September 27, 2012

proof whisky, we want you!, Vol. 103



Autumn has arrived and we would like to hear from you! We sometimes receive your favourite recipes via email or FB. We now want to post some of them. Send us your favourite original fall whisky recipes and not only will we feature our favourites, but the winners will receive one of our proof goody bags! More information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



the sour apple (single) 1 1/2 oz proof whisky • 5 oz fresh apple juice • 1/4 oz lemon juice • 1/2 teaspoon of fine sugar 

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and pour into a glass. Garnish with thin slices of Ontario apples.


the sour apple (pitcher) 8 oz or 1 cup proof whisky • 4 cups apple juice • 1 1/2 oz lemon juice • 2 tbsp fine sugar

Add all ingredients to an ice-filled pitcher. Stir. Add apple slices to pitcher. Serve in glasses.

 


We want to feature your recipes! Send your favourite original autumn concoction, your name, photos and/or any relevant stories to info@proofbrands.com. We will try the recipes, select our favourites and feature them in October. The winners will receive a proof goody bag.


Weekend Forecast:
Saturday: Variable cloudiness and a high of 17 degrees
Sunday: Isolated showers and a high of 16 degrees


September 13, 2012

proof whisky, a tall half-skinny half-one percent extra hot split quad shot, Vol. 102



Last week, an innocent stroll to the corner coffee shop turned into a very energetic, some might even say aggressive, brainstorming session. The good news is, after several grande americanas, we came up with a brilliant idea – or at least it seemed that way at the time. Enjoy today’s Starbucks Syrup creations. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



the Starbuck 1oz proof rum • 1 oz heavy cream • 1/2 oz Starbucks’ Cinnamon Dolce Syrup • cinnamon stick

Fill a shaker with ice. Add proof rum, cream, Starbucks’ Syrup. Shake and pour into glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick. (we used sugar-free)

 


the hot dolce 1 ½ oz proof whisky • 1/2 oz Starbucks’ Cinnamon Dolce Syrup • 6 oz hot coffee • Heavy Cream

Combine proof whisky, Starbucks’ Syrup and coffee in a mug and stir. Float cold cream gently on top. Do not mix.



the caramel apple 1 ½ oz proof whisky • 5 oz apple cider • 1/2 oz Starbucks Cinnamon Dolce Syrup • ½ oz fresh lemon juice

Fill a shaker with ice. Add proof whisky, cider, Starbucks’ Syrup & lemon. Shake and pour into a glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick. 
(we used sugar-free and it still tasted buttery sweet)

 


If you find that making your own flavoured simple syrup is a little too arduous for your fast-paced lifestyle, we have found a pretty good alternative – Starbucks Syrups. Chances are, you have tried them in your coffee once or twice. Who doesn’t look forward to the pumpkin-spice lattes in the fall or the Christmas-time ginger bread latté? Although these syrups are quite a bit heavier than your home-brewed version, you can control the sweetness by adding the right amount of ‘pumps’. The syrups come in quite a few flavours, like Classic (sugar), Vanilla, Cinnamon Dolce, Hazelnut, Mocha, Peppermint, Caramel, Bittersweet Chocolate and many more. And the big 6 come in a sugar-free, O Calorie version as well, if you do not want to add more calories to your cocktails. Apparently there are 40 calories in two pumps (approx. 1 oz) of syrup. We used the sugar-free Cinnamon Dolce in our cocktails.

We find that the ‘spicier’ flavours go really well with proof whisky, which is why we paired The Cinnamon Dolce with apple cider and whisky. 
If you want to cut back on the sweetness, just offset it with lemon.



This summer, on a camping trip up north, we discovered, Starbucks VIA coffees. Although we had seen them in-store many times, we were never tempted to pick them up. We bought them for camping, and I have to say, it’s the next best thing to a freshly-brewed cup of coffee. VIA Coffee comes with 12 single serve, easy-to-open, packets and in quite a few flavours. You can get dark roasts, the lighter Veranda flavour and many flavoured varieties.



The latest VIA to hit the shelves is the Pumpkin Spice VIA. Mix it with hot milk, a shot of proof whisky and have a great day!


Weekend Forecast:
Saturday: Mainly sunny and a high of 21 degrees.
Sunday: Mainly sunny and a high of 22 degrees.


September 6, 2012

proof whisky, TIFF time, Vol. 101



We are back in the city and will be keeping it really short today, because we have a lot of great things coming up. Today's main feature is the orange opener – a yummy little drink to kick off the first week of TIFF. Enjoy the festival! For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



orange opener 1 ½ oz proof whisky • 2 oz orange juice • 4 oz ginger ale • ½ oz ginger simple syrup • ½ tsp lemon juice • orange slices for garnish

Add proof whisky, orange juice, simple syrup, lemon juice and ice to a glass. Top with ginger ale and garnish with fresh orange slices.  



honey-ginger syrup 1 cup water • ½ cup honey • 2 tbsp fresh peeled and minced ginger
Add water and honey to saucepan. Stir until honey is dissolved. Add ginger and simmer for another 20 minutes. Cool and store in glass jar or bottle. Keep in refrigerator for up to two weeks.



Visit the TIFF Bell lightbox for movie schedules, TIFF memorabilia and updates. (http://tiff.net)


Weekend Forecast:
Saturday: Chance of thundershowers and a high of 22 degrees
Sunday: Mainly sunny with a high of 18 degrees