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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Love Happy Hour - Gifts Ideas for the Cocktail Enthusiast - Christmas 2013

by Maren Swanson


Whether you are looking to gift yourself or your friends that stayed on the "nice" list this year, we've gathered some unique gift ideas to add cheer to any cocktail enthusiast's barsonal. Sure, that Ketel One vodka gift box seems like a bright idea, but come on, we all know that's a lazy choice. Now I'm not saying your recipient would be bummed about receiving such lovely present, but why not think outside the typical "gift box" and go for something different? Here a some options that won't break you budget and will leave your Secret Santa will a holly, jolly smile.

1. Vintage Barware.



Vintage is always in, right? A great place to start is your local flea market. Here you can strike up some real deals and find some classic bar pieces. I've found some fabulous flasks, decanters and full sets of martini glasses from the fifties to the eighties and haven't spent more than $50.

2. Holiday Booze.

Duh. As I mentioned earlier, it will be hard to piss someone off when you are gifting alcohol, but friends and family will definitely appreciate it if you get them something with some extra thought put into it. Instead of the typical bottle of gin or vodka, try gifting them something different like seasonally inspired special release beers or cordials.



3. Bar10der.

Love your swiss army knife but wish you had one for your bar? Bar10nder is a new tool on the market that combines 10 bartending tools in one gadget - the muddler, standard and channel knives, reamer, jigger, zester, stirrer, strainer, corkscrew, and bottle opener. So cool.

4. Homemade Stuff.

Everyone loves something homemade. Plus, you won't break the bank and you will definitely get praised for your creativity. Pinterest in a great resource for this. One idea is to create a certificate that includes a promised night of chocolate dipped strawberries and Champagne cocktails (made by yours truly). Or try making my DIY Christmas beer. All you need is a beer with a green bottle (Heineken, Rolling Rock), pipe cleaners and scissors.



5. Barsonal Gift Basket

Variety is the spice of life, so get creative and fill a large basket with all of the essentials like a shaker, jigger, peeler, wine/beer opener, silicone ice trays, a great bottle of spirits, and some fantastic glassware. This gift idea is perfect for the novice bartender whose just getting started. I would also suggest adding cocktail book to get them even more motivated to start there barsonal. If you don't have time to do it yourself, Build-a-Basket can help you find a customized basket that's perfect for your giftee.




- See more at: http://lovehappyhour.com/Articles/PourPlay/GiftsforCocktailEnthusiast.html#sthash.jQbsZtiu.dpuf

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Makin' It With Maren - The Lite of Pie: Low-cal Thanksgiving Cocktail




Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I don't know about you, but usually end up stuffing my face that day and drinking a lot of wine or beer. And after I've had a huge dose of tryptophan and turkey, I'm ready to crash. How is it that my friends and family are always ready to drive straight into desert - especially pie?

"Lite of Pie" video recipe

Well, I recently came up with drink that gives me the best of both worlds and saves me on the carbs and calories. I have created a coffee cocktail that will perk you up from that turkey trance: The Lite of Pie. Taste the flavors of Thanksgiving dessert without all of the guilt.



To make this drink, you will need Ciroc Amaretto, Pumpkin Liquor, Hazelnut coffee creamer, whipped cream and ginger snaps. You can make you own homemade whipped cream (spiking it is optional too), but we chose canned Reddi Whip because we trying to save on calories for this particular drink. This Thanksgiving cocktail is low-cal and so easy to make. Enjoy and have a Happy Thanksgiving!



The Lite of Pie cocktail:

1 Cup of Coffee
3/4 oz Ciroc Amaretto
3/4 oz Pumpkin Spice Liquor
1 oz Sugar Free Hazelnut Coffee Creamer
1 Cup of Coffee
2 Dashes of Pumpkin Pie Spice
Fat Free Whipped Cream
Ginger Snap Cookies (crumbled)


Make it:

Add Ciroc Amaretto, Pumpkin Spice Liquor, Creamer and pumpkin pie spice to your cup of coffee. Top with whipped cream and crumbled ginger snap cookies. Serve. Enjoy. It's that easy!


