PRESS RELEASE - The University of Mixology

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Branka Miric Sgroi, CEO

Email: Branka.Sgroi@empiremixology.com

EMPIRE MIXOLOGY PIONEERS INNOVATION IN MIXOLOGY EDUCATION WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MIXOLOGY

Washington DC, February 10, 2024– Empire Mixology, a trailblazer in the art of crafting exceptional cocktails, is excited to announce the grand opening of its latest venture, the University of Mixology. This groundbreaking online platform aims to revolutionize mixology education, offering enthusiasts and professionals alike an immersive experience in the world of cocktail craftsmanship.

About the University of Mixology:
The University of Mixology, an extension of Empire Mixology, is designed to be a hub for individuals passionate about mixology, beverage innovation, and hospitality. With an array of courses ranging from fundamental mixology techniques to advanced flavor pairings, the University is committed to providing a comprehensive and accessible education for anyone eager to master the art of mixology.

Key Features:

• Online Learning Platform: The University of Mixology harnesses the power of cutting-edge technology, delivering engaging and interactive courses to students worldwide.

• Expert Instructors: Learn from seasoned mixologists and industry experts who share their wealth of knowledge and insights gained from years of experience in the field.

• Diverse Course Offerings: From foundational courses for beginners to specialized masterclasses, the University caters to a wide range of skill levels and interests within the mixology spectrum.

Quotes:
Branka Miric Sgroi, CEO of Empire Mixology, expressed enthusiasm about the University's launch, saying, "The University of Mixology is more than just an educational platform; it's a celebration of creativity, passion, and the shared love for exceptional cocktails. We believe that by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills to craft unique libations, we are contributing to the continued evolution of the mixology industry."

Join the Experience:
Enrollment for the University of Mixology is now open, and prospective students can explore the course catalog at www.umixology.com. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist looking to refine your skills or a novice eager to embark on a flavorful journey, the University welcomes all to join and elevate their mixology expertise.

About Empire Mixology:
Empire Mixology is a leading mixology company known for its dedication to crafting bespoke cocktails and providing innovative beverage solutions. With the launch of the University of Mixology, Empire Mixology continues to push boundaries, inspiring individuals to explore, create, and master the art of mixology.

The Apple Spice Margarita

About The Apple Spice Margarita

The Apple Spice Margarita is a delightful autumn-inspired twist on the classic cocktail, offering a harmonious blend of seasonal flavors. This unique libation combines top-shelf tequila with apple cider, a touch of orange liqueur, and freshly squeezed lime juice to create a refreshing base. What sets this margarita apart is the infusion of warm spices like cinnamon and cloves, which add a cozy depth of flavor, reminiscent of freshly baked apple pie. Rimmed with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, and garnished with a thin apple slice or a cinnamon stick, this cocktail captures the essence of fall in every sip, making it the perfect choice for a crisp evening by the bonfire or a festive Thanksgiving gathering. The Apple Spice Margarita is a delightful way to toast to the season's bounty.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Apple Cider

• ½ oz. Lime Juice

• ½ oz. Simple Syrup (or to taste)

• ¼ tsp. Cinnamon

• Pinch of Ground Cloves

• Apple Slice or Cinnamon Stick for Garnish

• Cinnamon/Sugar Mixture (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Apple

Method:

In a cocktail shaker, combine the tequila, apple cider, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground cloves. Shake until chilled and strain into rimmed Margarita glass. Garnish accordingly.

The Honey Apple Margarita

About The Honey Apple Margarita

The Honey Apple Margarita is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, offering a perfect balance of flavors for a refreshing cocktail. This autumn-inspired libation combines the richness of apple flavor with the bright zest of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey, resulting in a harmonious concoction. Shake all the ingredients together with ice until well chilled, then strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a thin apple slice and a drizzle of honey for an elegant touch. This cocktail embodies the crisp and comforting essence of fall, making it an ideal choice for cozy gatherings or simply sipping by the fireplace as you embrace the changing seasons.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Tequila

• 1 oz. Apple Juice

• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice

• ½ oz. Honey Syrup

• Apple Slices for Garnish

• Celery Salt (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Sweet

Method:

Pour tequila, lemon juice, apple juice, and honey syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a margarita glass rimmed with celery salt.

