About Barware

Absinthe is a drink laden with dozens of myths, legends and misconceptions. This anise-flavored beverage has a high concentration of alcohol and is made using wormwood. There are several references to the iconic beverages throughout literature, where it adopted the moniker “the Green Fairy.” For most of the 20th century absinthe was banned from the United States and most European nations, but it has seen a revival as of late.

Although absinthe has a very high proof, it is typically diluted with water before it is consumed. One of the most common means of diluting absinthe is via a device known as an absinthe fountain. These tend to be ornate glass structures with several taps for dispensing ice-cold water into tumblers of the potent spirit. This piece of equipment may seem superfluous, but a slow, steady stream of water is required to louche—which is a process where the absinthe clouds and turns from emerald to an iridescent light green, releasing oils from the herbal ingredients.

Caviar connoisseurs would freely admit that the dish’s presentation is just as important as its taste. As is the case with all high-end food stuffs, caviar is meant to appeal to the eyes just as much as the palate. If you’re hosting a dinner party and salmon caviar is on the hors d’oeuvre menu, don’t skimp on presentation. You should use your creative talents to set up a striking display.

The caviar should be removed from the refrigerator approximately 10 minutes before service and allowed to stand at room temperature. Then remove the lid and place the bowl or container on a bed of ice. Most caviar spoons are light in color and fashioned out of bone, which enhances the overall ambiance of the experience. Metal utensils work just fine, but they don’t provide the same light-dark contrast as bone. While you may be concentrating on the caviar, don’t neglect to put out fine glassware as well.

It can be a bit difficult to purchasing the perfect wedding gifts for a newlywed couple, but for my cousin and his bride, I bought them this great serving set and champagne glasses.  Some couples will buy their own before the ceremony, but more times than not, they are so busy with every other major detail, that something as simple as serving sets will be forgotten.

My cousin and his wife were no exception and there was brief panic at the reception, until I ran out there with my box in tow, and they were able to cut the cake and drink champagne with this customized present. Luckily for me, they also have great taste, and their wedding favors left nothing to be desired.

Not everyone has the time or inclination to create the social event of the season.  When you invite friends to your house, you just want to enjoy their company without the hassle of trying to impress.  With proper serveware and glass barware your problem is solved.  Even simple food comes out elegant and seemingly labored upon for hours.  It lends the professional touch that will get oohs and aahs from your guests.

Complete your dinner with stylish serving bowls and platters; no more chipped and broken pieces.  Because of this, this serveware should not only be reserved for guests.  They can be used for daily meals as well.

The mere presence of caviar at a social function is usually enough to suggest a heightened level of class and elegance. As a host serving this rare delicacy to guests for the very first time, it’s up to you to suggest suitable food and beverage pairings. Generally speaking, the caviar should be the focal point of the appetizers, so don’t serve anything spicy or sweet that could detract from its flavor.

Small slices of toast and unsalted crackers are the two most logical accompaniments for gourmet caviar, and you can also try serving sour cream to mellow the sharp taste. Drinks should be served ice-cold, with champagne and vodka being the popular pairings, so be sure to stock up with plenty of champagne flutes. Save your guests the embarrassment of asking questions by being among the first to sample the caviar. Plan for each person to consume about 1 to 2 ounces

I moved into a new house last month, and some of my friends suggested that I have a housewarming party. It seems a little odd to me that after I sink thousands of dollars into a home that I should be the one obligated to throw a party; shouldn’t my friends be the ones throwing one for me?-but I digress. Since it was my first soiree in my new abode, I wanted to make sure that it was spectacular.

Not only did I hire a DJ, have professional lighting and bring out my best acrylic glassware, but I also splurged and decided to buy caviar. When the guests arrived, they were visibly impressed, especially by the caviar and smorgasbord of delectable cuisine. Although I am not cheap, I informed my friends that after my extravagance, they would be the ones hosting the holiday parties this year.

Pint glasses come in a wide array of shapes and designs, but two shapes  of beer glassware are most common. Nonic-shaped pint glasses are found everywhere. Also referred to as conical glasses, they slightly taper out at the bottom, and then bulge more widely near the top. Tulip glasses are also popular. They have a similar shape to the nonic glass, except that they are curvier with a more exaggerated flare — almost like an hourglass — and often taper in slightly at the very top.

Pint glasses may also be found in a number of stylized shapes and designs. The most common of these is a boot shape — hearkening back to some cultural practices of drinking from a wooden shoe. Some pint glasses also contain a metal lid of some sort that can be flipped up, like a traditional beer stein. Etchings, dimpled glass, and coloration are all variations that may also be found on pint glasses, though modern pint glasses tend to be fairly Spartan in their appearance.

Pint glasses are a type of glassware usually used to hold beers, ales, and lagers. They are so-named because they usually hold a British pint of liquid. Pint glasses come in many shapes, textures, and designs, and they are a staple of the modern pub or bar.

A British or Imperial pint is equal to 1/8 of a gallon, or 568 mL of liquid. In the United States, a pint is equivalent to 16 ounces, or roughly 473 mL. Most pint glasses follow the British measure of a pint, though oversized glasses are also available, and in the United States, many pubs use glasses that hold a US pint — which is just over 80% of the liquid found in an Imperial pint glass.

Since the head that forms on a beer necessarily takes up some space, and since many people wish to retain the head, oversized pint glasses are sold so that a full pint of liquid can be poured with a head. These glasses are also known as lined glasses, because they usually bear some sort of marking at the pint line to let the pourer know when he or she has poured a pint of liquid into the glass.

A Tom and Jerry is a variation of egg nog. This is the recipe from the famous Trader Vics in California. Also check your local grocery store or liquor store as they will usually have some of this batter already premade. Serve in a glass barware mug.

Tom and Jerry Single Serving - Home made batter
Makes: 1 serving

I N G R E D I E N T S:
1 egg, separated
1 teaspoon bar sugar
1 ounce dark Jamaica rum
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 ounce brandy
Hot water

I N S T R U C T I O N S:
Beat egg yolk with sugar, rum and allspice until smooth and thick. Separately beat egg white until stiff.  Fold white into yolk mixture.  Put mixture into a preheated mug.  Add hot water to fill mug 3/4 full.  Stir gently.  Add brandy. Dust with grated nutmeg.

Drink Mix From Prepared Batter -
1 heaping teaspoon prepared Tom and Jerry batter
1/2 ounce Jamaican rum
1/2 ounce brandy
Boiling water, hot coffee or hot milk

Preheat a 6 ounce Tom and Jerry mug with hot water.  Add batter, rum, brandy, and stir.  Fill mug with boiling water, hot coffee or hot milk. Stir.

Bitter Basics:
Use Angostura for Manhattens and Old-Fashions.

The classic Sazerac calls for Peychaud’s Bitters.

Although sometimes hard to find, Bitter Truth Old Time Aromatic Bitters have cinnamon and cardamom that creates magic in a Rob Roy and other whiskey/whiskey based classics.

Gary Regan’s Orange Bitters No. 6 is essential in the original martini.

Most whiskey type of drinks are served in old fashion glass barware.