Organic Nation Spirits

    Stacks Image 3846
    Stacks Image 3847
    Stacks Image 3848
    Stacks Image 3849
    Stacks Image 3850
    Stacks Image 3851
    Stacks Image 3852
    Stacks Image 3853
    Stacks Image 3854

Oregon Chocolate Festival March 1-3, 2013

Salisha, pre-eminent Mixologist at LARKS Restaurant at the Ashland Springs Hotel did her handy work and infused Organic Nation vodka with vanilla bean and concocted a tasty Martini also including Rogue's Chocolate Stout and Umpqua's Vanilla Ice Cream.  Besides being tasty, it was a fun time.  Diane got to get behind the bar at LARKS and tell a little bit about the story behind Cascade Peak Spirits and Organic Nation. You can check out the love story in an article featured in Artisan Spirits magazine "Love at first Sip".
Comments

Stacks Image 2

ORGANIC NATION gin & Leaf Magazine

Leaf Magazine  penned a wonderful summer cocktail story and featured ORGANIC NATION gin.  Once again, our gin, is wowing consumers who are interested in Sustainable and organic products.  O-N gin is getting the coverage and adoration it deserves.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Southern ORE-ganic features sustainable spirits producers


Distillery conjures pure Oregon spirits - registerguard.com 
[Southern ORE-ganic - Joel Gorthy with Eugene Register Guard come to Southern Oregon to review three sustainable producers of spirits, wine and beer!]
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Underground Speakeasy in Southern Oregon

What fun!   ORGANIC NATION cocktails, great food, great venue, and great people!   Matthew Domingo of Farm to Fork put together the first Southern Oregon "Pop Up" Speakeasy.  Matthew featured two delicious ORGANIC NATION gin and vodka cocktails, yummy hors d'oeuvres, and a dinner made with locally grown vegetables and meats.  Noble Coffee and Roxy Ann Winery were also featured.  A great time was delivered locally!
Come out and continue to support local food and drink artisans.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Fresh Squeezed Summer Cocktail

O-N the Rube

2 oz ORGANIC NATION gin
2 oz fresh squeezed juice from an organic ruby red grapefruit
3 oz Langer or similar Ruby Red grapefruit juice, not too sweet, no high fructose corn syrup!
1 oz triple sec
1/4 oz fresh squeezed juice from an organic orange
Shake with ice.  Serve in a chilled Martini glass. Sip and enjoy responsibly!
Comments

Stacks Image 2

A Taste of Ashland

It was a beautiful day, sunny and warm!  And the Tasters were out!   Once again, ORGANIC NATION Spirits wowed the crowd.  Besides serving tastes of both our luscious spirits, we had a yummy BEE'S KNEES, that classic 1920's cocktail mix, to offer. We were at Backroads Studio, where Harriet Greene and Marty Goldman live and create incredible works of art.   To round things out, Mystic Treats was serving up delicious pizza, such as their Southern Oregon, which features hazelnuts, figs and gorgonzola cheese!

I think that the local bars might be inundated with requests so here is the recipe for you to give them:

ORGANIC NATION~ It's the BEE'S KNEES:
2 oz. of ORGANIC NATION gin
3/4 oz - 1 oz. fresh squeezed organic lemon juice
1 oz. honey syrup
Shake with ice in a shaker and serve UP in a gorgeous Martini glass

Honey syrup:   mix 1:1 local honey to water, heat up to meld.
**This is a cocktail that you have to taste as you go, you might need more honey, if the lemons are tarter than usual or less honey if the honey is stronger than some.   Taste away and enjoy on a nice warm day!
             

Comments

Stacks Image 2

Hop Frog at Standing Stone Brewing Co.


SSBlogo-K%28city%29
HOP FROG

2 oz. ORGANIC NATION gin 
Muddle:
1/2 Myers Lemon
6 fresh Ammarello Hops
Add:  Ice & shake well. Strain into a High Ball glass filled with ice
Top off with Soda H20.
**When hops are added to the brewing process for beer, the bitter taste of the hops are accented. This drink brings out the other floral flavors of the fresh hops. This is a refreshing drink that is best enjoyed at the end of long day.

Created by Jay Jones,  Server/Mixologist extraordinaire at The Standing Stone Brewing Co., in Ashland, Cascade Peak Spirits Distilleries' home town!
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Celery Cider Cocktail

7-celery-cider-400x400-fix
Celery Cider

1.5 oz. Organic Nation Vodka
2 oz. apple cider
Dash simple syrup
Pinch of celery salt
3 dashes celery bitters
Juice of one lime
Combine all ingredients over ice, shake and strain into a rocks glass over ice.  Garnish with a celery salt rim.

Delicious Organic Nation vodka cocktail developed by those talented people at Saveur Magazine.
Saveur Magazine supports Craft Cocktails

Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Blame the Bastard

Blame the Bastard
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
½ oz Simple Syrup
1 egg white
2 oz Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
½ oz of Lemon Juice
Shake with ice for 1 full minute till milky and stiff foam develops
Serve over ice in a bucket glass
Finish with one shake of Angostura bitters
Garnish with one mint leaf
Enjoy the 'Bastard' at your next cocktail party or evening on the patio and do your part, select sustainable and local ingredients!
Cheers!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Brandon Wise