The Black Diamond

About The Black Diamond

The Black Diamond Margarita is the epitome of elegance and sophistication in cocktail form, offering a unique and luxurious twist on the classic margarita. Crafted with the finest ingredients, this exquisite libation combines top-shelf tequila, blackberry simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lime juice, but what truly sets it apart is the addition of Hawaiian volcanic salt, which gives it its striking black hue garnish. Garnish with a lime wheel for contrast, and you have a cocktail that's as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it the perfect choice for a chic soirée or a memorable evening of cocktail indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Silver Tequila

• 1½ oz. Blackberry Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• Hawaiian Black Salt (for rim of glass)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4 Stars

• Served:      Margarita

• Strength:    Strong

• Difficulty:    Simple

• Flavor:        Spirit/Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into glass rimmed with black salt.

The Death in the Afternoon

About The Death in the Afternoon

Also known as the Hemingway Champagne, the Death in the Afternoon is a powerful and decadent cocktail that crosses Champagne with Absinthe. Said to be invented in Left Bank, Paris by Hemingway himself along with a few sailors; this recipe first appeared in the 1930s in Hemingway’s books. The goal of the cocktail is to mix the spirits enough that the mixture becomes opalescent and milky.

"Pour one jigger absinthe into a Champagne glass. Add iced Champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness. Drink three to five of these slowly." -Ernest Hemingway

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Absinthe

• Fill Champagne

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       3.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour 1 oz. Absinthe into a Champagne glass. Add chilled Champagne until it attains the proper opalescent milkiness.

The Storm's Warning

About The Storm’s Warning

Meet the Storm’s Warning! This offshoot of typical island Hurricane style drinks is the brainchild of our Lead Mixologist. Switching up our usual ingredients for more regional favorites such as Guava Juice lends a more authentic flavor palette to this beverage. Make sure to serve cold and garnish accordingly.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Gold Rum

• ¾ oz. Apple Brandy

• ½ oz. Triple Sec

• 3 oz. Guava Juice

• ¾ oz. Lime Juice

• Lime Wheel, Cherry, Mint for garnish.

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Fruity

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and shake until chilled. Pour into Hurricane glass and garnish accordingly.

The King

About The King

A custom creation from our Lead Mixologist, the King cocktail is a throwback recipe with a modern flavor twist. The grenadine brings out the inherent fruitiness of the rye spirit, while the rum and brandy keep the flavor bold. Try these flavors out and feel like you’re sipping on the throne with the King cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Silver Rum

• ½ oz. Rye Whiskey

• ½ oz. Brandy

• ½ oz. Grenadine

• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

• Lemon Twist

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Spirit Sweet

Method:

Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes. Stir well. Strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

The Bloody Mary

About The Bloody Mary

The world famous brunch/hangover cocktail in all its glory; the Bloody Mary. The origins of this famous cocktail are shrouded in various claims. The first version which was just vodka and tomato juice originated in the New York Bar in Paris, France in the 1920s; but it wasn’t until the 1930s in New York City when the more modernized version became popular at the St. Regis Hotel. There are 1,001 versions of this cocktail so be a true mixologist and experiment until you find your perfect recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 3 Cups Tomato Juice

• ⅓ Cup Pickle Juice

• 3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice

• 3 Tbsp. Lime Juice

• 1½ Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

• 1 Tbsp. Horseradish

• ¾ tsp. Tabasco Sauce

• ¾ tsp. Celery Salt

• ½ tsp. Coarse Black Pepper

• ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder

• Celery Stalk, Pickle Spear, Olive, Lemon Wedge for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       A Garden

Method:

In a blender combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, pickle juice, and hot sauce and blend until smooth. Add pepper and salt and then chill, preferably for two hours.

