From elaborate costumes and floats, to Caribbean rhythms and dances, New York City’s Dominican Day Parade on Sunday, August 14, is almost here. The Parade honors the Dominican Republic’s popular traditions and folklore, and the community’s unity around the world.
You don’t have to be Dominican or in New York to celebrate!
Following are three delicious cocktail recipes created by Dominican Mixologist, Kelvin Uffre, which were inspired by the love for his country’s culture and traditions. They are the perfect combination of unique ingredients – espresso and condensed milk – with Johnnie Walker’s bold, distinctive taste.
Although the Dominican Day Parade is only once a year, you can celebrate the Dominican Republic’s heritage anytime with these cocktails!
“El Alpha”
“Inspired by prominent Dominican reggae artist, this cocktail is an elevated twist on the classic Johnnie Ginger”
1 oz Johnnie Walker Red Label
.25 oz Green Chartreuse
.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Ginger Beer
2 Sprigs of Fresh Oregano
Candied Ginger
Preparation:
- Add Johnnie Walker Red Label, Green Chartreuse and fresh lime juice to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously and double strain into Collins glass filled with ice.
- Top with ginger beer and garnish with oregano sprig and piece of candied ginger.
Ideal Serving Glass: Collins
Yield: 1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol
“Café en el Campo”
“This drink is named after the famous Juan Luis Guerra song. Juan Luis Guerra is like the Dominican version of Frank Sinatra!”
1 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label
1 oz Fresh Brewed Espresso
.5 Pedro Ximenez Sherry
.1 oz Condensed Milk
Aromatic Bitters
Coffee beans
Preparation:
- Add all ingredients (excluding bitters and coffee beans) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously and strain into coupe glass.
- Top with dash of aromatic bitters and garnish with coffee beans.
Ideal Serving Glass: Coupe
Yield: 1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol
“El Mayimbe”
“A stirred cocktail inspired by famous Dominican wrestler Jack Veneno, my grandmother was in love with him!”
1 oz Johnnie Walker Black Label
.25 oz Piloncillo Syrup
.25 oz Oloroso Sherry
1 dash Angostura Bitters
3 dashes of Lime Bitters
Banana Leaf
Lime Twist
Palo Santo Stick
Preparation:
- Add all ingredients (excluding banana leaf, lime twist and Palo Santo stick) to a mixing glass filled with ice.
- Stir well and strain into rocks glass over large rocks cube.
- Garnish with banana left, lime twist and smoking Palo Santo stick.
Ideal Serving Glass: Rocks
Yield: 1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol
About Kelvin Uffre
Dominican mixologist Kelvin Uffre grew up in New York City and decided to pursue a job in the beverage industry after a company trip to Paris. He has worked at the Crosby Street Hotel, Bobo, Barrio 47, Aldea, and Maison Premiere. At Maison Premiere, he created the Spanish Crown Julep, which became one of Time Out New York’sTop 100 Cocktails for 2013. Currently, he is the head bartender at The Eddy.
