December 30, 2015

proof vodka, NYE 2016, Vol. 161


This year, enjoy a peaceful New Year’s Day brunch with friends and family. HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016! For more information on proof brands visit www.proofbrands.com


the jasmine 1/4 cup loose jasmine green tea • 3 or 4 ice cubes • 750 mL proof vodka • 1/8 cup simple syrup • blackberries for garnish


Add the loose-leaf jasmine tea to the bottle of proof vodka and shake well. Steep the tea for two hours, before straining the leaves from the infused vodka. Meanwhile, chill your martini glasses in the freezer for at least half an hour. Put the ice cubes in a cocktail shaker until two-thirds full, then pour in the infusion and simple syrup (1:1 ratio sugar to water). Shake for about 15 seconds, then strain into the cold martini glasses. Garnish with blackberry skewers. OPTIONAL: top with sparkling water for bubbles



Several YEARS ago we promised you the release of proof vodka. Well, it is finally here just in time for the holiday season. Canadian prairies wheat is triple distilled with pristine spring water from the Canadian Rockies for a fresh, clean taste. proof vodka is bottled at 42% to accentuate its sparkle.  Tasting note: light citrus with subtle herbal almost floral notes, medium bodies with a hint of sweetness on the palate, warm clean finish.

December 18, 2015

proof vodka, holiday gatherings, Vol. 160


With less than a week left before Christmas, it's time to start making your grocery list for your week of holiday parties. If you are thinking of hosting a festive brunch, or know that you will be doing a little daytime drinking, a bloody mary bar is the way to go. It frees you from standing behind the bar and allows your guests to top up their own. Set up jars of gherkins, olives, raw veggies, bread sticks, cured meats, cheese cubes, bacon strips, shrimp, hot sauces, salted snacks or anything else that you think might go with a bloody mary. For more information on proof brands visit www.proofbrands.com


the bloody mary bar 8 cups tomato juice • 2 cups proof vodka • 1/3 cup prepared horserash • 1/3 cup worcestershire sauce • ¾ cup fresh lime juice • 1 tbsp hot sauce • 2 tsp sea salt • 1 tsp black pepper • ice • assorted pickled garnishes


Stir together tomato juice, vodka, horseradish, worcestershire sauce, lime juice, hot sauce, sea salt, and pepper. Serve over ice & garnish with assorted pickle skewer.


Several YEARS ago we promised you the release of proof vodka. Well, it is finally here just in time for the holiday season.
Canadian prairies wheat is triple distilled with pristine spring water from the Canadian Rockies for a fresh, clean taste. proof vodka is bottled at 42% to accentuate its sparkle.  Tasting note: light citrus with subtle herbal almost floral notes, medium bodies with a hint of sweetness on the palate, warm clean finish.


Peace, joy and love to all!




December 12, 2015

proof vodka, spicy sidekick, Vol. 159


Two weeks left of shopping madness. Take a break with one of these zesty cocktails. We have a few shopping suggestions as well. This week’s post is for your spicy sidekick. For more information on proof brands visit www.proofbrands.com


the red thai 2 oz unsweetened pineapple juice • 1 1/2 oz proof vodka • 1 oz lime juice • lime wedge for garnish • club soda • sriracha hot sauce • 2 tbsp sugar • 1/2 tsp chili powder


Combine the sugar and chili powder on a plate. Using a lime wedge, line the edge of a cocktail glass with lime juice. Turn the glass upside down into the sugar & chili powder and gently turn a little to coat the rim of the glass. Combine the pineapple juice, proof vodka, one squirt sriracha and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Add a splash of club soda to the shaker and gently pour through the strainer into your prepared cocktail glass. Garnish the glass with a lime wedge and hot pepper.


For a personal touch, get your Sriracha bottle personalized at bow&drawpe.com. For the first time ever, Huy Fong Sriracha is letting you personalize your bottle exclusively with us! Sriracha lovers everywhere can now add some customizable fun to their hot sauce. We've partnered with Huy Fong to make customizable Sriracha labels for all of the hot sauce aficionados out there. www.bowanddrape.com


Or check out Urban Outfitters for the SRIRACHA2GO keychain. Just fill with Sriracha (sold separately) and clip to your own key ring. Makes a great gift! www.urbanoutfitters.comwww.sriracha2go.com


For many spicy recipes and restaurant ideas, give your friend a Lucky Peach subscription & their latest CookBook. Beholden to bold flavors and not strict authenticity, the editors of Lucky Peach present a compendium of recipes that hit the sweet spot between craveworthy and stupid simple and are destined to become favorites. Your friends and lovers will marvel as you show off your culinary worldliness, whipping up meals with fish-sauce-splattered panache and all the soy-soaked, ginger-scalliony goodness you could ever want—all for dinner tonight. All for only 49.99. www.luckypeach.com


Several YEARS ago we promised you the release of proof vodka. Well, it is finally here just in time for the holiday season.
Canadian prairies wheat is triple distilled with prestine spring water from the Canadian Rockies for a fresh, clean taste. proof vodka is bottled at 42% to accentuate its sparkle.  Tasting note: light citrus with subtle herbal almost floral notes, medium bodies with a hint of sweetness on the palate, warm clean finish.



