Cocktail Culture - CocktailCulture's Blog - Bakersfield.com

Vi’s – Friendly Neighborhood Bar

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:45:38 PST

If you are ever in Rosedale and feel like a cocktail, then stop into Vi’s. It is a very friendly family owned bar that caters to regulars. The place was packed with people having a great time. The Jell-O shots being passed around were sure to help with the merriment. Jackie the bartender that night, even holds an award for the best bloody mary in town. It was too late to try one, but we will definitley be back on a weekend to sample her famous recipe.

Happy hour is Monday – Friday from 3-7 pm. Karaoke – Wednesday. There is a patio, pool table and beer pong available by request.

Specialty Drinks & More at Camino Real

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:10:00 PST

After a long day of work yesterday we stopped for a well deserved drink at Camino Real. We sat up at the bar which has just recently re-opened after 6 months of renovations. We were informed by the bartender that Thursday night is Ladies Night! What luck! Happy hour prices until 11:30, who could ask for more?!! If you are in a group of 5 more more you also get a complimentary sampler platter. This place knows how to treat the ladies!

We tried two specialty drinks. First was the Dirty Girl Margarita. After he poured it we immediately knew how it got it's name but don't let the color of this drink scare you because it's delicious! Flavored with raspberry, peach, mango and blue Curacao. If you are a margarita fan you will love this one. Second was the Gummie Bear. This one is different from any one you have tried before. Made with Southern Comfort and actual gummies swimming at the bottom! If you are in the mood for something sweet, give it a whirl!

Normal happy hour is from 5-7 Mon-Fri with 1/2 off appetizers and drink specials including $3 Scooby Snacks, Buttery Nipples and Absolut Royal Flush, just to name a few. They also feature 8 draft beers which include Shock Top, Firestone, Fat Tire, Tecate and Dos Equis. Wine is also on the drink menu.

They had the football game playing on the 3 flat screen televisions in the bar area. The bar itself is impressive. There is something there to quench your thirst no matter what your poison may be. We will definitely be back again!

A New Holiday!

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:46:02 PST

If any day should be declared a holiday, it should be today! Today marks the 75th anniversary of the 21st Amendment that repealed Prohibition in the United States on December 5, 1933.

If not for this historic day our world would be completely different and not for the better. Make sure you take the time for at least a glass or two tonight in celebration.

Feng Shui Tip

His nose like a cherry and his eyes all twinkling ... No, I'm not talking about a certain someone with a round belly that jiggles like a bowl full of jelly, but, rather, about celebrating today's 'Repeal Day' energies, a remembrance of when the 21st Amendment officially ended the dry days of Prohibition many thousands of consumed cocktails ago. If you like to have a cocktail yourself every once in a while, you may want to make and share this drink that has been linked to amour, as well as to helping to bring about positive powers of change and transformation in your own life. Warm a liter of brandy over low heat and add a cup of orange sections, a half grapefruit also sectioned, and two cups of raspberries. Stir and then add a 12oz. can of pears (with juice), a cup of crushed pineapple, a cup of sugar, a teaspoon vanilla extract and two cloves. Cover and keep in a cool place for two weeks. After that time, strain and enjoy! This elixir will truly make sure that there's no place like your home for the holidays.

http://prohibitionrepeal.com/

Pink Ladies Christmas Toy Drive

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 08:21:42 PST

Last night was a success for the 1st annual Pink Ladies Toy Drive. Lots of people showed up to support the cause and have a few rounds of drinks.

All of the toys donated will be distributed to children at the Jamison Center this weekend by the Active 20/30 Ladies.

http://www.co.kern.ca.us/dhs/ChildWelfareServices/jamison_center.html

Syndicate Lounge

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:22:17 PST

We have been stopping by the Syndicate Lounge quite a bit lately. It is a fun place with a great mix of people. During the week, they have happy hour drink and food specials. Looking to dance or meet new people, Saturday night is the time to try.