Recently transplanted from Chicago, mixologist Brandon Wise focuses on seasonality with his craft cocktails at Irving Street Kitchen. Wise’s cocktail program is rooted in the classics with a focus on artisan spirits, a core value fostered while managing Chicago cocktail destination In Fine Spirits. Before relocating to Portland, Brandon fused the beverage program of Perennial with the contemporary cuisine of Chef Ryan Poli with technique driven libations and market fresh ingredients. Brandon can be found behind the bar at Irving Street Kitchen in the Pearl District’s newest cocktail hot spot.
Doctor’s Orders
1 1/2 oz Organic Nation Gin
1/2 oz Aperol
1/4 oz Rothman & Winter Apricot liqueur
3/4 oz lemon juice
2 Teaspoons 1:1 simple syrup
Dash peychaud’s bitters
Egg white
Build ingredients dry in shaker tin starting with egg, dry shake with whisk from hawthorne strainer. Add ice, shake and double strain into bucket glass over large hand carved ice cube. Garnish with smacked mint leaf and 3 drops of peychaud’s bitters
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Ryan Mortimore

Basilico Fresco
3 oz Organic Nation Vodka infused with Basil and Strawberries
1/2 oz Fresh Lime
1/2 oz Fresh Lemon
1/2 oz Ginger Simple Syrup
Shaken with ice
Served over ice in a collins glass
Topped with Sparkling Wine
Garnish with a Basil leaf and lime wedge
Ryan got his start at Cucina Biazzi in Ashland where he learned his tricks of the trade, lending to a talent that quickly emerged to an inevitable love for mixology.
While studying in Florence during the Fall season of 08, Ryan's passion for cocktails merged with his love for Italy and its culinary delights. His dedication to the european influence infuses immaculately with Joolz Mediterrainean fare and his attention to detail. Ryan has been an instrumental part of Joolz and its extensive cocktail offerings since's its opening May 2009.
Ryan is a Bend native and continues to contribute to its unique culture.
Cheers!
Visit Ryan at Joolz in Downtown Bend, Oregon and enjoy this delectibly refreshing cocktail.
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Kenneth Bryant

Organic Bitter Past
Organic Nation Gin
Fresh Muddled Grapefruit
Campari
Dolin Sweet Vermouth
Fresh Lemon Juice
Muddled, Shaken and Served up.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Ken brings his passion for classic cocktails and interest in fresh new flavors to the bar top at Bend's Astro Lounge. Cultivating years of experience from the likes of Loft 11 in San Francisco, Velvet Jones in Santa Barbara and The Other Room in Venice Beach, yeilding some of the best cocktails and pushing the bleeding edge in the industry.
Astro Lounge is one of Bends top and original cocktail bars leading its competitors with more 'Best Bar' awards in Bend Oregon in the last 10 years.
Cheers!
Visit Ken at the Astro and make sure you you treat your self to one of these tasty summer cocktails.
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Pink Gin

A long time classic, Pink Gin has also been known as a Gin & Bitters. For lack of a more complicated cocktail, thats just what it is, Gin and Bitters. Originally created by the Royal Navy to make Angostura bitters, which they used for medicinal purposes for the sailors, more palatable.
After searching I found the cocktail also referred to as "Gin Pahit" in many 19th century sailing stories.
This is the virtually the same drink, only the name has been lost in time. According to stories 'pahit'is Malay for "bitters." No matter the name, the cocktail has more or less remained the same.
Enjoyed best with a botanical rich Gin, hence my selection of this cocktail for our Organic Gin, shaken well with ice.
Cheers!
Melodie
Pink Gin
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
3-4 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Shake hard with ice.
Serve in a cocktail glass.
Garnish with a Lemon Twist if you like.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Taking Chocolate to new extremes

Extreme Chocolates is a quality based confection and patisserie company that just keeps pushing the envelope!
Flavors run amok, ideas whirl uncontrolled and the result is a fabulous chaos. They explore how to take a conventional product and take them over the edge! Owner and Chef/Chocolatier, Carrie Wong, has been a fan and advocate of our products since we met at the Oregon Chocolate Festival at the Ashland Springs Hotel, Mar. 2009. At the time, she was using an imported French vodka. Once we introduced ourselves, chatted about local, organic, it was an easy sale and Carrie and Organic Nation started doing business. It is great to collaborate with another Oregon business to create a superior product that supports the Oregon economy. And yes we LOVE her chocolates!
According to Carrie Wong, Founder/CEO: "We grabbed the best Organic Vodka Produced in Oregon – Organic Nation- and began producing the finest slow brewed vanilla extract with amazing results – and that’s not just our opinion, Gourmet Magazine agrees! Now, we have released the creative juices once again and are brewing our own pure lemon extract in a base of Organic Nation premium Gin! Hang on – this one will rock your world! If we can create these items with a little great booze, vanilla beans and a lemon – imagine what we can do with chocolate! Oh My!"
Some of their inspirations: Grains of Paradise in Dark Sumpaz Single Origin Chocolate Truffles, Smoked Maracaibo Chocolate with Hawaiian Sea Salt Truffles,
Padron Cigar Infused Dark Chocolate Truffles
And so much more….keep an eye on them at www.extremechocolates.com
Extreme Chocolate Girl
2 oz Organic Nation Vodka
½ oz Extreme Chocolates' Dark Chocolate Pinot Sauce
½ oz Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
½ tsp Extreme Chocolates' Vanilla Extract
2 oz Extreme Chocolates' Dark Chocolate, melted in a squeeze bottle
Take a chilled Cocktail glass and squeeze a swirl design inside the glass with the melted chocolate.
In a shaker, add ice cubes, then Vodka, Chocolate Sauce, Chocolate Liqueur & Vanilla
Shake vigorously for 30 seconds and strain into chilled glass – enjoy!
Thanks Carrie!
Cheers,
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Celebrate World Cocktail Day with a whole lot of shakin'

