Get ready to feast as Lunar New Year is coming! Following the lunisolar calendar, Lunar New Year officially starts on January 22 this year. This holiday is celebrated by many Asian countries such as Vietnam, Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, and is commonly known as Tet, Seollal, Chinese New Year, and Spring Festival. Within each, there is some variation in traditions. For instance, this year marks the Year of the Rabbit for those following the Chinese zodiac, but for Vietnamese, it is the Year of the Cat. The cuisine from each country differs slightly, but with one commonality; it’s always in abundance.

We’ve rounded up 10 dishes for you to try during this Lunar New Year celebration. Check out which local businesses are serving them in your area on Yelp!

Banh Tet or Banh Chung

A Vietnamese savory cake offered to the ancestors at Tet that is sticky rice filled with mung beans and then wrapped in leaves to boil to perfection. Banh tet and banh chung are distinguished by the South and North Vietnam with subtle differences such as their shape (cylindrical versus square) and the type of leaves they are wrapped in (banana versus la dong). This dish is known to be extremely versatile as you can sweeten the cake by adding sugar on top or pair it with pickled veggies and fish sauce for a more piquant taste.

Photo from Banh Mi Oven (San Jose, CA) by business

Tteokguk

This Korean rice cake soup is a staple among Seollal feasts. This bowl signifies becoming a year older, good health, and a bright year ahead. It’s filled with rice cakes (that resemble the old Korean coin currency), vegetables, eggs, and sometimes mandu (dumplings) mixed into a bone broth.

Photo from Marrizzang (Flushing, NY) by Steven L

Longevity Noodles

As the name suggests, longevity noodles are eaten during joyous celebrations to bring a long life and prosperity. These hand pulled noodles are commonly stir fried with other veggies and proteins.

Photo from Slurp Slurp (Chicago, IL) by Francis R

Galbijjim

Galbijjim, a braised beef short rib stew, is a hearty dish to share amongst friends and family around celebrations. The fall off the bone, tender ribs are commonly served with carrots, potatoes in a sweet and savory sauce, and served on a hot skillet to keep warm.

Photo from Sun Nong Dan (Los Angeles, CA) by Annie W

Whole Fish

Eating a whole fish on Lunar New Year signifies more abundance, prosperity, and surplus of fortune. The Chinese pronunciation for fish, Yu, is similar to that of abundance, hence the correlation. The dish is generally steamed and based with a light soy sauce blend, then topped with a tower of herbs.

Photo from Fishman Lobster Clubhouse Restaurant (Toronto, Canada) by Chris C

Poon Choi

Also called the treasure pot or Chinese casserole is filled to the brim with a number of ingredients—seafood, meat, and vegetables. Options may include pork belly, abalone, shrimp, turnip, taro, napa cabbage, and more. Originating from Hong Kong, this dish is of true abundance with a long preparation. The term directly translates to “basin vegetables.”

Photo from Kirin Seafood Restaurant (Vancouver, Canada) by Angela L

Yee Sang

Also known as yusheng or lo hei is a common Singaporean/Malaysian dish. The dish is encompassed with a blend of colorful salad ingredients and raw fish, typically salmon. The ingredients are all nicely divided until you are ready to eat and commence the ‘prosperity toss.’ This dish symbolizes togetherness and the reunion of friends and family for celebration.

Photo from Kopitiam (New York, New York) by business

Jeon

AKA the Korean pancake is commonly eaten as a side dish or appetizer for Lunar New Year. A savory pancake-like dish filled with green onions and sometimes seafood or kimchi, then lightly fried until golden brown.

Photo from Korea House Restaurant (Orlando, FL) by John C

Che Troi Nuoc or Tangyuan

These sweet chewy balls in a sweet syrup are common in both Vietnamese and Chinese celebrations. Tangyuan are mini mochi balls in a brown sugar blend, while che troi nuoc are glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste and dunked in a ginger syrup. Toppings can vary to add extra creaminess or crunchiness like coconut milk, ginger, sesame seeds, and peanuts. Eating this dish symbolizes togetherness and completeness, ending the new year celebration on a sweet note.

