http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/show/raising_the_bar From simple garnishes to the most complex molecular mixology, Jamie Boudreau takes you through tips and techniques that are paramount to today's bartender. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/739/raising_the_bar_wallingford/ Almost two years ago now, Jamie extolled the virtues of the Golden Ratio. As a formula for creating new cocktails, the Golden Ratio is 1.5 oz spirit : .75 oz aperitif : .25 oz liqueur. This combination almost always results in a delicious cocktail. If not, it can serve as the base for iteration. Get experimenting! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/739/raising_the_bar_wallingford/ extolled the virtues of the Golden Ratio. As a formula for creating new cocktails, the Golden Ratio is 1.5 oz spirit : .75 oz aperitif : .25 oz liqueur. This combination almost always results in a delicious cocktail. If not, it can serve as the base for iteration. Get experimenting!]]> Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:28:59 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/713/raising_the_bar_sangria/ Summer is here! Savour the heat by quenching your thirst with a fortified Sangria Blanc. Nothing could be simpler than grabbing a pitcher, your favorite seasonal fruit, a nice white wine, gin and a tasty liqueur and mixing it up for your friends. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/713/raising_the_bar_sangria/ Wed, 07 Nov 2012 16:28:23 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/729/raising_the_bar_ruban_bleu_2/ Carbonating and bottling cocktails is a great way to batch cocktails for your bar or for fun at home. Using great ingredients, like Martin Miller's Gin and adding bubbles also makes any cocktail a more refreshing drinking experience. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/729/raising_the_bar_ruban_bleu_2/ Martin Miller's Gin and adding bubbles also makes any cocktail a more refreshing drinking experience.]]> Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:58:28 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/721/raising_the_bar_rha_rha_number_two/ An abundance of fruit and produce presents itself in the summer and thus it is the perfect season for making a shrub. Made simply by combining fruit based syrup (think of simple syrup made with fruit juice instead of water) and vinegar, shrubs are a great way of imparting sweet fruit flavors and delicious acidity to a cocktail. In this case, Jamie utilizes a rhubarb shrub that combines beautifully with a citrus forward gin like Martin Miller's. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/721/raising_the_bar_rha_rha_number_two/ Martin Miller's.]]> Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:18:36 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/700/raising_the_bar_evergreen_swizzle/ The swizzle, a style of cocktail utilizing crushed ice, typically made with rum and given a good mixing with a swizzle stick, is a perfect drink for the approaching Summer. In this swizzle, Jamie utilizes Edinburgh Gin, a new gin on the market. With wonderful floral tones and resounding pine notes, it is the perfect gin for the Evergreen Swizzle. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/700/raising_the_bar_evergreen_swizzle/ Edinburgh Gin, a new gin on the market. With wonderful floral tones and resounding pine notes, it is the perfect gin for the Evergreen Swizzle.]]> Tue, 29 May 2012 16:57:24 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/677/raising_the_bar_trade_up_winner/ The winner of the Martin Miller's Gin 'Trade Up' competition is the Strega Sour from Junior Ryan of Clyde Common in Portland, OR. Junior found the Strega Sour in the Playboy Host and Bar Book and traded it up using Martin Miller's Gin and the addition of egg white and house-made honey and earl grey syrup. To see Junior making his traded up Strega Sour, check out this link: Junior Ryan Strega Sour. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/677/raising_the_bar_trade_up_winner/ Clyde Common in Portland, OR. Junior found the Strega Sour in the Playboy Host and Bar Book and traded it up using Martin Miller's Gin and the addition of egg white and house-made honey and earl grey syrup. To see Junior making his traded up Strega Sour, check out this link: Junior Ryan Strega Sour. ]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:03:30 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/671/raising_the_bar_kentucky_medicine/ Jamie brings back the "golden ratio" and discusses proper technique when opening a corked bottle of wine or vermouth. The resulting cocktail, Kentucky Medicine, will surely cure what ails you this Winter season. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/671/raising_the_bar_kentucky_medicine/ "golden ratio" and discusses proper technique when opening a corked bottle of wine or vermouth. The resulting cocktail, Kentucky Medicine, will surely cure what ails you this Winter season. ]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:22:09 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/669/raising_the_bar_pumpkin_king/ The Pumpkin King was inspired by the great seasonal pumpkin ales that pop up this time of year. Jamie uses Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Southern Tier Brewing Co. to create a beer liqueur which he uses as the foundation for the cocktail. With its soft yet rich flavor, Pigs Nose Scotch Whisky is the perfect compliment to the deep spice of the hand made beer liqueur. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/669/raising_the_bar_pumpkin_king/ Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale from Southern Tier Brewing Co. to create a beer liqueur which he uses as the foundation for the cocktail. With its soft yet rich flavor, Pigs Nose Scotch Whisky is the perfect compliment to the deep spice of the hand made beer liqueur. ]]> Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:55:24 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/666/raising_the_bar_WTF/ There are ingredients sitting in your back bar that you just don't like. Maybe it is just because you haven't taken the time to get to know them. The WTF cocktail is a cocktail made with some of those ingredients Jamie took the time to experiment with. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/666/raising_the_bar_WTF/ Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:04:37 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/661/raising_the_bar_whitehook/ Created by the former Milk & Honey bartender Enzo Errico, the Redhook Cocktail has become a modern day classic. Using Headlong White Dog Whiskey from Woodinville Whiskey Co., Jamie concocts a variation on the Redhook he calls the Whitehook. Barrel aged for almost three months, Jamie prefers to drink and serve the resulting liqueur straight without dilution. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/661/raising_the_bar_whitehook/ Headlong White Dog Whiskey from Woodinville Whiskey Co., Jamie concocts a variation on the Redhook he calls the Whitehook. Barrel aged for almost three months, Jamie prefers to drink and serve the resulting liqueur straight without dilution. ]]> Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:51:37 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/660/raising_the_bar_aromatic_collins/ Bitters have been an ingredient in cocktails since the birth of the art form. Some would say that a cocktail is not truly a cocktail without bitters. Even so, it is rare to find a cocktail that utilizes more than a dash or two. Not so with the Aromatic Collins. A lover of bitters, Jamie Boudreau uses an entire ounce of Angostura Bitters in this creation. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/660/raising_the_bar_aromatic_collins/ Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:49:36 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/657/raising_the_bar_green_blazer/ You have seen Jamie concoct Blue Blazer style drinks before. Here is a new twist that is perfect for the cold weather ahead, the Green Blazer. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/657/raising_the_bar_green_blazer/ Blue Blazer style drinks before. Here is a new twist that is perfect for the cold weather ahead, the Green Blazer. ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:09:33 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/583/mcc_three_mixologists_seminar_margarita/ In 2011, Jamie joined Liquid Kitchen host, Kathy Casey and Portfolio Ambassador for William Grant and Sons, Charlotte Voisey for a unique and entertaining seminar during the recent Manhattan Cocktail Classic. This seminar, sponsored by Hudson Whiskey, Hendrick's Gin and Milagro Tequila, led attendees through the thought process that these three mixologists go through when creating a cocktail. In this episode, they tackle how to make a Margarita three different ways. You can watch Kathy make her variation, the Black and Blue Cadillac Margarita with Grand Marnier Foam, here. Join Small Screen, William Grant & Sons and Charlotte Voisey during Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2013 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/583/mcc_three_mixologists_seminar_margarita/ Liquid Kitchen host, Kathy Casey and Portfolio Ambassador for William Grant and Sons, Charlotte Voisey for a unique and entertaining seminar during the recent Manhattan Cocktail Classic. This seminar, sponsored by Hudson Whiskey, Hendrick's Gin and Milagro Tequila, led attendees through the thought process that these three mixologists go through when creating a cocktail. In this episode, they