If you are in the mood to try something new, Asheley’s signature cocktail is a Cherry Limeade that is delish. For those who are daring or want a quick fix – Have Stabe make you a Punch in the Face. All we can say is the name fits and they go down really easy.

Holiday Cocktails!

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:35:00 PST

We recently had the opportunity to try a new liqueur – Campari. What a perfect addition for the holidays. A bottle of Campari is an easy way to update your home bar or a fun way to try a new cocktail. Here are some of our favorite recipes for Campari Cocktails. Try them next time you order a cocktail and let us know what you think.

Naughty Negroni

¼ oz Campari

¼ oz Grapefruit vodka

¼ oz Sweet Vermouth

¼ oz Pomegranate liqueur

Served on the rocks in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

We love the classic Negroni, but the added Pomegranate makes it special for the holidays!

Pink Campari

1 oz Campari

1 oz Rye Whisky

4 to 5 fresh raspberries

Splash of Pear and Cranberry Juice

Splash of Sweet and Sour mix.

Fill a martini shaker with ice and add all ingredients. Shake well and pour into chilled martini glass. Garnish with skewered raspberries and lime twist.

Sanguinello

1 oz Campari

¾ oz Limoncello

2 oz Blood Orange Juice

Pour ingredients over ice. Shake and then strain onto fresh ice into a highball glass. Garnish with a blood orange wedge.

Italian Shooter

½ part Campari

½ part Bianco Vermouth

½ part Extra Dry Vermouth

1 part orange juice

1 slice of orange for the shaker

½ teaspoon cane sugar

2 pinches ground cinnamon

Put all ingredients in a shaker except for the cinnamon. Shake with ice. Pour into a shooter glass. Dust the mixture with a little cinnamon and serve.

Wine Tasting at Luigi's

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:24:50 PST

We finally made it to one of the Luigi's Wine tasting events. It was perfect way to spend a Thursday night. There were tasting tables everywhere, including on the patio where the band was playing. In addition to a large assortment of items from the deli, appetizers were passed by the staff throughout the evening. This is a great way to try before you buy, since almost all of the wines are available for sale.

Tonight! Active 20/30 Guest Bartending at Syndicate

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 10:24:46 PST

The Active 20/30 Club will be guest bartending at Syndicate Lounge. All their tips go towards raising money for the Christmas Experience. Take a break from Holiday shopping and come have a drink with us!

The event is Tuesday (12/2) from 6 pm - 10 pm. There will also be a DJ and Karaoke . We will be onsite taking pictures again.

All Hallows Eve

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:38:32 PDT

Our favorite holiday has finally arrived and we are so excited! Time to get dressed up and go out for a wicked fun night on the town! We'll be dropping by a few of our favorite haunts so stay tuned for the pictures....

We'd love to hear about your costumes and where you'll be partying tonight!

RJ's Bar & Grill

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 11:52:46 PDT

For anybody looking for an exciting place to watch Monday Night Football we have found a great spot for you! RJ's has gone a step further than just having the game on the big screen. When you come in you get a raffle ticket for a drawing they do at the end of each quarter. Prizes range from T-shirts & hats to $25 gift cards. They also have drink and shot specials that coincide with certain plays during the game so make sure you're watching closely!

Monday isn't the only day they have fun things going on. They open early for breakfast at 9am on Saturday and Sunday and feature $3 Bloody Mary's and Mimosas until 1pm! Yum! You can fill up on good food and cheap drinks while you watch your favorite football team in action. They also offer free WiFi for you Fantasy Football fanatics! If you don't wake up in time for breakfast they are open for lunch and dinner as well. We have tried several items from the menu and everything is always well presented and tastes great!

Happy Hour is from 3pm-6pm with appetizer and drink specials during the week and lets not forget Beer Pong on Sunday nights beginning at 10pm! There is always something going on at RJ's. Check out their Myspace page for upcoming events. Next one up is a Halloween costume party on 10/31..no cover charge See you there!

