Ask a Local Mixologist: Booze Up Your Emmy Viewing Party
Sunday, September 18 marks the 68th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards. After more than two decades as the Emmy Awards Governors Ball caterer, the Patina Restaurant Group will celebrate the honor by serving entertainment inspired cocktails at several of its restaurants in LA and the OC through September 18th. Patina's Corporate Mixologist Evan Charest created a limited-time menu generally influenced by the levity of comedies and the intricate depth of dramas, as well as the ingenuity of hardworking writers and collaborative nature of creative directors. With a decade of bartending experience, membership to the U.S. Bartenders Guild, and leadership of his own beverage catering company, Charest now also oversees the bar program for Patina's West Coast properties and catering clients.
For many of us television-loving fanatics, we'll cheer for our favorite Emmy winners at home, perhaps with a cocktail in hand. Host a viewing party with these notes from Charest in mind: use fresh, seasonal ingredients, including hand-squeezed juices and homemade simple syrups, prepare unique and attractive garnishes for a special touch, and have plenty of quality ice on hand. Make your life simple by batching a large punch that will satisfy a crowd, but if it's a champagne cocktail, save the bubbly addition until just before the party begins.
Get a taste of Patina Restaurant Group's Emmy cocktail specials through September 18. Participating restaurants include Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, Kendall's Brasserie and Bar, Café Pinot, Ray's & Stark Bar, and Catal.
The Anti-Hero
Serves: 1
- 1 ½ ounces Bulleit rye
- 1 ounce Amaro Montenegro
- 1 ounce fresh blood orange juice
Directions
Combine all ingredients, and stir in a mixing glass. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass on top of a large block of ice, and garnish with a dehydrated blood orange wheel or orange peel.
Writer's Block
Serves: 1
- 3-4 blackberries
- 1 ½ ounces Zacapa 23
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- 3 ounces champagne or dry sparkling wine
Directions
Muddle blackberries, and combine all ingredients except bubbly in a shaker tin. Shake, and strain into a coupe or martini glass. Top with champagne or dry sparkling wine. Garnish with blackberries.
Director's Cut
Serves: 1
- 2 ounces Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- ¾ ounce Thai chili syrup (see recipe below)
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin. Shake, and strain into an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with a lime peel.
