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Gum or Gomme Syrup is essentially a simple syrup with an added emulsifier, (typically gum arabic or xanthan gum) which acts to increase the body of the syrup, making it richer and smoother. The gum arabic or xanthan gum also prevents the sugar from crystallizing, allowing for a higher sugar to water ratio, again reinforcing a silkier, richer mouthfeel in the finished cocktail.
For bitter lovers there’s nothing else that can set off the deep of complexity of a cocktail than the right usage of a bitter. Bitters were once a common bar ingredient, an alcoholic preparation flavored with botanical matter and herbal essence, considered to be a necessary component in the early concept of cocktail. Bitters seem it originate back as far as the ancient Egyptians who infused medicinal herbs with wine and into the “Middle Ages” where people prepared concentrated herbal bitters and tonic. Secret formulas for preparing bitters include variety of herbs, spices, bark, roots distilled in base liquor and fruit for medicinal and flavor properties. Bitters are highly concentrated tinctures (alcoholic-extraction of the plants).
The concept of using herbal bitters, as preventive medicines, with Canary wine was later adopted by British in 19th century. The very first commercial bitter was compounded in 1824 by German physician Dr. Siegert for medicinal uses to cure sea sickness and stomach maladies.
The idea of cocktail first hit the American air in 1806. Bitters go way back to the early days of American cocktails, when pharmacist Antoine Peychaud added a dash or two to the alcoholic libations served up at his apothecary shop in 19th Century New Orleans.
The popular bitters emerge from this period were Angostura bitters, Paychaud’s Bitters and Orange bitters.
Cocktails are a stimulating beverage, blend of brandy, gin or any other liquid, with bitters, sugar and very little water.
Cocchi Vermouth is a delectable and appealing drink that anyone with a love for cocktails will delight in. Vermouth is a traditional, centuries old wine which is part of cocktails such as Manhattans and Martinis. It has a lovely and enticing aroma which will add the perfect flavor to any cocktail out there of your choosing.
Cocchi is a specific brand maker of Vermouth and based out of Italy. Giulio Cocchi Spumanti was originally a pastry chef that started the winery in 1891. His main interest at the time was pairing food with wine, hence his production of aromatic-infused wines such as the Vermouth. The amazing combination his vermouth provides puts him at the top of the list when picking the perfect brand.
Today, Cocchi Vermouth still produces this tasty treat and is used widely in mixing cocktails. Adding vermouth to a cocktail actually dilutes the potency of the other alcoholic beverages, making it gentler and more pleasant to drink. Who doesn’t love a margarita or manhattan cocktail after all. No one we know.
A vermouth is actually considered a fortified wine, meaning it has a different spirit added to it- brandy. It has a high alcohol content rating in at a hefty 18%. It is the perfect addition to a cocktail to add flair and style unlike any other. Vermouth is flavored with a lovely combination of cinnamon, chamomile, majorjam and cardamom. Because of the sweet demeanor and herb combination found in a Vermouth, it has a sweet yet spicy taste and smell. In other words, it is like heaven on earth to drink and put under your nose.
Since vermouth is actually considered a wine spirit, it is an interesting and intriguing addition to a traditional martini or manhattan. It has such an enticing aroma and flavor that you won’t ever want to go without. Even if a martini was never a choice for you as a cocktail, vermouth is sure to make you give it a second look. Whenever you decide to take a trip to your favorite cocktail lounge be sure to ask for Cocchi Vermouth. You will never be disappointed.
A Carnival
of Sight, Taste and Olfactory Pleasures
Carnival Cocktails took place April 26th, 2015 and was a smashing success! They were able to donate $46,000.00 for the cause dedicated to the memory of the late, great and fabulous Jennifer Gardiner aka Jen Unplugged.!
This year they plan to turn up the dial having even more great food, more great cocktails and MORE fun! Adding some extra surprises and entertainment for this years guests. The date is set for their second annual event which will take place May 1st, 2016. From 7Pm – 10PM. At the Hotel Arts in Calgary, tickets are already on sale!
Carnival Cocktails for Cancer is an evening of amazing food and creative cocktails featuring some of Alberta’s most talented bartenders and chefs.
As you enter their carnival’s big top their goal is to re-create the excitement of the midway unlike any you’ve seen before. Talented teams from some of Calgary’s best restaurants will be serving dishes inspired by classic carnival fair, while the city’s top bartenders craft carnival themed cocktails.
For thoughs that did not know; Jen also became an inspiration to others fighting their own battles with cancer, starring in a documentary entitled “The Uplife Project” and becoming a spokesperson for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Jen encouraged others to “live fiercely, to live out loud, and to be present in every second of life”, which is a motto she herself lived courageously until her last days
All proceeds from Carnival Cocktails for Cancer will be directed to support clinical trials in Jens name through the Alberta cancer foundation.
This vision is bold. To realize it, we have to do things differently. We take a strategic approach to investing donor dollars, toward initiatives and programs that will lead to:
A word from organizer Jesse Willis:
“Food, wine, cocktails, fashion and friends were some of Jen’s great passions in life. This event is one that we had always talked about hosting together. Unfortunately Jen passed before we had the chance to realize that dream, but I am honored to organize Carnival Cocktails for Cancer in her memory. With your support, and the support of our amazing sponsors, volunteers, and partners, it will be a fabulous evening worthy of Jen."
Here at the Lost we feel so honored to be invited to be part of this!! Some of Alberta's top venues under the same roof for a great cause... raising money to fight cancer. We would like to thank everyone for making it possible for us to partake in this year’s Carnival Cocktails for Cancer; and hope that you will take part in this event as well. Hope to see you all there. We are setting up a special link to the ticket booth on our web site I you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to ask any of our staff.