Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/142283
Romancing the Rat Pack In today's iPhone- and Tweet-driven world, reminiscing about the dapper days of yore is nothing if not romantic. Taking romance to a whole new level is Maya Tequila and its lovely heart-shaped bottle that even comes with its very own "passion stand." "The packaging really grabs people's attention," explained Jeff DiPane, President and CEO of CMNA Spirits Inc, who mentioned that the unique stand is available to catch the consumer's eye both on- and off-premise. "But the tequila is really good, and that's the most important," he continued as he tasted the panel on the Maya Tequila Extra Añejo (SRP $130), which is aged a minimum of 42 months in American white oak. DiPane called on the talents of Maya Brand Mixologist Jeremy Taylor to create a perfect Vegas summertime cocktail: "It's so hot in the summer in Vegas, everybody is out by the pool, enjoying a cold beverage," says Taylor. "And a Daiquiri is always a vintage cocktail!" The Rat Pack Says "Great cocktail! Nice fruit components withThe Maya Tequila out being over-sweet, "passion stand." and lovely caramel notes from the tequila. I always enjoy premium spirits in passionate cocktails!" —Kent Bearden "A great summer cocktail with a nice balance of sweet-and-spice. Love the kiss of ginger on the finish." —Rachel Burkons "A bright bouquet with a touch of Thai basil, fresh strawberries make this a cocktail that would work poolside anywhere in Vegas!" —Jeremy Merritt ♥ The Strawberry Smash ◗ 2 oz. Maya Extra Añejo ◗ ¾ oz. Stirrings Ginger Liqueur ◗ ¾ oz. Velvet Falernum ◗ ½ oz. lime juice ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup A Good Grasshopper to Gamble On While you may not think a yogurt-flavored liqueur is a sure bet, Bols Natural Yoghurt Liqueur (SRP $17.99) is here to tell you: Go all in on this one! Creamy with just the right balance of sweetand-sour, this opaque white liquid may make even the most practiced mixologist lose their poker face as they muse: "What is it?" Made with real yogurt containing real live culture, Bols Yoghurt is also packaged in a bottle designed to preserve its integrity. Anthony Pullen is Brand Lucas Bols Brand Ambassador for Lucas Ambassador Anthony Bols USA. Pullen got his vintage on, touching on several decades with his Yo Grass cocktail, served in a '50s-style ice cream glass and made with a '70s travel bartending kit. And the bright green color? "I was wandering around a souvenir shop, and I saw those clear, bright green poker visors. I knew I had to make a version of a Grasshopper with Bols Natural Yoghurt as my dairy component. It even tastes like it's a drink from way back when!" The Rat Pack Says "An absolutely perfect cocktail, with abundant and intense mint, brought down a bit with chocolate foam. A nice silky texture that lingers and begs to drink more!" —Ben Grosse "Bols Yoghurt shows to be a really versatile product, and this cocktail has great balance of mint. Bols shows why they should be back in all bartenders' hands!" —Kent Bearden "The drink is excellently balanced, and the mint comes through nicely with a surprisingly low amount of sweetness. The Yoghurt does a great job of bringing the flavors and textures together." —Chris Hopkins ♦ Yo Grass ◗ 2 oz. Bols Natural Yoghurt Liqueur ◗ 1 oz. Bols Crème de Menthe ◗ ¾ oz. Galliano L'Autentico ◗ Muddle strawberries and Thai basil until pulp. Add ingredients and dry shake. Strain on crushed ice. ◗ Shake and strain. Top with Bols Jeff DiPane, President and CEO of CMNA Spirits Inc. Crème de Cacao foam (2 oz. Bols Crème de Cacao, whisked with 2 egg whites until it froths). july 2013 / the tasting panel / 129 TP0713_100-148.indd 129 6/24/13 6:04 PM