Mixologist Spotlight: Brandon Wise
16 July 2010 12:50
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Recently transplanted from Chicago, mixologist Brandon Wise focuses on seasonality with his craft cocktails at Irving Street Kitchen. Wise’s cocktail program is rooted in the classics with a focus on artisan spirits, a core value fostered while managing Chicago cocktail destination In Fine Spirits. Before relocating to Portland, Brandon fused the beverage program of Perennial with the contemporary cuisine of Chef Ryan Poli with technique driven libations and market fresh ingredients. Brandon can be found behind the bar at Irving Street Kitchen in the Pearl District’s newest cocktail hot spot.
Doctor’s Orders
1 1/2 oz Organic Nation Gin
1/2 oz Aperol
1/4 oz Rothman & Winter Apricot liqueur
3/4 oz lemon juice
2 Teaspoons 1:1 simple syrup
Dash peychaud’s bitters
Egg white
Build ingredients dry in shaker tin starting with egg, dry shake with whisk from hawthorne strainer. Add ice, shake and double strain into bucket glass over large hand carved ice cube. Garnish with smacked mint leaf and 3 drops of peychaud’s bitters
Comments
Mixologist Spotlight: Ryan Mortimore
29 June 2010 11:13
| Mixologists, Cocktails
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Basilico Fresco
3 oz Organic Nation Vodka infused with Basil and Strawberries
1/2 oz Fresh Lime
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon
1/2 oz Ginger Simple Syrup
Shaken with ice
Served over ice in a collins glass
Topped with Sparkling Wine
Garnish with a Basil leaf and lime wedge
Ryan got his start at Cucina Biazzi in Ashland where he learned his tricks of the trade, lending to a talent that quickly emerged to an inevitable love for mixology.
While studying in Florence during the Fall season of 08, Ryan's passion for cocktails merged with his love for Italy and its culinary delights. His dedication to the european influence infuses immaculately with Joolz Mediterrainean fare and his attention to detail. Ryan has been an instrumental part of Joolz and its extensive cocktail offerings since's its opening May 2009.
Ryan is a Bend native and continues to contribute to its unique culture.
Cheers!
Visit Ryan at Joolz in Downtown Bend, Oregon and enjoy this delectibly refreshing cocktail.
Melodie
Mixologist Spotlight: Kenneth Bryant
23 June 2010 05:17
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Organic Bitter Past
Organic Nation Gin
Fresh Muddled Grapefruit
Campari
Dolin Sweet Vermouth
Fresh Lemon Juice
Muddled, Shaken and Served up.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Ken brings his passion for classic cocktails and interest in fresh new flavors to the bar top at Bend's Astro Lounge. Cultivating years of experience from the likes of Loft 11 in San Francisco, Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara and The Other Room in Venice Beach, yeilding some of the best cocktails and pushing the bleeding edge in the industry.
Astro Lounge is one of Bends top and original cocktail bars leading its competitors with more 'Best Bar' awards in Bend Oregon in the last 10 years.
Cheers!
Visit Ken at the Astro and make sure you you treat your self to one of these tasty summer cocktails.
Melodie
Mixologist Spotlight: Justin Akins
20 October 2009 11:30
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Tabor Reservoir
2 oz Organic Nation gin
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 dashes lavender tincture (very potent pure grain alcohol infusion)
3 mint leaves
*stir with ice*
*then fill with soda*
Mixologist and Bar Owner Justin Akins brings a comfortable airy bar to the Montavilla area in Portland, Oregon. His bar is loaded with homemade tinctures, and bitters as he features an enticing list of reasonably priced craft cocktails to his savvy yet down to earth patrons.
The Oregonian welcomed Justin and his establishment September 3, 2009:
...Akins' slew of house cocktails ($4 to $9), inventive and high caliber, hit the mark as precisely as did his sole dessert: powerful Stumptown coffee ice cream and peanut butter and chocolate cookies. Each drink has a little something special -- agave nectar in a margarita, an Old Fashioned with cherry bitters. Even nonalcoholic potions like cranberry-mint soda stand out.... to read the whole article, go here.
