Global Table Adventure

Recipe: Lithuanian Honey Spirits (Krupnikas)

January 12, 2012 By Sasha Martin 30 Comments

The holidays are over. We stuffed our wrapping paper back into the closet and swept the confetti into the trash, right on top of the party hats that say 2012. The cookies and the friendly buffets of family favorites are long since gone, replaced by soulless detoxes and way-too-skinny drinks. I know some of us are even thinking about spring - scanning the frozen ground, vainly hoping to see some stray spot of green, willing a warm gust of air to come our way, instead of a moveable wall of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Cold, Europe, Lithuania, New Year's, Recipes, Technique Thursday

Recipe: Hot Honey Lemon with Vodka (for the brave) w/ Poll

November 4, 2011 By Sasha Martin 16 Comments

It's that time of year. Coughing. Sniffling. Sneezing. Right about now we all need a hug. And a big blast of disinfectant. Oh, and let's face it, something pretty. This lemony, sweet, cinnamony, vodka-tastic drink - popular all over central Asia and eastern Europe - takes care of it all. I especially love that the honey makes drinking it a huge bear hug (and would please grown-up Winnie the Pooh, I'm sure). The vodka is totally optional (Ava loved her booze-free version) but it does help … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Asia, Fun Friday, Gluten Free Adaptable, Hot, Kyrgyzstan, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Celebrate Christmas like a Jamaican (Recipe: Sorrel Drink)

August 26, 2011 By Sasha Martin 14 Comments

Makes at least 1 1/2 quarts (more, depending on how much you dilute it) August has drug on too long. I know because the mosquitoes have given up for the summer. Not a one can be found. They've been cooked off. I've been shriveling up, too. Thankfully a few of our readers suggested I try sorrel, Jamaica's perky, often spiked answer to iced tea, typically served at Christmastime. Sorrel is better than pouring a bucket of ice down your back. And it's (literally) cooler than mulled wine … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Alcohol-Free, Cold, Gluten Free Adaptable, Jamaica, Miss Ava's Favorite Recipes, North America, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: Bissap, Hibiscus

Recipe: 1 2 3 4 Caribbean Rum Punch

May 22, 2011 By Sasha Martin 2 Comments

Makes...as much as you can handle! I'm no mixologist, so I love when there's a clear cut way to mix a drink, such as with the ever-mighty Rum Punch. The recipe is easy to remember, as long as you can count to four. You'll need 1 part sour, 2 parts sweet, 3 parts strong, 4 parts weak. As for what specific ingredients to use? That's where you get to be creative. Take "Sweet" for example: that could be a sugar syrup or a naturally sweet fruit juice. You get to choose. I went for a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Cold, Grenada, North America, Recipes

How to homebrew: German Altbier (Beer)

May 1, 2011 By Sasha Martin 8 Comments

I know very little about beer. So little, in fact, that I've been known to drink it on ice. While I've been told this is an epic sin, I can't help myself. There's nothing better after a hot, sweaty bike ride in the summer than beer on ice. That being said, I thought our German Global Table was the perfect opportunity to take a stab at homebrewing. This is my step-by-step eperience making German Altbier. I am using the Brewer's Best kit which can be purchased at High Gravity in Tulsa, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Cold, Europe, Germany, Recipes

Recipe: Fabulous Mulled Wine (Gløgg)

December 16, 2010 By Sasha Martin 25 Comments

Makes 1 1/2 quarts (6 cups) Bottoms up! The orange peel brightens up this warm holiday drink, while cinnamon gives it familiar festive flavor. NOTE: If you're making this for a potluck, just keep it warm in a crock pot! Ingredients: 1 cup water 3 slices fresh ginger the peel of one orange 3 cardamom pods 5 cloves 2-4 cinnamon sticks 1 bottle red wine (750 ml) 1/2 bottle port (375 ml) 1/4 cup sugar Garnish, for each glass: Raisins (to taste) Almonds, skinned (to … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Denmark, Drinks, Europe, Gluten Free Adaptable, Holidays, Hot, Potluck Friendly, Recipes, Sasha's Favorite Recipes, Technique Thursday, Vegan, Vegetarian Tagged With: Glögg, Gløgg, Glühwein, gluwein

Recipe: Mojito

November 21, 2010 By Sasha Martin 1 Comment

Makes 1 drink The bold flavor of mint, lime juice, and sugar come together in this classic Cuban drink. If you have time, a simple syrup made of water and sugar cooked together is another possibility for sweetening the drink. Ingredients: 1/8 cup superfine sugar a handful of fresh mint 1/2 lime, juiced 1 shot rum crushed ice Method: Gather your ingredients... Drop a healthy handful of fresh mint leaves into a glass. Add the sugar and mash it together with the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Alcohol, Cold, Cuba, Drinks, North America, Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Recipe: Bambus (Celebration Drink)

November 14, 2010 By Sasha Martin 3 Comments

Makes 1 serving Bambus is a creative way to help make poor wine pass. Simply sweeten with equal parts cola and wine. This clever technique is popular in Croatia, as well as many neighboring countries. Ingredients: 1 part cola 1 part "cheap" wine Method: Get a bottle of "cheap" wine. I was looking for Two Buck Chuck, but the liquor store I went to apparently doesn't sell booze that "cheap," so I was stuck paying $5 for this Cabernet Sauvignon. The cola was a bit easier to find … [Read more...]