Jacquie’s Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade

Now's the time to get creative with what’s in season, especially lush flavorful berries and fruits. Mix your fruits with red or white wine for a lovely sangria, or add rum, gin, vodka, or even whiskey.

Here is one of Jacquie’s favorites – frequently served here at Finely Creek Vineyards. It's especially great at an evening gathering outdoors, under the stars. This one is so delicious, you may not need to serve a dessert.

Jacquie's Strawberry Whiskey Lemonade

STRAWBERRY SYRUP:

1 cup sliced strawberries

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

Stir together strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over low heat.
Bring strawberry mixture to a low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until strawberries have softened and sugar has dissolved (about 15 minutes.)
Remove saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 10-15 minutes.
Strain syrup into a bowl or measuring cup through a mesh strainer to remove the strawberry pieces (Jacquie recommends saving them for smoothies or jam later in the week.)

ASSEMBLE THE COCKTAILS:

1/3 cup strawberry syrup (see above)

2/3 cup whiskey

2/3 cup lemon juice

(optional) fresh strawberries and lemon slices, for garnish

In a large shaker, combine strawberry syrup, whiskey, and lemon juice with crushed ice. Shake to combine.
Pour whiskey lemonade over ice into drinking glasses.
Garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices, as desired, and serve immediately.

Add this summer refresher to your next gathering at Finley Creek Vineyard, or at your next summer backyard barbecue. Enjoy, from the folks at Finley Creek and Jacquie's Gourmet Catering!

ILEA thows a lovely luncheon together with ABC -- at our Finley Creek Vineyards

Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering is proud of our newest event site, our own Finley Creek Vineyards in Zionsville.

The vibe at Finley Creek is relaxed yet chic, and the food, naturally, is always fabulous – as it is prepared by Jacquie’s gourmet team of professionals.

Last week, ILEA, the International Live Events Association, partnered with the Association of Bridal Consultants to host a terrific luncheon at Finley Creek that included renowned wedding consultant Sasha Souza of California.

Jacquie pulled out all the stops for the luncheon, attended by 150 folks. We kicked off the luncheon with some of our favorite hors d’ouevres, which were all met with approval:

Peking Duck Crepes with Michigan Cherries, Chipotle Grilled Gulf Shrimp served on a Delta Grit Cake, and Vegan Cup Cake with Sweet Potato Frosting.

The salads were colorful and crisp:

Multi Colored Beet Carpaccio with Herbed Mascapone, Black Truffle Honey and Candied Walnuts.

And then, the main course:

Braised Indiana-raised Pork Tenderloin from This Old Farm stuffed with Fig and Pancetta. Served with French Puy Lentils, Haricot Vert Bundles, Butternut Squash Chutney, Vincotto, and Micro Ruby Radish Greens, it looked as fresh and savory as it tasted!

There was also a yummy vegan entrée:  Cilantro Potato Cake toped with King Trumpet, Mushrooms with Roasted Corn Salsa, and Roasted Red Pepper Puree, Garnished with Micro Ruby Radish Greens.

Which… leaves the dessert (which nobody left alone!)

Our Dutch Apple Baby with Salted Caramel Gelato was met with universal approval. A lovely finish to a great gathering.

Because this was a celebration, there was a self-serve Glug Station featuring Cinnamon Sticks, Cream, and Nutmeg.

There was also a signature gin drink for the occasion, created especially for the group by Hotel Tango, plus red and white wine, soda, Hibiscus iced tea, and lemonade.

Industry experts have give Finley Creek Vineyard their 'air kiss' of approval. Be sure to check us out for you next event!

Finley’s does signature cocktails

According to Wikipedia, a signature drink or cocktail is “any unique or original drink that expresses the nature of the person or establishment creating it. Signature drinks often incorporate local ingredients and culture. They can be fashioned or designed to represent a theme or color.”

Jacquie’s Gourmet Catering loves signature cocktails, especially when they are made with locally crafted Hotel Tango spirits. They are a great way to theme a holiday party, corporate event or wedding reception right from the start.

Guests enter the bar and might choose a bright blue Spiked Colts Milkshake, or Lilly’s Lemongrass Ginger Martini, or CEO Corporate Cosmos, or Jason & Kelly’s Love Brew. You get the picture. It’s a fun way to launch any gathering, and get people laughing, sharing and talking.

For the holidays, we have lots of ideas for festive signature cocktails. Give us a theme, and we’ll come up with all kinds of ideas. Jacquie can match a drink to any color, and is delightfully creative when it comes to serving drinks in just the right stemware with artful added edible garnishes – from flowers to herbs to candy swizzlers.

For wedding receptions, we can name a drink for the bride, the groom, the honeymoon destination – even a favorite team or place.

Having an event signature cocktail is also a fantastic way to trim your bar bill. By having a special cocktail or two plus wine and beer, you have the feel of an open bar without the cost. That’s a win-win.

So next time you plan an event with us, let’s talk signature cocktails. We promise you a great evening jump-starter, and an event to remember.