Mixologist Spotlight: Emily Dixon
08 September 2009 10:24
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
High Desert Drifter
1 ½ oz Organic Nation Gin
Grated Ginger
Fresh Sage
Heavy Cream
Simple Syrup
Fresh Pear
Shake, serve up
Cherry Surprise
1 ½ oz Organic Nation Vodka
Fresh Cherries
Egg White
Juice and Pulp from an Orange
½ tsp Sugar
Shake, serve up
Garnish with one cherry in the bottom of the Cocktail glass
Emily’s artistic eye not only makes her a talented stone carver and jewelry designer, but also a creative mixologist. Emily got her start mixing and shaking when she moved to Alaska in 2002. After spending time traveling and working around the northwest, Emily landed back in her hometown of Bend in 2005, where she concocted for Staccato, Cascade Lakes Lodge and Deep. Most recently, Emily mixes for Twist Cocktail Catering Co., Central Oregon’s premier beverage catering service.
For your next event you make Twist, your first call, for alcohol!
Mixologist Spotlight: Megan Bitz
17 August 2009 06:18
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Greatful Gardener
1 1/2oz Fresh Grapefruit
1 1/2oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2 oz Organic Nation Vodka
Cardamom
Fresh Ginger Root
Tarragon
Sage
Mint
Basil
Simple Syrup
Shake Serve up
Top with Soda Water
In her own words, "I grew up in Scholls, Oregon deep in the woods and have always had an appreciation for nature and natural medicine that grows around us. I started an essential oil business four years ago and currently work as a manager and server at Chow. I love Chow because it represents how I feel about good food, good people, supporting local farms and businesses alike. Crafting cocktails gives you the freedom to use your mind, fresh herbs and your creativity. "
Megan crafted this tasty cocktail, in the spur of the moment, for the Bite of Bend cocktail competition. You can find her at Chow in Bend, most days mixing daytime drinks and holding the fort down.
Cheers!
Melodie
The Garden Bistro at McCully House with Valerie Vorland
22 July 2009 10:54
| Friends, Mixologists
| Permalink
The Garden Bistro at McCully House is where you can find Valerie Vorland mixing fabulous drinks and serving beautiful dinners. I was excited to meet with Valerie Vorland who has been a bartender and server for 12 years. She said, "I love this business, you meet the coolest people, work in the coolest places and the networking is incredible! This is my calling." After a group discussion with Valerie, and Sarah Farnsworth, House Manager of the Garden Bistro at The McCully House, and staff and patrons about 'Mixology' and how everyone loves the flavor of Organic Nation vodka, it was unanimous that Organic Nation vodka is exquisite by itself. If you really wanted to order a cocktail, a well done martini was the drink of choice. Garden Bistro at McCully uses the best for their martini's, they mix with Quady North Vermouth named Vya, an herbally infused, aromatized wine. Superb is an understatement. Note: At the Garden Bistro, the wine list is 90 % local and the dinner menu is about 80% locally grown or made in the Applegate and Rogue Valleys. Organic Nation Spirits fit right in with the values of supporting local. Valerie and Sarah remind me that the Garden Bistro at McCully House is not just a special occasion restaurant, you can bring your co-workers for a business meeting, come in with your girlfriends or stop on your way back from the river. Everyone is welcome and please, please please check out the gorgeously lush patio. 
Mixologist Spotlight: Teal Stanley
22 July 2009 10:39
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Gin Mint Lemonade2 oz. Organic Nation Gin
2-3 sugar cubes muddled with 10 juicy mint leaves
3 lemon wedges - squeezed
Shaken then top with soda
Serve this one on the rocks
....or if you want an expert to mix this up for you, swing by the Bella Union Restaurant and Saloon and Teal will take care of it. She has her own mint patch on the garden patio. Teal's committed! She's been working at the Bella Union for 10 years, mixing drinks 6 days a week. She loves Mixology. Fresh and forward thinking when developing a drink, she also loves to take the tried and true classics and tweak them into a new variation or an all new cocktail. Need a bright spot at the end of your day? Teal Stanely and the Bella Union is it, always busy, always upbeat. Cheers! Amy
Mixologist Spotlight: Daniel Shoemaker
21 July 2009 09:45
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Smokin' Herb
Organic Nation gin
House dry vermouth
Floc de gascogne
Laphroig 15-yr. scotch
Absinthe rinse
The Teardrop lounge in Downtown Portland mixes up some tasty and out of this world cocktails. Mixologist Daniel Shoemaker sent this particular recipe my way coined for its representation of flavor reminiscent to the Native Oregonian. Teardrop Lounge focuses primarily on its beverages, and that it does very well.
Cheers!
