Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/306378
36 / the tasting panel / may 2014 L ike an empty soccer field, mixology provides the opportunity for inter- active play, creative expression and, most important, a good time. As we approach this summer's highly anticipated 2014 World Cup, VEEV and funkin are scoring goals with Brazilian-inspired cocktails that continue to satisfy both soccer fans and bar-goers alike. This month's installment of the VEEV and funkin partnership introduces an impressive new player in the arena of cocktails and cuisine: recently opened eatery The Church Key. With the only modern American dim sum cuisine in Southern California—a twist on traditional Asian dim sum that combines rolling food and drink carts with everything from pig's ear "Cheetos" to donut holes—The Church Key, located on L.A.'s trend-defining Sunset Strip, entertains as efficiently as a champion- ship soccer match. "This place is a bit of a circus and we love that about it," says Beverage Director Devon Espinosa. "From the interactive food and drink carts to the Bar 101 happy hour program that lets customers shake their own pre-made Mason jar cocktails, everyone becomes a part of the show," he explains. The innovative and fresh cocktail menu includes liquid nitrogen cocktails served in familiar plastic popsicle pouches — appropriately named Odd-er Pops— along with creative and crafty pre-made canned cocktails that customers open themselves—complete with a church key! Espinosa, an expressive and playful bartender, delivers this month's VEEV and funkin cocktails in the only way he knows how: with a lot of style. The fruit-forward flavor of his Last Word cocktail capitalizes on the funkin Brazilian's fresh mango nuances with an equally herbaceous taste that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Both cocktails are made with VEEV Spirit 70 Proof, a new higher-proof offering that maintains the original spirit's special and versatile flavor profile while acting as a better base for mixing cocktails—Espinosa calls it "more clear and concise." Whether you're watching the excitement and drama unfold in the rowdy soccer stadiums in Rio or in the spontaneous yet graceful ambiance at The Church Key, plan on cooling down from the heat with an exquisite VEEV and funkin cocktail—they are worth the shake! Shake That Brazilian . . . Cocktail! VEEV SPIRIT AND FUNKIN ARE KEEPIN' IT COOL AT HOT NEW L.A. VENUE THE CHURCH KEY by Brian Kustera / photos by Mark Ryan Devon Espinosa, Beverage Director at L.A.'s The Church Key, mixes a cocktail using funkin Brazilian and VEEV Spirit. The Last Word ◗ ¾ oz. VEEV Spirit 70 proof ◗ ¾ oz. funkin Brazilian Cocktail Mixer ◗ ¾ oz. green Chartreuse ◗ ¾ oz. fresh lime juice ◗ fresh nutmeg for garnish ◗ Mix and shake all ingredients in a glass with ice. Double-strain into a coupe. Garnish with shaved nutmeg. VEEV and funkin continue to please with delightful and distinctive cocktails such as The Last Word. D isco v e r so m e i n g i n i n i n g n g n g n g NE W g D r m e m e m e m e m e m e m e m e m e m e m e m e m e e e e e e e e i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i n i g n g n g n g n g n g n g n g n g n g n g n g n g BRANCOTT ESTATE ® Sauvignon Blanc. Product of New Zealand. ©2014 Imported by Pernod Ricard USA, Purchase, NY. *Compared with 2012 Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc Per 5 fl. oz serving – Average Analysis: Calories 88, Carbohydrates 4.5g, Proteins 0g, Fats 0g C afted to b e full of taste 20% ligh ter in calories * Our first vintage, 2012, won a gold medal. Try the new 2013 vintage and be the judge BE CURIOUS For more information visit: prusawine.com/flightsong Discover more at brancottestate.com /BrancottEstate PRN2084 BE Flight Tasting Panel F.pdf 1 17/01/14 10:21 AM TP0514_034-71.indd 36 4/24/14 11:02 PM