31 July 2008
It's the end of another beautiful month and time for our monthly favorites!! This month was fun, and I was anything but bored. There were some crazy nights, but I'm sure glad I got to try some of these delicious recipes! How was your July? I've got a few more recipes here I'd like to share because after searching a bit, I found a few recipes that have flown under the radar a bit too long. Take this last July evening and try out a few of these newbys. Let me know what you think! COCKTAILS: GTG Bitter Sweet: 2 Tbsp. Torani Ginger Spice Syrup, one 12 oz. Can Guinness Pub Draught, Melted Unsweetened Chocolate for Rimming Glass, if Desired *Pour Guinness Into Chocolate Rimmed Glass. Add Torani and Stir Well. Lively Latte: 2 Tbsp. Torani Syrup, 2 Tbsp. - 1/4 Cup Liqueur (Amaretto, Brandy, Irish Whiskey or Rum), 1 Cup Milk, 1-2 Shots Espresso. *In a small saucepan, gently heat Torani and milk, whisking until frothy. Pour into a tall glass and add liqueur and espresso. You may also heat milk and Torani in a microwave, pour into a blender and blend until frothy. Pour into a tall glass and add liqueur and espresso. Torani Havanna Night: 2 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Coconut Syrup, 1 1/2 Tbsp. Torani Sugar Free Coffee Syrup, 2 Tbsp. Dark Rum, 6 Tbsp. Cream, Lime Wedge for Garnish, if Desired. *Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake until chilled and blended. Strain into a cocktail glass. MOCKTAIL: Pineapple Fizz Punch: 4 Tbsp. Torani Pineapple Syrup, 2 Tbsp. Torani Vanilla Syrup, 1 3/4 Cups Sparkling Water
1/2 Cup Grapefruit Juice. *Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl filled with ice and stir well. Email me at support3@jlhufford.com with the subject "RecipeGeek Favorites" and maybe give me a few of your favorite recipes. I'd be more than happy to post our customer's favorites! Thanks!
As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!  Permalink
25 July 2008
I stopped at one of our coffee shops and picked up the tea and a bottle of the Torani syrup. I whisked away to make some tasty ice tea. The directions suggest doubling the amount of tealeaves that you use if you are going to make iced tea. So, I heated up a coffee cup with water and brewed my tea and put it over ice. I felt like a super-bartender when I added my Torani syrup to my glass. Be careful when adding your syrup because it’s not too hard to over-do it. I mixed up my simple glass of iced tea and was in heaven! I guess I did not realize how easy it is to do! Now my guests request that I make them some iced tea!
I hear Ginger Peach also makes a great ice tea too!
29 July 2008
Go on and let your kids feel all grown up, not to mention these drink are great! You'll even go crazy for them! Mock cocktails, a.k.a mocktails, are a great alternative to alcoholic beverages by allowing you to participate in the festivites responsibly. As you can see, Non Alcoholic beverages are made in a similar fashion to Alcoholic beverages. A little tweaking of the ingrediantes is usually necessiary, but the taste is still amazing! These drinks are great especially if you are a diabetic, a child, or you just like to enjoy a refreshing, fruity drink. (They might be a little cheaper too!) Please try these mixes out and let me know what you and your kids think! BLENDED: Blend ingrediends in blender until smooth. Yields one 16oz. drink. Virgin Mango Margarita: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani mango Puree Blend, 2oz. margarita Mix, 2oz. Lemonade Perfect Pina Colada: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Pina Colada Puree Blend, 2oz Milk, 2oz. Sweet and Sour Mix, Slice of Fresh Pineapple for Garnish. SHAKEN: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, strain, and serve. Yields one 4oz. drink. Virgin Lemon Drop: 1 1/4oz. Torani Lemon Syrup, 2 1/2oz Club Soda or Sparkling Water, 1/4oz. lemon Juice, Lemon Twist for Garnish. *Serve in a martini glass with a sugared rim. Torani-Politan: 3/4oz. Torani Raspberry Syrup, 1/4oz. Lime Juice, 3oz. Lemonade Zombie: 1oz. Torani Passion Fruit Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Vanilla Syrup, 3oz. Pineapple Juice, 1/2oz. Lime Juice, Lime Twist for Garnish. *Yields one 5oz. drink. ENJOY!!
