Leblon Cachaca and the Caipirinhas

Yes, it sounds like a band name, but is in fact, my new favorite summertime cocktail.

Leblon Cachaca (ka-SHA-sa) is a sugarcane liquor that can only be produced in Brazil. It differs from rum in that it is not made of molasses, but from fresh cane juice, fermented to produce a liquor similar in texture, alcohol content and taste to vodka, but with very subtle fresh and fruity aromas absent in vodkas.

I have been muddling drinks at home, but the Leblon Cachaca came with a far superior muddler than I had been using and is now a permanent fixture in my bar.

The Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil, made on a base of muddled lime and sugar, a shot of cachaca and whatever other ingredients your heart desires. This is a fun drink, not only because of the creativity involved, but that you can use pretty much whatever you have around to make a new concoction. My favorite is the mint caipirinha.

How to make a Mint Caipirinha:

1. Muddle 4 lime wedges, 2 mint leaves and a teaspoon of sugar in a rocks glass.

2. Fill the glass with ice and pour a shot of Leblon Cachaca over it.

3. Shake in cocktail shaker.

4. Drink up!

So easy! I have fallen in love with the possibilities of variation on this cocktail and will be hosting a make-your-own-caipirinha birthday party next month.

I picked up my bottle of Leblon at Kings Liquors on Berry St. More ideas for recipes can be found here.

They are running a pretty slick advertising campaign right now and although I usually tend to shy away from such things, have been delighted with the product so much, I had to spread the word to you fine people.

A modern spin on the Salty Dog

Distilled

I just love exotically flavored carbonated beverages, this concoction was a simple combination of my Jamaican favorite, Ting, a grapefruit flavored soda and my old stand-by, vodka. For this particular cocktail, I used a rather large highball glass, rimming it with just a touch of kosher salt, splashed a generous amount of vodka over ice and finished it off with a pour of Ting.

The tanginess of the grapefruit conceals the alcohol and the saltiness on the rim is a nice counterpoint to the sweetness of the fruit soda.

I used Tito's vodka, made in Austin, TX. It is five times distilled and the best quality vodka available at that price point. Of course, when I've got a little extra cash to spend, I always prefer Ciroc, Ketel One or Grey Goose.

There have been no outstanding wines lately, but you know that YOU will be the first to know.

Salut

Awesome Trade and Consumer Events in June

Hey folks!

Just wanted to let you know of some incredible wine dinners and tastings going on this month in the area.

Just to wet your palates: Women for Winesense event at the Viking showroom! Susanna Balbo at Lanny's! Argentine wine social at The Woodlands!!

Check out the following links to these spectacular wine events.

www.womenforwinesense.com

www.texacaliwines.com/whowhenwhere.cfm

Don't miss them, they will be invaluable opportunities to speak with the winemakers and taste their wonderful hand crafted art.

Salut

And for my first post....

WHITE

It's a Wednesday afternoon and after baking a mean butter cake, a gal needs to relax with a nice glass of white wine, Terlato Pinot Grigio 2005. While Pinot Grigio may not be taken seriously by the heavy red drinker, I encourage you to venture into the refreshing world of white with this spectacular bottling from the Russian River Valley. This terroir produces fabulous Pinot Noir and the Pinot Grigio is no different; bursting with rich melon and granny smith apple while being supported by a subtle acid backbone and refreshing minerality, this wine is perfect for a summer afternoon. Pair with Deborah's Farmstead Herb Goat Cheese and baguette for an afternoon nibblie.

A warning: this one is hard to find. I got mine on clearance at Whole Foods - Arlington. But ask for it at your favorite local wine retailer. I suggest Farpointe, Put a Cork in It, Central Market, Whole Foods, Big Daddy's and Kings.

RED

While I am not a wine shopper that relies on traditional labels for wine selections, I was given a bottle of Rombauer Merlot 2003. Admittedly, this spectacular wine sat in my wine fridge for about six months before uncorking last night for an impromptu steak dinner. Phenomenal, right out of the glass. Plush and fruity (blackberry, black cherry, cassis) with distinct graphite notes, supportive, but not overwhelming tannins. Paired with Filet mingon, buttery mashed potatoes and field greens tossed with homemade dressing and goat cheese rendered this one of the best meals I've had in weeks.

Find this one at your local fine wine retailer.

Distilled

While enjoying a late sushi lunch with a weary Austin traveler, we ordered the intriguing and aptly named, Saketini at Pirahana's Killer Sushi, downtown Fort Worth. The cocktails came in the ever-so-elegant glasses and I prayed to Bacchus that I had finally found a palatable martini establishment. Elegant stemmed glassware has a very special place in my heart...and pocketbook.

Momokawa Moonstone Pear Sake and vodka is shaken to perfection in this very slightly fruity imbibement that goes down ever so smoothly and compliments the Spider Roll quite nicely. It was a perfect divergence from the hot harshness of the traditional martini. Call me a novice, but I like them smooth.

Will be attempting at home soon, will keep you guys posted.

Salut,
Jasmine