From the Blog

Halloween, an annual time for all things scary and creepy. If suffering through  COVID-19 social distancing measures the past year and a half wasn’t scary enough for you, here are four easy cocktails that’ll help you celebrate and potentially forget the sum of all your fears.

1. Black Magic Margaritas 

Suffice to say, the margarita is a classic drink for any occasion. This dark and sweet twist on the classic margarita is not only delicious, but is sure to leave a colourful impression on your palette (literally!)

You will need:
60ml silver/clear tequila
30ml Triple Sec
60ml Lime juice
Red, blue, and green food colouring
2g black sanding sugar/sprinkles
Lime slice(s), for garnishing

Serves 1 glass.

Directions:

Start by rimming a glass with a slice of lime and dip it in the sugar/sprinkles. Shake or stir the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a glass till well combined. Add the food colouring till the desired black tone is achieved. Pour over a glass of ice and garnish with a slice of lime. 

2. Sweet Poison

Unlike the Margarita, this drink is no twist on a classic. This gorgeous cocktail, with its blue and teal overtones, looks right at home next to a jar of potion ingredients. As its name would suggest, don’t let the Sweet Poison’s  saccharine and tangy taste fool you. One too many of these and you might start seeing things that aren’t really there!

You will need:
30ml light/clear rum
60ml coconut rum
30ml Blue Curacao
Pineapple juice
Pineapple wedge(s), for garnishing

Serves 1 glass.

Directions:

Pour the clear rum, coconut rum, and Blue Curacao into a cocktail shaker or tall glass. Combine the ingredients till well incorporated. Fill a cocktail glass with ice and pour the mixture over, topping up the rest with chilled pineapple juice. Finish by garnishing with a pineapple wedge.
 

3. Bloody Mary

A drink named after sinister folklore, this tart crimson cocktail does not, in fact, contain any blood. Rumour has it that one could summon the titular apparition by standing in front of a dimly lit mirror and chanting “Bloody Mary” thirteen times. She allegedly appears as a mangled corpse or witch, soaked in ichor. While not as scary, this cocktail is definitely delicious and favourite amongst those who fancy a more savory drink.

You will need:
45ml vodka
150ml tomato juice
Tabasco sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Sea salt
Lemon juice (optional)
1 stalk of celery, for garnishing 

Serves 1 glass

Directions:

Fill a tall glass with ice. Mix the vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce in a separate glass or cocktail shaker. If you prefer a little more acidity, add the juice of half a lemon to this mixture. Stir well till well combined and strain into the glass of ice. Adjust for flavour with salt as preferred and garnish with a stalk of celery.
 

4. Graveyard

A drink notorious for its incredible strength and spirit-forwardedness, the Graveyard is a veritable glass of death. Comprising 7 different spirits and 2 beers, this jet-black cocktail has one goal – to put you six feet under.

You will need:
15ml vodka
15ml gin
15ml tequila
15ml bourbon whisky
15ml Scotch whisky
15ml triple sec
15ml Barcardi 151
Beer (lager)
Stout

Serves 1 glass

Directions:

Fill a glass half full with ice and add all the spirits. Stir and mix well to incorporate, and top up the remaining with equal parts beer and stout till the glass is full. 

*Author’s note: We recommend a non-alcoholic chaser to wash down this cocktail.

A time for mischief and scares, Halloween isn’t just for children. Booze up your Halloween this year with these easy cocktails! Simply place your alcohol orders online ahead of time and JARBARLAR will get your spirits and liquor delivered to your doorstep in Singapore. 

Take a look at our full collection of alcohol today. 

As the big ol’ fir starts going up in our living rooms and decorations adorn the green centrepiece, we remind ourselves that Christmas is a time for thanksgiving and love. To show our loved ones how much we value them and to spend quality time amongst friends. A large part of these celebrations is the wholesome dinners and Christmas parties spent bonding over a delightful meal and delicious drinks.

If you’re looking to spice up your meals with some signature Yuletide cocktails, why not consider these easy yet tasteful recipes to add a touch of class to your holiday inebriation?

1. Cranberry Mimosas

Mimosas are the perfect drink for any jovial occasion – but how about taking it to the next level with the tart and citrusy notes of cranberries this holiday season?

