Dining & Flatware Essentials for Cookout Season

Posted July 31 2024 in Cocktails, Dining, Drinkware, Mint Julep Cups, Moscow Mule Mugs, Summer
Tagged: beer mugs, Bread board, charcuterie boards, ice buckets, Mint Julep, moscow mule, stemware

Summer is the perfect time to gather friends and family for memorable cookouts. But what sets a fantastic gathering apart from an average one? It’s all in the details. Whether you’re planning a casual backyard barbecue or a sophisticated evening under the stars, having the right dining and flatware essentials can make all the difference. If you’re an entertaining enthusiast looking to up your game this season, read on to discover the must-have items for cookout season.

Drinkware Essentials

Moscow Mule Mugs

Nothing says classic like a Moscow Mule served in the right mug. The Classic Moscow Mule Mug, 16oz, offers a timeless look that chills your drink perfectly. For an elevated experience, try the Nickel-Lined Moscow Mule Mugs— which adds an extra touch of sophistication and sleek finish to this traditional drinkware.

Beer Mugs & Drinking Glasses

No cookout is complete without a selection of beer mugs and drinking glasses. The Danforth Tankard is perfect for serving a variety of beverages, from craft beers to iced tea. If you’re into stylish seltzer, the Satin Seltzer Glasses Set of Four provides an elegant way to enjoy your fizzy drinks. These glasses are versatile and suit many types of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages as well.

Cocktails & Stemware

Elevate your cocktail game with the Facet Crystal Goblets. These goblets are not only visually stunning but also enhance the flavors of your favorite drinks. If you prefer a more casual vibe, the Stemless Wine, Set of 4 is perfect for enjoying wine under the stars without the risk of tipping over.

Mint Julep Cups

Mint Julep Cups are synonymous with southern hospitality and classic cocktails. No summer gathering is complete without one. The Gold Finish Mint Julep Cup adds a luxurious touch to your bar setup, while the Beaded Mint Julep Cup, Small offers a charming and intricate design. Both options are perfect for serving refreshing mint juleps or any other favorite summer drinks.

Cool Down with Ice Buckets

Keeping your drinks chilled is essential for any cookout. The Lismore Ice Bucket with Tongs features a stunning cut-glass design that not only keeps ice cold but also adds a touch of elegance to your beverage station.

Lismore Ice Bucket with Tongs

Keeping your drinks chilled is essential for any cookout. The Lismore Ice Bucket with Tongs features a stunning cut-glass crystal design that not only keeps ice cold but also adds a touch of elegance to your beverage station.

Vertigo Silver Plated Ice Bucket

For those who prefer modern elegance, the Vertigo Silver Plated Ice Bucket is a fantastic choice.  Its reflective surface and contemporary design make it a standout piece that complements any outdoor decor.

Woodbury Pewter Ice Bucket with Lid Satin Finish

The Woodbury Pewter Ice Bucket with Lid Satin Finish combines traditional craftsmanship with a sleek satin finish. This bucket, complete with a lid, ensures your ice stays cold longer, making it ideal for extended gatherings.

Charcuterie Boards that Impress

Charcuterie boards are a must-have for presenting appetizers and snacks.

Cheese Block with Knife & Spreader by Nambe

The Cheese Block with Knife & Spreader by Nambe is both functional and stylish, providing a beautiful surface for cheeses, meats, and accompaniments. This set includes all you need to serve a variety of people, making it a hit among your guests.

Boards By Sheridan

For sports enthusiasts, add a playful touch to your gatherings with the Bamboo Football Cutting Board is a fun addition to any cookout. It’s not only functional but also a conversation starter, perfect for sports-themed cookouts. The Acacia Wood Handled Bread Board by Sheridan offers a rustic yet elegant charm that’s ideal for serving bread, fruits, and more.

Grape Tray Entertainment By Arthur Court

The Grape Tray Entertainment, 5pc Set by Arthur Court is a stunning way to present a wide variety. Its intricate grapevine design and multiple compartments make it perfect for showcasing an array of snacks and finger foods. This set includes serving trays and utensils, making it easier than ever to serve a variety of appetizers.