December 4, 2015

proof vodka, candy crush, Vol. 158


The holiday season was very sneaky this year. December is here and we have barely put a dent in our gifting list. If Black Friday and all the other branded discount days have let you down, sit back with one of these cocktails and figure out a new game plan. We have a few shopping suggestions as well. This week’s post is dedicated to the Candy Addict in your life. For more information on proof brands visit www.proofbrands.com


the candy crush one candy cane • 2 oz proof vodka • 4 dashes white creme de menthe • 2 1/2 oz cranberry juice • Ice

In a cocktail shaker, combine proof vodka, crème de menthe, cranberry juice, and ice; shake until well combined. Strain into glass & serve immediately. Garnish with candy cane. (we used this glass from ikea) optional: Place crushed candy canes on a small plate or saucer. Wet the outside rim of a chilled glass with water. Rotate the rim to coat with candy. 


One of the first places that we discovered while holiday shopping online was this great artisinal candy shoppe from Montreal. With unique flavours, cool shapes and great names you can't go wrong. We especially loved the prosecco gummy bears!

Welcome to Squish. We don’t just sell regular gummy bears. We sell gummies crafted from the highest quality ingredients possible. Made in the ancestral homeland of gummy bears, in the magical woods of southern Bavaria, we have seen what imagination and good taste can produce. 


Founded in Montreal in 2014, Squish is North America’s first artisanal candy store that specializes in over 100 flavours of awesomely delicious gourmet gummies. Squish is a feeling, it is a sound and it is, as we hear, often a word of endearment. We love that people sometimes call a hug, a squish. Awwww.


Shop online or there is a Squish Shop location in the basement of the Bay if you want to try a few samples first. Here you can purchase an assortment of gummies, including: strawberry rhubarb, wild berry hearts, fruit hearts, bubbly bears, red roses, apricot hearts, chill-ginger hearts, black cherry, red-hot chilli peppers, ice cubes and exotic fruit gummies. 


Check out these bad boys. Green apple and cinnamon flavoured candy shot glasses. (www.squishcandies.com)


Several YEARS ago we promised you the release of proof vodka. Well, it is finally here just in time for the holiday season. Canadian prairies wheat is triple distilled with prestine spring water from the Canadian Rockies for a fresh, clean taste. proof vodka is bottled at 42% to accentuate its sparkle. Tasting note: light citrus with subtle herbal almost floral notes, medium bodies with a hint of sweetness on the palate, warm clean finish. Check it out at your nearest LCBO store.



November 19, 2015

proof vodka, #miniblazeatrail, Vol. 157



To all trailblazers, risk takers, and mark makers, MINI Downtown invites you to put your instincts in charge and come discover what’s behind all 6 doors of the highly anticipated, redesigned MINI Clubman. Join us for a night of live music and art, delicious food, and proof cocktails, in celebration of the launch of the new MINI Clubman. This event is also TTC accessible. Please be responsible. WHEN Thursday, November 19th, 7:00pm – 11:00pm WHERE MINI Downtown 20 Sunlight Park Rd. Toronto ON, M4M 1B5. RSPV at rsvp@minidowntown.ca


the clubman 1 oz proof vodka • 2 oz lime soda • 3 oz cranberry blueberry juice. Pour juice and soda over ice. Garnish with a lemon or lime wedge


Several years ago we promised you the release of proof vodka. Well, now it is here.
Be one of the first to sample proof vodka at the MINI Clubman Release Party. If you cannot make it, Michael Riley will be serving samples at the Summerhill LCBO this Saturday from 11:30-3:30pm. Drop in to say hi or ask for it at your nearest LCBO Store.

Canadian prairie wheat is triple distilled with prestine spring water from the Canadian Rockies for a fresh, clean taste. proof vodka is bottled at 42% to accentuate its sparkle.  Tasting note: light citrus with subtle herbal almost floral notes, medium bodies with a hint of sweetness on the palate, warm clean blackberry finish.

We'll be back next week with our holiday cocktail recipes!






