LONG ISLAND CITY, NY–(Marketwired – Jun 12, 2013) – Popular Online grocer FreshDirect’s inaugural Green Angel Fund challenge between the Sustainability Workshop School in Philadelphia and the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School in the Bronx came to an exciting conclusion today, when an expert panel of judges deemed that both schools tied in creating innovative hydroponic gardens, based on yield and eco-friendly design. For three months, the two schools have been competing in an urban agriculture competition, hosted by FreshDirect, to build the nation’s most innovative hydroponic garden as part of a larger mission to address inner-city food and farming issues.

On June 11(th) , the schools met for the first time and presented their designs and working hydroponic gardens to an expert panel of judges made up of thought-leaders in the food, farming and environmental space. Judges included: Peppe Bonfiglio of Mastronardi Produce; Sarah Copeland, Food Director for Real Simple Magazine; Abby Perlstein O’Brien, Owner of County Line Nurseries and Chair of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council; Stacie Alexiou of Tishman Construction; Fay Leoussis, Chief, Tort Division, NYC Law Department; and David McInerney, FreshDirect’s Co-Founder. Students were judged on categories including: how many varieties of fruits and vegetables were grown; how well students managed operating costs; unique attributes of the gardens including mobility and materials used; garden yield; eco-friendliness; nutrient-management; and taste.

Throughout the project, both schools were partnered with farmer mentors who FreshDirect sources from. The students at the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School were mentored by Viraj Puri, owner of Gotham Greens as well as Stephen Ritz, Co-Founder of the Green Bronx Machine and his colleague Alex Payne. The students at the Sustainability Workshop School were mentored by Bruce Cobb, owner of Arc Greenhouses. In addition to bragging rights, the tied vote allowed participating students from both schools to be sent on an all-expense paid trip to San Francisco, where they will be featured as highlighted guests at the National Indoor Gardening Expo. The students will present their key insights and innovations and have the opportunity to meet with industry leaders in hydroponics to discuss their models for sustainable agriculture.

“After much deliberation the judges decided the students’ gardens were equally innovative, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to reward all of these students for designing such incredible, practical solutions for sustainable agriculture,” said David McInerney, FreshDirect Co-Founder. “We chose these two schools based on their innovative curriculums and focus on solving ‘real world’ problems in an urban setting, but every judge was completely awed by the insight and expertise they showed about growing fresh, nutrient-dense food indoors and in cities with a minimal carbon footprint. We can’t wait to continue this challenge year after year, and tap into our youth to help uncover how we can change the future for our farmers and anyone living in a food desert.”

About the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School’s Hydroponic Garden

The John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School students created vertical green walls and window gardens that incorporate a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT). The closed-loop system insures that nutrients stay within the system and that there is no run-off. The system is disease and pest free. The garden can be used to support the school’s culinary program and further encourage healthy eating and living through urban gardening. Students are growing rainbow and Swiss chard, tatsoi, red veined sorrel and purple mizuna for the first time. They are able to plant, grow and eat them all within a 20-foot span. A skylight provides supplementary lighting to the gardens and enables students to go from growing table, to kitchen, to dinner table with no carbon footprint, no pesticides and no waste.

“During our project, I have seen a small group of students commit to a new vision of how they can impact their lives and their community,” said Marc Donald, Principal at the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School. “Not only is it great to be a winning school, but it’s wonderful to see that the transformative impact of the project can grow hope and health — as well as vegetables.”

About the Sustainability Workshop School’s Hydroponic Garden

The Sustainability Workshop students named their project Greens-In-A-Box, which is a shipping container turned into a greenhouse. The garden is capable of offering fresh and affordable produce to local communities using hydroponics. Inside the shipping container, plants grow on a raised platform and are heated by purple LED panels. A steady stream of nutrient-infused water flows through the platform. The students created a second growing system on the roof and, through both operations, are growing six different kinds of lettuce and three different kinds of basil. The whole garden is powered by a few nearby solar panels.

