■MIXING IT UP NEW YEAR, NEW DRINKS Many of us have made some sort of New Year’s resolution -- whether its to excercsie more, or be more charitable -- one of my constant resolutions is to try new things, and explore more innovative cocktails and drink options to put on the menu at Bear. I love exploring and learning about the ways different cultures and societies have enjoyed SASHA POGREBINSKY spirits in different ways. So in the spirit of trying new things, I’d like to introduce to you two cocktails that are not your typical Western flair, but something coming out of the East. Sasha Pogrebinsky Mixologist/Restaurateur Bear 12-14 31st Avenue, LIC www.BearNYC.com Sasha is the owner of Bear Restaurant in Long Island City and in March started writing a monthly column for the LIC Courier and bringing one-of-a-kind cocktail recipes right to your fingertips. Sasha’s first book “Rarely Known” was published in 2014 by Element Press and is available on Amazon. LYCHEE MARTINI What on earth is lychee? Lychee is a fruity nut that comes from China. Though you may not have heard of it, recently lychee liquor has become readily available in NYC, and you can buy canned lychees in Asian supermarkets throughout our fabulous borough. This is a simple martini that takes only a few minutes to mix and it gives you a fantastic look into the emerging flavors of the cocktail scene. Ingredients: Canned lychees in syrup Lychee liquor Vodka Lemon Sugar Champagne Process: 1. Pour 1.5 oz of lychee liquor into shaker 2. Pour 2 oz of vodka into shaker 3. Throw 0.5 teaspoon of sugar into shaker 4. Squeeze half a lemon 5. Shake well with ice 6. Strain into chilled martini glass 7. Throw one or two drained lychee’s into the martini glass 8. Top with some bubbling champagne and serve! Warm Nalivka Cocktail In Russian, “nalivka” is a sweet berry liqueur that is made from many different types of wild berries. It is almost unheard of in cocktail culture, but I believe I am doing my best in introducing it into our world. Where can you get it? Just go to Brighton Beach, walk into a liquor store and ask “Do you have nalivka today?” If they do, buy it. It looks like any liquer bottle. It is usually red or burgundy in color, and frequently has the image of a dancing or stumbling Russian person. Ingredients: Wild Berry Jam Nalivka Vodka Hot water Process: 1. Heat water to boiling 2. Pour into a cup that can hold hot water 3. Put 2 tablespoons of wild berry jam 4. Pour 1.5 ounce of nalivka and mix well 5. Pour half an ounce of vodka and mix well 6. Serve hot, and enjoy! Perfect for this weather!
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