Photo from Thach Che Hien Khanh (Garden Grove, CA) by Ngoc H

Nian Gao

Another sweet glutinous treat roughly translates to new year cake. This treat also symbolizes prosperity and a symbol of growing each year. These can be served lightly fried or steamed.

Photo from Jade Garden (Seattle, WA) by Eva M

Which dish have you tried? Did we miss any that you typically feast on? Let us know! Tag us at @Yelp in any of your celebrations!

Happy Lunar New Year!

San Nin Faai Lok (Cantonese)

Xin Nian Kuai Le (Mandarin)

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Vietnamese)

Sae Hae Book Mani Padu Seyo (Korean)

This trivia game is a great mixer for holiday parties of all ages and generations! Play as teams or individually. Make sure you prepare fun prizes for the winners! (Do a Google search for the answers.)

🍁🎃👻 Look no further if you’re planning a Halloween party or fall festival and in need of some hilarious Halloween games that are great for all ages?!

Choose from over 20 festive and tasty 4th of July themed drinks to stay cool and refreshed this summer!

1. Red White and Blue Drink

This layered drink is kid friendly and delicious. If you are looking for a festive drink with red, white and blue layers, this recipe is so fun.

2. Easy Sonic Ocean Water Recipe

This copy cat Sonic Ocean water recipe is so easy to make at home and the blue is vibrant and patriotic.

3. Red White and Blue Cocktail

This is a chic modern twist on a Fourth of July drink. I love the layered look to this cocktail.

4. Layered Punch

This fourth of July layered punch uses Sobe Pina Colada, Hawaiian Punch Polar Blast and Powerade Zero Fruit Punch.

5. Red White and Blue Non Alcoholic Drinks

This is a fun non alcoholic drink that both kids and adults will enjoy at your 4th of July party.

6. Sparkling Blueberry Mojito Punch

Just 5 easy ingredients in this drink recipe for an easy and festive drink. The blueberries make it look extra special and so fun.

7. Red White and Blue Smoothie

Your kids will love the patriotic stripes in this delicious smoothie. Layers of almond milk, fruit and more come together for a great treat.

8. Red White and Blue Punch

This is another fun layered red white and blue punch that’s perfect for the kids. This one uses Gatorade, Cranberry Juice and Mandarin Orange Sparkling water.

9. Blueberry Mojito

10. Kid Friendly Patriotic Punch

11. Strawberry Lemonade

12. Red Wine and Blue Spritzer

This surprisingly simple drink uses white wine, white soda. It gets its patriotic colors from frozen cherries and blueberries.

13. Red White and Blueberry Margaritas

This festive margarita uses frozen strawberries, coconut milk and frozen blueberries. Just layer it in a fun glass.

14. Citrus Splash

This looks like an entertaining drink. How fun is it that they used pop rocks along the rim of the glass?

15. Patriotic Ice Cream Sodas

These ice cream sodas look phenomenal and I bet they taste as good as they look, too! To get the fun colors all you have to do is change up the variety of soda.

16. Fourth of July Milkshakes

This recipe had my attention as soon as I read the word milkshake. Okay, the added whipped cream and sprinkles certainly makes it more appealing as well.

17. Raspberry Lemonade

Just a few simple ingredients and you can make the delicious Raspberry Lemonade.

18. Red White and Blue Pina Colada

This drink has a blend of pineapple, coconut and strawberries. You can’t beat the combo of pineapple with coconut in this 4th of July drink.

19. Red White and Blue Sparkling Juice

This is like a 4th of July snack in a glass. Everyone will love downing the ginger ale and then eating all of the fruit.

20. Fourth of July Sparkler

The lovely drink uses Rosé Champagne, club soda and berries. The different colors and berries make the drink festive.

21. Red White and Blue Daiquiris

The daiquiris use frozen lemonade and lime aid. A bonus is that you can make these ahead of time and freeze.

22. Fourth of July Layered Drink

This layered drink uses white Powerade, Cran-Apple juice and Blue Gatorade. The colors magically stay separated in each drink.

23. Watermelon Lemonade

Watermelon juice is so refreshing. Combine that with Lemonade and you have yourself a winning summery drink.