You will need:

1 bottle of Champagne
12 fresh cranberries
1 cup of sweetened cranberry juice
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 lime, halved
4 fresh sprigs of rosemary

Serves 4.

Directions:

Rim the glasses (preferably champagne flutes for that extra holiday vibe) with lime and dip in sugar. Pour a quarter cup of cranberry juice into each glass and top with champagne. Using a toothpick, poke a hole through the cranberries before threading the rosemary skewers through and garnishing on top of the glass. Voila! A simple Christmas glass of bubbly elevated to the next level.

2. Peppermintinis

A spin on a classic, the Martini, these Peppermintinis are deceptively potent and an absolute treat. Nothing says Christmas like these delightful candy cane inspired cocktails.

You will need:

160 ml of Grey Goose or Belvedere
80ml of peppermint schnapps
240ml of white chocolate liqueur
1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1/2 cup of crushed cane canes
3 tablespoons of heavy cream
4 small candy canes
Ice, as necessary.

Serves 4.

Directions:

Lay out the melted chocolate chips and crushed candy canes on two separate plates. Rim four martini glasses first in the chocolate, then the candy canes. Pour the remaining chocolate into the bottom of each glass and swirl to coat evenly. Place glasses in the freezer while preparing the rest. Combine the white chocolate liqueur, vodka, peppermint schnapps, and heavy cream in a tall cocktail shaker. Fill to the top with ice and shake until cold. Divide the contents into the four glasses and garnish with a candy cane each, before serving.

3. Blessmosas

If champagne isn’t really your speed, a bottle of prosecco is also brilliant for spreading Christmas cheer with these Blessmosas. Arguably less stiff and perfect for a Christmas brunch over ham, don’t miss out on this simple cocktail!

You will need:

1800 ml of Somersby Apple Cider
900 ml of cranberry juice
1 bottle of Prosecco
1 apple, half diced into cubes and the other half sliced into half-moons for garnish
1 package of whole cranberries
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon 

Serves 4.

Directions:

Combine the sugar and cinnamon on a plate, before rimming each glass in the mixture. Proceed by filling each glass (ideally a champagne flute since we’re enjoying some bubbly) to the one-quarter mark with cranberry juice. Fill to the halfway mark with apple cider and top with the prosecco as well as cranberries and diced apples. Garnish each glass with an apple slice.

4. Whisky Ginger

A drink that’s sure to wow your guests, this new take on an old school classic cocktail might require a bit more prep work but trust us when we say it’s worth it.

You will need:

120g of ginger
120g of sugar
Water, as per necessary
240 ml of whisky, preferably something with a little peat, like Laphroaig or Lagavulin 16
600 ml of ginger ale
Lime wheels, to garnish

Serves 4.

Directions:

Peel and slice the ginger into 3-centimetre coins. In a medium saucepan, add enough water to cover the ginger to a boil and add ginger coins before reducing heat to a medium-low simmer. Once the ginger is tender, strain it out and reserve a tablespoon of boiling liquid. Dry the saucepan before adding cooked ginger, sugar, and reserved cooking water on medium-low heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning the sugar, eventually candying the ginger coins. Move these onto a separate plate and allow them to cool, crystalising the sugars. Meanwhile fill four glasses with equal measures of whisky, before topping with ginger ale. Thread the candied ginger coins onto a toothpick and garnish the rim of glasses with lime wheels. Stick a candied ginger toothpick into the lime and serve.

Get into the Christmas spirit with these holiday cocktails. Shop online at JARBARLAR now for all your Christmas alcohol needs. Browse our collection and free enjoy next-day delivery within Singapore with a minimum spend of $50.

As we sit around and reminisce about 2021, and the ups and downs the year has brought us, we look ahead to the New Year for new beginnings. A time for celebration and happiness, chances are most of us are going to be spending it at home with a small group of loved ones. House parties are the perfect time for festively-themed cocktails, and what better way to ring in the New Year than with some memorable drinks and laughter to fill the room?

1. Apple Cider Old Fashioned

Thematically spot on, an Old Fashioned can often be a very spirit-forward and stiff drink that might not suit the occasion. Instead, try this Apple Cider spin on the old classic which adds a more refreshing and light-hearted note.