“The Green Angel Fund Challenge provided our students with a terrific opportunity to learn about, and participate in, innovative methods of farming,” said Simon Hauger, Co-Founder of the Sustainability Workshop. “It’s incredibly gratifying to see the combined efforts of the students and mentor Bruce Cobb [of Arc Greenhouses] result not only in a winning garden, but also delicious, fresh produce for our friends and families to enjoy.”

Mayoral Support

As a sign of support for this important venture, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg made a friendly wager saying they believe each of their respective city’s schools will win the challenge. Both mayors proclaimed June 11 — the day the hydroponic gardens are revealed to the public for the first time — “Urban Farm Education Day” in Philadelphia and New York City.

“The John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School students make our City proud, and they truly take our commitment to launching school agriculture programs to the next level,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “As we wrap up the school year, I’m excited to celebrate Urban Farm Education Day, and look forward to seeing the students’ innovations become practices that truly further sustainable agriculture.”

“These hard-working students have demonstrated that young people are key not only to creating greener practices, but also to get us all to thinking about how to eat and grow fresh, healthy foods,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “I’m excited to proclaim June 11(th) as Urban Farm Education Day and hope we all take a moment to reflect on the importance of innovative projects like these for our younger generation.”

The competition was hosted and funded by FreshDirect, an online grocery retailer dedicated to changing the relationship people have with food, freshness and farmers. The Green Angel Fund was inspired by FreshDirect’s mission to continually drive environmental sustainability innovation. It is one of the first seed funds specifically focused on launching student-developed green ventures.

About FreshDirect

FreshDirect is a leading online grocer in the U.S., delivering premium quality fresh-from-the-farm foods and brand-name groceries to customers in the greater New York, New Jersey, Connecticut metro area and greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. With a more than 2,500-member workforce that is still growing, FreshDirect places an emphasis on nutritious, delicious meals and convenient services that allow customers more time to live healthy lives. FreshDirect aspires to be a valued corporate partner in all communities in which it serves.

For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com. Follow FreshDirect on Twitter: @freshdirect and on Facebook: facebook.com/FreshDirect

Beer Cocktails

Have you ever been stuck deciding what to drink on a hot summer day? Struggling to choose from a classy cocktail or a refreshing brew? Recently, I decided I can have the best of both worlds, and tried my hand at the Beer Cocktail.

Despite featuring beer as the main ingredient, these cocktails pack an unexpected punch. They will cool, refresh, and impress you on those hot summer days. (The men in your life will love them too!)

Berry Beer-Ade

Berry Beer-Ade

What’s more refreshing than lemonade on a hot summer day? One that features our favorite summer berry in an adult way!

Ingredients:
Makes 2 cocktails

• 1 Bottle Victory Summer Love Ale
• 1 Tbsp frozen lemonade
• ½ cup of frozen raspberries (or any berry like strawberries, blueberries, blackberries etc)
• 2 oz Local Liv Vodka
• Lemons (for garnish)

Recipe:

1. Mash raspberries at the bottom of the glass(es)
2. Combine beer, lemonade & vodka
3. Cut lemons into wheels (or wedges) and add to glass
4. Stir (don’t shake!)
5. Enjoy!

Simple Summer Shandy

Simple Summer Shandy

A shandy is a popular summer drink in the UK, made by adding lemonade or cider to a pale ale. For a delightfully crisp summer shandy, I decided to utilize pears in a few ways, to bring out the tart and refreshing flavors.

Ingredients:
Makes 2 cocktails

• 1 Bottle Victory Summer Love Ale
• 1 Bottle Pear Cider
• .5oz Pear Brandy
• Pears & Limes (for garnish)

Recipe:

1. Combine beer, brandy and cider in a glass
2. Cut limes & pears into wedges and add to glass
3. Stir (don’t shake!)
4. Enjoy!

