Gold in a Bottle: Krug 168th It takes me about three days to taste most of the wine. The wine goes into the refrigerator sealed and dated. The next day, I pour another glass using two different style glasses – ISO and then a bucket – noting any differences. Does anyone else do this? This wine is monumental. The beauty and feeling of this wine are unphotographable. Any attempt to capture it would not be god enough. This wine is pale yellow. This wine is clear. This wine is sparkling. This wine is Old World with gold flakes sparkling racing to the top leaving me to wonder did they inject gold into this bottle. The professional term known as vivacious. This wine is wow. This wine is extraordinary prestige, a true cause for celebration. This wine is mouth watering citrus. This wine is a gingerbread nose. This wine is a first burp. This wine is delicate and very much alive. This wine is its unique identity with every sip. This wine is 198 different wines from 11 years. This wine is 52% Pinot Noir 35% Chardonnay and 13 % Pinot Menuier. This wine is grapes from 1996 to 2012. This wine is cork received 2019. This wine is champagne. This wine is KRUG 168th. This wine is exceptional. This wine is unforgettable. This wine is. This wine pairs well with the usual suspects: caviar, oysters, French fries, salmon, shellfish, frog legs, mushroom pâté, crispy cold salads, and ginger snap cookies. This wine retails for about $220 USA dollars. Drink now or hold. Buy two of you can. Where to buy the goods? Glasses and champagne stoppers and stuffs? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront. Please know I may earn commissions from eligible purchases. Thank you.
Ruinart Blanc de Blanc tasting This wine is straw-pale yellow. This wine is clear. This wine is flowers and pears. This wine sparkles with a light golden effervescence that playfully tickles and prickles the tongue. This wine is a classic let’s say continuously eccentrically a popping of delicate bubbles that almost instantly dissolve. This wine is Old World or as they say now, European. This wine is subtle chalk terroir. This wine is purity. This wine is art. This wine is stratification of creativity. This wine is easy. This wine is a mastery. This wine is champagne. This wine is resemblance to…This wine is Chardonnay grapes. This wine is Blanc de Blanc. This wine is the perfect dinner date. This wine is recognizably Ruinart Blanc de Blanc. This wine is. This wine pairs with caviar, oyster and seafoods, extra creamy pasta dishes, cheeses and sour cream cake with vanilla frosting. And popcorn. This wine retails for $80 USD. Drink now. Where to buy the goods? By goods, I mean wine glasses, plates, cake stands and champagne stoppers? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. Please know I may receive commissions for eligible purchases. Thank you so much!
Popcorn Martini I was thinking about cereal milk the other day and decided to try something new. I saw some popcorn and milk, and I went for it! I steeped the buttered popcorn in whole cow’s milk for two days using this similar to movie theater popcorn. You could use butter extract for the cocktail (I’m guessing), similar to what would be used for butter tasting notes in a wine class. For the garnish, a fancy French buttered popcorn works best. That’s what I did anyway. I could have made an ice cream and done something affogato-style, but why not try something different. So here we are. A buttered popcorn martini. Your movie nights may never be the same. Buttered Popcorn Martini 2 1/4 cups of buttered popcorn (1/4 cup reserve for garnish and munching) 1 1/2 oz of vodka of choice 1 oz of honey syrup (1:1 ratio) 2 1/2 oz of popcorn milk Method Pop popcorn. Steep buttered popcorn for two days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Strain with a fine mesh strainer. Pour ice and all ingredients into a shaker and shake, shake, shake until mixing tins are cold. Strain into a martini glass using a fine mesh strainer. Garnish with popcorn. Glass: Martini glass Garnish: Buttered popcorn Bar Chef notes: add a pinch of salt or add 3:1 ratio of honey for sweeter. Or both. Citric acid for clarification. Lemon peels for brightness, steep in milk. Where to buy the goods? Martin glasses popcorn and stuff? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront. Please know I may receive commissions for eligible purchases. By the way, do you prefer my storefront to be organized by recipe or set up for general browsing? Comment below! Thank you.
