We can not deny that the world of cocktails is expanding. New flavours appear each day so that we not only drink them as an aperitif or a simple digestive but also when having a meal. Thus, cocktail pairings are strongly in trend at bars and restaurants.

The union between bartender and chef

With this pairing, we discover a new way of working in the kitchen, in which both chef and bartender connect, merge and launch fantastic creations. Both work hand in hand to complement ingredients and textures, each in their own knowledge area. This makes them mutually enriching and the result of their fusion brings new experiences to diners.

Pure craftsmanship

Cocktail pairings are usually quite similar to wine and food pairings. But they differ because they are much more creative and artisan and usually the alcohol content of the cocktails is higher. The bartender is usually a great innovator who transforms and experiments to find the right flavour: the one that best pairs with the right food.

Types of cocktails and meals

Nevertheless, we must take into account a series of recommendations when it comes to pairing food with cocktails. For example, when a combination has too much alcohol then it is better for food to be also powerful and strong, and also of slower digestion. Dry cocktails pair better instead with foods with proteins and fats.

Some cocktail pairings

In Barcelona, ​​the restaurant The Alchemix unites both worlds, thanks to the wisdom of chef Sergi Palacín and bartender Ignacio Ussía, who together create a menu of cocktails and food from Asia and the Mediterranean. They propose a mix between gastronomy and cocktails for an after-work, such as the foie temaki in ice cream cone with nori seaweed with foie mousse and alcohol macerated with amaretto. They have many more proposals.

Another classic cocktail that stands out in this pairing matter is the margarita, which in its country of origin, Mexico, usually accompanies Mexican meals. It brings a great balance to spicy and strong food.

Another example is the Dry Martini, which in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel of Barcelona is paired with special sauces or cheeses, and there is also the rum infused with chocolate.

Cocktails should be consumed in moderation, always choosing the best for each type of food and with an alcohol content as low as possible.

Smirnoff 1L

The Smirnoff Red Label Vodka is one of the world’s smoothest vodkas. Created in 1864, it is the world’s best-selling premium vodka.

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Pussers British Navy Rum Black Label Gunpowder Proof

This rum, is made by West Indies Rum Distillery with origins in England.

Buy Pussers British Navy Rum Black Label Gunpowder Proof

The mojito is one of the most popular of all cocktails, and it is undoubtedly the most famous of the rum-based cocktails. However, even cocktail experts cannot agree on the ingredients: Lime or lemon? White or brown sugar? Mint or spearmint? Sparkling water or tonic…?

The matter is complicated further by the many new varieties of the mojito; they are made with strawberries, coffee liqueur, chocolate, watermelon, peppermint… The possible combinations are almost endless, so how do you choose the best rum for the mojito?

There is a rum for each mojito

The first thing you must consider is what type of mojito you are in the mood for. Are you longing for a refreshing mojito, one with a bit more sweetness, perhaps you want a bit of acidity, one with a hearty flavour or warmth? The ingredients and the flavours determine the style of your mojito. The rum is used to combine them all as it is the main ingredient of the drink. Below we present some rums that will match the taste of your cocktail:

• Bitter Mojito: The dominating flavours in this mojito come from ingredients such as tonic, lemon or lemon zest and angostura or something stronger like tequila. Bitter mojitos resemble the original mojitos the most. But they do not represent the general conception of a classic mojito. The touch of the bitterness makes this cocktail combination more refreshing. If you want to accentuate the bitter touch you should use a white rum with very light aromas, like Bacardi rum. Keep in mind that rum is one of the sweetest spirits and using a rum with more flavour could result in the cocktail losing its bitterness.
• Sweet Mojito: In this type of mojito the main flavours are sweet. Ingredients range from syrup or smashed red fruit (from strawberries to grenadine), chocolate, passion fruit, figs or perhaps even a splash from a sweet cava. If these types of mojitos are mixed with a sweet rum there is a real risk that the drink will be overly sweet. However, the cocktail does need a medium or full-bodied rum to not lose consistency. One of the best options for a sweeter mojito is Barceló rum, which is a deep rum full of nuances.
• Sour Mojito: The original mojito is an exceptional combination of the bitterness of sparkling water or soda and the acidity of lime or lemon. The drink is fresh and fun. If you want a sour mojito you can change the soda to still water, or you can add pieces of pineapple, grapefruit or other acidic tropical fruits. Use a sweet rum instead of adding sugar, as well as a powerful white rum. A great choice is the Bacardi Limón, which was developed with this type of mixed cocktail in mind.
• Spiced Mojito: Mojitos with a bit of spice are very popular in non-Hispanic countries such as Bermuda, Martinique or Jamaica. Here the rums of both old and current English or French colonies are more famous. You can use pepper, juniper, ginger or coffee as a replacement for mint and citrus juice. If this sounds like the mojito for you, we recommend using any of the Captain Morgan rums which will give you a great result and surprise your friends.