Helpful Hints:

• These cocktails are best made in a pitcher or punch bowl (for everyone to enjoy).
• Avoid using flavored, floral, or really hoppy beers. These beers will overpower the other ingredients
• Stirring instead of shaking will allow the carbonation and refreshment to last longer.
• Other suggested beers: Brooklyn Brewery Summer, Blue Point Summer Ale, Harpoon Summer, or Leinenkugel’s Canoe Paddler.

Have you enjoyed a beer cocktail? If so, let us know what kind on Facebook or Twitter!

Salute!

Easy DIY juices

Making raw, fresh vegetable and fruit juices using a home juice extractor is all the rage these days.  For first timers, it can seem time consuming, labor intensive, and extremely intimidating, especially because of its association with juice fast diets and cleansing regiments.

But actually, juicing occasionally when you feel like it and purely for the pleasure of experimenting and trying delicious juices can be a really fun, creative activity.  And with the help of FreshDirect, juicing can actually be way more convenient than its reputation would lead you to believe.

This week I made three juices that totally rocked my world.  FreshDirect makes it so easy to get your hands on tons of fresh, high-quality produce without having to step foot in a grocery store and schlep everything back to your kitchen.  And as you’ll see, some of the produce comes already cut and washed!  If you own a juicer or have access to one, you should definitely give these recipes a try.  Happy juicing!

Pineapple Mint Juice

Pineapple-Mint Juice

This juice is super delicious and ridiculously refreshing.  Great for breakfast!

Ingredients

• 4-8 oz of pineapple (less than half a pineapple)
• 1 handful of mint
• 2 green apples
• 1 inch of ginger

Directions

1. Wash all ingredients
2. Cut pineapple and apples down to juicer-friendly sizes
3. Juice!
4. Vary the amount of pineapple to adjust the sweetness, and add extra mint and ginger to taste.

Healthy Green Juice

Green Juice

This juice tastes…healthy.  This is a great vegetable juice if you want something less sugary and more savory.  Perfect for lunch or dinner in place of your regular meal.

Ingredients

• 5 large leafs of kale
• 5 large leafs of romaine
• 1 handful of parsley
• 1 handful of spinach
• 5 stalks of celery
• 1 cucumber
• 2 green apples
• 1 lemon, peeled

Directions

1. Wash all ingredients
2. Peel the lemon and cut in half before juicing
3. Juice!
4. Tip: I recommend varying the amount of apple or lemon to increase/decrease sweetness, and vary the amount of celery to increase/decrease savoriness and saltiness.

Cilantro Jalapeno Juice

Cilantro-Jalepeno Juice

This juice was experimental but turned out to be awesome and unlike any juice I’ve ever had.  Zippy and cleansing, sweet and spicy.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch of cilantro
• 1/2 a small jalepeno
• 1 bunch of spinach
• 2 cucumbers
• 2 limes, peeled

Directions

1. Wash all ingredients
2. Peel the limes and cut in half before juicing
3. Remove seeds from the jalepeno
4. Juice!
5. I recommend half a jalepeno pepper, but it’s best to add to taste depending on how daring you are

The Tot & Tonic

Memorial Day welcomes us into the summer season with backyard barbeques, poolside parties, and get-togethers galore! Be prepared to welcome your guests with a couple of easy cocktails perfect for summer sipping.

We find our spirits in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at New York Distilling Company. The distillery produces two brilliant gins that will highlight your cocktail hour- Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin and Dorothy Parker American Gin. Different botanicals and alcoholic strengths separate these gins stylistically while they share an artisan spirit of New York City’s fascinating historical culture.

Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin weighs in at 114 proof- the strength at which gunpowder would still light if soaked with gin- allowing richness and power in the glass. While some gins yield more citrus and floral elements these days, Perry’s Tot affords a strong juniper backbone with plenty of spice on a mouthfilling finish. I love this gin for the holy trinity of summer refreshment- gin, tonic, and lime. We’ll use Q Tonic as its touch of sweetness is the best balance for Perry’s Tot. Grab some limes and have plenty of ice!