When serving add an ounce of vodka and garnish appropriately.

The New York Sour

About The New York Sour

The New York Sour is an IBA Official Cocktail that mirrors the traditional method of creating a sour; using egg whites. The drink itself is thought to be of New York City origin, but various “New York Sours” have been on menus across the country with different ingredients. Make sure to pair with a wine you enjoy to custom craft the recipe to your liking. (Shiraz is just our suggestion).

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Whiskey (Bourbon or Rye)

• ½ oz. Shiraz Red Wine

• ¾ oz. Simple Syrup

• 1 oz. Lemon Juice

• Few Drops of Egg White

• Lemon Wedge/Orange Zest and Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.0 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit Forward

Method:

Pour the whiskey, syrup, lemon juice, and egg white into shaker with ice cubes. Shake vigorously. Strain into chilled rocks glass filled with ice. Float the wine on top. Garnish with lemon or orange zest and cherry.

The Tiffany

About The Tiffany

Why not instead of having a mimosa, have a Breakfast with a Tiffany. This cocktail is a spin on the famous mimosa and is a delicious breakfast cocktail option. Combining crisp sparkling wine/champagne with sweet lemonade and a sugar coated rim; this recipe is sure to be a new brunch favorite.

Ingredients:

• 3 oz. Champagne/Sparkling Wine

• ½ oz. Blue Curacao

• 1 oz. Lemonade

• Lemon Slice for Garnish

• Granulated Sugar for Rim

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Sweet

Method:

Rub rim of glass with lemon wedge and frost with sugar. Pour lemonade, blue curacao, and champagne and give a gentle stir.

The Zombie

About The Zombie

This recipe is probably the most complex cocktail on all of www.empiremixology.com. This cocktail is an original of Don the Beachcomber at his eponymous restaurant around the year 1934. It would later show up at the 1939 World’s Fair where it became popular on the East Coast. This cocktail is served with a strict limit of 2 per customer due to its high potency. The name originates from a businessman who had one and he returned to Donn’s restaurant and told him that it “made him a zombie all weekend.”

The name stuck and the rest is history. This recipe is highly complex and it is indeed a flammable cocktail so drink responsibly and remember safety when playing with fire. There is also a recipe for Donn’s Mix listed below which is an essential ingredient.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Silver Rum

• 1½ oz. Dark Rum

• 1 oz Apricot Brandy

• Splash Overproof 151 Rum

• ½ oz. of Don’s Mix***

• 1 oz. Lime Juice

• 1 oz. Pineapple Juice

• 1 oz. Mango Juice

• ½ oz. Grenadine

• Dash of Angostura Bitters

For Donn’s Mix

• 3 Crushed Cinnamon Sticks

• 1 Cup of Sugar

• 1 Cup of Boiling Water

• 2 Cups of Grapefruit Juice

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Complex

• Flavor:       Tiki

Method:

Mix ingredients in a shaker with ice. Pour into glass with ice. You can float the 151 to create a longer lasting flame when lit.

For Donn’s Mix

• Bring 3 crushed cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

• Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from the heat and let sit for at least 2 hours before straining into a clean glass bottle.

• Then add 1 part of the syrup and 2 parts of fresh grapefruit juice together.

The Flaming Dr. Pepper

About The Flaming Dr. Pepper

Ready to turn up the heat? The infamous Flaming Dr. Pepper is a famous depth charge cocktail due to the flame associated with it. This cocktail has injured countless people so we please remind you that alcohol and playing with fire typically don’t mix; so take precaution and for the love of god don’t hold the shot glass. IF you choose not to drop the shot into beer then you MUST BLOW OUT THE SHOT BEFORE TRYING TO DRINK IT.

