Syrups Made Simple by Pinnacle Vodka

Simple syrup is an essential ingredient in crafting everyday cocktails, but it’s often an ingredient that is overlooked as something that can easily be crafted at home.

Beyond traditional simple syrup, the world of homemade syrup includes fruit, herb, spiced syrups and more. To help readers navigate how to create their own sweet combinations, Pinnacle® Vodka joined forces with Spike TV’s Bar Rescue Mixology Expert, Mia Mastroianni to offer a few tips and tricks to create flavored simple syrups with ingredients already found in the kitchen.

1. Choose your Sweetener – Different sugars will yield different syrups, so it’s important to take that into consideration. The most commonly used sugars behind the bar are white sugar, brown sugar, agave nectar and maple syrup. These sugars can be made into simple syrups following the basic simple syrup recipe of a one-to-one ratio of sugar and water, stirred gently over heat

2. Fresh Picked Herbs – Making herbed simple syrup is an easy way to add a fresh, aromatic layer to cocktails using just three ingredients– water, sugar and fresh herbs.. Start with a basic simple syrup recipe and add your herb of choice. Herbs such as mint, rosemary, basil, fennel, lemongrass, sage, tarragon, thyme, or lavender are perfect for simple syrups. Simmer for about a minute then remove from heat and let the herbs steep for about 30 minutes as the syrup cools. Once cooled, strain through a mesh strainer into a glass bottle or jar. Refrigerate up to a month

3. Jazz up Syrups with Fresh Fruits – Using fresh fruit is another way to enhance simple syrups. The best fruits for simple syrups are blueberries, blackberries, cherries, lemons, limes, peaches and raspberries. Start with the basic simple syrup recipe and then add about one and a half cups of preferred fruit. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer. Allow to cool fully and then store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks

4. Get Creative with Morning Cups of Tea – When making tea in the morning; consider going a step further and also creating tea-infused simple syrup. Infusing syrup with tea is a great way to add a level of sophistication to any cocktail. Earl grey, English breakfast, chamomile, chai, rooibos and matcha all work perfectly for infusions. Again, use the basic simple syrup recipe, but add four teabags or four tablespoons of loose leaf tea. Remove from heat and allow to steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and let the concoction cool fully and refrigerate

5. Spice things up! – Syrups infused with spices can add another layer of depth to cocktails. Simply simmer preferred spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, star anise, or peppercorns, along with the basic simple syrup recipe. Remove from heat and allow steeping for about 20 minutes. Strain, cool and store in a clean glass jar in the refrigerator

Keep these tips in mind when crafting your own special simple syrup to use with Mia’s homemade cocktail of choice, the Pinnacle® Vodka Collins.

Pinnacle^® Vodka Collins

• 2 parts Pinnacle^® Original Vodka
• ¾ parts fresh lemon juice
• ¾ parts simple syrup
• Soda Water
• Lemon wedge for garnish

Preparation: Add all ingredients except soda water to a mixing glass. Shake and strain into a Collins Glass over fresh ice. Top with soda water and garnish with a lemon wedge. 

Pinnacle Vodka offers tips on homemade vodka infusions

The sunshine season is in full swing and there’s nothing better than seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables and delicious herbs to create homemade cocktail infusions sure to impress and delight friends. 

Pinnacle® Vodka partnered with Spike TV’s Bar Rescue Mixology Expert, Mia Mastroianni, to arm at-home bartenders with a few tips and tricks to crafting homemade, custom infusions. 

