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<title>HomeBarGear.com: Blog Posts</title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com</link>
<pubDate>2012-05-16</pubDate>
<description>List of Latest Blog Posts at HomeBarGear.com</description>
<language>en-us</language>
<isc:store_name><![CDATA[HomeBarGear.com]]></isc:store_name>
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<title><![CDATA[Disney World For Adults - The Entertainment & Drinking Experience]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Disney-World-For-Adults--The-Entertainment-Drinking-Experience_b_16.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-05-19</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Walt Disney World has been called the Most Magical Place on Earth – and, for kids, this is very likely true. Where else (besides Disneyland in California) can you experience such a combination of beloved cartoon characters and rides that are fun for the whole family? But on a recent trip to Walt Disney World – my first in many years – I was surprised to discover that there exists a whole world of alcoholic entertainment – fit for adults only, of course. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/Disney-World-For-Adults--The-Entertainment-Drinking-Experience_b_16.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Walt Disney World has been called the Most Magical Place on Earth – and, for kids, this is very likely true. Where else (besides Disneyland in California) can you experience such a combination of beloved cartoon characters and rides that are fun for the whole family? But on a recent trip to Walt Disney World – my first in many years – I was surprised to discover that there exists a whole world of alcoholic entertainment – fit for adults only, of course.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[  Walt Disney World has been called the Most Magical Place on Earth – and, for kids, this is very likely true. Where else (besides Disneyland in California) can you experience such a combination of beloved cartoon characters and rides that are fun for the whole family? But on a recent trip to Walt Disney World – my first in many years – I was surprised to discover that there exists a whole world of alcoholic entertainment – fit for adults only, of course.  The first thing to understand about having a great drinking experience in the parks is that it’s not going to be cheap. Nothing is cheap at Disney World, of course, but drinks are especially expensive, probably to deter visitors from getting out of hand. So unless you’ve got a very deep wallet, you’re going to want to choose your drinks carefully. Luckily, there are plenty of options. Disney World has always had something of an international flair, and its alcoholic options are no exception. For example, the Animal Kingdom park features wildlife attractions from around the world. Suitably, its bars and restaurants offer bottled beers from places as exotic as Kenya and Singapore. And really, why shouldn’t you sip a beer named Tiger when you’re watching the big cats stroll through some faux-ancient ruins on your way to a thrilling river ride?  But Disney takes its international ambience to another level in its Epcot park. The World Showcase takes center stage here, featuring authentic alcohol from most of the countries on display. You can sip a Tsingtao in China or browse among shelves of wine in Italy or displays of sake in Japan. Epcot’s Germany showcase, in particular, is the drinking enthusiast’s playground. You can shop for an absurd variety of beer steins and home bar glassware– themed with traditional German insignias or branded with familiar Disney characters. You can even venture inside a giant Mexican pyramid to discover a stunning starry night – indoors – where you can shop for Mexican handicrafts and bottles of tequila. It’s all the magic of Disney, tailored to suit adult tastes.  Of course, things are a little different at the Magic Kingdom, probably because this is the park designed to appeal mostly to children. No alcoholic beverages are sold here, and you can even be escorted from the park by security if you are found to have smuggled in any alcohol. So forget about passing around the bottle of Captain Morgan on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. After all, you wouldn’t want to scare the children! ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[16]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[10 Things You Didn't Know About Guinness]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/10-Things-You-Didnt-Know-About-Guinness_b_13.html</link>
<pubDate>2011-02-28</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ This March 17th, millions of pints of Guinness will be lifted to millions of lips in tribute to St. Patrick. How much do you really know about the most popular beer from the Emerald Isle? You know that it's dark, it's delicious, and most importantly: it's Irish. But what else? This St. Patrick's Day, enchant the bar with some fascinating facts that are so entertaining, they can only come from the land with the gift of the Blarney. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/10-Things-You-Didnt-Know-About-Guinness_b_13.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[This March 17th, millions of pints of Guinness will be lifted to millions of lips in tribute to St. Patrick. How much do you really know about the most popular beer from the Emerald Isle? You know that it's dark, it's delicious, and most importantly: it's Irish. But what else? This St. Patrick's Day, enchant the bar with some fascinating facts that are so entertaining, they can only come from the land with the gift of the Blarney.