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=12180010&MyToken=002ecfc6-df3f-48f2-a713-31ad25c5f95a

Mama Roomba's

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:14:04 PDT

For some of the tastiest Mojitos and Caipirinhas in town head downtown to Mama Roomba's! It's a small, lively establishment with festive decor and great service. You truly feel like you've stepped into the local watering hole in Havana. The bar is a popular spot for singles and the restaurant is the perfect spot for an intimate dinner. On a cool night the patio is a great place to sit if you like to people watch like us! The entire atmosphere is hard to beat. If you're not in the mood for a cocktail, they also have a large assortment of Latin and South American beers. Cheers to another great place!

Fishlips is Rockin'

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:02:31 PDT

If you are in the mood for live music, Fishlips is the place to be. We recently stopped in to check out a local band called Spare Change which we had seen there before. We quickly realized they could not be stumped by our requests, I'm talking everything from Dave Matthews to Pantera and everything in between. Just as impressive was Travis Byler who played an eclectic variety of covers on some of our favorite songs. We also saw the AC/DC tribute band not too long ago and the place was packed with excited patrons.

If you are snobby about your liquor then this is the perfect spot for you. Even their well is stocked with premium spirits, the positive result of what happens when a bartender turns owner. There is also an extensive selection of beers on tap and specialty cocktails on the menu. Our bartender Andrew suggested trying "Sex with and Alligator, " which was as beautiful as it was delicious! They also have an awesome menu, each dish creatively named after a music legend. We hear the fish and chips, or the Mick Jagger as it's listed on the menu, rival those from the famous Westchester Bowl. You be the judge and let us know!

Fishlips will continue to be a frequent stop for us. If you love music and partaking in a cocktail or two, you will not be disappointed. This place delivers every time!

Check out their website for future shows and upcoming events

http://www.fishlips.org/

Bikini Friendly Summer Cocktails

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:13:19 PDT

Even though we do indulge in the occasional fruity, blended drink, it's hard not to actually feel the calories attaching themselves to our thighs! We are always searching for a delicious, guilt free cocktail. So, we've rounded up a few recipes that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied and still able to fit into last year's swim suit! Enjoy :)

Sangria Sparkler

Prep: 10 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Makes: 12 servings (One pitcher)

750-milliliter bottle dry red wine
1 cup light orange juice
1/4 cup brandy or cognac
1/4 cup orange liqueur
2 tablespoons sugar
2 medium oranges, sliced
2 cups club soda, chilled
Crushed ice and/or orange peel curls (optional)

1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, orange juice, brandy, orange liqueur, sugar, and orange slices. Chill at least 2 hours. Add club soda before serving. Serve over crushed ice and/or with orange peel curls, if desired.

Nutrition Information per serving: 100 calories, 0g protein, 9g carbohydrate, 0g fat (0g saturated), 0g fiber

Mojito Fresco

Prep: 20 minutes
Chill: 1 hour
Makes: 8 servings

2 large limes, cut into pieces (reserve one piece)
2 cups water
2/3 cup sugar
2 cups water
1/4 to 1/2 cup light rum
Sugar
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes
Quartered limes and/or mint leaves (optional)

1. In a blender combine lime pieces, 2 cups water, and 2/3 cup sugar. Cover and blend about 30 seconds or until limes are chopped; do not puree. Strain through a sieve into a large pitcher. Mix in 2 cups additional water. Cover and chill for 1 to 12 hours.

2. Stir rum into lime mixture. Moisten the rims of 8 glasses with the reserved lime piece; dip rims in sugar. Divide mint among glasses. Use a wooden spoon to press mint into the bottom of each glass; press firmly to release flavor. Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour chilled lime mixture over ice and mint leaves. If desired, add extra quartered limes and/or mint leaves.