**For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course! Check out the Professional Series. (I WANT ONE!)
23 July 2008
The Martini recipes we have listed below are really Vodkatinis. The original Martini is made with gin, not vodka. However, if you walk into a bar or restaurant, they will most likely sell you a Vodkatini. A LITTLE HISTORY: One person can not quite take credit for the beginning of the Martini. One of the best known rumors is that the Martini descends from the Martinez, an older, sweeter cocktail. The Martinez was probably invented in Martinez, California. There is actually a plaque observing the origin of the martini that can be found on the Northeast corner of the intersection of Alhambra Ave and Masonic St. There are many stories and I can not list them all, but whatever the case, the martini has a long past that most likely reaches into the 1800s. It has been in and out of fads constantly, but in the end, the Martini is still a choice drink for a night out on the town. Now stay in and enjoy the Shaken 'tinis! Almond Roca Martini: 3/4oz. Torani Almond Roca Syrup, 1/4oz. Torani Vanilla Syrup, 3oz. Vodka. Vanilla Bean Martini: 1 1/2oz. Torani Vanilla Bean Syrup, 3oz. Vodka, 1/2oz. Triple Sec. Watermelon Martini: 1oz. Torani Watermelon Syrup, 1 1/2oz. Vodka, 1/2oz. Lime Juice, 1/2oz. Triple Sec. Pomegranate Martini: 1oz. Torani Pomegranate Syrup, 1 1/2oz. Vodka, 1/2oz. Lime Juice, 1/2oz. Lemon Juice. *Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake well, strain and serve. Yields one 4oz. drink. Sweet and Sour Martini: 1 1/2oz. Torani Lemon Syrup, 3oz. Vodka, 1/2oz. Fresh Lemon Juice, Lemon Twist for Garnish. *Serve in martini glass with sugared rim, Yields one 5oz. drink. As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!
21 July 2008
Got a case of the Monday's? Me too... but I don't think we're talking about the same case. My case of the Monday's includes a Mojito and/or a Metropolitan. Needless to say, my Monday's aren't so bad! Shaken: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well, strain and serve. Known as the Cuban highball, the Mojito is an awesome summer drink with its mint and citrus flavors kicking the potent taste of rum to the curb. Be a pro and try muddling the crushed mint in the syrups. Add ice and rum and pour into a tumbler. Mango Mojito: 1/2oz Torani mango Syrup, 1/2oz. Torani Lime Syrup, 6 Fresh Mint Leaves, crushed, 1 Cup Crushed Ice, 2oz. White Rum, Splash of Club Soda. *Yields one 12oz. Drink The Metropolitan is as old as the Manhattan and has more different kinds of recipes than one can count on two hands! It is actually in the Martini family and is a variation of the Manhattan. Want to see a Pro make this drink and get some great tips?
Metropolitan: 3/4oz. Torani mandarin Orange Syrup, 2oz. Vodka, 1oz. Cranberry Juice, 1/4oz. Lime Juice *Yields one 4oz. Drink As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!
17 July 2008
This weekend you better have a blast because we're providing you with all the weapons you may need. We're going to Dance the night away doing the Fandango! But don't forget to close the shutters and rush everyone inside before the Hurricane hits! Woah! What was that loud Blast of music? It must have been the DJ we rented. Well everything is in line for the perfect night! Come on in and relax as we get the weekend started... Fandango: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Mango Puree Blend, 2oz. Orange Juice, 1oz. Light Rum, 1oz. Dark Rum, Splash Fresh Lime Juice Peach Hurricane: 2 Cups Ice, 1/2oz. Torani Peach Puree Blend, 1/2oz. Torani Pomegranate Syrup, 1 1/2oz. Rum, 1oz. Pineapple Juice, 1oz. Orange Juice, 1/2oz. Lime Juice Raspberry Blast: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Raspberry Puree Blend, 3oz. Milk 1 1/2oz. Vodka, 1/2oz. Coffee Liquer (Such as Kahlua) *Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Yields one 16oz. drink. As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!! **For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course! Check out the Professional Series. (I WANT ONE!)
