Love margaritas but looking to add a fun twist on a traditional margarita recipe? This pineapple cilantro marg is the perfect mix to please even the most discerning margarita connoisseurs. The more tart citrus (thanks to fresh orange and lime juice) compliments the sweetness of the pineapple juice, and the cilantro adds another layer of flavor that goes hand in hand with taco night. For those of you looking for a fun date night idea that includes staying in, make a pitcher of these delish pineapple cilantro margaritas, add a side of chips and guac and boom! Date night. Okay, maybe you want to have some tacos too? I know we would! The good news is that the cilantro is already chopped since you added it to your margarita batch.
Make a Pitcher of Pineapple Cilantro Margaritas:
Tequila (we used silver but use whatever kind you prefer)
Grand Marnier (we used 1 mini bottle)
Sour Mix (we prefer George’s margarita mix because it uses fresh lime juice and agave nectar)
3 Limes
1 Orange (or a clementine)
1 small can of Dole’s pineapple juice (the individual size)
Small bunch of chopped cilantro
Step by Step Instructions to Make The Perfect Pitcher of Pineapple Cilantro Margaritas
Fill 1/4 of pitcher with tequila
Add 3/4 bottle of sour mix (standard bottle not a handle bottle)
Add one small can of pineapple juice
Squeeze one orange and add juice to pitcher. If you don’t have oranges, add 1/3 cup of orange juice
Squeeze two limes and add juice to pitcher
Add one mini bottle of Grand Marnier OR 2 oz Grand Marnier (you can substitute Triple Sec or any orange liquer)
Add a 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro.
Stir
Fill glass with ice. Salt rim if preferred.
Pour margarita over ice.
Sip. Enjoy. Repeat.
We know you will love this easy margarita recipe. Please comment below if you make it, and let us know what you think! Chesapeake Bartenders is proud to be an Annapolis bartending company serving the greater DC and Mid-Atlantic area. For quotes on wedding bartenders, party rentals and more, please contact us!
https://www.chesapeakebartenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Cilantro-Pineapple-Margarita-Recipe-Chesapeake-Bartenders-of-Maryland.jpg12001250chesapeakbarhttps://chesapeakebartenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/white_logo_transparent_background-300x199.pngchesapeakbar2020-03-22 17:08:332020-03-22 17:18:50Pineapple Cilantro Margarita Recipe - Pitcher Perfect For Entertaining or Date Night In
How To Make An Old Fashioned With or Without All The Fancy Ingredients
If you are stuck at home due to COVID-19, and want something other than a beer or glass of wine, read on! Here’s a classic cocktail recipe that is easier to make than you think. The Old Fashioned. A crowd-pleaser and favorite of generations of whiskey-lovers. Here is the easy, no-fuss recipe so you can enjoy a yummy libation while stuck at home.
You can make an “Almost Old Fashioned” with these 4 ingredients:
Whiskey/Bourbon
Maple Syrup or Simple Syrup
Oranges or Orange Juice
Ice
Full list of ingredients for the classic Old Fashioned:
Whiskey/bourbon
Orange, mandarin, clementine or orange juice (lemon can be substituted for oranges)
Marashino cherries (if you don’t have these, you can use blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc. If they are frozen, just pop them into microwave to thaw them out)
Sugar + Water OR maple syrup OR agave nectar
Bitters (not everyone has this at home, but don’t worry if you don’t)
Ice
Spoon or muddler
*If you don’t have all of these ingredients, don’t fret! You can still get close to the classic recipe with a little creativity.
Follow These Simple Steps To Make Your Old Fashioned:
1. Mix boiling water & a heaping spoonful of sugar. Stir. Don’t have sugar? Maple syrup or agave nectar work well.
2. If you have an orange, peel + put a few slices in the bottom of your glass. If not, add 2 oz. orange juice. No OJ? Substitute fresh lemon. Take a spoon + smash the orange (or lemon) gently to squeeze the juice out. If you have cherries, add 2 & do the same. Don’t have cherries? Substitute any kind of berry. Cherries/berries are not necessary but if you have them, use them – they make this drink yummy.