Nutrition Information per serving: 95 calories, 0g protein, 21g carbohydrate, 0g fat (0g saturated), 1g fiber

Pomegranate Martinis

Start to Finish: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 servings

1/2 of a medium orange, cut into wedges
Sugar
1 1/2 cups vodka or gin
1/3 cup pomegranate syrup (grenadine)
3 tablespoons dry vermouth
Ice cubes
Small pomegranates (optional)

1. Rub orange wedges around rims of 8 martini glasses. Invert glasses into a dish of sugar to coat rims; set glasses aside. In a small pitcher, combine the vodka, pomegranate syrup, and vermouth. Place ice cubes in a martini shaker. For each drink, add 1/4 cup of the syrup mixture; shake. Strain into one of the prepared martini glasses. Garnish with a small pomegranate, if desired.

Nutrition Information per serving: 146 calories, 0g protein, 11g carbohydrate, 0g fat (0g saturated), 0g fiber

Orange Martinis: Prepare as above, except use 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed, in place of the syrup. Omit garnish.

Apple Martinis: Prepare as above except use 1/3 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed, in place of the syrup. Garnish with fresh orange peel curls.

Frozen Margaritas

Start to Finish: 10 minutes
Makes: 10 servings

12-ounce can frozen limeade concentrate
2/3 cup tequila
1/2 cup light orange juice or orange liqueur
4 cups ice cubes
1/2 of a medium lime
Coarse salt
Orange slices (optional)

1. In a blender container combine limeade concentrate, tequila, and orange juice. Cover and blend until combined. With blender running, add ice cubes, one at a time, through opening in lid, blending until mixture becomes slushy.

2. Cut a thick lime slice; cut slice in half. Rub slices around rims of eight glasses. Dip rims into a dish of coarse salt to coat rims. Pour mixture into prepared glasses. Garnish glasses with orange slices, if desired.

Nutrition Information per serving: 122 calories, 0g protein, 22g carbohydrate, 0g fat (0g saturated), 0g fiber

Strawberry Margaritas: Prepare as above, except blend half of the mixture at a time adding 1 cup frozen unsweetened whole strawberries along with 2 cups of the ice cubes. Repeat with remaining mixture, 1 cup additional frozen strawberries, and remaining 2 cups ice cubes. Continue as directed, substituting coarse sugar for the salt on the glasses. If desired, garnish each glass with a whole strawberry.

Make-ahead directions: Prepare as above through Step 1. Pour into a 1-1/2-quart freezer container. Cover and freeze overnight. To serve, use a large spoon to scrape across frozen surface and pile into salt-rimmed glasses.

Start to Finish: 10 minutes
Makes: 8 servings

Randolph's Lounge

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:46:29 PDT

We have been hearing a lot of buzz about Randolph's Lounge in the Northwest so we had to check it out. We stopped in on a Friday night before the crowd arrived so we could peruse the drink menu and sample a few cocktails. Our new favorite bartender Rachel whipped up a X-Rated/Raspberry Stoli concoction for us. Actually we had a couple because they were delish!

The drink menu featured an assortment of specialty cocktails, a few of which the ingredients are a mystery as they are house specials. You can order wine by the glass or the bottle, or if you prefer to bring in your own bottle there is a $25 corkage fee. They also serve beer and champagne. After reading through the menu, if you still can't decide, the bartenders will gladly suggest something based on your liquor of choice.

There is a lounge area that is separate from the nightclub. The bar in the lounge was packed but it's a better choice if you aren't the dancing type. There are several sofas and tables to just sit and conversate it that's more your style.

If you are a dancing queen, you will want to check out the nightclub! The first 40 women get in for free, after that there is a $10 cover charge to get in and get your groove on. There are two VIP sections that overlook the dance floor that come with bottle service. A great spot for a special celebration with all of your friends. We had a great time and will be back this weekend for a VIP event taking place!

Check out their Myspace for upcoming special events and more information about the new hot spot in town! http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=263079216

Bill Lee's Retro Lounge

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:53:05 PDT

On the recommendation of a fellow blogger, we decided to stop in for a cocktail at Bill Lee's downtown. We were pleasantly surprised by the retro feel of the bar. It is dark with pink accent lights around the perimeter. There are couches along one wall and comfy swivel chairs at the bar. If you prefer something more intimate, there are individual tables throughout the bar area. It's a great place to take someone on a first date.

