Cocktail Corner: Sweet Summer Sips

Eureka's new summer cocktails, courtesy photo.

Eureka’s new summer cocktails, courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Santo Mezcal's Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Santo Mezcal’s Margarita Jamaica, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Nothing says summer like sipping a Margarita on the rocks on 4th of July weekend, as far as I’m concerned, but if you want to mix it up a bit, there are lots of great cocktail options around town.

Switching out Tequila for Mezcal is one way to change things up, and Santo Mezcal (119 State St.) has some delicious options in that regard. Try the Margarita Jamaica with Mezcal (or Tequila) and spiced hibiscus syrup, lime and hibiscus flowers for a drink that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Sama Sama Kitchen (1208 State St.)  is always coming up with interesting cocktail concoctions, and right now they’ve

Sama Sama Kitchen's Cherimoya Daquiri, courtesy facebook.com.

Sama Sama Kitchen’s Cherimoya Daquiri, courtesy facebook.com.

got a seasonal Cherimoya Daiquiri on the menu, made with white rum, spiced liqueur, cherimoya juice, orange blossom honey and lime. Yum!  

Alberto Battaglini, the talented Mixologist at  S.Y. Kitchen (1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez), has a delicious Watermelon Cooler on the menu right

S.Y. Kitchen's Watermelon Cooler with gin, watermelon, lemon and gomme syrup, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Watermelon Cooler with
gin, watermelon, lemon and gomme syrup, photo by Elisabetta Antonacci.

now, made with gin, watermelon, lemon, gomme syrup. This is summer in a glass! 

And what could be more summery than a cocktail called Tan Lines, new on the menu at Eureka! (601 Paseo Nuevo) and made with vodka, Chareau Aloe, lemon, mint, watermelon and sparkling wine. 

Bar 29 (1134 Chapala St.) is a fun, newish place to do some summer sipping. New to their menu this month is The Arlington, made with Bourbon, White Peach, Grapefruit, Lemon and Honey.

The Arlington at Bar 29, Courtesy photo.

The Arlington at Bar 29, Courtesy photo.

Sweet and summery!

Viva!  (1114 State St.) has an extensive Margarita menu, including  a delicious Blackberry Margarita made with fresh lime, agave, and Combier blackberry liqueur.

And of course, we can’t leave out the Blood Orange Margarita at the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach (2981 Cliff Dr.), made with Mastero Dobel Blanco, blood orange, lime and  Triple Sec served with a salted rim. (Add fresh jalapeno for some heat!) Your cares will melt away as you watch the sunset over the water and sip this refreshing treat.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on June 30, 2017. 

 

Cocktail Corner: Eureka!

Eureka Holy Smokes cocktail, courtesy photo

Eureka Holy Smokes cocktail, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Conveniently situated just a hop, skim and jump away from our office, Eureka! (located at 601 Paseo Nuevo in the downtown mall) is one of my go-to places to grab a quick drink after work, and a slew of new menu items make it an even better place to drink and dine these days.

In addition to an extensive selection of American beers on tap, the cocktail program at Eureka! revolves around the restaurant’s commitment to serving all-American premium products, including over 40 small batch whiskeys, served straight, on the rocks or in one of their signature cocktails. Try a Whiskey Sour, an Old Fashioned or the Holy Smokes! with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, tart cherry liqueur, maple syrup, Aztec chocolate bitters, then smoked in house with hickory chips.

Eureka Butcher’s Flat Iron Dip, courtesy photo.

Eureka Butcher’s Flat Iron Dip, courtesy photo.

On the food side of the menu, the Butcher’s Flat Iron Dip topped with caramelized onions, pickled Fresno chiles, horseradish mustard aioli, Havarti, and side of au jus is delicious, as is the new Turkey Chipotle Burger with charred tomato salsa, avocado, feta, and arugula. 

Eureka Turkey Chipotle Burger, courtesy photo.