In celebration of World Cocktail Day, I asked my friend and awesome mixologist, Columbine Quillen for one of her favorite Gin cocktails to mark the day.
Gin Slide
1 oz Organic Nation Gin
1 oz Courvoisier
1/2 oz Triple Sec
2 oz Lime Sour (see below)
1/2 oz Fresh Orange Juice
2 dashes Angostura Orange Bitters
Place ingredients in a shaker and shake extra, extra hard. For those of you who like a frothier cocktail, add a little egg white.
Lime Sour
1/2 cup fresh lime juice
1 cup warm tap water
1/2 cup organic granulated sugar
2 tbs fresh orange juice
Stir all the ingredients together until sugar has dissolved.
Cheers and Happy World Cocktail Day!
Melodie
To read more about work cocktail day, visit our Facebook page.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo- Tequila Free

While some will frown upon the idea of not including tequila in every cocktail on this international celebration of Mexican independence, some of us just don't 'do' the agave based spirit. This year, try a cocktail that celebrates the traditional south of the border flavors sans the tequila.
To celebrate the victorious Battle of Puebla, toast this cocktail.
1862
1 ½ oz Organic Nation Gin
½ oz Lime Juice
1 oz Coconut Cream (sweetened)
- If you are using coconut milk, add 1 oz of heavy cream and ½ oz of Agave syrup.
Put ingredients in a pint, filled with ice, shake, pour into a Hurricane or Collins glass.
Garnish with lime twist.
If you are feeling like getting your hands dirty and want to wow your guests try this alternate version of the 1862
Whole coconut- chilled
Drill 2 holes in the top – with a power drill!
Add 2 oz of Organic Nation Gin – you will need a funnel, a flask funnel works well.
1 oz heavy cream
½ oz of Agave Syrup
½ oz of lime juice
Plug the holes with your fingers and shake rigorously
Stick a straw in, sip and enjoy!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Honor our Mother's Earthy Girl

Earth Day is always a great reason to raise a glass and toast to what Mother Nature has given us. So, make your toast strong and supportive then invite your friends to pedal over to your place for a nurturing round.
Earthy Girl
1 1/2 oz Organic Nation Organic Vodka
1/2 oz Benedictine
1/2 oz Earth's Love Liqueur
1/2 oz Lime Juice
5 fresh mint leaves, slapped and torn
Add all ingredients in a pint, shake with ice.
Serve in a Cocktail glass
Cucumber slice for garnish
Earth's Love Liqueur
1 cucumber diced into small pieces
1/2 oz minced fresh ginger
1/4 cup of organic honey
4 oz of Organic Nation vodka
Let mixture stand, ideally for 24 hours
Cheers!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: The Abbey

The Abbey
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
2 oz Fresh Pressed Orange Juice
Shake with ice, Serve up in a cocktail glass
Dash of Bitters (Angostura, if you can find some!)
The Abbey is an age old Classic cocktail, so with the use of super fresh ingredients, a botanical forward Gin, it becomes a great way to rejuvinate the origin of flavors. I would highly suggest this cocktail to a colleague who claims 'I don't like Gin', I do believe most will be in for a pleasant surprise!
Cheers!
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Above and Beyond

The Elegant Swanky atmosphere of the Gilt, featuring their talented Chefs and Mixologists will be hosting:
The Gilt Club and Organic Nation Spirits Cocktail Pairing Dinner
306 NW Broadway
Portland Oregon
503.222.4458 for Reservations
April 15, 2010
(tax day)
5 Course Cocktail Dinner
$75 per person
1st Course -Choice of
Gin Cured Salmon with dill, mustard dressing,
English cucumbers, and toasted caraway
Paired with a (1040ez Form)
.............3/4oz Organic Nation Gin
.............1/2oz aquavit
.............1 tsp lemon
.............1/2oz vya dry vermouth
or
Goose breast prosciutto wrapped asparagus,
with salt cured egg yolk, and a anise dressing
Paired with a (W-2)
.............3/4oz Organic Nation Gin
.............1/2oz vya sweet vermouth
.............1/2tsp herbsaint
or
Foie gras terrine flavored with juniper raisins and pistachio brittle - $10 Supplement
Paired with a (Income tax)
.............1 1/2oz Organic Nation Gin
.............3/4oz vya dry vermouth
.............3/4oz vya sweet vermouth
.............1/4oz Oj
.............Dash of Bitters
2nd Course -Choice of
Ruby grapefruit, shaved fennel, pea shoots,
basil with champagne-herb vinaigrette
Paired with a (Negroni)
.............1/2oz Organic Nation Gin
.............1/2oz vya sweet vermouth
.............1/2oz Cynar
or
Fava bean “cappuccino” with an
olive crumble rim, and a bacon crisp
Paired with a (7th heaven)
.............3/4oz Organic Nation Gin
.............1/2 grapefruit
.............Tsp maraschino
.............Mint sprig
3rd Course -Choice of
Juniper rubbed elk - pickled chanterelles,
cipolinni onions, and mizuna
Paired with a (Rosmarys baby)
.............1oz Organic Nation Gin
.............1/2 grapefruit
.............Sprig rosemary
or
Scallop ceviche with habanero, avocado,
citrus marinade and chives
Paired with a (Ceviche Cocktail)
.............3/4oz Organic Nation Vodka
.............Tsp Carpano Antica Vermouth
.............Tsp Torani Amer
4th Course
Organic Nation Vodka martini Sorbet with
black olive caviar
5th Course -Choice of
Lamb loin with salsa verde, preserved lemons,
potato puree, and lamb jus
Paired with a (Communist)
.............1/2oz Organic Nation Gin
.............1/2oz OJ
.............1/4oz Cherry Herring
.............1 tsp lemon
or
Black olive roasted monkfish, sea beans, mustard
greens, creamed leeks, and esplette pepper
Paired with a (Thelonius)
.............3/4oz Organic Nation Vodka
.............Tsp vya dry
.............Tsp benadictine
Reservations Required.
See you there!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Get your green on this week