15 July 2008
We've mixed up the recipes for this entry so you don't get bored with one type of drink. This week try one of these mixes and you're sure to be pleased. FUN FACT: The Belini originated in Italy and is one of many internationally known long drink cocktails. Most often served when celebrating, this sparkling wine based beverage is bubbly for all occasions you can think up. Because of its distinctive pink color, the creator was reminded of the 15th-Century Venetian artist Giovanni Bellini, whose painting of a saint in a pink toga became the sole reason the drink is now named the Bellini. Blended Bellini: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Peach Puree Blend, 4oz. Prosecco (Italian Sparkling Wine) or Champagne. *Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Yields one 16oz. drink. **For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course! Check out the Professional Series. (I WANT ONE!) SHAKEN: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice, Shake well, strain and serve. Who can resist this dynamic duo? Wanna know the best part? This is the dessert and the Creme Saver wrapped in one, and it lasts longer! Peaches & Cream: 1oz. Torani Peach Puree Blend, 1/2oz. Torani Vanilla Syrup, 3oz. Orange Juice, 1 1/2oz. Sparkling Water, 1 1/2oz. *Yields one 8oz. drink. Looking at these ingredients, I think the only thing velvety about this drink is the color. The Cranberry and Grapefruit mixture is sure to bring in the red, but it may be a tart one! Definitely let me know how you like this one! Red Velvet: 2oz. Torani Pink Grapefruit Syrup, 3oz. Cranberry Juice, 1oz. Vodka. *Yields one 6oz. drink
As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!
11 July 2008
Daiquiris have been known as such since 1905 when they were officially formulated in a bar called Venus in Santiago, Cuba. The drink developed naturally due to the prevalence of lime and sugar. This drink's specified ingredients are the following: white rum, lime juice, and a flavor of syrup. Initially the daiquiri was served in a tall glass crammed with cracked ice. A teaspoon of sugar was then sprinkled over the ice. The juice of one or two limes was squeezed over the sugar. Two or three ounces of rum fulfilled the concoction. Soon after, the Daiquiri progressed to be mixed in a shaker with shaved ice and poured into a chilled flute glass. Fortunately they kept it easy by using the same ingredients! Enough history already! Ready for the real deal? Blended:
Strawberry Daiquiri: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Strawberry Puree Blend, 2oz. Sweet and Sour Mix, 2oz. Rum, 1oz. Lime Juice. Peach Daiquiri: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Peach Puree Blend, 2oz. Sweet and Sour Mix, 2oz. Rum, 1oz. Lime Juice. *Blend ingredients in blender until smooth. Yields one 16oz. drink. *Alcohol optional (replace with tea, water, or lemonade to taste). **For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course! Check out the Professional Series. (I WANT ONE!) As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!
9 July 2008
After a long day at work, reward yourself with Mexico's national drink, a cool margarita. Enjoy it "On the Rocks", or frozen with a slice of lime and rimmed with salt. YUMMMM!!! Try something new by making it colorful with different flavors. We'll provide a few recipes here, but we expect a full report if you can come up with something better! Blended: Peach Margarita: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Peach Puree Blend, 3oz. Margarita Mix, 2oz. Tequila Strawberry Margarita: 2 Cups Ice, 2oz. Torani Strawberry Puree Blend, 3oz. Margarita Mix, 2oz. Tequila Guava Margaritra: 1 Cup Ice, 1oz. Torani Guava Syrup, 1oz. Tequila, 3oz. Margarita Mix. *Blend ingredients in blender until smooth. Yields one 16oz. drink. *Alcohol optional (replace with tea, water, or lemonade to taste). *For "On the Rocks" version, pour entire mix over ice. Don't forget the garnish! As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!