High-quality dining essentials can transform your cookout into an unforgettable experience. From elegant drinkware and perfectly chilled ice buckets to impressive charcuterie boards, these items will help you host with style and ease. Ready to elevate your next event? Explore these products and start planning your ultimate summer cookout today!

Keep It Classic: The History of ‘The Old Fashioned’

Posted: October 1, 2020 in Drinkware, Cocktails, How-to Guides
Tagged: Crystal, drinkware

Who doesn’t love a good cocktail? Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, the pleasure of enjoying a craft cocktail at a bar or restaurant with friends is either limited or impossible.

As with many COVID-related bummers, people are managing to find a silver lining on this dark cloud in the form of getting creative with making cocktails at home!

Here at Silver Superstore, we believe everyone’s home should be their sanctuary, fully equipped with everything you need to have a great night in at home. With that being said, we would like to share a little bit about the classic, easy-to-make, whisky-based cocktail, the Old Fashioned.

During these trying times, nothing will help liven your spirits (or dull the pain) better than this classic drink. Keep reading to learn a little about the history of this cocktail and how to make it.

The history of the Old Fashioned

When you think of the Old Fashioned, you probably picture Mad Men and Don Draper. That’s because this adult beverage was largely popularized in the 1960s following the 1963 release of the film It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.

Yet, the drink dates back long, long before the sixties (hence the name). The name was given to the drink when fancy flavored drinks began to gain popularity in the 1880s and 1890s. Those who ordered this drink wanted their alcohol the old-fashioned way, without all the frills and add-ins.

The first iteration of the drink dates back to 1862, when Jerry Thomas (author of Bartenders Guide: How To Mix Drinks) published a recipe for the Old Fashioned Holland Gin Cocktail. Fast-forward to 1880 in Louisville, Kentucky, when James E. Pepper came up with a Bourbon-based version of the drink, and the modern version we all know and love was born.

Since then, and since it’s popularization in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and Mad Men, the drink has morphed into a symbol of the classic drink, evoking the image of sophisticated, masculine, and “classic.” Fun fact: it’s also, allegedly, the most Googled cocktail recipe today!

How to make the Old Fashioned cocktail

So, what is the Old Fashioned? It’s a bourbon or rye whisky-based drink often served over ice with an orange peel or cherry garnish.

To make one serving, you’ll need:

• 45 ml Bourbon or rye whisky
• 1 sugar cube or ¼ oz simple syrup
• 2 or 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters
• A small splash of water (optional)
• Orange peel or cherry for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Place ingredients in a traditional Old Fashioned glass, fill halfway with ice, and stir until chilled. Express the orange peel over the rim of the glass, then garnish the drink with the orange peel. Enjoy!

Crystal Stemware: A Toast to Love & Life

Posted: January 10, 2020 in Cocktails, Drinkware, Gifts, Lifestyle, Summer, Traditions, Wedding, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: champagne, stemware, toasting flutes

Some customs have clear logic behind them, while others are more obscure. Waving hello makes sense as a way of getting someone’s attention, but why, for instance, do we shake hands as a greeting? With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching and millions of romantic dinners to be had in its name, many may be wondering why do we toast drinks at special occasions.

History of Toasting

Simply put, the act of toasting is calling for a drink in honor of something, whether it’s to commemorate a special occasion or achievement, to wish someone good fortune, or to show an act of good will. Drinking together has long been seen as bonding—but where did this concept come from?

Toasting is an ancient tradition. By the time the Roman Empire took over across Europe, toasting had already been around for centuries. Romans and Saxons both inherited this ancient custom from much older peoples—the Greeks, Egyptians, Huns, and even Hebrews. You might even say that toasting is as old as civilization itself.

The original act of toasting is hard to pinpoint. However, the name “toasting” seems to have originated during the reign of the Roman Empire, when guests crumbled actual toast into their wine to soften the bitterness and perhaps add flavor.

In ancient times, being poisoned by wine was a very real concern. Whenever someone hosted an event and led a toast for his guests, drawing attention to the wine and taking the first drink was seen as a way to show that it was safe—to promote friendliness and dissolve suspicion.

