…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour BarHow you doin’? “Baby it’s cold outside” (actually, "Tesoro, fuori fa freddo") that’s what they were singing in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, when heavy snow hit on the day before the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Now that’s the type of cold that goes right to the center of your bones. Fortunately, I have a cure for this.
No more chilly evenings with my Ultimate Hot Toddy—the quintessential soothing winter beverage, known for its comforting warmth and simple elegance. This warm bourbon drink is more than just a cocktail; it’s a cherished ritual for staying warm and a classic remedy for a tickly throat. The magic lies in its simple composition: American Bourbon—the heart of the beverage—combined with honey for sweetness, lemon for brightness and hot water to bring it all together. Add a touch of cinnamon and you’ve got the perfect balance for a timeless and reliable body and mind warmer. A great way to enjoy the Winter Olympics Highlights (okay, this one was supposed to come out a couple of weeks ago) while keeping as warm as bug in a rug. Prep time: 10 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients 1 tablespoon raw honey 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice 1-1/2 ounces American bourbon 4-6 ounces very hot water 1 cinnamon stick (for garnish / flavor infusion) 1 lemon wheel (for garnish) Directions
ChefSecret: For an extra layer of complexity and flavor, infuse the hot water with a slice of fresh ginger for 5 minutes before adding to the toddy. This is a technique that enhances the drink’s aromatic compounds and is excellent for keeping warm. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: A man had a horrible stabbing pain in his eye every time he drank a hot toddy. He went to the doctor to try to find what was up. “It’s important,” his doctor told him, “Take the spoon out of the cup before you drink it.” Happy Hot Toddy Day! ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #UltimateHotToddy #Bourbon #Honey #LemonJuice #Cinnamon #BabyItsColdOutside #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026
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…from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar How you doin’? It’s been a cold winter for almost two-thirds of Americans and now it’s cocktail time. I was looking to share a perfect pick-me-up with a playful twist. My Mocha Tequila Espresso Martini is a sassy cocktail blending the best of café vibes with a touch of fiesta flair. It's ready to wake up your taste buds and is sure to be a hit!
I realize there are a lot of flavors wrapped up in one strange cocktail but believe me (I wouldn’t steer you wrong) it all comes together and tastes great. The exact origin of the martini is unclear, but it is widely believed to have evolved from a cocktail called the Martinez, which was created in the 1860s. The modern martini became popular in the early 20th century, particularly with the use of dry vermouth and gin. I developed this recipe for one of our client’s restaurants—DC-3 at the Santa Monica Airport. It was one of exotic drinks on the Martini Menu. Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients 2 teaspoons cinnamon-sugar (50/50) 1 part Blanco Tequila 1 part Chocolate Tequila Cream (I prefer El Padrino) 1 part Coffee Liqueur (I prefer Kahlua) 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon or shaved chocolate for garnish Directions
ChefSecret: This is a cocktail that you can serve blended with ice as a frosty. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: A Californian, a Texan and a local are drinking at a bar in Big Sky, Montana. After a little bit, The Californian finishes his martini, turns and throws his glass against the wall. The Bartender, shocked, asks him why the hell he did that. Californian replies that where he's from, they make so much money they don't have to drink out of the same glass twice. The Texan then finishes his whiskey, turns and throws his glass against the wall as well. Bartender looks at him and asks why he did that. Texan replies that where he's from they have so much oil they don't have to drink out of the same glass twice. About this time the local Montanan finishes his beer, turns to the other patrons, draws his gun and shoots them both dead. Without waiting he tells the Bartender that around here there's so many Californians and Texans he doesn't have to drink with the same ones twice. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #MochaTequilaEspressoMartini #EspressoMartini #Tequila #ChocolateTequilaCream #ElPadrino #Kahlua #Chocolate #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar How you doin’? Joan’s Milwaukee Old Fashioned is a classic brandy cocktail built right in the glass with muddled oranges, cherries, sugar and bitters. It is finished with brandy and a splash of lemon-lime soda.
