The Backyard Bartender

Backyard Bartender EP12 – The Sidecar  June 28, 2020 Ah, the Sidecar Cocktail, a classic that's been serving as the life of the party for over a century. This sophisticated drink is the perfect addition to any summer get-together and is guaranteed to impress your guests. The ingredients for this drink are simple: Brandy, Cointreau, and Lime Juice. The combination of these three ingredients creates a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and boozy flavors. The key to a perfect Sidecar Cocktail is finding the right balance between the ingredients, so don't be afraid to adjust to your taste. One of the best things about the Sidecar Cocktail is its versatility. Whether you're lounging in the backyard with friends, or dressing up for a night out on the town, the Sidecar Cocktail is always a fitting choice. It's the perfect way to add a touch of elegance to any occasion and the ideal drink to enjoy as the sun sets on a summer evening. So, next time you're in charge of hosting ...

Backyard Bartender Pizza and Cocktail Special September 14, 2022 Ladies and Gentlemen, buckle up for a culinary journey unlike any other! We're here to answer the age-old question - what makes the Super Bowl truly super? Is it the thrilling competition, the electrifying halftime show, or could it be the irresistible combination of pizza and a perfectly crafted cocktail? Let me tell you, folks, the Backyard Bartender is upping the game. Today we're at The Pie Hole in Vancouver, Washington, where friend, bartender, and owner Steve Hilken is going to show us how to mix up his signature drink, the Surfer on Acid. That's right, we're talking about Jaeger Meister, the infamous herbal nectar that has fueled countless parties and wild nights. But did you know, it's not just for shots anymore? Steve is going to show us how to elevate this classic party drink to a Surfer on Acid cocktail. So, grab a slice of delicious pepperoni pizza, sit back, and watch as Steve mixes up thi...

Backyard Bartender EP11 -  Dump Margarita AKA Fast and Easy Margarita June 20, 2020 Imagine this scenario, you stroll into the house after a grueling workout at the gym, a hot and sweaty mess, but ready to relax. Suddenly, your lovely wife announces that the gang is coming over for a BBQ and they expect you to whip up a delicious drink for everyone to enjoy. Fear not, my friend, for you have a secret weapon in your arsenal - the infamous Dump Drink. With a quick dash to the liquor cabinet and fridge, you spot the key ingredients - Tequila? Check! Limeade? Check! Sprite? Check! Even a beer for good measure? Why not!  With no need for precise measurements, fancy garnishes, or strenuous shaking, all you need to do is dump, stir, and pour into glasses for pure alcoholic euphoria. Your friends will be begging for the recipe and the best part is that they can serve themselves without any hassle. So, sit back, relax, and let the dump drink do the work. Dump Margarita Ingredients 12 o...

  Backyard Bartender EP10 - Classic Mint Julep June 14, 2020 Step right up, fashionistas and horse racing enthusiasts! It's time to break out your finest threads and fanciest chapeau for the Kentucky Derby. We're talking bow ties for the gents, pastel colors to match the summer sun, and hats for the ladies that'll make the Queen of England jealous. And what's a fancy Derby party without the classic refreshment of the day? That's right, we're talking about the Mint Julep - the nectar of the gods, the liquid gold of the bluegrass state. Savor the taste of smooth Kentucky bourbon mixed with fresh mint leaves, perfect for quenching your thirst while you cheer on your favorite horse on a warm summer day. So, hold your horses (pun intended), place your bets, and raise your glasses high as we embark on this wild ride at the Kentucky Derby. And don't worry, even if your horse is a long shot, it still has better odds than playing the lottery. And away they go!!! Clas...