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[This March 17th, millions of pints of Guinness will be lifted to millions of lips in tribute to St. Patrick. How much do you really know about the most popular beer from the Emerald Isle? You know that it's dark, it's delicious, and most importantly: it's Irish. But what else? This St. Patrick's Day, enchant the bar with some fascinating facts that are so entertaining, they can only come from the land with the gift of the Blarney.#1) There really was a Guinness.Unlike so many American beers (sorry, there is no Meister Budweiser, Mr. Pabst, or Sir Red Dog), Guinness is named for an actual man. Arthur Guinness was born in Celdridge County in Kildare, Ireland in 1725.#2) Arthur signed a really, really long lease.In 1759 there were already sixty breweries in Dublin, but Arthur Guinness must have known the run-down one he leased would lead to prosperity. He signed a lease for 9,000 years. Not only that, but he got quite a bargain: about $65 a year.#3) Guinness wasn't always Guinness.Though the beer you're hoisting now carries the name of Mr. Guinness, the early brew that most closely resembled today's dark stout was called West India Porter.#4) Waterloo could have been won with beer.What does Waterloo have to do with stout? According to an old Guinness advertisement featuring a testimony by one of Wellington's injured soldiers, Guinness helped speed his recovery. If only all if the soldiers had access to Guinness, history might have been altered.#5) Dark beer is for mourning.The popular Black Velvet cocktail, made with Guinness and champagne, was invented by a barkeeper in 1861. After the death of Prince Albert Victor, he proclaimed that even the champagne should be in mourning, and added Guinness to the patron's glasses.#6) Victorian drinkers were tougher than modern drinkers.At least the makers of Guinness must think so. Modern versions of Guinness Draught and Guinness Extra Stout are brewed weaker than they were in the 1800s.#7) You can grab a Guinness in China.in 1997, the first Irish pub was opened in China. O'Malley's in Shanghai naturally serves Guinness on tap.#8) It's not just for St. Patrick's DayThe average consumption of Guinness is approximately 10 million pints a day, worldwide.#9) That harp is real.The harp logo featured on each bottle is actually the harp of Brian Boru, an Irish king from the 11th century. The actual harp itself is on display at Trinity College in Dublin.#10) Guinness is not vegetarian.Several beers use a process involving isinglass (a fish product) to help filter the brew. Guinness is one of them, making the beer for carnivores only.Doesn't knowing a little more about the history of Guinness make it taste just a wee bit better? This year, while you're hoisting one for St. Patrick, be sure and have at least one more for the man who made your refreshment possible. Drink a toast to Arthur Guinness.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[13]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Candy Cane Martini]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Candy-Cane-Martini_b_6.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-12-16</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Candy Cane Martini2 parts vodka 1 part pepperment schnapps splash 7-up Candy Cane (garnish) ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/Candy-Cane-Martini_b_6.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Candy Cane Martini2 parts vodka 1 part pepperment schnapps splash 7-up Candy Cane (garnish)]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Candy Cane Martini2 parts vodka 1 part pepperment schnapps splash 7-up Candy Cane (garnish) ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[6]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Creating A Sports Bar In Your Home]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Creating-A-Sports-Bar-In-Your-Home_b_12.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-10-27</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Almost anyone can enjoy a beer without needing to turn on the game, but many people wouldn’t dream of watching football without a beer in hand. These American pastimes, if you will, just seem to go together. How many of your friends have a sports bar at home? Maybe you even have one yourself. But some people have taken this natural pairing to extremes, creating the ultimate home bar destination. We can learn some pointers from these experts – pretty soon your home will be the go-to spot for game night. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/Creating-A-Sports-Bar-In-Your-Home_b_12.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Almost anyone can enjoy a beer without needing to turn on the game, but many people wouldn’t dream of watching football without a beer in hand. These American pastimes, if you will, just seem to go together. How many of your friends have a sports bar at home? Maybe you even have one yourself. But some people have taken this natural pairing to extremes, creating the ultimate home bar destination. We can learn some pointers from these experts – pretty soon your home will be the go-to spot for game night.