Hatch TitoRita

Try a spicy twist on a refreshing classic and mix up your next limeade with Hatch chile-infused Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

The Witch’s Heart – Halloween Cocktail

 

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Witches Heart Cocktail! The easy blackberry and apple cocktail with shimmery purple swirls is perfectly whimsical for Halloween! 🎃 

A post shared by Bar Divas of Austin (@bar_divas_of_austin) on Sep 13, 2018 at 8:00am PDT

 

Witches, monsters, vampires (even the namby-pamby, sparkling in the sun kind) and werewolves, on the other hand, have got nothing on Bar Divas of Austin Special Event Bartender for weddings and private events! We will hunt them down and kick their collective asses.   And that’s precisely how this dark magical potion, The Witch’s Heart came to be!

This year I’m remembering the dead with this beautiful Halloween cocktail that’s sure to impress everyone. And since kids aren’t the only ones who should get to enjoy chocolate this Halloween, I’ll be pairing this with a whole bag of chocolate too!

I was also partly inspired to make this cocktail by the TV show – Once Upon A Time. The show almost always depicts potions and magic spells in swirls of shimmering light and smoke. And of course who can forget Regina’s (when she used to be evil!) fondness for ripping out hearts! The result was the combination of homemade Blackberry shimmery Liqueur (purple shimmery liqueur). Apple brandy (or Apple vodka) & Grenadine and voilà – The Witch’s Heart Cocktail!

 

You guys are going to love this. It’s so simple to make and you can adapt it to your taste any way you want. Plus it looks so gorgeous you could make this for any kind of themed party too! I have made this cocktail using Viniq as well, and the flavor profile does change when you use Viniq as opposed to Blackberry liqueur (you can make original Viniq or flavored Viniq at home too!). Every time I walk past the liqueur section in the store, I linger a little longer in front of the Viniq. And every time, I pick it up, give it a couple of swirls to mix it and then put it back. 🙂

 

That beautiful purple colour with the shimmery liquid just calls out to me.  It’s what inspired me to create my own version at home, and create Purple Blackberry shimmery liqueur right at home. It looks so mesmerizing, it’s the perfect witch’s brew!

You can make this with Viniq, if you prefer. However, the flavor of the cocktail will change with Viniq. Plus, I am aware that not everyone has access to Viniq.

 

An optional choice would be to mix in some strained raspberry or strawberry puree. That could really kick up those flavours too.

The blackberry liqueur is delicious and sweet on its own, so paired with that, the apple brandy gives it even more of a fruity flavor. But you can pair it with any kind of flavored vodka that you like, to give it that extra boost of flavor.

Best Man Speech Tips, Tricks and Cheats

Write and deliver the perfect best man speech with this foolproof advice.

So you’re the best man. It’s a pretty good feeling when one of your friends or relatives deems you their right-hand guy. But lurking beyond the fun and harmless stuff—bachelor parties and dancing with the maid of honor, to name a couple—is your final big duty: the best man speech.

When it comes to public speaking, about 10 percent of the population loves it. And about 10 percent is deathly afraid of it. No matter which camp you fall into (you can do it!), you’re going to want to boost your chances of making your best man speech a hit by preparing well.

 

Best Man Speech Tips

There are a few great best man speech tips that boost your odds of success, says Dominic Bliss, wedding writer and author of Being the Best Man for Dummies.