Backyard Bartender EPx.2 - The Last Day of Dry-uary 2023 January 31, 2023 Greetings, my dear tipplers! Today is a blend of education and introspection, as I've spent the past few weeks scouring the corners of the earth (or at least the internet) for new and tantalizing cocktail recipes to share with you. And as I mix and stir, I can't help but reflect on the bartenders of yore. Explorers some might say. They had to test, taste, and experiment with the limited options of bathtub gin, moonshine, and basic vodka, all while trying not to end up in an emergency room.  But let's not forget, my favorite book is "The Art of Drinking", a simple yet groundbreaking guide from 1930, a time when the US was in the midst of prohibition and possessing such a book could put you on the FBI's watch list. Back then, mixology wasn't about enhancing flavors but rather masking the harsh taste of illicit hooch. So, hold onto your shakers, my friends, because the next few weeks pr...

Backyard Bartender EPx.1 - Garnishes. Would a cocktail without a garnish truly be a cocktail? January 28, 2023 There are only a few days left in "Dry"uary and I would be lying if I were to say that I made it without a few "Cheat Days." It started with a half glass of wine during the second week and then a Grey Hound one day when I had to vacate for the housekeeper. Well one thing turned to another and here we are! Celebrating the soon to be end of Dryuary. In my never ending quest to keep you, the reader,  entertained and updated on clever, new, and exciting cocktails that are easily made at home we will be talking about the importance of garnishes. Not just garnishes but fresh and fragrant garnishes that will elevate your mixing skills to well above those of the local watering hole down on Main Street. Garnishes for cocktails can include a variety of different ingredients, such as fruits (such as citrus fruits, berries, or tropical fruits), herbs (such as mint ...

Backyard Bartender EP9 - World Famous Lemon Drop June 6, 2020 If the Cosmopolitan cocktail isn't working for you then you need to try this "World Famous" version of a Lemon Drop! Forget that harsh tart Lemon Drop that they serve at the corner bar. Step up your game with this premium version. If you haven't heard of Tuaca, then you better get over to your local liquor store and figure it out. The orangy / vanilla tones of Tuaca will take your Lemon Drops to the next level. This one is easy to make with a simple 3, 2, 1 recipe that is easy to remember and will certainly keep your guests coming back for more! (3 parts mix, 2 parts vodka, 1 part Tuaca.} Your path to World Famous Greatness: 2 to 3 ounces of medium good vodka. Sky vodka with do nicely. Platinum works too. 1 ounce of Tuaca liqueur 3 ounces of sweet and sour mix or make your own. Feel free to swap out one ounce with Limoncello liqueur. Sugar for the rim Lemon peel confetti for garnish Boston shaker and and...

Backyard Bartender EP8 - St. Germain Champagne Punch  May 30, 2020 This is perfect way to add a twist to your next summer garden party and "Wow" your guests with a drink that they probably haven't tried before. This punch is also and excellent replacement for the mostly worn out Mimosa. Serve in teacups like shown in the video or mix it in a pitcher sans ice and pour over cracked ice in a Collins glass with a straw. Either way, this punch never fails to impress! Recipe:  One bottle of champagne. I opt for Prosecco . One cup of St. Germain Elderflower liqueur. 12 ounces of sparkling water. Blueberries to garnish.  Can be served two ways - ladle with ice into a tea cup or pour from a pitcher over cracked ice into a Collins glass. Enjoy! Thank you for visiting the Backyard Bartender and Until next time America! #BackyardBartender #backyardia Backyardia.com

Backyard Bartender EP7 - Prohibition Special May 25, 2020 Hey there cool cat, let's take a trip back to the wild and wooly days of the Roaring 20's! We're gonna make two of the classic hooch-infused drinks that were all the rage back in the Prohibition era. Picture it, ladies in their flapper dresses and gents in their snazzy suits and fedoras, sipping on the good stuff at fancy clubs and speakeasies. And get this, we filmed this shindig in a vintage home from 1916! Can you imagine all the wild stories this joint has seen? So, we're whipping up two cocktails for you today. First up, a simple whiskey punch. This was the budget-friendly option at the time and a staple at cocktail parties. And for the more upscale crowd, we're also making a gin fizz. A fancier drink that would have been found at the posh clubs of the time. Whiskey punch recipe Although I just made up a single cocktail this punch is meant to be served from a punch bowl in tea cups The recipe can be adju...