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Cocktail Corner: Simmering Sangria

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Sandra Lee's Hot Spiced Sangria (from Foodnetwork.com)

Sandra Lee’s Hot Spiced Sangria (from Foodnetwork.com)

Sangria is one of my favorite warm weather libations, but until our recent uber cold front (quite unusual for Santa Barbara) I had never thought about serving it warm.

But I was recently gifted with a bottle of the new Eppa SuperFruit Sangria (available at Whole Foods) on the same day a recipe for Sandra Lee’s homemade simmered sangria landed on my desk from the Food Network and I thought, why not try it the super easy way? So I threw a few cinnamon sticks in a saucepan and warmed that puppy up. Not only did it make my whole house smell delicious, a few sips of that sweet spicy taste had visions of sugarplums dancing in my head! (An exceptionally welcome treat around during this busy holiday season.)

Here are links to a few more warm sangria recipes—in case you actually want to make it yourself.

This just might become a new holiday favorite:

The Wine Fugitive’s Warm Sangria

Southern Living’s Warm Spiced Sangria

Hot Sangria from Epicurious

Spiced Apple Sangria from My Life as a Mrs.

Leslie Dinaberg, photo by Derek Johnson

Leslie Dinaberg, photo by Derek Johnson

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS Magazine, 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 December 20, 2012.

Cocktail Corner: Joe’s Cafe

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Joe's Cafe, Courtesy Photo

Joe’s Cafe, Courtesy Photo

I had my first legal drink at Joe’s.

It was something called a Brain Tumor, and while I can still appreciate the architecture of this layered, brain-like concoction, it’s definitely a cocktail that only a 21-year-old could love. Made of Bailey’s Irish Cream, Peach Schnapps and Grenadine, it’s disgusting looking, as I would imagine a brain tumor would be.

Needless to say, that night was my first and last adventure with that particular fusion of heavy, sweet and heavy and super sweet and heavy alcohol—but the first of many, many, many fun nights spent at Joe’s.

With the well-earned tagline of “Joe’s Cafe—Stiffest Cocktails—Greatest Atmosphere,” this is definitely a favorite downtown spot. They pour a good, stiff drink, at a price that’s not too steep. Plus, you’re just about guaranteed to run into someone you know. This place is a frequent hangout for just about everyone who grew up here (and their grandfather). It’s not unusual to find multiple generations of Santa Barbarians celebrating at Joe’s.

I’ve started—and ended—many a memorable night there, including my wedding night. When the reception closed down at midnight we took the party downtown to Joe’s, where the first round was on the house.

My niece recently turned 21 and celebrated at Joe’s too. But I’m pretty sure she had the good sense to order a Margarita.

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Photo by Derek Johnson.

Photo by Derek Johnson.

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 January 4, 2013.

Cocktail Corner: The Heat of Passion at Alcazar

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Alcazar's Heat of Passion cocktail. Courtesy Photo.

Alcazar’s Heat of Passion cocktail. Courtesy Photo.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  

By Leslie Dinaberg

The sultry Heat of Passion is sweet, hot and spicy and certainly my favorite cocktail at the moment. Alcazar (a great little hole-in-the-wall tapas place on the Mesa) makes this Habanero Chile-infused Tequila concoction with fresh passion fruit puree, lime, sweet & sour and a rim of sugar in a martini glass. It’s truly one of the most delicious cocktails I’ve ever had.

My sister—who lives just a short walk away from Alcazar, which is convenient if you want to drink more than one Heat of Passion (and it’s hard to resist)—turned me on to this drink and now, well, I’ve got the hots for it too.

Just spicy enough for cold winter nights and sweet enough for hot summer days, this cocktail is a perfect treat any night of the year, especially when paired with food that packs some heat. Try the Gambas Chipotle or Aaron’s Salad if you really want to get carried away!

Psst. The Heat of Passion is also served downtown at Milk & Honey, Alcazar’s downtown sister restaurant.

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Leslie Dinaberg, hard at work. Photo by Derek Johnson.

Leslie Dinaberg, hard at work. Photo by Derek Johnson.

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 December 26, 2012.

 

Cocktail Corner: National Hot Toddy Day

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Jack Daniel Hot Tennessee Toddy (courtesy photo)

Jack Daniel Hot Tennessee Toddy (courtesy photo)

Today (January 11) is National Hot Toddy Day. How cool is that? FYI, a “hot toddy” is a warmth-inducing yummy drink made with honey, lemon, hot water, and the spirit of your choice (usually whiskey, brandy, or rum). Hot Toddies are a perfect way to warm up on a cold winter day (particularly when catching up on the latest episode of Downton Abbey). Rumor has it that a nice stiff Hot Toddy can also relieve cold or flu symptoms.