1. Plan way ahead. “Start writing a best man speech at least two months before the wedding,” Bliss says. As the wedding nears, there are lots of events—suit fittings and a coed shower, perhaps—that could distract you from getting your writing done.
2. “Kick off with a killer opening line,” Bliss says. Get everyone’s attention and set the mood with a great one-liner joke to start your speech.
3. Make jokes about the groom but not the bride. Bliss says to keep any teasing focused on your buddy, whom we’re guessing you’re closer to.
4. Practice—with an audience. Even if you think you have this whole thing in the bag, practice delivering your speech out loud at least three times. Whip out your phone, take a video and watch the playback to get a feel for how it’s going. “Or send it to a close friend who won’t be going to the wedding and who can give you honest feedback,” Bliss says.
5. Write it down. Memorizing is fine if you have a great memory, but you’ll feel a lot more confident if you have a written speech. Nerves can mess with your memory! Bliss suggests using small note cards instead of a sheet of paper since they “won’t flap around.”
6. “Vary the pace and tone of your speech,” Bliss says. You know those movies that make you laugh, and then make you cry? Or have action and romance? Aim for that in your best man speech. Variety keeps a speech exciting and strikes the emotional chords of your audience.
7. Don’t mumble. “Enunciate your words loudly and clearly,” Bliss says. A great best man speech becomes dull if it’s delivered monotone—and it’s nonexistent if everyone is straining to hear you. Speak confidently!
8. Have a plan B. “If you feel your speech flagging, just turn toward the bride and announce loudly, ‘Doesn’t she look beautiful?!’ This will always get a cheer from your audience,” Bliss says.

How to Write a Best Man Speech

Writer’s block is no excuse for not starting a best man speech. All you’ve got to do is follow the below best man speech outline, which Bliss says is a pretty tried-and-true template for getting started. You don’t need to include all of these elements in your speech; instead, customize it to fit the couple, the event and your relationship with the groom. Take out any pieces that don’t quite work, then fill in the details.

Best Man Speech Outline

• Have a killer opening line.
• Thank the other speakers.
• Congratulate the wedding couple.
• Compliment the bride.
• Make a joke about the groom.
• Read messages from guests who couldn’t make it, if there are any.
• ·Quote a few famous lines or a poem.
• ·Propose a toast.

Best Man Speech Length

How long should a best man speech be? In general, keep the speech to about five minutes or less[EM3]. This is enough time to say something meaningful but not so long that your audience gets antsy. Of course, you also should adjust your speech length to the event. Bliss points out that a quickie Vegas wedding might call for a more brief speech, while at an all-day formal affair, you might be expected to speak for longer.

What To Avoid

There are a few topics to omit from your best man speech. No matter how funny you (and even the groom) might think they are, there’s bound to be someone who’s offended or put off if you mention:

• Negativity about marriage in general.
• Ex-girlfriends or boyfriends.
• Previous marriages/divorces.
• Drinks, drugs, gambling, STDs.
• “Adult” humor or any other mention of sex.

Best Man Speech Ideas

To come up with the best best man speech jokes and one-liners, think hard about the groom’s personality and the times you’ve shared with him. Would he mind it if you make fun of him a little, or is he more serious or shy? Is there a heartwarming story you can tell that others might not know about? What people will be attending the wedding and what kind of humor will they enjoy?

“Don’t try to be a stand-up comedian if it doesn’t come naturally,” Bliss says. “But embarrassing anecdotes from the groom’s youth are always funny.”

Best Man Speech Jokes and One-Liners

If you want to make a funny best man speech, consider poking some kind of fun at the groom. “Every groom will have some funny characteristic or quirk you can ridicule,” Bliss says. “As long as it’s something that everyone can appreciate, it’s sure to get a laugh. Avoid obscure references or inside jokes. You want older guests and those who don’t know him that well to see the funny side too.”

Circle J Vintage Cars, LLC, Premier Luxurious Special Transportation

About Circle J Vintage Cars, LLC.

We are located close to over 40 wedding and winery venues in the Dripping Springs area. We own our cars so there is never an issue where we are dependent on another supplier to provide a car for you. Our staff mechanic has over 30 years of experience maintaining high-end domestic and import cars, ensuring our cars are always in excellent shape and are ready to go.

We are active members of the Antique Automobile Club of America, the Lasalle and Cadillac Club, and the Rolls-Royce owner’s club. Our cars regularly appear in local car shows and have won many prizes.

 

See the Car Before You Decide

We offer this exclusive – if you are local and our schedules allow, we will bring the car to you to help you decide. Pictures do not do justice to any of our cars – seeing them in person is the best way to decide.

Give them a call to find out more:

To reserve a car or discuss how our cars can help make your special event extra special, call us at 512-649-2645 or 512-652-8832.

 

Email us

circlejvintagecars@gmail.com

 

 

 

The 1962 Bentley Series 2

 

One of the most sought-after designs of all time.