Classic Champagne Cocktail Try not to wince at what I am about to suggest. I didn’t invent it. Same stance with my post on Kir Royal. Sometimes there is a sometimes, and this is one of those times. Hear me out, this is one of the most elegant cocktails. I won’t try to sell it to you; the cocktail can do that itself. I chose Veuve Clicquot for this one because this wine has structure and finesse. This champagne is a Pinot Noir-forward champagne followed by Chardonnay grapes and Pinot Meunier grapes for balance. The honesty of the bitters and sugar cube with this wine creates a beautifully blended cocktail. It maintains bold bubbles bright minerality with spice and a hint of sweetness in the finish. This cocktail can be enjoyed anytime of day with or without food. I always picture it consumed in a sexy cocktail lounge bar. Poolside or at dinner. Basically anywhere anytime. I mostly prepare and serve them. The champagne cocktail pairs well with triple crème cheese and crusty baguette. This I know for sure, and I recommend you do too. Worth noting, this is one of the few times I drink champagne from a flute, if I can help it. Champagne cocktail recap: elegant, super simple. Just three ingredients. No excuse not to try this classic. Sugar cubes, bitters, champagne – that’s it! Build in glass, ready for serving. Classic Champagne Cocktail Ingredients Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Sugar cubes A few drops of Angostura bitters Method Place a sugar cube at the bottom of a champagne flute (chilled glass recommended) and add a few drops of Angostura bitters. The sugar cube will dissolve as you pour in the champagne, creating a delicious aromatic drink with a touch of sweetness and spices because of the bitters. Glass: champagne flute Garnish: none Side note: Bitters are herbal and spice extracts that often include botanicals and aromatics. “Traditional Bitters” do contain alcohol, although there are some modern versions that don’t. They are used in many cocktails to add balance or create a low ABV option (lowest being bitters and soda for example), remaining a staple in many bartender and home bars. Bar Chef Notes: There are several renditions of this cocktail. Some include cognac, some use only a sugar cube and bitters, while others incorporate a twist of orange and/or lemon, with some including all of the above and so forth. I prefer this version. It’s the one I have made the most throughout my career. Here it is, this is it. Where to buy the goods? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. I may receive commissions from eligible purchases. Thank you.
The Flower Star The day I received the email was the last day to enter the contest. The Bombay Sapphire Creativity contest. I didn’t read the fine print? I worked on the cocktail for a week, maybe two. Gin and non-gin drinkers tested all the drinks. This recipe a winner. Working title: The Flower Star Ingredients 2 oz of Bombay Sapphire1/2 oz Hibiscus Syrup1/2 oz of Green Chartreuse1/2 oz of Fresh Lemon Juice2 Bar Spoons of Agave Method Add all ingredients to a mixing tin. Add ice. Shake and fine strain. Glass: chilled Coupe glass Garnish: Gold dipped hibiscus flower or edible gold glitter hibiscus flower (gold leaf is best) *the how-to for this garnish here **agave should be fluid dilute with little water if needed sparkling hibiscus Please drink responsibly Where to buy? Blonde Behind hthe Bucket Storefront ***I may receive commissions from eligible purchases I originally posted this October 2022. An evergreen flashback Friday! Cheers! Cheers!
Bacon Fat Washed Tequila for the The Quick Test Drink Let’s talk fat washing. It’s a surprisingly simple process that packs a flavor punch, uh-huh. Picture this: a few sizzling slices of bacon in a pan, the aroma filling the kitchen as I whip up a delicious sandwich to pass the time faster than you can say… Once the bacon grease has cooled just a bit, not too much, a bit, I mix it with tequila and let the magic happen. After a few hours of infusing on the counter in a sealed container, I label it and pop it in the freezer for a dayish. Voilà! An exciting bacon-infused tequila ready to elevate your cocktail game, almost immediately. Why fat wash at all? What is fat washing?There are several reasons. Fat washing alcohol is a versatile technique that allows you to experiment with different flavors and create customized spirits for cocktails. Specifically, fat washing not only removes some color but also creates a softer,less potent, flavorful spirit and changes the mouthfeel of your drink. Various techniques exist for fat washing, including using agar agar (a vegetarian gel version), freeze-thaw methods with egg or meat fats, or clarifying with milks and acids. Or clarifying with milks and meat fats and so forth. I know! At the end of the day, you combine the fat with the alcohol and let them infuse. The fat is then separated from the alcohol, leaving behind the desired flavors. In fairness to my “it’s easy,” some are a little more complicated than others but that’s the gist and THIS particular version, making it easy. Bacon-infused tequila. I chose Reposado tequila for its age and translation. Reposado tequila is older than silver or blanco (aged for only two months) and younger than Anejo (aged for one to three years). Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a period ranging from two to twelve months. The term “Reposado” translates to “rested.” Used a couple of different types of bacon. All worked the same slight subtle flavors difference This is a 4 oz bacon fat wash. Cook bacon: Start by cooking a few (or eight) strips of bacon until they are crispy. Who’s counting? I don’t often eat bacon so when I do, I do. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside to cool on a cooling rack over a parchment or aluminum foil lined sheet pan is best to collect any drippings and for easy clean-up. Collect bacon fat: Pour the bacon fat from the pan into a clean heat safe container that contains the tequila. Make sure to strain out any bacon bits or solids, as they can affect the final flavor and texture of the tequila. Some say fresh hot bacon grease and some say slightly cool. Warmer is better. Just make sure it’s still liquid. Best for infusing the flavors. After you eat your sandwich half let’s say that’s a good time to combine the tequila and bacon fat. I use a quart deli container with a lid for storage. Little large but whatever. Infuse the tequila: Let the tequila and bacon fat mixture sit for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight if possible on the counter. This will allow the flavors to wed together and infuse the tequila with the sweet yet smoky, savory taste of bacon. Separate the fat: After the infusion period, place the container in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. I like a 24 hours day. The bacon fat will solidify and rise to the top, making it easier to remove. Check periodically. I did the first time I made it to make sure it was working. Strain the tequila: One hunk of fat is removed from the top, then the liquid needs a strain. Using a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth, strain the tequila to remove any remaining bacon fat. This will result in a smooth and pale yellow bacon-infused tequila. The filtering process can sometimes be a repeat two to three times situation but after magnifique. Worth the extra effort. Your bacon fat-washed Reposado tequila is now ready to be used in this cocktail or enjoyed neat or on a rock(s). For the cocktail I don’t have a name for this one. I’ll call it “The Quick Test.” You will either love it or hate it. If you have reached this far in the post, I’m guessing you’re going to try it and I’d say, love it! Ingredients 3 oz of fat washed tequila 1 bar spoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice 1/4 oz maple syrup 1 bar spoon (teaspoon) of agave Squeeze of orange to finish 1 stick of bacon 1 brûlée dehydrated orange Method Add a large ice cube to a bucket glass and set it aside. In a tin shaker, add all the other ingredients except the bacon strip and dehydrated orange. Give it a wake-up shake (or two) and pour it into the bucket glass. Squeeze a wedge of orange over the top, then add the bacon strip and dehydrated orange wheel. Glass: bucket glass Garnish: bacon dehydrated orange wheel Bar Chef Notes: maple agave candied oranges are also a great garnish if having the fat washed tequila on ice only. The fat clump that formed from the freezer can be removed by hand or using tongs. Where to buy the goods? Strainers, tins, cheese cloth, bar books, and stuff? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. *please know I may receive commissions from eligible purchases Last look. Isn’t it a beauty! Please be of the legal drinking age and please drink responsibly.
Sparkling Campari Water Blonde Behind the Bucket Sparkling Campari I know this isn’t my usual recipe with many ingredients, but the Campari does it for me. It arrives full-flavored and ready to pour (Yes, it is an acquired taste, I realize). I always like a little sparkle and texture mouth feel, so I opt for a couple of additional ingredients. Still less than most. Three isn’t bad, right? Besides, there is an elegance in simplicity. Simply add sparkling water and a couple of slices of grapefruit, close your eyes, and you will be transported to the Italian Riviera. What is Campari? Campari is an Italian liqueur known as a bitter. It is made of herbs, spices and citrus. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif; however, I say whenever. Some rules are meant to be broken. A couple of classic cocktails you may have heard or or even tried that showcases Campari is the Negroni and Negroni Sbagliato. It can also be infused with cocoa nibs (see my post here) for a delicious twist (no pun intended?) on your favorite Campari drink. For those of you looking for a complex drink with only a few ingredients, this is for you. Cheers! Blonde Behind the Bucket Sparkling Campari with Grapefruit Ingrédients: 2 ounces of Campari 2-3 ounces of San Pellegrino sparkling water 2 wedges of pink grapefruits One large ice cube Method: Gather all the ingredients. Add ice to a bucket glass. Using a jigger or estimating by pouring from the heart, pour Campari. Top it off with sparkling water. Add your grapefruit wedges. I prefer to cut off all the white pith from the fruit and expose the clean edge. This step is essential for creating a photo-worthy cocktail. In my opinion. Squeeze into the drink after taking the photo. Enjoy! Where to buy the goods? Bucket glasses, jiggers, cocktail tables (the one featured here is from West Elm), and more? Visit My Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront. Don’t worry if you click the link, as I won’t have access to any of your information or be able to see if you’ve actually made a purchase. Please be aware that if you do make a purchase, I may receive compensation for eligible purchases.
Ruinart Rosé Champagne 375ml This wine is pink and sparkling. This wine has a floral, fruity nose. This wine is red berries. This wine is crisp with bright mineral character. This wine is delicate and vibrant. This wine is champagne. This wine is specifically Ruinart Rosé Champagne. This wine is. This bottle is in a smaller format, measuring 375ml. This size bottle is equivalent to about two and a half glasses. Smaller format wines tend to age faster and are typically brighter and crisper. This wine is predominantly made from Pinot Noir grapes. It was gifted to me with the agreement that if I opened the bottle to pour a single glass, I would take the remainder home. This wine does not disappoint. This wine pairs with shellfish, cheeses (cow and vegan), pork pâte, salads and chocolate mousse and ganache desserts. This wine retails for about $50 USD retail. Drink now. Ruinart is one of the oldest Champagne houses in the world, founded in 1729 in Reims, France. Ruinart has a rich history and has been associated with art and culture throughout the years. The house has collaborated with renowned artists to create unique and artistic packaging for their Champagnes, reflecting their commitment to craftsmanship and creativity. Find out more from their website and social media accounts. Where to buy stemware, champagne toppers, ice buckets and stuffs? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront of course. Please know I will receive commissions on all eligible purchases.