May 15, 2015

proof whisky, a toast to Victoria , Vol. 156


It's May TWO-FOUR! To honour this special occasion, we have put together a few picnic venues that may help you maximize the fun on this festive long weekend. Don’t forget to leave some room in your basket for this refreshing cocktail. If you can't choose between beer and spirits, we have made it easier for you. To learn more about our brand visit www.proofbrands.com.


the queen victoria ½ cup spiced proof whisky* • 1 cup fresh raspberries • 2 cups cranberry juice • ¼ cup lime juice • 1 cup pear juice • 2 bottles craft beer • berries for garnish
To a pitcher, add ½ cup spiced proof whisky*, 1 cup fresh raspberries, 2 cups cranberry juice, ¼ cup lime juice and 1 cup pear juice. Stir to mix, and store in refrigerator, covered if desired. Just prior to serving, add 24 oz (2 bottles) of your favourite lager-style craft beer. Stir gently to chill and pour into glasses with ice. Garnish with more raspberries. (this cocktail was created by the martiniclub.com)


*homemade proof spiced whisky To 1 full bottle of proof whisky add a cinnamon stick, 4 whole allspice, 4 cloves and a piece star anise.  Let steep for 3 days (if you can wait) and then strain out spices. 


We had lunch at Canoe Landing Park. Toronto’s urban eight-acre park is located in the heart of the city and designed by Canadian author Douglas Coupland. It makes a perfect backdrop for a Victoria Day picnic. 


The park incorporates integrated artwork in the form of a landform (the bluff) and stand alone art pieces by Douglas Coupland: a canoe large enough for people to stand in and see over the Gardiner to Lake Ontario, a colourful display of large fishing bobbers, a sculptural beaver dam, programmed tree lighting, a pair of "iceberg benches" situated near the canoe, the "heart-shaped stone" bronze artwork, an all-season astroturf sports field and a one-mile run called the Terry Fox Miracle Mile.


After being cooped up for far too many months, we just don’t want to spend anytime indoors. This is why we are planning every meal, every drink and every social event outside this long weekend. Grab your food, grab a drink and throw your picnic blanket down at one of these great Toronto outdoor spaces: Ashbridge’s Bay Park  • Bluffer’s Park • Centre Island • Rouge Park • Evergreen Brickworks • High Park • Downsview Park • Riverdale Park • Corktown Commons • Withrow Park • Trinity Bellwoods • Park Toronto Music Garden • Kortright Centre • Sugar Beach (opens this weekend!)


If you do happen to walk through Trinity Bellwoods on Saturday, you can stop in at the  Bellwoods Flea (bellwoodsflea.com)



Don't forget to watch the final episode of Mad Men this Sunday night - sob..sob..
If you are thinking of putting together a little soiree for the event, here are some ideas from a past post proof whisky, Episode 8

Have a safe and Happy Victoria Day!

May 9, 2015

proof whisky, momma bear, Vol. 155


Happy Mother’s Day! For more information on proof brands visit www.proofbrands.com


mama tea 48 oz boiling water • 6+ cups ice • 6 Sloane Tea Citron Chamomile tea bags • ½ cup sugar • 1 cup loosely-packed mint leaves (plus a few more for garnish) • 1 bottle proof whisky • juice of 1 lime • juice of 1 lemon (1 lime & 1 lemon for garnish)

Boil water and add to Sloane Tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes. Pour into a large pitcher, along with the sugar and the ice. As the ice melts, juice one lemon and one lime and then slice the other two for garnish. Loosely muddle the mint leaves in a glass or bowl. Into the pitcher of now-sweetened tea, stir in the proof whisky, lemon & lime juices and mint. When ready to serve, fill pitcher with ice and citrus slices. Serve over ice with extra mint, citrus slices or sprigs of rosemary. (Adjust sweetness to taste)


We recently met with the owners of Sloane Tea in Toronto and we are already working on a series of cocktails made with the teas. Its pretty packaging and great flavours make it a perfect gift for mom.
At Sloane, we are an alliance of Fine Tea Merchants of premium specialty teas sourced directly from point-of-origin. We are the exclusive distributors in North America for the guild of gardens we represent, the most prized estate of which has been producing tea since 1899. The stunning packaging, the taste of our teas, the beauty of its colour in your cup, and the enticing fragrance combine old-world charm and gentility into an affordable luxury beloved by gourmet food consumers and specialty gift collectors. We are certified tea sommeliers, professional chefs, culinary educators, restauranteurs, and lovers of tea – a community of friends stewarding tea as gastronomy … we are Sloane! Visit their website to get an idea of  their great range in flavours, their recipes and beautiful photos with Bicyclette (http://sloanetea.com)


