Shake It Up!

Welcome to "SHAKE IT UP!", the official blog of Signature David!

I am so excited that you have stopped by to take a peak at "SHAKE IT UP!" , my dyamic showcase of everything Signature David.   Here you will find my latest and hottest Signature David cocktail creations; ideas on entertaining; travel, restaurant and club reviews and all the current news about Signature David. I'll also be taking note of the funny side of life in my reoccurring posts, "The Final Shake!" and  "Signature David Exposed!"  Also, please visit my website  www.signaturedavid.com for more information about Signature David and me.

Now, go out there and "SHAKE IT UP!"

Cheers!  David

California Dreaming...Why I Love the Golden State, Vol. 2

If there's one thing you all know about me, I love someone who is in the know and on the go!  And that's exactly what you'll find with the uber fabulous, super hip and incredibly knowledgable Stevie Wilson and her wonderful LA-Story blog. If it's the LA lifestyle you are after, Stevie is your girl.  Her blog is chocked full of the latest and greatest in news, entertainment, travel, hotels and restaurant reviews, fashion and glamour, food and drink, and all the latest and hottest trends from La-La-Land.  So, whether you live in So Cal or just want that peak into the LA lifestyle, Stevie Wilson's LA-Story (www.LA-Story.com) is the place to go and you too will be on the know.  This is one site you are going to want to put on your list of favorites!!!

In fact, head to www.LA-Story.com right now and listen to the great podcast where Stevie and I talk mixology! Stevie and I chat it up about great summer pitcher cocktails and as always the conversation somehow turns to our favorite topic CHOCOLATE! 

LA-Story and Stevie Wilson..two more great reasons why I LOVE the Golden State!

Cheers!  David

The Final Shake! Signature David's "INS" and "OUTS" of Party Giving - Summer 2009 Edition

We all love a great party, especially when you're a guest, but how about when you're the host?  Here are my tips for throwing a party that will be talked about for years to come, or at least until you throw you're next one!

What's In...

Less is More! - We're in a recession, baby, and now is NOT the time to outdo the Jones!

Create a Fun Theme! - Not every party has to revolve around the summer's 3 big days (Memorial Day, the 4th and Labor Day)  Scour your history books and check out some over looked dates.  How about a French-themed Bastille Day Party (July 14th) where you dress up as Marie Antionette, let your guests eat some cake and then lock them all up?  For added fun send your least favorite guest to the guiollotine.  Other dates to consider:  National Creamsicle Day (YUM!) August 14th, Wiggle Your Toes Day - August 6th and don't forget to bring the sun block and your binoculars for National Nude Day - July 16th.  Whatever you do, please avoid August 15th as it is National Failures Day and that means your party will surely suck!  For a complete list of lesser known holidays to build your party around, visit "Bizarre American Holidays" @ http://library.thinkquest.org/2886/ 

Don't Overlook the Bar! - Someone once said to me, "What are the two things you always remember from a wedding?"  I, of course, responded "Taking bets on how long the marriage will last!" to which he said, "Well, yes, but more importantly, did you have fun and did you get drunk!"  Hmmmm...sage advice I thought and the point was this...so much of the time too much attention is paid to food and decorations, etc. while the bar plays second fiddle.  My suggestion is to create some really great pitcher cocktails to offer your guests rather than serving up a full bar.  Pitcher cocktails can be really fun, festive and easy to make and can quench the thirst of many without taxing your wallet.  See my "Watermelon", "Lemonade" and "Aquatini" pitcher cocktails below!