Even further back in time, according to the International Handbook on Alcohol and Culture, it appears that toasting may have been used as a part of a religious ritual of sacrificing animals and wine to deities. Clinking glasses was an effort to drive away evil spirits—so the ancient belief that sacrificing the fruit of their labor in the form of a drink in exchange for health and good fortune may have morphed into the toasts of today.

Valentine’s Day: Toasting to Love and Life

When it comes to a romantic dinner though, a toast becomes a very intimate thing. At a wedding, a toast is a performance—you’re taking part in a group ritual of celebration. At a Valentine’s Day dinner, on the other hand, you’re offering up a drink for the health, love, and life of your partner.

Clink your crystal flutes of champagne to ward off negativity, drink to each other’s health, and celebrate each other and your relationship. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to use this ancient tradition to signify good wishes, positivity, and good luck for the future. When you give a toast for your partner, remember that you’re adding your drink to a long history of toasting—an ancient traditions that represents faith, positivity, and good fortune.

Silver Serving Trays: A Centerpiece for Every Table

Posted: October 16, 2019 in Cocktails, Decorations, Dinnerware, Gifts, Holidays, Lifestyle, Traditions, Wedding, Wedding Traditions
Tagged: Serving Tray, Silver Platter, Silver Trays

Silver Serving Trays

Hosting a holiday meal, a gala for clients, or a summer brunch on the deck of a lakeside home can be made all the more sublime with accouterments that highlight your own style. Your personal refinement will be revealed to your guests when you gracefully wand gravy across rich meats with an embossed silver ladle, deftly pour Lady Grey tea into the delicate cups of an ornate tea set, or carry in afternoon mimosas in crystal flutes on a silver serving tray. The serving pieces that make a party or event feel special have never gone out of style.

Versatility

One of the most versatile pieces of a serving set is the silver serving tray. When serving drinks, a serving tray is perfect for bringing guests beverages, allowing you to visit with each guest individually. It can then be run back to the kitchen to be refilled with a second round of beverages. Hors d’oeuvres can also be a perfect use of a serving tray.

Delightfully displayed in the center of the table, no guest will be able to resist taking a nibble of an anchovy crostini, a prosciutto and ricotta roll, or a cucumber sandwich. Of course, the traditional use of the serving tray – to bring in the Thanksgiving turkey or the Christmas ham with great fanfare – makes the serving tray a must-have piece for any serving set.

Diverse Style

When planning your table, a diversity of styles for serving trays is currently available. Your choice of silver serving tray will immediately set the tone, be it classical elegance or modern vibrancy. Silver Superstore provides the range of styles you need for a perfect event.

Chippendale Trays by Salisbury convey the classic appeal of the family heirloom, while the Vertigo Large Round Serving Tray by Christofle exudes the modern curves and neat lines popular today in homes and restaurants alike.

Perfect Gifts

Silver serving trays can also be lovely gifts for noteworthy anniversaries, weddings, or successfully closing on a client contract. Engraving the piece for the occasion will make it an item to be treasured for years to come. Serving pieces such as these are more than just useful, they are an expression of yourself.

Beginners Guide To Seafood Cutlery

Posted: February 27, 2018 in Cocktails, Dining, Flatware, How-To Guides, Lifestyle
Tagged: Albi, Christofle, Cocktail Forks, Fish Fork, Fish Knife, Fortessa, Gone Fishin', Grand City, Grande Baroque, Gumbo spoon, Oyster fork, Snail Forks, Wallace, Yamazaki

To the delight of rich folks all over England, separate courses became a way of dining and showing off in the 1850s. Twenty-four-piece place settings were not uncommon. Even guests who didn’t know any better found it hard to prop their elbows on the table.

A Beginners Guide To Seafood Cutlery

Seafood utensils, some of the most misunderstood pieces of flatware, emerged during this time. Most are lovely and unusual, but a few are downright intimidating. Guests often wait nervously until a savvier dinner companion leads the way.

Consider escargot tongs. The French are mad about snails and consume around 40,000 metric tons of them every year. Snails have received a much cooler reception in the U.S. Whether that is due to deep-seated loathing or general confusion about how to use the tongs is anybody’s guess, but it has made for some outstanding comedy.