3. Add 1 TBSP of the sugar water (aka simple syrup) you made to the muddled fruit. If you are subbing maple syrup or agave nectar, add this on top of fruit.
4. Stir and Add ice cubes.
5. Add 2 oz. whiskey/bourbon
6. If you have bitters, add a few drops. If you don’t, don’t worry. It will still be delicious.
7. Stir slightly.
8. Sip, relax and enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned!
Be sure to read other blog posts with creative drink recipes. Chesapeake Bartenders is proud to be the go-to event bartending company for weddings, events and private parties in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Delaware. For more information, please contact us!
https://www.chesapeakebartenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Old-Fashioned-Drink-Recipe-By-Event-Bartenders-of-Maryland.png800800chesapeakbarhttps://chesapeakebartenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/white_logo_transparent_background-300x199.pngchesapeakbar2020-03-21 18:13:162020-03-21 18:35:25The "Stuck at Home" 4 Ingredient Recipe For An "Almost" Old Fashioned Cocktail
Wedding planning can be daunting, and when it comes to finding and hiring wedding bartenders, it’s no different. The reception is one of the biggest wedding expenses, and keeping guests and the bridal party happy with beer, wine and drinks is usually high on the priority list. Finding the right bartender for your wedding depends on many factors like – the size of your wedding, state liquor laws, your budget and the wedding theme. Generally speaking, there are some pretty standard guidelines for hiring wedding bartenders.
This article is written by Courtney Smith, Co-Owner and Founder of Chesapeake Bartenders, based in Maryland.
What kind of bar service do you want at your wedding?
Talk to your significant other about what kind of alcohol service they envision. Do you both love craft beer? Do you have a favorite shot? Does the groom love Skrewball whiskey because it reminds him of you? Will there be signature wedding drinks? An ongoing trend we are seeing is the beer and wine only bar, with His and Hers drinks.
Does your wedding venue allow outside vendors, caterers and bartenders?
While this may seem obvious, I cannot tell you how many times people request a wedding bartending quote from our team, before they speak to the venue about whether or not outside vendors are allowed. Simply put, some venues require you to use their catering team, photographers, etc. which means you cannot hire a company like Chesapeake Bartenders to tend bar for your wedding. Once you find out your venue does allow outside vendors, then you can proceed with finding professional bartenders.
Ask about certifications and state laws
It is really important to hire bartenders that are certified and understand at least basic liquor laws in their state. Why? Liquor laws are not something you want your wedding bartenders…or you, to be violating. While you might be tempted to hire your favorite bartender from the dive bar down the street, sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry. For example, in Maryland where we are headquartered, event bartenders are not required to be certified but it is highly recommended they have something called a TIPS certification. This means they have taken an in-depth training on liquor laws, signs of over serving, and liability. In Delaware, the laws are even more strict and might require a separate liquor license for your wedding. In hiring professional bartenders, you can be assured they know the state and local laws, and are abiding by them – but of course ask any and all questions to be sure!
Look at online reviews + ask for references
Do some due diligence and look at sites like Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc. to see what their customers have to say about them. While online reviews are not everything, and may not be 100% accurate, at least it should give you an idea on the kind of service they provide.
Find out what is included in the company’s bartending packages
This one might not seem so obvious. You reach out, you ask for a quote, and that’s it right? Well, this is your wedding we are talking about, so there are important details to address. A good wedding bartending company will ask questions like: “how many guests will you have?” or “do you need us to provide equipment like the bar, coolers, linens, etc.?” You want to know exactly what is included, so you don’t end up assuming they are providing something they don’t provide. For example, will they have classy-looking ice bins and ice scoops to use in drinks? Do they provide a printed menu listing the cocktails? How many tables do they provide? These details are important, and you don’t want to glaze over them.
Is the liquor provided by the bartending company?