Flowers Make Wonderful Garnishes! - While we're talking bar talk, consider ditching those tired old lemons and limes, unless, of course, you are making my LEMONADE PITCHER COCKTAIL...and top off those cocktails with fresh flowers. Roses are plentiful this time of year, quite possibly growing in your own garden and really make a beautiful statement atop a great cocktail. And, have you seen how many petals a rose has???  Other beautiful and edible flowers include: dandelions, chrysanthemums, day lillies, lavender and violets.  For a complete listing of edible flowers check out this link:  http://whatscookingamerica.net/EdibleFlowers/EdibleFlowersMain.htm

Go Fresh! - Nothing says summer like fresh from the garden ingredients.  Grab a watermelon, some strawberries, blueberries and raspberries throw them in your food processor and puree, add some simple syrup, triple sec and your choice of vodak or rum and you've got a fabulous fun and fresh cocktail.  Top it off with a good but  inexpensive sparkling wine and your guests will never leave...ok, maybe that's not such a good idea!

What's Out...

Pigs in a Blanket! - Now I know I'm going to get a lot of grief some quarters in my family for saying this, but people let the piggies go!  I've never been able to understand the attachment to this icon of bad 1950's cuisine.  They look like dog treats and according to my pooch, Colt, who won't touch them either, dog food tastes better.  I recently lost a heck of a lot of respect for the Goddess of Daytime Cooking, Rachael Ray, when she tried to gussy them up and pass them off to her studio audience and viewers near and far!  If you really need a hot dog, fire up the damn grille!

Flavored Beers! - Yes, I admit that Bud Light Lime is kind of addictive, but how about just squeezing a fresh lime into your beer????  Enough said!

At Home Surprise Parties! - Come on, is anyone really fooled by the "sudden" deluge of cars in their driveway when they get home from a day of taking the kids to laser tag????

The "SWINE FLU" Party! - The perfect occasion for serving "pigs in a blanket", but otherwise a huge NO-NO!

When in Doubt...

Contact Signature David for all your party hosting needs!  From my "Just for You" signature cocktail creations to professional bartending services to the best tips and ideas on party planning, I am your resource.  For more information, please contact me at signaturedavid@gmail.com or via my cell at 860-759-0389.

Cheers!  David

Two for the Fourth! My "WATERMELON" and "LEMONADE" Pitcher Cocktails!

  

Ah, the Fourth of July!  Backyard barbecues, a day with friends at the beach and, of course, a fireworks show, with the the big finale always going off to the "1812 Overture!"  It's a red, white and blue extravaganza!  To help, you get in the mood of the day, I've created two really delicious and easy to make pitcher drinks, the "WATERMELON" and "LEMONADE" cocktails.  Team them up with the "AQUATINI" featured below and you have a triple play that can't be beat!

And, here's how you make them...

Watermelon
 
1/3 750 ml bottle of vodka 
8 oz watermelon liqueur
4 oz triple sec
4 oz fresh lime juice
8 oz sprite
 
Combine ingredients in a pitcher filled half way with ice and stir.  Garnish with watermelon balls placed inside the drink.
 
Lemonade
 
1/3 750 ml bottle of vodka
20 oz of lemonade
4 oz of Cointreau or triple sec
 
Combine ingredients in a pitcher ffilled half way with ice and stir.  Garnish with lemon and lime wheels placed randomly in the pitcher.  For added fun, use real pink lemonade and drizzle chambord into the bottom of each glass when poured.

Each pitcher will server between 4 to 6 of your thirstiest friends, and here's the best part, they can each be made for under $10. 

Have a safe and happy Fourth everyone!

Cheers!  David

Wildly Wonderful "WHITE SANGRIA!"

During my recent trip to Indianapolis, I attended a fabulous pool party where I had the opportunity to sample the most outrageously delicious "WHITE SANGRIA!"  I guess the word "sample" would be a gross understatement as I found myself going back to this wonderful sangria well over and over and over again. I simply couldn't get enough!   Created by Nic Hensley and Rob Hoaglin of Hoaglin Fine Catering (www.hoaglinfinecatering.com) and Hoaglin To Go Cafe & Marketplace, this sumptuous sangria is mouthwatering and the perfect libation for poolside sipping.  You have got to try it! 

Here's how you make it...

2 Bottles Champagne, 2 bottles of Pinot Grigio, 1 1/2 Quart Peach Nectar, 2 Gallons Orange Juice, 1 Quart Club Soda, 4 Peaches cut in quarters, 4 Oranges cut in quarters, 4 Lemons cut in quarters, and depending on the "crowd' you can add a 750 ml bottle of Mandarin or Orange Vodka.  (I say go for it!!!)