The Fourth of July is the biggest celebration of the year. Family and friends gather to celebrate Independence Day clad in red, white, and blue clothes and patriotic hats and glasses. It’s time for parades, barbecues, and fireworks. Here’s a list of events to help you find a 4th of July celebration near you.

*Some 2022 Events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Please check the websites for details.

Safe and Sane Fireworks are allowed in certain Orange County cities with restrictions. The fireworks must be approved by the CA State Fire Marshal and each city has designated times in which fireworks can be discharged. The following cities allow Safe and Sane fireworks on July 4th on private property and residential streets only:

Anaheim: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm (No fireworks in East Anaheim)
Buena Park: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Costa Mesa: July 2 – July 4 until 10:00 pm
Fullerton: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Garden Grove: 10:00 am-10:00 pm
Huntington Beach: Noon-10:00 pm
Santa Ana: July 1st Noon-10:00 pm; July 2nd & 3rd 10:00 am – 10:00 pm; July 4th 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Stanton: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Villa Park: Noon – 10:00 pm
Westminster: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

ALISO VIEJO

Aliso Viejo 4th Of July Community Parade & Celebration
Where: Aliso Viejo Ranch – 100 Park Avenue
When: TBA – 9-11AM

Kick off your Independence Day with the community parade at 9AM, followed by a free community festival with games, a rock wall, DJ and Gamemaster, giant slide, and face painting.

AVCA July 4th Celebration
Where: Grand Park/Town Center Amphitheater – 6101 City Lights Drive
When: 6PM – 9:30PM

Activities: Experience the annual 4th of July Celebration and fireworks. Features face painting, community booths, create-a-card, and carnival games.

ANAHEIM HILLS

Anaheim Hills 4th of July Celebration
Where: Canyon High School & Peralta Park
When: July 4, 2022

Activities: Start the day off at Canyon High School with the Firecracker Run 5K/10K (7AM) followed by the Yankee Doodle Dog Show (9:00AM) and the Fourth of July Parade (1:00PM). Move over to Peralta Park for food vendors and live entertainment. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.

BREA

Annual Country Fair on July 4th
Where: City Hall Park – 401 S. Brea Blvd.
When: July 4, 2022

Activities: Pancake breakfast by the Kiwanis Club begins at 7 a.m. followed by a morning service. The Country Fair begins at 9:00 a.m. and includes a Kiddie Parade, Bow Wow contest, Teen Fun area, craft area, food, rides, live entertainment, games, and exhibits. $3 swimming at the Plunge opens at 11 a.m.

BUENA PARK

Knott’s Berry Farm 4th of July Fireworks
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm
When: July 2-4, 2022

Activities: Special fireworks display at 9:00 PM. Park stays open until 11:00 p.m.

COSTA MESA

July 3rd Independence Day Community Celebration
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, Lot A
When: Sunday, July 3 – 5PM – 11PM

The free community celebration invites you to bring your family and friends for a memorable day with activities, live music, contests, and a fireworks show. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and set up on the lawn for an evening of fun. Food and drinks will be available for purchase but you are welcome to bring your own picnic. The event is free, parking is $10. Fireworks start at 9:30PM.

Fourth of July at Pacific Amphitheater
Where: Pacific Amphitheater at the OC Fair & Event Center
When: Not scheduled for 2022

Activities: Come watch the Pacific Symphony July 4th Spectacular Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles. The Pacific Amphitheater event will include patriotic tunes and a fireworks display.

CYPRESS

Salute To America
Where: Cypress College – 9200 Valley View Street
When: Friday, July 1, 2022 5:30PM – 9:30PM

Activities: Enjoy this patriotic celebration with live music by the Smokin’ Cobras, food trucks, vendors, entertainment, and a fireworks display at 9PM.

DANA POINT

There will be a flyover at 5:55 to 6PM on the 4th of July. The Condor Squadron includes WWII North American AT-6 airplanes.

4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza
Where: Doheny Beach
When: 9:00PM

Activities: Special fireworks display shot from a barge off of Doheny State Beach

4th of July Fireworks Show
Where: Dana Point Harbor
When: 7/4/2022 at 9:00 p.m.