3 July 2008
As you read a few days ago, July is Anti-Boredom Month, so we thought we'd help make it a bit more fun and interesting. Here we give you the FUNdamentals of a fantastic July. Don't let the summer pass you by without enjoying these basic recipes with the whole family! Basic Shaken Cocktail/Mocktail Recipe: 1oz. Torani Syrup, 1 Cup Ice, 1-2oz. Alcohol (optional) and Mixer, Shake Well. Basic Blended Cocktail/Mocktail Recipe: 2oz. Torani Puree Blend, 2 Cups Ice, 1-2oz. Alcohol (optional) and Mixer, Blend Well. Shaken Cocktail/Mocktail Favorites: Torani Mandarin Orange, Raspberry, Mango, Pomegranate, and Guava. Blended Cocktail/Mocktail Favorites: Torani Strawberry, Peach and Mango Puree Blends. * As always, PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY. ENJOY!! **For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course! Check out the Professional Series. (I WANT ONE!)
9 July 2008
Tea brewing may seem like a simple process... Drop a tea bag or infuser into boiling water, wait a couple of minutes, and enjoy. Right? Actually, did you know that many of the finer teas should be steeped temperatures below boiling? For example, green and white teas are very delicate and are much more flavorful when brewed at lower, cooler temperatures. With a fabulous new gourmet tea machine called FINE T, brewing the perfect cup of tea at the correct water temperature and infusion time has never been easier! The FINE T machine is fully programmable for all types of fine tea (including black, green, white, puerh, rooibos, and herbals). Until this snazzy machine is available, you can perfect your cup of tea by following our suggestions below and adjust to your own personal tastes: Black Tea - Robust; Steep in boiling water for 4-6 minutes. Oolong Tea - Semi-robust; Steep at 190°F for 5-8 minutes. Green Tea - Delicate; Steep between 150-160°F for 2-4 minutes. White Tea - Very delicate; Steep at 180°F for at least 4-6 minutes. Rooibos (Red) Tea - Robust; Steep in boiling water for 4-6 minutes. Herbal Tea - Steep in boiling water for about 5 minutes. With such varying herbs used in so many teas, this tea should be perfected to your preferences. Happy Steeping!
24 July 2008
Known as a stimulant beverage, coffee was first consumed in the 9th century after being discovered in the highlands of Ethiopia. The must-have drink made its way through the Middle East and hopped over to Egypt and Yemen. It reached Persia, Turkey and other areas of North Africa by the 15th century. Today, coffee is one of the top agricultural exports and most popular beverages worldwide! See below for a sugar free way to enjoy this caffeinated brew:
Sugar Free Chocolate Raspberry: 1oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce (1 Pump), 1/2oz. Torani Raspberry Syrup (2 Pumps), 8oz. Milk, 2 Shots JL Hufford Espresso. *Mix well.
ENJOY!!
10 July 2008
The official drink of Puerto Rico, the Pina Colada recipe is claimed to have been formulated in 1954. The Caribe Hilton Hotel and the Barrachina restaurant in Puerto Rico both lay claim to this world renowned beverage. Though the debate continues as to who the real inventor is, it's no doubt the Torani Pina Colada smoothie aims to please! Torani Pina Colada Smoothie: 2oz. Torani Pina Colada Puree Blend (2 Pumps), 4oz. Milk, 2 Cups Ice. Wanna spice things up a bit? Exchange the smoothie's 4oz. of Milk for 2oz. Rum and 2oz Milk. *Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Yields one 16oz. drink. As always, drink responsibly and ENJOY!!
8 July 2008
Almonds can be used in many different dishes. From desserts and candies to salads and entrees; Almond's sweet flavor adds the right amount of nutty goodness to any meal! Now try it in a drink paired with Chocolate, how can this be bad? Iced Almond Mocha: 1oz. Torani Chocolate Sauce (1 Pump), 3/4oz. Torani Orgeat Syrup (3 Pumps), 8oz. Milk, 2 Shots JL Hufford Espresso, 1 1/2 Cups Ice. *Stir. ENJOY!!
7 July 2008
"Where, oh where, are you tonight?
Why did you leave me here all alone?
I searched the world over and thought I found true love.
You met another and PTHHP! you was gone."