 

Circle J Ranch Vintage Cars, Bentley recently won First of Class at the Rolls-Royce and Bentley Owners Club Meet at Avery Island, Louisiana.  It is Georgian Silvery over Mason’s Black paint with the black leather interior.  Grain-match burl wood adorns the doors and the sweeping, all wood dash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glowing Testimonials:

Thank you so much!! It was better than expected. The red carpet was great as well as the driver in formal chauffeur’s attire. We had many comments and inquiries about your service and the car. Way Better than getting a limo. Thank you for your professionalism and sharing your vintage Cadillac to complete our daughter’s wedding.

–Cheri, Mother of the Bride, Wedding at One World Theater, Austin, Texas

I thought it all went very well.  You arrived in plenty of time and had the car all set up for the Grand Send Off.  From my perspective, your service was great!

–Kim, Partner at Right Before I Do Wedding Coordinator and Planning Services of Austin, Wedding at One World Theater

What a great surprise. I came in town for the Lone Star Round Up Car Show and my sister arranged for me to be picked up at the airport in a 1941 Cadillac. When the car pulled up to the curb, everyone stopped and wondered who was being picked up in such a beautiful car. Turned out to be me! I was chauffeured all weekend in the car and it was a wonderful treat.

–Harry from Arizona

Your service was great and the family was very happy with your service as well.

–Thirty Day Dash Wedding Coordinators of Austin, Wedding at Texas Old Town –

We were so pleased with your services. The newlyweds were just thrilled! They have a lot of single friends and we will all share your business information and let others know what a pleasure it was dealing with you. What a fabulous ending to the day!

–Mother-of-the-bride, The Inn at Wild Rose Hall, February 2017 –

How To Make An Old Fashioned Cocktail

Here’s how to make an old-fashioned cocktail. This is the best recipe around, trust us.

 

 

For decades, the Old Fashioned cocktail has held icon status among whiskey aficionados and drink-recipe-Luddites. And what’s not to love? Traditional ingredients tried and accurate combinations and a name that unabashedly refuses to be modern. But all this reverence has made the Old Fashioned drink unapproachable. Beginning craft-cocktail enthusiasts don’t want to call the wrong type of whiskey, and home bartenders are afraid to mix the ingredients incorrectly. Do not fear, would-be mixologists! Here is everything you need to know about how to make an Old Fashioned cocktail that’s unbeatable, along with a little history to make you sound smart when you make one.

 

What is an Old Fashioned Cocktail?
Even though the name first appeared in print back in 1862, it wasn’t associated with the mixed drink we know and love today. History officially traces the origin of the Old Fashioned drink of today back to Louisville, Kentucky in the 1880s. It’s said that James E. Pepper invented the recipe, which quickly gained local popularity, and spread to nearby cities such as St. Louis, Nashville, and Chicago. The first book to put the recipe into print was the 1895 edition of Modern American Drinks. Since then, the original Old Fashioned has survived Prohibition, Mad Men, and the corporatization of the American distilling industry.

 

Gold Rim Old Fashioned Glass

Essential Ingredients
There are four essential ingredients in an Old Fashioned cocktail. Depending on where you are (and personal taste), you can take some liberties with the garnish. However, these components cannot be compromised.

 

Sugar
Ideally, you need to use white sugar cubes. This will give you the original flavor and texture. It’s not technically incorrect to substitute brown sugar cubes or loose granulated sugar, but that should be a last resort. White sugar cubes pack an intense burst of sweetness, also help you get the proportions right without the need for measuring spoons.

 

Angostura Bitters
Highly concentrated and distinctive, the Angostura bitters flavor works best. Bitters are made from concentrated botanicals, and every brand uses a different blend. Some bartenders will substitute Peychaud’s Bitters, now made in Kentucky, especially when using bourbon. You’ll find that Angostura bitters use a unique balance of herbs and spices that are a more suitable fit for the Old Fashioned drink.

 

Water & Ice
It is easy to take water and ice for granted, but because we are working with subtle flavors in this cocktail, you need to use filtered or distilled water, both as a mixer and when making your ice. Any hint of chlorine or tap water taste will be very apparent, so plan and set aside some perfectly pure water and ice cubes before you start mixing.