St Pattys Day usually calls for all types of green dye, goofy tall hats and face paint. While I wouldn't stop anyone from indulging in such amusement, I will lend a drink recipe that will get you more green, in more than one way.
First off, celebrate with Green ingredients! Use Chartreuse, which is already green and doesn't require dye, as well as local Organic and Sustainable ingredients to keep your foot print light (so you can save the heavy step for dancing) and thirdly drink tasty cocktails, instead of cheap beer drenched with food coloring.
Here is a recipe for you to take to your St Pattys day celebration:
The Irishmans Hat
1/2 oz Organic Nation Gin
1/2 oz Chartreuse
1/2 oz Brandy Liqueur
1/2 oz Lime Juice
Shake the above ingredients and serve in one of two ways:
Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.
Strain into a Large Flute and top with Champagne, this will surely impress the lassies at the party.
Garnish with a lime twist or lime wheel with a 4 leaf clover!
Cheers!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Night out at The Heathman

The Heathman poured out a fabulous evening of libations, highlighting the craftmanship of artisan spirits and well designed cocktails. The Heathman's highly acclaimed chef also presented a pairing appetizer to highlight each of the spirits; which included an Organic Nation Vodka Oyster Shooter, and a Pork Medallion marinated in Gin. Both were delightful.
The crowd was pleased with the variety of cocktails and the organic buzz was felt all through the Marble bar.
Organic Grapetion
Organic Nation Vodka
Fresh Squeezed Lemon
Simple Syrup
Muddled Grapes
Fresh Tarragon
Cheers!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

On any given Sunday

Spints Alehouse hosted the 2nd Official Oregon Bartenders Guild Sunday Funday Event, and it was nothing short of just that. Jacob Grier and Chris Churilla led the way, mixing all sorts of soon to be named cocktails, to wow savvy mixologists from all over Portland. The talk of the night was a Ramos Gin Fizz. I believe the conversation started as, "Hey Jake, Make me a flip of some sort", as I kindly said, "how about a fizz, I really don't need a yolk." Hence the start of the shake off! Chris and Jacob, filled shakers and started timers; producing some of the most perfect and well thickened takes on a Ramos Gin Fizz ever. Many of the attending enthusiasts were buzzed into realizing that the combination of a good cocktail and Organic Nation Gin, yielded a new found love.
Cheers to the art of the Cocktail!
Melodie
Ramos Gin Fizz
1 1/2 oz. gin
1 Tbsp. simple syrup (or agave)
1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/2 oz. fresh-squeezed lime juice
1 egg white
1 oz. heavy cream
3 drops orange flower water
1 oz. club soda
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: The World's Gold

The Worlds Gold
2 oz Organic Nation Gin (US)
1/2 oz Noilly Prat Dry Vermouth (France)
1/2 oz Martini & Rossi Sweet Vermouth (Italy)
2 Dashes The Bitter Truth Orange Bitters (Germany)
Tsp Duplais Absinthe Verte (Switzerland)
Tsp Tangle Ridge Whisky (Canada)
Tsp Blue Agave Nectar (Mexico)
Shake and Strain into a Cocktail glass
Finish with and Orange Twist
Place a piece of Candied Ginger on the side (China)
to be enjoyed with the drink.
Thanks to Jason Littrell for inspiration!
In Celebration of the Olympics wrapping up this week, toast this one to bring on the weekend and indulge your self in momentous re-runs of glorious moments.
Cheers
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Amalfie Spritzer

Amalfie Spritzer
½ oz Finamore Lemoncello
1 oz Organic Nation Vodka
½ oz Amaro
½ oz Lemon
Stir
Top with soda
¼ oz Port
Served in a Rocks Glass with or without ice
Lemon Wheel Garnish Optional
While summer tastes sometimes make us yearn for warmer months, the full flavored body of this cocktail keeps one feeling light and appreciative of these cooler months.
For a more summery cocktail, add Mint!
Toast this lovely cocktail as you celebrate the weekend!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Lovers Union Too

In celebration of hearts alike, shake up this cocktail for your lover to start the night off right.
Lovers Union Too
1 oz Organic Nation Vodka
¼ oz Rosewater
¼ oz Simple Syrup
½ oz Lemon
½ oz Maraschino Liqueur
Shake and Strain into a cocktail glass
Sink ¼ oz of Cherry Liqueur (I recommend Clear Creek Distillery)
Top with a Dry Bubbly Wine
Float a Single Rose petal
I have long used this recipe to celebrate unions; I used it as a gift at a wedding, toasted it at a celebration to acknowledge earned rights with BRO and of course to initiate any fabulous night.
Drink up and of course enjoy a fabulous Valentines!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Asian Invasion

Asian Invasion
2oz Organic Nation Vodka
1 oz Lemon Grass LOFT Liquer
Shake the above – Serve up
1 Lychee nut – For Garnish
Topped with Spicy Ginger Ale
I can't get enough of this cocktail, its clean, simple and has unusual notes added from the typical aromas of sweet Asian delights!
Drink up and have a wonderful Friday!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Winter Blossom

Winter Blossom
½ oz Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz Organic Nation Vodka
¼ oz Fresh Lemon
Top with Champagne
Garnish with a Twist
As the days begin to lengthen, our palettes start to yearn for spring and summer flavors. Mix this cocktail up to welcome a rich meal or to toast a celebration.
Cheers!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Income Tax

The W-2's are pouring in, and while this cocktail was designed to mix up post completion, it might not hurt to pour your self one to get you going.
Income Tax
1 ¼ ounce Organic Nation Gin
¾ ounce Fresh Orange Juice
¼ ounce Dry Vermouth
¼ ounce Sweet Vermouth
1 dash Angostura Bitters
Shake and serve up in a cocktail glass.
That dreaded yearly task is done and you finally know how much money you are either getting back or handing over. That's right, you have completed your income taxes! So whether you are on top of it and filed 3 months early, or one at the post office on April 15th, or an accountant who has made it through one more tax season, sit back and enjoy this classic cocktail to celebrate your accomplishment.
Toast this one to celebrate and reward your hard work.
Cheers and best of luck!
Melodie
Recipe courtesy of Drinkboy.com
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Weekend Cocktail: Vesper