Does that bring back any memories? I thought of it when I was pondering where exactly the different coffees of the world come from. I found a map on Wikipedia to show you.
 r = robusta
m = both robusta and arabica
a = arabica
4 July 2008
It's that wonderful time of year again; fireworks spark, barbeques linger, and the pleasant reminder that over 230 years have passed since the signing of that wonderful document, the Declaration of Independence. Break out your patriotic side and don't forget the Uncle Sam Smoothies! Uncle Sam Smoothie: 2 Cups Ice, 1oz. Torani Strawberry Puree Blend, 1oz. Torani Cherry Syrup, 4oz. Milk. *Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Yields one 16oz. drink. ENJOY!! **For Blended drinks, use the best of the best when it comes to blenders...VITA MIX of course! Check out the Professional Series. (I WANT ONE!)
1 July 2008
As the Summer pokes on, TV series turn to reality, and the heat and late evenings become monotonous, create an atmosphere that screams fun and vacation! Change up your wardrobe by wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops! These tropical drinks will take you on the vacation you've always wanted, right in your own kitchen! Guava Kiwi Italian Soda: 1/2oz. Torani Guava Syrup (2 Pumps), 1/2oz. Torani Kiwi Syrup (2 Pumps), 8oz. Sparkling Water or Club Soda. Mango Refresher: 1oz. Torani Mango Syrup (4 Pumps), 4oz. Lemonade, 4oz. Chilled Brewed Tea *Stir. ENJOY!!
4 July 2008
After downing your favorite cup of chai, you look at the bag and wonder, “Big Train. That’s an odd name for my vanilla chai. Big Train.” After doing the same thing, I decided to do a little research for the question, “Why the name Big Train?”
Here is an excerpt from Big Train's old website that clearly defines why the name “Big Train”:
The Legend of Big Train
Trains have always symbolized certain romanticism and adventure in America. They provided our first coast-to-coast means of comfortable and safe travel, delivering products, goods and passengers across thousands of miles of wilderness eventually helping to tame wilderness into metropolis. From hopping freight cars and riding the rails to today’s elegant Amtrak coaches that provide all the comforts of home, trains helped to define our nation. Even with today’s fast, sleek jets capable of crossing the country in minutes, trains still represent the best way to travel if you want to see the country. We wanted a name that represented something that everyone could identify with; a name that stood for something special. Our love of trains and what they symbolize led us to our name. Big Train is that name. And, Big Train is right on track delivering the big taste and flavor you want and expect. The kind that lingers on your taste buds, teasing, caressing, whispering for more. It goes down so smoothly that when you’ve finished, it will take all your will power to not have a second. But, for the weak willed, it’s all right. After all, everyone can use a vacation from time to time. That is what we set out to accomplish with Big Train Gourmet Drinks. When you sip a Big Train you will experience a taste trip to an exciting new place; your taste buds will truly have an adventure. Big Train Gourmet Drinks can be your taste get-a-way, cool and refreshing blended iced coffees or hot and soothing Chai. It all depends on where you want to go. So give yourself or someone special a surprise taste vacation and get aboard the Big Train Express, your ticket to delicious.
2 July 2008
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We at the office try to take advantage of the work environment. We come to work at a warehouse that has over 400lbs. of gourmet coffee in stock at any given point. Being the good employees we are, we try and sample as much as possible. How on Earth could we, in good conscience, recommend coffees or accessories if we ourselves hadn't tried them? Because of the vast selection of coffee we have to choose from, we put our coffee maker through a workout. We have anywhere from 5-10 people in the office at a time. This means we probably go to 3-4 pots of coffee a day. This wouldn't be a big deal with an industrial coffee maker, but we have a refurb MT500. We like to have confidence in our products but sometimes we aren't able to get around to testing all of them. The MT500 is something that we have heard a lot about, and after realizing how much wear and tear we've put on this machine, I have to declare it the most durable and consistent coffee maker I've ever experienced. You take it for granted when you use something every day. So I just wanted to suggest the MT500 for anyone looking for a coffee maker to perform consistently. The MT500 has put up with more abuse from this office than I care to calculate and it still gives us amazingly hot and fresh coffee every time we hit the "on" button. The thermal carafe really does keep the coffee scorching hot for hours, the goldtone filter is super easy to clean out. If you're in search of a coffee maker, this is the one. Oh yeah, with all the coffee we've tasted, what's my favorite? Fair Trade Haitian Bleu, without a doubt. Happy Brewing!
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