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Toast This National Cocktail Day With Smoky Drinks Made Using A Bernzomatic Torch
Mixologist Eric Trousdale finds his fire with custom, flame-inspired cocktails
COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — Whether it’s capturing smoke in a glass or lighting a float of liquor, the best cocktails are those served with flare. Bernzomatic, the leader in fueled flame, joined forces with mixologist Eric Trousdale, of globally inspired Chicago-based cocktail lounge Arbella, to create the hottest drinks around in honor of National Cocktail Day on March 24. The fire-infused recipes are all made using a torch and are the perfect way to celebrate the spirited holiday, turning every sip into a sensory experience.
Smoking cocktails to capture layers of flavor is a growing culinary trend1. Flame not only adds a unique presentation, but elevates the textures, aromas and taste of ingredients including spices, fruits and herbs. As head bartender at Arbella, Eric Trousdale knows how to bring the heat. His torch-wielding cocktail recipes include an Arbella favorite, the Chicago Fire Extinguisher, and the Laguna Salada, created in honor of National Cocktail Day and named after a famous dried lake in the Mexican dessert.
“Incorporating flame is one of the most inspiring cocktail techniques to try because of the drama and dimension it adds,” said Trousdale. “Just as an artist creates with a paintbrush, a bartender uses fire to enhance the flavor profile of a drink while creating an engaging experience. A torch is my go-to tool to bring these creations to life.”
Impress friends with one, or both, of Trousdale’s smoked cocktails. Try your hand at the Laguna Salada using a Bernzomatic TS4000 High Heat Torch and cedar plank to create smoky flavor. Or step up your cocktail game ever further by picking up a bartender’s Smoking Gun and Bernzomatic ST2200 Detail Torch, all great tools to add to your personal bar.
LAGUNA SALADA
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. Silver tequila
- 1/2 oz. Cynar
- 1/2 oz. Simple syrup
- 1/2 oz. Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
Tools:
- Cedar plank for smoking
- Bernzomatic TS4000 High Heat Torch
Light a spot on a cedar plank using the torch until the wood is smoking. Capture the smoke with an upturned Nick & Nora martini glass on the plank. Build all ingredients over ice, shake well. Turn over the smoked glass and strain the cocktail into the glass. The glass should maintain a hint of the smoke flavor and scent.
CHICAGO FIRE EXTINGUSHER
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Scotch
- 1/2 oz. Luxardo Abano
- 1/2 oz. Fugit Crème de Noyaux
- 2 dash Angostura bitters
Tools:
- Bartender’s smoking gun
- Handful cherry wood chips
- Bernzomatic ST2200 Detail Torch
Build all ingredients over ice, stir, and strain into a small circular globe or mason jar. Place cherry wood chips into the compartment of the smoke gun and light with the torch. Place the end of the smoke gun’s tube into the circular globe vessel (or mason jar), fill with smoke and top with a cork or lid to capture the smoke inside. On the side, place a big ice cube into a double rocks glass, uncork the globe and pour over ice.
Bernzomatic is dedicated to inspiring people to find their fire, whether it be in the kitchen, the workshop or the great outdoors. Discover more ideas for using a torch in unique ways at www.Bernzomatic.com.
About Arbella and Eric Trousdale
Located at 112 W. Grand Ave., Arbella (pronounced Ar-bey-ah) is a globally inspired cocktail lounge that infuses the world of cocktails with art and music. Arbella is open Monday-Friday and Sunday from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. and Saturday from 5 p.m. until 3 a.m. Arbella has weekly music activations, like the cocktail menu, that take inspiration from the global stage. To stay up to date on news, please follow Arbella’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts.
Eric Trousdale is the head bartender at Arbella and has over a decade of experience in the restaurant and bar industry. Trousdale firmly believes in the equal importance of high quality product and presentation as well as creating an enjoyable, organic guest experience. Most recently leading the bar program at Tanta Chicago, Trousdale continues to share his dedication to the care and creativity put into creating each cocktail.
About Bernzomatic
Bernzomatic, a Worthington Industries brand, has been the leader in the blowtorch category since 1876. With a passion for craftsmanship and creation, Bernzomatic believes in providing the right tools and inspiration to take on projects and redefine what you can achieve. Bernzomatic products set the standard in safety, durability and performance, and include handheld torches, fuel cylinders, butane lighters and project accessories that can be used on the job site, in the home and in the hands of those with a desire to create. Find your fire at www.Bernzomatic.com.
