Martini of the Week: Agave Negro

With the holiday coming up it's perfect to make a sweet and summery drink to prepare for a party.

Ingredients


2 blackberries, plus 1 blackberry and 1 lime wheel skewered on a pick
1 cup ice
1 1/2 ounces reposado tequila
3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
3/4 ounce Simple Syrup
1/2 ounce Chambord
1 ounce chilled club soda

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the 2 blackberries. Add the ice, tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and Chambord. Shake well and pour into a rocks glass. Stir in the club soda and garnish with the skewered blackberry and lime wheel.

Summertime + Good Wine = Good times!

Now that it's summer what better way to enjoy the weather and good conversation than over a nice glass of wine. Here are some great summer wines that will please your pallet and your wallets.

LaMarca Prosecco ($14)

For a surprisingly nice sparkling wine, try the new LaMarca Prosecco. The nose hints at sweetness, but there's plenty of acidity to give this lightly fizzy wine good snap, and a sort of sweet-tart quality.

Jekel Riesling 2008 ($11)

Breathe in a wonderful bouquet of peach, apricot and orange blossom, while your taste buds experience a basket of fresh fruits with a melange of lemon, apple, peach and pineapple. Bring anything spicy, salty or smoked to fruition with this easy sipper.











Wild Rock Rose Vin Gris 2008 ($15)


This blush is the ideal summer sipper thanks to its ripe strawberry and red cherry flavors, with tropical fruit notes and a refreshing lift of acidity. Try it with chicken satay or spicy Singapore noodles, as its medium-sweet nature will help counteract the heat of the chillies and other Asian spices.

La Playa Sauvignon Blanc Late Harvest ($10) With aromas of melon, quince and papaya, it is sweet yet well balanced with lingering fresh acidity and notes of spices and toffee. Best served chilled.












Moonstone Asian Pear Sake ($13)

Lush aroma of fresh off the tree Asian Pear Apple, creamy body with big pear flavors and a hint of sweetness. A truly enjoyable drink whether with a meal or on its own.