The Bitter Truth, producer of cocktail bitters and flavorings, will release a new style in September: Creole Bitters, said to be reminiscent of the pre-cocktail bitters primarily used by doctors and apothecaries in tonics. Fiery, anise-tinged cherry-red-color Creole Bitters deliver fruity and floral aromas and highlight the anise, caraway and fennel flavors. While U.S. distribution starts in the fall, traveling bartenders will soon be able to find them in Europe and Asia before its U.S. release. Suggested retail price is $15.95 for a 200 ml bottle. Find more details at www.the-bitter-truth.com or www.domaineselect.com.
Three of our favorite San Francisco mixologists have launched a new cocktail catering service, H.M.S. Cocktails. H. Joseph Ehrmann, Marco Dionysos and Scott Beattie announced their collaboration “to provide a new type of beverage catering service that changes the expected paradigm of classic event bartending. “The concept is to really provide our clients with a culinary experience that is part of the draw to the event,” says Elixir’s Ehrmann. “Cocktails are prepared out of sight and sent out in batches at a regular pace that keeps up with demand and appears seamless to the attendees. Other techniques are used to create an overall experience that is part performance and part service; a kind of fashion meets function.”
In an attempt to plant 10,000 trees in celebration of Earth Day’s 40th anniversary this April, our friends Willy Shine, Aisha Sharpe and the gang at NYC’s Contemporary Cocktails have partnered with VeeV for the Cocktails for a Cause recipe contest. For every cocktail recipe submitted that incorporates VeeV and fresh, seasonal, organic ingredients, VeeV will plant trees in monsoon-ravaged Tamil Nadu, India. Facebook users will judge the cocktails, and the top three vote getters (by May 3) will receive hotel and airfare to Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans. Head to www.facebook.com/contemporarycocktails, become a fan of CC Inc. and submit a recipe.