Activities: Special fireworks display

FULLERTON

4th of July Community Festival & Fireworks Show
Where: Fullerton Union High School Softball Field
When: Not scheduled for 2022

Activities: Family activities, rides for kids, food vendors, live music and more. Fireworks begin at 9:00.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

4th of July Celebration
Where: Huntington Beach Neighborhoods and Downtown
When: July 4th All Day

Activities: The biggest 4th of July Parade in Orange County has been modified again for 2022. There will be a parade caravan traveling through Huntington Beach neighborhoods on the morning of the 4th of July. The parade route will be announced at a later date. There is also a city-wide decorating contest that residents and businesses are invited to participate. For 2022, a Pier Plaza Festival is planned with vendors, a Ferris wheel, and a 12,000 square foot beer and wine garden. The Surf City 5K run will feature staggered start times on a course along Goldenwest and into Central Park. Finally, fireworks over the ocean have been tentatively approved. Stay tuned for more details.

IRVINE

July 4 Spectacular: The Music Of Queen
Where: Five Point Amphitheatre – 14800 Chinon, Irvine
When: July 4, 2022 at 8PM

Activities: The Pacific Symphony presents the music of Queen and celebrates the 4th of July. A fireworks show will follow.

4th of July Concert on the Green
Where: Irvine High School Stadium
When: Cancelled

Activities: None scheduled.

LADERA RANCH

July 4th Celebration
Where: Founders Park – 28275 Avendale Blvd., Ladera Ranch
When: July 4, 2022 – 3PM – 9:30PM

Activities: Games and activities will include a bungee, giant slides, the Wizzer, rock wall, Orbitron, zip line, race game trailer, face painting, artists, and carnival games. Fireworks at 9PM.

Schedule of Events
7:00 a.m. – 10K Freedom Run
7:45 – 11:30 a.m. –  Pancake Breakfast
8:30 a.m. –  5K Freedom Run
9:30 a.m. –  1K Kids’ Firecracker Dash
10:30 a.m. –  Community Parade
3:00 – 8:00 p.m. –  Games & Activities
3:00 – 9:00 p.m. –  Food Trucks
5:00 – 8:00 p.m. – Teen Zone
6:00 – 9:00 p.m. –  Concert (Undercover – Top 40)
Dark – Fireworks

LAGUNA BEACH

4th of July Fireworks Show
Where: Heisler Park at Monument Point
When: July 4, 2022

Activities: Fireworks show. This is a popular event. Come early to spend a day at the beach before the fireworks.

LAGUNA HILLS

Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Laguna Hills Community Center & Sports Complex
When: Cancelled

Activities: Carnival rides, games, live music, patriotic crafts, face painting, food and drinks available for purchase. No seating available, bring lawn chairs. Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

LAGUNA NIGUEL

July 4th Week of Festivities
Where: Crown Valley Community Park
When: July 4th, 2022

Activities: Concert and Fireworks Show

July 4th – 5K & Kids run at Crown Valley Park (8AM), Pancake Breakfast (7:30AM – 10:30AM), Free Lap Swim & Pool Party at Laguna Niguel Aquatics Center, Patriotic Flyover (5:30PM), Concert At Crown Valley Park (6PM-8PM), an Fireworks display.

LAKE FOREST

Lake Forest 4th of July Parade
Where: Near El Toro High School
When: July 4 at 10AM

Activities: 4th of July Parade – “The Parade Is Back In Town” Parking is at El Toro High Schools back parking lot, and on Lake Forest Drive and Serrano Road. The Kiwanis will serve a pancake breakfast at 7AM in front of the high school, and the El Toro Chargers 5K run/walk begins at 7:30AM.

LA HABRA

4th of July Celebration
Where: La Bonita Park: 1440 W. Whittier Blvd.
When: July 4, 2022, 4:00 – 10:00PM

Activities: Fireworks show, flyover, live music by Pop Vinyl, kid’s activity booths, food vendors and general vendors. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Presale cost (June 6-30) is $5 for 13 and up, $3 for kids 3-12 years old. July 1 – 4 cost is $7 for 13 and up, $5 for ages 3-12. Limited capacity – wristbands required.

LOS ALAMITOS

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Where: Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base
When: July 4, 2022; 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Activities: Gates open at 4:00 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. Bring chairs and blankets and claim your spot to enjoy the show. There will be vendors, food, entertainment, and a family fun area. Entry will be through the Lexington or Orangewood gates.

