Welcome to Imbibe! The official blog of MXLGY, a free private newsletter for the drinking enthusiast, dedicated to the art of craft cocktails & modern mixology.
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RSVP: MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu @ The Manifest May 10th!
MXLGY is excited to present our third epic cocktail showcase! Proudly sponsored by @StGermainDrinks, @TitosVodka & @PeligrosoRocks and held at @TheManifest Hawaii on May 10, 2012. Once again, three of Oahu’s top bartenders will create three one-of-a-kind cocktails featuring each spirit for you to enjoy. Each cocktail is crafted specially for this night and may never be made again! Check out the flyer for details and scroll down to preview the craft bartenders, cocktails, vote & RSVP!
Read on for this month’s event details or click here to view the last Triple Shot Oahu recap!
Attend!
Want in? To keep Triple Shot Oahu FREE and manageable, the event is invite-only and 21+ with a strict 80 person limit. If you want in then you have to vote! We have limited spaces and will be giving them away to top sharers and voters! Use the buttons by each cocktail to tweet or read on below for other ways to vote!
Subscribe to MXLGY? Subscribers who have signed up at www.mxlgy.com and have filled out their zipcode in their profile prior to May 4th, 2012 will automatically receive confirmed invitations. Not subscribed? Sign up now for preferred invites to our next event!
The Cocktails!
Crafted by @MsMariaSan A.K.A. Maria Burke
Sweet & Tart
Peligroso Tequila packs a refreshing punch and is finished with a grapefruit gastrique in this playful cocktail.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
Tito’s Fancy Lemonade
Tito’s Vodka handcrafted into Limoncello adds to flavors of blackberries, lemon and mint in this summer concoction.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
Last Winter in France
Aged in Bourbon barrels for 2 months, this St. Germain, Gin and Vermouth cocktail packs a well balanced bite.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
Crafted by @Danifacio A.K.A. Danny Bonifacio
Orange Sun
Bright with aromatic herbs and sweetened with St Germain, this unique cocktail is gains an additional flare with a touch of orange.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
Danger Sign
Starting with a sherry wine rinse then mixing in Peligroso Silver Tequila with a dash of lemon, this sweet and spicy cocktail will get you going!
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
ATX Float
An adults take on the root beer float, this cocktail tops off a Galliano and Root Beer mix with Tito’s Vodka infused vanilla bean La Gelateria ice cream.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
Crafted by @MeanShaka A.K.A. Justin Park
Two Day Romance
Gin & St. Germain interplay with housemade grenadine and ginger, balanced by citrus’ grapefruit and lime, touched with the aromatics of Angostura bitters and orange in this multilayered long seduction of your palate.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
Dark Horse
A twisted version of southern sweet tea, this cocktail features Tito’s Vodka and passionfruit-infused black tea with housemade pomegranate orange syrup, lemon juice and peach bitters.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
The Mourning After
Peligroso Tequila leads this bittersweet bouquet cocktail with lavender, grapefruit, lime and St. Germain.
Tweet to Vote for this Cocktail & Get Invited!
COCKTAIL POPS!
@AlohaTricycle x @MXLGY Cocktail Popsicles
Aloha Tricycle Pops have teamed up with MXLGY to make a trio of specially made spiked cocktail popsicles: Strawberry Lemon Drop, Burnt Pineapple & Watermelon Daiquiri!
The Venue!
The Manifest Hawaii
32 North Hotel Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96817
www.manifesthawaii.com
View in Google Maps
Vote!
Voting is easy! All you have to do is tweet or post on Facebook! Simply check out the cocktails below, choose the one you want to try the most, then post about it! TO make it even easier, you can use the buttons above by each cocktail!
Posting on Twitter? So we can find your tweet, be sure to mention @MXLGY along with one of the featured spirits @TitosVodka, @StGermainDrinks or @PeligrosoRocks. You can also mention the bartender too! Write up your own or edit & copy the following example:
I want to try the @TitosVodka Fancy Lemonade by @MsMariaSan at @MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu at @TheManifest!
Posting on Facebook? Just post the cocktail you want the most on our fan page wall at Facebook.com/MXLGY!
On or before May 10th, we will contact the selected voters to be invited to the VIP private tasting.
