Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/271567
march 2014 / the tasting panel / 1 13 Leading the charge of Brazilian-influenced cocktails is Palihouse in West Hollywood, CA, which has a reputation for keeping its cocktail menu fun and exciting. "We're always creat- ing here at Palihouse. We love to present our patrons with new and adventurous cocktails," explains Kevin Bulla, Beverage Director at Palihouse. It's no surprise that Bulla believes that these innovative cocktails will score big at the bar. "These cocktails are different, and I believe a successful cocktail menu challenges both the mixologist behind the bar and the consumer in front of it," says Bulla with a laugh. Palihouse Head Mixologist Vincent Shakir met the VeeV and funkin challenge by spicing up classic cocktails to give them that distinct Brazilian flair. "When I think Brazil, I think hot and spicy. I wanted to have fun with these drinks, experiment with the flavors, and I wanted to shake it—the cocktails that is," says Shakir, who capitalized on the versatility of VeeV to develop mixed drinks The Brazilian and The Hot Brazilian. The Brazilian is a play on the traditional Mojito that also satisfies with nuanced tropical notes. The Hot Brazilian is a twist on the classic Margarita with a delightful blend of spicy jalapeño and sweet fruit flavors. Shakir calls this cocktail "complex and different"—a fitting description for a Margarita made with an açaí based spirit. "These cocktails have several levels—spicy, fruity, and sour levels—all of which blend together to create this complex and exciting taste that is not too overwhelming." Both cocktails instantly take you to summer vacation in the tropics, cooling you down while also keeping things hot. As the custom in Brazilian culture is always to bring your host a small gift of gratitude, VeeV and funkin Brazilian will continue to reward THE TASTING PANEL readers with delicious cocktails for another three installments in the months leading up to the World Cup. In the meantime we will celebrate with The Hot Brazilian in hand—and yes, a quick samba. The Brazilian Z 2 oz. VeeV Açaí Spirit Z ½ oz. funkin Brazilian Cocktail Mixer Z ¾ oz. lime juice Z 1 oz. simple syrup Z 6 mint leaves Z Soda water to top Z lime wedge Z Smack the mint leaves between your hands to open the capillaries and release the aroma. Place the mint leaves into a mixing glass and add the lime juice, simple syrup and funkin Brazilian. Add ice to the mixing glass; add the VeeV and shake vigorously. Transfer the shaken cocktail to an Old Fashioned glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a lime wedge. The Hot Brazilian Z 2 oz. VeeV Açaí Spirit Z ½ oz. funkin Brazilian Cocktail Mixer Z ¾ oz. lime juice Z 1 oz. simple syrup Z 2 jalapeño wheels Z lime wedge Z Place the jalapeño wheel in a mixing glass with lime juice and muddle. Add simple syrup and funkin Brazilian. Fill the mixing glass with ice, add the VeeV and shake vigorously. Double- strain (to separate the jalapeño seeds) into a double Old Fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and a jalapeño wheel. Cocktails by Vincent Shakir, Palihouse, West Hollywood, CA. A spicy twist on the classic Margarita, the Hot Brazilian is sure to fire things up at Palihouse. At Los Angeles's Palihouse: Carter Reum, co-owner of VeeV Açaí Spirit; Vincent Shakir, Palihouse Head Mixologist; and Kevin Bulla, Palihouse Beverage Director.