My Earth Bowl Smoothie Earth Bowl Smoothie Earth Bowl Smoothie closer look What should I do when I want rice pudding, an acai smoothie, a magic bar and I want to use my coconut bowl made from an actual coconut? This. The smoothie bowl has an earthy, tangy, and bright zingy flavor that is both light and filling. Worth the mention, sure is pretty. And most certainly satisfying. The Earth Bowl Ingredients you’re going to need: Forbidden black rice Plant milk (unsweetened vanilla almond and low-fat coconut milk, my choice) Water Fine pink Himalayan salt Vanilla extract Vanilla bean (optional usually ok almost always necessary if you ask me) Turmeric (ground) Cayenne pepper Coconut palm sugar Brown sugar Mangos (frozen and fresh, if you can) Original Açaí frozen packet by Sambazon Walnuts (don’t forget to clean them) Roasted toasty coconut flakes Agave syrup Goji berries (optional) Cocoa Nibs (optional) Earth Bowl Smoothie Black Rice Pudding: Rinse 1 cup of black rice at least twice. If desired, soak overnight at room temperature and strain with a fine sieve. (I use Lotus Foods brand) In a rice cooker, combine the black rice, plant milk (unsweetened vanilla almond milk or low-fat coconut milk), vanilla extract, and water. Set the rice cooker to the brown rice setting. Once cooked, add coconut palm sugar, brown sugar, and fine ground Himalayan pink salt to taste. Stir well to combine. Add more milk if a more fluid consistency is desired. Remove from the rice cooker and let the rice pudding cool. Refrigerate until ready to build the bowl. Mango Açaí Freeze: Ingredients: 1-2 frozen packet of açaí 1 cup of frozen mangoes 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk 2 tablespoons of agave syrup 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric powder + dash of black pepper Dash to 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper Dash of Himalayan pink salt for good luck In a blender, Magic Bullet, or Vitamix, combine the frozen packet of açaí, frozen mangoes, unsweetened almond milk, agave syrup, turmeric powder, dash of black pepper and a dash of cayenne pepper. Blend all the ingredients until well combined and smooth Pour into a bowl (coconut bowl pictured here) Toppings: Toast coconut flakes in the oven or toaster oven on the broil setting until golden brown. Alternatively, toast them on a stovetop or single burner in a pan if an oven is not available. They should be slightly brown. Chop walnuts Remove edible flowers from the refrigerator (Optional) Add goji berries Method: In a bowl (I use a bowl made from an actual coconut) add the black rice pudding and the mango açaí smoothie mixture side by side. Sprinkle roasted coconut flakes and chopped walnuts on top. Garnish with edible flowers. (Optional) Add goji berries if desired. Gojis become crunchy. Extra texture and crunch bonus. Take a picture, or several and enjoy! Note: Please adjust the quantities and ingredients according to your taste preferences. Black pepper helps with turmeric absorption/activation. It’s a beauty and tasty.. An afterthought.. Where to buy the goods? You know coconut bowl and Cuisinart, a spoon and maybe goji berries.. Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront **I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you so much.
wine tasting The Domaines Rothschild Prestige Selection 2020 wine tasting The Domaines Rothschild Prestige Selection 2020 This wine is clear. This wine is ruby crimson. This wine is casis with berries. This wine is medium body with mild notable tannins. This wine is earthy. This wine is Old World. This wine is a Bordeaux blend. This wine is Rothchild Prestige Bordeaux Rogue Selection. This wine is. Domaines Rothschild Bordeaux wine refers specifically to wines produced by the Rothschild family, who are renowned for their winemaking heritage and expertise dating back to the 17th century. They have several prestigious wine estates in Bordeaux, France, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, and Château Clarke. These wines are highly regarded and sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Bordeaux wines are typically made from a blend of different grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec for red wines, and Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and Muscadelle for white wines. The specific blend of grapes used can vary depending on the winemakers and the specific appellation (region) within Bordeaux. The Prestige Collection is a reflection the of Les Domaines Barons de Rothschild to producing wines even if they don’t undergo the same long aging process. This wine is can be found on various wine websites. The price is around $16-$18USD per bottle. It can be paired with marinated tofu, mushroom dishes, cheese, and meats. Drink now. Please enjoy responsibly and be of the legal drinking age Where to buy glasses and decanter and corkscrews and stuffs related? Blonde Behind the Bucket Storefront