Want to get earlier guaranteed invites to future VIP tastings and events? MXLGY subscribers get early access to craft cocktail events and more! Subscribe to the MXLGY newsletter for free at www.mxlgy.com
Remembering John Heckathorn
By Brent Nakano
On Sunday, April 15, 2012, APARTM3NT and the Hawaii Chapter of the United States Bartenders Guild hosted a scholarship fundraising event in memory of John Heckathorn. John, a spirit forward classic cocktail guy, was much more than your typical food columnist; he was a dedicated craftsmen who tried his best to share his art as a professor at Hawaii Pacific University, and he was a visionary as the former editor of Honolulu Magazine. Most importantly, he was an innovator as his writing made a significant contribution to the rise of Hawaii Regional Cuisine. To interject a personal note, his column Biting Commentary and the video (which he did after leaving the editor’s post at Honolulu Magazine, and can be found on HONOLULU Magazine’s youtube channel. Search: biting commentary) has inspired my cooking, cocktail creations, and understanding of the ingredients from Hawaii.
The memorial night consisted of three of John’s favorite cocktails; two classics and one of his own creation. Guest bartending that night were some of John’s favorite bartenders, including Dave Newman of Nobu, Kyle Reutner of Town, Roxanne Siebert of The Standard, Jonathan Schwalbenitz of Murphy’s, Christian Self of 39 Hotel, Tim Rita of The Modern and other members of the USBG.
JOHN’S COCKTAIL: THE SMILE
- Lemon wedge
- 2 dashes Fee Brothers West Indian Orange Bitters
- 1/2 oz of Honey Syrup (honey+enough hot water till consistency of simple syrup)
- 2 oz. Maker’s Mark Bourbon
- 1 oz Tuaca
- 1 oz Fresh Orange Juice
Glassware: Old Fashion Glass
Directions: Muddle lemon wedge in old-fashion glass with orange bitters and honey syrup. Add Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, Makers Mark, and Tuaca. Stir then add ice.
Garnish: Maraschino Cherry pierced onto a lemon wheel on the edge of the cocktail.
John’s signature cocktail, The Smile, is very much like John himself: strong and spirited, but with a softer side as well. The bouquet of the cocktail has an aromatic nose of orange, bitters and lemon with a slight, freshening astringency. As the cocktail rolls upon your pallet the tart citrus and astringent bitterness provided by the alcohol hits your tongue. As you adjust your jaw to swallow and let the cocktail wash down your throat, the notes of orange, honey, lemon and Maker’s Mark meld together in their sweet distinguishing notes to produce a cedar-like quality. Almost abruptly, a staccato of oak occurs before the finish. Then the aromatics of the bitters drift through your nose in an orange-y oak-y waft of air leaving you smiling, pleasantly surprised, and ready for the next sip.
In my extremely biased opinion, this is a modern classic. It almost transports you into a prohibition-era style of bar, which can be found in many places around the country. Personally, sipping on this cocktail, I feel like I can experience Lewers Lounge at the Halekulani in its entirety. The dark oak bartop, the bottles of Cognac aligning the shelves, and the light reflecting off the mirror behind them. I have visions of Tim, Rita Jr. , and Ricky, Rico, or Kyle in their brown vests slinging cocktails while Bruce Hamada plays the night away with soft piano notes, all as a couple of friends, including John Heckathorn, sit upon brown leather barstools, chatting and enjoying great drinks and even greater friends.
John Heckathorn will truly be missed. In his time here, he has inspired the culinary community to push themselves to another level. His legacy will be sure to live on as bartenders and chefs alike share and promote his passion for the craft.
For more on John Heckathorn, read John’s article from Honolulu Magazine on his Whiskey adventure with Tim, Dave and Kyle.
WRAPUP: MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu Feb 23 #ModernMXLGY
The second Triple Shot Oahu event was even more epic than the first! Our first event was limited to 75 VIP’s but this time we received over 200 RSVP requests, so with the help of Addiction Nightclub at the Modern Honolulu, we were able to double the event to accomodate 150 people! This month featured 3 spirits: @AppletonRumUSA, Cazadores Tequila Reposado (@TCazadores) & @TiaMariaDrink along with 3 epic mixologists: Roxanne Siebert of Manifest and The Standard, Tim Rita of Lobby Bar and Dave Newman of Nobu Hawaii. Held at Addiction at the Modern in Honolulu, Hawaii, the event featured 9 cocktails, one with each spirit from each craft bartender along with food by Da Kitchen Oahu. Super big thanks to everyone who helped make it happen, everyone who attended, The Greenhouse Hawaii crew and to Christa Wittmier of Youngs Market Hawaii! Check out the original post for all the cocktail descriptions and details and read on for the wrap-up!