You will need:

4 cups of ice

2.5 cups of apple cider

240 ml of Macallan whisky

8 dashes of Angostura bitters

4 apple slices

4 cinnamon sticks

Serves 4.

Directions:

Fill each glass with ice, add 60ml of Macallan whisky each and 2 dashes of bitters before topping with apple cider and stirring to combine. Garnish with apple slices and cinnamon sticks before serving.

2. Set The New Year On Fire

If you feel left out, unable to catch the fireworks this New Year – fret not! This spectacle of a cocktail not only tastes amazing, but it’ll allow you and your guests to have your own little set of pyrotechnics at home.

You will need:

24 mint leaves

80 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice

60ml of simple syrup

240 ml of Glenfiddich 18

60ml of Campari

4 x Flaming Lime Shells*

Serves 4.

Directions:

To prepare the Flaming Lime Shells, squeeze the juice from half a lime before placing a sugar cube inside. Next, portion out the mint leaves, lime juice, and simple syrup into 4 Collins glasses before muddling. Add 60ml of Glenfiddich 18 to each glass before topping with crushed ice and Campari. Place one Flaming Lime Shell atop each glass and add 151-proof rum to each sugar cube. Carefully light on fire and serve, and extinguish the Lime Shells before consuming.

3. Royal Handshake

The perfect drink for those of us that might have had a slightly tougher year, the Royal Handshake is best served strong. Coupled with tangy and zesty elements, this cocktail is a timely reminder to take the sweet with the sour.

You will need:

240ml of Chivas Regal 12

20ml of cherry wine reduction

16 dashes of redcurrant bitters

Lemon zest

Serves 4.

Directions:

Begin by simmering cherry wine on medium heat till it reduces by half before adding equal parts of sugar to the wine and stirring till dissolved to obtain cherry wine reduction. Pour the Chivas Regal 12 into a mixing vessel and add the cooled cherry wine reduction. Fill to the top with ice and stir for approximately 20 seconds or till fully mixed. Divide and strain into four rocks or old fashioned glasses filled with ice before garnishing with lemon zest and serving.

4. William Wallace

Taking inspiration from the classic Rob Roy, this variation contrasts the sweetness of vermouth with flavoursome PX sherry and orange bitters. A little on the boozy side, you could consider having this cocktail as a nightcap to close out celebrations for the New Year.

You will need:

12 dashes of Angostura Orange Bitters

200ml shots of Macallan whisky

40ml of Martino Rosso Sweet Vermouth

40ml of Pedro Ximénez sherry

Serves 4.

Directions:

Add all the ingredients into a chilled mixing vessel and stir with ice until well combined. Taste for strength, adding a splash of chilled water if the drink is too boozy. Portion out the mixture into 4 Nick and Nora glasses, or coupe glasses if you’re feeling extra fancy.

5. Soju Caipirinha

A little bit of East meets West in this final New Year’s Eve cocktail, this drink takes inspiration from the national cocktail of Brazil but substitutes Korean Soju for Brazilian cachaça.

You will need:

4 whole limes

4 teaspoons of sugar

Crushed Ice

1 bottle of Soju

Serves 4.

Directions:

Add the limes and sugar into a cocktail shaker, and muddle the contents to release the lime juice. Place the crushed ice and soju into the shaker before shaking ingredients thoroughly. Portion the mixture into four rocks glasses and garnish with more lime, as you desire.

Get Ready to Party This New Year with JARBARLAR

If you’re all tuckered from this season’s celebrations, why not shop online now at JARBARLAR and enjoy alcohol delivered right to your doorstep, with same-day delivery available as well! Keep an eye out for JARBARLAR’s upcoming Soju selection as well, and be the first few to get your hands on it!

Ask any wine enthusiast, and they will surely tell you how amazing and delicious Italian wine cocktails are. Although they taste pretty well throughout the year, the summer season is the ideal time to enjoy those refreshing Italian drinks. What makes these cocktails super amazing is the ingredients, the primary one being the wines. Every drink brings a delightful experience to your summer days. Whether you have a preference for rose wine, Moscato, or something richer, there’s an Italian wine cocktail that’s perfect for you. Let’s explore some of the most exquisite Italian wine cocktails that will make your summer unforgettable!