Eureka Turkey Chipotle Burger, courtesy photo.

On the appetizer side, try the Mac N’ Cheese Balls, a fun twist on an old favorite. I’m also a fan of the Osso Buco Riblets with sherry braised pork and firecracker aioli sauce, as well as the Lollipop Corn Dogs made with Polish sausage and a sweet corn batter and served with spicy porter mustard. All of the new—and classic—menu items, pair well with beer or whiskey, as does the new Bourbon Barrel Cake with candied pecans, caramel, and vanilla bean ice cream.

Eureka Whiskey Sour, courtesy photo.

Eureka Whiskey Sour, courtesy photo.

Father’s Day is coming up soon (June 18) and Eureka! has got a special treat for all of the whiskey-loving dads out there. Guests who celebrate Father’s Day will receive a complimentary engraved whiskey glass for dad, with any whiskey cocktail purchase.

Cheers! Click here for more Cocktail Corner columns.

Eureka Mac 'n Cheese Balls, courtesy photo.

Eureka Mac ‘n Cheese Balls, courtesy photo.

Eureka Bourbon Barrel Cake, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Eureka Bourbon Barrel Cake, photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on June 9, 2017.

Cocktail Corner: Hot Buttered Rum

Hot Buttered Rum from Eureka!, courtesy photo.

Hot Buttered Rum from Eureka!, courtesy photo.

A Spirited Toast to All Things Alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg 

These colder days put me in the mood for warmer drinks, like Hot Buttered Rum, a sweet, sentimental favorite that brings the flavors of fall to life. Our friends at Eureka! (601 Paseo Nuevo) have a tasty version available through Nov. 23 (which is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving). 

They were also generous enough to provide us with a recipe to make Hot Buttered Rum at home.

Ingredients:

3 bar spoons of Hot Buttered Rum batter

2 oz White Rum

Top with hot water

1 unsalted butter slice (1/8 inch thick, 1 inch x 1 inch)

1 cinnamon stick

Hot Buttered Rum Batter Recipe:

1 quart vanilla ice cream

1 lb unsalted butter

1 lb brown sugar

1 lb powdered sugar

3 tsp ground nutmeg

3 tsp ground cinnamon

Procedure:

1. In a large mixing bowl allow the ice cream and butter to sit at room temperature until soft/nearly melted.

2. Add the remaining ingredients

3. Using a rubber spatula gently mix the ingredients together.

3. Once the ingredients are decently mixed, use a bermixer to continue to mix until the batter is smooth.

4. Batter can be stored in reach in fridges behind bar during the day but should be kept in freezer overnight

Creating the Cocktail:

1. Using bar spoon place three spoonfuls of hot buttered rum batter into cocktail mug. Leave spoon in mug and do not rinse off

2. Pour 2 oz of house white rum into mug

3. Add hot water from hot water carafe

4. Using same spoon used to scoop batter, stir the mixture together until frothy.

5. Take pre-portioned butter slice and place on top of froth.

6. Garnish with cinnamon stick placed across the top of the mug (see picture)

Eureka! recommends enjoying this cocktail alongside the Chocolate Torte or Apple Crisp for the perfect combination. Sounds good to me.

Cheers! Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 28, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: Valentine-Themed Specials

For Valentine's Day, Eureka is featuring new specialty cocktails (L-R): It's Complicated and Facebook Official. Courtesy photo.

For Valentine’s Day, Eureka is featuring new specialty cocktails (L-R): It’s Complicated and Facebook Official. Courtesy photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Not sure of your relationship status? Just in time for Valentine’s Day (Feb. 8-15), Eureka! is offering two new specialty themed cocktails—amusingly dubbed “Facebook Official” and “It’s Complicated”—to help you figure things out (or figure out that you don’t really need to know …).

The FBO (Facebook Official) is designed to taste like a chocolate covered strawberry. Made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a house-made strawberry simple syrup, lemon juice and chocolate bitters, it’s certainly perfect for the season.

