(StatePoint) From pool parties to evenings around a bonfire, summer is the ultimate time to entertain. Artisanal cocktails make a statement at any gathering, so become the trendsetter of the season by using interesting spirits to get the party started.
The key to successfully designing a creative cocktail is simple—keep an open mind and use the best possible ingredients. Using quality spirits and seasonal ingredients will make for an intriguing and delicious drink.
Think outside the box when crafting cocktails, a hidden gem may already be in your bar collection, such as cognac liqueur. A common misconception is this spirit is only meant to be consumed during the wintertime. However, these liqueurs can be served chilled or made into refreshing cocktails.
One example is the award-winning Belle de Brillet, the original Pear Williams & Brillet Cognac Liqueur produced by the 10th generation family-owned Maison Brillet, located in the heart of the Cognac region in France. Belle de Brillet is a pear liqueur made by infusing Brillet cognac with the essence of Williams Pears, produced mainly in the east of France. The liqueur is served in an elegant pear-shaped bottle, which will add charm to your summer spread.
To best serve this luscious, yet refreshingly tart liqueur with ripe pear notes, consider these three cocktails created by NYC mixologist, Jaime Rios. Each recipe can easily be prepared ahead of time, so guests can help themselves.
Belle of the Ball
• 1.5 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
• 1.0 oz. Light Rum
• 0.75 oz. Lime Juice
• 3 Raspberries
• Club Soda
• Sprig of Rosemary
Add raspberries, ice and alcohol ingredients into a shaker. Shake and strain into a highball with fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with rosemary sprig.
Brilliant Belle
• 1.0 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
• 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
• 1.5 oz. Premium Vodka
• 0.25 oz. Green Chartreuse
• 3 dashes Orange Bitters
• 3 Red Grapes
• 1 Basil Leaf
Muddle red grapes and a basil leaf in a shaker then add all ingredients. Shake and evenly strain to the rim of the martini glass. Garnish with basil leaf.
Summer in the City
• 1.0 oz. Belle de Brillet Liqueur
• 0.5 oz. Lime Juice
• 2.0 oz. Joto Junmai Sake
• Cucumber Slices
• Mint Leaves
Muddle cucumber and mint and add all ingredients with ice into tin shaker. Shake and strain into a highball glass with crushed ice. Garnish with mint sprig and cucumber.
Because of its versatility, Belle de Brillet liqueur is a favorite among gourmet chefs around the world. It will pair nicely alongside summer salads, grilled seafood and fresh summer fruits like melon, strawberries or raspberries.
This summer, delight guests’ palates with fresh ingredients for a new taste sensation.
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Photo Credit: (c) Mikhail Malyugin – Fotolia.com