1. Choose an Infusion – For the best infusions, start with a clean base such as award-winning Pinnacle® Original Vodka. From there, decide how you want the cocktail to taste. Ingredients such as fresh fruits and berries are a good idea for a sweet base. Peppers, herbs or spices are the perfect spicy and savory infusions 

2. Preparation is Key – Before beginning the infusion process, be sure to wash all fresh ingredients thoroughly. Remove any pits, seeds, or stems and cut any fruit into large chunks. Berries can be halved, and any herbs should be gently crushed, as it will help to release the flavor

3. Understand Proper Infusion – Mason jars work perfectly for infusions as they provide a clean, airtight container. A good rule of thumb for infusion proportions: two parts fruit or vegetable to one part spirit. Timing isn’t specific; infusions can take anywhere from three days for some small batches to three weeks for larger batches, so be sure to taste as you go

4. Ready to Serve – Once the vodka has reached a desired flavor, strain the contents through a mesh strainer and gently press on any fruit. To clarify the liquid, strain the remaining liquid a second time through the mesh strainer lined with a coffee filter

Keep these tips in mind when making your own infusion, or create Mia’s homemade infused cocktail of choice, the Cinnamon Grapefruit Gimlet.

Cinnamon Grapefruit-Infused Pinnacle® Original Vodka

·         24 parts Pinnacle^® Original Vodka

·         2 large pink grapefruits

·         2-3 cinnamon sticks

Infusion Preparation: Using a vegetable peeler, peel the outer zest off the grapefruits. Do not get any of the white pith on your peels that will add bitterness. Load a mason jar with the grapefruit zest and the cinnamon sticks and cover with vodka. Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, for three days, shaking daily. Begin to taste. Once it reaches desired flavor, strain through a mesh strainer. Strain a second time through a coffee filter. Bottle and store your infusion in a cool, dark place

Cinnamon Grapefruit Gimlet

·         2 parts Cinnamon/Grapefruit Infused Pinnacle^® Original Vodka

·         1 part Fresh Pink Grapefruit Juice 

·         ½ part Simple Syrup

Preparation: In a mixing glass combine all ingredients and top with ice. Shake and strain into a martini glass or coupe. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge. 

Mix Up Your At-Home Martini Routine

If your knowledge of martinis begins and ends with “shaken not stirred,” Pinnacle® Vodka is here to help refine your cocktail-making skills so you can mix up some great-tasting martinis to share with the crew. 

With the assistance of Bobby Gleason, Beam Suntory Master Mixologist, you can spice up your martini game! His tips include everything from knowing the difference between shaken or stirred, picking vermouth, and suggested martini flavors and garnishes.

High Roller 

• 1 part Pinnacle® Original Vodka
• 1 splash Olive Juice
• 1 spritz Vermouth, Sweet
• Olives

Preparation: Shake and serve in a martini glass. Garnish with olives. 

Classic Lemon Drop Martini 

·         1 ½  parts DeKuyper® Triple Sec Liqueur

·         ½  part Pinnacle® Original Vodka

·         ½  part Lemon Juice

·         1 sugar cube

·         1 lemon

Preparation: Combine ingredients into an ice-filled shaker. Shake until sugar is dissolved, then strain into a martini glass. Garnish with lemon twists.

TIPS FROM BOBBY GLEASON 

·         Shaken or Stirred – Despite what Hollywood may say, deciding when to shake or stir comes down to ingredients. When preparing a martini that contains ingredients such as citrus or egg whites, shaking is a must. This introduces bubbles and the end result is a delicious, frothy concoction. For spirit-forward martinis, stirring is essential as it ensures the drink isn’t too watered down. However, whether shaking or stirring a ‘tini, the most important ingredient is a clean, well-made spirit as the base, such as award-winning Pinnacle® Original Vodka. Produced from wheat, Pinnacle® Original Vodka provides a soft, clean and crisp taste to any martini

·         Vary your vermouth – According to Bobby Gleason, vermouth is a must in a proper martini but you should follow these rules to create the perfect balance; ratio is key. Depending on glass size, pour 3 to 4 parts vodka to 1 part vermouth.  Dry vermouth adds a bitter element to a martini while sweet vermouth adds a hint of fragrance and sugar. It’s important to keep in mind that since vermouth is a wine-based spirit, once the bottle is opened it will go bad with time and is best kept in the fridge. However, keep in mind you may want to buy smaller bottles, as vodka is the key player in a proper martini