White rum or golden rum?

Maybe you already know, but just in case … There are two great types of rum: golden rum, which is aged in oak barrels, and white rum, filtered through coal which results in a colourless spirit.

The golden rum spends more time in the barrel and it obtains a somewhat softer flavour. The colour, on the other hand, will become darker as it ages in the wood. The white rum is usually stronger, even if it is marketed shortly after the distillation process, due to the fact that it spends less time in the barrels.

The history of the mojito

Before we reached the endless number of different mojitos that we enjoy today someone was responsible for inventing this drink for the first time.

The most famous summer cocktail has its origins sometime in the sixteenth century. The Uruguayan-born Corsaario Silvio Suárez Díaz, fuelled by the boredom caused by the solitude on the high seas, gave his crew a mix that would later be baptized as Draquecito by the pirate Francis Draque. This cocktail consisted of moonshine liquor diluted in a little water, some lemon to combat scurvy, aromatic herbs such as mint and a little sugar, which softened the flavour and helped digest the mixture.

Rum distillation was used around a century later, and the rum replaced the moonshine. The resulting drink became what is now our much-loved mojito.

Extra tip

Above you will find just some of our suggestions. But if you prefer a traditional mojito you can find 2 rums below which you can use when making authentic luxurious mojitos. We hope you enjoy them!

Ron Barceló Añejo: Ideal both for drinking on its own, with ice or mixed in drinks.

Ron Barceló Añejo

The Ron Barceló Añejo is a Spanish type’s rum characterized by being fruity with brandy ‘s flavored, notes of raisins and berries.

Buy Ron Barceló Añejo

Brugal Añejo: a golden rum from the Dominican Republic with an alcohol content of 38%.

The world of cocktails is one of the most evolved in the last five years. As happens in gastronomy, it uses new techniques to find much more special and tasty flavours. Km0, creation and design, and quite strange combination, at first glance, are among the trends in cocktails for 2019.

Km0 and proximity

In the same way as in gastronomy, the mixology that already enters fully into this sector, requires professionals who are inspired by nature. In this way, it will be a trend for this 2019 that bartenders have their own gardens or their proximity producers to respond to more natural demands. Fresh, seasonal and quality product is also a trend in the cocktail world.

Signature cocktails

Like restaurant chefs, bartenders are emerging and there are already recognized names in this world. This is because they know how to improvise, create and provide new textures and flavours, so that signature cocktails and even personalized cocktails for each king of consumer is another trend that consumers demand.

Classics don’t die

Despite the fact that new, extra-natural flavours are being sought, classic cocktails are always served. We are talking about the daiquiri, Martini, San Francisco and, of course, the gin and tonic. So, gin goes on while vodka and tequila go up to make various mixes.

100% natural drinks

As we see, natural is a must. The Technomic Beverage Report 2018 mentions that 67% of consumers say they are more likely to buy beverages that are 100% natural or artisan instead of other high-calorie products.

Culinary cocktails

Another trend in mixology are the culinary cocktails. The best bars in the world already opt for gastro-products, such as foie gras or sweets, in special combinations with beverages that match perfectly with them.

More cocktail bars

Restaurants with cocktails and vice-versa are an upward trend. We see it in Spain, with Barcelona at the top, and evidently in many other countries. Cocktails are consumed with meals, with dinners and -relaxedly- at more nocturnal hours. While ‘speak-easy’ establishments or clandestine bars are fashionable again. Consumers want experiences, surprises and corners where they feel special.