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Almost anyone can enjoy a beer without needing to turn on the game, but many people wouldn’t dream of watching football without a beer in hand. These American pastimes, if you will, just seem to go together. How many of your friends have a sports bar at home? Maybe you even have one yourself. But some people have taken this natural pairing to extremes, creating the ultimate home bar destination. We can learn some pointers from these experts – pretty soon your home will be the go-to spot for game night.First, you’ve got to select a location for your home bar. Lots of people immediately think of the basement, as it’s often the only undeveloped real estate in the house. And basements are often uncarpeted, which is great for a place that will likely see more than its fair share of spilled drinks. But you want to make sure that it’s a comfortable room, not too cold or too hot, or no one will want to be there. So don’t immediately rule out other areas of the house.     The next bit is where the real work comes in. If you’re handy, you can definitely save a lot of money by setting everything up yourself – in fact, this is probably half of the fun of having the bar in the first place. The internet is brimming with ready-to-download plans that will make the woodworking that much easier. You can even get your friends involved in this stage of the process, since they’ll certainly be reaping the rewards later. Once you’ve got the bar itself, you have a lot of furnishing to do. Like I said, the room has to be comfortable. So you might want to look at armchairs or couches in addition to the standard bar stools. And of course you’re going to need a nice high-definition television set so you can see every play – even the nicest home bar won’t attract many friends if they’ve got better TV sets in their own living rooms. Some home bar gurus recommend multiple televisions, so that you can show more than one game at the same time. If you do this, you’re really starting to look professional.   Before you invite anyone over, you’re going to need to stock the bar. You’ll need liquor, mixers, and beer. You might think about getting a mini refrigerator or two behind the bar, as well. And don’t forget about glasses. You can have a lot of fun by personalizing your patrons’ beer glasses with the logos of local sports teams or even with your own bar’s new name – which is not a matter to be taken lightly. If you pick something catchy, and if the home bar itself is up to snuff, you’ll quickly find that game night will never be a dull or lonely affair again.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[12]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Add Pizazz To Your Halloween Cocktails With Gruesome Garnishes]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Add-Pizazz-To-Your-Halloween-Cocktails-With-Gruesome-Garnishes_b_10.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-10-22</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Forget the Trick!!! Treat your friends and family to spooky spirits with gruesome garnishes for Halloween.Dripping Blood - Dip glass in red hardtack candy.Eyeball - Radish (peel alternating strips of red from the radish - carve out a small hole for the olive) and green olive.Skeletin - cocktail onions &amp; caviar. Brains - skin white grapes add to a creamy green cocktail. Your guests will be howling with delight! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/Add-Pizazz-To-Your-Halloween-Cocktails-With-Gruesome-Garnishes_b_10.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Forget the Trick!!! Treat your friends and family to spooky spirits with gruesome garnishes for Halloween.Dripping Blood - Dip glass in red hardtack candy.Eyeball - Radish (peel alternating strips of red from the radish - carve out a small hole for the olive) and green olive.Skeletin - cocktail onions &amp; caviar. Brains - skin white grapes add to a creamy green cocktail. Your guests will be howling with delight!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Forget the Trick!!! Treat your friends and family to spooky spirits with gruesome garnishes for Halloween.Dripping Blood - Dip glass in red hardtack candy. Eyeball - Radish (peel alternating strips of red from the radish - carve out a small hole for the olive) and green olive. Skeletin - cocktail onions &amp; caviar. Brains - skin white grapes add to a creamy green cocktail. Your guests will be howling with delight! ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[10]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[The Perfect Punch With a Kick For Halloween]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/The-Perfect-Punch-With-a-Kick-For-Halloween_b_9.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-10-10</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ When you're hosting a Halloween party, you have enough to worry about with decorating and entertaining your guests without having to play bartender as well. One way to simplify your responsibilities and free you up to enjoy the party is to serve one or all of these Halloween themed punches. Not only will they enhance your ghoulish ambiance, they taste great and your guests can help themselves! ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/The-Perfect-Punch-With-a-Kick-For-Halloween_b_9.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[When you're hosting a Halloween party, you have enough to worry about with decorating and entertaining your guests without having to play bartender as well. One way to simplify your responsibilities and free you up to enjoy the party is to serve one or all of these Halloween themed punches. Not only will they enhance your ghoulish ambiance, they taste great and your guests can help themselves!]