This summer’s Wine’d Up Wednesday’s were such a hit that we decided to celebrate yet another day, Tuesday. No one talks much about Tuesday’s and our new series, A Toast to Tuesday, aims to change that.

A Toast to Tuesday is your chance to gather with friends for an informal, unguided cocktail and hors D oeuvre tasting. We’ll feature 4 cocktails paired with 4 tasty tidbits and send you home with the recipe for each. Reservations are required and the gathering is limited to the first 36 to sign up.

The next Toast to Tuesday is Tuesday, November 18^th – Register at EQ online.

This past Tuesday we kicked off our first Toast to Tuesday with a tasting of four Presidential Drinks.

We fell in love with the Obamatini – full of exciting ingredients – a true nod to change.

The McCain Maverick tasted like a classic margarita – nothing exciting, but a cocktail you can count on to satisfy your thirst drink after drink.

If you like a Manhatten, the Biden Gaff would have been the drink in which to cast your ballot.

To finish the evening on a sweet note, guest had the pleasure of sipping the I Can See Red Russia from My House cocktail. Aka Sarah’s Sweet Sipper.

We had so much fun planning this event on Election Day. If you have any theme ideas you’d like us to use for A Toast to Tuesday drop us a line! We’d love to hear from you!

Connie Volker, EQ Event & Marketing Director

Jay Dickerson, EQ Resident Bar Chef

Recipes for each drink are listed below. (more…)

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

Here are a few requested recipes from students in one of my EQ cooking classes!  For more recipes visit my site at CET.  Enjoy!

Italian Limoncello Margarita
2 ounces limoncello
1 ounce grappa
½ ounce lemon juice, fresh squeezed
Sugar (optional)
Kosher salt (optional)
Lemon wedge 

In a cocktail shaker, mix limoncello, grappa, and lemon juice with ice. Strain and serve in a chilled cocktail glass.  This may also be poured over ice.  If you're going to sugar or salt the glass, take your lemon wedge or a bit of limoncello and rub around edge of glass. Turn upside down and press rim into sugar/salt.

Creme Fraiche
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup cultured buttermilk

Pour ingredients into a clean sterile jar with cover and shake to combine well.  Allow to sit at room temperature overnight or until mixture begins to thicken. Shake and refrigerate.  Use within one week.