Not in the mood for something sweet, It’s Complicated is a spicy cocktail made with Anchor Junipero gin, beet sumac syrup and fresh jalapeños.

Eureka! is located at 601 Paseo Nuevo.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons Magazine on February 12, 2016.

Cocktail Corner: A Toast to Love and Valentines

S.Y. Kitchen's Valentine's Kiss cocktail, photo by mixologist Alberto Battaglini.

S.Y. Kitchen’s Valentine’s Kiss cocktail, photo by mixologist Alberto Battaglini.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Nothing says romance quite like a great bottle of wine or a sexy cocktail. Here are some ways to toast your beloved this Valentine’s Day.

The Santa Barbara Wine Collective has a special Valentine’s Day library flight of Babcock Cabernet Sauvignon

The Babcock Library Cabernet Flight, courtesy photo

The Babcock Library Cabernet Flight, courtesy photo

paired with local chocolate truffles created by Santa Barbara confectioner Jessica Foster. The flight includes Babcock’s 2004 Nucleus Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Nucleus Cabernet Sauvignon, 2012 Block 15 Cabernet Sauvignon and a special release of Babcock’s “Naughty Little Nectar” Late Harvest Pinot Gris. All wines will be paired with Jessica Foster Truffles and winemaker Bryan Babcock will be on hand from 4-7 p.m. to offer an in depth look at each wine. The Santa Barbara Wine Collective, 131 Anacapa St., www.santabarbarawinecollective.com, 805/456-2700.

Jessica Foster Confections, courtesy photo.

Jessica Foster Confections, courtesy photo.

Chef Derek Simcik at Outpost has created a special “Get Your Freak On” aphrodisiac-filled Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe menu that includes: oysters with pork cheek, green curry and coconut (aphrodisiac: oysters & spicy chilies in the curry); rabbit with soba noodles, red wine, pomegranate, pine nuts (aphrodisiac: red wine, pomegranate and pine nuts); and a special Cocoa Boba Tea made with cocoa and cayenne (aphrodisiac: cocoa, cayenne pepper). In addition, bartender Chris Burmeister will have a number of specialty “love potions” – available all weekend at both Outpost and Good Bar, including: Roses are Red (Vodka, passion tea infused aperol, rose water, prosecco); Violets are Blue (Gin, dolin blanc vermouth, blueberry syrup, crème de violet, lemon juice), Between the Sheets (White rum, Cognac VSOP, Cointreau, simple syrup, lemon juice) and With a Bottle of Booze (Tequila, carpano bianco, Pimm’s No 1, Peychaud’s Bitters). Outpost and Good Bar at the Goodland Hotel,  5650 Calle Real, Goleta, www.outpostsb.com, 805/964-1288.

The very romantic dining room at the Wine Cask features a special three-course menu with chocolate truffles from Jessica Foster Confections (she’s obviously in demand this holiday season). The Wine Cask, 813 Anacapa St., www.winecask.com, 805/966-9463.

El Beso De Luz, courtesy Casa Noble

El Beso De Luz, courtesy Casa Noble

Not every man can serenade his sweetheart the way Carlos Santana can, and the man can also mix a mean cocktail. Santana named this drink El Beso de Luz (The Kiss of Light) as a tribute to his wife Cindy, because the first sip of the cocktail reminded him of the feeling one gets when they first

The Raspberry Kiss cocktail from Eureka! , courtesy photo.

The Raspberry Kiss cocktail from Eureka! , courtesy photo.

fall in love. Combine 2 oz Casa Noble Crystal Tequila with ½ oz Licor 43 and 1 oz Lime juice. Then squeeze an orange wedge over the cocktail and drop it into the glass. www.casanoble.com.