According to Wikipedia, “Traditional Northern British preparation of a hot toddy involves the mixture of whisky, boiling water or warm milk, and sugar or honey. Additional ingredients such as cloves, a lemon slice or cinnamon (in stick or ground form) may be added.”

Wikipedia also says “A common version in the Midwestern United States uses Vernors Ginger Ale, lemon, honey and Bourbon whiskey. In Wisconsin, brandy is often used instead of bourbon. In Southern California the version includes tequila.”

Personally I prefer Jack Daniels, although I have to admit I haven’t tried tequila. Good old Jose Cuervo definitely has some belly-warming possibilities.

There doesn’t seem to be much agreement on the origin of the term. Some suggest that “Hot Toddy” comes from the Toddy drink in India, which is produced by fermenting the sap of palm trees. Others say that Hot toddies originated in Scotland sometime during the 18th century. Some historians believe that the recipe was developed to make the taste of Scotch whiskey more palatable to women, while still others posit that the word “Toddy” evolved from “Tod’s well” (also known as Todian Spring), which is the water supply for Edinburgh.

Whatever the origin, it’s supposed to be cold one, which is a good reason to warm up a Toddy tonight! Cheers

P.S: January 11, 2013 is also Milk Day. Go figure!

Photo by Derek Johnson.

Photo by Derek Johnson.

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 January 11, 2013.

Cocktail Corner: Margaritas at the Paradise Cafe

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Paradise Cafe Margarita, courtesy photo

Paradise Cafe Margarita, courtesy photo

My childhood smelled like Coppertone, my teenage years like Love’s Baby Soft, and my 20’s smelled like the Margaritas at the Paradise Cafe (702 Anacapa St., Santa Barbara, 805/962-4416).

I had one the other night and I could swear I heard the Bangles singing about “A Hazy Shade of Winter” in that glass.

Simple, straightforward and consistently delicious, the Paradise Margaritas are poured straight up on the rocks, with Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila. There’s no need to fool with fancy Farmers’ Market infusions here, no muddling around with mango and papaya necessary—these Margaritas taste exactly like a Margarita should: tangy enough to make your lips pucker, sweet enough to make everyone around you look prettier and strong enough to make your companions wittier, if not downright hilarious.

They’re great on their own, but even better with a side of what have to be the best French Fries in town. Plus, believe it or not, the Paradise still has $4 Happy Hour Margaritas (Monday-Friday from 4:30–6:30 p.m.), a miracle as cocktails are often in the $12–$15 range these days, and rarely as good as this one.

When most people walk into the Paradise Cafe’s bar, they feel as though they’re stepping back into the 1930s— the welcoming red and green neon sign, the art-deco light fixtures, the full length Aztec warrior mural all speak of a simpler, friendlier time—but it’s all about the 1980s for me, a carefree time full of friends, fun and always a Paradise Cafe Margarita.

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Photo by Derek Johnson.

Photo by Derek Johnson.

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 January 17, 2013.

 

Cocktail Corner: Toasting the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Even movie stars shine a little brighter when you give them a perfect cocktail. Since the stars will be out in full force this week, here’s where I would take some of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival VIPs out for drinks:

Harry's (courtesy photo)

Harry’s (courtesy photo)

Golden Globe winning director Ben Affleck, whose terrific film Argo seems to be the Oscar front runner at the moment, is a down-to-earth guy who would appreciate the local charm and flavor of Harry’s—not to mention the generous drinks. Perhaps after he receives the Modern Master Award on January 25 he’ll join us for a Dirty Martini at Harry’s. Made the old-fashioned way, with Bombay Gin, Dry Vermouth, a splash of olive juice, and a “family of olives,” like Affleck, this drink is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The Biltmore's Smoked Maple Manhattan (courtesy photo)

The Biltmore’s Smoked Maple Manhattan (courtesy photo)

This Saturday night the whole town’s got a date with Daniel Day Lewis when he accepts the Montecito Award on January 26.

Be still my heart.

After years of lusting after Daniel Day Lewis (for his brain, of course, not to mention his smoldering Irish accent) I think its only fitting that before he takes the stage at the Arlington that night we should enjoy an ocean view sunset cocktail together at Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore in Montecito. I think Daniel would appreciate the poetry of a Smoked Maple Manhattan, made with hickory smoked Maker’s Mark bourbon, Bliss maple syrup infused vermouth, shaken straight up and garnished with a brandied cherry or two.