Lucy Ricardo of the TV classic “I Love Lucy” decided that escargot tongs were provided as a kindness for coping with the fishy smell. In one of Lucille Ball’s funniest moments, she gratefully clamped the tongs onto her nose.

Julia Roberts’ character in “Pretty Woman” successfully used the tongs to grab a snail, but the “slippery little sucker,” as she put it, shot halfway across the formal dining room.

Common Seafood Utensils

When it comes to rounding out your silver collection, it’s a mistake to overlook most other seafood utensils. These pieces aren’t just charming additions to the table, but they are highly functional tools for getting the most flavor out of the ocean’s bountiful harvest.

Some of the most succulent tidbits just can’t be accessed without a seafood fork. Fish knives ensure that fish easily falls free from the skin so that not a bite is wasted. Serving pieces are designed to keep the fish intact on the journey from the serving dish to the dinner plate.

Seafood cutlery goes under a wide variety of names, but here are some of the most common pieces:

Fish fork – It is typically smaller than a dinner fork, has fewer tines and has an inwardly curving shape to distinguish it from a dinner fork.

Fish knife – This piece is smaller than a steak or butter knife. It has a sharp, broad, curving blade for separating skin from flesh. The width also helps each flaky bite onto the fork. The top of the blade has a razor-sharp point for removing even the tiniest bones.

Cocktail, seafood, shellfish and snail forks – These dainty, long-handled forks go under a variety of names and are often used interchangeably. They spear shrimp, dig deep into the tight crevices of crab legs or easily remove just about any other meat from shellfish. They usually have two to three short tines to keep delicate meat intact.

Oyster fork – This fork is shorter and usually has one long, thin tine that divides into two hooks. It may also have a straight center tine with two hooked tines on either side.

Gumbo spoon – The gumbo spoon holds bragging rights as the biggest soup spoon of all. The deep bowl is for catching every bite of those savory meats and vegetables.

The utensils are placed according to order of use starting from far left and far right and progressing toward the plate at the center. If a fish course is first, put the fork on the outer left and the knife on the outer right. For seafood entrees, put them where the ordinary fork and knife would go.

Interestingly, the oyster fork always goes on the outer right. It is the only fork of any kind that belongs to the right of the plate.

A Treasure Trove of Choices

We offer a wide variety of seafood utensils and serving pieces to delight your guests. Browse these patterns by the world’s finest silversmiths for deep-sea inspiration:

Don’t forget to make your pieces truly unique with personal engraving.

Six Delicious Winter Cocktails

Posted: January 29, 2018 in Cocktails, Dining, Lifestyle, Traditions
Tagged: Bobby Burns, Brandy Alexander, Dirty Snowman, engraving, Maple Old-Fashioned, Martini, Snowflake Martini, Winter Cocktails, Winter Drinks

The Wares Of Winter

The dreary weeks between January 2 and Valentine’s Day tend to get everyone down, especially when temperatures dip into the teens and snow blocks the driveway.

Nothing revives flagging spirits like spirits, so it’s time to winterize your bar tending repertoire. Round up some friends to sample these heartwarming concoctions.

Snowflake Martini

If you were dreaming of a white Christmas but didn’t get one, this pretty cocktail might be the next best thing.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces vanilla-flavored vodka
• Sugar crystals for decorating
• ½ ounce peppermint schnapps
• 1 ½ ounces white chocolate liqueur
• 2 ounces cream or unsweetened cashew milk

Directions:

Chill a martini glass.

In a saucer, pour a small amount of vodka. In a second saucer, pour a thin layer of sugar crystals. Dip the rim of the martini glass into the vodka to wet. Immediately dip the rim into the sugar crystals until the crystals adhere.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the remaining vodka, schnapps, white chocolate liqueur, cream and ice to chill. Shake to mix well, and strain from the ice into the martini glass.

Maple Old-Fashioned

This variation on the classic old-fashioned is the perfect complement to a winter brunch.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces rye or bourbon
• 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
• 1 dash angostura bitters
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 large block-style ice cube
• 1 orange twist

Directions:

In an old-fashioned glass, stir rye or bourbon, maple syrup, bitters and water until the syrup is dissolved. Add the ice cube, and garnish with the orange peel.

