Author: Camper English
-
The Missing Caipirinha
I've been writing for Fine Cooking magazine's website for several months now, and realized they don't have a recipe for the Caipirinha online. Shameful. So in my latest post I wrote about the drink, the base spirit cachaca, and some variations. Check it out.
-
Casa Noble Distillery Visit
Way back in February I took a quick trip to Mexico to visit the distillery La Cofradia, where they make Casa Noble tequila. They make other brands there too, but I was there as the guest of their flagship brand Casa Noble. A Beautiful Distillery La Cofradia is located about a mile outside of the…
-
Angostura Rums Distillery Visit
In my last post I talked about the history and production of Angostura Bitters. In this one I'll talk about the history and production of Angostura Rums. I visited the distillery on Trinidad in March 2011. History of Angostura Rums The House of Angostura was in the bitters business since 1824, but didn't enter the…
-
The History and Production of Angostura Bitters
In March I visited the Angostura distillery in Port of Spain, Trinidad. They make not only Angostura Bitters here but also the line of Angostura rums and rums for several other brands. In this post, I'll focus on the bitters. The History of Angostura Bitters Angostura Bitters were created in 1824 by Dr. Johann Siegert. They…
-
For the Love of Orgeat
In my latest post for FineCooking.com I talk a little bit about orgeat as a segue into posting the recipe for Dominic Venegas' Mi Ruca cocktail that helped him win the SF regional 42Below vodka cocktail world cup. (Photos courtesy of 42Below Vodka.) Most of what I know about orgeat comes from the research for…
-
Pickle Back in Los Angeles Times Magazine
I wrote up a short ditty on the Pickle Back (A shot of whiskey- usually Jameson- with a pickle juice chaser) for the Los Angeles Times Magazine's March issue. Read it here. (Photo by Brian Leatart)
-
Irish Coffee: It’s All in the Cream
In Ireland a few weeks ago, I had Irish Coffee three times in as many days. Irish Coffee was invented in Ireland and is credited to a bar at the Shannon airport. Then it was recreated in San Francisco at the Buena Vista. Its popularity in the US helped it travel back to Ireland where…
-
What’s the Difference Between Orange Curacao and Triple Sec?
There are no legal differences between triple sec and Curacao, only a few practical and many historical differences. In summary: Both triple sec and Curacao are orange-flavored liqueurs, and today’s triple secs are typically clear, while curacao is either clear or sold in a variety of colors, including blue. Curacao liqueur is not required to…
-
Sherry is to Tequila as Vermouth is to Whiskey
Sherry and tequila are showing up together on more and more cocktail menus. I wrote a story about that in the Sunday, February 20th San Francisco Chronicle. (Del Rio cocktail by Josh Harris of the Bon Vivants. Photo: Craig Lee) More drinks including Tequila and SherryCamper English, Special to The Chronicle Sherry and Tequila are…