Say Hello to Ruby Red

February 4, 2016Cocktails, ProcessElizabeth Fuqua5 Comments

Much like the Honey Habanero, the Ruby Red is designed to be sipped alone or mixed into a delicious cocktail. Here at Belle Isle, our team prefers it topped with soda and a squeeze of lime. In fact, Ruby Red herself was inspired by the Honey Habanero infusion, which we all enjoy mixed with fresh grapefruit juice. It was a logical, and delicious, next step.

Behind the Bar: Colin King of Savory Grain

January 20, 2016Cocktails, Conversation, RichmondElizabeth Fuqua22 Comments

Known for creative dishes, an awesome happy hour (the Painless1099 guys cited it as a favorite) and tons of draft beer, Savory Grain is fast becoming a Broad Street staple. This week, bar manager Colin King gave us a behind the scenes look at the cocktail menu and leaves sage advice for new bartenders.

Behind the Bar: Michael Hanbury of comfort

January 14, 2016Conversation, Richmond, CocktailsElizabeth FuquaComment

Michael Hanbury recently returned to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia after an extended stay in Greensboro & Raleigh which left him an expert in Southern-style food & hospitality. Now bar manager of comfort, Hanbury's 16 years of bartending experience brings a fresh flavor to the cocktail menu (some of which include yours truly).

Two Perfect Cocktails for New Year's Eve

December 30, 2015CocktailsElizabeth FuquaComment

Bartenders Will Witherow of Copperwood Tavern and Gregg Brooks of Comfort designed their big batch cocktails in equal parts delicious and simple to get the party moving with minimal stress.

5 Must-Try Holiday Moonshine Cocktails

December 3, 2015CocktailsElizabeth Fuqua1 Comment

With the holiday season kicking into high gear, we asked five of our favorite bartenders to come up with wintertime cocktails to help take pressure off your party planning.

Thanksgiving Cocktail: Pecan Pie Old Fashioned

November 21, 2015CocktailsElizabeth FuquaComment

The third week in November officially kicks off the hectic holiday season. But have no fear! This week we stopped by Belle & James where one of Richmond's most beloved bartenders, Sean Rapoza, mixed up a boozy treat to help take the edge off.

Cocktail Classics: The Sour

October 17, 2015CocktailsElizabeth FuquaComment

To trace the history of the sour, you’ll need to go back 300 years, to the other side of the Atlantic, aboard a British Royal Navy vessel where sailors were contracting scurvy before they ever reached their destination.

Party Cocktail: Richmond 2015

September 26, 2015CocktailsElizabeth FuquaComment

As the UCI Road World Championship Races enters into it’s final weekend, all eyes turn with anticipation to the hometown of our premium spirit, Richmond. Whether you are heading out to cheer on the cyclists along the 10 mile course or gathering at home to watch with friends, the appropriate beverage will help make the experience next-level.

Cocktail Classics: The Negroni

September 13, 2015CocktailsElizabeth FuquaComment

How can one resist an attempt at what some consider “the world’s most foolproof cocktail”? Equal amounts of Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. What’s to flub up? Ice? But precisely because of the Negroni’s simplicity, people are always looking for ways to change it.

Cocktail List: Todd Thrasher

August 15, 2015CocktailsElizabeth FuquaComment

Todd Thrasher, General Manager, Sommelier & Liquid Savant of Alexandria’s Restaurant Eve, is a lover of many things—scuba diving, the island of Bonaire, playing golf and cooking. Most importantly, however, is his love for the creation of the perfect artisan cocktail and his knowledge of wine.