This is a very important one. Again, laws are going to vary greatly state to state. In Maryland, DC, Delaware and DC, where we provide wedding bartending services, it is very much illegal for our company to provide alcohol in our bartending packages. Why? We do not have a liquor license, because our bartenders do not do any cash transactions for alcohol. Simply put, we do not “sell alcohol.” We provide the service of pouring alcohol. We provide a separate quote for alcohol from a reputable alcohol retailer, and the guest purchases the alcohol directly through them. Other states might be different, but in these states, if a bartender includes alcohol or “all you can drink” in any of their packages, it should raise a red flag. Be sure to look up state laws regarding who needs to have a liquor license to sell alcohol. The wedding venue you choose will likely be well-versed in the liquor laws pertaining to their venue, so be sure to double check with them as well.
Schedule a site visit with your wedding bartenders
Any good wedding bartender will want to know all the in’s and out’s of your venue. If there is a bar provided, they will want to see it, in order to see the size, set up and “flow.” Often, site visits for weddings are included in event bartending contracts, because it is ideal to know every detail prior to the wedding. Where will the bartenders park? Where will they load the equipment? Is there an on-site event planner they will be working with the day of your wedding? All these details need to be seen in person, in order to really determine the bar set up and beverage catering flow.
I hope these tips helped you find a bartender for your wedding. Wishing you much happiness. Cheers!
https://www.chesapeakebartenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Tips-For-Hiring-A-Wedding-Bartender.jpg8531280chesapeakbarhttps://chesapeakebartenders.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/white_logo_transparent_background-300x199.pngchesapeakbar2020-01-13 23:13:052020-01-13 23:22:49Tips For Hiring A Wedding Bartender
Are you craving something easy, yet satisfying, to make for your guests at your big social affair coming up? Imagine the perfect, crowd-pleasing drink: It has cooling mint and invigorating lemon flavors, ideal for a wedding or your annual company bash. This drink has the classic taste of Gin matched with a subtle, yet uplifting essence of fruit. Look no further, our event bartenders in DC have crafted the perfect crowd-pleasing cocktail that will leave everyone wanting more.
Inspired by the drink from South Beach, this refreshing mix of fresh mint, bubbly ginger beer and fruity elderflower syrup paired with dry Gin creates a mouthwatering sensation that you’ll definitely want at your next party. Our DC event bartenders have mastered this delectable mixed drink and are excited to share the recipe with you:
Ingredients
– 1 sprig fresh mint
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
– 1/2 ounce lemon juice
– Splash club soda
– Garnish: mint sprig
Directions:
1. Gather ingredients.
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle all mint leaves except one sprig, together with simple syrup.
3. Add Gin, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Add a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with remaining fresh mint sprig.
7. Serve up and enjoy!
Tips:
For Gin, our favorite is Bombay Dry Gin, although the recipe works with most types of premiun gin. As for the elderflower liqueur, we prefer St. Germain brand.
Regarding the lemon juice, fresh-squeezed is always best. The average lemon makes 1 3/4 ounces of juice, so you’ll plenty to make more than one drink.
When buying fresh mint, it’s best to store in a glass with the stems submerged in water. This will help keep the herb fresh in the refrigerator for longer.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends! To have the experts themselves make it for you, contact info@chesapeakebartenders.com to book our master mixologists for your next event in the greater DC area.
Pineapple Cilantro Margarita Recipe – Pitcher Perfect For Entertaining or Date Night In
Love margaritas but looking to add a fun twist on a traditional margarita recipe? This pineapple cilantro marg is the perfect mix to please even the most discerning margarita connoisseurs. The more tart citrus (thanks to fresh orange and lime juice) compliments the sweetness of the pineapple juice, and the cilantro adds another layer of flavor that goes hand in hand with taco night. For those of you looking for a fun date night idea that includes staying in, make a pitcher of these delish pineapple cilantro margaritas, add a side of chips and guac and boom! Date night. Okay, maybe you want to have some tacos too? I know we would! The good news is that the cilantro is already chopped since you added it to your margarita batch.
Make a Pitcher of Pineapple Cilantro Margaritas:
Step by Step Instructions to Make The Perfect Pitcher of Pineapple Cilantro Margaritas
We know you will love this easy margarita recipe. Please comment below if you make it, and let us know what you think! Chesapeake Bartenders is proud to be an Annapolis bartending company serving the greater DC and Mid-Atlantic area. For quotes on wedding bartenders, party rentals and more, please contact us!
