A BAR ABOVE: Cocktail Sets That Will Cause A Stir

November 21, 2023

Stirred cocktails, like Martinis & Manhattans, are some of the most iconic drinks in any mixologist’s repertoire. With the right tools and techniques, anyone can start creating restaurant-quality stirred cocktails at home.

So what are these tools, and how can you be sure that you are getting the best value for your money?

Enter A Bar Above, a family-run premium mixology brand co-founded by Chris Tunstall, a professional bartender & bar manager. A Bar Above’s products are wallet-friendly, durable, and stylishly designed, making them a must-have for any home bar. In addition to offering top-quality tools, the brand also offers a suite of courses that cover everything you need to know to get started and expand your skills in mixology.

You can find A Bar Above on Amazon! There you’ll find several sized Craft Cocktail Sets. They also offer really cool Bar Basics Course which is such a fun creative gift.

Instagram: @abarabove
TikTok: @abarabove
YouTube: @abarabove
Facebook: @abarabove

Ward 8 Cocktail Ingredients

To craft this delicious cocktail, gather the following simple ingredients:

  1. Rye Whiskey: Opt for a quality rye whiskey, known for its robust and spicy character. This helps balance the Ward 8’s sweet and sour flavor profile.
  2. Fresh Lemon Juice: Use fresh lemons rather than store bought juice to infuse your Ward 8 with natural, bright citrus notes.
  3. Grenadine: A sweet and tangy pomegranate syrup, a hint of grenadine for sweetness adds depth to the cocktail.
  4. Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice imparts a delightful, citrusy tang that complements the other flavors, especially when the two citrus juices are mixed together.
  5. Maraschino Cherry or Orange Slice: A maraschino cherry or orange slice (or even a piece of orange zest) serves as a classic garnish, although it’s also common to skip a garnish on this one.

 

oranges and lemons for a classic whiskey cocktail in a chilled glass

Photo by Levi Meir Clancy via www.unsplash.com

 

How to Make a Ward 8

In this week’s video, Chris not only makes the classic Ward 8 cocktail but also shows you his Ward 8.1 version using his secret ingredient… Limoncello! Check it out here:

 

Ward 8 Variations

Chris himself offers two variations today; before we riff on this Boston classic, let’s look at the basic recipe:

  • 2 ounces rye whiskey
  • 1/2 ounce lemon juice
  • 1/2 ounce orange juice
  • 1/4 ounce Grenadine

While this vintage cocktail is really yummy with its citrus flavor and signature sweetness, here are a few variations to explore:

  1. Ward 9: Swap out the rye whiskey for bourbon, adding a smoother and slightly sweeter profile to the cocktail.
  2. Ward 8 Royale: Top off your Ward 8 with a splash of sparkling wine or champagne for a touch of effervescence.
  3. Winter Ward 8: During the colder months, add a dash of aromatic bitters, such as Angostura or cinnamon bitters, to bring warm notes to your drink– This plays well with the rye mixture.
  4. Tropical Ward 8: Experiment with incorporating a splash of pineapple juice or coconut water for a fruity, refreshing twist. It will play with the other citrus flavors and add a tropical feel.
  5. It’s also popular to use fresh lime juice instead of lemon.
  6. If you’re feeling ambitious and/or creative, make your own homemade grenadine instead of using the overly-sweet store-bought version. Create your own pomegranate simple syrup of sorts by combining equal parts pomegranate juice and sugar with a splash of orange flower water or 1 ounce lemon juice. Note: This natural grenadine won’t produce the same bright color of traditional sweet tart syrup from stores. Don’t be surprised if your final cocktail doesn’t look like our photos!

 

craft cocktail in a chilled glass

Photo by Alex Kubsch via www.unsplash.com

 

Gotta Love This Classic Whiskey Cocktail

The Ward Eight is a classic rye whiskey cocktail that brings together whiskey, citrus, and grenadine for a balanced drink.

Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or impress guests at your next gathering, the Ward 8 offers a delightful blend of flavors and a touch of American history. So, gather your ingredients & your cocktail shaker and perfect your shaking technique– It’s time to make the Ward 8!

famous drink Ward 8, a classic whiskey cocktail, with 1 ounce orange juice

Copyright A Bar Above

 

Ward 8

A twist on the classic cocktail, this surprisingly bright & bitter is a tasty way to use orange juice in a non-sweet drink, adding Limoncello & subbing in single malt whiskey to round out the drink.
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Course: Drinks

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 oz Single Malt Whiskey
  • 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Limoncello
  • 1/2 oz Orange Juice
  • 1/4 oz Grenadine

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake for 10-15 seconds.
  • Use your Hawthorne cocktail strainer and fine strainer to double strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
  • Optional: Garnish with an orange peel and/or cocktail cherry.

