I can fun cocktail "Corridinha" or the race

Dear readers,

one of my many cherish memories is, of course, drinking “Corridinhas” with my friends in Praia da Rocha, Portugal.

The origin of this cocktail is quite a mystery but I can say for sure that it was firstly sold at “Outro Bar” still when Salvador was running it and playing cool music as DJ.

I can not say how many “Corridinhas” I have drunk in that bar or to be more precise how many I have drunk in my all life. I just know that it is a funny cocktail that not only boost your energy, stamina, humour, but also brings people together, and that my friends is the real secret of this miracle called “Corridinha”.

So next time that you go out to a pub or a disco, ask for a “Corridinha”, I am pretty sure that they will not know what you are talking about (if you are not in Praia da Rocha), thus tell the Bartender the ingredients and you can start your fun.

Here’s a tip that will change your life. If you happen to see a girl or a boy that you fancy, ask for a “Corridinha” and while you enjoy it with your friends, the group then must behave loud and cause an impression. Then ask for another one and start inviting people around your group to have a go with you guys. Then ask for another one and ask her or him to join your group and your “Corridinha”.

There you go… a fun way to meet people and to start a conversation. If you really want to impress her or him, keep on asking for more : )

Do not forget that this particular ingredients mixed together have a fun reaction, that is, you will be more fun, more energetic and behave also like having Duracell batteries. Run longer and further, if you can read between the lines.

Do not forget that you should drink responsibly and do not drink and drive.

If you wonder where Praia da Rocha is… it is in my hometown of Portimao in southern Portugal, down in the Algarve region. It is a famous Tourist destination where loads of young people go and have fun. Beautiful long sandy beach.

Here's the shopping list:

1 large bucket full of ice

q.b. straws (to every person)

Vodka (quality Russian Vodka) the quantity depends of size of bucket 2 fingers by person

Redbull (fill the bucket to the top)

Absint (dash on top)

The ritual:

Each person place the straw in the bucket till the bottom, the leader must yeal 1,2,3 and all should suck till its over, it is forbiden to withdraw.

Enjoy your cocktail, enjoy your “Corridinha” experience.

Chef Gourmet Du Art

I can "the real" Sangria

Dear Readers,

in order to celebrate, not only the reach of the milestone 3.000 visits but also the start of the Summer, today’s recipe is a favourite of mine, and in hot days, a must in my table.

Today’s "home trick" is my secret recipe of Sangria.

As you know I am Portuguese and when I start wondering around the world in my many conversation I started explaining that we indeed drink a lot of Sangria in Portugal.  All asked me the reason why? Isn’t Sangria Spanish? Why do you drink it then in Portugal?

As a matter of fact, I had never before then, been confronted with the enormous Marketing and appeal capacity of our neighbour Spain, thus I went to investigate such intregue.

As a matter of fact, there are some lines of though that reclaims the birth of Sangria in Spain (most of them are of course Spanish Sources). In others, and also in Wikipedia, the origin of Sangria is given to Portuguese Farmers that in order to drink Red Wine in hot days created this Red Wine spiced drink and named it “Sangria” that means in Portuguese Sangue (blood) or Sangria (to bleed).

Portuguese and Spanish are related languages and closest than been given credit for, so it works also in Spanish the same explanation. So, to avoid more confusion, let’s say that for sure, it is a drink that was created and still is appreciated today in all Iberia Peninsula.

Here’s my personal and secret recipe.

You can use it, both for aperitif or with meals. Your guests will love it, it is a fun easy fresh drink that celebrates life, it’s colourful, delicious and will put you and your partner in the mood.

Hope that you will enjoy it.

Here’s the shopping list:

1 lt. of Red Wine (remember the better the wine the better the Sangria)

3 Peaches

2 Oranges

1 Lemon

2 Apples

300g Strawberries (only to be used if you decide to do the Lover’s Sangria)

q.b. Fresh Mint leafs

1 small glass of Triple Sec (or if you cannot find it white spirit like Rum)

4 spoons of Sugar

2 small Cloves

2 Cinnamon sticks (or 2 spoons of Cinnamon powder)

1 lt. of 7up (the best for Sangria something else can do but it is not the same, you can also use Soda)

Step 1) Wash and dice all fruits

Step 2) Add mint, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, the Triple Sec, cinnamon in a large container (large Pan)

Step 3) Add the Red Wine and leave it to rest (for some hours)

Step 4) Add the 7up and loads of ice (just before serving)

Step 5) In Portugal we use a traditional 1l Terracota vase to serve the Sangria (together with a wooden spoon)

Bon Apetit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art

I can "Love Potion Cocktail"

Love is the air folks, today is Valentine’s so let the party begin.

Here’s a secret, an aphrodisiac cocktail that wil surely leave you and your loved one in the LOVE mood.

Not only is fresh and easy to drink, but also due to its secret ingredient is a sure thing.

While Ginger is commonly used in Asia it is not in Europe. Well, Ginger amongst a sea of medicinal properties is also a stimulant.

So now you know it, amongst its properties of spice, Ginger can also re-energise your Body and Soul, so much needed in a long romantic evening of Saint Valentine.

Hope you enjoy it.

Here's the shopping list:

1 Bottle of White Rum

6 Limes

q.b. Fresh Mint leafs

q.b. Fresh Ginger

2 Packs of Fresh Strawberries

1 liter of Pineapple Juice

q.b. Crushed Ice

q.b. Brown Sugar

Step 1) Slice the limes in quarters;

Step 2) Place 1 lime and five strawberries by each glass;

Step 3) Add the fresh mint leafs (6 large leafs will do) and the brown sugar (four tea spoons);

Step 4) Crush all the ingredients together;

Step 5) Grate the fresh ginger over the preparation and stir;

Step 6) Fill the glass with crushed ice almost till the top (leave two fingers empty);

Step 7) Fill half glass with the White Rum;

Step 8) Fill the rest with Pineapple Juice;

Step 9) Use a split Strawberry for decoration;

Bon Apetit,

Chef Gourmet Du Art