MISSION VIEJO

July 4th Street Faire
Where: Olympiad between Marguerite and Melinda
When: July 4, 2022

Activities: The street faire begins at Noon and includes food, live entertainment, games, vendor booths, and family fun. Plus, fireworks will begin at 9:00 p.m.

NEWPORT BEACH

July 4 Fireworks Cruises With Davey’s Locker
Balboa Peninsula, Newport Harbor
Where: Davey’s Locker, Pavilion Building 400 Main Street Newport Beach 92661
When: July 4, 2022 (7 pm to 9:45 pm)

Activities: Join cruises to view the amazing fireworks shows Newport Beach is known for. Cruises start off touring Newport Beach and viewing the yachts and boats celebrating July 4th, as well as Bay Front estates going all out with Independence Day events. As the sun sets the ships choose from several huge fireworks displays and get positioned for the show. The sights and sounds of fireworks over the ocean is a magical experience. This is a sell out event. For more info and tickets go to https://cruisenewportbeach.com/book-cruise_newportbeach.html or call 949-673-1434.

For those who can’t make the fireworks cruises, fireworks shows take place from Newport Back Bay, a private barge just outside the mouth of Newport Bay, viewable from the Wedge and surrounding beach, and an amazing private show off Emerald Bay Newport Coast just south of Newport Bay.

Annual 4th of July for Families
Newport Peninsula Bike Parade at 9:00AM
W. Balboa Blvd. & 36th Street
Community Festival 9:30 – 11:30AM
Channel Place Park – 4400 Channel Place
Carnival Games + Arts & Crafts + Lawn Games & Music + Food for Sale

Annual Mariners Park Independence Day Celebration
Parade begins at 10:30 on the corner of Commodore and Mariners Drive
Celebration 11:00AM – 1:30PM
Food trucks, Live music, free entertainment, eating contests, lawn games, puppet show

Independence Day on the Back Bay
Where: Newport Dunes
When: July 4th Weekend
Fireworks begin at 9PM

Activities: Guests will enjoy a weekend full of events and fun including swimming, watersports, inflatable water park, movies on the beach, and more. Fireworks show on 4th of July.

Old Glory Boat Parade
Where: Newport Harbor
When: Monday, July 4th at 1PM

Activities: Decorated boats will be cruising the Harbor. Come out and watch or join the fun.

ORANGE

3rd of July Celebration
Where: Grijalva Park – 368 N. Prospect St.
When: July 3, 2022, 4-9PM

Activities: The City of Orange’s 2022 Third of July Celebration will feature music, games, kids activities, food trucks, and a fireworks display. Children 2 and under are free, general admission is $7.

ORANGE PARK ACRES

3rd of July Celebration
Where: Salem Lutheran Church
When: Cancelled

Activities: 5k road race/walk, 10 epic challenge, Orange Park Acres Parade

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

July 4th Star Spangled Spectacular
Where: Lago Santa Margarita Beach Club and Lakeshore Park: 21472 Avenida De Los Fundadores, Rancho Santa Margarita
When: July 4, 2022 8:00AM to 9:00PM

Activities: This year, SAMLARC is hosting a 4th of July celebration complete with food, a patriotic bike parade, activities on the lake, and a fireworks display.

SAN CLEMENTE

4th of July Fireworks Show
Where: San Clemente Pier
When: July 4, 2022, 9PM

Activities: Fireworks show

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

Fourth of July Celebration & Summer Carnival
Where: San Juan Capistrano Sports Park – 25925 Camino Del Avion
When: July 1 – July 4, 2022

Activities: Enjoy a weekend packed with fun at the summer carnival featuring music, dancing, carnival rides and games, bounce house, food, exhibitors, and fireworks at 9:00 p.m. on July 4th! Free trolley service!

Friday, July 1: Carnival is 4PM – 10PM
Saturday & Sunday: Carnival runs 12PM – 10PM
Monday, July 4th: Summer Carnival & 4th of July Celebration 12PM – 10:30PM

SANTA ANA

Independence Day Celebration
Where: Centennial Park – 3000 West Edinger Ave.
When: July 4, 2022 5PM – 9:30PM

Activities: Food, live music, kids activities, and more. Fireworks show begins at 9:00.