This cocktail is simple, somewhat nostalgic and unapologetically old-school. It is still the cocktail you’ll find at taverns, clubs, corner bars and family celebrations across Wisconsin. The popular story of how making an old-fashioned cocktail with brandy instead of whiskey began attributes it to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair when the recently opened Korbel winery offered free samples of their wine and brandy. Central European immigrants from Milwaukee took a liking to the Bohemian-born Korbel Brothers' Brandy and brought it back to their home state and began using it in cocktails. In January 2020, drinks journal Drinks International reported the Old Fashioned to be the top selling classic cocktail internationally, for the 6th straight year, based on its annual, global poll of 100 bars. Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients 1 sugar cube 3 dashes Angostura bitters 2 orange slices, divided 3 maraschino cherries, divided 2 fluid ounces inexpensive brandy 2 or 3 ounces lemon lime soda, as needed 1 splash maraschino cherry juice (optional) Directions
ChefSecret: Wisconsin bars like adding a splash of the maraschino cherry juice (about a bar spoon) for a little extra sweetness. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: To relieve stress, Joan does yoga. Just kidding, Joan drinks Old-Fashioned cocktails in her yoga pants. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #OldFashionedCocktail #Brandy #Bitters #Tavern #WisconsinCocktail #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar How you doin’? Today is Friday the 13th! OOOOOO!!!! I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to celebrate with a fabulous cocktail that helps us roll into tomorrow—Valentine’s Day. There’s just nothing better than capping off the week with a really great drink. And in the Valentine spirit, it’s the best time for something icy-creamy-cold, fruity and lovingly wonderful!
Most weekend brunches, you’ll find us on our patio with one of my best drink recipes. It’s not a classic margarita or even a frozen mango margarita. Sometimes we even enjoy a frozen sangria slushie. You really can’t go wrong with any of these options. But lately, the strawberries have just been so amazingly sweet. I keep popping them in my mouth and right now, that craving extends all the way into what I’m drinking. So that brings us to today’s recipe! Valentine’s Day Strawberry-Vanilla Daiquiris. Strawberry Daiquiris are the perfect Valentine’s cocktail. They have a vibrant color, and they’re a little sweet, a little tangy, and super refreshing. You’ll feel the sweet warmth of rum at the back of your throat, and freshly squeezed lime juice gives it a nice tangy quality. They’re a snap to make with just a few simple ingredients. So, grab your blender and mix up a big pitcher! Love you all! Prep time: 7 minutes Yield: 4 cocktails Ingredients 6 ounces white rum 4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 4 cups strawberries 2 large scoops ice vanilla ice cream Directions
ChefSecret: I also love using frozen strawberries in cocktails because it makes them thicker and colder. It’s almost like a smoothie! Frozen strawberries give a strawberry daiquiri recipe the most incredible flavor! ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Q. What's pink, oinks and shoots arrows on Valentine's Day? A. Cu-pig! ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #ValentinesDay #StrawberryVanillaDaiquiri #Rum #Strawberries #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar credit: honey & birch How you doin’? Well, it’s Super Bowl time. When I have a team in contention, I’m “all in” on it. But alas, not one of my teams is in it this year. The Rams, 49’ers and Chargers are long gone. Even Joan’s Packers didn’t make the cut—and some of the teams came so close—just an overtime away.
Oh well, I can drown my sorrows with my Super Bowl Bloody Margarita. This is a cocktail you can start at brunch as it combines the best parts of a Bloody Mary and a Margarita into one modern cocktail—perfect for a fun Sunday brunch, special fiesta, Cinco de Mayo, and of course, Super Bowl Sunday. If you feel like celebrating Super Bowl all year long or woke up this morning craving a little tequila, this is the drink for you. Prep time: 10 minutes Yield: 2 servings Ingredients 1/2 teaspoon celery salt 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 12 ounces tomato juice 1 cup orange juice 4 ounces white tequila 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice 2 teaspoons hot sauce (I prefer Cholula) 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon black pepper For the garnish additional kosher salt ice cubes lime slices jalapeño rings Directions
ChefSecret: This is a great combination of flavors. Margaritas usually include something with an orange citrus flavor, like Grand Marnier. Instead of adding more alcohol, I decided to add orange juice. This will help you stay awake until the game starts. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Q. What do you call 50 guys watching the Super Bowl? A. The Green Bay Packers. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #SuperBowlBloodyMargarita #BloodyMary #Margarita #Tequila #TomatoJuice #Worcestershire #HotSauce #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar How you doin’? The American Trilogy is a cocktail that embodies the spirit of innovation while honoring tradition. Created by renowned bartenders Richard Boccato and Michael McIlroy in New York City, this drink is a modern riff on the classic Old-Fashioned. It cleverly splits the base between rye whiskey and applejack, a quintessentially American apple brandy, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. The use of a brown sugar cube introduces a richer sweetness, while orange bitters provide a bright, citrusy lift. This cocktail is perfect for those who appreciate a well-balanced drink with a touch of history.