Vesper
3 oz Organic Nation Gin
1 oz Organic Nation Vodka
1/2 oz Lillet Blanc
Garnish: Orange twist or Bond's way, a lemon twist
Stir with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Bond prefers his shaken till really cold.
Source: As first mentioned in James Bond Casino Royale, created by Ian Fleming
A Brief History:
This classic drink was popularized in the novel Casino Royale (1953). Of the teleplay and two films based on this book, the signature cocktail is mentioned twice between the three - in the 2006 Casino Royale film: when Bond orders it at the poker table (and several others follow suit), and when Bond states that he named the drink the Vesper, because once he tasted it, it was all he wanted to drink. The cocktail is also mentioned by its ingredients in Quantum of Solace, and Bond refers to it by name later in the film.
Because Kina Lillet has not been available since the 1960s (the name was changed to "Lillet Blanc", in the 1980s the quantity of quinine in the product was reduced, removing its bitter aftertaste), its mention in the recipe in the two movies mentioned above is anachronistic.
Ironically, Vesper means 'evening' in Classical Latin.
Thanks Wikipedia,
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Hot Holiday at Cloud 9

Cloud 9 will be hosting a Hot Sweater Holiday Party tonight in Corvallis. Second to the viewable wears, will be Organic Nation Cocktails, crafted by Mixologist Chris Churilla.
The Matterhorn
Organic Nation Vodka, house mint bitters, vanilla, hot cocoa, whipped cream
Arabian Night
Organic Nation Vodka, house triple sec, Middle Eastern spices, coffee, whipped cream
Royal Chalice
Organic Nation Gin, sloe gin, grapefruit and green tea chai syrup, amaretto, hot water
The Golden Partridge
Clear Creek Pear Brandy, hot apple cider, caramel, lemon
Event Starts at 9pm. Cloud 9 is located on 1st street in Downtown Corvallis. For more information go here.
See you tonight!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Trebol gets the Organic Cocktails on the Table

Trebol Restaurant and Bar, will be featuring an evening of Organic Nation Cocktails Dec 17th from 7-10pm. Tony, Trebol's Mixologist, has handcrafted a list of fine cocktails to show off Trebol's passion for Sustainable, Organic and Local.
Ciudad Cobarde
Organic Nation Vodka, Raspberry, Mint, Citrus and Soda
Jengibre
Organic Nation Gin, Ginger, Lemon and Sparkling wine
La Maura Monti
Organic Nation Gin, Apple, Orange, Agave, Cinnamon
El Rocoso Caliente
Organic Nation Vodka, Serrano Chillies, Mint, Citrus, Prickly Pear
El Santo
Organic Nation Vodka, Coconut, Serrano Chillies, Citrus
Trebol features Happy Hour from 5-6:30 and 9-Close.
You can find them at:
4835 North Albina Avenue
Portland, OR 97217
(503) 517-9347
See you there!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Truly Vintage

This summer, a classic cocktail bar snuck into the Montavilla neighborhood. Veteran mixologist Justin Akins opened the doors of Vintage in July, and patrons and press have welcomed his vision and taste.
Akins cut his teeth at Trebol, the Oaxacan-inspired North Albina eatery. Taking cues from Trebol’s quality and sustainable business practices, he’s distilled a former SE Stark wine bar into an intimate lounge. Pre-prohibition cocktail recipes mingle with the requisite two dollar Pabst, catering to both the refined palette, and the budget-conscious. The cuisine is modest and delectable, with a menu featuring panini and pizettas made from local organic ingredients.
Vintage is located conveniently in the heart of the Montavilla neighborhood, a block from the Academy Theater and Ya Halla. So the next time you’re on a date, out with friends, or just looking for an expertly-mixed drink, step into Vintage and make yourself at home.
Cocktail time! Join us for a tasting and cocktail extravaganza at Vintage Bar this Tuesday December 2nd from 6-8pm.
You can find Vintage at:
7907 SE Stark Street
Portland, OR 97215
You can look forward to:
Chipotle, bacon Bloody Mary:
Organic Nation vodka, chipotle, house made bacon tincture and tomato juice
Cherry Derby:
Organic Nation vodka, kirschwasser, lemon juice, sugar,egg white, and cherry heering
Tabor reservoir:
Organic Nation gin, Lemon juice, house made lavender tincture, sugar, mint and seltzer water
Vintage Cabaret:
Organic Nation gin, Carpano Antica sweet vermouth, house made star anise tincture and Angostura bitters
See you Wednesday!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

French 350

Ring in the spirit and the cheer:
French 350
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
¼ oz Fresh Lemon juice
¼ oz Simple syrup
¾ oz Elderflower liqueur
Top with Champagne
Garnish with Amaretto soaked Dark Cherries or a Lemon twist (shown)
Shake the first 4 ingredients pour into a champagne flute top with Champagne and add garnish.
This, four season, cocktail was one of the most loved and featured drinks at the Anjou spa event this past Thursday in Bend. Anjou Spa raised money for Oregon Tilth Educational programs at the event as well as featured it's green business practices.
I am sure you can already see the reference in the cocktail name!
Cheers!
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Gin L'Anjou