Indulge in Radiance: Ultaceutical’s Ultra BAM Facial Experience At The Fairmont Spa

November 20, 2023

Embark on a journey of indulgence and rejuvenation, prep your holiday skin, or get red-carpet ready with Fairmont Spa Ultra BAM Treatment for Radiance & Glow. Nestled within the luxurious confines of the Fairmont (more on this EPIC spa later!!), this oasis of serenity beckons you to unwind, relax, and treat your skin to the ultimate pampering.

Today, I experienced the Ultra BAM for Radiance & Glow Treatment facial! –  truly a skincare experience that unveiled a radiant and glowing complexion like never before. Let’s call it transformative as I left more than refreshed and revitalized, I am truly radiant!

The secret weapon is the legacy Australian brand used: Ultraceuticals.

The Ultraceuticals philosophy is a ‘progressive rather than aggressive’ approach to a consumer’s skin journey. They focus on formulations that are results-driven without compromising on texture and aroma, and that’s what makes them unique in the cosmeceutical skin arena.

Onto this HOLIDAY GLOW treatment!
  • Goals are to restore skin from premature aging or sun damage with high-strength Brightening Accelerator Mask featuring Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s), Salicylic Acid (BHA) and Vitamin B3 combined with a powerful blend of brightening agents.  (YUM!!)
  • Onto, corrective cosmeceutical serums infused with UltraINFUSION work in synergy to diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation to reveal a brighter, clearer complexion.

It was divine – and I am deeply in love with this line – (Also how am I just discovering it??). I also loved Ingrid, my aesthetician.

Can’t make it to the Fairmont?

Here are some great gift sets curated for this gift-giving season.

Limited Edition Holiday Skincare Kits:

The Luminous Skin Gift Set ($105)

The Optimal Hydration Gift Set ($145)

The Soothe and Calm Gift Set ($165). 

This legacy brand (started 25 years ago) uses only the highest quality active ingredients, innovative delivery systems like their trademarked Ultra-RETI™ and MicroElastin® technology, while focusing on repairing and maintaining a healthy skin barrier, resulting in the brand being the preferred cosmeceuticals skincare line in over 600 professional salon, clinics, and medi-spas around the globe.

EFFICACIOUS

Each Ultraceuticals product is carefully researched, formulated and tested in a variety of environments as well as extensive panel testing before going to market. An Ultraceuticals formulation focuses on innovating delivery system technology for optimum performance.

FORMULATION TESTING

Absolutely. Before any product goes into market, extensive and strict panel test trials are conducted using a range of volunteers over 90 days to ensure the product’s efficacy and safety. Results are documented using an advanced professional skin scanning camera technology. Ultraceuticals stands behind all its products and claims.

CRUELTY FREE

Yes. Ultraceuticals is proudly certified cruelty-free with the Choose Cruelty Free (CFF) organization and PETA. This means that they do not test any of their products on animals and none of the ingredients used in their products are tested on animals. Ultraceuticals proudly conducts internal panel tests on willing and enthusiastic human participants.

A little back story about this storied Australian brand:

Started in 1998, Founder, Dr Geoffrey Heber and his highly skilled team of Australian and international formulators are dedicated to creating potent, effective products under the Ultraceuticals brand. Ultraceuticals is Australian-owned and use the latest and proven available ingredients and technologies to consistently release new products and improve existing ones. With a combination of sophisticated, patented delivery systems and potent renowned anti-aging stars like Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), each product is formulated with safety and maximum effectiveness in mind, so you get results that you can actually see. By collaborating with renowned universities and leading researchers, Ultraceuticals crafts a simple regimen of products that deliver fast-acting and discernible results to reveal healthy, firm, glowing, beautiful skin.

 

The founder: DR GEOFFREY HEBER:

Dr Geoffrey Heber is a Fellow of the Australian College of Cosmetic Medicine and also a Fellow of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australia. He completed his medical degree at the University of NSW and has an MBA from the University of Sydney. He has spent well over twenty years as a cosmetic physician. His passion for innovation in the cosmeceutical skincare arena saw him launch the first Australian brand, Ultraceuticals, with a superior vitamin C skin serum in 1998.  Today, the Ultraceuticals founder and cosmetic physician, Dr Geoffrey Heber, is considered a pioneer in Australia for leading the way in effective skincare products that offer real visible results.

Elevate Your Holiday Celebrations With Kiva

November 16, 2023

 

The holiday season is here, and if you’re looking to add some magic to your festive gatherings, Kiva’s got your back some fresh data around entertaining with cannabis*:

  1. 17% of American winter party hosts plan to serve cannabis products at their parties
  2. While three in ten Americans aged 21+  prefer consuming cannabis to drinking alcohol at parties.
  3. However, 65% of Americans say one of the keys to a great party is inclusivity (e.g., making sure everyone has their preferred food/drink/cannabis product).

Isn’t it time to start offering cannabis as an alternative to alcohol for a more inclusive holiday celebration?!