Warnings like this exist for a reason people.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Amaretto

• ½ oz. High Proof Rum (flammable)

• 1 Pint of Beer

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4 Stars

• Served: Neat

• Strength: Strong

• Difficulty: Medium

• Flavor: Dr. Pepper©

Method:

Layer the two spirits in the shot glass, with the high-proof liquor on top. Light the shot and allow it to burn; then extinguish it by dropping it into the beer glass. Drink immediately.

The Hot Buttered Rum

About The Hot Buttered Rum

The Hot Buttered Rum is a hot rum cocktail that really hits the spot when there’s that cold chill in the air. Although it may seem odd to add butter to a cocktail recipe; it’s definitely a big part of the composition and profile of this cocktail. This recipe dates back to the colonial era, however it experienced a large revival in the 1930s. There are MANY variants to this recipe so do your best to experiment and find that perfect recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Spiced Rum

• 2 oz. Hot Water

• 1 Stick of Butter (unsalted & room temperature)

• ⅔ cup of Dark Brown Sugar

• ½ tsp. of Ground Cinnamon

• ¼ cup of Honey

• ¼ tsp. of Ground Nutmeg

• ⅛ Ground Cloves

• Pinch of Salt

• Cinnamon Sticks (for garnish)

Cocktail Profile

• Rating: 4.5 Stars

• Served: Hot

• Strength: Mild

• Difficulty: Complex

• Flavor: Spiced

Method:

Using a kitchen mixer, beat the brown sugar, butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a 4-cup (or larger) measuring cup. Add the rum and then 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the butter mixture dissolves. Divide the buttered rum among 4 mugs. Garnish with the cinnamon sticks and serve.

The Royal Flush

About The Royal Flush

The sweet and tart Royal Flush is a splendid whiskey cocktail that even non-whiskey drinkers should at least try. The combination of flavors combined with the smooth finish of Crown Royal© creates a delightful libation experience. If you prefer a more sweet finish we suggest upping the raspberry liqueur and reducing the cranberry slightly.

Ingredients:

• 1½ oz. Crown Royal© Canadian Whiskey

• 2 oz. Peach Schnapps

• ½ oz. Raspberry Liqueur

• 2 oz. Cranberry Juice

• Maraschino Cherry for Garnish

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Sweet & Tart

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake until well chilled. Strain into ice filled lowball glass and garnish with a cherry.

The Grasshopper

About The Grasshopper

The Grasshopper is a sweet, mint-flavored, dessert cocktail. The name of the drink derives from its green color, which comes from creme de menthe. A bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, claims the drink was invented in 1918 by its owner, Philip Guichet. The drink gained popularity during the 1950s and 1960s throughout the American South.

Ingredients:

• 1 part Creme de Cacao

• 1 part Creme de Menthe

• 1 part Cream

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      Neat

• Strength:   Mild

• Difficulty:  Simple

• Flavor:       Minty

Method:

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake briskly and then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

The Texas Tea

About The Texas Tea

Would you look at that, yet another variant of the Long Island Iced Tea! Meet it’s Southern cousin the Texas Tea! Adding a shot of Bourbon changes the flavor profile of this cocktail to be a bit bolder. The color also darkens slightly versus the OG Tea. Truth be told, the Empire Mixology Official Long Island Iced Tea is quite similar to this recipe due to the secret ingredient we use. (Check it out if you haven’t already!)

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Vodka

• 1¼ oz. Rum

• ¾ oz. Gin

• ¾ oz. Tequila

• 1 oz. Triple Sec

• 1 oz. Bourbon Whiskey

• 4½ oz. Sour Mix

• Splash of Coca Cola

Cocktail Profile

• Rating:       4.5 Stars

• Served:      On the Rocks

• Strength:   Strong

• Difficulty:  Medium

• Flavor:       Spirit

Method:

Build ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice, except for the coca cola. Gently shake a few times to chill ingredients. Pour with ice into highball or pint glass. Add splash of coke and stir gently. Add lemon wedge and cherry as garnish.