Cheers,
Maren

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Makin' it with Maren
Makin' it with Maren: Mixology Made Easy
by Maren Swanson
November 26th, 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Love Happy Hour - Tips & Tricks for Halloween 2013



If you’re going out on Halloween then you’re pretty much in for a good time, even if you were dragged by your BFF to come to this party.  It mainly has to do with the fact that you are someone else, alcohol is involved and you can judge everyone else’s costumes.  With all that said, us here at Love Happy Hour came up with some pretty good tips for you to survive all the parties/bars/dinners you’ll end up at on Halloween night.

Tip #1:  Bring Sandals.

*foldable ballet slips are purse friendly too

I feel like this is pretty self explanatory, but if you just had to buy those to-die for heels at Nordstrom’s because they matched your little red riding hood costume perfectly then you definitely need to follow this tip.  You’re probably going to do a lot of walking around, whether you’re going to bars or to a party. You’re feet will get sore.  Just do it. You can even go to Rite Aid or CVS; they should have some flats that will fold up and fit into whatever purse/clutch you’re bringing out with you.

Tip #2: The Cab Company is your Friend.


Put this in your phone when you’re sober. Drinking and driving is not cool, neither is getting in a car accident because of it, so just add that cab company’s number and you’re good. And if you want a Halloween happy hour of sorts, sign up at Patron Social Club to receive a $25 promo code for passengers over 21 with Uber. Here's what to do:

1. Download the free Uber iPhone/Android App or sign up at uber.com/go/PatronXOCafe
2. Enter your information and promo code: PATRONXOCAFE
3. Request a ride 5 - 15 minutes before you need one. $25 will be applied towards your first uberX, UberBLACK, or UberSUV ride (where available). Promo code expires 11/10/13.

Tip #3:  Fully Charged Battery

Don’t go out if your phone (camera helps too) battery isn’t all the way charged; especially on a night like Halloween. Weird stuff happens sometimes and you don’t want to be stranded because you didn’t charge it all the way. This way if your friend calls you because you left him/her at the bar before or there’s an issue at the party you’re at you will never end up stuck.

Tip #4: Hydrate and Eat.


Unless your the designated driver, chances are you will be enjoying a cocktail or more. Plus, that witches brew you are drinking at the Halloween party may just take like juice, but beware, chances are it's packed with more than punch. So if you don't want to end up being a serious party foul, then alternate water between sips of booze. Carry a water bottle in your purse or jacket and make sure you have a sensible meal before you hit the town. Oh, and always keep an eye on your drink.

Trick #1: Blast that Music.


You might not be excited to go out. Maybe you’re just shy or maybe your BFF is dragging you to her BF’s party.  Either way, try and make the most of it. You do not want to be the downer in the group because everyone will just hate you all night.  Blast you’re favorite Nelly song while getting ready and dance around with your BFF while drinking some kind of mixed drink. If you get to the party, hate it and are just having a miserable time then call a cab (tip #2) and go home. Watch Harry Potter instead and be happy because hey, at least you tried.

Trick #2: Be a Kid Again.

I know, I know, if you’re going out to bars and stuff you’re probably too old to be trick or treating. BUT, if you’re feeling down about Halloween and have no idea how you got to be so old then just hit a house. If the lights are on and they’ve got decorations up, do it! It’ll make you feel better and you’ll probably end up with a good story to tell.

Trick #3: Be Confident.


A lot of the time we can get down on ourselves (especially when looking at a more creative costume, etc.), but make sure that doesn’t happen tonight! Wear an outfit that you feel most comfortable and confident in. It doesn’t have to be slutty so don’t base it around that if you’re not into that scene. Being comfortable makes you confident, which makes you stand out at wherever you’re going out this Halloween night.

Enjoy your Hallows eve, Halloween, and/or the day after party! Make sure to be safe and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. 


*co-written by Jessica Tierney and Maren Swanson

Halloween Cocktail Recipe - The Clockwork Orange

Halloween is almost here - check out this fantastic cocktail recipe!

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Makin' it with Maren - Valentina Swizzle Cocktail Recipe by Gilbert Marquez

Learn how to make the "Valentina Swizzle" with mixologist Gilbert Marquez from El Carmen restaurant in Los Angeles...




Friday, September 6, 2013

Summer Sangria

Learn how to make my easy summer Sangria - perfect for that hot summer weather!


Thursday, August 29, 2013

Learn the difference between Tequila and Mezcal, El Carmen Taquería

Here is my latest Makin' it with Maren video! Learn the difference between Tequila and Mezcal from Gilbert Marquez at El Carmen in Los Angeles.




Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Makin' it with Maren, "The Grape Gatsby" cocktail recipe

Learn how to make a cocktail inspired by The Great Gatsby without spending all of that Gatsby loot!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Makin' It With Maren - "Beat the Heat" Summer Cocktail Recipe for 4th of July




Last week was insanely hot. I was miserable inside my radiator of an apartment, so I decided to make the most of my Sunday and head to the Farmer's Market for seasonal inspiration. While the sun followed my every move, the slightly overcast sky kept the weather bearable (considering LA was supposed to hit record high temperatures on that particular day).


I purchased a big container of apricots and some unique looking wildflowers that caught my eye. Hmmm, what could I make with apricots?

After we noshed on a Rueben sandwich at Michael Voltaggio's nearby Ink Sack, my boyfriend and I head to Trader Joe's to grab our weekend groceries. Directly to the left of the TJ's entrance you will find a vast selection of affordably priced bouquets, which, to my delight showcased fresh lavender.


Once we returned home, I was greeted by the two-faced neighbor cat. She posed for my camera and then scurried off.


I unloaded our groceries and decided to take a risk. Fuse flowers with fruit - why not?! I boiled half sugar and water, some of the lavender and some lemon rind to create a infused simple syrup. After the syrup cooled, I added it to some muddled apricot and blueberries.

I then added brandy, ice and a sparkling soda topper to create what I call: Beat the Heat. And, boy did it ever. I took my cold, fruit-infused cocktail and enjoyed it to the outdoor patio. I could smell the lavender garnish as I sipped my drink. Yum.


This cocktail will be great for your 4th of July! Blueberries and apricots are in season, so pick them up and make the perfect fourth of July cool-down cocktail!

Ingredients: Apricots, Blueberries, Brandy, Lemon, Lavendar, Soda Water, Ice

Mix: Muddle 1 apricot (pit removed) and 5 blueberries. Add 2oz of brandy, 3/4oz lemon-lavender simple syrup (see recipe below), ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice and top with sparkling water. Give a quic stir and garnish with fresh lavender sprigs.

Lemon-Lavender Simple Syrup:
Boil equal parts (1 cup) sugar and water with the peels of 2 lemons and 5 sprigs of washed lavender. Once cool, strain into airtight contair and keep for future use.

Cheers,

Maren


Sunday, June 30, 2013

Friday, June 21, 2013

Ink and Vine - Rhone Rangers Wine Tasting Event 2013 - Downtown Los Angeles, California

Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2013
by Maren Swanson



If you are a wino, and especially one into Rhone varietals, then the Rhone Rangers tasting event as the historic Vibiana in Downtown Los Angeles is a no brainer. This Sunday, June 23rd, taste samples from over 200 wines served from over 40 wineries, including a silent auction and food trucks.




Epiphany Cellars, Andrew Murray, J. Lohr, Qupe, Zaca Mesa and many other wineries come here to showcase some of their award-winning varietals like Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Marsanne, Mouvedre and the ever-popular growing GSM blends.



Advance tickets start at $45 and go up to $ 95 for VIP admission which includes a ticket to the wine seminar, “Rare Wines, Come Taste the Unusual,” lunch with the winemakers and early entry tot the walk-around tasting along with trade and media.

For tickets and additional information, visit the Rhone Rangers website. Salud!



Vibiana (Downtown LA)
214 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 626-1507






- LA's Premiere Happy Hour Search Site Featuring Over 1,000 Happy Hours Within 50 Cities in Los Angeles County
- See more at: http://lovehappyhour.com/Articles/InkandVine/RhoneRangers2013.html#sthash.wGlYLPIp.dpuf

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Makin' It With Maren - "Cinco de Maren" cocktail for Cinco de Mayo




I have a special place in my heart for Cinco de Mayo. Ok, I admit it's my birthday, so I have even more love for it. Most people groan about sharing their birthday with any type of holiday, but for me, it's a great bonus because tons of people to come out to celebrate and raise a glass. One big party!


So, in honor of my birthday and the day the Mexico defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla, I've created a memorable and celebratory cocktail: The Cinco de Maren! Mind you, this drink is not for the faint at heart; it's juicy, strong, slightly sweet and spicy - just like me! I always love using fresh ingredients, so for this cocktail challenge, I worked with Mexican flavors and colors: red (strawberries, sriracha) green (jalepeno, basil) and white (tequila blanco).