Best Italian Wine Cocktails To Enjoy This Summer Season: 

Aperol Spritz 

Originating from Venice, this red-tinted cocktail is one of the most loved cocktails all around. You should not be surprised when you see people sipping these cocktails in Florence or in Capri because this is one of the most loved cocktails in every part of the world. Aperol is very similar to Campari because of its little bitter kick. It brings a sense of refreshment on a summer afternoon. Here’s how you can make it. 

Ingredients:

2 oz Aperol

3 oz Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine)

1 oz Soda water

Orange slices for garnish

Directions:

Fill a wine glass with ice cubes.

Pour in the Aperol, followed by the Prosecco.

Add a splash of soda water.

Stir gently and garnish with an orange slice.

Moscato Sangria 

When making cocktails with Italian wines, you surely want to settle for the best. This is where our mesmerizing and refreshing Moscato Sangria comes in. Known for its fruity punch flavor, Moscato wines make an excellent summer sangria. This Moscato Sangria is a crowd-pleaser, filled with fresh fruits and a hint of sweetness that’s perfect for a hot day.  Here’s how you can make it. 

Ingredients:

One bottle of Moscato wine

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup orange liqueur

1 cup orange juice

1 cup sliced strawberries

One orange, sliced

One lemon, sliced

One lime, sliced

Sparkling water

Directions 

In a large pitcher, combine the Moscato wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice.

Add the sliced strawberries, orange, lemon, and lime.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

Just before serving, add a splash of sparkling water to each glass for a touch of fizz.

Negroni Sbagliato 

The Negroni Sbagliato, which translates into “mistaken Negroni,” is a lighter and bubbly twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This refreshing cocktail is quite popular in Italian regions and is now loved globally. Instead of gin, you will use Prosecco wine, which gives it a sparkling and slightly less intense flavor. It is a perfect summer cocktail for those who enjoy the bitterness of Campari but prefer a more effervescent drink. 

Ingredients:

1 part Campari

1 part sweet vermouth

1 part Prosecco

Ice cubes

Orange slice for garnish

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice cubes.

Add Campari and sweet vermouth.

Top with Prosecco.

Stir gently to mix.

Garnish with an orange slice.

Bellini 

The Bellini is a classic Italian wine cocktail created in Venice that is not just elegant but also super delicious. Belline boasts a sweet and fragrant white peach pure, a must-have for every wine lover. It blends perfectly with the bubbly Prosecco, creating a drink that’s both indulgent and refreshing. This cocktail is perfect for brunches, garden parties, or any summer celebration. 

Ingredients:

Two parts Prosecco

1 part white peach puree

Peach slice for garnish

Ice (optional)

Directions:

If desired, chill a glass with ice and then discard the ice.

Pour the white peach puree into the glass.

Gently add the Prosecco, stirring lightly to combine.

Garnish with a peach slice.

Rose Spritz

Last but not least, Rose wine is an absolute favorite of every individual out there who loves Italian flavors. So, when it comes to making cocktails, rose wine as an ingredient is an absolute treat. This cocktail not only provides you with gorgeous fruit flavors but makes it look and taste even better. Here’s how you can make it. 

Ingredients: 

3 oz Rosé wine

2 oz Aperol

Club soda

Ice

Orange slice for garnish

Directions:

Fill a wine glass with ice.

Add Rosé wine and Aperol.

Top with club soda.

Stir gently to combine.

Garnish with an orange slice, and enjoy!

Final Words! 

So, these are the best cocktails you can make this summer season using the best Italian wines and making your summer gatherings more enjoyable and sophisticated. Easy to prepare and incredibly refreshing, they are perfect for sipping on sunny days. So, stock up on your favorite Rosé wine and get ready to impress your guests with these delightful cocktails. Order your favorite Italian wines from Jarbarlar and choose from a wide selection of wines. You can get all your favorite alcoholic beverages right here, not just wines. Explore the website today! 

When it comes to choosing a good bottle of whisky, people often find themselves at a crossroads: Japanese or Islay Whisky. Both of these countries are known for their remarkable spirits that have fascinated palates around the world. However, both of these whiskies represent distinct philosophies, flavors, and traditions. 