Gin L' Anjou
Rim a 10 oz rocks Glass with a refined Sugar, Cinnamon and Ginger Powder blend (moisten the glass with Lemon first)
In a shaker with ice:
½ oz Roasted Spiced Pear Puree
2 oz Organic Nation Gin
Shake
Double Strain into rocks glass filled with ice
Top with Ginger Brew
Garnish: Pear Slice and Cinnamon stick
To make the Roasted Spiced Pear Puree:
Take 2 Pears cored and sliced place on a baking pan, top with a spice blend of, cayenne (very small amount), clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bake on high for 15 minutes or until browned and very soft, time will vary depending on how ripe your pears are to begin with.
Puree the pears in the blender with 2 Table spoons of lemon juice
Happy Holidays!
Melodie
Comments (1)

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Justin Akins

Tabor Reservoir
2 oz Organic Nation gin
1/2 oz lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 dashes lavender tincture (very potent pure grain alcohol infusion)
3 mint leaves
*stir with ice*
*then fill with soda*
Mixologist and Bar Owner Justin Akins brings a comfortable airy bar to the Montavilla area in Portland, Oregon. His bar is loaded with homemade tinctures, and bitters as he features an enticing list of reasonably priced craft cocktails to his savvy yet down to earth patrons.
The Oregonian welcomed Justin and his establishment September 3, 2009:
...Akins' slew of house cocktails ($4 to $9), inventive and high caliber, hit the mark as precisely as did his sole dessert: powerful Stumptown coffee ice cream and peanut butter and chocolate cookies. Each drink has a little something special -- agave nectar in a margarita, an Old Fashioned with cherry bitters. Even nonalcoholic potions like cranberry-mint soda stand out.... to read the whole article, go here.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Evicting Claus

Ignite Bend went off like fire last night. TWIST cocktail catering feature a full menu using only Organic Nation Vodka and Gin. The owner, Stephanie Stroup and I concocted an imaginative list of crafty cocktails, ranging from a simple spin on a Gin and Tonic, to the crowd favorite and your weekend/ holiday recipe, Evicting Claus. Roll- up your sleeves, cause while this recipe may take a bit of prep, its an easy go that wont keep you behind the bar during your festive holiday party.
Evicting Claus
Gather these ingredients:
Bottle Organic Nation Vodka
Organic or All Natural Vanilla Syrup
Organic White Cranberry Juice
Ginger Powder
Vanilla Wafer cookies
Whole fresh frozen cranberries (I like Stahlbush Island Farms)
Pre-Party-Prep (for 6-8)
Use a sealable bag to crush 3-4 wafer cookies and dump them onto a plate that has high edges, a smaller plate is best add about a 1/4 teaspoon of Ginger Powder to the dry mixture and mix around a bit.
Add 2 teaspoons of Ginger Powder to 4 cups of White Cranberry Juice and shake it up.
Drink Preperation-
Now that its party time and your work is mostly over.
Take a Rocks glass (or a Martini style cocktail glass) and use a lemon to rim the glass, moistening it, the farther down the glass you go the more cookie will stick and the more aesthetic your drink will look, I like to get a good 1/2 inch down on the glass rim.
Turn the glass upside down and spin it in the dry cookie crumbles.
In a shaker combine:
2 oz of Organic Nation Vodka
1/2 oz of Organic Vanilla Syrup
2.5 oz of Organic White Cranberry Juice
Shake
(If you are serving it 'up', then strain it, other wise just pour the entirety of the cocktail into the rocks glass. )
Pour into your rimmed glass and finish with a garnish of a Whole Cranberry.
Cheers and Enjoy your holidays!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Emily Dixon

High Desert Drifter
1 ½ oz Organic Nation Gin
Grated Ginger
Fresh Sage
Heavy Cream
Simple Syrup
Fresh Pear
Shake, serve up
Cherry Surprise
1 ½ oz Organic Nation Vodka
Fresh Cherries
Egg White
Juice and Pulp from an Orange
½ tsp Sugar
Shake, serve up
Garnish with one cherry in the bottom of the Cocktail glass
Emily’s artistic eye not only makes her a talented stone carver and jewelry designer, but also a creative mixologist. Emily got her start mixing and shaking when she moved to Alaska in 2002. After spending time traveling and working around the northwest, Emily landed back in her hometown of Bend in 2005, where she concocted for Staccato, Cascade Lakes Lodge and Deep. Most recently, Emily mixes for Twist Cocktail Catering Co., Central Oregon’s premier beverage catering service.
For your next event you make Twist, your first call, for alcohol!
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Megan Bitz

Greatful Gardener
1 1/2oz Fresh Grapefruit
1 1/2oz Fresh Lemon Juice
2 oz Organic Nation Vodka
Cardamom
Fresh Ginger Root
Tarragon
Sage
Mint
Basil
Simple Syrup
Shake Serve up
Top with Soda Water
In her own words, "I grew up in Scholls, Oregon deep in the woods and have always had an appreciation for nature and natural medicine that grows around us. I started an essential oil business four years ago and currently work as a manager and server at Chow. I love Chow because it represents how I feel about good food, good people, supporting local farms and businesses alike. Crafting cocktails gives you the freedom to use your mind, fresh herbs and your creativity. "
Megan crafted this tasty cocktail, in the spur of the moment, for the Bite of Bend cocktail competition. You can find her at Chow in Bend, most days mixing daytime drinks and holding the fort down.
Cheers!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Jacob Grier takes the hat!