If you are looking for something different to do with mom, start out taking her for brunch at the Gladstone Hotel and then visit the Gladstone FleaA curated monthly marketplace, without the itch. The Gladstone Flea ain’t your conventional flea market. It’s a curated monthly marketplace that will be appearing at the Gladstone once a month on a Sunday (May 10th, June 7th, July 12th and August 16th). If you’re the hunt for unique gems, fashion finds, vintage scores and other market must-haves, but hate the idea of spending the weekend knee-deep in thrift store piles? The Gladstone Hotel teams up with notable fashion and lifestyle aficionados to jury an organized, handpicked, marketplace. Packed with purpose, artist goods, reclaimed vintage, craft, design, jewelry, clothing, and more.
The Gladstone Flea curates the market to help save you from the thrift store itch. This month we’ve teamed up with Casie Stewart and April Wozny. (www.gladstonehotel.com)


You may also drop into the AGO for the last weekend of Basquiat and for the Emily Carr Exhibit.


Another great place to impress your mom is the newish French Bistro and Boulanger, Cluny Bistro at the Distillery. Its beautiful space would make the perfect spot for a drawn out brunch on a Sunday morning. (clunybistro.com)


Happy Mother’s Day!

May 1, 2015

proof whisky, may day, Vol. 154


Whether you're betting on horses, strolling the city’s neighbourhoods or just sitting out on the back stoop this fine weekend, we’re calling it, “the perfect Julep weekend”! All you need is a bottle of proof whisky, a strong muddler and your imagination. There's a julep out there for everyone! For more information on proof brands visit www.proofbrands.com


proof’s classic julep 2 oz proof whisky • 1 oz water • 1 tsp or 1 cube white sugar • 4 sprigs fresh mint • LOTS of crushed ice
Muddle 3 mint sprigs, sugar, and water in the bottom of a Julep cup and fill with crushed ice. Pour in 2 oz proof whisky and stir. Garnish with remaining mint sprig. Drink with straw.

TIP: If you're planning on having more than just one julep (of course you are), make your own simple syrup ahead of time by adding equal parts sugar and boiling water to a container. Stir until dissolved, then refrigerate. (can be made up to 2 weeks ahead of time) Add 1 ½ oz to drink instead of water and sugar cube.


XXL-mint julep 2 oz mint-infused proof whisky* • 1 tsp sugar • 1 tsp water • 4 sprigs fresh mint • LOTS of crushed ice
Muddle 3 mint sprigs, sugar, and water in the bottom of a Julep cup and fill with crushed ice. Pour in 2 oz mint-infused proof whisky and stir. Garnish with remaining mint sprig. Drink with straw.
*mint-infused proof whisky Wash a large handful of mint leaves and place into a glass jar. Top with proof whisky and secure with a lid.  Allow the bourbon to steep in the sunshine from two days to three weeks.


basil julep 8 large basil leaves, plus 4 sprigs for garnish • 2 oz simple syrup • 6 oz proof whisky • blueberries for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, muddle together the basil leaves and simple syrup. Pour in the proof whisky, and stir briskly one or two times. Fill four glasses with crushed ice; pour equal portions of the drink over the ice, straining out the basil. Garnish with basil sprigs. (makes 4 cocktails) Chin Chin!


pineapple julep 8 - 10 mint leaves • ¼ cup chopped pineapple • 2 tbsps ginger syrup* • 2 oz proof whisky • 3 tbsps pineapple juice • Mint springs and pineapple wedges, for garnish
Place mint, pineapple, and ginger syrup into the bottom of a cocktail glass or julep cup. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, mash the ingredients to release the flavors. 
Pack finely crushed ice over the fruit mixture, filling the glass all the way to the top. Pour the whiskey over the ice, followed by the pineapple juice and stir gently to combine. Top with more crushed ice to fill the glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.


ginger syrup 4 cups water • 2 cups sugar • 1 cup peeled, sliced ginger
Bring water, sugar, ginger, and peppercorns to a boil in a large sauce pot over high heat. Turn down to medium and cook, until liquid is reduced to 2 cups, about 1 hour. Transfer the mixture (do not strain) to a heatproof container to cool completely. Syrup will keep in the refrigerator for two months, or half the recipe if desired


blackberry julep 1/4 cup blackberries, plus 1 blackberry for garnish • 2 tablespoons mint leaves, plus 1 mint sprig for garnish • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 1/2 oz proof whisky • small ice cubes
Fill a rocks glass halfway with ice cubes. In a shaker, combine the 1/4 cup of blackberries, mint leaves, sugar, proof whisky and 1/3 cup of ice cubes and shake well. Strain the drink into the glass through a coarse sieve, pressing on the solids. Garnish with the blackberry and mint sprig. (Note: you can replace the blackberries with blueberries or strawberries)



Happy May Day & Cinco de mayo!