local flavor

Mixology

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Making mixing look easy is the goal at Allstar Bartenders Training in 11415. The center was founded in 1989 with the simple mission to “make better bartenders.” Thousands have learned Mixology 101 in Allstar’s classrooms, all of which are set up like actual cocktail lounges – with full bars, ice machines, jukeboxes, and everything else a student of bartending could need. Mixologist Michael Massino brings more than 20 years of experience to his students. Nicknamed “Mix Master Mike,” he describes the art of bartending as being a conductor. “You take several different pieces of produce, juices, and purees,” he explains, “mix them in with different beverages and liquor, and you get a fantastic result.” This love of the process has taken Massino all the way to the farm where he grows organic produce that he provides to restaurants, and, of course, incorporates into his cocktails. His creations include the “Basilico,” which infuses Bianco vermouth and vodka and is garnished with a basil leaf. The recipe for this tasty concoction can be found in his new book, The New Martinis… Made Easy. “I love infusing different liquors and am constantly searching for new fruit to experiment with, such as Mangosteen,” says Massino. With a school on Long Island as well as in Kew Gardens, the hope is that the academy’s success will ultimately translate into a consistency in the bartending world. As Massino explains, “I wrote the book in an attempt to get as many bartenders using the same recipes for the same drinks as possible.” Here’s to a future with uniformly delicious mixed drinks.

80-02 Kew Gardens Road, 11415
www.allstarbartending.com
www.organicstodayfarms.com

The following drink recipes are created by mixologist Michael Massino using Tava sparkling beverage flavors:

The Brazilian Samba
1.5 oz of Cachaca
1 oz Mangosteen juice
1 oz Pineapple juice
Top with Tava Brazilian Samba Sparkling Beverage

Mediterranean Fiesta
Pour the following into a shaker glass filled with ice:
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Hypnotic
1 oz Raspberry Liqueur
Top with Tava Mediterranean Fiesta Sparkling Beverage

The Tahitian Tamure
Pour the following into a shaker glass filled with ice:
3 oz Rum infused with vanilla bean and orange zest
1 oz of Pineapple juice
Shake well and pour into a rocks glass
Top with 2 oz of Tava Tahitian Tamure Sparkling Beverage
Garnish with a flamed orange peel

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Do you have a signature drink? Post a comment below and Send us a recipe!

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  • By helder filipe – 04-20-09 at 5:04 pm

    Named ‘Helderflower’ after Bamboo’s bartender Helder Filipe who designed the drink, this cocktail is soft and sweet combination of English orchard flavours. The lightness of the apple and pears is enriched by the cordial with a little spice and heat coming through the ginger. These flavours pick up the deep caramels and toffees of the VX creating a deeply flavoured but delicate cocktail full of late summer memories.

    Recipe:
    50 ml Appleton VX
    25 ml Elderflower cordial
    15 ml Pear puree
    50 ml Apple juice
    Quarter of Royal Gala Apple
    Barspoon of chopped fresh root ginger

    Method:
    Muddle the apple and ginger in the base of a mixing glass, add the puree, juice, cordial and Appleton. Shake hard and double strain into a chilled martini glass.

  • By Cool in Your Code – 04-23-09 at 7:27 am

    Thanks for the new cocktail recipe, sounds delicious. Anyone else out there with some drink suggestions please post a comment and let us know!

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