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Beat the cold with these holiday spirits
he lake may be cold, the mountain devoid of foliage and,
Tyes, there can even be black ice in the morning. But winter in Upstate South Carolina is only as dreary as you make it, and we’re determined to help you beat any winter blahs that may arise.
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That’s why we recruited Nik Kuebler, one of the area’s best mixologists, to come up with some fun and obnoxiously delicious drinks to spice up your holidays.
Kuebler works full-time “beer tending” at Seneca’s Keowee Brewing Company, but he is also the man behind the bar at Vangeli’s on nearby Ram Cat Alley. After studying cinematography and photography at the university of Central Florida, Kuebler shifted gears to hospitality and found a home in the highend resort and country club industry. It was there that he began crafting his beverage knowledge. “I love being behind the bar, and I love writing the drink menu,” said Kuebler, who migrated to the Upstate from Charleston 16 months ago. So, here are some Kuebler creations. The first three are available on Vangeli’s featured drinks menu starting this month, while the others are for you to create at home, whether entertaining friends or just drinking alone. (Don’t worry, we won’t tell.)
CARMEL APPLE SPICE
• 1.5 oz Apple Brandy • 1 oz Vanilla Liqueur • 2 squirts Carmel Syrup • Muddled fresh ginger • Garnish with Cinnamon
ESPRESSO MARTINI
• 1.5 oz Vanilla Vodka • 1 oz Kahlua • .5 oz Simple Syrup • 1 Shot Expresso • Dust with Cocoa Powder
VIOLET CRÈME
• 1 oz White Rum • 1 oz Violet Liqueur (for a floral and earthy taste) • 1 oz Heavy Cream • .25 oz White Cacao Nik Kuebler • Garnish with Nutmeg
LAVENDER BLACKBERRY OLD FASHIONED
• Muddled Blackberries • .5 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur • 2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon • .5 oz Lavender Honey or Lavender Bitters w/honey added • Dash of bitters • Garnish with a Blackberry & Orange Slice
Note: Any suitable bourbon can be substituted for Woodford Reserve, and the lavender bitters can be purchased online. The lavender honey or bitters with honey added serve to sweeten the drink.
Espresso Martini
Violet Crème
Pecan Pie Martini
PECAN PIE MARTINI
• 1 oz Pinnacle or Cathead Pecan Pie Vodka • 1 oz Five Farms Irish Cream • .5 oz Vanilla Vodka • 2 oz Heavy Cream • Use Maple Syrup and Crushed Pecans to rim the glass
WHITE NEGRONI
• Dry Gin of choice • 1 oz Suze Liqueur • 1 oz Lillet Liqueur • Garnish with lemon
Note: Kuebler says this is the easiest drink on earth to make. Suze and Lillet are available at most liquor stores and substitute French wine aperitifs can be used as well.
By the way, Vangeli’s features Tini Tuesday Happy Hours from 5-7 p.m. You might want to consider a Raspberry Lemonade Martini before dinner, the Classic Martini with dinner and maybe even a Chocolate Raspberry Martini to go with the Triple Layer Chocolate Mousse Cake for dessert. n
White Negroni
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Bob Thomas, AAMS® Financial Advisor edwardjones.com Member SIPC 1510 Blue Ridge Blvd Ste 103 Seneca, SC 29672-6684 864-985-1266
Bob Thomas, AAMS® edwardjones.com
Bob Thomas, AAMS® edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Financial Advisor 1510 Blue Ridge Blvd Ste 103