Melodie
Mixologist Spotlight: Sean James
08 July 2009 09:34
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Limonata Organica
1 1/4 ounce Organic Nation Vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau
3 ounce Peligrino Limonata
Fill a tall pretty glass with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Be refreshed on a hot summer day.
When you've been in town for a long time, routines develop and you begin to rely on old memories. Sean at Callahans says, "Come on up!" Sean is the tall guy that you'll see when you walk in, the one keeping all the balls in the air. He loves the fast pace. I've watched him moving smoothly, mixing the perfect drinks while having two conversations, directing some other activity with a nod and smiling the entire time. This time of year at Callahans, sitting out on the deck over the waterfall or on the lush lawn for drinks and dinner, is the very best. The bar is beautiful too and the deeply cushioned chairs are hard to resist with your Limonata Organica or gin martini in hand. Once you're settled in, order your dinner and you'll be happy for the rest of the evening. Move out of your routine, bring your friends and cruise up to Callahans, what you've been wanting is here.
1 1/4 ounce Organic Nation Vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau
3 ounce Peligrino Limonata
Fill a tall pretty glass with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Be refreshed on a hot summer day.
When you've been in town for a long time, routines develop and you begin to rely on old memories. Sean at Callahans says, "Come on up!" Sean is the tall guy that you'll see when you walk in, the one keeping all the balls in the air. He loves the fast pace. I've watched him moving smoothly, mixing the perfect drinks while having two conversations, directing some other activity with a nod and smiling the entire time. This time of year at Callahans, sitting out on the deck over the waterfall or on the lush lawn for drinks and dinner, is the very best. The bar is beautiful too and the deeply cushioned chairs are hard to resist with your Limonata Organica or gin martini in hand. Once you're settled in, order your dinner and you'll be happy for the rest of the evening. Move out of your routine, bring your friends and cruise up to Callahans, what you've been wanting is here.
Mixologist Spotlight: Mo Shean
30 June 2009 12:26
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Pearfecto
Organic Nation Vodka
White Cranberry Juice
Fresh Lime Juice
Mo's handcrafted Pear Mint Puree
Upon first sip of this delectable cocktail, summer sinks deep into your veins. The balance lets the vodka shine through and then a small essence of mint begins to take stage, getting stronger with each sip.
Mo (more formally known as Michael) brings over three decades of bartending mastery to Chloe, where he splits time as a Manager and Bartender. In his past days, he could be found slinging bottles for notable establishments such as Caesar's Palace, Spectrum Foods and Bradley Ogden's. Mo tosses around a special blend of charisma and attitude that keeps you wanting more cocktails and entertainment.
For a scrumptious list of cocktails (many of which feature Organic Nation Spirits) visit Chloe at FivePine in Sisters, Oregon. Cheers, Melodie
Mixologist Spotlight: Christopher Wells
17 June 2009 09:17
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Organic Pomegranate
1 1/2 ounces Organic Nation vodka
1 half squeeze of fresh lime
1 count Cointreau
1 1/2 ounces pom juice
Shake and serve up
Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds
Then just sip and chill....
Christopher is a welcoming face at Tease Restaurant.
He will likely be busy. But not too busy to set you up with your hearts desire. He can pour you your favorite classic cocktail or wow you with his newest drink. "I love to experiment," Christopher says, " I always start with fresh ingredients and combine them to create a drink that is both unique and tasty. " Looking around from the bar, the tables are crowded with diners enjoying a variety of tapas that span the ethnic cuisines. On your next cruise of the Ashland scene, swing in to Tease for Christopher's latest invention!
Comments (1)
Mixologist Spotlight: Salisha Early
10 June 2009 08:58
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
The Gin Blossom
Organic Nation Gin
Fresh Grapefruit Juice
Cassis
Garnish with Oregon Blackberries and a sprig of Mint
Salisha's martini's are truly remarkable. But her new cocktail menu and the Gin Blossom has again put her and Larks on the map! If you want to relax and feel pampered, it's time to stop in and visit with Salisha to eat, drink or both. On a plate or in a glass, you will appreciate fresh fruits, veggies and herbs that are local, in season and likely organic. If she is not mixing your favorite cocktail, look for Salisha on the tennis or racquetball court, softball or excelling in other high energy sports. Salisha's big attraction is her fun loving attitude. She says if you're not having fun, then most likely your customers are not either. I've always had fun at Larks Restaurant, that's another reason it's on my favorites list.
