I’m not likely to have cocktails too often; I’m much more likely to enjoy a dram of whiskey on its own, with a couple drops of water, or, in the case of a bourbon, maybe some ice. There are a few exceptions, though. I do like a Rusty Nail now and then, as well as ... Read More »
Perfect Manhattan Milkshake
19 Jul ’14
The other day I grilled some bourbon-soaked bing cherries… and I was glad I did! I still have some, and I think I’ll be preserving some soon, but I thought they’d go well with cocktails in the meantime. What first came to mind was a Perfect Manhattan, which is rye or bourbon, with both sweet ... Read More »
Porkopolis Eggfest 2014
12 Jul ’14
Today, I’m one of the demo cooks at the Porkopolis Eggfest in Cincinnati. It’s a lot of fun, and there are over 500 people expected! I’m doing sides, desserts and drinks, and dipping back into some favorites: Browned butter fingerling potatoes Blackberry thyme crisp Grilled peach bourbon iced tea Sound like a good hour of ... Read More »
Derby Day Step 3 – The Julep Trials Are Over!
13 Apr ’14
The epitome of Derby libations is, without question, the mint julep. A friend of mine, Christo, recently pointed out to me that the julep can be more than bourbon, sugar, water, mint and ice, though. I looked up the definition of “julep”, and, sure enough, it’s just a drink of sweet syrup, flavoring and water, ... Read More »
Derby Day Step 2 – Trial 2
11 Apr ’14
Day 2 of infusing some bourbon samples with pecans got here, and what did I find? One day of soaking pecan pieces in bourbon seems to be the best amount of time! The upside there is that it doesn’t take long to get really nice pecan flavor in bourbon. Step 3 will be adding some ... Read More »
Derby Day Step 2 – Trial 1
10 Apr ’14
After 1 day of infusing, I tried a mint julep with the bourbon infused with pecans. The julep making is simple: 4-5 mint leaves 1 teaspoon Maguey Sweet Sap or light molasses 2 – 2 1/2 ounces pecan infused bourbon Lots of ice Muddle the leaves in a tall glass, then add the Maguey Sweet ... Read More »
Derby Day Step 1
9 Apr ’14
The Kentucky Derby is coming soon, the greatest two minutes in sports! Some may argue that there are other great two minutes, but the event itself is only two minutes of great horses in the first leg of the Triple Crown. More than that, though, it’s tradition and style and people dressed in outrageous hats, ... Read More »
Upgrade Your Superbowl Drinks
30 Jan ’14
I’ve been talking about upgrading the eats you serve for the Superbowl, but what about your drinks? Budweiser is already showing off its new commercial, and it’s really great, but the beer, not so much. Craft beers are great, and there’s a bigger variety now than ever before, but how about going with a simple ... Read More »
Happy 2012!
9 Jan ’12
It’s been quiet around Livefire lately. That’s mostly due to the fact that I haven’t been eating a lot lately, but I did want to wish everyone a really great 2012! I was asked about my 2012 grilling resolutions, and what I came up with was: Get back to more outdoor bread baking, especially sourdough ... Read More »
An Easy Homemade Gift
17 Dec ’11
We have a couple good friends that make their own Irish cream every year. They were gracious enough to gift us with a bottle, in a great Blanton’s Bourbon bottle, at our wine party. My wife loves the stuff, and the way our friends make it, it’s a mild, tasty version that won’t knock you ... Read More »
A New Whisky
9 Dec ’11
If you’ve been around Livefire much, you may know that I’m a fan of Scotch whisky, especially those from Islay (pronounced something with a long I, then luh, not lay). I’m a fan of Lagavulin, own a square foot of the island thanks to being a Friend of Laphroaig, and am on the Ardbeg Committee. ... Read More »
Grilled Mixology
3 Nov ’11
It’s pretty common to see some form of alcohol associated with grilling and smoking food. There are lots of opinions on which libation goes best with either smoked food or just with the act of standing over a grill with a pair of tongs in one hand and a drink in the other. Instead of ... Read More »