by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

Attention, cocktailian hounds, super shakers and any mixologists within earshot. There’s a new gun here in the Manhattan sweepstakes, and it ain’t no Bourbon. We’re pleased to offer what is, since 1786, probably the best vermouth ever: Carpano Antica Formula.

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by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

Our newest Cognac line is not only gourmet, it’s Gourmel. As in Léopold Gourmel, a connoisseur house of Cognac owned by a passionate Cognac man and co-founder Olivier Blanc. Founded in 1972, the house was named after the founder’s grandfather, a saddle maker by trade, hence the horse head logo.

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by Jay Erisman, EQ Wine & Spirits Manager

The great Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, changed their name in 1999 from the George T. Stagg Distillery to Buffalo Trace. But in fact, for much of the 20th century they were popularly called the Ancient Age Distillery, due to their flagship brand. Ancient Age Bourbon is one of those old-school Bourbons that your grandfather drank, but it has always been excellent whiskey. The top of the line is Ancient Ancient Age, or “Triple-A” for short. It’s bottled at 10 years and 86 proof, and is not sold outside Kentucky. It’s long been a favorite of mine and many Bourbon lovers–writer Jim Murray is one noted adherent–but now there is possibly the best triple-A yet, available only at The Party Source. That would be our latest Private Barrel, the first ever Ancient Ancient Age single barrel bottling.

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If you are looking for a signature drink for your next summertime party you have got to try this Watermelon Margarita. It’s easy and delicious and your guests will beg you for the recipe. It’s then up to you whether you want to share your secret or not!! I won’t tell.
Watermelon Margaritas
1 cup frozen seedless watermelon chunks
2 ounces tequila
¾ ounce orange flavored liqueur
½ ounce fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon refined sugar

Put all ingredients into a blender and mix until smooth. Pour the contents into a chilled margarita glass.

Bottoms UP!

Jay Dickerson
EQ Resident Bar Chef

“When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading.” ~ Henny Youngman

Cypress Grove Chevre- Humboldt Fog Aged Goat Milk Cheese

This is one of the world’s great goat cheeses. It has a rich, long lasting flavor with vegetable ash outer layer, and stripe of ash through center. Try it paired with a French Sauvignon Blanc or a White Burgundy!
Happy Eating!
Michelle Wylie
EQ Assistant Culinary Director

By Jay Erisman, EQ Wine and Spirits Manager

One of the essentials in any well-stocked liquor cabinet is Italian maraschino liqueur. Not to be confused with the bright red American mara-SHEENO cherries, the liqueur is called mara-SKEENO and is nothing like the American product. Hailing originally from Dalmatia, it’s made with the marasca cherry, the real Italian cherry. Best of all, this classic spirit not only enlivens your cocktails but your dinner table as well. I am never without a bottle in my liquor closet.

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Second Chance Merlot 2005
$9.99S Aisle 6A

This wine has a lot of really great key components that make it a no brainer to pick up today. First its a softer Merlot, the tannins are rather low for its young age and the big juicy ripe fruit really is on point. Second its from Paso Robles, California which is a masterful location for Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet, Merlot and spicy Zinfandel. Third the vintage, it is not a bad thing at all to be backed by the 2005 vintage. The world is filled right now by wine champs from this super hero vintage. Finally fourth is the price, $9.99. I think that’s enough said.

Food: Grilled steaks, bbq chicken or the classic cheese burger.

Cheers,

Danny Gold

LEMONDROP LEMONADE

12 ounces vodka

3 ounces Cointreau orange flavored liqueur

1 - 25.4 ounce bottle Lorina sparkling lemonade
Mix ingredients in a pitcher filled with ice.  Rim glasses with lemon wedge and dip in sugar.  Garnish with a lemon wedge.

“I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.”  -Frank Sinatra

-Jay Dickerson, EQ at The Party Source

Breadeli

Take and bake artisan flatbreads.

Try these Italian style, hand stretched olive oil enriched doughs. They’re made in three varieties- garlic and herb butter, basil pesto, and aged cheddar cheese with tomato relish. Bake and serve hot as an ideal accompaniment with salads, pastas, soups, and dipping sauces. Try topped with your favorite pizza fixings and just bake!

Happy Eating!

Michelle Wylie
EQ Assistant Culinary Director
EQ the cooking school @ The Party Source
Live. Laugh. Learn.
859-291-4007