June 28, 2012

proof whisky, Canada Day, Vol. 91



We are closing our offices for the long weekend and so we’re keeping it short today. Happy 145th Birthday Canada! For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



The Canadian Crush single 1 1/2 oz vanilla-infused proof whisky • 1 tsp lemon juice • 4 oz raspberry juice
fresh raspberries • soda water
Muddle 4 raspberries in a glass and fill with ice. Add vanilla-infused proof whisky, lemon juice and raspberry juice. Top with soda water and garnish with fresh raspberries.

 

The Canadian Crush party size 12 oz vanilla-infused proof whisky • 2 ½ oz lemon juice • 4 cups raspberry juice
fresh raspberries • soda water
Muddle ¼ cup fresh raspberries in a large pitcher, add vanilla-infused proof whisky, lemon juice & raspberry juice. Pour into ice-filled glasses and top each with soda water. Garnish with fresh raspberries. (makes 6-8 drinks)

 

Vanilla-infused whisky To infuse proof whisky, choose a clean, air-tight bottle or jar. Place one vanilla-bean inside a bottle of proof whisky or in a clean jar. Shake a few times and cover tightly with a lid. Let sit for at least a week.


Here is a list of July 1st firework happenings in and around the GTA:
Ashbridges Bay Park (after 9:30 p.m)
Canada’s Wonderland (10 p.m, weather permitting)
Downsview Park (half-hour fireworks show starts at dusk)
Powerade Centre (Brampton, Fireworks follow a free event that runs from noon until 10 p.m)
Richmond Green Park (Fireworks at 10 p.m., following a free day-long event)
Mississauga’ Celebration Square (across from Square One shopping mall): Fireworks follow a free day of events.
Bronte Harbour’s Heritage Waterfront Park (Oakville) fireworks at 10:15 p.m. follow a free day of events. 
City of Barrie’s Canada Day celebration (Kempenfelt Bay): fireworks start at 10 p.m. following a free day of events at Heritage Park at the waterfront.


What’s Closed:
LCBO and beer stores (*Most LCBO stores will be OPEN on Sunday, July 1.
Government offices
Libraries
Banks will be closed
No garbage pickup
No mail delivery


What’s Open:
TTC will run on a holiday schedule
GO Transit will run on a Saturday schedule
Eaton Centre, Vaughan Mills, Square One Shopping Centre, Bramalea City Centre and Cookstown Outlet Mall
Tourist sites: Toronto Zoo, ROM, Ontario Science Centre and Canada's Wonderland



Remember to check out where magazine for our summer contest & bi-weekly recipes. http://www.where.ca/central-canada/ontario/muskoka. where is now featuring one proof recipe every other week until September.


Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Risk of thunderstorm and a high of 32 degrees
Sunday: Risk of thunderstorm and a high of 30 degrees
Monday: Isolated showers and a high of 28 degrees

Happy Canada Day!!


June 21, 2012

proof rum, F as in Frank Vol. 90



Looking for a great party tonight? Read on. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



citrus snap 1 ½ oz proof rum • ½ oz fresh lime juice • 2 oz orange juice • 3 oz lemon-lime soda
To an ice-filled glass, add 1 ½ oz proof rum, ½ oz lime juice and 2 oz orange juice. Top with 3 oz lemon-lime soda & garnish with a lime.

 


This month’s FY Ink, F as in Frank, Get Fresh Company and Lostinthewillderness.com
Thursday night event will take place at F as in Frank. proof drinks will be served. Doors open after 8pm. No cover. Bring your I.D. (www.foreveryongeink.com, http://getfreshcompany.comhttp://www.lostinthewillderness.com/blog/)

 


Born and raised in Ontario, Jesse and Drew Heifetz grew up in an environment heavily inspired by vintage clothing. Their father, David Heifetz, was a strong influence, having been involved in the vintage clothing business himself since 1969. Considered one of the originators of the used clothing business, David even sold clothing at Woodstock!


With memories of jumping off rafters into giant piles of vintage Levi’s as children, the two have been surrounded by vintage clothing their whole lives. They have developed their family-orientated business right from the heart. (418 Queen Street West https://fasinfrankvintage.com)

 


F as in Frank has created its own line of clothing. “Snap Reconstructive Sergery is inspired by the craft of making the old new. Each garment worked with inspires the creation of a new modern design. When designing new pieces we take into careful consideration how to maximize utilization of our materials helping to greatly reduce the amount of clothing going into our landfills. Our current Snap Collection draws on inspiration from the casual western wear of the 1970's and the much loved distressed denims of the 1980's.” (www.fasinfrankvintage.com/snap)


Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Mainly sunny and a high of 25 degrees
Sunday: Possible showers and a high of 25 degrees



June 14, 2012

proof whisky, Fore! Vol. 89



Planning on hitting the course this Sunday with pops? Here’s an easy recipe to help keep you cool. Happy Father’s Day! 
Want ‘the proof is in’ to come straight to your inbox? Sign-up is at the bottom of the page. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



The name Arnold Palmer has legendary roots as an original beverage combination of half iced tea and half lemonade, widely known for its refreshing taste and ability to revive the senses after a competitive round of golf. AriZona and Arnold Palmer have teamed up to produce Arnold Palmer Lite Half and Half. You can find it at most stores that carry Arizona brand teas.

 the spiked Palmer 1 oz proof whisky • 5 oz Arnold Palmer Half & Half • lemon wedge for garnish

 


If you cannot find the Arnold Palmer tea (or if you would just prefer to make your own), here is a great alternative recipe. Since we are using Canadian whisky, we have named our version the Mike Weir.
the mike weir 2 cups boiling water • 4 tea bags • 4 oz proof whisky • juice of 1 orange • juice of 1 lemon • juice of 1 lime • 2 oz simple syrup

Pour water over tea, and steep for about 10 minutes. Strain, and refrigerate. Stir in proof whisky, juices, and simple syrup. Serve over ice. Garnish with citrus slices (makes 4 cocktails)



Want to treat your dad to an extra special Father’s Day Weekend? Why not take him to the Taboo Resort in Gravenhurst, Ontario. Although it is probably too late to book for this year, you can plan early for next. It’s worth the wait.