Combine the ingredients in a large cooler over ice, stir and serve.  This recipe should make approximately 5 gallons, enough to quench the thirst of any size summer gathering.

My thanks to Nic and Rob for sharing this unbelievable recipe with me and if you find yourself in Indianapolis anytime soon make sure you stop by their marketplace, grab a bite to eat and say hi. 

Cheers!

David

Quench Your Thirst With The "AQUATINI PUNCH!"

My new friends at the ultra fabulous Phoenix Theater of Indianapolis asked me to shake up a fun and festive summer cocktail for their QUENCH Patron Party last Friday to celebrate the opening of their latest play "OCTOPUS".  In keeping with this wonderfully wet theme, I could think of no better cocktail than my refreshing "AQUATINI PUNCH" with it's tangy tropical flavor and cool retro look.  

Here's how to quench your summer thirst  with your very own pitcher of "AQUATINI PUNCH!"

In a large pitcher, combine 1/3 of a 750 ml of vodka, 8 oz Dekuyper Island Blue Pucker, 8 oz white cranberry juice, 3 oz pineapple juice, 3 oz sour mix and 3 oz of Cointreau over ice.  Stir and serve.  For added fun garnish with pineapple rings and drizzle the top of the cocktail with Blue Curacao liqueur.

Kick back and drown your summer thrist!  And if you find yourself within range of Indy, run and go see "OCTOPUS"...it's a great show with a powerful and life affirming message.  It runs through July 11th!  To learn more about the Phoenix Theater and their production of "OCTOPUS" visit their website at http://www.phoenixtheatre.org/flash.html ).  Also, to have your very own Signature David cocktail created for your special event, please contact me at david@signaturedavid.com or via my website at www.signaturedavid.com.

BTW, I want to thank my good friends Steve and Keith for being such gracious hosts during my stay.  And to all my new Indy friends (too numerous to mention)...thank you for welcoming me with open arms and hearts.  I shall return....soon, I hope!

Cheers!  David

Chocolate Lovers Rejoice! Presenting the "EIGHTH DEADLY SIN!"

This is my lquid chocolate love shout out to Stevie Wilson of "LA STORY" blog fame (www.la-story.com) and her legion of readers and podcast listeners, who like me are choc-a-holics!  I was telling Stevie about this amazing concoction yesterday and I know I sped through the list of ingedients (all eight of them!) a bit too fast.  So, here it is my decadently delciious, "EIGHTH DEADLY SIN!" 

Here's how you make it....

Combine 1 oz vodka (p.i.n.k. vodka preferred), 1/2 oz Godiva Dark Liqueur, 1/2 oz Godiva White Liqueur, 1/2 Bailey's Irish Cream, 1/2 oz white creme de cocoa, 1/2 oz dark creme de cocoa, 1/2 oz Frangelico, 1/2 oz Chambord in a shaker full of ice and shake until frothy.   Strain into a well-chilled martini glass.  Garnish with 3 chocolate covered espresso beans. 

There you have it! My ultimate chocolate martini...the "EIGHTH DEADLY SIN!" 

Cheers and Enjoy!  David

There's Nothing Like the "LIFE OF REILLY!"

When you're name is "REILLY" you gotta know that your drink is gonna be GREEN.  This cocktail "shoutout" is to my rockin' new buddy, Billy Reilly.  Billy is my bartending brother, a big hearted, fun loving Irishmen whose a friend to everyone!  When I told Billy that I was going to create a cocktail in his honor he said "Go ahead, Brogan, but make sure it has vodka in it and it's green!"  So, here it is Billy, the "LIFE OF REILLY" cocktail.

And, here's how you make it....

In a rocks glass filled with ice combine 1 oz Grey Goose La Poire (pear) vodka, 3/4 oz Midori, 1/2 oz Cointreau, drizzle of fresh lime juice and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice.  Stir and top with Sprite.  Garnish with a lime wheel on the edge of the glass.