Want the recipes?
Subscribe to the MXLGY newsletter here on the left or at www.mxlgy.com before next week when we will feature the recipes!
The Wrap Up!
- Favorite Voted Cocktail by Roxanne SUPER CIDER! - Barrel aged Appleton Rum lends an extra boost to a handcrafted gingery sweet apple cider, balanced with fresh lemon juice and an aromatic touch of Angostura Bitters.
- Favorite Voted Cocktail by Dave MEXICAN COFFEE FLIP A.K.A. Ja’ Makin’ Me Flip - Mixing up both Tequila Cazadores Reposado and Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur with espresso, this flip is served shaken cold with an infused whip topping.
- Favorite Voted Cocktail by Tim OKOLEMALUNA FIZZ - This bubbly combination featuring Appleton Rum, calamansi, coconut and ginger, gains depth from Tim’s handcrafted lilikoi and thai chili simple syrup and a bit of flair from its brûlée calamansi garnish.
- Most Liked Instagram Photo Winner Thomas Obungen
- MXLGY Favorite Instagram Photo Winner Rae Huo
- Hit full capacity (doubled!) with over 200 requests, 150 RSVPs and over 125 attendees with 12+ Yelp Elites!
- Over 200 tweets generating up to 458,145+ impressions
- 100+ photos posted on Instagram, with 784 likes and 89 comments with up to 23,318+ first degree impressions and up to 158,368+ second degree impressions. View main set here
- Great photo coverage by Travis Okimoto, Event Photographer See slideshow below
The Instagram Winners!
Most Liked by @YelpHawaii a.k.a. Thomas Obungen
MXLGY Favorite by @RaeHuo a.k.a. Rae Huo
View full set of #ModernMXLGY Instagram Photos here!
The Videos!
#ModernMXLGY Sponsor Loop
This loop was played on the main projector in between the 2 live walls during the event, music was muted as we had DJ Compose spinning live!
The Program!
RSVP: MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu @ The Modern Feb 23rd!
MXLGY is excited to present our sequel to last month’s epic cocktail showcase! Proudly sponsored by @AppletonRumUSA, Cazadores Tequila Reposado (@TCazadores) & @TiaMariaDrink and held at Addiction at The @Modern Honolulu Hotel, on February 23, 2012, three of Oahu’s top bartenders will create three one-of-a-kind cocktails featuring each spirit for you to enjoy. Each cocktail is crafted specially for this night and may never be made again! Check out the flyer for details and scroll down to preview the craft bartenders, cocktails, vote & RSVP!
Read on for this month’s event details or click here to view last month’s Triple Shot Oahu recap!
The Cocktails!
Crafted by @ConsuelaSauce A.K.A. Roxanne Siebert
Super Cider!
Barrel aged Appleton Rum lends an extra boost to a handcrafted gingery sweet apple cider, balanced with fresh lemon juice and an aromatic touch of Angostura Bitters.
Drink Me!
Literally asking to be consumed, Tequila Cazadores Reposado gets sweet and sassy with housemade vanilla syrup, black cherry juice, and maraschino liqueur. Topped off with a vanilla foam and rosemary garnish, this cocktail is sure to tease your tastebuds.
Leche Malteada
Taking after its namesake, this frothy malted cocktail features Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur with a touch of clove and a spike of vodka for good measure.
Crafted by @Bartender808 A.K.A. Dave Newman
Smoked Paloma
A twist on the classic Paloma takes the flavors of lime and grapefruit and layers them with wood-smoked infused Tequila Cazadores Reposado, served in individually smoked glasses.
Mexican Coffee Flip A.K.A. Ja’ Makin’ Me Flip
Mixing up both Tequila Cazadores Reposado and Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur with espresso, this flip is served shaken cold with an infused whip topping.
Forgive Me Father
Starting with an All Spice Dram handcrafted from Appleton Rum, then mixed with Campari and hibiscus infused simple syrup, this cocktail gains even more dimension with an absinthe rinse and a splash of overproof whiskey, served over a single block of hand-chipped ice.
Crafted by @TimRita A.K.A. Tim Rita
Okolemaluna Fizz
This bubbly combination featuring Appleton Rum, calamansi, coconut and ginger, gains depth from Tim’s handcrafted lilikoi and thai chili simple syrup and a bit of flair from its brûlée calamansi garnish.
Hot Pink Punch
A fiery take on ethnic flavors, featuring Tequila Cazadores Reposado with prickly pear and jalepeño balanced with citrus and finished with an aromatic application of absinthe.