This drink is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests! Show them your wild side by serving the "Cinco de Maren" at your Cinco de Mayo party. Garnishes are an important part of this drink's aesthetic presentation, so use you original ingredients to bring out its personality!



You will need a tequila blanco of your choice (we tried Sauza), triple sec (or Cointreau if you have the budget), ripe strawberries, jalepeno, sriracha, basil, agave, lime juice and ice. The flavors of this drink are similar to a margarita, but packs more of a punch. Salud and happy Cinco de Mayo!


"Cinco de Maren" cocktail:

2 ozs Sauza Tequila Blanco
3/4 oz Triple Sec
3/4 Lime Juice
1/2 oz Agave nectar
2 Ripe Strawberries
2 Big Basil Leaves
1 Slice of Jalepeno
1 Small Squeeze of Sriracha hot sauce
Ice


Make It:

Muddle Sliced Jalepeno First
Add Strawberries and Basil and Continue to Muddle
Layer Tequila, Triple Sec, Agave Nectar, Lime Juice and Sriracha
Add to Ice and Shake
Strain into Fresh Glass of Ice and Serve
Garnish with a Strawberry and Jalepeno Slice or a Small and Sweet Red Pepper (I added a sprig of basil for color)


Tips:

1. Use ripe strawberries for an overall better flavor and natural sweetness.
2. Red or green jalepenos both work (but red ones tend to be more mild).
3. Adapt the recipe to your tolerance of spice (taste before you pour and more or less sriracha according to your preference).
4. If the drink is a little on the powerful side for you, add a topper of sparkling water.
5. A toothpick will work great to hold the garnishes together.



Cheers,

Maren

Makin' it with Maren: Mixology Made Easy

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Ink and Vine - Meet Tessa Marie Parker: Wine Maker.




Meet Tessa Marie Parker. You've probably heard of her grandfather, legendary film and television actor, Fess Parker. Well, if you didn't know, Fess Parker started his own winery after his acting career along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, and that's what pretty much led us to Tessa.

My boyfriend and I headed up to the Los Olivos area about a year ago. He is a huge Davy Crockett fan, so we had to stop into the Fess Parker Winery nearby. Like his name, the Fess Parker Winery was huge, and accordingly packed with people waiting to sip his family's wine. Near the end of our tasting, we were offered an 2 for 1 tasting at Epiphany Wines in Los Olivos. I had been to the Epiphany tasting room before and tried some lovely wines, so I was encouraged to return again.


While we were at Epiphany, a stranger next to us recommended that we check out Tessa Marie Wines down the street - "great Sangiovese," he exclaimed. I'd never heard of Tessa Marie Wines, so we decided to give it a go. It was a quiet day, (we always like to head up to that area on "off" days like Sunday and Monday to avoid the large crowds) and when we got to the tasting room, we were the only ones there.


Behind the counter stood a beautiful blonde woman (she could've been an actress herself), with an expectant belly and a big smile. She began to pour us some extraordinary Italian varietals and we all just hit it off. I love the experience of visiting the wine rooms; tasting new pours, exchanging silly or serious adjectives and making immediate short-term friends. Some tasting rooms are better than others, and not just because of the wine. The personality behind the counter contributes greatly to one's "take away," while the wine definitely enhances it.

And that's what drew us back to Tessa Marie on our last trip. She and I had struck up a Twitter friendship and we had planned to meet up this time so I could get an interview from her. With her new baby boy brought into the world, she was once again ready to open up with her life and some great bottles of Italian wine. Her star player and all-time favorite Italian grape: Sangiovese. However, she also makes a vibrant Vermentino and her mood-expressing Coquette.


What I hadn't mentioned, is that, I didn't even learn about Tessa Marie's family lineage until almost the end our first tasting. It wasn't until long into our conversation with Tessa, that she revealed the wines she poured us were hers and told us about her family's history. While we had been suggested to hit the Parker's trail of tasting rooms, no one had mentioned they were all "related," just that they had great tasting wines.

Tessa Marie Parker made an impression on us with both her personality and her line-up of Italian wines. You won't find many tasting rooms in Los Olivos that offer the Italian grapes, so it's definitely worth checking out. To get a better story her and her wine, take a peak at my interview with Tessa last week!





