Finally, the heat is on in Los Angeles – an ideal time to gather ‘round the pool and show off your best mixologist talent. Here at LA’s the Place we appreciate drinking a well-balanced cocktail creation, but we can’t necessarily tell you how to do it.
That’s why, on a recent trip to Sonoma, we had a delicious discovery of not only fine wine but a 100% organic, eco-friendly line of orange, lemon or fig liqueurs by HelloCello that in the right hands (preferably a cute guy with some bar skills) will have all your friends begging for more at your next summertime soiree.
HelloCello's fun-loving artisans, Amy & Fred Groth, at their tasting room in Sonoma.
Amy & Fred Groth, creators and makers of HelloCello’s liqueurs, graciously gave us some stellar cocktail recipes as well as a nice toasty feeling after we sampled their products for three hours. Boy does the time fly when you have a Carneros Cooler or a riff on the Arnold Palmer – with HelloCello Limoncello it magically transforms the stodgy mocktail to Arnold’s Day Off. Be careful with this one or it could transform your schedule into a “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” adventure – we almost missed our plane because of it!
HelloCello’s artisanally-made, small-batch flavored brandies are being showcased by Sonoma’s best cocktail bars and restaurants. Now we demand it in Los Angeles. So ask your local Whole Foods or your favorite hipster watering hole to start carrying these luscious cocktail mixers:
HelloCello Limoncello di Sonoma – A grape based brandy limoncello made of entirely local products and sweetened with agave, so it can actually be touted as both tasty and good for you! Add a splash of soda and farmer’s market fruit for a refreshing summer spritzer.
BelloCello di Sonoma – As a way to bring some ‘ole’ to a margarita, replace Triple Sec with the orange liqueur BelloCello, which also has amorous-enhancing qualities. Made with damiana flowers, an herb known for its aphrodisiac qualities, it’s sure to heat up any pool party.
FigCello di Sonoma – Made of Sonoma figs and wine country brandy, this fig liqueur with subtle notes of herbs and citrus, is figtastic! Mix with bourbon whiskey to make Sonoma’s version of the Manhattan.
Provided by some of the top hotels and restaurants in Sonoma County, here are some stellar summertime cocktail recipes for your next party:
Arnold’s Day Off
1 oz Limoncello di Sonoma
1 oz Bourbon
2 oz Lemonade
2 oz Ice Tea
Combine all ingredients in a ice filled mason jar. Garnish with Lemon and mint. From the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn pool menu.
Carneros Cooler
1 oz Limoncello di Sonoma
2 oz hibiscus Tequila
3 Strawberries
2 Basil leaves
Squeeze of fresh lemon
½ oz Simple syrup
2 oz Club Soda
Muddle Strawberries and basil. Add remaining ingredients in an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. Pour into a tall glass and top with club soda. From the FARM at the Carneros Inn.
Fig Kiss
1 oz FigCello di Sonoma
1/2 oz St Germaine
3 oz fresh Carnberry juice
Combine all ingredients in an ice filled cocktail shaker and shake. Double strain into a martini glass. From Sondra Bernstein’s the Girl and the Fig Restaurant.
Sonoman Margarita
2 oz. Tequila Blanco
2 oz. BelloCello Orange & Damiana Liqueur
1 tbsp. prickly pear (Perfect Puree)
1/2 cup fresh lemonade
1 lime wedge
Pour all ingredients into a shaker. Mix well and pour in a margarita glass with a lime slated rim.
Ask K&L Wines in Hollywood to order some for you or order online ($25-27 a bottle). For more rocking recipes, visit: www.hellosonoma.com
