Chambord Has Some Things to Quench the Thirst

The Chambord sangria or CHAMgria is one of numerous cocktails that it has tailor-made for summer. Photos from Chambord.

IT’S summertime and part of the easy living is a stiff, cold drink of something mouthwatering good. Of course, there is water, any number of smoothies and ice coffees, as well as seasonal wines such as sauvignon blanc and rose.

And what would summer be without – SANGRIA! A few weeks back, VEVLYN’S PEN sommelier, the irrepressible Tamara Fish aka Famara Tish, shared a very tasty (one knows from experience) white sangria recipe that calls for Pinot Grigio and gin. (http://www.bit.ly/qgD0Sf)

Just about everyone with a row to hoe in the spirits world has a sangria recipe that they cart out this time of year. That includes the CHAMgria™ from Chambord. It calls for red wine and Chambord liqueur. In fact, Chambord submerged itself in the whole “it’s summer time and the livin’ is easy" vibe with several summer cocktails that want its liqueur or vodka.

Chambord’s own p.r. goes something like this: “The rich, intense flavor [of Chambord] adds a delicious touch of luxury to your favorite cocktails.

The Chambord vodka and liqueur are part of the brand's "Chambord's Pink Your Drink" program, which raises funds for the Breast Cancer Network of Strength.

In addition to CHAMgria, Chambord’s offerings include Chambord Spritzer Pitcher, Undercover Mink, as well as the South Cincinnati Margarita from Adrian "Chip" Tata, a career bartender and former director of the Cincinnati Bartending School.

Without further ado and an admonishment tocdrink responsibly, Sante!.

CHAMgria
1 Bottle Red Wine
1 cup Chambord Liqueur
1 pint Raspberries
1 whole Lemon, sliced
1 whole Orange, sliced
8 tsp Brown Sugar

Mix all ingredients in large pitcher. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 4 hours. Serve on the rocks.


The Spritzer Pitcher gets its color from Chambord liqueur and its spritz from seltzer or club soda.

Chambord Spritzer Pitcher
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 cup Chambord Liqueur
1 1/2 cup chilled seltzer or club soda
1/4 cup lemon juice

Mix all ingredients in an ice-filled large pitcher. Garnish with lemon or lime wedge.

Undercover Mink includes fresh herbs as a counterpoint to flavored vodka.


Undercover Mink
1 1/2 oz Chambord Flavored Vodka
1/2 oz Honey
1/2 oz Lemon Juice
5 Sage Leaves
Top Perrier®
Lavender

Muddle sage and lavender and add ingredients. Shake and strain into a rocks glass, garnish with a sage leaf and a lavender sprig.

The South Cincinnati Margarita comes together in part with Chambord, citrus and ginger flavors.

South Cincinnati Margarita
1 1/4 oz Chambord Liqueur
1/2 oz Melon Liqueur
1/2 oz Orange Liqueur
3/4 oz Silver Tequila
1/2 oz Shaved Gingersplash Sour Mix

Mix in blender with 1 full glass of ice. Garnish with apple martini salt rimmer, slice of honeydew melon and raspberry or strawberry.

Visit http://www.chambordonline.com/ to learn more about Chambord and its cocktails recipes and http://www.chambordonline.com/pink-your-drink.aspx to learn more about the "Pink Your Drink" program

HELPS Teas Are Here to Hydrate and Make It All Better

HELPS Teas provide relief from everything from insomnia to indigestion. Photos from Pharmadus.

“PLACE one sachet in a cup and add nearly-boiling water. Cover and allow to brew for 5 minutes. Drink after heavy meals or whenever your stomach needs it,” goes the brewing instructions for “Organic Easy Digestion” tea.

Some like it hot – even when it’s hot. After all, hot tea does have a reputation for helping a body keep cool when the mercury is high and mighty. In the market for something new? Then, HELPS Teas probably wants to be of assistance.

The line of teas is named for ailments and discomforts they address, hence Organic Easy Digestion, which in part "is considered to be a digestive aid and to reduce flatulence, in addition to its calming and relaxing effects." And there are “Low Sugar Diets,” “Organic R&R,” “Just for Her,” and so on. A line targeted to kids includes “Breathe” for colds/flu.

Because these are teas that promote good health they come with supplement facts and healthy tips. Tips for Organic Easy Digestion strongly suggest that one eats a healthy diet. This does not mean a steady diet of processed and fast food. A healthy diet, per the tips, would consist of lots of fiber, fruits, vegetables, very little fat and very few spicy foods. One is also advised to refrain from smoking and drinking. And anti-inflammatory drugs, “which almost always irritate the digestive tract.”

HELP Teas organic green tea leaves contribute to general good health and also claim to do wonders for the skin.

The brains behind HELP Teas are in a position to offer such tips. The teas are brought to the world by Pharmadus, a Spanish pharmaceutical company that – get this – has dedicated itself to the general health and well-being for 50 years by peddling “all-natural” products rather than the opposite. To that end, HELPS Teas – which can be consumed hot or cold – are certified and have zero artificial flavoring and zero preservatives.

Case in point: According to the supplement facts, Breathe is made from organic thyme (Leaf); organic linden (flowering top); proprietary blend; organic fennel (fruit); elder (flower), and mallow (flower). Giving rise to Organic R&R is organic lemon balm (leaf) and organic passionflower (aereal part).

With such information/ingredients, one has no choice but to eat healthfully, drink HELP Teas and be merry, no?

Visit http://www.helpsteas.com/ to learn more about HELP Teas.