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[When you're hosting a Halloween party, you have enough to worry about with decorating and entertaining your guests without having to play bartender as well. One way to simplify your responsibilities and free you up to enjoy the party is to serve one or all of these Halloween themed punches. Not only will they enhance your ghoulish ambiance, they taste great and your guests can help themselves!Invasion of the Pumpkin Patch1 large pumpkin1 gallon apple cider2 2-liter bottles ginger ale1 750 ml bottle light rumToy plastic spidersCut off the top of the pumpkin. The opening needs to be bigger than you make when carving a jack-o-lantern because the pumpkin will be your punch bowl. Pull out the pulp, discard the seeds (or roast them for a snack) and place in a large bowl. In the bowl, combine the remainder of the ingredients and mix with a wooden spoon. Fill your blender with as much of the mixture as you can, puree and pour into the pumpkin. Repeat until you have pureed everything and your bowl is empty. Mix again with a spoon to ensure uniformity throughout the punch.Float plastic toy spiders on top of the punch and place additional spiders outside the pumpkin as if they are invading the punch. You can even glue some to the sides of the pumpkin. Serve at room temperature.Sewer Water7 cups orange juice with pulp2 2-liters Dr Pepper1 750 ml bottle vanilla vodkaTootsie RollsMilkClear, undecorated punch bowlUnwrap Tootsie Rolls and place in a microwave safe bowl. It's up to you how many you want to use, as these only serve as decoration for the punch bowl. Microwave 1 minute at a time, stirring and adding milk as needed, until they are melted. The ideal consistency is slightly thicker than chocolate syrup. Drizzle along the sides of a clear punch bowl over wax paper, then set aside for the Tootsie Roll mixture to harden.While the punch bowl is setting, mix the remainder of the ingredients in another large bowl. The combination of orange juice and Dr. Pepper will make the punch look like murky water, but - rest assured - it is quite tasty despite its unappetizing appearance. Pour into the prepared punch bowl to create the illusion of sewer water. Serve over ice. Bloody Mary in Pieces1 gallon tomato juice1/2 cup lime juice3 tsp salt3 tsp black pepper1 tsp celery salt1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce1 750 ml bottle vodkaHot sauce to tasteBarbie doll(s)Cauldron style punch bowlThoroughly wash at least one Barbie or similar doll. Pull all of the pieces apart, including the head. Using your child's cherished toys is not recommended, as it could be traumatizing to see playtime friends dismembered.Mix all of the ingredients in a cauldron style punch bowl. A regular punch bowl is okay, but the cauldron produces the best effect. Don't add a lot of hot sauce because some people like their bloody marys extremely mild. You can leave a bottle of hot sauce beside the cauldron for guests to spice it up as they please. Put the doll pieces inside the punch and allow them to float around like Mary was hacked to pieces and boiled to perfection. Serve warm or over ice.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[9]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Oktoberfest]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Oktoberfest_b_8.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-10-01</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ As the leaves start to turn and the sun starts to set a little earlier each day, beer distributors all across the country have been rolling our their Oktoberfest inventory. ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/Oktoberfest_b_8.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[As the leaves start to turn and the sun starts to set a little earlier each day, beer distributors all across the country have been rolling our their Oktoberfest inventory.]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[As the leaves start to turn and the sun starts to set a little earlier each day, beer distributors all across the country have been rolling our their Oktoberfest inventory. This means that laymen and beer connoisseurs alike can pick out their favorite seasonal brews and taste them at home by the fireplace, in tall glass beer mugs designed to celebrate the splendor of autumn. Almost every brewery, from Sam Adams to Pete’s, makes an Oktoberfest version of its own brand. But the true Oktoberfest aficionado might want to shell out a few extra bills to taste something distinctly German. That’s where this whole tradition started, after all.Taking place every year in Munich, the real Oktoberfest begins in late September and has the notable distinction of being the world’s largest fair. Millions of visitors flock to the event to sample the sauerkraut and pork – but the beer is the real star of the show. Munich has exactly six breweries, and each of them has an Oktoberfest variety conveniently on-tap for partygoers (who, in Germany, are often as young as sixteen). The brews range from pale ales to wheat beers, and most are served in liter-sized mugs and consumed in a decidedly festive atmosphere. Is it any wonder that Americans wanted to import this celebration for themselves? As I mentioned, there’s no shortage of variety when it comes to choosing your autumnal ale. Weihenstephaner Festbier, though its name is something of a mouthful for most of us, receives consistently high reviews despite its price tag (up to $50 for a case). Dogfish Head Punkin ale, although it isn’t an Oktoberfest beer in the strictest of senses, is nonetheless perfectly appropriate for one of those festive nights at home, surrounded by friends who make you forget the chill in the air outside. But regardless of which beer you choose, how much you spend on it, and whether you drink it in a personalized beer mug and toast like an Oktoberfest veteran or prefer to just sip it straight from the bottle, the important thing is that you have a great time. That’s what the celebration – and indeed the season – is all about. ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[8]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Tailgating With The Barmaid Drink Rimmer]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Tailgating-With-The-Barmaid-Drink-Rimmer_b_7.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-09-29</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Tailgating has become as much of an American pastime as hot dogs and apple pie. With the football season in full swing, many of us are pondering our food and cocktail menus for the perfect outdoor soiree.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/Tailgating-With-The-Barmaid-Drink-Rimmer_b_7.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Tailgating has become as much of an American pastime as hot dogs and apple pie. With the football season in full swing, many of us are pondering our food and cocktail menus for the perfect outdoor soiree. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Tailgating has become as much of an American pastime as hot dogs and apple pie. With the football season in full swing, many of us are pondering our food and cocktail menus for the perfect outdoor soiree. For a truly unique game day cocktail experience, why not add your team colors to your favorite cocktails with colored cocktail sugar or margarita salt?Using The Barmaid Drink Rimmer(handheld margarita salter), you can make excellent margaritas, mojitos, martinis and mulled cider (recipe below) quickly and easily with the push of a button.Your compadres will be dazzled with this fun bar tool that dispenses sugar, salt and seasonings to their favorite cocktails without the hassle, mess, and waste of traditional drink rimmers. No more throwing specialty cocktail spices away after one use. With a push of the button, the Barmaid dispenses cocktail spices to the rim of your glass. Want more? Press more. Want less? Press Less. No more skipping the rim on your favorite beverage, enjoy specialty beverages at the barbecue, at the concert, at the game, and anywhere else. Mulled Cider 1 cup Apple Cider2 oz. Rum or Brandy1 tbsp honey or sugar2 clovesDash of all spiceAccent with Cinnamon Harvest Cocktail Sugar1. Combine all ingredients and heat2. Strain into glass or mug3. Rim beverage with Cinnamon Cocktail Sugar4. Enjoy! ]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[7]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Administrator]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Seven Savvy Secrets for Super Cocktails]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Seven-Savvy-Secrets-for-Super-Cocktails_b_5.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-09-20</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ Who said cocktails are all about the layers of flavor, the art of mixing, and how they taste? The cocktails that would get your parties going need to be eye-catching conversation pieces. It is all in the detail: how much attention you pay to dress up your drink may spell the difference between a fantastic cocktail that would set people raving and a merely good cocktail that would languish in the background.  ]]></description>
<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.homebargear.com/Seven-Savvy-Secrets-for-Super-Cocktails_b_5.html</guid>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[Who said cocktails are all about the layers of flavor, the art of mixing, and how they taste? The cocktails that would get your parties going need to be eye-catching conversation pieces. It is all in the detail: how much attention you pay to dress up your drink may spell the difference between a fantastic cocktail that would set people raving and a merely good cocktail that would languish in the background. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[Who said cocktails are all about the layers of flavor, the art of mixing, and how they taste? The cocktails that would get your parties going need to be eye-catching conversation pieces. It is all in the detail: how much attention you pay to dress up your drink may spell the difference between a fantastic cocktail that would set people raving and a merely good cocktail that would languish in the background.1. Remember, a cocktail is all about balance: the perfect mix between flavors, colors, garnishes, decorations, frostings brought together through killer recipes, with a steady hand and unflagging recall. You have to get the proportion of each ingredient right, whether tangible or intangible. 2.Of course, cocktails thrive on innovation, and perhaps the most important element after the preciseness of ingredients is the novelty of color. Try and match colors to the party themes, use red cranberry as a mix for “vamp” parties, or blue curacao for sea-side themes. Another color trick is layering. Though it requires a little skill and considerable effort, it is totally worth it. You can create a layered cocktail by painstakingly pouring in the heaviest cordial first, and the lightest last, one after the other, over an inverted spoon into the glass. The final look in gradations of color is a work of art. 3. Relax, not all cocktails need be such an effort, there are lots of other ways to get that exotic look for your mix. One of them is to work on the ice. Almost all cocktails need ice, and you can add that extra zing by freezing stuff like edible flowers and petals, mint leaves, lemon peel, or orange bits into the cubes. Different shapes of ice cubes could be nice as well. 4.Garnishes do the trick too, giving