Quentin Tarantino will receive the American Riviera Awardon January 30. He’s a great raconteur in any setting, but I think he’d revel in both the view and the cocktails at The Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach, one of Santa Barbara’s loveliest spots for drinks. My personal favorite is the Blood Orange Margarita, made from El Charro 100% Agave Tequila, with fresh blood orange juice, fresh lime, Triple Sec and a splash of sweet and sour, served on the rocks. I also love the Honeycomb Mojito: Myers Platinum Rum with honeycomb simple syrup, a squeeze of lime, mint, and a splash of club soda.

The enchanting Amy Adams is in town next Thursday, January 31, to receive the Cinema Vanguard Award for her work in The Master. This woman’s versatility is amazing. I’ve loved her in everything from serious dramas (Doubt, The Fighter) to lighthearted films (Enchanted, The Trouble With the Curve). I’d take Amy to Kunin Wine Tasting Room on the Urban Wine Trail. I think she’d appreciate the elegance and local flavor of this great spot, as well as a glass of Seth Kunin’s 2007 Santa Barbara County Syrah. Crafted from three different local vineyards, it’s a smoky, spicy taste of Syrah—and Santa Barbara.

Kunin Tasting Room (courtesy photo)

Kunin Tasting Room (courtesy photo)

Finally Jennifer Lawrence, who was fabulous in both the Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook this year, will receive the Outstanding Performer of the Year award on Saturday, February 2. I think she’d enjoy cocktails on the patio at Blush. I have a feeling she’d like one of their fruity fun libations, like the Melted Popsicle (Stoli Raspberry Vodka, Cointreau, fresh oranges, cranberry and lemonade) or Pineapple Smash (Pineapple-infused Skyy Vodka, agave nectar, lime juice, pineapple and jalapeno). Who knows, we might even go ballroom dancing later … when Bradley Cooper shows up.

Seriously, if any of you are reading this—especially Daniel Day Lewis—drinks are on me. Cheers!

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Leslie Dinaberg, hard at work. Photo by Derek Johnson.

Leslie Dinaberg, hard at work. Photo by Derek Johnson.

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 January 25, 2013.

Cocktail Corner: Cajun Martini at the Palace Grill

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

Cajun Martini at the Palace Grill in Santa Barbara

Cajun Martini at the Palace Grill in Santa Barbara

It’s always Mardi Gras at the Palace Grill (8 E. Cota St., 805/963-5000), the closest you can get to New Orleans while staying in Santa Barbara. With Mardi Gras coming up on Tuesday, I’ll be getting into the spirit of things here in town with one of my favorite cocktails: “The World Famous Palace Cajun Martini.”

The first thing you need to know is that this puppy is strong.

Seriously strong. This is not a cocktail for wimps.

There’s a good reason why the Palace limits guests to just one Cajun Martini. Trust me, one is more than enough!  The vodka is chilled and marinated in the freezer with fresh Jalapeños and a kiss of Vermouth. Spicy hot, ice cold and strong, it’s a perfect accompaniment for the Cajun Crawfish Popcorn, which is so delicious that just typing those words makes my mouth water.

It’s served in a Mason jar, over ice, with a Martini glass and cherry peppers, so you can pour your own and pace yourself.

The food at the Palace has been consistently fabulous since they opened back in 1985. I’ve never had a bad meal there, and since I discovered the Cajun Martini, I’ve also never failed to order it.

Louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé at the Palace Grill (courtesy photo)

Louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé at the Palace Grill (courtesy photo)

If Martinis are not your thing, I hear from reliable sources that the Palace Caribbean Rum Punch is also very tasty.

The other thing I never fail to order at the Palace is the Louisiana Bread Pudding Soufflé. I don’t normally bother with desserts that aren’t chocolate, but this tasty blend of soufflé and bread pudding, laced with Grand Marnier and raisins, and served piping hot with whiskey cream sauce is amazing.  Trust me, this is one dessert that’s well worth the calories.

Don’t fret if you can’t make it to the Mardi Gras celebration this Tuesday. The Palace celebrates Fat Tuesday every Tuesday night with the lively accordion sounds of Michael Guttin and Mardi Gras beads for all (ask anyone who’s ever visited New Orleans what you usually have to do to get those).

P.S: If you do end up overindulging in Cajun Martinis, we’ve got four Cajun Kitchens in town with homemade biscuits and delicious country breakfasts to soak up that well-earned hangover. Cheers!

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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 February 8, 2013.

 

 

Cocktail Corner: How to Make a Sidecar with Rachel Maddow and Dita Von Teese

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

I love pretending I’m Rosalind Russell and ordering old-fashioned cocktails. Must be the journalist’s fascination with His Girl Friday.

Phrases like, “How ’bout a Sidecar, doll face?” and “Gimme an Old Fashioned, the old-fashioned way,” just trill off the tongue, don’t they?