The “Stuck at Home” 4 Ingredient Recipe For An “Almost” Old Fashioned Cocktail
How To Make An Old Fashioned With or Without All The Fancy Ingredients
If you are stuck at home due to COVID-19, and want something other than a beer or glass of wine, read on! Here’s a classic cocktail recipe that is easier to make than you think. The Old Fashioned. A crowd-pleaser and favorite of generations of whiskey-lovers. Here is the easy, no-fuss recipe so you can enjoy a yummy libation while stuck at home.
You can make an “Almost Old Fashioned” with these 4 ingredients:
Full list of ingredients for the classic Old Fashioned:
*If you don’t have all of these ingredients, don’t fret! You can still get close to the classic recipe with a little creativity.
Follow These Simple Steps To Make Your Old Fashioned:
1. Mix boiling water & a heaping spoonful of sugar. Stir. Don’t have sugar? Maple syrup or agave nectar work well.
2. If you have an orange, peel + put a few slices in the bottom of your glass. If not, add 2 oz. orange juice. No OJ? Substitute fresh lemon. Take a spoon + smash the orange (or lemon) gently to squeeze the juice out. If you have cherries, add 2 & do the same. Don’t have cherries? Substitute any kind of berry. Cherries/berries are not necessary but if you have them, use them – they make this drink yummy.
3. Add 1 TBSP of the sugar water (aka simple syrup) you made to the muddled fruit. If you are subbing maple syrup or agave nectar, add this on top of fruit.
4. Stir and Add ice cubes.
5. Add 2 oz. whiskey/bourbon
6. If you have bitters, add a few drops. If you don’t, don’t worry. It will still be delicious.
7. Stir slightly.
8. Sip, relax and enjoy your homemade Old Fashioned!
Be sure to read other blog posts with creative drink recipes. Chesapeake Bartenders is proud to be the go-to event bartending company for weddings, events and private parties in Maryland, DC, Virginia and Delaware. For more information, please contact us!
Tips For Hiring A Wedding Bartender
Wedding planning can be daunting, and when it comes to finding and hiring wedding bartenders, it’s no different. The reception is one of the biggest wedding expenses, and keeping guests and the bridal party happy with beer, wine and drinks is usually high on the priority list. Finding the right bartender for your wedding depends on many factors like – the size of your wedding, state liquor laws, your budget and the wedding theme. Generally speaking, there are some pretty standard guidelines for hiring wedding bartenders.
This article is written by Courtney Smith, Co-Owner and Founder of Chesapeake Bartenders, based in Maryland.
What kind of bar service do you want at your wedding?
Talk to your significant other about what kind of alcohol service they envision. Do you both love craft beer? Do you have a favorite shot? Does the groom love Skrewball whiskey because it reminds him of you? Will there be signature wedding drinks? An ongoing trend we are seeing is the beer and wine only bar, with His and Hers drinks.
Does your wedding venue allow outside vendors, caterers and bartenders?
While this may seem obvious, I cannot tell you how many times people request a wedding bartending quote from our team, before they speak to the venue about whether or not outside vendors are allowed. Simply put, some venues require you to use their catering team, photographers, etc. which means you cannot hire a company like Chesapeake Bartenders to tend bar for your wedding. Once you find out your venue does allow outside vendors, then you can proceed with finding professional bartenders.
Ask about certifications and state laws
It is really important to hire bartenders that are certified and understand at least basic liquor laws in their state. Why? Liquor laws are not something you want your wedding bartenders…or you, to be violating. While you might be tempted to hire your favorite bartender from the dive bar down the street, sometimes it is better to be safe than sorry. For example, in Maryland where we are headquartered, event bartenders are not required to be certified but it is highly recommended they have something called a TIPS certification. This means they have taken an in-depth training on liquor laws, signs of over serving, and liability. In Delaware, the laws are even more strict and might require a separate liquor license for your wedding. In hiring professional bartenders, you can be assured they know the state and local laws, and are abiding by them – but of course ask any and all questions to be sure!