To also aid in the holiday cheer, Kiva is offering two different discounts! Thanksgiving weekend (Green Wednesday – Cyber Monday) Kiva is offering 1-4 for $40 on all Camino products. Additionally, they are offering a stock and save on Kiva products: buy any 2 Kiva products and save 30%, or buy 2 get 1 of equal or lesser price!

Groomed LA’s recommendation? Grab your favorite Kiva products and try any of these festive activities while you’re experiencing the most lovely balanced effects of Kiva!

  1. LA Zoo Lights: A Wild Wonderland – Step into a wild and whimsical world at LA Zoo Lights. The zoo is transformed into a dazzling holiday wonderland with over a million lights, immersive displays, and seasonal attractions.
  2. Yuletide Cinema Land: Outdoor Holiday Movie Magic – Experience the magic of outdoor holiday movie screenings with Yuletide Cinema Land. Enjoy classic holiday films under the starry Southern California sky while savoring Kiva edibles. It’s a cozy and festive way to celebrate the season with friends and family.
  3. Christmas Nights at 123 Farm: Join in on a whimsical ride around Christmas Nights at 123 Farm. This charming farm offers festive food and drinks, tractor wagon rides, s’mores pits, and even a visit from Santa. The farm is adorned with over a million lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

Routine by Anush Movsesian

November 10, 2023

Routine by Anush Movsesian  is a great spot in the valley for your aesthetic needs  – a state-of-the-art, luxury aesthetic practice, founded by leading Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner Anush Movsesian. Anush is a skin rejuvenation expert known for her refined, high-end techniques. Her exquisite results reflect extensive medical training and her passion for aesthetics and trusted by a long list of high-profile clients, including celebrities and media personalities, and men and women from all walks of life who want youthful, healthy, glowing skin.

Anush Movsesian MSN FNP-C|Cosmetic Nurse Practitioner

“My main focus, and what my patients come to me for, is achieving youthful, healthy and glowing skin first and foremost. My patients trust me to keep them looking classic and timeless by simply minimally enhancing the features they already have naturally.”

Anush takes an artistic approach to facial balancing, creating soft enhancements to reveal the beauty in natural features. Her patients trust her honesty, artistry, and exquisite results. I had a little botox touch-up by her and it was excellent. She went very gingerly over my face, just a dab of baby botox and mentioned to come back if it didn’t do the trick. I always love this approach – as less is more and you can always do a follow up, but you cannot un-do bad botox.

For a complete list of services – check this menu out here.

ROUTINE by Anush Movsesian, 11071 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604, USA

Embracing Pleasure: A Journey into the Transformative Power of Sexuality with LAVINIA

November 9, 2023

In a world where discussions about sex are often shrouded in stigma and hushed tones, it’s time to break the silence and open up a conversation that celebrates the transformative power of pleasure. Meet Lavinia, a champion for embracing our unique, innate sexual nature and demanding more from our intimate lives, starting with their gorgeous cannabis lubricant.

Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, and embracing it can be a powerful way to feel empowered and amazing. In a society that sometimes imposes norms and expectations on our intimate lives, it’s crucial to recognize that each person’s sexual journey is unique. Lavinia advocates for the idea that true empowerment comes from understanding and embracing one’s own desires, free from judgment or societal constraints.

LAVINIA’s oh.hi is a silicone-based cannabis lubricant, made to expand your natural lubrication and provide a long-lasting smooth experience. Everyone deserves a life of multiple orgasms. Product contains THC and CBD.

  • Dimethicone
  • Cannabis Distillate

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF EFFORTLESS AND REPEATED ORGASMS

Lavinia creates products to enhance your sexual pleasure. We also want to empower exploration and to openly discuss topics surrounding sex.

Despite the potential for empowerment, tuning into the feeling of pleasure and getting what we want from our bodies can be a challenge. Lavinia believes that self-discovery is the key to unlocking the transformative power of pleasure.

Lavinia invites everyone to demand more from their intimate lives.

Lavinia stands as a beacon of encouragement, urging us to break free from societal constraints and embrace the transformative power of pleasure. By opening up the conversation around sex and orgasms, we create a space for empowerment, self-discovery, and fulfillment. It’s time to celebrate our unique sexual natures and demand more from our intimate lives, creating a world where everyone can experience the amazing and empowering potential of their own sexuality.

How to have an unforgettable experience

  • 1.USE
    1-4 pumps for maximum pleasure
  • 2.APPLY
    15-30 minutes for oh.hi to take effect
  • 3.ENJOY
    enhanced pleasure
  • 4.AFTER
    rinse area thoroughly with soap and water

Use oh.hi to enhance your sexual pleasure anally or vaginally. Simply apply to the areas where you typically orgasm – clitoris, g-spot, anally, etc., wait until the ingredients begin to react with your body, and enjoy. Don’t forget to wash with soap and water after use.

For more answers, check out ask the expert!