(Photo courtesy of Greg McBoat)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
Holidays and cocktails often make the perfect match-up, and Greg McBoat’s new book will help you impress your guests. This food photographer and cocktail enthusiast has created a seasonal guide to mastering cocktails and mocktails using the freshest finds from Trader Joe’s. What started as a health-food store in California is kind of “the Disneyland of American grocery stores.” The spirit of this favorite store is captured in McBoat’s book with recipes for amazing drinks. Each chapter showcases seasonal drink recipes that will keep people cheerful all year around, perfect for sipping through spring, summer, fall, and winter. Whether it’s a refreshing Sparkling Strawberry Ranch Water for summer, or a Warming Wassail Punch to snuggle up with in winter. I can’t wait to check out these amazing recipes.
Get to know Greg and his world of mixology in our interview.
COLLEEN BEMENT: What inspired you to create this book?
GREG MCBOAT: Modern mixology is really a true art form. A way for you to showcase your passion for those you love. The idea of using the global, seasonal flavors of Trader Joe’s is a divine and accessible way for people to travel the world in a glass. The book includes some of the most simple and straightforward recipes (like the Caipirinha from Brazil with only three ingredients) that anyone can master to more technique-driven cocktails worthy of Instagram (Smoked Clementine Milk Punch which uses smoke to put some flash on one of the oldest cocktails). I hope people will take this book and be inspired to create unique drinks that are personal to them and really tell a story.
COLLEEN: I love how mocktails are a thing now. Way to go beyond a Shirley Temple and create amazing drinks! Do you have a favorite cocktail or mocktail in this book? I will be sure to make that one first.
GREG: I couldn’t agree more. Low and no ABV choices are changing the way we celebrate and connect, allowing everyone to enjoy a great drink anytime. My 16-year-old daughter worked with me and actually came up with many of the mocktails herself. One of the first things I ever bought at TJs was Everything but the Elote seasoning blend so we wanted to celebrate it. My daughter is an ice cream and corn fiend so we thought let’s combine everything into one frosty treat for summer! The key to mocktails is to ensure they are balanced and not overly sweet (like a Shirley Temple). We incorporated the seasoning, cornflakes, lime, and yogurt to make a complex mocktail. Of course, adding a shot of corn bourbon wouldn’t be inappropriate for those who wish a tipple.
COLLEEN: I’m from California and my world changed when Trader Joe’s opened stores in Colorado! What is your go-to item when you make a grocery run?
GREG: Do I have to choose one? I am seriously in there for an hour every time I go but a block of Unexpected Cheddar Cheese always seems to find its way into my cart. (Yes I usually need a cart and not just a basket.) This cheese works with everything–makes a mean grilled cheese with gojugang as well as truffle mac and cheese. It is creamy and complex and I will just gnaw on a hunk if no one is around.
Grab your copy of The I Love Trader Joe’s® Cocktail Book!
Follow Greg for more of his amazing creativity.
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