Follow me @MarenSwanson



2901 Grand Ave.
Ste C
Los Olivos, CA 93441
(805) 688-6081





Monday, April 1, 2013

Love Happy Hour - New Spring Cocktails at Sotto in West LA



Bartenders Julian Cox and Nick Meyer have launched a new spring cocktail menu at Sotto in West Los Angeles. And just in time - the weather couldn't be better in LA right now. The restaurant had its kickoff party on Wednesday, March 27th with the new spring cocktails offered at $9 and $9 select pizzas throughout the evening. Thanks to followingCaroline on Crack via Twitter, I heard about the event and headed over.

Included in the spring-inspired cocktails line-up, Sotto has also added house-made, bottled carbonated cocktails.

Spring Cocktails at Sotto:

Barrel-aged Clover Club


Barrel-aged Clover Club: Ransom Old Tom Gin, fresh lemon, house-made local raspberry preserves, organic egg white

Pass the Buck: Blanco tequila, fresh lime, Meletti amaro, ginger syrup, mint, bitters

Dux di Lux: Luxardo bitter, fresh lime, dry vermouth, Luxardo maraschino, egg white, housemade amaro soda

Fly by Night: Sheep Dip Scotch, Saler’s Gentleman liqueur, King’s Ginger, Angostura and Psychaud’s bitter

ASAP Rickey: vodka, fresh basil, strega, Bertagnollo grappino, bitters lemon soda lime essence

Swept Away: Martin Millers Westbourne strength gin, Salers gentiane, Nardini amaro, Benedictine, house orange

Modest Mousse: Espolon reposado tequila, Averna, Punt e Mes, Angostura Orange Bitter, Pamplemousse rose, grapefruit oil

Return of the Daq: Smith and Cross rum, Zucca rhubarbaro, fresh lime juice, Maraska maraschino

SOTTO POP (carbonated cocktails):

Amaro Never Dies: Abano, Luxardo maraschino, evaporated cane sugar
Byrrhberry Byrrh: seasonal local berry agrodolce, Plymouth gin
Diced Pineapples: Cocchhi Americano, pineapple, Tequila Ocho reposado, fennel seed


Margherita Pizza: tomato, mozzarella, basil, EVOO



9575 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(310) 277-0210





Sunday, March 17, 2013

Makin' It With Maren - St. Patrick's Day - "Green Eyed Girl" Cocktail Recipe



St. Patrick's Day drink - "Green Eyed Girl" cocktail



For my latest Makin' it with Maren segment, we decided to seek out the best tasting St. Patrick's Day cocktail in Los Angeles. Many Irish inspired cocktails are made with Baileys, Bushmills or Creme de Menthe. Otherwise, it seems like everybody is drinking green beer, Guinness or Killians Irish Red Beer. Jameson is definitely Irish, but most people don't think to combine it in a specialty cockail; usually it is sipped, or on Irish holidays...shot down your throat.




But, my latest trip to The Phoenix bar in Beverly Hills changed my mind. I tasted an amazing cocktail made with green ingredients (cucumber, mint) and mixed with Jameson Irish Whiskey: Green Eyed Girl. This drink was well-balanced, refreshing and simple to make. Check out my new video to learn how to make this St. Patty's day specialty cocktail. Go Green!


 Me, and head bartender Darius at The Phoenix


Get in the spirit for St. Patrick's Day with the "Green Eyed Girl" cocktail made by head bartender Darius at The Phoenix bar in Los Angeles. This refreshing cocktail is made with green ingredients and Irish whiskey - a perfect match for St. Patty's day drinkers. Enjoy!




"Green Eyed Girl"cocktail:
2 ozs Jameson Irish Whiskey
3/4 oz Simple Syrup
Splash Lime Juice
Sliced Cucumbers
Fresh Mint Leaves
Ice


Make It:
Muddle Simple Syrup and Cucumber
Add Mint and Continue to Muddle Gently (don't mash mint leaves)
Add 2 ounces of Jameson Irish Whiskey and Splash of Fresh Lime Juice
Add to Ice and Shake
Strain into Fresh Glass of Ice and Serve
Garnish with Mint Leaf and Cucumber




My awesome crew: Tony Calle, Robert Walley and Johnny Sullivan




14 N La Cienega Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 289-5925

Happy Hour:
Everyday, 5pm-9pm
$3 well cocktails
$3 wine
$3 beer


Happy St. Patrick's Day!


Cheers,

Maren