The Tot & Tonic

• 2oz Perry’s Tot Navy Strength Gin
• 4oz Q Tonic
• Fresh Lime

Fill highball glass ¾ of the way with ice. Pour gin in to glass first, followed by tonic. Stir and garnish with a lime.

Our next cocktail introduces us the The Acerbic Mrs. Parker. Dorothy Parker is known best in today’s imbibing culture for her martini poem and was known best in her day as one of the most brilliant socialites in New York, with many quoted quips beyond “I love a good martini…..”

Like her legacy, the eponymous gin blends classic with contemporary botanicals to produce a bouquet and palate with floral notes, citrus, coriander, and a ripe juniper profile great for mixing. Our crisp, refreshing cocktail marries Dorothy Parker with fresh lemon juice, Cherry Heering Liqueur, and Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb Liqueur d’Orange. The gin and lemon juice provide sturdy acidity while the liqueurs add more dimension and the right amount of sweetness to the equation. Remember the fundamental objective in creating great cocktails is to keep sweet and savory in balance. This is meant for an aperitif hour or midday refresher.

The Acerbic Mrs. Parker

• 2oz Dorothy Parker American Gin
• 1/2oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2oz Cherry Heering Liqueur
• 1/4oz Rhum Clement Creole Shrubb Liqueur d’Orange
• Fever Tree Spring Club Soda

Fill cocktail shaker with ice and add ingredients. Shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Top with Fever Tree Spring Club Soda.

Fill highball glass ¾ of the way with ice. Pour gin in to glass first, followed by tonic. Stir and garnish with a lime.

Have a happy and safe Memorial Day! Cheers!!

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY–(Marketwired – May 17, 2013) – With hamburgers and hotdogs leading the world of grilling, it’s easy to forget that there is life beyond the bun. Yet popular online grocer FreshDirect’s annual Food Seasonality Survey reveals that 66 percent of registered dieticians rate vegetables (35 percent) and seafood (31 percent) as their preferred grilling choice this summer, followed by beef (18 percent) and poultry (16 percent). However, while Dieticians prefer grilling vegetables and seafood, more than 75 percent say these items are the most challenging foods to consistently find fresh, and 58 percent of dieticians cite freshness as the number one factor in achieving good flavor during food preparation.

“Dieticians are joining the ranks of Americans calling for freshness from their local food suppliers, and in the process they’re reinforcing something we’ve long believed: there is a fundamental disconnect in our food system,” said David McInerney, FreshDirect co-founder and food sourcing expert. “At FreshDirect we tackle this critical issue head-on, making fresh and healthy food easier to find, buy, prepare and eat. We do this by forging sincere and sustainable relationships with hundreds of farmers, ranchers and fishermen throughout the world to source the best tasting, healthiest, freshest foods for our customers. Our online delivery model allows us to create hyper-local, farm-to-table food systems that result in healthy relationships between consumers, their food, their farmers, and their world.”

Food transportation is also cited as a contributing factor to taste, seasonality and quality. In fact, 85 percent of dieticians agree that less transport time equals healthier produce, 93 percent agree that in-season foods taste better and 31 percent rate seasonality as the most important factor of fresh food products.

“Produce seasonality and locality is extremely important,” said McInerney. “The average American meal travels 5,000 miles before it reaches your dinner plate. At FreshDirect, we have locally sourced produce from around the country that is harvested at its ripest point, delivered to FreshDirect and distributed to customers. Our farm-to-table business model provides consumers with fruits and vegetables that are fresher than those that travel a longer road to people’s homes.”

When it comes to seafood preferences and challenges, the survey reveals that 35 percent of dieticians rated salmon as the hardest seafood to find fresh, followed by 32 percent citing shrimp and lobster as the hardest seafood’s to find fresh. Fifty-eight percent of dieticians say they prefer purchasing wild-caught salmon with 67 percent willing to pay more compared to farmed fish.