Taboo, designed by the renowned golf course architect Ron Garl, is nothing short of SPECTACULAR. A 7,400-yard stunning facility that lies amidst the towering pines and striking rock formations of Muskoka. Each of the 18 holes provides breath-taking views while the varied terrain of this beautiful new course challenges you. Taboo is designed for all levels of golfers with four sets of tees to accommodate everyone.


And with 4 pools, 5 tennis courts, a fitness centre, playground, 8 km of hiking and biking trails – there is definitely something for everyone here. (www.tabooresort.com 1209 Muskoka Beach Rd, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada, P1P 1R1, Reservations 800.461.0236, reservation@tabooresort.com)



Best Father’s Day Gifts – ever! proof whisky has really made a name for itself this year. Not only is our whisky mentioned in Davin de Kergommeaux’s latest book, Canadian Whisky, the Portable Expert, proof whisky also has a full-page listing (page 785) in Dominic Roskrow’s 1001 Whiskies You Must Taste Before you Die (both available at Chapters)

Canadian Whisky, the Portable Expert Join whisky authority Davin de Kergommeaux on a pan-Canadian journey from British Columbia to Nova Scotia, celebrating the diversity of Canada''s unique spirit. With his conversational and accessible tutelage, de Kergommeaux offers readers a carefully researched, reliable, and authoritative guide to Canadian whisky that is, quite simply, not available anywhere else. For the first time, whisky consumers -- experts and novices alike -- can approach Canadian whisky with a connoisseur''s appreciation of its rich subtleties.

1001 Whiskies You Must Taste Before You Die This essential guide represents the collective, subjective wisdom of an international team of critics who winnow the world of spirits down to the "must-try" whiskies-from high-quality, mass-produced brands to small-batch specialty bourbons from micro-distilleries. Each entry includes critical tasting notes, a history of the distillery, and temperature recommendations. 



On top of being a great bookstore, Chapters has definitely become one of favourite go-to gift stores in Ontario. Here are a few reasons why.



Michael Riley is mixing them up at the 415 King Street LCBO tomorrow evening from 4pm-8pm
Pop in after work and start your Friday night off right.



Remember to check out where magazine for our summer contest & bi-weekly recipes. http://www.where.ca/central-canada/ontario/muskoka. where is now featuring one proof recipe every other week until September.


Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Variable cloudiness and a high of 28 degrees
Sunday: Variable cloudiness and a high of 28 degrees

June 7, 2012

proof rum, Where? Muskoka, that’s where! Vol. 88



Since yesterday, we have been running a summer contest in partnership with Muskoka’s where magazine.  Starting June 13th, where will feature one proof recipe every other week until September. Check it out at where magazine. Want ‘the proof is in’ to come straight to your inbox? Sign-up is at the bottom of the page. For more information on proof brands, visit our proof website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.



cranberry road single 1 1/2 oz proof rum • 3 oz iced tea* • 2 oz cranberry juice
Add all ingredients to a tall glass filled with ice. Stir to mix and garnish with frozen cranberries and lemon slice.

 

cranberry road pitcher size 12 oz (1 1/2 cups) proof rum • 24 oz (3 cups) iced tea • 16 oz (2 cups) cranberry juice

Add all ingredients to a pitcher filled with ice. Stir to mix and garnish with frozen cranberries and lemon slices. 
Serve in ice-filled glasses. (makes about 8 drinks)


* We have used pre-made iced tea for the recipe (like President's Choice Iced Tea), but you can also make your own. 
iced-tea 6 orange pekoe tea bags • 16 cups or 3.75 litres water, hot from tap (or boiled) • 1 1/3 cups sugar • 2 lemons, sliced

In a 16-cup pitcher, add hot water. Stir in the sugar till dissolved. Add tea bags and dunk into water a few times, then leave them in the pitcher. Add lemon slices. Cover with lid of pitcher and refrigerate. Wait until it is very cold. Serve on ice.

 


Where magazine provides timely, local information on the hottest and most essential shopping, dining, cultural attractions and entertainment.


Be sure to obtain your copy of Where upon your arrival in your hotel room, ask your concierge or ask at your guest services desk. Where is also available at resorts, golf courses and marinas, or at any visitor information centre in your region. (www.where.ca)



Each month, one lucky where magazine reader will win one of our proof summer entertaining packages, which includes: a PC party tub, 10 Qt PC liquid beverage dispenser, PC chip & dip platter with lid, set of 4 PC dinner plates, set of 4 PC larger tumblers, set of 4 PC small tumblers, set of 4 PC small bowls, 12-piece PC cutlery set, PC carafe with lid, reusable PC ice cube balls, 4 PC to-go cups, 4 bar towels, 2 pour spouts, a shot glass, muddler and a citrus reamer. (PC products are from the Everyday line, and are available in orange, turquoise and yellow)

 


Before setting up your PC dock party dishes, you may want to check out the latest PC Insider’s Report. They have some awesome new products available for summer. (www.presidentschoice.ca)
  


Congratulations to Courtney Whitman Dishart - You are the winner of the proof's Perfect Day Sweepstakes!




Weekend Forecast
Saturday: Cloudy with showers and a high of 26 degrees
Sunday: Chance of thundershowers and a high of 28 degrees