 

The Whiskey
You might find a bartender that has a passionate opinion as to the kind of whiskey you need when making an Old Fashioned, but most experts agree that both bourbon and rye are acceptable. Bourbon will give you fuller, more vibrant flavors, and potentially extra sweetness. An Old Fashioned with rye will be dry tasting and possibly offer a bit more spice.

 

Original Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned Cocktail Recipes
In honor of the four essential ingredients, we’ve pulled together four different Old Fashioned cocktail recipes, from traditional to something with a twist. Start with the original, and work your way through the variations to come up with a signature recipe of your own that highlights your favorite flavors while honoring the legacy.

From Bartender’s Guide, Published 1947:
1/2 cube sugar
1 dash Angostura bitters
1 squirt seltzer
1 1/2 oz rye or bourbon
Muddle sugar and bitters; add ice and whiskey; stir and decorate with cherry and slice of orange on a toothpick.

From Cocktail Chemistry Lab:
2 oz (60ml) bourbon or rye
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 sugar cube
Orange twist
Add the sugar cube to a rocks glass. Drop two dashes of bitters and a bar spoon of water onto the sugar cube. Muddle the bitters and water into the sugar until sugar is dissolved. Add the rye or bourbon, stir. Add a large chunk of ice or two and stir until chilled. Twist a large piece of orange zest over the drink and drop into the glass.

Alternate Version From Bartender’s Guide, Published 1947:
1/2 cube sugar
2 dashes Angostura bitters
2 dashes curaçao
1 1/2 oz bourbon
1 strip orange peel
1 strip lemon peel
Muddle sugar and bitters, add a cube of ice, curaçao, and whiskey; stir and decorate with a slice of pineapple.

Sour-Cherry Old Fashioned, From Bevspot:
2 Sour Cherries stemmed and pitted
1 Orange Peel Strip
1 Sugar Cube
2 or 3 Dashes of Bitters
2 oz Rye or Bourbon
Put the cherries, orange peel, and bitters into an Old-Fashioned glass. Crush the cherries and sugar with a muddler. Fill the glass with ice. Add whiskey. Stir until drink is cold.

20 Things You MUST Know If You’re Having an Open Bar

 

Open bars have become a staple at wedding receptions, but they can often be a stress-inducing part of wedding planning, especially if you don’t know much about the protocol and cost of serving liquor to a large group.

 

What does a typical open bar include?

Your typical open bar should include the basics, 2 or 3 beer choices, 2 or 3 wine choices and your basic liquors such as whiskey, bourbon, vodka, rum, gin, scotch and tequila. Along with your basic mixers such as juices, tonic, club soda, assorted sodas, sweet and sour, and garnishes. With these basic ingredients a mixologist can make hundreds of cocktails.

An open bar can be as simple as beer and wine and be as complicated as specialty crafted cocktails. The decision is ultimately up to the client but generally, a fair selection of beer, wine, and liquor to accommodate all taste buds and drinking preferences.

 

What are some budget-friendly ways to have an open bar?

Buy from a liquor store that lets you return unopened products for a refund.

Consider working with your bartending company to create a custom liquor package.

Be sure to purchase alcohol through a licensed vendor who shops at a warehouse or gets discounts on alcohol.

Forego the champagne toast, let them toast with what they are already drinking. This saves not only on champagne cost but the rentals of the flutes as well.

 

Are there any etiquette rules associated with having an open bar?

The bartender should know and stand by when to cut off service to any particular person that has drunk too much.

Tip jars are appreciated but not always appropriate. If you wish to forgo the tip jar, a tip is appreciated at the end of the event for excellent service. The average event tip amount per bartender is $100.

Always keep in mind you or your guests can’t serve themselves alcohol a TABC certified and insured bartender must serve it.

We only serve to 21 and up with a valid state issued ID card.  We will not allow underage drinking even with the consent of parent or guardian.

Our top priority is safety and adopted for some time a company-wide no shot policy.  It is our obligation that everyone can make it home safely after the special celebration.

