Here's the skinny

Do you like margaritas?  I'm not talking about the syrupy, sickly sweet, slurpee-consistency concoctions typically offered, but good, old fashioned tequlia, Cointreau (Triple Sec) and lime juice?  Don't always have time to do the lime juice squeezing?  A totally reasonable pre-mixed margarita awaits.... Introducing Skinny Girl.

Brought to us by Bethenny Frankel of Real Housewives and Apprentice fame, Skinny Girl brings a delicious, authentic, and calorie conscious version of this favourite cocktail.  At 100 calories for a 4oz serving, this is probably the smartest pre-mix out there, and not sweet at all.  I recommend drinking this ice, ice cold, and since I like my margaritas quite strong, next time I will add a splash of tequila to my glass.

Until we drink again,
Cheers!

I'm back in the mood for red

I have found with the unbelievably scorching temperatures lately that I have been in the mood only for cold drinks, so I have really been exploring coolers and white wines, not to mention more than a few Cubatas (although I have been substituting the lime juice for lime vodka since I'm crazy like that).  The other day, however, I was really in the mood for that luxurious, soft feeling that only a nice red wine gives me.  I've been wanting to taste a Carmenère for a while now, and since I am apparently incapable of leaving work empty handed, I had a bottle just waiting for me to taste.

While originally a French varietal, your bottle of Carmenère is much more likely to come from Chile.  Often mistaken for Merlot, this grape thrives in the Chilean climate where the hot season allows for a full ripening.  It seems that for a long while what was thought to be Merlot in Chile was actually Carmenère... most likely since it wasn't a popular varietal that would sell.

I look forward to trying more examples of this fascinating fruit, but here is the one I tried:

PKNT Carmenère provided a great first impression.  Almost black in the glass, it boasted spicy notes of black pepper and a nice coffee essence with round, smooth cherry character.  We drank this with steak, however next time I would serve this with something spicy as the relative full body would really compliment some jalapeno heat.  I'm thinking a mixed grill with jalapeno chimi churri or spicy avacado salsa.  http://www.tasteofcuba.com/cubata.html