Brandy Alexander

This was John Lennon’s favorite drink, and he wryly referred to it as a milkshake. If you’re not a fan of milkshakes, there’s no harm in sipping the cognac straight from a crystal snifter.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces cognac or other fine, aged brandy
• 1 ounce dark creme de cacao
• 1 ounce cream
• 1 to 2 pinches freshly grated nutmeg

Directions:

Chill a martini glass.

In a cocktail shaker, combine cognac, dark creme de cacao and cream. Add ice to chill, shake to combine and strain from the ice into the martini glass. Sprinkle with grated nutmeg.

Bobby Burns

If you’ve still got “Auld Lang Syne” stuck in your head, propose a toast to Robert Burns, the Scottish poet who penned it.

Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces aged Scotch whisky
• ¾ ounce sweet vermouth
• ½ ounce Benedictine
• 1 lemon twist

Directions:

In a mixing glass, stir the whisky, vermouth and Benedictine with ice to chill. Strain from the ice into a martini or coupe glass. Garnish with the twist.

Apples-to-Apples Hot Toddies

These aren’t guaranteed to keep the doctor away, but they’ll definitely ward off frostbite.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons honey
• ½ cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups apple brandy
• Eight 3-inch cinnamon sticks

Directions:

In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat.

Stir in the honey until dissolved. Stir in the lemon juice and apple brandy. Carefully ladle the mixture into Moscow mule mugs. Garnish each toddy with a cinnamon stick.

Dirty Snowman

For this decadent version of Irish coffee, you’re going to need a bigger mug.

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup melted high-quality chocolate
• ½ cup chocolate shavings
• ½ pint vanilla ice cream
• 2 cups hot chocolate
• ½ cup Irish cream liqueur
• Dollops of whipped cream for serving

Directions:

Chill two beer mugs.

In a saucer, pour the melted chocolate. In a separate saucer, pour the chocolate shavings. Dip the rim of each mug into the melted chocolate. Immediately dip each mug into the chocolate shavings.

Drop a few scoops of ice cream into each mug. Pour hot chocolate and Irish cream liqueur on top. Top with whipped cream, and sprinkle with any extra chocolate shavings.

We have a diverse selection of bar-ware from the world’s finest manufacturers:

• Wine Golbets
• Toasting Flutes
• Snifters
• Highballs and old-fashioned glasses
• Moscow Mule Mugs
• Beer Mugs
• Decanters
• Pitchers

Browse our collection today, and don’t forget our convenient engraving services.

Give The Gift Of Barware

Posted: September 18, 2017 in Cocktails, Dining, Gifts, Lifestyle, Traditions
Tagged: barware, copper mugs, drinks, jiggers, moscow mule, shots, tankards

Give The Gift Of Custom Barware From Silver Superstore

Bartending is challenging and fun, especially when company’s coming. Having the perfect utensils and glassware not only makes your drinks taste better, but it makes your guests feel pampered.

Take advantage of the vast selection of barware available from Silver Superstore. We have everything from tankards to mint julep cups to one-of-a-kind coasters. We even carry practical items such as jiggers, strainers and shakers made of high-quality stainless steel.

Are you prepared if someone requests a Moscow mule? This classic cocktail made of vodka, ginger beer and lime juice went out of vogue for several years, but it has recently made a comeback. Furthermore, there are at least a dozen new variations that call for gin, tequila, bourbon, Irish whiskey or even culinary ingredients like dried lavender.

In short, it may be time to stock up on copper Moscow mule mugs.

Why Our Mugs Are Superior

Nothing is more warm and welcoming than copper. Its resplendent color catches the light like nothing else, and it has long been favored in kitchens and bars for its durability.

But is it safe to eat and drink from copper products? Copper is naturally present and beneficial in small quantities in the body, but overexposure can result in toxicity.

That’s why most of our copper mugs are lined with nickel. If you want to use them for drinking Moscow mules rather than for merely decorating, you are perfectly safe doing so.