·         Find your favorite flavor – After starting with a great base like award-winning Pinnacle® Original Vodka, it’s time for flavor! If you’d like to replicate some of the first martini recipes created, add bitters to complement Pinnacle’s smooth taste. Citrus-based bitters are a safe bet, while floral or spiced varieties can add unexpected characteristics to your cocktail. Less is more when it comes to a martini; only use one or two dashes unless you need a real kick. Smoky notes can be added to a martini by “smoking” the cocktail, glass or the ice. Another technique to achieve this flavor is to “rinse” the glass with a splash of spirits, such as a peaty Scotch or smoky Mescal. Herbal liqueurs, such as Absinthe or bitter Amaro, can add distinct flavors to a martini 

·         Twists on trimmings – Try olives stuffed with cheese, peppers, charcuterie or seafood for a change. Over olives?  Make “The Gibson,” a martini with an onion garnish that should be kept in its brine for a different taste. To go outside the box, consider a citrus peel twist that’s flamed or zested

Step Up Your Garnish Game for a Bloody Mary Brunch

With a new year comes a new opportunity to elevate your cocktail-making skills. Need some help on how to do that? Pinnacle® Original Vodka has a clean, fresh taste perfect for enhancing any Bloody Mary. For additional ways to pump up your cocktail, Pinnacle has enlisted Beam Suntory Master Mixologist Bobby Gleason to provide tips on how to become “the” bartender of your social circle.

Try out Bobby’s simple tricks that will allow your friends to enjoy a Bloody Mary of their choice: 

·         Step up the garnish game – These days it’s go big or go home when it comes to garnishes. Guarantee your guests a good time by providing a variety of tasteful additions to customize their Bloody Mary. 

o   Forget about the stir stick and take a note from history where a celery stick was first used to mix in the 1950s. No need to stop with celery, feel free to use a carrot stick or cheese stick to stir before sipping.  

o   Want to take it to the next level? Add mini pancakes for a brunchy Bloody Mary.

o   Love the lunch part of brunch more? A mini grilled cheese or slider on a skewer is the best bet to enhance your Bloody Mary with a snack.  

·         Add a splash of something new – Switch up your cocktail with Bobby’s homemade Bloody Mary mix (recipe below).  Making your own adds a fresh element to your drink and gives you the power to make it how you want. A true trick to a refreshing libation is adding any combo of herbs like basil, cilantro, chives or sage. When it comes to the sauce Worchester is king! 

·         Kick it up –Turn up the heat, throw in some hot sauce or wasabi along with a delicious rimmer. Whether it’s chili pepper spice with shredded parmesan cheese or a tajin rim, you’ll add a punch of flavor. Use that lemon wedge for more than just garnish and rub it along the rim before rolling your glass in your spice of choice for a real kick.

Sunday Funday Bloody Mary 

• 1 part Pinnacle® Original Vodka
• 2 parts tomato juice
• 1 dash hot sauce
• 1 dash horseradish
• 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
• Celery

Preparation: Shake all ingredients, then add celery and other toppings. 

Bobby G’s Bloody Mary Mix * 

·         32 parts tomato juice 

·         ¼  part kosher salt

·         ¼  part fresh course ground pepper

·         1 ½  parts Worcestershire Sauce

·         ¼  part hot sauce

·         Adjust after to taste

Preparation: Combine all ingredients and adjust after taste to enjoy. 

*Mix recipe serves 14 

Bobby G’s Bloody Mary 

·         1 ½ parts Pinnacle®  Original Vodka 

·         3 parts Bobby G’s Bloody Mary Mix 

·         Garnishes of your choice 

Preparation: Fill a glass with ice and add ingredients in order. Garnish with toppings of your choice.

Party like a President with Commander-in-Chief Cocktails

As the country gears up for the Presidential Inauguration on January 20 (WHYYYYYY), learn how to craft cocktails in the spirit of America’s former presidents (aka the good old days).  There are recipes to salute to the states with a range of ingredients that each man desired: 

·         Toast a Hornitos Renegade with Barack Obama as he loves a cold draft

·         Shake up a Rooseveltini like FDR loved to sip 

·         Taste Buchanan’s Best cognac cocktail in memory of James Buchanan’s liquor of choice 

So whether you want to party like POTUS or put a twist on your favorite Commander-in-Chief’s cocktail (hey Obama!), there’s a liberty libation for everyone to enjoy leading up to Inauguration Day. And, let's be real, this Inauguration calls for A LOT of drinks!

