang wedding dress, standing across from a groom in a Vera Wang tuxedo and next to her bridal party in Vera Wang bridesmaid dresses.

And now, they can sip a Vera Wang sparkler at their rehearsal dinner and wedding reception.

 

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A post shared by VERA WANG (@verawanggang)

Earlier this year, the designer announced a limited release collaboration with Chopin Vodka. Now, she’s launching Vera Wang PARTY, a premium Prosecco.

So, you may be done with this phrase at this point, but we tend to drink with our eyes first. PARTY’s matte silver bottle and bright neon yellow lettering are a chic and modern take on sparkling wine presentation. I can already imagine plenty of fashionable brides wanting PARTY bottles on their rehearsal dinner and reception tables.

Vera Wang PARTY Prosecco matte silver and neon yellow bottle

And while the designer could likely justify pricing her Prosecco in the same range as the best-known Champagne houses, she has instead chosen restraint: the SRP for a 750ml of PARTY is just $25.

The label’s press release sums PARTY up thusly: “It’s what we could all use right now—a little bit of fun, a little bit of joy, and a new way to commemorate life’s meaningful moments.”

Half-size Heavy Hitter

To some, the only thing better than drinking bubbles is drinking rosé bubbles. For them, the pink hue screams, “We’re celebrating!”

Whether that means celebrating nuptials or a return to gathering and socializing this summer, Avaline is ready.

 

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A post shared by AVALINE (@avaline)

The clean, vegan-friendly wine brand is offering Avaline Sparkling Rosé, sold in 375ml bottles. This brand-new, small-run sparkler is just $25 per bottle.

Sparkling Rosé joins original Avaline labelmates Red and White, along with more recent releases Rosé and Sparkling.

Interestingly, it isn’t just Avaline’s focus on transparency building their deeply loyal fanbase. The Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power brand listens to their consumers to learn what to release next. After the release of Avaline Sparkling, the label’s community requested a sparkling rosé expression.

Avaline says people can expect rose petals, stone fruit and a hint of pomegranate on the nose and berry lemonade, tart peaches, and floral flavors.

Along with the rest of the Avaline lineup, Sparkling Rosé is sure to be popular during Summer 2021 weddings and other celebrations.

Vintage Vino

For vintage-loving sparkler fans, the latest Sonoma-Cutrer special release is the sip of this summer.

Sonoma Cutrer Grand Cuvée Late Disgorge 2014 Sparkling Chardonnay is a 60-40 blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Per Sonoma-Cutrer, drinkers Grand Cuvée Late Disgorge features red apple and pear most prominently on the nose. However, that aroma is complimented by notes of hazelnut, brioche bread, mineral, and Meyer lemon.

On the palate, expect apple fruit, nut, and light strawberry flavors balanced by Sonoma-Cutrer’s hallmark high acidity. Rich and complex without overwhelming the palate, Grand Cuvée Late Disgorge pairs well with light summer fare such as oysters, salmon caviar, and fruit tarts.

This stunning bottle of California sparkling carries an SRP of $43 per bottle ($34.40 for Club Cutrer members).

Big Event Business

In America, the wedding industry generates around $60 billion annually. That number doesn’t even include honeymoons, an industry in and of itself that can be worth up to $8 billion per year.

Obviously, restaurant, bar, hotel and event space operators should find those values compelling.

Operators capable of delivering on special events should be angling to land rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, and even engagement celebrations, bachelor, and bachelorette parties.

However, doing so means running a tight ship that pays attention to the details and delivers top-level service; developing relationships with wedding and event planners, and concierges; and keeping on top of current wedding and wedding-related trends.

Generating revenue after the horror show of 2020 and the first half of 2021 requires adapting operations. Moving into the event space—weddings, for example—can prove very lucrative.

Image: Vera Wang

Grand re-opening sign
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Which States are Reopening this Summer?