Jamaica Nice
Featuring Tia Maria Coffee Liqueur, this hot creative take on an adult pick-me-up combines the flavors of chocolate and coffee with spicy sweet chili and rum foam. Garnished with coffee grinds to enhance the aroma.
The Venue!
The Modern Honolulu
1775 Ala Moana Boulevard
Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
www.themodernhonolulu.com
View in Google Maps
Attend!
Want in? There’s no cover and anyone 21+ with a valid ID can join at 10:30pm, but if you want in on the free 7:30pm VIP Reception & Tasting of all 9 cocktails, you have to vote! We have limited spaces and will be giving them away to top sharers and voters!
Subscribe to MXLGY? Subscribers who have signed up at www.mxlgy.com and have filled out their zipcode in their profile prior to February 17th, 2012 will automatically receive confirmed invitations. Not subscribed? Sign up now for preferred invites to our next event!
Vote!
Voting is easy! All you have to do is tweet or post on Facebook! Simply check out the cocktails below, choose the one you want to try the most, then post about it!
Posting on Twitter? So we can find your tweet, be sure to mention @MXLGY along with the featured spirit @AppletonRumUSA, @TCazadores or @TiaMariaDrink. You can also mention the bartender too! Write up your own or edit & copy the following example:
I want to try the @AppletonRumUSA Okolemaluna Fizz by @TimRita at @MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu at @ModernAddiction!
Posting on Facebook? Just post the cocktail you want the most on our fan page wall at Facebook.com/MXLGY!
On or before February 22, we will contact the selected voters to be invited to the VIP private tasting.
Want to get earlier guaranteed invites to future VIP tastings and events? MXLGY subscribers get early access to craft cocktail events and more! Subscribe to the MXLGY newsletter for free at www.mxlgy.com
#BloggerBarhop2 #DrinkPorn Recap!
On February 8, 2012, @CarolineOnCrack, @NeatAidan & @Castrodisiac hosted the 2nd Annual #BloggerBarhop2, sponsored by Beefeater 24 @DrinkEnglishGin!
The epic barhop hit 9 bars in 5 hours, including:
Neat Bar / @NeatBar
Golden Road Brewing / @GoldenRoadBrew
Tiki Ti / @Tiki_Ti
Three of Clubs/ @Threeclubs
Bar Marmont
SkyBar / #Skybar @MondrianLA
The Eveleigh / @theEveleigh
Harvard & Stone / @HarvardAndStone
MXLGY staff @MikePrasad & @SaxCarr were invited to come along, and epic cocktails ensued. Check out the slideshow below for the #drinkporn photos by Mike Prasad and for subscribers, look for a special email feature with the recipes soon!
Not a subscriber? Sign up for free at www.mxlgy.com
WRAPUP: MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu Jan 24th #HIMXLGY
Last night’s Triple Shot Oahu event was an awesome success! Our first event featured 3 spirits: Oxley Gin, Corzo Tequila and Bacardi 8 Aged Rum along with 3 epic mixologists: Joey Gottesman of Better Brands, Josh Perez of thirtyninehotel and Kyle Reutner of Imbibe Hawaii. Held at Loft in Space in Honolulu, Hawaii, the event featured 9 cocktails, one with each spirit from each craft bartender along with paired appetizers by both Da Kitchen Oahu and Chef Jamal of thirtyninehotel. Super big thanks to everyone named above, everyone who attended, The Greenhouse Hawaii crew and to Christa Wittmier of Youngs Market Hawaii! Check out the original post for all the cocktail descriptions and details and read on for the wrap-up!
Want the recipes?
Subscribe to the MXLGY newsletter here on the left or at www.mxlgy.com before next week when we will feature the recipes!
The Wrap Up!
- Favorite Cocktail by Kyle THE ONE-TWO PUNCH - A knockout punch packing Corzo Reposado along with fresh lilikoi, pineapple and a touch of lemon.
- Favorite Cocktail by Josh QUEENS PARK SWIZZLE - Featuring Bacardi 8 with crushed ice, mint, fresh lime, local turbinado sugar and angostura bitters.
- Favorite Cocktail by Joey OXFORD V-NECK - Fresh Blueberries and Macerated Lemon, fortified with Oxley Cold-Distilled Gin, balanced with Hawaiian Lehua Honey and Fresh Sage.