Mixologist Spotlight: Dan Stern
05 June 2009 11:00
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Corpse Rev
iver #9
iver #91 3/4 oz Organic Nation Gin
3/4 oz Lillet (We use a house made version if you use a commercial lillet add honey syrup or simple syrup)
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/4 oz Lemon Juice
4 Dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Shake and Serve Up
Daniel Stern is the Captain of the Bar at Urban Farmer his recipe is loosely based upon Harry Craddock's "Corpse Reviver #2" from The Savoy Cocktail Book. Corpse Revivers were a popular category of drinks early in the 20th century that were intended to be used as restoratives from an evening of overindulgance. We use a house made lillet as the aperitif, which has been reformulated drastically since it's use by Harry Craddock in the 1930s. Urban Farmer also serves a house moonshine.
The prohibition era is the focus of their drink menu.
Mixologist Spotlight: Columbine Quillin
18 May 2009 10:41
| Mixologists, Cocktails
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I heard about Columbine through the rumor mill here in Bend, OR. Who is this cocktail master that I keep hearing of ?. . . finally we met. I was enjoying a necessary libation in salute to my friend's birthday at the Blacksmith. Mid buzz, a self assured sexy blonde woman comes over and offers her acquaintance. The rest? Is up to the future!
Here she is in her own words:
'There is no better smell than walking in the woods after a fresh rain with the crisp sent of juniper and there is nothing better than looking down and seeing a fresh blueberry bush in the middle of nowhere with rich ripe berries. This cocktail takes some of the best that the northwest has to offer (fresh mint, fresh blueberries, and fresh juniper berries) and whips these Northwest goodies into a cocktail.
JunBlueMint
2.5 ounces Organic Nation Gin
1.5 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice
1.5 ounces juniper mint syrup
1 ounce organic blueberry purée
To make the juniper mint syrup take 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup organic mint, and 20 juniper berries and bring to a boil. Let cool, then strain the mint and juniper berries from the syrup.
As for the Blueberry purée, take one cup blueberries and purée in a blender. Add a hint of water if the purée is too pulpy.
Columbine Quillen can be found shaking away at the Blacksmith Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge in beautiful downtown Bend, Oregon.'
The Blacksmith offers up a host of lovely cocktails, a palette satiating menu and one of the few late night hotspots in Bend that you can really cut the rug!
Cheers, till the next amazing mixologist I come across.
Mixologist Spotlight: Dan Keeton
12 May 2009 01:35
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Oregon-ic
Organic Nation Vodka
Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit
Handmade Ginger Syrup
Topped with Soda Water
Salt Spiced Rim
Don't be fooled by the sweet charisma and smiles, cause the attitude Dan delivers in a cocktail is full force. Driven by an age old love for classic cars, his cocktails see the same passion and respect.
You will be able to taste the Velvet Potions beginning at the end of May, 2009.
Dan Keeton is the GM and chief mixologist of Velvet, a new fine bar/lounge opening in Downtown Bend.
Mixologist Spotlight: Jesse Cook
03 May 2009 09:35
| Mixologists, Cocktails
| Permalink
Jesse's Organic Gin Gimlet
Organic Nation Gin
Fresh Organic Limes
Splash of Fresh Organic Sweet and Sour
Shaken Vigorously with Ice and Attitude.
When I asked Jesse Cook of Standing Stone Brewing Co. what he had up his sleeve to tingle the pallet he reached for a classic with a twist.
He offered up his Organic Gin Gimlet, fully fresh and hand squeezed.
Jesse has been mixing drinks for at least 9 years, he can be found at Standing Stone Brewing Company Saturday Nights.
Mixologist Spotlight: Chris Churilla
19 April 2009 09:26
| Mixologists, Cocktails
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Truffle Shuffle:Organic Nation Gin
Black Truffle Tincture
Grand Marnier
House Grenadine
Lemon Twist
Chris Churilla of Downward Dog in Corvallis spoke of his "speakeasy list" when I asked for a specialty cocktail, which holds the key to some his most creative cocktails.
Rule one to this list, it is only available by request (they keep it 'locked- up') and rule two; you will be speaking jibberish if you ask anyone but owner Cloud Davidson or Chris to hear the list.
Chris shared one of the drinks on this list featuring his own hand made tincture and Organic Nation Gin... I was lucky enough to have had this tasty Cocktail last time I was in town.
Thanks Chris!
Be sure to checkin each week to see what each mixologist of the week has mixed up!
If you would like to have you and your Organic Nation Cocktail featured here email melodie@organicnationspirits.com
