Even though there is no evidence that autumn has arrived in South Florida except a loss of daylight, there is no denying that seasons change continentally with or without us! As we near the fall season, our food and beverage palates are willing to forego the light, effervescence of spring/summer freshness and venture into heavier, more complex flavors that represent the holiday harvest and seasonal spices. While crisp, minty mojitos and refreshing vodka drinks spiked with citrus cool us off in the summer months, herbal infused cocktails, pumpkin spice and fresh apples remind us that cocktails follow the same food trends. Sipping these seasonal sips just may get you in the spirit to celebrate your tricks or treats,reflect on being thankful, or realize that it's better to give than to receive! Cheers! -BH
Pumpkin MartiniPour all ingredients into a shaker w/ice. Shake well; pour into chilled martini glass. Top with dollop of whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon stick. Another option: garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds!
Black Truffles Martini
2 oz Vodka
8 Black Truffles
1 oz pear nectar
1/2 oz pear brandy
1 spray of truffles essence
Infuse vodka with black truffles for one week at room temp. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake all ingredients and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with shaved truffle flakes.
Pom & Tonic
In a rocks glass, combine Charbay or Van Gogh Pomegranate vodka, tonic and garnish with a sprig of rosemary!
For those of you that prefer beer to liquor, try New Belgium Brewing: Blue Paddle Pilsener Lager. This czech-style pilsener from an eco-friendly micro-brewery in Colorado has a crisp and malty flavor finished off by pine and citrus. http://www.newbelgium.com/
Photo credits: Top Beer: Photography by Stephanie Foley for Gourmet Magazine (8.27.09); Truffle: Photography by Poisson D'Avril/Corbis for Gourmet Magazine (2.12.08); Pomegranate: monkeymagic2 on flickr.