Hornitos Renegade 

·         1 ½ Parts Hornitos® Plata Tequila

·         4 Parts Mexican Lager

·         ⅓ Part Lime Juice

·         ⅓ Part Simple Syrup

·         1 Slice Jalapeño

·         Salt Rim

Preparation: Lightly muddle one jalapeño slice in a shaker, add ice and combine remainder of ingredients except Mexican lager. Shake vigorously and strain into a pilsner glass with a salted rim over fresh ice. Add Mexican lager and serve.

Rooseveltini  

·         2 parts Pinnacle® Vodka

·         1 part olive juice 

·         Olives for garnish

Preparation: Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives. 

Buchanan’s Best

·         1 part Courvoisier® V.S.O.P Cognac 

·         1 Demerara Sugar Cube

·         2 Dashes of Bitters 

·         Top with Champagne 

Preparation: Soak a sugar cube in bitters and drop into a cocktail coupe glass. Cover with Courvoisier V.S.O.P Cognac and slowly top with champagne.

Make it a Pinnacle Party with these great tips from Mary G

November is filled with nights to cozy up by the fire with family, friends, and a good movie – or several for the ultimate movie marathon. Showing a movie alongside delicious bites and cocktails that incorporate a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist is what caterer and entertaining expert Mary Giuliani calls “party perfection.” There’s nothing like a pre-set spread so guests don’t miss one moment of the viewing fun. 

• Shaken, Not Stirred - A DIY Pinnacle martini bar is an easy way to incorporate guests into the party and allows the host to not play bartender all night. Set up toothpicks, olives, and all ingredients for guests to shake up their perfect Pinnacle Dirty Pinn-Tini ahead of time and allow them to customize their cocktail. Offer a selection of vodka including Original, which is the perfect base for a variety of garnishes or add a flavor like Pinnacle Whipped or Pinnacle Raspberry Vodka. 
• Rethink Your Drink(ware) - Don’t be afraid to serve a martini in a in a rocks glass over ice- it’s just as delicious with less opportunities for spills. Add edible gold stars frozen in ice cubes for a bright flair
• Silver Spoon Desserts - Create a delicious chocolate or vanilla pudding and fill small mason jars. Add a black bow tie to each mason jar for decor and leave in the fridge through the first half of the movie. When the movie is coming to an end, grab the mason jars from the fridge and serve in front of the TV
• Pop it Perfectly - What’s a movie night without popcorn and sweets? Set up a snack station with an assortment of delicious toppings such as chocolate sprinkles, Gummy Bears, Sea Salt, Pepper, Paprika, and Parmesan Cheese so each guest can create their own delightful concoction

Pinnacle Dirty Pinn-Tini 

• 2 parts Pinnacle Original Vodka
• 1 part olive juice
• Olives for garnish
• Toothpick for garnish

Preparation: Shake with ice and strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with olives through a toothpick.

Five Halloween Cocktails That Are So Good, It's Scary

                   

Corazón Diablo          Bewitching Berry                 Spider’s Kiss              Jack-O-Lantern               Black Cauldron

Hosting a frightful Halloween bash? This year, “treat or treat” guests with deliciously ghoulish cocktails that are sure to spook and satisfy. 

Allow guests to pick their favorite poison with five hauntingly good cocktails from 901 Tequila, Sauza Tequila, Hornitos Tequila, Skinnygirl Cocktails, and Pinnacle Vodka – certain to raise spirits during Halloween celebrations. 

Corazón Diablo

• 2 parts 901® Tequila
• 1 part Crème de cassis
• 1 shot espresso
• 1 part coffee liqueur
• ½  part simple syrup

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in mixing glass. Shake vigorously over ice. Strain over ice into martini glass. Garnish with sliced fig to mimic an “evil heart.”

