Tom Smith Archives | FreshDirect Blog

Cheers to the long weekend!

May 24, 2013 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

The Tot & Tonic

Memorial Day welcomes us into the summer season with backyard barbeques, poolside parties, and get-togethers galore! Be prepared to welcome your guests with a couple of easy cocktails perfect for summer sipping.

We find our spirits in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at New York Distilling Company. The distillery produces two brilliant gins that will highlight your cocktail hour- Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin and Dorothy Parker American Gin. Different botanicals and alcoholic strengths separate these gins stylistically while they share an artisan spirit of New York City’s fascinating historical culture….

Cheers to Derby Day!

May 3, 2013 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Mint Julep

Derby Day is upon us! Place your bets and break out your cocktail equipment because it’s time to make some festive cocktails for the occasion!

We start with the classic. The Mint Julep is the quintessential tipple for Derby Day and it’s fairly simple to make.

The Mint Julep calls for four ingredients- bourbon, mint, sugar, and water. When entertaining on Derby Day, be sure to start with this cocktail and you and your guests will be off to the races!

We look to Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Bourbon as the base of the drink. Its richness and balance is the perfect setting for The Perfect Julep….

Mixin’ It Up for the Holidays

December 13, 2012 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Be Your Own Bartender!

‘Tis the season for throwing holiday parties, and excellent cocktails add a level of sophistication to any festive gathering.

Creating your own cocktails, as opposed to using pre-made concoctions, will maximize both the hospitality offered to guests and the quality of the cocktail in hand. This doesn’t mean you have to spend all night as the bartender.

Check out these easy-to-prepare mixable matches for your next fête:

Double Cross Vodka with Fever Tree Tonic Water, Fever Tree Club Soda, Employees Only Bloody Mary
The silky, sophisticated expression of Double Cross Vodka will work wonders with the crisp and complex Fever Tree Tonic Water in a refreshing Vodka Tonic. Don’t like the bite that tonic offers? Make a smart and simple Vodka Soda with fresh lemon. Brunch parties will be perfect for the hedonistic pair of Double Cross and Employee’s Only Bloody Mary for a proper eye-opener….

Cheers to Mom!

May 11, 2012 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Cherry Jussara

Mother’s Day is a time to give back to the ladies in our lives and I think the gift of a finely prepared cocktail is welcome at most homes.

We bookend the occasion with easy-to-make cocktails designed for the aperitif course and dessert course. The Cherry Jussara welcomes Spring time notions of açai berry, cherry, and citrus for a lovely start to the afternoon.

A decadent ending to dinner comes in the form of Nonna’s Coffee, a dessert martini of amaro, coffee liqueur, and whole milk….

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Celebrating Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby!

April 30, 2012 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Our Mayan Temple Margarita is perfect for Cinco de Mayo!

Tipplers have their work cut out for them on May 5^th! Cinco de Mayo AND Derby Day will be celebrated on the same day so what’s an imbiber to do?

Prepare yourself with a cocktail for each! Following are two cocktails- one a variation on the classic Margarita and one a tip of the cap to Derby Day circa 1940’s- perfect for the occasions at hand.

Our Mayan Temple Margarita is an eclectic mix of fruit and spirit. Siete Leguas Blanco Tequila is the star here, adding intense tropical tones and hearty spice to the cocktail.

Siete Leguas prides themselves on painstakingly slow, traditional methods in creating their spirit and it shows in the glass. The Blanco is joined by Rhum Clément Créole Shrubb Liqueur d’Orange, used instead of Triple Sec, along with St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Dolin Dry Vermouth, and fresh lime juice to balance of sweet and savory. Muddled golden pineapple and mint form the fresh and flavorful fruit base to the cocktail….

Slainte! Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Cocktails

March 8, 2012 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Slainte! Enjoy The Jameson Manhattan this St. Patrick's Day!

Everyone’s Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day! Armed with green garb and greener beer, many spend their St. Patty’s Day bar-hopping from pub to pub with a steady regiment of shots and Irish Car Bombs.

What about those who decide that gallons of beer and whiskey aren’t for them? How about a duo of easily prepared cocktails for a relaxed take on March 17th?

Following are two cocktails with rather different expressions. Both use Irish Whiskey and are suitable any time of the day and will pair easily with the typical fare of corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and bangers and mash….

Fall Cocktails

November 16, 2011 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Warm up with these Cocktails – still perfect for after Thanksgiving!

Holidays means two things for most of us: feasting and family! As far as feasting, the panoply of dishes at the holiday table usually has hosts and guests alike wondering what they should offer to drink.

While I believe wine is best for the meal (and all your wine concerns can be quelled with one of our holiday six-packs….merciless plug, I know!), following are two cocktails that will certainly make cocktail hour and dessert a delicious success.

As far as family is concerned, these offerings should put a smile on the faces of friends and family alike and calm the nerves so often associated with entertaining for the holidays! Both the Gingered Apple and Kentucky Toddy can be served before or after your holiday dinner.

“The Gingered Apple” brings together the sweeter tones of Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur and Red Jacket Orchards All Natural Apple Cider with the savory elements of Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Dolin Dry Vermouth, and Regan’s Orange Bitters. The resultant cocktail is a balanced expression of autumnal yumminess! If you’re looking for a lighter expression of the ingredients it is best to shake in your cocktail shaker. If a stronger drink is desired, simply add ingredients to shaker, fill with ice, and stir instead of shaking to avoid dilution….

Halloween Cocktails

October 21, 2011 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

These Halloween Cocktails are perfect for pre and post Trick-or-Treating!

With Summer in the rear view and the chill of Autumn slowly creeping in, our cocktails, along with food and wine, take a turn for the heartier. And as the first of our Fall “holidays” approaches, I present two Halloween cocktails for the occasion: both treats with no bartending tricks necessary.

Whether you are a seasoned Trick-or-Treater who refuses to give up the tradition or are gearing up to take the kids around, these concoctions should add autumnal flair to the evening and throughout the season….

Cocktail 101: A Start-Up Guide to Great Mixology!

May 20, 2011 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Most imbibers leave the mixing to the bartenders and mixologists, and with good reason.

Summer Cocktails

We city-dwellers are spoiled by having some the most creative minds in the world masterminding cocktail recipes at the city’s finest establishments.

That doesn’t mean cocktail enthusiasts can’t take a few tips from the pros and create surprisingly dashing and delicious drinks at home! …

Delicious Drinks for Derby Day!

May 6, 2011 by Tom Smith of USQ Wines & Spirits

Derby Day is a time for big bets, bigger hats and tasty cocktails. Fashion is high and the expectation of a derby-themed cocktail is higher.

Cocktails for the Kentucky Derby!

Here is a duo that should cover your bases for a party scenario that often encompasses an array of taste preferences.

First, we tip our hat to a perennial all-star: The Mint Julep is the quintessence of Derby Day imbibing with a permanent place in America’s liquid history. …