How many NYC bartenders does it take to make a killer beer cocktail? Well, on this week’s Beer Sessions Radio™ (Episode #176 – listen here), host Jimmy Carbone welcomes an eclectic—albeit super cool—group into the studio (and onto the Pilsner Urquel van!) for a discussion ranging from the history of beer on Staten Island to the desire of Czech brewers to perfect their beer pour stateside.
And harkening back to last year’s Beer Cocktail Brunch-Off at Jimmy’s No. 43, Cara Tallon from Tavern 29 and Pine Box Rock Shop’s Tony “TK” Pontius (winner of the NYC Hot Sauce Expo’s Bloody Mary Mix-Off Competition) face off with several amazing cocktails (recipes below), which get passed around the studio to additional guests, Good Beer Seal bar owners Ken Tirado Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn and Heather Rush from Pine Box Rock Shop, plus the aforementioned van proprietor Bryan L. Panzica from Pilsner Urquel.
What makes a great bartender? How to get the pour in your beer? Bryan, who was the 2012 NYC winner of the International Master Bartender Competition (he went on to claim second in the World Championship in Czech), shows how Pilsner Urquel is doing everything from cold shipping to providing traditional faucets to perfect the pour of the Pilsner.
Plus Ken reminisces about early settlements and the history of beer bars on Staten Island, and Jimmy questions why good spirits and great beer go together. In Cara’s words, “Beer cocktails make a beer that’s pretty great even better!”
Cara Tallon/Tavern 29’s “Pearl Street” Beer Cocktail
- 1.5 oz. Bushmills Irish Whiskey
- 1 oz. fruit puree (preferably peaches)
- RJ Rockers Son of a Peach unfiltered wheat beer
Mix whiskey and fruit puree, add ice and RJ Rockers beer. Garnish with mint.
Tony “TK”/Pine Box Rock Shop’s “IPA Manhattan” Beer Cocktail
- 1.5 oz. Rye Whisky
- Founders Devil Dancer (120 IBUs)
- Dash Vermouth
- Dash Brandied Cherry brine
Pour whisky over ice, adding Vermouth and Cherry brine as you would for a traditional Manhattan. Top with Founders Devil Dancer in place of bitters.
And view the NYC Hot Sauce Expo Bloody Mary Competition here.