Eureka! is offering both His & Hers Special Valentine’s Day Cocktails. His is a collaboration with Mission Brewery on a version of their Dark Seas Russian Imperial Stout that was aged for eight months in Four Roses Bourbon Barrels.  Hers is the Raspberry Chocolate Kiss cocktail featuring Prichard’s Double Chocolate Bourbon, raspberry gomme syrup, and red grapefruit juice. Both are available from Feb. 9 on. Eureka! , 601 Paseo Nuevo,             www.eurekarestaurantgroup.com, 805/618-3388.

Les Marchands has a Valentine’s Day menu designed to inspire passion. Begin with Oysters on the Half Shell with Champagne Mignonette and then sample one of Chef Weston Richard’s acclaimed Ramen dishes—a Pork Belly Ramen for carnivores or, for vegetarians, a Roasted Butternut Squash Ramen. For dessert, a Dark Chocolate Mousse with Earl Grey Custard, Strawberries, Pistachio and Chocolate Tuile (sounds amazing!). Available from 4-10 p.m. with no reservations required and à la carte pricing, this is a great option for people who don’t like to plan far ahead. In addition, a flight Rosé hand-selected by Brian McClintic MS is available. Les Marchands Wine Bar & Merchant, 131 Anacapa St., www.lesmarchandswine.com, 805/284-0380.

The romantic S.Y. Kitchen Firepit at Night , Photo by Rocco Ceselin.

The romantic S.Y. Kitchen Firepit at Night , Photo by Rocco Ceselin.

Just over the hill, S.Y. Kitchen has a San Valentino dinner designed for romance. Beginning with a first course for two of a Branzino Carpaccio with Osetra Caviar and Dill Crème Fraiche, guests will share Sous Chef Francesco’s House-Made Ravioli with Porcini and Black Truffles. The main course is a choice of a tender Filet Mignon with Foie Gras, Pineapple and Port Reduction or a Maine Lobster Catalana, to be selected by each guest. Chef Francesco will prepare a Chocolate Trilogy for the table completing a perfect Valentine’s Day evening in the Valley. Plus, Mixologist Alberto Battaglini has crafted his special Valentine’s Kiss cocktail —a stunning presentation of Rose Infused Gin with Lime, Lemon, Rose Liquor and Lavender. S.Y. Kitchen, 1110 Faraday St., Santa Ynez, www.sykitchen.com, 805/691-9794.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on February 6, 2015.

 

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: Drink Pink

The pink-a-licious "Pink Dragon" at the Biltmore's Ty Lounge (courtesy photo)

The pink-a-licious “Pink Dragon” at the Biltmore’s Ty Lounge (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

October is the perfect time to think pink and drink pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Why not try the pink-a-licious “Pink Dragon” at the Ty Lounge at the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore (1260 Channel Dr.)? Made with Casamigos blanco tequila, Trimbach Liqueur Framboise, peach and strawberry shrub and exotic dragon fruit, this pretty-in-pink drink is not just tasty, it’s good for the soul:  10% of your proceeds benefit Cancer Center of Santa Barbara.

Another pink drink option is next weekend’s Crown the Town “Breast Drink” edition.  On Saturday, Oct. 12,  from 3–6 p.m. guests can go on a self-guided quest to find the “breast drink” in town!  Arch Rock Fish (608 Anacapa St.), Eureka! (791 Chapala St. in Paseo Nuevo), Chase Restaurant & Lounge (1012 State St.), Finch & Fork Restaurant (31 W. Carrillo St. in the Canary Hotel), Wildcat Lounge (15 W. Ortega St.) and Blue Agave (20 E. Cota St.) will all be pouring specialty “pink-infused” cocktails in honor of the occasion.  At the final stop guests vote on their favorite pink drink and the winner is crowned.

Sounds like a great girls night out to me! Presale tickets are just $30 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara.

If you know of any other pink drink celebrations in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please let me know. I’d love to share them with our readers.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns.

Originally appeared in Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine.

Leslie Dinaberg

Leslie Dinaberg

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”