tackle how to make a Margarita three different ways. You can watch Kathy make her variation, the Black and Blue Cadillac Margarita with Grand Marnier Foam, here. Join Small Screen, William Grant & Sons and Charlotte Voisey during Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2013]]> Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:01:02 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/576/mcc_three_mixologists_seminar_french_75/ In 2011, Jamie joined Liquid Kitchen host, Kathy Casey and Portfolio Ambassador for William Grant and Sons, Charlotte Voisey for a unique and entertaining seminar during Manhattan Cocktail Classic. This seminar, sponsored by Hudson Whiskey, Hendrick's Gin and Milagro Tequila, led attendees through the thought process that these three mixologists go through when creating a cocktail. In this episode, they tackle the French 75 Cocktail. You can watch Kathy make her variation, the Citrus 75, here. Join Small Screen, William Grant & Sons and Charlotte Voisey during Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2013 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/576/mcc_three_mixologists_seminar_french_75/ Liquid Kitchen host, Kathy Casey and Portfolio Ambassador for William Grant and Sons, Charlotte Voisey for a unique and entertaining seminar during Manhattan Cocktail Classic. This seminar, sponsored by Hudson Whiskey, Hendrick's Gin and Milagro Tequila, led attendees through the thought process that these three mixologists go through when creating a cocktail. In this episode, they tackle the French 75 Cocktail. You can watch Kathy make her variation, the Citrus 75, here. Join Small Screen, William Grant & Sons and Charlotte Voisey during Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2013]]> Tue, 31 May 2011 20:15:47 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/572/mcc_three_mixologists_seminar_old_fashioned/ In 2011, Jamie joined Liquid Kitchen host, Kathy Casey and Portfolio Ambassador for William Grant and Sons, Charlotte Voisey for a unique and entertaining seminar during the recent Manhattan Cocktail Classic. This seminar, sponsored by Hudson Whiskey, Hendrick's Gin and Milagro Tequila, led attendees through the thought process that these three mixologists go through when creating a cocktail. In this episode, they tackle the Old Fashioned Cocktail. You can watch Jamie make his variation, the Machine Head, here. Join Small Screen, William Grant & Sons and Charlotte Voisey during Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2013 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/572/mcc_three_mixologists_seminar_old_fashioned/ Liquid Kitchen host, Kathy Casey and Portfolio Ambassador for William Grant and Sons, Charlotte Voisey for a unique and entertaining seminar during the recent Manhattan Cocktail Classic. This seminar, sponsored by Hudson Whiskey, Hendrick's Gin and Milagro Tequila, led attendees through the thought process that these three mixologists go through when creating a cocktail. In this episode, they tackle the Old Fashioned Cocktail. You can watch Jamie make his variation, the Machine Head, here. Join Small Screen, William Grant & Sons and Charlotte Voisey during Manhattan Cocktail Classic 2013]]> Tue, 24 May 2011 15:22:58 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/559/raising_the_bar_margarita_cointreau_ravioli/ The Margarita is traditionally made with little variation. Those who like it simple, keep to three ingredients: simple syrup, lime juice and tequila. Delicious! Jamie Boudreau steps it up a notch with help from a kit assembled by Cointreau (watch Jamie make Cointreau pearls here) whose purpose is to streamline the production of flavored pearls and, in this case, what Jamie calls "ravioli". This deconstructed Margarita pairs the typical trifecta of ingredients above with a spoonful of encapsulated Cointreau for a flavorful and unique imbibing experience. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/559/raising_the_bar_margarita_cointreau_ravioli/ here) whose purpose is to streamline the production of flavored pearls and, in this case, what Jamie calls "ravioli". This deconstructed Margarita pairs the typical trifecta of ingredients above with a spoonful of encapsulated Cointreau for a flavorful and unique imbibing experience. ]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 13:20:38 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/554/raising_the_bar_cointreau_pearls/ In an earlier episode of The Cocktail Spirit with Robert Hess, guest Jamie Boudreau demonstrated how to make flavorful spheres of caviar or pearls out of gelatin. Since then, Cointreau has put together an amazing kit using state of the art tools, ingredients and technique. They were kind enough to send a kit to Jamie so he could work his magic. As Jamie demonstrates, the addition of gold flakes to the pearls created with the Cointreau system add elegance to a simple glass of champagne. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/554/raising_the_bar_cointreau_pearls/ Jamie Boudreau demonstrated how to make flavorful spheres of caviar or pearls out of gelatin. Since then, Cointreau has put together an amazing kit using state of the art tools, ingredients and technique. They were kind enough to send a kit to Jamie so he could work his magic. As Jamie demonstrates, the addition of gold flakes to the pearls created with the Cointreau system add elegance to a simple glass of champagne.]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:57:41 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/531/raising_the_bar_celery_sipper/ Spring has sprung and it is time to discover light and refreshing cocktails to be sipped in the sunshine. Most often used as a garnish, celery is often overlooked as an ingredient. Its vegetal aroma and flavor is off-putting to some but combined with a touch of acid and a bit of sweetness, then spread evenly with vodka, it creates a backbone of flavor that is at once robust and refreshing. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/531/raising_the_bar_celery_sipper/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:15:39 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/528/raising_the_bar_embalmer/ Thyme has many uses, the most obvious being culinary. Because of its antiseptic qualities, in ancient times, it was used as an embalming agent. No doubt the aromatics aided in suppressing odors related to the decomposition of the body. Here, Jamie uses thyme strictly as an aromatic. Although, it may help preserve your liver! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/528/raising_the_bar_embalmer/ Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:29:46 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/517/raising_the_bar_gunpowder_and_smoke/ Just as in the Cubed Old Fashioned and the old fashioned simple syrup therein, making your own ingredients takes your cocktails to the next level of flavor. In the Gunpowder and Smoke, a liqueur created using gunpowder tea infused cognac mixed with sugar provides a backbone to which all the other ingredients attach and compliment. For the smoke: a bit of flamed Scotch to top it off! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/517/raising_the_bar_gunpowder_and_smoke/ Cubed Old Fashioned and the old fashioned simple syrup therein, making your own ingredients takes your cocktails to the next level of flavor. In the Gunpowder and Smoke, a liqueur created using gunpowder tea infused cognac mixed with sugar provides a backbone to which all the other ingredients attach and compliment. For the smoke: a bit of flamed Scotch to top it off! ]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:13:07 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/514/raising_the_bar_petruccio/ The Petruchio Cocktail shows how egg white and rich simple syrup can be used in a cocktail to create mouth fell and texture. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/514/raising_the_bar_petruccio/ egg white and rich simple syrup can be used in a cocktail to create mouth fell and texture. ]]> Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:04:13 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/510/raising_the_bar_monstre_verte/ Basil is not just for cooking in Italian food. It is wonderful when used just like mint in a mojito or mint julep and adds a depth of green, earthy aroma and flavor to a drink like the Monstre Verte. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/510/raising_the_bar_monstre_verte/ used just like mint in a mojito or mint julep and adds a depth of green, earthy aroma and flavor to a drink like the Monstre Verte. ]]> Tue, 01 Mar 2011 18:46:20 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/507/raising_the_bar_denny_triangle/ The Denny Triangle is a pre-gentrified area in Seattle near the Space Needle. It is dirty and funky but in it you can find fantasticly delicious hidden pleasures. Thus, this little enclave was the inspiration for the Denny Triangle Cocktail; it is a bit funky but absolutely delicious! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/507/raising_the_bar_denny_triangle/ Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:29:14 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/504/raising_the_bar_negroni_carbonated/ Everything is better with bubbles. Classic cocktails like the Negroni can be lifted into the stratosphere with a bit of carbonation. Devices like the Perlini System and the new iSi Twist 'n Sparkle (seen here in use by Marcel Vigneron on Hanging with Harris) make carbonated cocktails and other beverages simple. Whether you are a pro behind the bar or just want to impress your friends at home, adding bubbles is a fun and unique way to add texture and flavor to old favorites. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/504/raising_the_bar_negroni_carbonated/ Perlini System and the new iSi Twist 'n Sparkle (seen here in use by Marcel Vigneron on Hanging with Harris) make carbonated cocktails and other beverages simple. Whether you are a pro behind the bar or just want to impress your friends at home, adding bubbles is a fun and unique way to add texture and flavor to old favorites. ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 15:30:11 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/499/raising_the_bar_rubicon/ Herbs can provide an amazing back drop to a cocktail. The Rubicon makes great use of rosemary and the herbal liqueur chartreuse. Both are a perfect compliment to gin and create a very refreshing libation. Oh, and don't forget your lighter; this one needs a bit of a flambé! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/499/raising_the_bar_rubicon/ Tue, 08 Feb 2011 14:47:33 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/497/raising_the_bar_cubed_old_fashioned/ The Old Fashioned Cocktail is simple yet multidimensional. Its few ingredients combine to create what some consider the perfect cocktail. You can make old fashioned cocktails with any spirit; rum and tequila both make a wonderful old fashioned. But why not try multiple spirits and multiple bitters for that matter? The Cubed Old Fashioned could just take you to the fourth dimension! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/497/raising_the_bar_cubed_old_fashioned/ Old Fashioned Cocktail is simple yet multidimensional. Its few ingredients combine to create what some consider the perfect cocktail. You can make old fashioned cocktails with any spirit; rum and tequila both make a wonderful old fashioned. But why not try multiple spirits and multiple bitters for that matter? The Cubed Old Fashioned could just take you to the fourth dimension! ]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:31:59 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/492/raising_the_bar_black_donald/ The Tom Collins is probably the most recognizable highball style cocktail. Another classic highball is the El Diablo. The Black Donald is essentially an El Diablo using Scotch in place of Tequila and Drambuie in place of Creme de Cassis. Grab your nearest bottle of single malt and give it a go! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/492/raising_the_bar_black_donald/ Tom Collins is probably the most recognizable highball style cocktail. Another classic highball is the El Diablo. The Black Donald is essentially an El Diablo using Scotch in place of Tequila and Drambuie in place of Creme de Cassis. Grab your nearest bottle of single malt and give it a go! ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:01:37 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/489/raising_the_bar_zim_zala_bim/ Bitters heavy cocktails are catching on across the country. Some include full ounces of bitters like Angostura making for intensely aromatic experiences. THe ZIm Zala Bim is no exception with one quarter ounce of Regan's Orange Bitters! http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/489/raising_the_bar_zim_zala_bim/ Wed, 19 Jan 2011 20:18:29 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/486/raising_the_bar_how_to_layer_cocktail_bitter_bike/ In this second episode on how to layer a cocktail, Jamie demonstrates the Bitter Bike. With a heavy amount of Angostura Bitters, this drink is an unusually delicious way to end the evening. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/486/raising_the_bar_how_to_layer_cocktail_bitter_bike/ Tue, 11 Jan 2011 18:16:33 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/483/raising_the_bar_how_to_layer_cocktail_sheffield_reborn/ Layering a cocktail is really very simple. Once you have ascertained the specific gravity of each spirit, just begin with the heaviest spirit on the bottom and layer the rest of the ingredients in order from heaviest to lightest on top of each other. A good tip to remember is to pour each ingredient slowly over you bar spoon as it rests against the glass. That way they do not break through the previous layer. It also helps to chill or freeze each liqueur before use. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/483/raising_the_bar_how_to_layer_cocktail_sheffield_reborn/ Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:18:08 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/480/raising_the_bar_breakfast_collins/ Start your day right with the delightfully refreshing Breakfast Collins. Be sure to leave all the nasty bits behind by using a proper double straining technique. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/480/raising_the_bar_breakfast_collins/ Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:23:41 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/476/raising_the_bar_how_to_make_foam_for_a_cocktail/ Creating a foam for use in a cocktail is a simple and creative way to add depth and flavor to your next creation. The process in determining the ingredients that will go in to your foam is similar to the process of coming up with a great cocktail and there are a few principles to keep in mind that will help keep the foam aloft. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/476/raising_the_bar_how_to_make_foam_for_a_cocktail/ Tue, 21 Dec 2010 16:23:13 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/472/raising_the_bar_how_to_smoke_a_cocktail/ Learning how to smoke a cocktail is easy and inexpensive. Jamie shows you how while making a delicious libation. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/472/raising_the_bar_how_to_smoke_a_cocktail/ Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:06:00 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/467/raising_the_bar_fat_washing/ Fat washing is the process of infusing the flavor of a certain fat with a spirit. By melting the fat, mixing it with the chosen spirit, freezing the mixture, skimming the fat and filtering out the rest of the particulates, you are left with a clear wonderfully delicious spirit with all the flavor, and none of the greasiness of the fat, left within. In this episode, Jamie creates a bacon fat washed bourbon and uses it in the Chocolate Cochon cocktail. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/467/raising_the_bar_fat_washing/ Mon, 06 Dec 2010 17:43:41 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/463/raising_the_bar_hot_toddy_blue_blazer/ The Blue Blazer was invented by Jerry Thomas while he worked at the El Dorado in San Francisco. It might not be the earliest known heated alcoholic beverage but it's preparation is very unique. This version is essentially a Hot Toddy done Blue Blazer style. After a few practice rounds, (BE CAREFUL!) this is a great drink to bring behind the bar or to impress your friends at home. Don't forget to make your Old Fashioned Simple Syrup first. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/463/raising_the_bar_hot_toddy_blue_blazer/ Old Fashioned Simple Syrup first.]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2010 14:01:02 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/462/raising_the_bar_old_fashioned_simple_syrup/ Simple syrup doesn't always need to be simple; not that this recipe for Old Fashioned Simple Syrup is difficult to make. Adding robust flavors to your simple syrup creates new opportunities for inspiring cocktails like this Hot Toddy done Blue Blazer style. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/462/raising_the_bar_old_fashioned_simple_syrup/ Hot Toddy done Blue Blazer style.]]> Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:41:48 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/451/raising_the_bar_sabering_champagne/ Opening a bottle of champagne always puts people in a festive mood. Sabering a bottle of champagne takes your party to the next level. Remember, BE CAREFUL!. Jamie is a trained professional. DO NOT POINT THE BOTTLE AT ANYONE! You are creating a projectile that could seriously harm someone. We just want to you to have fun. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/451/raising_the_bar_sabering_champagne/ Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:08:50 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/450/raising_the_bar_rich_simple_syrup/ Making simple syrup is, well, simple. Jamie likes to use rich simple syrup behind the bar. It provides a cocktail with sweetness, mouth feel and texture without diluting the cocktail. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/450/raising_the_bar_rich_simple_syrup/ Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:43:13 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/449/raising_the_bar_tasting/ Bartenders, this one is for you. Stop tasting with straws! Grab you own pimp cup taster and leave the straws alone. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/449/raising_the_bar_tasting/ Wed, 10 Nov 2010 22:35:53 +0000 http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/448/raising_the_bar_vermouth_rant/ Vermouth is an often miss treated ingredient behind the bar. Like wine, vermouth should be refrigerated after opening and used within two weeks. Some of the best cocktail are made with vermouth; the Manhattan and the Martini to name two. With The Golden Ratio, using vermouth in your next cocktail creation can be simple and fun. http://www.smallscreennetwork.com/video/448/raising_the_bar_vermouth_rant/ Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:15:44 +0000