Which States are Reopening this Summer?

by David Klemt

Grand re-opening sign

Around one-third of America’s population is vaccinated fully and some states are easing restrictions.

Per the CDC, not exactly America’s favorite agency, more than 40 percent of Americans have received one Covid-19 vaccine shot. Just over 30 percent have completed the vaccine process.

So, which states are planning to reopen fully for Summer 2021? We have a list of some of the states that have made their plans to reopen 100 percent known so far.

California

The Golden State plans to reopen fully on June 15. According to doctors at the University of California San Francisco, the state is nearing herd immunity. However, Governor Gavin Newsom’s target date relies on two criteria:

  • Vaccine supply must be sufficient enough “for Californians 16 years and older who wish to” receive inoculation.
  • Hospitalization rates must remain low and stable.

Illinois

Per Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the plan is for the city of Chicago to be open 100 percent by July 4. Of course, that means reopening fully right in time for one of the biggest celebratory holidays of the year. However, Governor J.B. Pritzker says Illinois could reopen in as early as the start or middle of June.

Nevada

Governor Steve Sisolak plans for Nevada to reopen fully on June 1. That said, casinos in the Silver State have a slightly different timeline. With the exception of nightclubs, dayclubs and live performances, casinos will open 100 percent June 4 if all requirements are met.

New York

According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, the plan is to reopen New York City on July 1. Governor Andrew Cuomo hopes to reopen New York State fully before that date.

Texas

Governor Greg Abbott opened the state 100 percent back in March. However, judges in the state’s 22 counties still have the authority to impose Covid-19 mitigation strategies. Hospitalization rates in a particular county rising above 15-percent hospital bed capacity for seven days would be a triggering event.

As the vaccine rollout continues, it’s likely we’ll see more states announce Summer 2021 reopening plans. Still, operators should proceed with caution and remain in compliance with state, county and local Covid-19 rules. This is, after all, a fluid situation.

There’s light at the end of the tunnel but now’s not the time to be complacent.

Image: Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Sunglasses and beer on table at a bar
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Summer Stimmy, Hot Vax Summer

Summer Stimmy, Hot Vax Summer

by David Klemt

Sunglasses and beer on table at a bar

When considering event programming, operators should consider the zeitgeist of the current era in which we find ourselves.

Big brands monitor and leverage the cultural climate of a given time.

Operators can do the same, as long as they embrace authenticity, show a sense of humor, and avoid disrespect and appropriation.

Here are a couple examples operators can use for Summer 2021.

Summer Stimmy

Bud Light is tapping into America’s federal response to the pandemic—stimulus checks, to be exact—with creativity and a sense of humor.

Is it too soon? It doesn’t seem so—the levity is a welcome respite.

For all intents and purposes, it appears Bud Light is leaning heavier into the creative and promotional aspect than just humor.

Bud Light’s Summer Stimmy is a proposal to “make Summer 2021 even awesomer for people across America.”

The brand explains each “proposal” item as though they’re components of a bill up for consideration. For example, Part I, Section 1 of the Bud Light Summer Stimmy proposal carries the subtitle “Tons of Tix.” Bud Light proposes to give away 100,000 tickets for MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NWSL and WNBA events.

Part I, Section 2, More Awesomeness, proposes the nomination of Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski as Secretary of Summer. Additionally, the section proposes May 14 as National Gronk Day, his birthday.

Of course, Bud Light owns the term Summer Stimmy now. However, clever operators can get in on the fun (and profits) through their Bud Light rep. Or, they can get creative and come up with their own Summer 2021 promotions that leverage pent-up demand.

Hot Vax Summer

Even though it seems like forever ago, who can forget 2019 and Hot Girl Summer?

Megan Thee Stallion, one half of the infamous “WAP” duo, gets the credit for coining the phrase and creating the movement.

The “rules” for Hot Summer were simple: Women and men just needed to be “unapologetically them,” make having a good time a priority, and be free.