Absolut Vodka

Absolut Vodka is the third best-selling white drink in the world and its bottle is currently considered has design icon and a masterpiece of glass design.

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Beefeater Pink

Beefeater Pink adds a new and bold pink face to the brand’s product range and appears as a homage of London’s underground club culture.

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Inevitably, the cold season is here, and what better than to take sit by the side of the chimney with a rich and strong drink, especially during Christmas. Here we give you 4 recipes for drinks that surely will chase the cold out of your body.

1. Winter Sun

Ingredients:

• 60ml of mandarin juice
• 15ml of lemon juice
• 1 part triple dry (Cointreau)
• 45ml of Vodka
• Sugar to taste
• A spig of rosemary

Preparation

1. Pour the tangerine and lemon juices into an ice-free shaker.
2. Add the vodka and triple dry and shake very well.
3. Take a large glass and frost the edge with the help of some tangerine juice and sugar.
4. Serve the mixture in the frosted glass and garnish with the rosemary.

2. Rothes Original

Ingredients:

• 6 cl. Of The Glenrothes Select Reserve
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or gingerbread sugar to give it a spicy touch
• 2 cl. Of dulce de leche
• 1 drop of vanilla essence
• ½ lime juice
• 1 cl. Of liquid caramel

Preparation:

1. Introduce all ingredients in a shaker with a little ice and shake very well until a homogeneous and fresh mixture.
2. Serve in a low glass without ice.
3. You can decorate the surface with a little-whipped cream.

3. Punch of Granada and Champagne

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups of pomegranate juice
• 1 pear nectar
• ¼ orange liqueur
• 1 bottle of champagne

Preparation:

1. Take a large pitcher and pour in the pomegranate juice, the pear nectar and the orange liqueur.
2. Shake well to mix and then pour the champagne.
3. Serve in short glasses with ice to taste.

4. The Mount Christ

Ingredients:

• 15ml of orange liqueur
• 15ml of coffee liqueur
• 120ml of coffee
• Whipped cream

Preparation:

1. Pour the hot coffee and add the two liquors: coffee and orange.
2. Cover the surface with a little-whipped cream.
3. Enjoy!

Pol Roger Brut Réserve

Pol Roger Brut Réserve is a balance between power and finesse. It combines wonderfully structure and vinosity, elegance and freshness.

Gosset Grande Réserve

Gosset Grande Réserve is the flagship sparkling from the brand, Gosset. Filled in an ancient and elegant bottle, it’s a harmonic and fine cuvée. You’ll best enjoy it after a fun and interesting meal just for dessert.

Enjoying a good cocktail is something pleasant not only in summer. When the cold weather comes, cocktails for the fall are recommended, less refreshing, lighter and without citric flavours, giving way to drinks that make us warm. For appetizers, after dinner, at the end of the night… we highlight some of the best cocktails for this season.

What cocktails to drink during autumn

New York Sour

This mix usually comes with rather strong spirits, which are the ones that are styled during this time of year. The New York Sour combines whiskey sour with red wine, so it adds complexity to a mixture that is usually surprising due to its strong flavor.

Negroni

It is a classic of all times, so it goes well in these transition months, since it can be hot day but cooler at the evening. It is made with gin, lemon, campari and sweet vermouth in equal parts, so it isn’t too dry or sweet. We can decorate it with a slice of orange on the glass. Perfect for appetizers or even to end the night.

Old fashioned

It is another classic, which as such, does not go out of style. It is made with whisky or bourbon, Angostura Bitters and orange juice. It is usually served in a wide glass. We can decorate it with an orange peel.

Dry Martini

Yes, we drink it during any season, but maybe we have abandoned it for the gin and tonic, the mojito and the refreshing summer beer. If you still do not know how it is made, we must emphasize that it is usually made with lemon, dry gin, dry white martini and a slice of lemon.

Daiquiri Mulata

The plain daiquiri is rather for hot seasons, but we can add lemon juice, coffee liqueur and rum, or, failing that, cocoa liquor or kahlua. It goes well after having dinner, since it is a great digestive.

