Hard to believe January is coming to a close. The distillery has not slowed down after the hustle and bustle of the 2014 holiday season. Actually, it feels like we have been busier than ever. Product development has been on the forefront while the J. Carver team continues to get out and about with tastings and events.
Last week’s trip to Duluth for a five course cocktail and food pairing at Northland Country Club was delightful. A huge shout out to Ryan Bauer, Director of FUN, the chefs, and his team for collaborating with J. Carver Distillery to create tasty cocktails made with J. Carver Premium Vodka and Premium Gin that paired beautifully with jaw dropping appetizers. It was an evening enjoyed by all that brought Minnesota craft spirits and chef inspired food for the members and guests at Northland Country Club to a new level. Cheers to a memorable evening!
COURSE 1
“J. Carver French 75”
1 ounce J. Carver Premium Vodka
½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ ounce simple syrup
3 ounces Champagne
Add all ingredients except the Champagne in a shaker and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a Champagne flute. Top with Champagne. SERVED IN A CHAMPAGNE FLUTE
Paired with: An Alaea salt, Kukui nut & scallion poke cones
COURSE 2
J. Carver Left Bank
1 ½ ounces J. Carver Premium Gin
1 ounce Elderflower Liqueur
1 ounce Sauvignon Blanc
Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake and strain.
Serve in a Martini glass. Garnish with a lime twist
Paired with an assortment of gourmet cheeses including Chevre from Wisconsin.
COURSE 3
Copa Malbec created at Coalition
2 oz J. Carver Premium Gin
3/4 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
1 oz Piatelli Malbec wine
Shake all ingredients and strain in a low ball with ice. Top with Malbec wine.
SERVED IN A LOW BALL GLASS WITH ICE
Paired with: Braised five-spiced pork belly, pickled cucumber and jalapeno slaw, Sriracha aioli, crushed peanuts, sweet soy on a bao bun.
COURSE 4
Maple Kiss
1 oz J. Carver Premium Vodka
2 oz Chilled Pacific Coast Hard Apple Cider
Drizzle with 2 teaspoons REAL Minnesota Maple syrup
Shake all ingredients and strain in a Martini glass.
SERVE IN A MARTINI GLASS
Paired with: Chicken fried bacon and sausage cream gravy.
COURSE 5
J. Carver Jasmine
1 ½ ounces J. Carver Premium Gin
1 ounce Cointreau
¾ ounce Campari
½ ounce fresh lemon juice
Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a low ball glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist and a Maraschino cherry.
Great balance of bitter orange and sweetness
PAIR with: Tempura fried spicy ahi roll, soy reduction and pickled ginger aioli.
Looking forward to our next event. Until then, raising a glass to those who create tasty libations with hand crafted spirits distilled here in Minnesota and to our restaurateurs and chefs who create delicious bites satisfying all of us who hunger and thirst for good eats and drinks. Cheers!