Now,if you see Billy Reilly anywhere....say at a "FASTEST BARTENDER CONTEST"...order him up one and give him a big hug for me! 

Cheers!  David

When in DC...Have a "WARNER!"

I was down in DC last week hanging with my new best friend the one and only, truly amazing, world record holding Billy Reilly, Commissioner of the Fastest Bartender Contest  (www.fastestbartender.net) and a member of the Bartender's Hall of Fame.  Billy knows every crack and crevice of the DC/VA bar circuit and he took me to one of his favorite new haunts, the Eventide (www.eventiderestaurant.com) , a fabulous new restaurant and bar in Arlington.  What a place!!!  Three fantastic floors of amazing food and drink topped off by a roof top bar with drop dead views of our nation's capital.  But, what really blew me away were the over the top cocktails prepared for us by the Eventide's master bartender, Steve Warner.  Steve is a true artist and is unbelievalby passionate about his craft.  The man can really make a drink.  I challenged him to give me his best shot and boy did he ever...a citrus rum explosion with hints of honey and topped off with egg white!  Sip after sip and sip all I could say was "OH MY GOD, this is the best cocktail I've ever had!" Pure mixology nirvana!  Steve didn't have a name for it, but I do...the "WARNER!" 

Here's how you make it....

1  oz       Bacardi Limon
½ oz       Cointreau
¼ oz       Lemon Juice
¾ oz       Orange Juice
¼ oz       Honey Syrup*
1  oz       Egg White from one large egg

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with no ice.  Shake hard for 20-25 seconds.  Add ice to the shaker and repeat shaking process.  Fine strain contents through a tea strainer into a chilled cocktail glass.  Garnish with an orange twist.

*Use any honey that you see fit (Steve uses Acacia honey).  Just mix 2 parts honey and 1 part water in a small saucepan; heat until incorporated and smooth.  Chill and bottle.

Thanks again, Steve....you are a true master.

Cheers!  David

The Eventide Restaurant is located at 3165 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA  (Clarendon Metro Stop). 

 

The Perfect Mango Martini!

There's nothing I love more than a fabulous Mango Martini!  If you'll remember, a few months back I presented my Mango/Habenero version, a racey little cocktail that evoked the sweetness of mango, orange and melon with warming heat from the wonderful habenero pepper.  But, now that it's summer, I'm taking Mango cool and classic.  A simple and elegant creation with notes of honey and apricot.

Follow my lead, and make your very own "PERFECT MANGO MARTINI"..

Muddle two generous slices of mango, a drizzle of honey infused simple syrup, and splash of fresh squeezed lemon at the bottom of a cocktail shaker.  Fill shaker with chipped ice and combine 2 oz of a premium vodka, 1 oz of apricot liqueur and a splash of Cointreau.  Shake well and strain into a well chilled martini glass.  Take one slice of mango and slice it from the top into thin ribbons and place the mango in the glass as a garnish.  Sit back and enjoy.

This drink goes out to my friend Dave from South Africa.  He's an amazing man with a heart as big as gold.  Here's to you Dave! 

Cheers!  David

Just for Memorial Day!

It's Memorial Day, the day we stop, remember and thank those who have made the ultimate sacrifice throughout our nation's history in defending our freedom.  We are also reminded that our freedoms are always under attack and that there are many brave men and women in all branches of the armed services protecting us on the seas, in the air and in far off places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. 

My good friend, Michael (US Navy) from San Diego, sent me two fantastic shot recipes that are well know with our Sailors and Marines.  I thought I would share them with you today.  So, if you see a man in uniform today and he looks thirsty, pull him aside and treat him to one of these....

Sempir Fidelis (Marines) - Goldschlager and Pomegranate Juice.

Anchors Away (Navy) - Goldschlager and Blue Curacao.

Thanks, Mike, for these great recipes.  Thanks to all our serviceman and women.  God Bless America!

Cheers!  David