- Most Liked Instagram Photo Winner John Garcia
- MXLGY Favorite Instagram Photo Winner Thomas Obungen
- Hit full capacity
- Over 100 tweets generating tens of thousands of impressions
- Over 100 photos posted on Instagram View here
- Awesome photo coverage on Nonstop Honolulu View here
The Instagram Winners!
Most Liked by @JohnGarcia a.k.a. John Garcia
MXLGY Favorite by @YelpHawaii a.k.a. Thomas Obungen
RSVP: MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu @ Loft in Space Jan 24th!
MXLGY is proud to present our first ever cocktail exhibition event, proudly sponsored by @Corzo_Tequila, @Oxley_Gin & @Bacardi. Check out the flyer and scroll down to preview the cocktails, vote & RSVP!
Attend!
Want in? There’s no cover and anyone 21+ with a valid ID can join at 10pm, but if you want in on the free 7pm VIP tasting of all 9 cocktails, you have to vote! We have limited spaces and will be giving them away to top sharers and voters!
Vote!
Voting is easy! All you have to do is tweet or post on Facebook! Check out the cocktails below and choose the one you are anticipating the most then tweet about it. So we can find your tweet, be sure to mention @MXLGY, the spirit that the cocktail features (@Corzo_Tequila, @Oxley_Gin or @Bacardi) and the bartender’s making the cocktail (@ParadiseOnRocks, @Zombijosue or @Dr_Joey). Write up your own or edit & copy the following example:
I vote for @ParadiseOnRocks @Oxley_Gin Violet Fizz for the @MXLGY Triple Shot Oahu!
If you’re on Facebook, just post the cocktail you are anticipating the most on our fan page wall at Facebook.com/MXLGY!
On or before January 23, we will tweet out the winners invited to the VIP private tasting from our @MXLGY Twitter account!
Want to get earlier guaranteed invites to future VIP tastings and events? MXLGY subscribers get early access to craft cocktail events and more! Subscribe to the MXLGY newsletter for free at www.mxlgy.com
The Cocktails!
Crafted by @ParadiseOnRocks A.K.A. Kyle Reutner
The Violet Fizz
A bubbly combination of violet, lavender, lemon and the perfect froth, featuring Oxley Cold-Distilled Gin.
The One-Two Punch
A knockout punch packing Corzo Reposado along with fresh lilikoi, pineapple and a touch of lemon.
Waialae Mai Tai
A nutty twist on the tradition with mac nut, pistachio, lime and orange liqueur featuring aged rum Bacardi 8.
Crafted by @Zombijosue A.K.A. Josh Perez
Troubled Waters
A light cocktail featuring Oxley Gin with homemade vanilla cardamom syrup, fresh lemon juice and Gran Classico.
La Flor y Agave
A frothy sour featuring Corzo Silver served up with the flavors of elderflower, vanilla bean agave, fresh lime and topped with old fashioned bitters.
Queens Park Swizzle
Featuring Bacardi 8, this classic cocktail will refresh with crushed ice, mint, fresh lime, local turbinado sugar and angostura bitters.
Crafted by @Dr_Joey A.K.A. Joey Gottesman
Oxford “V –Neck”
Fresh Blueberries and Macerated Lemon, fortified with Oxley Cold-Distilled Gin, balanced with Hawaiian Lehua Honey and Fresh Sage.
Serrano Hemmingway
Bacardi 8 year, bruised to perfection with fresh island sourced lime, fresh serrano chiles and confectioners sugar served on a pillow of Herring Cherry with a light dash of The Bitter Truth Grapefruit.
Smoked Silver Bullet Margarita
From Silver to Anejo in one preparation; Corzo Silver is smoked in a blend of Kiawe and Jack Daniels Seasoned White Oak, bound in hand-crafted lime sour and served with smoked Hawaiian salt.
The Venue!
Loft In Space
831 Queen Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
www.loftinspacehi.com
View in Google Maps
Exclusive MXLGY Signature Cocktail: Mike’s Medicine is now being served at Rays & Stark Bar @ The Los Angeles County Museum of Art! Concocted by Barsmith Paul Sanguinetti to incorporate MXLGY co-founder Mike Prasad’s favorite flavors, the cocktail is a delicious mix of Armagnac, Licor 43, lime juice & egg whites.
Welcome to Imbibe! The official blog of MXLGY!
CHEERS!
Welcome to Imbibe, our official blog! Imbibe will be the place to get the latest MXLGY news & events as well as preview new MXLGY newsletter posts! Stay tuned and get ready to drink up!
