Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/430172
december 2014 / the tasting panel / 95 In Its Native Habitat To see Sammy's Red Head in action, we could think of no better place than Sammy's Island Bar & Grill in Roseville, CA. Based on a fusion cuisine—think Hawaii, Fiji and the coast of Mexico—this restaurant, like all of the rocker's establishments, is tailored to the market and their palates. And unlike many celebrity brands, Hagar plays an integral part in every decision that happens, as Stan Novack, the man in charge of development and operations for all of the ten (soon to be 11) restaurant locations, explains: "Sammy comes to tastings and goes through the food menu along with drink menu—he has a really good palate; he just knows. Not just a figurehead, he comes up with suggestions and nothing happens without his involvement." (One decision Hagar made was to donate 100% of profits from his Airport Beach Bar & Grill locations to food banks and children's charities based in the communities in which the restaurants are located—a choice that reminds us all what the holidays are supposed to be about!) Proving its adaptability, General Manager Peter Colman spoke as he mixed some wonderful holi- day cocktails that the restaurant features on its cocktail menu: "Since our bartenders love to give our patrons something different that enhances current classic drinks and offers something new, Sammy's Red Head Rum is a great product to accomplish both. Perfect to warm you up this chilly holiday season and take you to a tropi- cal paradise." Sammy's Red Rockin Christmas ◗ 2 oz. Sammy's Red Head Rum ◗ ½ oz. Aperol ◗ 1 oz. coconut water ◗ 2 oz. guava nectar ◗ Splash of pineapple ◗ Add all ingredients in a mixing glass, shake with ice and serve in a tall glass filled with ice. Candied pineapple ring for garnish. ◗ 1½ oz. Sammy's Beach Bar Rum ◗ ½ oz. Sammy's Red Head Rum ◗ ½ oz. simple syrup ◗ 2 dashes apple bitters ◗ Whipped cream or half and half ◗ Pour all ingredients in a mixing glass, fill half way with whipped cream, shake with ice and serve up in a Martini glass. Sprinkle cinnamon on top. ◗ 1½ oz. Sammy's Beach Bar Rum Sammy's Red & White Christmas A t this point in the year, many of you are already eagerly awaiting next summer, when the holidays are a distant memory and the sun returns our half of the equator. We can't say we blame you. Hearing the same 12 songs over and over, seeing old St. Nick around every corner and being inundated with gift lists for two-plus months can get pretty tiring—it's enough to make anyone throw in the towel. But before you find a nice rock or pile of snow to hide under, let Sammy Hagar, the Red Rocker, break up the endless sea of Rudolph lawn ornaments and frigid winter and add a little July to your Christmas with Sammy's Red Head Macadamia Nut Flavored Rum. Without relying on gimmicks or overwhelm- ing the palate, this expression from Sammy's Beach Bar Rum—infused with Hawaiian macadamia nuts—brings back precious memories of stealing one too many macadamia nut cookies off of Santa's plate at grandma's house. "I wanted to create this expression for my fans, for all the Red Heads [the name given to Sammy's fans —Ed.] out there who wanted something unique," Hagar insists. Layers of cherries, berries and coconut complement the nuttiness to create a spirit that can be enjoyed whether neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail. "People are blown away with the taste of Sammy's Red Head, says Steve Kauffman, President of Sammy's Beach Bar Rum. "It is so different and unusual, but absolutely delicious and so versatile in how it can be incorporated into mixology." Made using a 100% natural dye from red fruits and vegetables, the stunning, deep red color produces the perfect holiday-esque tint to any cocktail menu. The spirit's color along with the beautiful packaging lends itself to being the focal point for on-premise holiday displays. Longing for summer? For those customers who cannot wait to see the snow melt and pack the holiday decorations back in the attic, Sammy's Red Head becomes the perfect topper for all of your tropical drinks, including the classic Mai Tai—adding both a complex, unique flavor as well as a gorgeous red hue. All they need to do is close their eyes while sipping and they'll be at the beach. No teleports required. SAMMY'S RED HEAD MACADAMIA NUT FLAVORED RUM SHAKES UP THE HOLIDAYS