Cheers to Honey!

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• Latin America - español

FIRESTONE, Colo., Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With nine Latin American countries celebrating their independence during Hispanic Heritage Month, decadent drinks will be top of mind for the season. But if you are running out of creative cocktail ideas to keep the party deliciously in swing, Master Mixologist and Tequillier Marco Antonio Ramos has you covered. Ramos has partnered with the National Honey Board (NHB) to stir-up Latin libations with a modern twist to liven up your Fiestas Patrias celebration – or any special occasion this season – with family and friends. Best of all, each creation leverages nature's sweetener, honey, to give it a one-of-a-kind hint of sweetness.

Ramos's passion for mixology and knowledge of the abundant selection of flavors in the Americas shines through perfectly in every glass crafted by his artistic hand. From exotic tropical fruits to aromatic spices and chili peppers, Ramos combines honey with a variety of ingredients to create unique, honeylicious cocktails.

"Whether you like tequila, rum, mezcal or pisco, knowing the characteristics of each spirit is key for successfully creating a new drink," says Ramos, who manages the day-to-day at the Venice, Calif. hot spot Scopa Italian Roots. "For these specific cocktails, I used honey to balance out the flavor profile of each spirit and the fresh ingredients I incorporated into each drink. Working with natural ingredients like honey is always rewarding because you can really taste the quality in the end result." With delectable offerings like the Spicy Tropical Gold and Honey Watermelon Pisco, Ramos created a new set of Latin-inspired cocktails with honey that are fun and versatile for this celebratory season, which also coincides with National Honey Month in September.     

Ramos also recommends keeping a variety of all-natural honey types and forms at hand to pair with various drink profiles. "Depending on the notes and ingredients of any given cocktail, you always want to balance them out with a honey that complements the taste and aroma of the beverage as a whole," he adds. Among his favorite go-to honey varietals are Orange Blossom honey (distinctive citrus-floral notes), Tupelo honey (mild and pleasant flavor and will not granulate) and cut honeycomb, for an eye-catching garnish on the rim or in the glass. As for best honey storage practices, Ramos advocates always storing honey at room temperature so it is ready to pour for that perfect drink during any party or celebration this season!

Created for today's cosmopolitan palates, new Latin-inspired classics are showcased in Ramos's exclusive honey cocktail offerings for Hispanic Heritage Month and National Honey Month. Among his signature drinks developed for the NHB and featured on www.mielpura.org are:

Spicy Tropical Gold

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
½ oz honey
½ oz lime juice
1 oz pomegranate juice
1 oz pineapple juice
2 small slices of jalapeno
Salt to taste
Ice
Slices of jalapeno (garnish)
2 oz silver tequila *optional

Preparation:
Place the two slices of jalapeno into a cocktail shaker and muddle with a muddler (or the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon). Add the honey and remaining ingredients, with the exception of the garnish, into the shaker. Please note that the honey must be added in first so that the additional ingredients help dissolve it and incorporate it into the combination. Shake for eight seconds. Pour into a glass with a salted rim and garnish with a slice of jalapeño.

Honey-Watermelon Pisco

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
¾ oz honey
2 small chunks of watermelon
3 mint leaves
¾ oz lemon juice
Tonic water to taste
Crushed ice
Mint leaves (garnish)
Petite slices of watermelon (garnish)
2 oz pisco *optional

Preparation:
Place the two small chunks of watermelon and three mint leaves into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler (or the handle of a sturdy wooden spoon) muddle the ingredients to bring out their natural flavors. Add the honey, pisco, lemon juice and ice. Shake for eight seconds. Strain the drinks into a glass with crushed ice and add tonic water to taste. Garnish with a slice of watermelon and a mint leaf.

For more honey-inspired Latin cocktail recipes and information about honey as a natural sweetener, visit www.mielpura.org. 

About the National Honey Board

The National Honey Board is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that works to educate consumers about the benefits and uses for honey and honey products through research, marketing and promotional programs.

SOURCE National Honey Board