We all know what happened in 2020. There certainly wasn’t a Hot Girl Summer, Part Two.

Meeting new people, dating, hooking up… For the most part, none of that happened without Covid-19 tests and quarantining. That is, if those activities occurred at all.

But now we have multiple vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. AstraZeneca and Novavax have yet to be authorized by the FDA.

So, what are the Hot Vax Summer rules? Pretty simple: Get vaccinated (fully), get back out there to meet, interact and hook up.

And where do people tend to go to meet others? Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and dayclubs.

Whether to confidently and comfortably meet friends they haven’t seen for several months, make new friends, or kickstart dating, our businesses are where people want to be.

Operators need to ensure their venues are ready for the initial crush of guests clamoring to finally reclaim their social and romantic lives. So, prepare your outdoor areas; make sure indoor areas meet guest expectations for comfort so they can interact freely; and ensure your staff is ready for the welcome onslaught of eager guests.

Image: Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

White Claw Surge Blood Orange and White Claw Surge Cranberry hard seltzer cans
by David Klemt David Klemt No Comments

Summer of White Claw 2.0?

Summer of White Claw 2.0?

by David Klemt

White Claw Surge Blood Orange and White Claw Surge Cranberry hard seltzer cans

White Claw is ready to leverage the surge in pent-up consumer demand to get out and party this summer with their latest innovation, Surge.

The new expressions are notable for several reasons. The most obvious, of course, is that they ring in at 8.0% ABV.

Odds are strong that we may be on the verge of a Summer of Surge.

Summer of White Claw 2.0

Let’s look back at the brief but bold history of White Claw.

Imagine it’s 2016. Hard seltzer isn’t quite the powerhouse beverage category that it is today. There’s no snappy, “Ain’t no laws when you’re drinking Claws,” tagline. Neither is there a “ClawLife” hashtag…yet. However, White Claw launches.

Fast-forward to 2018. Fanatics are sharing their devotion to White Claw all over social media. They’re tagging posts #ClawLife. The memes are everywhere, as are the white cans of hard seltzer.

That leads us to 2019. It almost seems simpler to ask what Big Brands aren’t trying to copy White Claw’s success. Try as they might, nobody dethrones King Claw.

Summer 2019 is the Summer of White Claw. The brand essentially singlehandedly grows hard seltzer into the powerhouse beverage category it is today.

In 2021, the hard seltzer kingpin certainly seems set to take over summer once again with White Claw Surge Cranberry and White Claw Surge Blood Orange.

Surging Forward

White Claw Surge’s higher ABV—a boost from 5.0% to 8.0%—isn’t the only departure from the “standard” Claws.

Surge is available only in 16-ounce cans, whereas standard White Claw comes in 12-ounce cans and tall boy versions are 19.2 ounces.

Another big difference? Standard White Claw flavors in 12-ounce cans contain 100 calories. Surge, with 220 calories, has more than twice that amount.

 

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A post shared by White Claw Hard Seltzer (@whiteclaw)

Should White Claw Surge perform as expected, it will represent an interesting evolution in hard seltzer. For many, hard seltzer is a stand-in for beer and other beverage alcohol options because of its low calorie count. If higher-proof, high-calorie hard seltzer becomes popular, it’s a notable shift in consumer behavior.

#ClawLife 2.0

Surge isn’t the only innovation coming from White Claw in time for Summer 2021.

The new White Claw Iced Tea flavors will likely prove to be a popular refresher as the weather gets warmer. These expressions—Lemon, Raspberry, Mango, and Peach—are 100 calories and 5.0% ABV (in 12-ounce cans) like standard Claws.

There are also three new expressions of White Claw available in Variety Pack Flavor Collection No. 3: Strawberry, Pineapple, and Blackberry.

With all of these new hard seltzers on the market and pent-up consumer demand, it’s difficult to see how we’re not headed toward Summer of White Claw 2.0.

Image: White Claw

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