Bewitching Berry

• 2 parts Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila
• 1/2 parts peach juice
• 1/2 parts blackberry puree
• 1/2 parts lemon juice
• 1 part simple syrup
• Peach slice 
• Blackberry

Preparation: Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain over ice into a coupe glass. Garnish by skewering a fresh blackberry and a slice of peach with a knot stick.

Spider’s Kiss 

• 1 part Pinnacle® Original Vodka
• 1 part Midori® Melon Liqueur
• Fresh Lemon Juice
• Chocolate Syrup
• Orange Slice 

Preparation: Draw a chocolate web into a martini glass and place in the refrigerator to chill. Combine Midori®, Pinnacle® Vodka, and lemon juice in a shaker and strain into glass. Garnish with a chocolate dipped orange slice.

Jack-O-Lantern  

• 1 ½  parts Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka
• 1 part canned unsweetened pumpkin
• ¾ part fat free sweetened condensed milk
• ¾ part unsweetened almond milk
• Pumpkin pie spice for garnish
• Club soda 

Preparation: Mix all ingredients except club soda. Pour over ice, top with club soda and garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

Black Cauldron

·         1 ½ parts Hornitos® Black Barrel® Tequila

·         ¾ part fresh lemon juice

·         ¼ part agave syrup

·         ¼ part sage simple syrup

·         2 dashes Angostura® bitters*

·         1 capsule activated charcoal**

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon slice.

*All trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

**Adds a jet-black hue and a light, smoky flavor to the cocktail

Peace Out, Pumpkin - Not So Basic Fall Cocktails

Move over Pumpkin Spice, it’s time to celebrate fall in all its glory with some cocktails that feature more than just the season’s most popular (and played out) flavor. 

With ingredients like apple cider, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup, the cocktail recipes below from Sauza Tequila, 901 Tequila, Hornitos Tequila, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Pinnacle Vodka and Hard Rock Cafe are perfect for celebrating the new season with a twist. 

Sauza® Minted Mule 

·        1 part Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila

·        1/2 part lime juice

·        3 parts ginger beer

·        mint leaves

Preparation: Add all ingredients to a copper cup and stir. Add ice to the cup and stir again. Garnish with mint leaves.

901® New Fashioned

·        2 parts 901® Tequila

·        2 dashes Angostura® bitters

·        1 part maple syrup

·        Blueberries for garnish

Preparation: Stir all ingredients over ice in rocks glasses. Garnish with skewered blueberries.

Hornitos® LA MAN-ZANA 

·        1 part Hornitos® Spiced Honey

·        1 part apple cider

·        ½ part lemon juice

·        4 parts Mexican lager

Preparation: Combine all ingredients except Mexican lager in a shaker, shake vigorously, strain over fresh ice and add Mexican lager.

Skinnygirl® Sweet Potato Pie Cocktail

·        1 ½ parts Skinnygirl® Bare Naked Vodka

·        1 part sweet potato puree 

·        ½ part DeKuyper® Buttershots® Butterscotch Schnapps 

·        ½ tsp cinnamon

·        Splash of ginger ale 

·        Orange slice for garnish

Preparation: Mix ingredients in a shaker and pour into a chilled glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.

Pinnacle® Whipped® Hot Cider 

• 1 part Pinnacle® Whipped Vodka
• 4 parts apple cider, hot
• Cinnamon for garnish 
• Whipped cream for garnish 

Preparation: First, pour vodka into a heat-proof mug then, fill the rest of the mug with hot apple cider. Top with whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish (optional). 

Hard Rock Cafe’s Rush on the Rocks 

·        2½ oz  apple juice

·        1½ oz  Crown Royal Maple Whisky 

·        1½ oz  sweet and sour mix

·        ¾ oz Monin Spiced Brown Sugar

·        Speared lemon wedge 

·        Cajun seasoning for rim

Preparation: Coat mason jar rim with Cajun seasoning. Mix apple juice, Crown Royal Maple Whisky, sweet and sour mix and Monin Spiced Brown Sugar in a shaker.  Pour over ice and garnish with speared lemon wedge. Enjoy!