Now, the question that strikes the mind of enthusiasts is which brand or type they should choose for their special moments or celebrations. Therefore, here we will dive into what makes each whisky unique, compare their characteristics, and help you decide which one deserves a place in your glass.

What Makes Islay Whisky Unique and Alluring?

Islay, a small island off the west coast of Scotland, is referred to as the “Queen of the Hebrides.” Renowned for its rugged landscapes, fresh sea air, and traditional distilling practices, Islay whisky is identified with its bold flavors, smoky peat, briny sea notes, and complex profiles that can be both intense and refined. 

Famous distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Lagavulin have become icons, each with their unique interpretations of the Islay style.

Flavor Profile of Islay Whisky

Islay whiskies are known for their smoky and peaky character, which is a result of the local practice of drying malted barley over peat fires. This imparts a smoky essence that can range from gentle to overpowering. 

You can also taste the flavors of seaweed, iodine, and even medicinal notes, which evoke the island’s coastal environment. Islay whiskies are rich and full-bodied, with a smooth finish that makes them one of the favorites among thousands of brands.

The Craftsmanship

What sets Islay Whisky apart is its commitment to traditional methods. Countless distilleries still employ time-honored techniques that date back centuries, using pot stills and natural ingredients. The rugged environment of Islay, with its abundant water sources and local barley, contributes to the unique terroir that defines these whiskies. This commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity is a hallmark of Islay’s identity.

Japanese Whiskey – An Elegant Choice for Enthusiasts

Japanese whiskey has become a global sensation over the last few decades, earning honors for its meticulous craftsmanship and subtle flavors. Japanese producers like Yamazaki, Nikka, and Hakushu took inspiration from Scottish distilling traditions and also created a style that is lighter, fruitier, and more delicate than their Islay counterparts.

Flavor Profile of Japanese Whiskey

Japanese whiskies are known for their smooth texture and complex flavors. They feature floral notes, fruits like apple and pear, and a subtle hint of oak. Various Japanese whiskies emphasize a balance between ingredients, which makes them approachable for both novices and seasoned connoisseurs.

Japanese whisky producers use various types of cask, such as American oak, sherry, and even Japanese Mizunara oak, which also adds layers of flavor that can be both pleasant and intricate.

The Craftsmanship

The artistry behind Japanese whiskey lies in their meticulous attention to detail. Numerous Japanese distillers prioritize small-batch production and focus on quality over quantity. 

Their processes of whisky making are shrouded in secrecy, with a strong emphasis on achieving the perfect blend. The use of pure, soft water and local ingredients also enhances the character and essence of the whisky, which results in spirits that are not just beverages but expressions of art.

Comparing Islay and Japanese Whiskey – Which One Is For You?

Flavor Intensity
One of the most significant differences between Islay and Japanese whiskies is their flavor intensity. Islay whiskies are known for their bold, smoky profiles, while Japanese whiskies tend to offer a more subtle and nuanced experience. If you’re a fan of rich, powerful flavors, Islay whisky might be your go-to. On the other hand, if you prefer something lighter and more refined, a Japanese one could be your ideal choice.

Production Philosophy
Islay whisky production adopts traditional techniques that highlight the island’s unique environment. On the other hand, Japanese whiskies reflect a unique combination of traditional and innovative approaches, which results in a style that respects its roots while exploring new horizons. This difference in production methods between the both can also influence your choice.

Availability and Price
Both Islay and Japanese whiskies can vary significantly in terms of availability and price. Islay whiskies tend to be widely available, with many offerings at different price points. However, Japanese whiskies, especially premium brands, can sometimes be harder to find and may come with a higher price tag, particularly for limited editions.

Both of these whiskies are premium and have unique flavor profiles. You must consider the flavors and occasions before buying any of these two. 

The Bottom Line

Both Islay and Japanese whiskies have their unique charms and complexities. Whether you find yourself enchanted by the smoky allure of Islay or captivated by the delicate elegance of Japanese whisky, the choice reflects your individual taste. 

Jarbarlar brings the sophisticated taste of Islay and the elegance of premium Japanese whiskies to your doorstep. With our extensive collection, you can easily order yourself a limited edition without searching stores. So, pour a dram, take a moment to savor, and enjoy the journey through the fascinating world of whisky with Jarbarlar today.