The Oregon Bartender's Guild sponsored a cocktail competition at the Hobnob Grille in Portland on Monday night, July 27th. It was a great success, raising enough money for Schoolhouse Supplies to equip an entire classroom of children for a full school year. The winning concoction using Organic Nation Gin was created by Jacob Grier who is a freelance writer, barista and Bartender at the Carlyle in Portland, OR. The Gallagher Cocktail: 2 oz. Organic Nation Gin 1 oz. watermelon juice 3/4 oz. lime juice 1/2 oz. Swedish Punsch Soda Shake first four ingredients over ice, strain into ice-filled Collins glass. Top with soda and stir. For more details see Jacob's blog at: www.jacobgrier.com/blog/archives/2529.html In great spirits! Diane

Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Teal Stanley

Gin Mint Lemonade 2 oz. Organic Nation Gin 2-3 sugar cubes muddled with 10 juicy mint leaves 3 lemon wedges - squeezed Shaken then top with soda Serve this one on the rocks ....or if you want an expert to mix this up for you, swing by the Bella Union Restaurant and Saloon and Teal will take care of it. She has her own mint patch on the garden patio. Teal's committed! She's been working at the Bella Union for 10 years, mixing drinks 6 days a week. She loves Mixology. Fresh and forward thinking when developing a drink, she also loves to take the tried and true classics and tweak them into a new variation or an all new cocktail. Need a bright spot at the end of your day? Teal Stanely and the Bella Union is it, always busy, always upbeat. Cheers! Amy
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Daniel Shoemaker

Smokin' Herb
Organic Nation gin
House dry vermouth
Floc de gascogne
Laphroig 15-yr. scotch
Absinthe rinse
The Teardrop lounge in Downtown Portland mixes up some tasty and out of this world cocktails. Mixologist Daniel Shoemaker sent this particular recipe my way coined for its representation of flavor reminiscent to the Native Oregonian. Teardrop Lounge focuses primarily on its beverages, and that it does very well.
Cheers!
Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

The Fresh Squeeze

stacks_image_201_1
O-N Vodka, fresh squeezed grapefruit, lemon, lime, and orange with just a touch of Chambord. Shaken and served up in a martini glass with a sugared rim…A little more sour than sweet!

Created by Mike Blakely, Bella Union Restaurant, Jacksonville, OR
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Leap Frog Highball

stacks_image_231_1
1 oz Organic Lemon Juice
2 oz. ORGANIC NATION gin
Ginger Ale 

Pour lemon juice and gin into ice-filled highball glass and fill with ginger ale. Stir!

Enjoyed by Mary Toney, Cascade Peak Spirits' former Productions Manager
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Pineapple Basil Martini

stacks_image_189_1
Pineapple Juice
2 lemon slices (squeezed) 
2 teaspoons of Fresh organic basil 
Full shot of O-N Vodka
Float of cassis

Shake the first 4 ingredients with ice into a martini glass allow some of the basil bits to float into the glass.
Add a small 1/4 shot float of Cassis to finish.
1/2 rim of sugar on the Martini glass

Created by Melodie Buell, Bartender at Standing Stone Restaurant, Ashland, OR
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Grapes of Gin and Ginger

stacks_image_222_1
16 oz glass
1 ¾ oz ORGANIC NATION gin 
5 red grapes 
½ teaspoon chopped fresh ginger, muddled 
Oregano Simple syrup 
Squeeze of fresh lime
Top with Soda water 

Lots of ice 

Created by Melodie Buell, Bartender at Standing Stone Restaurant, Ashland, OR
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Sean James

Limonata Organica
1 1/4 ounce Organic Nation Vodka
1/2 ounce Cointreau
3 ounce Peligrino Limonata

Fill a tall pretty glass with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel.
Be refreshed on a hot summer day.

When you've been in town for a long time, routines develop and you begin to rely on old memories. Sean at Callahans says, "Come on up!" Sean is the tall guy that you'll see when you walk in, the one keeping all the balls in the air. He loves the fast pace. I've watched him moving smoothly, mixing the perfect drinks while having two conversations, directing some other activity with a nod and smiling the entire time. This time of year at Callahans, sitting out on the deck over the waterfall or on the lush lawn for drinks and dinner, is the very best. The bar is beautiful too and the deeply cushioned chairs are hard to resist with your Limonata Organica or gin martini in hand. Once you're settled in, order your dinner and you'll be happy for the rest of the evening. Move out of your routine, bring your friends and cruise up to Callahans, what you've been wanting is here.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Mo Shean

Pearfecto
Organic Nation Vodka
White Cranberry Juice
Fresh Lime Juice
Mo's handcrafted Pear Mint Puree
Upon first sip of this delectable cocktail, summer sinks deep into your veins. The balance lets the vodka shine through and then a small essence of mint begins to take stage, getting stronger with each sip.
Mo (more formally known as Michael) brings over three decades of bartending mastery to Chloe, where he splits time as a Manager and Bartender. In his past days, he could be found slinging bottles for notable establishments such as Caesar's Palace, Spectrum Foods and Bradley Ogden's. Mo tosses around a special blend of charisma and attitude that keeps you wanting more cocktails and entertainment.
For a scrumptious list of cocktails (many of which feature Organic Nation Spirits) visit Chloe at FivePine in Sisters, Oregon. Cheers, Melodie
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Christopher Wells

Organic Pomegranate
1 1/2 ounces Organic Nation vodka
1 half squeeze of fresh lime
1 count Cointreau
1 1/2 ounces pom juice
Shake and serve up
Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds
Then just sip and chill....
Christopher is a welcoming face at Tease Restaurant.
He will likely be busy. But not too busy to set you up with your hearts desire. He can pour you your favorite classic cocktail or wow you with his newest drink. "I love to experiment," Christopher says, " I always start with fresh ingredients and combine them to create a drink that is both unique and tasty. " Looking around from the bar, the tables are crowded with diners enjoying a variety of tapas that span the ethnic cuisines. On your next cruise of the Ashland scene, swing in to Tease for Christopher's latest invention!
Comments (1)