“At FreshDirect our fresh seafood usually goes out to customers the same day we receive it, demonstrating the advantage of our direct model,” said McInerney. “When purchasing seafood, look for a wild-caught shrimp or fish — like our Patagonia shrimp. Thanks to a rich diet available in a natural habitat, wild-caught seafood has a subtle flavor and delicate texture perfect for the grill or a quick sauté. Plus wild salmon is rich in omega 3′s, and has a higher protein content and lower fat content than farm-raised salmon giving you the added nutritional benefit.”

New, healthy grilling sides also topped the survey in popularity for this summer. According to the survey, 65 percent of dieticians Rate a mix of kale, arugula and endive and other leafy greens as their favorite grilling side dish.

The annual Seasonality survey was designed to gather attitudes and opinions on a variety of food related topics, including cost, convenience and seasonality. Last October, FreshDirect surveyed over 200 dietitians and attendees at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo, the world’s largest annual meeting of food and nutrition professionals, to find out what the experts really think about food, body image, and healthy lifestyles. The Food & Nutrition Conference served as a kick-off for the development of the FreshDirect Nutritional Advisory Board, a panel of nutritionists who have been consulting with FreshDirect since then, on dietary trends. The board is part of FreshDirect’s ongoing product development and helps to take FreshDirect’s commitment to providing nutritious and great tasting options to the next level.

FreshDirect’s annual Food Seasonality Survey includes the responses of 57 Dieticians who serve as part of the Nutritional Advisory Board.

About FreshDirect

FreshDirect is the leading online grocer in the U.S., delivering premium quality fresh-from-the-farm foods and brand-name groceries to customers in the greater New York, New Jersey and Connecticut metro areas and the Greater Philadelphia area in Pennsylvania. With a 2,600-member workforce that is still growing, FreshDirect places an emphasis on nutritious, delicious meals and convenient services that allow customers more time to live healthy lives. FreshDirect aspires to be a valued corporate partner in all communities in which it serves.

For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com. Follow FreshDirect on Twitter: @freshdirect and on Facebook: facebook.com/FreshDirect

Contact:

Sarah Lindsay

Phone: 215-564-3200 x118

Email: slindsay@gobraithwaite.com

LONG ISLAND CITY, NY–(Marketwired – May 16, 2013) – FreshDirect, the leading online retailer of fresh foods and grocery items, announced today that the company will lend its support to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day, taking place worldwide on Friday, May 17, 2013. Food Revolution Day is based on a national movement to change the way America eats. Through Food Revolution Day, Oliver is bringing together millions of people to inspire the nation to fight obesity with better food. At the core of Food Revolution Day is a powerful strategy to get people cooking again, whether it be in their schools, homes, workplaces or communities.

As a sign of support for Food Revolution Day, FreshDirect is donating a percentage of their May 14, 2013 weekly sales to the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation. FreshDirect is also promoting the cause on its website through banner ads and a fresh produce picks list that encourages customers to choose fresh, healthy foods. Additionally, FreshDirect is hosting an employee potluck lunch where employees can share their love of food, cooking skills and food knowledge.

“At FreshDirect, we strive to change the relationship people have with food, freshness and farmers, so we felt supporting Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day perfectly aligned with our mission,” said David McInerney, FreshDirect’s Co-Founder. “We are keenly aware that people in the U.S. eat 31 percent more unhealthy processed food than fresh food, which is more per person than any other country on earth. Diet-related illness causes three out of four American deaths every year. Today, 35 percent of Americans are obese, and 70 percent are overweight. One in five American kids struggle with hunger, while 40 percent of the food we do produce is wasted. Tackling this issue head-on is the only way to make a real impact, and we couldn’t be more united in the quest to change the way people eat and cook.”

Each day, FreshDirect works to make healthy fresh food easier to find, buy, prepare and eat.

