Leap Into March Madness with Festive Spirits!

Discover The Leprechaun's Leap, spring bar cleaning tips, MaryGold's Brasserie, and mixologist Christine Wiseman.

Author

Mixologist Master
March 07, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

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Sip & Synopsis - What You'll Find Here

  • March into Madness 
  • Drink of the week: The Leprechaun's Leap
  • Spring Cleaning - Bar Edition
  • Featured Bar: MaryGold's Brasserie
  • Featured Mixologist: Christine Wiseman

March into Madness: A Celebration of Whimsy and Wit in Cocktails

This week, we're shaking off the last chill of winter and springing forward with a burst of creativity and fun! "March into Madness" is all about celebrating the lighter side of life and mixology. Prepare for an array of whimsical cocktails, laugh-out-loud cocktail lore, and features that remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.

Trivia Question❓

Which U.S. President signed the Uniform Time Act of 1966 into law, establishing Daylight Saving Time for the United States?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

In honor of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day, let's go green with a twist! This vibrant cocktail mixes Irish whiskey, fresh mint, cucumber juice, and a dash of sparkling water, creating a refreshing sip with every leap. It's garnished with a shamrock for luck and a slice of cucumber for a crisp finish.

Drink Notes: 

  1. Prepare the Cucumber Juice: If you don't have pre-made cucumber juice, you can easily prepare it by blending fresh cucumber slices (peeled) in a blender and then straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to extract the juice.

  2. Muddle the Mint: In a shaker, gently muddle the fresh mint leaves with the simple syrup and lime juice to release their flavors.

Spring Cleaning - Bar Edition

Spring is the perfect time to refresh and reorganize your home bar. Here's a comprehensive list of "spring cleaning" tasks to ensure your bar is sparkling, well-organized, and ready for entertaining:


Inventory Check:

  • Go through your spirits, liqueurs, and mixers. Note what you have and what needs restocking.
  • Check for any bottles that are nearly empty or have been open for a long time and use them up or disposing of them.

Expiration Date Review:

  • Review all perishable items (like vermouth, cream-based liqueurs, and opened wines) and check their expiration dates. Dispose of any that are past their prime.

Deep Clean:

  • Wipe down all bottles with a damp cloth to remove dust and sticky residue.

Organize Your Space:

  • Sort your spirits and tools in a way that makes sense for how you use them. Group similar items together (e.g., all whiskeys on one shelf, mixing tools in one drawer).
  • Consider the use of risers or shelf organizers to maximize space and visibility.

Glassware and Tools Audit:

  • Check your glassware for any chips or cracks and replace where necessary.
  • Ensure your bar tools are in good condition. Sharpen knives, and replace worn-out tools like shakers, strainers, or muddlers.

Update or Upgrade:

  • Consider if it's time to upgrade any tools or glassware. Spring is a great time to refresh your setup with new additions.

"Embrace the longer days, brighter mornings, and the promise of growth ahead. Let's spring forward with renewed energy and positivity. The best is yet to come."

MaryGold's Brasserie

Photo Cred: @marygoldsbrasserie

MaryGold's Florida Brasserie, with its award-winning cocktail program is sethttps://www.marygoldsbrasserie.com/about-us/ in the Wynwood Arts District of Miami, named after a blend of classic and carefree urban vibes. The establishment, led by Chef/Partner Brad Kilgore, offers a Florida brasserie menu with refined yet approachable dishes. The cocktail program at MaryGold's is known for its imaginative ingredients and meticulous techniques, contributing to the restaurant's longstanding reputation for trend-setting culinary and cocktail excellence. Ready to get lucky? 🍀 MaryGold’s is featuring “Lucky Hour” Wednesday through Sunday from 5 - 6 PM. 

Featured Mixologist: Christine Wiseman

Photo Cred: @dramawise

Christine Wiseman, the Global Beverage Director of Bar Lab Hospitality, has been honored with the 2023 Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award by North America’s 50 Best Bars. This award is particularly prestigious as it is voted on by leading bartenders from the top bars across North America, encompassing the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, and Canada. Wiseman, with 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, is celebrated for her vibrant and innovative cocktails served at the Broken Shaker bars located in New York, Miami, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Her career began in the culinary field as a chef before she transitioned to bartending, working with notable figures like Todd Thrasher and managing bar programs at several high-profile establishments in Los Angeles. She is recognized for her mentorship and dedication to the bartending community, as well as for creating cocktails that combine traditional elements with unexpected flavors, sometimes featuring a touch of glitter.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Let's embrace the madness of March with open arms and raised glasses. This week, challenge yourself to step outside your cocktail comfort zone. Remember—the most memorable moments often come from a dash of madness!


~ Andrea 


P.S. Do you have a favorite cocktail? Are you a mixologist or do you want to highlight someone? If so, simply reply to this email for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter and to be entered into our monthly drawing!