TUSTIN

4th of July An All American Blast
Where: Tustin High School Stadium
When: July 4, 2022

Activities: Fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m. A livestream will begin at 8:30 at www.Tustin4thOfJuly.com with a radio broadcast of music on 91.7 FM. The High School will remain closed. Families are asked to watch the show from home.

VILLA PARK

Villa Park Fourth of July Parade
Where: Villa Park High School
When: 9:00 a.m.

Activities: For 2022, Villa Park rolls out the Stars On Parade masked strolling and rolling event on the 4th of July. Decorate your bike, scooter, wagon, skateboard, stroller, or scooter and join in the fun. Motorized vehicles will be permitted but will park on Taft and enter the group after walkers have passed. Line-up begins at 8:30 am.

YORBA LINDA

4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Where: Veterans Sports Park – 4756 Valley View Ave. & Yorba Linda Middle School – 4777 Casa Loma Ave.
When: July 4, 2022 beginning at 5:00 PM; Fireworks at 9:00 PM

Activities: Food vendors, family activities, live band featuring Rouge Radio and fireworks display.

Are you looking for something spectacular to grace your Memorial Day/Start of Summer BBQ? Hop on over to Instagram to browse through some amazing patriotic charcuterie boards that are truly easy enough for anyone to make and guaranteed to “Wow” your family and friends! → www.instagram.com/explore/tags/memorialdaycharcuterie

Brea’s Annual Foodie Extravaganza is here! Enjoy a delicious mix of food, drinks, and fun in Brea Downtown at the 2022 Taste of Brea®. Come and enjoy dancing to live music with family and friends. Spend this evening strolling the Brea Downton enjoying tasty samples from our local Brea restaurants and beer/wine providers while reveling in the beautiful domain that Brea has to offer. Got Questions? Contact the Brea Chamber office at (714) 529-3660 www.tasteofbrea.com

Sip your way through Memorial Day weekend at the 13th annual Newport Beach Wine Festival. The festival will take place at Balboa Bay Resort with multiple events each day. This beautiful waterfront setting is ideal for sipping fine wines, savoring delicious entrees, tasting craft beers and more. Learn how to cook a wine-themed meal or take the opportunity to expand your knowledge on wine characteristics and blending. See website for complete schedule of events. $65-$150 per event. 949.630.4146. www.balboabayresort.com/nbwinefestival

The festival is a parade and carnival celebrating the city’s strawberry-growing history. Free admission! INFORMATION: 714-638-0981 www.strawberryfestival.org

The event features hundreds of bagpipers and drummers, Scottish and Irish food and vendors, Scottish clans, Highland dancing and traditional Scottish feats of strength like the hammer throw, putting the stone and caber toss. Part of the United Scottish Society, the festival was established in 1932 and was called a Highland Games in the tradition of Scottish heritage. www.scottishfest.com

Enjoy Memorial Day weekend with family and friends at Knott’s Berry Farm. All active, veteran and retired US Military personnel will be honored and celebrated with complimentary admission. Up to six tickets may be purchased for family and friends at a discounted rate. End your day of fun with a spectacular fireworks show that will light up the night sky on Sunday at 9:45 p.m. F-Sa 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m. See website for ticket pricing. 714.220.5200. knotts.com

Celebrate Memorial Day with the City of Laguna Hills 18th annual Memorial Day run, honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion. Participants can choose between a 5K, 10K or half-marathon. Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to come out and enjoy the Memorial Day festivities. After the race enjoy food from local food trucks, a beer garden and DJ tunes. 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Register online. 949.975.8506. lagunahillshalfmarathon.com

A couple of years ago I went on a search for Basil Hayden’s Bourbon; it had been highly suggested as the bourbon of choice for this amazing stuffing. Sadly I was unsuccessful in my efforts to locate it in Denver and managed to make do with another brand but I will never forget that recommendation from a friend. When I was asked if I would like to recreate the Basil Hayden’s Holiday Spice Cocktail created for the brand by Joaquín Simó who was just named Bartender of the Year at the industry Tales of the Cocktail Convention held each year in New Orleans, how could I say no?