“We’re doing this with children through innovative school lunch programs and community events; we’re doing this with moms and families through education and meaningful social connection points; and we’re doing this with time-starved young professionals who will raise the standards of diet and nutrition for future generations,” said McInerney. “Supporting Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution Day is just one more way for us to raise awareness about the importance of good food and better food education for everyone.”

FreshDirect also encourages its customers to participate in Food Revolution Day through social media engagment.

“Customers are encouraged to initiate their own cooking event,” said John Leeman, FreshDirect’s CMO. “During these events, share your skills with friends and family, buy fresh, local ingredients and spread the word of the Food Revolution Day mission through social media. After your event is planned, make sure to register your event on the Food Revolution Day web site. During and after the event, share your favorite fresh ingredients or favorite recipes with FreshDirect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/freshdirect or on Twitter at @freshdirect.”

About FreshDirect’s Commitment to Providing Healthier Food Options in Schools

Currently FreshDirect is supplying nutritious, quality meals to the Sustainability Workshop School in Philadelphia as a part of their school lunch program. Since starting the school lunch program, the students at the Sustainability Workshop have consumed 25% more vegetables and 40% more fruits than ever before. FreshDirect also acknowledges the hurdles low income neighborhoods face with regard to accessing fresh, high quality foods. In order to help combat this challenge, FreshDirect has piloted the first online EBT program in the Bronx.

About FreshDirect

FreshDirect is a leading online grocer in the U.S., delivering premium quality fresh-from-the-farm foods and brand-name groceries to customers in the greater New York, New Jersey, Connecticut metro area and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. With a more than 2,500-member workforce that is still growing, FreshDirect places an emphasis on nutritious, delicious meals and convenient services that allow customers more time to live healthy lives. FreshDirect aspires to be a valued corporate partner in all communities in which it serves.

For more information, visit www.freshdirect.com. Follow FreshDirect on Twitter: @freshdirect and on Facebook: facebook.com/FreshDirect

Contact:

Sarah Promisloff

Phone: 215-564-3200×121

Email: spromisloff@gobraithwaite.com

Green Angel Fund Kick-off

Yesterday, students at the Sustainability Workshop School in South Philadelphia and today, students at the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School in the Bronx presented their plans to create the nation’s most innovative hydroponic garden (based on yield and eco-friendly design) to John Leeman, FreshDirect CMO.

Students present their plans to create the most innovative hydroponic garden

This event marks the kick-off of FreshDirect’s inaugural Green Angel Fund Challenge. Impressed by the results, both schools were presented with a check for $10,000 to help make their garden a reality.

The Challenge is an urban agriculture competition focused around a broader mission to solve inner-city food and farming issues.

Philadelphia's Sustainability Workshop School

Hosted and funded by FreshDirect, both the Sustainability Workshop School in Philadelphia run by Simon Hauger, and the John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School in the Bronx run by Marc Donald, with support provided by Stephen Ritz of the Green Bronx Machine, accepted the Green Angel Fund Challenge and are now beginning to build the gardens.

It will culminate with the hydroponic garden reveals at FreshDirect’s headquarters on June 11 where an expert panel of judges will announce the winner.

NYC's John V. Lindsay Wildcat Charter School

As a vote of support, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg have made a friendly wager saying they believe each of their respective city’s schools will win the challenge.

Win or lose, both mayors will proclaim June 11– the day the hydroponic gardens are revealed to the public for the first time– “Urban Farm Education Day” in Philadelphia and New York City.

Contact:
Sarah Lindsay
Phone: 215-564-3200 x118
Email:slindsay@gobraithwaite.com

Mint Julep

Derby Day is upon us! Place your bets and break out your cocktail equipment because it’s time to make some festive cocktails for the occasion!

We start with the classic.  The Mint Julep is the quintessential tipple for Derby Day and it’s fairly simple to make.

The Mint Julep calls for four ingredients- bourbon, mint, sugar, and water.  When entertaining on Derby Day, be sure to start with this cocktail and you and your guests will be off to the races!