Anyway, when I stumbled across this video of one of my favorite journalists—MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow—demonstrating how to make a Sidecar, I just had to share it.


If Rachel’s not your cuppa tea, here’s a cute boy bartender demonstrating how to make a Sidecar.

And finally, the history of the Sidecar with Dita Von Teese and some guy with a really fake moustache.

If you don’t feel like making your own, Sly’s in Carpinteria has a wonderful menu of vintage cocktails to choose from, including a Sidecar circa 1917. Cheers!

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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 February 15, 2013.

Cocktail Corner: Red Carpet Cocktails

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A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

The Academy Awards are on Sunday. My money’s on Argo to take home the biggest prize of the night—and firmly cement the Santa Barbara International Film Festival as the must-stop red carpet event to strut your stuff on the way to the Oscars. I’m still marveling at how many Oscar-bound stars made it to the festival this year.

Meanwhile, for those of us who won’t be at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre this weekend, the competition for Oscar-inspired libations is every bit as fierce as the race for Best Picture. Here are some red carpet cocktails to make your home viewing party a hit!

Do your favorite films and your favorite cocktails match up? You’ll have to watch—and try—them all to make an educated decision.

Amour

While beautifully shot and acted, to say this movie is a downer is the understatement of the year. However, CookInDineOut.com’s version of The Amour cocktail is a sparkling champagne cocktail designed to invoke the earlier romance of the movie’s couple. Plus, a few sips of this might help you brace yourself for the intensity of the movie.

Argo

Bacardi USA mixologist Manny Hinojosa (how’s that for a cool-sounding job title?) has come up with a delicious-sounding Argo-inspired Scotch-Campari cocktail with elderflower liqueur, basil and ginger ale, The Diplomatic Escape.  Certainly one of the most purely entertaining movies in the bunch, a little Scotch can only help this film go down even smoother.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Cajun Lemonade is a great treat to celebrate this bayou-themed beast. This spiked version from Food & Wine includes a generous splash of Vodka (or Rum), but nine-year-old star (and nominee) Quvenzhané Wallis—who gives an amazing performance in this haunting film—should probably stick to good old lemonade.

Django Unchained

Grey Goose Vodka did a whole series of Oscar-inspired cocktails, but this Coco Django is a standout—it even alludes to a quirky coconut drink that one of the characters has in a pivotal scene.

Les Misérables

The Les Misérables Cocktail from Cocktail.com, featuring French brandy, is worth taking your time to absorb, just like this sprawling, epic movie set in 19th-century France.

Life of Pi

The Citrus Seas, from Dallas’s SideDish Magazine,  is sublime and sea-worth salute to Ang Li’s beautiful film. They recommend Shellback Silver Rum, but like the Cajun Lemonade, this one would be equally tasty with Vodka.

Lincoln

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon pays tribute to Lincoln with this take on a traditional cocktail, Lincoln’s Manhattan, mixing Bourbon, both sweet and dry vermouth, and maple syrup. They had me at Daniel Day-Lewis.

Silver Linings Playbook

Word on the street is that Robert De Niro loved this Purity Silver Linings Playbook Martini at the Weinstein Company’s Silver Linings Playbook event. Another one of my favorite movies of the year … and there’s certainly not much to dislike about a pure Vodka and spring water cocktail!

Zero Dark Thirty

The Drake Hotel in Chicago has come up with Zero Dark Worthy, a “heavy martini made from Vodka, Cherry Brandy and Dark Crème de Cacao to commemorate the very heavy substance of the film. The title of the Zero Dark Thirty is, as director Kathryn Bigelow explains, “a military term for 30 minutes after midnight, and it refers also to the darkness and secrecy that cloaked the entire decade-long mission (to capture Osama Bin Ladin).”

Pass the popcorn! Cheers!

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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 February 22, 2013.

 

Cocktail Corner: Chuck’s Famous Mai Tai

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Chuck's Famous Mai Tai (courtesy photo)

Chuck’s Famous Mai Tai (courtesy photo)

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic!  By Leslie Dinaberg

A lot of places slap the label “famous” onto a cocktail, but Chuck’s Famous Mai Tai is one “famous” libation that’s ready for a “legendary” label.

It’s not quite as good as a trip to Maui, but it’s pretty darn close.

Chuck’s of Hawaii (3888 State St., 805/687-4417) makes its own super special secret saucy Mai Tai mix—I don’t know what the proportions of orange, pineapple and limes are in there, but I do know that when mixed with three different rums (and always a red Maraschino cherry, lemon, green Maraschino cheery, orange skewer) this marvelous Mai Tai is guaranteed to put you in an island state of mind.

And it’s good for you too. Continue reading →