The American Trilogy is not just a cocktail; it's a celebration of American heritage. Applejack, once a staple in colonial times, marries beautifully with rye, a grain that has long been associated with American whiskey-making. This drink is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship that defines modern mixology, offering a taste of nostalgia with every sip. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the American Trilogy is sure to delight your palate. Prep time: 5 minutes Yields: 1 cocktail Ingredients 1 long, wide orange zest twist 3/4 ounce applejack brandy bottled 3/4 ounce 100 proof American whiskey 2 dashes orange bitters (I prefer Angostura) 1 brown sugar cube Directions
ChefSecret: If you don’t have brown sugar cubes handy, add 1/3 ounce of brown sugar syrup (2 parts light brown sugar / 1 part water). ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Q. What do you call a cocktail that makes you laugh? A. A gin and giggles! ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We also have 1,000 archived Covid Era recipes that you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide. Use the search box above our pictures to find what you’re looking for. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #AmericanTrilogyCocktail #Applejack #Brandy #Whiskey #Bitters #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar credit: diffordsguide.com How you doin’? If you have any leftover New Years Champagne in the fridge, this is a cocktail to try before it goes completely flat.
Soyer au Champagne is a luxurious cocktail that combines cognac, orange liqueur, maraschino liqueur, Champagne and vanilla ice cream (yes, I said vanilla Ice cream). All this creates a delightful blend often likened to an adult ice cream float. It's typically served in a tall stem cocktail glass and is perfect for special occasions or non-special occasions—any time really. Soyer au Champagne is unique due to combining Champagne with ice cream, creating a dessert-like drink. It has a rich history dating back to the 19th century and is often associated with the creator and famous chef Alexis Soyer. The cocktail first appeared on the menu at the Washington Refreshment Room in London in 1851, during the Great Exhibition. Alexis Soyer wanted to introduce intricate mixed drinks to Victorian England. The drink has evolved over time, with variations including the addition of different liqueurs and garnishes—Champagne and vanilla ice cream remains a constant. Soyer au Champagne remains a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a festive and indulgent cocktail or a complex, yet sparkling dessert. Prep time: 5 minutes Yields: 1 cocktail Ingredients 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (I prefer Ben & Jerry’s) 1/2 ounce cognac or brandy 1/2 ounce orange curaçao liqueur 1/2 ounce maraschino liqueur Brut Champagne, to top Orange slice or cocktail cherry, to garnish Directions
ChefSecret: A sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it’s produced in the Champagne region of France and according to strict production rules. Sparkling wine producers in other regions can’t even say that they use the “Champagne method” to create their products; they have to say, “traditional method.” There are about 4,300 Champagne producers in the Champagne region, many of them small family-run operations. To visit most of them, you need to venture into the countryside for several days. There you get to meet the growers, see the vineyards and visit the production and tasting rooms. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Why did the Champagne bottle need a map? It was trying to find its way to the party without getting corked! ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. We have hundreds of archived Covid Era recipes which you can easily access using this link https://www.perspectives-la.com/Covid-19-Survival-Guide ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, including those still suffering the effects of the recent hurricanes. Please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #BubblySoyerAuChampagne #Champagne #IceCream #Cognac #Brandy #CuracaoLiqueur #MaraschinoLiqueur #Brut #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar  How you doin’? Cold, dark evenings don’t have to mean dull nights. A vibrant, seasonal cocktail can effortlessly elevate your January gatherings and cozy nights in.
Whether you’re setting the mood for a fireside get-together or looking to brighten up an ordinary winter weeknight, my January Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail combines fresh winter flavors and soothing spirits for a welcoming mix of comfort and celebration. The Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail is aromatic, cozy, and slightly sweet. It blends good old American bourbon with apple cider, a touch of cinnamon and a hint of lemon for a comforting winter drink. My January Spiced Apple Bourbon Cocktail is ideal for warming you up on cold nights and pairs beautifully with savory or sweet winter snacks. And it’s got fruit… so, a little healthy, too! Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients 2 ounces American Bourbon 3 ounces apple cider 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon honey 1 cinnamon stick for garnish 1 apple slice for garnish Directions
ChefSecret: This is a great combination of flavors to enjoy warm in a mug in front of a roaring fireplace. Just heat the mixture slightly in the microwave or on the stove top and eliminate the ice cubes. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Q. Why was the cocktail sad at the party? A. It didn’t have a shot of confidence! ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, including those still suffering the effects of the recent hurricanes. Please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #HappyHourFriday #SpicedAppleBourbonCocktail #Bourbon #AppleCider #Honey #Apple #Cheers2026 #Cheers #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Happy Hour Bar How you doin’? Here’s a popular rum and amaretto cocktail perfect for the second Happy Hour Friday of the New Year.