We look to Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Bourbon as the base of the drink. Its richness and balance is the perfect setting for The Perfect Julep.

The Perfect Mint Julep

4oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

¼ cup Hain Pure Foods Organic Sugar

¼ cup water

5 sprigs of fresh mint

Chill down a silver derby cup or highball glass. In the chilled glass, combine water, sugar, and mint leaves from 2-3 sprigs. Use whole leaves and gently press ingredients. Do not muddle harshly as the goal is to release essential oils from the leaves without heavy bruising. At this point, take your fourth sprig of mint and rub inside of glass with it. This will maximize mint’s role in taste profile. Crushed ice is imperative to the Perfect Julep so you’ll need to address that in one of two ways- use a blender to crush your own or make friends with your local Jamba Juice store manager! Fill glass halfway with crushed ice. Add bourbon and stir. Continue to add crushed ice until your glass or derby cup is completely frosted. Give one last stir with a straw and garnish the drink with your fifth mint sprig.  Place the sprig directly next to the straw so, when your guests sip, the aromas of mint lead the taste experience.

Now that you and your guests are warmed up for a festive afternoon, another classic whiskey cocktail will follow perfectly with hors d’oeuvres and barbeque items to be served. The Old Fashioned is one of the oldest cocktails in America and continues to win new devotees today! It’s another cocktail that derives sophistication from simplicity. Three ingredients and garnish is all that’s required. Although the drink is most traditionally made with Rye, we are using the same bottle of Buffalo Trace for ours. The spiciness in Buffalo Trace’s finish plays quite well with the Regan’s Orange Bitters. Notethe use of Demerara sugar cubes in recipe- this adds texture and a deeper profile to resulting cocktail!

The Old Fashioned

2oz Buffalo Trace Bourbon

2 dashes Regan’s Orange Bitters

1 Roland Rough Cut Demerara Sugar Cube

Roland Premium Maraschino Cherries

1 Navel Orange

In a rocks glass add one sugar cube, one teaspoon water, and two dashes of bitters. Pour water and dash bitters directly onto sugar cube. Muddle gently until sugar cube is dissolved with water and bitters. Add a wedge of navel orange and drop in a maraschino cherry. Fill glass with ice. Last, add bourbon, stir well, and enjoy! Cheers!

Non-Traditional Chicken Cemitas

For my fiesta I had a “Make Your Own Cemitas” bar! I prepared all the ingredients earlier (with a lot of help from the FreshDirect Heat & Eat Department), leaving me with plenty of time to enjoy the fiesta stress free. I gave my guests the option of creating a traditional cemitas (by leaving a recipe card on the table) or allowing them to go for something a little bit more inspirado.

Cemitas are the local street food in Puebla, named after the type of bread that makes up the sandwich. The bread is a brioche like roll with sesame seeds on the top. The sandwich is like a Mexican sloppy joe, and fun for everyone!

Traditional Recipe

Cemitas

• Traditional Sesame Seed Brioche (Cemitas)
• Mini Brioche Rolls
• Mini Onion Poppy Rolls

Rellenos

• Pulled Pork
• Pulled Chicken

Tip: Add a hint of  chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to each of the pre-made meats to kick it up a notch!

Corn Salsa

Cubierto Con…

• Corn salsa (serves approx 6-8)
  • Corn (I used canned, but a great alternative would be to use fresh grilled corn)
  • Avacado
  • Roasted Red Peppers
  • Red onion
  • Lime
  • Jalepeno (to taste)
  • Cilantro (to taste)
• Guacamole
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Lettuce
• Red Onion

Quesos

•  Shredded Mozzarella ( I know not Mexican, but still darn tasty)
• Queso Blanco
• Manchego Cheese

Pile on the toppings in any order you, or your guests want and enjoy! For some great beverages to help the cemitas go down easy, check out our Two Tantalizing Cocktails for Cinco De Mayo Post!

What are some of your favorite Cinco De Mayo recipes? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!