After several months of endless rounds of martini, cocktail, wine and beer tastings (my liver will never be the same) I am very proud to announce that the new Wildfire wine, martini, cocktail and beer lists were just launched in Wildfire Lincolnshire this past Wednesday, September 1st. In years past, I've always changed anywhere from 20 to 26 wines, 5 to 6 new cocktails/martinis and 1 to 2 beers. This year I wanted to shake things up a bit on the cocktail/martini and beer menus and not change as many wines. This blog is focused on some of my favorite new and exciting cocktails and martinis!

The Torched Cherry Limeade cocktail is for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tart!  This drink features a hot new product from Bacardi called Torched Cherry Rum, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, Sprite, and grenadine. I really enjoy the taste of cherry and lime together and can't wait for our guests to try this new cocktail.

Saint Gone Wild is the only "champagne cocktail" on the menu and features St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Valdo Prosecco and a twist of lemon. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur is one of the most popular and fastest growing brands in the country so it was a no brainer for me to add this cocktail to the Wildfire spirit program. The flavor of this liqueur offers floral and honey notes and when it mixes with the Valdo Prosecco, it makes for a refreshing, fragrant and delicious new addition to Wildfire.

The Bourbon Blast martini is a definite departure from the "sweeter" martinis that we offer. Since "brown spirits" have been gaining in popularity over the past few years, it was time for me to add a bourbon/whiskey drink to the menu.  This martini features Jim Beam's Red Stag Bourbon-Whiskey, fresh sweet and sour mix and mint leaves which is really a take on classic "mint julep". The Red Stag has been slowly infused with natural black cherry flavors for a smooth, unique taste and would make even the most non-whiskey drinking customer re-think their opinions on bourbon and whiskey. I'm one of those people who don't order or drink whiskey or bourbon and I am a huge fan of this martini.

For those of you who really love a dessert martini such as the Key Lime Pie or the Chocolate, I have an incredible martini that will be replacing the Key lime Pie martini called the Caramel Root Beer Float. This amazing new addition features a brand new liqueur to the market called Tres Leches Triple Cream Liqueur along with Svedka Vanilla vodka, malted milk powder, caramel syrup and Goose Island Root Beer. If you love a good root beer float as much as I do, you may find it difficult not to order more than one- very addictive!  

You can taste for yourself some of these and other new spirit creations at a Wildfire location very soon. Wildfire Glenview and Schaumburg will be rolling out the new drink lists the week of September 7th and by October 1st the new wine, martini, cocktail and beer menus will be available in all of the IL Wildfire locations. Look for the lists to be available in the MN, GA and VA locations by the end of October.  

Stay tuned for my next blog which will highlight some of the new Wildfire beers on draught and by the bottle.

Cheers to you!

Brad Wermager