My Rum-Amaretto cocktail combines dark spiced rum, amaretto, fresh lime juice, pineapple juice, and simple syrup. This cocktail offers a sweet and tropical flavor profile that's perfect for cold winter weather. Amaretto (Italian for 'a little bitter') is a sweet Italian liqueur originating from the comune (municipality) of Saronno. Depending on the brand, it may be made from apricot kernels, bitter almonds, peach stones, or almonds, all of which are natural sources of the benzaldehyde that provides the almond-like flavor of the liqueur. It generally contains 21 to 28 percent alcohol by volume. When served as a beverage, amaretto can be drunk by itself, used as an ingredient to create several popular mixed drinks, or added to coffee. Amaretto is also commonly used in Italian and other cuisines, especially in recipes for confectionery and sweet baked goods. Prep time: 5 minutes Yield: 1 cocktail Ingredients 1/2 ounce dark spiced rum (I prefer Captain Morgan Rum) 1-1/2 ounces amaretto liqueur 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water) 1/2 ounce egg white 1 skewered Amarena cherry, garnish 1 orange peel, garnish Directions
ChefSecret: When making Simple Syrup, simmer the two ingredients until the sugar is dissolved. I sometimes serve this cocktail chilled in a coupe glass without ice. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: Q. How do you get a computer drunk? A. A screenshot of Captain Morgan. ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, kind, thankful, and stay well and safe. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, including those still suffering the effects of the recent hurricanes. Please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission, Samaritan’s Purse and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #HappyHourFriday #RumAmarettoSour #Rum #Amaretto #Cheers2026 #HolidayHappyHour #Cheers #HolidayRecipes #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2026 …from the Perspectives’ Holiday Happy Hour Bar  How you doin’? To give you an excellent New Year's cocktail we're breaking with Happy Hour Friday tradition and releasing this one early.
The Champagne Cocktail is a classic and elegant way to enjoy this effervescent drink to start the New Year. It combines Champagne and other ingredients such as liqueurs, syrups, and fruits. While Champagne has been enjoyed for a long, long time (dating back to the 17th century), cocktails, on the other hand, have a more recent history. The first recorded use of the word "cocktail" was in 1806, in a Hudson, New York newspaper. During the 1800s, the cocktail began to gain popularity with the invention of new, innovative drinks and the rise of the culture surrounding them. Champagne cocktails, such as the French 75 and the original Classic Champagne Cocktail, have been popular since the 1800s and are especially well-liked for celebrations and special occasions. Over the years, both Champagne and cocktails have evolved and adapted to changing tastes and trends. Today, there are many different styles and variations, allowing for endless experimentation and creativity in mixing and pairing them. That’s the best part of my job. My Classic Champagne Cocktail is a tried and tested recipe to have in any serious mixologist's arsenal. Many of them use readily available ingredients with delicious twists to celebrate any occasion. This Classic Champagne Cocktail is a simple but elegant cocktail made by adding a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, and cognac or brandy to a Champagne flute and then filling it with Champagne. It's a perfect way to add a little bit of sweetness and complexity to the taste of the Champagne and start your New Year’s celebration off with a POP—of the champagne cork. Cheers to 2026! Prep time: 5 minutes Ingredients 1 sugar cube 2 dashes of Angostura bitters 1/2 ounce cognac or brandy Champagne 3 raspberries or a lemon wheel for garnish Directions
ChefSecret: You can use most any sparkling white or rose wine at most any price point. ------------------------------------------ Quip of the Day: At a winery, the regular taster died and the director started looking for a new one to hire. A drunkard with a ragged, dirty look came in to apply for the position. The director of the winery wondered how to send him away. He gave him a glass to drink. The drunk tried it and said, “It's a Muscat, three years old, grown on a north slope, matured in steel containers. Low grade, but acceptable.” "That's correct", said the boss. Another glass... “This is a Cabernet, eight years old, a south-western slope, oak barrels, matured at 8 degrees. Requires three more years for finest results.” "Correct." A third glass... "It's a Pinot Blanc Champagne, high grade and exclusive,'' the drunk said calmly. The director was astonished. He winked at his secretary, secretly suggesting something. She left the room and came back in with a glass of urine. The alcoholic tried it. "It's a blonde, 26 years old, three months pregnant and if I don't get the job I'll name the father." ------------------------------------------- Do you have a question or comment? Send your thoughts to [email protected]. All recipes and cooking tips are posted on our website https://www.perspectives-la.com/perspectives-on-food. ------------------------------------------- To you and everyone dear to you, be strong, positive, stay well, stay safe and be kind. Take a breath and count your blessings, and if you have a little extra to share with others, please consider donating to Feeding America, Tunnel to Towers, Union Rescue Mission and/or American Red Cross. #Cocktail #HappyHour2026 #HappyHourFriday #ChampagneCocktail #Cheers2026 #HolidayHappyHour #Cheers #HolidayRecipes #Recipes2026 #URM #T2T #FeedingAmerica #RedCross #SamaritansPurse #PerspectivesTheConsultingGroup ©PERSPECTIVES/The Consulting Group, LLC, 2025 |
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Copyright © 2021 Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC | Henderson, NV 89052 | 310-477-8877
Copyright © 2021 Perspectives/The Consulting Group, LLC | Henderson, NV 89052 | 310-477-8877