Look at online reviews + ask for references
Do some due diligence and look at sites like Google, Facebook, Yelp, etc. to see what their customers have to say about them. While online reviews are not everything, and may not be 100% accurate, at least it should give you an idea on the kind of service they provide.
Find out what is included in the company’s bartending packages
This one might not seem so obvious. You reach out, you ask for a quote, and that’s it right? Well, this is your wedding we are talking about, so there are important details to address. A good wedding bartending company will ask questions like: “how many guests will you have?” or “do you need us to provide equipment like the bar, coolers, linens, etc.?” You want to know exactly what is included, so you don’t end up assuming they are providing something they don’t provide. For example, will they have classy-looking ice bins and ice scoops to use in drinks? Do they provide a printed menu listing the cocktails? How many tables do they provide? These details are important, and you don’t want to glaze over them.
Is the liquor provided by the bartending company?
This is a very important one. Again, laws are going to vary greatly state to state. In Maryland, DC, Delaware and DC, where we provide wedding bartending services, it is very much illegal for our company to provide alcohol in our bartending packages. Why? We do not have a liquor license, because our bartenders do not do any cash transactions for alcohol. Simply put, we do not “sell alcohol.” We provide the service of pouring alcohol. We provide a separate quote for alcohol from a reputable alcohol retailer, and the guest purchases the alcohol directly through them. Other states might be different, but in these states, if a bartender includes alcohol or “all you can drink” in any of their packages, it should raise a red flag. Be sure to look up state laws regarding who needs to have a liquor license to sell alcohol. The wedding venue you choose will likely be well-versed in the liquor laws pertaining to their venue, so be sure to double check with them as well.
Schedule a site visit with your wedding bartenders
Any good wedding bartender will want to know all the in’s and out’s of your venue. If there is a bar provided, they will want to see it, in order to see the size, set up and “flow.” Often, site visits for weddings are included in event bartending contracts, because it is ideal to know every detail prior to the wedding. Where will the bartenders park? Where will they load the equipment? Is there an on-site event planner they will be working with the day of your wedding? All these details need to be seen in person, in order to really determine the bar set up and beverage catering flow.
I hope these tips helped you find a bartender for your wedding. Wishing you much happiness. Cheers!
If you would like a quote from our wedding bartending team, please fill out the form below and we will be in touch:
The Perfect Gin And Elderflower Craft Cocktail
November 27, 2019
by Jocelyn J.
Are you craving something easy, yet satisfying, to make for your guests at your big social affair coming up? Imagine the perfect, crowd-pleasing drink: It has cooling mint and invigorating lemon flavors, ideal for a wedding or your annual company bash. This drink has the classic taste of Gin matched with a subtle, yet uplifting essence of fruit. Look no further, our event bartenders in DC have crafted the perfect crowd-pleasing cocktail that will leave everyone wanting more.
Inspired by the drink from South Beach, this refreshing mix of fresh mint, bubbly ginger beer and fruity elderflower syrup paired with dry Gin creates a mouthwatering sensation that you’ll definitely want at your next party. Our DC event bartenders have mastered this delectable mixed drink and are excited to share the recipe with you:
Ingredients
– 1 sprig fresh mint
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup
– 1 1/2 ounces gin
– 1/2 ounce elderflower liqueur
– 1/2 ounce lemon juice
– Splash club soda
– Garnish: mint sprig
Directions:
1. Gather ingredients.
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle all mint leaves except one sprig, together with simple syrup.
3. Add Gin, elderflower liqueur and lemon juice.
4. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
5. Add a splash of club soda.
6. Garnish with remaining fresh mint sprig.
7. Serve up and enjoy!
Tips:
For Gin, our favorite is Bombay Dry Gin, although the recipe works with most types of premiun gin. As for the elderflower liqueur, we prefer St. Germain brand.
Regarding the lemon juice, fresh-squeezed is always best. The average lemon makes 1 3/4 ounces of juice, so you’ll plenty to make more than one drink.
When buying fresh mint, it’s best to store in a glass with the stems submerged in water. This will help keep the herb fresh in the refrigerator for longer.
If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends! To have the experts themselves make it for you, contact info@chesapeakebartenders.com to book our master mixologists for your next event in the greater DC area.