Guests who are exhibiting behaviors indicating being impaired, ie glossy eyes, slurred speech, inability to maintain balance will be cut off and offered water for the remainder of the event.  Some may see this as a party crasher but the reality of a catastrophic accident after the event is authentic and we will ensure everyone keeps their celebration safe and moderated.

 

Are there different types/styles of open bars?

Build a bar for your taste or attitude. Things such as your signature drinks named alike are a great way to clue guests into a little bit about who you are and what your interests are.

Tiki-themed bars with mimosas, margaritas and such are great summer bars. Martini / whiskey-themed bars are favorite now, and premium bars can offer top-shelf alcohol, usually with a high-end tequila as well,” says Hines of Bartenders Express.

It can range from a basic open bar (vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, tequila, beer, and wine) with good alcohol or a specialty craft or themed menu with top-shelf alcohol.

 

Why should couples invest in an open bar?

It’s just for everyone to have fun. This is a memorable day and having a few drinks and dancing makes it even more memorable. You want your guest to be relaxed and enjoy themselves.

Open bars provide a client’s guest options in what to drink. They also take the pressure off of guests to carry cash with them and also speeds up lines (because paying for drinks takes a right amount of time – opening tabs is time consuming)

 

Katy & Rafael Wedding Film & Photos

 

We want to share the incredible magic of Katy & Rafael’s wedding with their film and photo shoot.  The talent of Ladybird Studios created this fantastic video at the gorgeous Canyonwood Ridge venue in Dripping Springs Texas.

 

How Much Alcohol Should We Serve at the Wedding Reception?

 

Providing alcoholic beverages for your entire wedding guest list can be a significant drain on the wedding budget, so many brides and grooms opt to save a little money by stocking the bar themselves (if their venue or caterer allows, of course). This cost-effective solution raises a vital question: How much beer, wine, and liquor should we serve? We’ve broken down the calculations. Your best Austin area bartenders at Bar Divas of Austin can help with your wedding and special event bartending needs.

 

 

Choose a Bar Type

When it comes to reception bars, brides and grooms have a few different set-up choices: open bar, beer and wine bar, and cash-only bar. An open bar, which is the most common and priciest option, allows guests to drink anything they want without limit. To save money, some brides and grooms opt instead for a beer and wine bar—sometimes adding signature cocktails or select liquors to the mix. Finally, a couple can have a cash-only bar, which is typically fully stocked but requires guests to pay for their beverages. We don’t recommend the latter, as many guests will see this as rude. It’s better to provide a limited bar than to ask your attendees to pay per drink.

 

Understand Your Crowd

Before buying alcohol, estimate how many people will drink at your reception and whether they’re light, moderate, or heavy drinkers. Then consider your guests’ beverage preferences. If you’ve invited many wine enthusiasts, for example, offer plenty of reds and whites. On the other hand, if your relatives prefer rum, make sure to have sufficient amounts of the liquor (as well as appropriate mixers) on hand.

 

Consider the Timing

The reception time also affects how much alcohol to serve. If you’re tying the knot in the morning or early afternoon, guests will be less inclined to drink than at a nighttime celebration. Similarly, expect guests to indulge more on the weekends than during the week.

 

Breaking Down the Calculations

As a general rule of thumb, plan to serve one drink per guest per hour of the reception. In other words, if you’re having a four-hour reception with 100 guests, provide 400 servings of alcohol. Full bars typically offer beer, wine, and liquor. The exact ratio to supply of each type will depend upon your guests’ preferences and your budget, but you can follow a standard guideline when determining the amount to serve: 50% wine, 20% beer, and 30% liquor. If you’re having 100 guests and a four-hour reception, for example, you’d purchase 200 servings of wine, 80 servings of beer, and 60 servings of liquor. In addition, you’ll want to provide plenty of options; this means at least one type of red and one type of white wine, a few varieties of beer, and a handful of liquors and mixers.

 

If you’re only serving beer and wine, the exact amount to serve again depends on your guests’ preferences, the reception time, and the season. A safe estimate would be 75% wine and 25% beer. Say, for example, you’re having 100 guests at a four-hour reception, then you’d buy enough for 300 servings of wine and 100 servings of beer.

 

 

4 Rules of Selecting Your Wedding Cocktail