Frangelico

Made in Italy, it tastes like autumn, with a base of toasted hazelnuts, released in alcohol with berries and spices. Its origin is related to the Italian Christian monks, since that is where its name comes from: Angelic Friar. Many people drink it as a digestive after heavy dinners.

Amarula

We are talking about another fall cocktail that has a somewhat stronger flavor. Amarula is made with a liqueur cream made in South Africa, and it has sugar, cream and the fruit of the African marula tree. It has a characteristic caramel flavour and there are those who confuse it with Baileys, but they are different.

The margarita cocktail is the most popular cocktail made with tequila. If you want to make a classic margarita you will need tequila, lemon juice, ice and Triple Sec (some citrus fruit juices can also be added). Don’t forget the salt on the rim of the glass in which the drink is served.

Despite being a cocktail that can be made with simple preparations the margarita can be created with an infinity of styles and varieties. The types of tequila that can be used for this drink can also be very different from each other. Let’s get to know more about the types of tequila you can use for the delicious margarita cocktail!

White Tequila, the Classic Margarita

There are three types of tequila: tequila blanco (white) or silver, tequila reposado (rested or aged) and tequila añejado (extra aged). Tequila joven or oro (gold) and tequila extra añejo (ultra-aged) – which could be considered as two additional types of tequila – can also be considered two subtypes of the three types of tequila mentioned above.

It might seem strange but not all types of tequila are suitable for preparing a margarita cocktail. The type of distillate usually used to prepare most cocktails that include citrus fruits, as well as the most popular cocktails in general, is white or as neutral as possible.
A margarita cocktail is prepared on the same principles, so the ideal tequila for preparing a good margarita is a white or silver tequila.

What Are the Variations of the Margarita Cocktail?

The basic ingredients for preparing a margarita cocktail are tequila (white, of course), triple sec, lemon juice and ice. However, like all popular cocktails, the margarita comes in many variations. It is often the fruit that we use to mix the drink that varies and not the type of tequila itself. Therefore you might find margaritas with orange juice, strawberry margaritas or even kiwi margaritas.

You might also find variations of margarita that contain brandy, red wine or sake. The variations are limited only by imagination!

The Best Tequilas for a Margarita

Now that we know that white or silver tequila is the ideal tequila for preparing an excellent margarita we present a list of the best tequilas to prepare a classic margarita.

Do you want tequila recommendation for making margaritas? You will find the best below:

Jose Cuervo Silver The Rolling Stones: a Silver tequila produced in Mexico with an alcohol content of 38 %.

Tequila Patrón Silver: this is an ultra premium white tequila. It is fresh and sweet.

Don Julio Blanco: a Silver tequila from Mexico that has an alcohol content of 38 %.

Tequila Patron Silver 1L: a Silver tequila from Mexico with an alcohol content of 40 %.

Herradura Silver Tequila: a Silver tequila from Mexico with an alcohol content of 40 %.

Tequila la Tilica Blanco: a silver tequila from Tequila la Tilica distillery in Mexico. It has an alcohol content of 40 %.

Tequila Kah Blanco: a Silver tequila from Mexico containing an alcohol content of 40 %.

More Interesting Knowledge About Tequila

Do you love tequila? Do you want to know other curious facts about this popular spirit? Below you will find other articles that are sure to spark your interest!

• 6 tips to drink tequila
• How are tequila and mezcal different?
• 9 tequilas and mezcals you cannot miss
• Tequila leads the boom of luxury spirits

Sauza Tequila Silver

No other than Sauza Tequila produces the Sauza Tequila Silver, a Silver with roots in Mexico with 38% of alcohol strength.

Tequila Herradura Añejo

Destilerías Tequila Herradura delivers the Tequila Herradura Añejo (£36.90), a Añejo with origins in Mexico with an alcoholic level of 40% and with the following professionals scores: peñín: 94.

Fresh by Ramón Bilbao is coming: a range of cocktails with wine that are revolutionizing the market. Now that summer is near, but we do not want to get rid of wine, nothing better than switch to these cocktails. Let’s know more about them.