We sampled a couple well drinks....very heavy pours for a mere $3.50 during happy hour! We also tried some of the specialty cocktails. The Jade Palace looked fun and fruity with melon liqueur, vodka and pineapple juice. Yum! They have a nice selection of low-end, inexpensive wines by the glass if you aren't too particular about your vino.

If you are looking for legal advice or just looking to land a lawyer, this is where you need to be! It is known as the downtown attorney hangout. There were also a lot of regulars stopping in throughout the night. We will definitely be back for round two!

The Ultimate June Bug

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:33:31 PDT

We are anxious for happy hour tonight and decided to fill the time in search of a new drink recipe. If you like sweet and fruity drinks, we suggest this seasonal sounding cocktail:

The Ultimate June Bug

1 oz - Midori

3/4 oz - Malibu

3/4 oz - Banana liquer

1 oz - Sweet and Sour

1 oz - Pineapple juice

Mix together and pour over ice.

See you at the Finish Line!

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 16:17:37 PDT

We have passed this sports bar countless times and finally decided to stop in last Thursday to watch the game. It's tucked away behind the Red Lion hotel and is only visible from the 99 which makes it our new favorite hideout! They have a huge outdoor patio attached to the front entrance with plenty of tables and chairs to accommodate several large groups of people. Even though the inside was decked out in a Nascar theme everyone had basketball on the mind that night! The crowd (including the bartenders) was lively and cheering their favorite team on. It was a very fun, comfortable atmosphere. We had awesome service all night which is always a bonus, especially in a crowded bar!

The happy hour specials included $3.50 LARGE margaritas, $3 well drinks and $2.50 for domestic beers. The happy hour appetizers ranged from $3-$5. We each ordered a margarita then switched to beer. They have a good variety of beers on tap including Guinness, Pyramid Hefeweizen, Fat Tire and of course the Bakersfield staple.....Bud and Bud Light! The sampler platter complimented our pints nicely :) What would happy hour be without a little fried food right?

Even though we went to watch the game we were a little distracted by our little pool tournament we had going on the side. They have two pool tables that are off in their own area so there is plenty of room to shoot and you don't have to constantly look behind you for fear of hitting someone. (Anyone who loves to pool can appreciate that) We counted at least 8 televisions so there wasn't a bad seat in the house. We also met some really cool people from out of town that were staying at the hotel.

This is just an all around great place in our opinion. Stop in for the game tonight or any other time for that matter! If anyone else has an idea for a great sports bar we'd love to hear from you!

Sex and the City

Fri, 30 May 2008 14:45:38 PDT

The greatly anticipated movie is finally out in theaters today. We have been hearing from women around town that they will be making quite a night out of it by dressing to the nines and having the ultimate ladies night out! We would love to get your take on the movie as well as check out your pics from the pre and after parties! Email us or post a comment and we'll feature you on our blog! Have a good night ladies!

Luigi's on the patio

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:19:37 PDT

We decided to start the Memorial Day weekend at one of our favorite lunch spots. You can't walk into Luigi's without seeing several people that you know. We had a seat the bar while waiting for a table and enjoyed one of Margot's famous Bloody Mary's. After a drink at the bar we stopped by the deli and bought a bottle of wine to enjoy with lunch. They have a great selection of wines that are hard to find in other places in town. We decided to dine on the patio, which was full of several large parties. Everytime we step into Luigi's we are filled with Nostaglia looking at all the old sports photos. This is one of the true historic landmarks in Bakersfield. We are positive once you try it, Luigi's will quickly become one of your favorite weekend destinations.

Where should we go next?

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:52:26 PDT

We find ourselves back at the same places over and over again. While we love Uricchio’s and a good dive bar now and again, we are always looking for something new.

Any suggestions on a fun place to have a cocktail or two?