While the Secret Sherry Society has no rules, there are some practices you can adopt to look like you’ve been a member for years.
Sherry Basics #4
Sherry with a Capital S
Sherry is a proper noun. And not just in the case of the woman’s name that peaked in popularity in the late 1950s. Sherry is a designated distinction of orgin, so make sure you’re enjoying the real deal and not a sub-par imitation. Just like real Champagne must come from Champagne, France, a fortified wine can’t be called Sherry unless it’s from Jerez, Spain.
Pedro Ximénez is rich, dark and always has raisins in his pocket.
Pairs best with dark chocolate and oranges, blue cheese, chocolate soufflé with glazed raspberries, churros, or served over vanilla ice cream.
You needn’t tell anyone what we’re about to tell you. (They’re called “dirty little secrets” for a reason.) And now, for our latest dirty little secret: The next stop on our Secret Sherry Society road trip is Seattle, the city of Fino and seafood, Washington on August 25th, where we’re hosting a Secret Sherry Tasting at Pike and Western Wine Shop from 4-6pm. Enjoy an assortment of Sherry wines, coupled with delicious tapas. This event is open to one and all (21+ please), and will undoubtedly have people speaking in hushed tones about what transpired. And if you’re not there, it’s because you weren’t invited.
For those of you attending the International Food Blogger’s Conference, a Secret Sherry Society gathering will take place at Theo Chocolate on August 28th. This mysterious, pre-dinner cocktail party will kick off at 5:30pm, where a selection of fine Sherries will be presented for your tasting pleasure. Feast on delicious tapas—courtesy of Chef Phillipe Thomelin of the quaint bistro, Olivar, and enjoy a live performance by guitarist Andy Fitzgerald (you must be registered for this event).
From the headquarters of the Secret Sherry Society, we bid you good day and good Sherry.
Secret handshake,
The President
We are now accepting entries to find America’s best Sherry Cocktail and we’d love to have yours.
The official rules are below so please read on.
You may use any style of Sherry, from any bodega in Jerez, Spain.
Please tell us:
- the precise recipe
- the proper garnish
- the ideal glass
You must explain in writing:
- why your cocktail is great
- when to serve, and how
- the exact preparation method and steps of assembly
- the perfect [bar] food match (and why?)
You must provide:
- a copy of the cocktail menu of the bar/restaurant where the cocktail is placed and being served
- a photo of the drink, (digital jpeg is best)
You can submit your recipes at any time, but the deadline for entry is Friday, September 17th, 2010
Submissions should be sent via email to winegeek@akawinegeek.com
The winner will receive an all expenses paid trip to Jerez, Spain and a full scholarship to Beverage Alcohol Resource 5-Day Program….as well as loads of press announcing the winner and the recipe on our website and in our blogs
As always, the early and well prepared barman/woman always gets the best shifts, if you know what I mean!
Good luck!
**2009 Sherry Cocktail Competition winner — Bread & Wine by Charles Joly of The Drawing Room in Chicago**
Share