The recipe for this remarkable bourbon dates back to 1796, when Basil Hayden himself was a master distiller. Hayden was born and raised in Maryland, where he learned to make whiskey from rye. When he came to Kentucky, Hayden began making whiskey from a base of corn, but added a higher percentage of rye than other distillers, resulting in a smooth, mild bourbon that was distinctly his own. The abundance of rye gives it a slightly peppery taste and aroma, perfect for sipping on the rocks but also delicious in a well crafted cocktail.

Aged eight years at a relatively mild 80 proof, Basil Hayden’s has a very broad appeal. The Spirit Journal has said, ‘Basil Hayden’s is one of the best ultra-premium bourbons that you can find. It’s a good example of what a classic bourbon is like. It’s absolutely brilliant.” It’s all true; this is one fine bourbon. I couldn’t help but love the packaging too; check out that metal and copper stamped band that encircles the bottle. Very cool indeed.

Partnering with Basil Hayden’s, Joaquín has created the quintessential holiday cocktail. The Basil Hayden’s Holiday Spice combines the bourbon’s spicy finish with the winter flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon. Joaquín’s expert mixology skills make the cocktail the perfect addition to any holiday party, or a low-key fireside evening. For Mr. Simó, it’s been an unlikely journey from his native Ecuador to the accolades at the Tales of the Cocktail convention. After finishing his degree in English literature and comparative religion at Boston University he found himself working dive bars and rock ‘n’ roll joints before moving to New York eight years ago where he polished his craft.

Known not just for being a master mixologist, Simo’s engaging manner and eagerness to discuss a wide range of topics with patrons shows a genuine hospitality; combined with his skills with a shaker and jigger make this a most relevant accolade. I was excited about this cocktail for a couple of reasons beyond the bourbon too. The ingredients seemed to sing on paper; how could they not be fabulous mixed together? A great bourbon mixed with lemon juice, maple syrup and cinnamon with just a touch of Amaretto and bitters? I knew I would love it before the first taste and I was right. As much as I do enjoy some specialty cocktails over the holidays; many are sweet concoctions and I was so ready for a big girl drink!

Basil Hayden's Holiday Spice Cocktail Recipe

I love that this is a great cocktail for all winter long…maybe someone will gift you a bottle of Basil Hayden’s for the holidays..I sure hope so! CHEERS!

SERVES 2

BASIL HAYDEN’S HOLIDAY SPICE COCKTAIL

10 minPrep Time

10 minTotal Time

Ingredients

4 oz Basil Hayden’s Bourbon
1 & 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz Maple Syrup
1/2 oz Amaretto
6 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions

Combine Basil Hayden¹s, lemon juice, maple syrup, Amaretto and bitters in a mixing tin with ice and shake vigorously.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Grate a cinnamon stick over the top and add the stick to the cocktail as garnish.

Source: https://creative-culinary.com/basil-haydens-holiday-spice-cocktail-from-joaquin-simo/

NORTH ORANGE COUNTY

SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY

BONUS: HOLIDAY EVENTS STILL GOING ON!

Banh Tet or Banh Chung

Tteokguk

Longevity Noodles

Galbijjim

Whole Fish

Poon Choi

Yee Sang

Jeon

Che Troi Nuoc or Tangyuan

Nian Gao

1. Red White and Blue Drink

2. Easy Sonic Ocean Water Recipe

3. Red White and Blue Cocktail

4. Layered Punch

5. Red White and Blue Non Alcoholic Drinks

6. Sparkling Blueberry Mojito Punch

7. Red White and Blue Smoothie

8. Red White and Blue Punch

9. Blueberry Mojito

10. Kid Friendly Patriotic Punch

11. Strawberry Lemonade

12. Red Wine and Blue Spritzer

13. Red White and Blueberry Margaritas

14. Citrus Splash

15. Patriotic Ice Cream Sodas

16. Fourth of July Milkshakes

17. Raspberry Lemonade

18. Red White and Blue Pina Colada

19. Red White and Blue Sparkling Juice

20. Fourth of July Sparkler

21. Red White and Blue Daiquiris

22. Fourth of July Layered Drink

23. Watermelon Lemonade