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Salisha Early

The Gin Blossom
Organic Nation Gin
Fresh Grapefruit Juice
Cassis
Garnish with Oregon Blackberries and a sprig of Mint
Salisha's martini's are truly remarkable. But her new cocktail menu and the Gin Blossom has again put her and Larks on the map! If you want to relax and feel pampered, it's time to stop in and visit with Salisha to eat, drink or both. On a plate or in a glass, you will appreciate fresh fruits, veggies and herbs that are local, in season and likely organic. If she is not mixing your favorite cocktail, look for Salisha on the tennis or racquetball court, softball or excelling in other high energy sports. Salisha's big attraction is her fun loving attitude. She says if you're not having fun, then most likely your customers are not either. I've always had fun at Larks Restaurant, that's another reason it's on my favorites list.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Dan Stern

Corpse Reviver #9
1 3/4 oz Organic Nation Gin
3/4 oz Lillet (We use a house made version if you use a commercial lillet add honey syrup or simple syrup)
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/4 oz Lemon Juice
4 Dashes Peychaud's Bitters
Shake and Serve Up
Daniel Stern is the Captain of the Bar at Urban Farmer his recipe is loosely based upon Harry Craddock's "Corpse Reviver #2" from The Savoy Cocktail Book. Corpse Revivers were a popular category of drinks early in the 20th century that were intended to be used as restoratives from an evening of overindulgance. We use a house made lillet as the aperitif, which has been reformulated drastically since it's use by Harry Craddock in the 1930s. Urban Farmer also serves a house moonshine.
The prohibition era is the focus of their drink menu.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Summer Cocktails: Ginger Lime Drop

It's summer time!  Well almost.  I am going to bring you, from my own little collection, an array of cocktails you can craft from your home kitchen or whereever life has taken you, be-it on the river, camping, or on top of the Eiffel Tower. 

To get your season started off: 

Ginger Lime Drop
Fresh Chopped Ginger
Agave Syrup (pea size) 
Lime Juice (1 TBS)
Organic Nation Vodka (2oz) 
Shake with Ice
Serve up
Garnish with a Lime wheel

I originally made this cocktail at house party I had back in February.  A friends wife claimed she only liked super frilly drinks and swore she didn't like ginger.  The devil in me concocted this little number and she loved it. 
Cheers!   Melodie

If you have further questions on any of these drinks please feel free to email me: Melodie@OrganicNationSpirits.com

Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Columbine Quillin

I heard about Columbine through the rumor mill here in Bend, OR. Who is this cocktail master that I keep hearing of ?. . . finally we met. I was enjoying a necessary libation in salute to my friend's birthday at the Blacksmith. Mid buzz, a self assured sexy blonde woman comes over and offers her acquaintance. The rest? Is up to the future!
Here she is in her own words:
'There is no better smell than walking in the woods after a fresh rain with the crisp sent of juniper and there is nothing better than looking down and seeing a fresh blueberry bush in the middle of nowhere with rich ripe berries. This cocktail takes some of the best that the northwest has to offer (fresh mint, fresh blueberries, and fresh juniper berries) and whips these Northwest goodies into a cocktail.
JunBlueMint
2.5 ounces Organic Nation Gin
1.5 ounces fresh-squeezed lime juice
1.5 ounces juniper mint syrup
1 ounce organic blueberry purée
To make the juniper mint syrup take 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 cup organic mint, and 20 juniper berries and bring to a boil. Let cool, then strain the mint and juniper berries from the syrup.
As for the Blueberry purée, take one cup blueberries and purée in a blender. Add a hint of water if the purée is too pulpy.
Columbine Quillen can be found shaking away at the Blacksmith Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge in beautiful downtown Bend, Oregon.'
The Blacksmith offers up a host of lovely cocktails, a palette satiating menu and one of the few late night hotspots in Bend that you can really cut the rug!
Cheers, till the next amazing mixologist I come across.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Dan Keeton

Oregon-ic
Organic Nation Vodka
Fresh Squeezed Grapefruit
Handmade Ginger Syrup
Topped with Soda Water
Salt Spiced Rim
Don't be fooled by the sweet charisma and smiles, cause the attitude Dan delivers in a cocktail is full force. Driven by an age old love for classic cars, his cocktails see the same passion and respect.
You will be able to taste the Velvet Potions beginning at the end of May, 2009.
Dan Keeton is the GM and chief mixologist of Velvet, a new fine bar/lounge opening in Downtown Bend.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Jesse Cook

Jesse's Organic Gin Gimlet
Organic Nation Gin
Fresh Organic Limes
Splash of Fresh Organic Sweet and Sour
Shaken Vigorously with Ice and Attitude.
When I asked Jesse Cook of Standing Stone Brewing Co. what he had up his sleeve to tingle the pallet he reached for a classic with a twist.
He offered up his Organic Gin Gimlet, fully fresh and hand squeezed.
Jesse has been mixing drinks for at least 9 years, he can be found at Standing Stone Brewing Company Saturday Nights.
Comments

Stacks Image 2

Mixologist Spotlight: Chris Churilla

Truffle Shuffle: Organic Nation Gin Black Truffle Tincture Grand Marnier House Grenadine Lemon Twist Chris Churilla of Downward Dog in Corvallis spoke of his "speakeasy list" when I asked for a specialty cocktail, which holds the key to some his most creative cocktails. Rule one to this list, it is only available by request (they keep it 'locked- up') and rule two; you will be speaking jibberish if you ask anyone but owner Cloud Davidson or Chris to hear the list. Chris shared one of the drinks on this list featuring his own hand made tincture and Organic Nation Gin... I was lucky enough to have had this tasty Cocktail last time I was in town. Thanks Chris! Be sure to checkin each week to see what each mixologist of the week has mixed up! If you would like to have you and your Organic Nation Cocktail featured here email melodie@organicnationspirits.com
Comments

Stacks Image 2

See Older Posts...
© 2010 Cascade Peak Spirits