Cocktail with Ramón Bilbao Verdejo white wine

This recipe includes the Verdejo white wine from the house, mixed with basil leaves and eight drops of lime syrup. This way, we obtain a pretty fresh cocktail where the protagonist is white wine.

Fresh Rosé cocktail, with DO Rioja rosé wine

The Ramón Bilbao rosé is ideal for summer since this time of the year is always more appealing to this type of wine. Here, as a cocktail, it is mixed by combining it with ice, grapefruit slices and eight drops of strawberry syrup that highlight a sweet floral flavour on the palate.

Creating these cocktails, the brand wants to approach a much younger audience and thus opening the market. But the company has prepared for us much more than these two surprising drinks.

They have made a jelly bean to serve it next to the cocktail, made from the extract of the aromas of Ramón Bilbao Rosé. This way, it captures the aromas that are released in a gaseous form during fermentation, that is when the wine is elaborated. Then they are liquefied and an extract with the aromas of the wine is obtained. It tastes sweet and has floral nuances.

Undoubtedly, they are excellent gifts to make when we have guests in summer because we will surprise them with cocktails with wine and they can eat the special jelly beans, as long as we tell them how it is made.

What is clear is that with the arrival of the new season, cocktails come along too. Nothing better than include wines in them, something so local that mixing them with other ingredients offers a great result.

Ramón Bilbao Rosado 2017

Ramón Bilbao Rosado 2017

Ramon Bilbao Verdejo 2017

Ramon Bilbao Verdejo 2017

Cocktails enrich our world of beverages in a colourful and fun way. After a dinner with wine, a Mojito or Strawberry Daiquiri feels right. But who said that it has to end here? Cocktails have long ago turned into a magic science called Mixology through which barkeepers – or mixologists – all around the world aim to find the best combination of taste without limiting the wide range of possibilities.

At Uvinum, we are always looking to share new discoveries, exciting drinks and invite you to dive into this fluid universe with us. But above all, enjoy my three favourite cocktails for this spring.

Lemon-Thyme Vodka Lemonade

(by Town&Country Mag)

Ingredients: 

3 lemon wedges
sugar
1/4 cup Lemon-Thyme Syrup
1/4 cup citrus vodka
1/4 cup club soda
1 sprig fresh thyme, preferably lemon thyme

Run one lemon wedge over the rim of a highball glass and dip the rim into sugar. Save this wedge for later. Put the remaining two lemon wedges into the cocktail shaker, then add the syrup and the vodka. Muddle hard to break the lemon skins and release their oils, then cover and shake. Now put some ice into the highball glass and pour the cocktail over. Top off your drink with some club soda, squeeze the first lemon wedge before dropping it into the cocktail. Garnish with the thyme sprig and serve immediately.

Whiskey Sour

Cherry Blossomtini

(by The Spruce)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 ounces Gekkeikan Sake
1/2 ounce Cointreau Orange Liqueur
1/2 ounce cranberry juice
Splash lime juice (fresh)
2 dashes orange bitters

The Sake variation of a classic Cosmopolitan. Pour the ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake it well and strain the drink into a chilled cocktail glass.

Photo: Shari’s Berries

With the end of winter coming soon, it is time to say goodbye to all those winter cocktail recipes until next year. It is not summer yet, but spring is still a good time to welcome warmer weather with a few good cocktails that are simple and refreshing. Here are some spring cocktail recipes that you will want to try:

1. Fruity Lime Soda with Red Wine and Fresh Strawberries

Spring is a time when certain fruits start coming into season, and they are readily available in markets. You may want to try some of your first spring cocktails with strawberries which you will be able to get fresh as early as the first week of March. A simple cocktail to do with strawberries is lime soda with red wine. Mix 2 parts lime soda and 1-part red wine over a glass of fresh strawberries. Freeze the fruit to keep the cocktail cold in place of ice. 