the drink that extra oomph: maraschino cherries, sticks, twists, squeezes, olives, mint, and fresh-picked edible flowers. The idea is to know which garnish to add to what flavor: a citrus peel knot on a sharp, crisp cocktail, for instance, while a maraschino cherry or ball of melon for a sweet cocktail. Sprinkles work best for frozen cocktails: chocolate sprinkles on a Mudslide can have other versions. Innovate.5.Miniature party animals attached to a cocktail glassware might be a success if not overdone, or perhaps umbrellasand colored straws. The idea is not to crowd the drink, just add a simple, stunning touch. Decorations can be as varied as you make them, but make sure they do not become a nuisance by snagging on clothes or napkins.6.Frosting a glass by freezing it beforehand to give that cool, cool look and feel or by simply wetting the rim of the glass and dipping it in salt are both great options. Choose whatever works for the cocktail, colored saltswould of course earn you extra points.7. Fascinating glassware, everything from test tubes to three-legged glasses would only add to the allure. But do make sure that any wildly out-of-the-ordinary glassware is used only because it enhances the party theme or the look of the venue.Let your taste and sight guide you, do not be scared to experiment. At worst you would have a wasted drink, but imagine what the right look and taste achieved with your own recipe and garnish can do for your party spirit when the cocktail is a hit. Remember that all cocktails were born because someone had the courage to mix and match. Serve the drink the minute you have poured it so it does not wilt, and enjoy the attention when everyone asks you the secret behind your super cocktails.]]></isc:description>
<isc:productid><![CDATA[5]]></isc:productid>
<isc:author><![CDATA[Damyanti ]]></isc:author>
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<title><![CDATA[Entertaining with Effortless Elegance: The Classic Wine and Cheese Party]]></title>
<link>http://www.homebargear.com/Entertaining-with-Effortless-Elegance-The-Classic-Wine-and-Cheese-Party_b_4.html</link>
<pubDate>2010-09-17</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[ The Wine and Cheese Party is the least time-consuming of all gatherings. This is a guide for pairing wine and cheeses.  ]]></description>
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<content:encoded><![CDATA[The Wine and Cheese Party is the least time-consuming of all gatherings. This is a guide for pairing wine and cheeses. ]]></content:encoded>
<isc:description><![CDATA[What better time to entertain friends than over the winter holidays, when your home is beautifully decorated and you’re anxious to wear your red plaid pants or something glittery? One of the simplest, least time-consuming yet most popular holiday gatherings is a wine and cheese party. Unlike a dinner party or cocktail-and-hors d’oeuvres party, you’ll only need a few hours to prepare for your wine and cheese party. Once your shopping is complete, it’s all downhill. You don’t even need to know anything about wine or cheese.First, make up your guest list: relatives, neighbors, friends, co-workers, folks from the executive suite, or all of the above. Wine and cheese parties can be for six or 16, even larger than that if you have help. The cheese trays and wine carafes will need to be refreshed regularly, and if you’re the only one doing that, you won’t have time to relax and enjoy your own party unless you keep the guest list small. Then decide the kind of party you want to host: casually sophisticated or more upscale. Once those decisions are made, you can start your shopping list. Careful planning will help you stay within your party budget—you can find wines and cheeses in all price ranges. And, of course, key to a successful wine and cheese party is your selection of compatible wines and cheeses. Some suggestions from party pros:Offer three to six kinds of cheeses along with three to six kinds of wine.Buy your cheeses at a specialty store, where the shopkeepers are knowledgeable about all things cheese. They will probably have wine recommendations for each type of cheese you purchase. Offer mild goat’s milk and sheep’s milk cheeses, medium cow’s milk cheeses such as cheddar and gruyere, and bolder cheeses like gorgonzola and any of the bleus.Vary the textures of cheese: include soft, medium and hard cheeses.Serve aged cheeses with older wines and newer artisan cheeses with young wines.Pair mild cheeses with light wines like Rieslings and some Chardonnays; medium cheeses with medium-body wines like Pinot Noirs and Pinot Grigios; and bolder cheeses with full-bodied reds like Shiraz, Tawny Port, and some Merlots along with full-bodied whites like some Chardonnays and Sauvignons Blancs.Just for fun, narrow your wine choices by category: Offer different kinds of sherry; or varying champagnes and sparkling wines; or wines from a particular region of France, Italy, Australia, California, or your own home state. Or pair French cheeses and French wines, Italian cheeses and wines, California cheeses and wines, and—you get the idea.Offer a selection of breads and crackers: French bread, raisin bread, rye, salty crackers, and plain crackers. Avoid strongly flavored crackers.Serve fresh fruit and nuts on the side.Have carafes of ice water strategically placed around the room.Consider a dessert wine with a delicate dessert cheese or just dessert: Cheesecake is always a good choice!]]></isc:description>
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<isc:author><![CDATA[Marjorie Burke]]></isc:author>
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