16 February 2023

The national liquor of El Salvador – Chaparro Flor de Fuego!

This is the drink Mauricio, Erick and Blanqui gifted me. Some claim that the national liquor of El Salvador is a far more coarse drink called Tic Tack. This one is made from corn and panela which is unrefined whole cane sugar. It has roots way back to the Mayan times. Of course, there was no sugarcane then in this part of the world (till Columbus brought it over from Spain).

Interestingly, the name is derived not from the ingredients but the Chaparro tree whose wood is used during the distillation process. Burning of wood from this tree produces minimal amount of smoke.

Can’t wait to go home and try this!

Thank you Mauricio, Erick and Blanqui !!

5 February 2023

From the bartender’s corner – Verrazano

From Bourbon and Boots:

The Verrazano cocktail is a mix of bourbon whiskey, dry vermouth, and herbal liqueur. It was created in the early 20th century for a New York bartender named Johnnie Solon. The cocktail is said to have been created for a banquet celebrating the completion of the Verrazano Bridge, which connects Staten Island to Brooklyn. This drink is named after Giovanni da Verrazzano, who was an Italian explorer and navigator who had explored New York Bay in 1524 and claimed it for France.

Bourbon Whiskey, Sweet Vermouth, Apricot Liqueur and Campari.