2. Spiked and Spicy Sangria for Colder Spring Weather

Sangria is probably one of the most popular Spanish wine cocktails with hundreds of variations and recipes. While you are waiting for summer, there may still be some colder spring days. To warm up, you can try a spiked Sangria recipe. The ingredients you will need include:

• Red wine
• Kentucky Bourbon
• 1 Lemon
• 1 Orange
• 1 Stick of Cinnamon
• 1 Apple
• Syrup

Cut the fruit into slices and add it with the cinnamon stick to a glass pitcher. Fill the pitcher nearly 2/3 full of your favourite red wine and add approximately 2 tablespoons of sweet syrup. Now, add the bourbon to the sangria, which should be approximately 1 ounce per serving or too your taste.

3. Simple Classic White Wine Spritzer for A Refreshing Spring Cocktail

One of the simplest wine cocktails to make is a spritzer, but it is still a great choice for something refreshing as the weather starts to change. What you will need is white wine and club soda to make a spritzer. Add a touch of lime garnish to give your spritzer a little bitter bite. 

4. Vodka Martini with A Splash of Limon and Lime

Another classic cocktail that you may want to try giving twists to is the Martini. Use the same vermouth, but instead of using gin, replace it with vodka. To give it a little bitter kick and a nice garnish, use a slice of lime and a slice of lime to finish off your cocktail. 

With this simple wine cocktails, you will be ready to say goodbye to winter and get ready for warmer weather. Try some of our wines to add a special touch to some of your cocktail recipes this spring.

Pruno 2016

Pruno 2016: Based on 90% of Tinta Fina and 10% of Cabernet Sauvignon, one of the secrets of Pruno emerges precisely in the 64 hectares owned by Finca Villacreces in the “Golden Mile” of the Ribera del Duero. 

Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2013

Marqués de Murrieta Reserva 2013 is an excellent taste of the classic Rioja. The red wine made by Marqués de Murrieta is already a set component of the Rioja list of Robert Parker.

Are you planning a dinner party, and not sure what drinks to serve? As guests arrive, you may want to serve them an aperitif cocktail to break the ice and stir up the conversation. There is nothing better to break the ice than original cocktails with a special ingredient like Prosecco as the base. Here are some interesting Prosecco cocktails to break the ice at your next dinner party:

1. Classic Prosecco Aperol Spritz Aperitif

This classic cocktail comes from the area of North-eastern Italy and is commonly served as an aperitif. To make it, you will need 3 parts Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol and 1-part soda water. In a wine glass, mix the Prosecco and Aperol together, and then, add the soda water. Garnish your Spritz cocktail, use oranges, which can also be frozen ahead of time to use as an alternative to ice cubes. Fresh strawberries in the spring are also an excellent choice for garnishing your Aperol Spritz cocktails.

2. Bellini For a Peachy Aperitif Cocktail

Another classic Prosecco cocktail is Bellini is a peach drink that is great on hot summer nights. It is a drink with origins in Venice, and its main ingredient is Prosecco. To make it, you will need to mix 4 parts peach puree or juice with 4 parts Canti Prosecco Spumante and one-part sweetener. To garnish this cocktail, use fresh peaches. If you can find white peaches, they go well with Bellini Cocktails.

3. Fizzy and Spicy Apple Cider Prosecco Cocktail

During the holidays, apple cider is one of the drinks that are popular in many countries. Rather doing apple cider, why not consider an Interesting Prosecco cocktail for your dinner party? To make your cocktail, you will want to start with Teresa Rizzi Prosecco Brut and add apple cider and spiced rum. Garnish the cocktail with an apple wedge for presentation.

Ingredients:
• 1 Braeburn Apple Wedge (Garnish)
• Teresa Rizzi Prosecco Brut 4oz
• Journeyman Old Country Goodness Apple Cider Liqueur 3oz
• Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold3oz
Instead of adding ice to the cocktail, freeze apple wedges and use them to keep your original apple cocktails cool.

With an interesting aperitif cocktail at your new dinner party, you will be sure that your event will be a success. There are three types of Prosecco; Brut, Dry and Extra Dry, which you may want to try beforehand to see which work for the cocktail recipes you are planning to use.

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial is an emblematic cuvée. The world’s best-selling champagne brand. 

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve

Billecart-Salmon Brut Réserve is an attractive and tasty champagne from Champagne with notes of ripe fruit and flowers. 

Foto: Handspire