Our quality mugs are available in several capacities. You may choose a hammered or smooth surface, and we offer tarnish-resistant finishes. We carry both stylized versions with flared lips and traditional, unembellished designs.

Browse our wide selection today.

Why Moscow Mules Should Be Served in Moscow Mule Mugs

Professional bartenders are notoriously fussy about the tools of their trade. They’re most persnickety of all about glassware. The drinking vessel can make or break the libation experience.

For instance, the long stem on a martini glass ensures that its contents stay frosty cold. The wide brim exposes the gin to air so that its botanicals are more evident, and the sloping sides nicely support an olive or onion garnish. Champagne flutes, having little surface area, prevent the wine’s bubbles from fizzing out too quickly. Moreover, the celebrant can witness the spectacle of the bubbles rising to the top of the flute.

In the same way, since its invention in the 1940s, the Moscow mule has been served in a handled copper mug because it contains a beer product. Beer is downright unpleasant if it’s not kept cold. Copper quickly takes on the icy temperature of the drink, and the mug’s handle prevents the drinker’s body temperature from warming it.

Psychological attachments may also come into play. The finest cognac on earth just doesn’t taste as good from a coffee cup as it does from a snifter. Today’s craft-cocktail enthusiasts might be more sophisticated than the Moscow mule’s original fans, but even they wouldn’t think of sipping this concoction from anything but a copper mug.

There are bar traditions that one simply doesn’t buck.

Gift Ideas

Our crystal decanters, dressy ice buckets, silver-plate wine goblets and countless other pieces make lovely gifts. All of our products are fashioned by the finest craftsmen in the world, and we offer custom engraving in a variety of designs to add lasting personal value.

Whether you’re collecting your own pieces or shopping for someone special in your life, our barware will be enjoyed for generations.

Refreshing Independence Day Cocktails

Posted: May 22, 2017 in Cocktails, Drinkware, Lifestyle, Traditions
Tagged: 4th of july, 4th of july cocktails, cocktails, Independence Day, Independence Day Cocktails, red white and blue, sangria, Vodka

Eight Refreshing Cocktails For Your Classy July 4th BBQ

If you are looking to make your Fourth of July gathering red, white and boozy, you need the right barware and drink recipes. Summer cocktails should be light, fun and classy. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Blue Sparkler

This drink should be served on ice. Use thick ice cubes to add some white coloring to the drink. To mix the drink, combine a cup of UV Blue, a cup of mango Absolut vodka and two cans of your favorite lemon-lime soda. Add a drop of blue food coloring for a vibrant color. Drop a few cherries in the drink to garnish it, and you can add a splash of grenadine if you wish. For ultimate visual appeal, serve it in a Old Fashioned glass.

Red, White and Blue Sangria

For this drink, mix a bottle of white wine with one-half cup each of simple syrup, berry vodka and lemon juice. Add a cup of triple sec. Cut fresh pineapple slices into star shapes with a sharp knife. You can use a small cookie cutter as a guide if you have one. Put the slices in the pitcher, and add some blueberries and strawberry slices. Chill before serving.

Independence Day Splash

You can make this cocktail two ways. You will need three shots of rum and the juice of one lemon as a base. Add either two shots of blue curacao or two shots of cherry schnapps to the base mix. Shake with ice. You can decorate the rim with colored sugar. Use red sugar if you make blue drinks, and use the blue sugar for red drinks.

All-American Slush

This frozen drink tastes as refreshing as it looks. You will need plenty of ice and a good blender that can crush it. First, blend a cup of red grenadine with a few cups of ice or a little more if needed. The mixture must be thick. Pour it carefully into a glass. Next, blend a cup of blue curacao with a few cups of ice until it is thick. Slowly pour it over the red layer to avoid mixing the two. Lastly, blend a cup of lemonade and a cup of vodka with several cups of ice until somewhat thick. Pour it carefully on top, and garnish with a cherry.

Firecracker Shots

These are simple, quick and delicious. Melt a small package of light cream cheese. Add one-half cup of sugar and two pints of cream. Blend together until smooth. Chill the mixture, and chill a bottle of cinnamon schnapps. Fill shot glasses halfway with cinnamon schnapps, and add some cream mixture until they are nearly full. Use a toothpick or a butter knife to make a swirl pattern in the drink.

