10Aug2018
Behind The Design, Home Styling Tips, Products, Recipes
August 10, 2018 /
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You’ve seen Lora dressed for the Kentucky Derby and kitted out as the star of the best guest room ever. This month, we’re sharing tips for turning this bar cart into a fab, functional, modern-looking marvel.

An uncluttered workspace is a good workspace! Leave plenty of room on the top shelf for prepping, mixing, and serving. When you’re not putting Lora to work, it’s easy to style her for the season with a bowl of fruit, a few succulents, or some flowers (fresh or faux).

Save some space and time when you’re hosting: Cut citrus in advance; spear some olives on toothpicks if martinis are on the menu, and keep them in a low jar in their brine.

A little task light can go a long way! If the base is small and the body is slender, you’ll add useful light without taking away from the utility of the space. (Check out our brand new Magnus desk lamp for inspiration – coming soon!)

Give your hardworking bar a focal point: A small framed print or photograph propped on the top shelf (or even hung right above it) says that even the most functional space can have flair. For a modern look like ours, go abstract.

Add pops of color with bright glassware – or rely on the pretty hue of the delightful drink in your pitcher to jazz things up!

Now for the supplies: Ice bucket and tongs? Check! Cocktail shaker and a spiffy stainless steel 1 oz./2 oz. jigger? Check! Foil cutter, corkscrew, and bottle opener? Check times three! The second shelf is a great spot to stash the tools you’ll need for any occasion.

Even a petite bar like Lora has room for the ingredients for success: Bourbon, gin, rum, scotch, tequila, triple sec, and vodka are the building blocks from which most popular beverages are mixed.

Are you thirsty yet? A classic Cosmopolitan is pretty, pink, and perfectly refreshing. Here’s our favorite recipe – stir it up by the pitcher to satisfy a crowd.

Cosmopolitan Cocktail

  • 1 1/2 oz vodka
  • 1/4 oz lime juice
  • 1/4 oz triple sec
  • 1/4 oz cranberry juice
  • 1 cup ice
  • 1 lime wedge for garnish

Combine vodka, lime juice, triple sec, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, cover and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

*This classic Cosmopolitan recipe has been brought to you by, www.allrecipes.com. 

 

Check out the video to see five ways we set the bar with Lora!

20Dec2017
Recipes
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December 20, 2017 /
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Holiday Cranberry Martini Recipe

Need a signature cocktail quick? Or just a break from your hectic holiday schedule?  Try our no-fail Holiday Cranberry Martini, shown here on our Emerald Snakeskin Tray (it’s made of embossed leather—and it’s gorgeous).

Holiday Cranberry Martini

Serves 2

  • 1 oz. vodka
  • ½ oz. orange liqueur
  • ½ oz. dry vermouth
  • ½ squeezed lime
  • 2 oz. cranberry juice
  • 1 cup of ice
  • fresh cranberries for garnish

Combine the vodka, orange liqueur, vermouth, lime juice, and cranberry juice in a cocktail shaker and add the ice. Shake vigorously to chill. Strain into martini glasses, garnish with cranberries, and serve.

22Nov2017
Behind The Design, Recipes
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November 22, 2017 /
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Recipe: Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail

Nothing beats the chilly autumn weather like relaxing fireside with a good book, a cozy blanket, and delicious apple cider. Just in time for Thanksgiving weekend, our social media team whipped up a mouthwatering Apple Cider Bourbon cocktail. It’s super simple – and you can easily leave out the bourbon for a delightful non-alcoholic beverage. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!

Serves: One

  • 2 oz. bourbon
  • 3 oz. apple cider (local, if you can find some)
  • ½ oz. rosemary simple syrup
  • Cinnamon stick and fresh rosemary

1. Prepare the rosemary simple syrup:

Combine equal parts water and sugar in a small saucepan, drop in 3 or 4 sprigs of rosemary, and set over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves, then turn up the heat just a tick to bring the syrup to a simmer; simmer for 1 minute. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture steep, about 20 minutes. Discard the rosemary and let the syrup cool. (1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar will be plenty for multiple drinks.)

2. In a shaker, combine the bourbon, cider and simple syrup with a few cubes of ice. Shake vigorously for a few seconds and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and a fresh rosemary sprig.

© 2017 Ethan Allen Global, Inc.