Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
april 2014 / the tasting panel / 101 W hether toasting to a victory or lamenting a loss, soccer fans will inarguably (although arguments seem likely) be gathering at their favorite bars this summer during the 2014 World Cup. The competitions, the celebrations and the cocktails will become as much a part of the experience as the matches themselves. In round two of our look at the VeeV Açaí Spirit and funkin partnership, THE TASTING PANEL continues to celebrate the spirit of soccer and mixology with creative cocktails that effortlessly infuse the flavors of this year's World Cup host country, Brazil. Those looking to enjoy the tournament while soaking up the summer sun will savor the scene and cocktails at Abigaile Restaurant and Ocean Bar in Hermosa Beach, CA. "We've got a lot of fun and festive activities planned for this summer and we can't wait to celebrate with our own Brazilian flair, focusing on fantastic cocktails," says General Manager Greg Simons with a grin. Bringing as much passion to his craft as a legion of loyal sports fans have for their team, Dave Keenan, Bar Manager at Abigaile, welcomes a good challenge, particularly one calling for experimental and exciting cocktails. "When inventing cocktails, VeeV and funkin are two of my favorite tools behind the bar, both providing a freshness and versatility that is difficult to beat," Keenan explains while mixing his latest cocktail creations. Playfully named after the official game ball of the 2014 World Cup, the Brazuca76 is a variation of Brazil's national cocktail, the Caipirinha. This innovative interpretation utilizes the natural, light quality of VeeV Açaí Spirit to deliver bold taste worthy of its own award—it's even served in a coupe to resemble a trophy! Keenan's other creation, passionSTATE- MENT, balances unapologetically spicy and sweet flavors using funkin's natural fresh-fruit taste. "These cocktails have a lot of flair and hit many extremities of the taste buds without overwhelming any particular one," explains Keenan. Both cocktails will comfortably cool the palate at a serene and sandy beach or amidst the fire of a heated competition. While only one country will be rewarded with ultimate victory and bragging rights, we are all winners when it comes to VeeV Açaí Spirit and funkin's collaboration. This is one team that we at THE TASTING PANEL hope will advance round after round, cocktail after cocktail. Brazuca76 ◗ 2 oz. VeeV Açaí Spirit ◗ ½ oz. funkin Brazilian ◗ ½ oz. gin ◗ ½ oz. Muroise berry liqueur ◗ 1 lime, quartered ◗ 1 spoon sugar ◗ 3 sprigs rosemary ◗ 3 blackberries ◗ Muddle lime, sugar, rosemary and three blackberries. Add VeeV Açaí Spirit, funkin Brazilian, Muroise liqueur and gin. Shake with ice. Double- strain into a coupe. passionSTATEMENT ◗ 1 ½ oz. VeeV Açaí Spirit ◗ ¾ oz. funkin Brazilian ◗ ½ oz. agave ◗ ½ oz. grapefruit juice ◗ 3 serrano chili slices ◗ 5 cilantro sprigs ◗ Muddle serrano, cilantro sprigs, grapefruit juice and agave. Add VeeV Açaí Spirit and funkin Brazilian. Shake it with ice and dump it to keep the green particles. Garnish with grapefruit peel and cilantro. TP0414_072-101.indd 101 3/21/14 2:54 PM