Patriotic Punch

Every party needs punch. You can make elegant punch by sprucing up your ice cubes and serving the punch in an appealing container. First, make plenty of ice cubes. Put a few blueberries and some white edible flowers in each liquid cube. You can use white ginger flowers or neem blossoms. For the punch, use three parts watermelon puree and one part tequila. Add about a cup of lime juice. If the punch is not sweet enough, add agave nectar as needed. Mix this with a bottle of seltzer. Alternately, you can use a lemon-lime soda product of your choice if you prefer not to use agave nectar.

Cherry Bombs

Guests who do not want to carry a drink may enjoy this refreshing alternative. Use pitted cherries with stems to avoid a mess. Soak the cherries in cherry vodka overnight. If you prefer sweeter fruit, use cherry schnapps instead. Set the cherries on a paper towel to dry, and melt half a bag of white chocolate chips in a pan with a tablespoon of cream. Dip the cherries in the white chocolate, and sprinkle blue sugar or Pop Rocks on them immediately.

Raspberry Freedom

This recipe is especially delicious if you make ice cubes with whole sweet raspberries and mint leaves in them. For the drink, mix one part lime vodka and two parts blue raspberry schnapps. Add lime juice to your taste preference.

You can find all of the barware items mentioned in these recipes at Silver Superstore. Browse their selection of barware products to inspire more of your own creative cocktail ideas. With glasses, pitchers and accessories from Silver Superstore, your friends will rave about your presentation skills and your glamorous Fourth of July party drinks all summer.

If you want something more familiar this year, how about a refreshing Moscow Mule? And have you ever wondered why it comes in a copper mug?

The History of The Moscow Mule

Posted: March 7, 2017 in Cocktails, Drinkware, Lifestyle, Traditions, Moscow Mule Mugs
Tagged: mixed drinks, moscow mule, specialty drinks

A Deeper Look At The Moscow Mule

If you enjoy drinks that stand out from the crowd in a powerful and eloquent way, you are probably wondering what you should try so that you can find your next favorite. Many drinks and recipes exist, and a lot of them have not been published, but when it comes to flavor, people from around the world agree that the Moscow Mule is in a class of its own.

Fans usually fall in love at the first sip, and you will likely feel the same way when you experience it for the first time. We are going to explore the history of this great drink, and you will likely be surprised by what you will discover.

Ingredients

Before we go into detail, you will want to learn about the ingredients that bartenders use to craft the Moscow Mule. Even though a lot of people have tried to replicate the drink, doing so is not always an easy task for those who are not experts.

Once your place the order, the bartender will mix vodka and ginger beer together, stirring gently to create the right consistency. He will then pour the mixture over ice, and to add extra flavor and a touch of style, the bartender will place a lemon on the side of the copper mug.

History

When you are looking for the history of the Moscow Mule, you likely expect to hear that the drink was invented in Russia, but you would be mistaken.

The Moscow Mule was born in New York but gets its name from the Chatham Hotel, which people know as Little Moscow.

Jack Morgan and a group of friends were sitting together and enjoying a few glasses a Vodka, and they had an idea. Even though their Vodka had an unbeatable taste, they wanted to find a way to make it even better.

In an effort to reach their goal, the group opted to add 2 ounces of ginger beer, but something was still missing. After a few minutes had passed, one of Morgan’s friends placed a lemon on the side of the mug. The friends then took turns tasting the new creation and knew that they had done the right thing.

Serving

Although most people prefer to drink the Moscow Mule over ice, a few individuals like to chill the drink and consume it without ice, which prevents the drink from getting diluted. You might want to try different combinations so that you can find the perfect flavor for your needs.

When you order the drink, it will usually come in a copper Moscow mule mug unless you ask for something different.

Final Thoughts

The Moscow Mule started off as an experiment by a group of friends and has become one of the most popular drinks in the world. If you have never tried it, you don’t know what you are missing.

Not only does the Moscow Mule taste great, but it also goes down smooth, making it ideal for any occasion. Few drinks have this much history behind them, and each sip will make you feel as though you are on top of the world.