My friend Nicole (owner of Dolce Cabanas) hosted a very fun event last weekend- a Belizean Bartender Workshop lead by the talented and knowledgeable duo from Taste Belize Tours, Peter and Lyra. It was a PERFECT afternoon in my opinion.
The setting: pool side, overlooking the lagoon with two adorable pups frolicking in the yard.
The audience: ten beautiful, fun, interesting, friendly, and thirsty women.
The show: over a half dozen perfectly crafted cocktails created by Peter using local ingredients like fresh fruit, herbs, and of course Belizean rum.
We all brought a snack; I love potlucks and I’m always excited to see what creative dishes people make.
Marian is a former caterer and won best dish for her marinated tomatoes with bacon mayo on a grilled baguette (there wasn’t an official contest, I’m just calling her the winner because everyone destroyed these super tasty treats).
We stuffed ourselves with snacks and watched as Peter crafted creative and delicious cocktails.
Who would ever think to make chaya juice in the first place, let alone mix it with rum and cucumber juice to create a surprisingly refreshing and sophisticated cocktail?
Nicole and I decided we’d want this again (and again!) in a martini glass rimmed with sugar or local honey. For those wondering what chaya is- it’s a local green, sort of like spinach but way bitter with a super strong dirt taste that I can’t seem to cook out of it. Not my favorite obviously and I didn’t think I’d like this cocktail at all, but what a surprise. (Check out this post from the San Pedro Scoop to learn more about chaya)
There were mojitos with jalapenos and spritzers with starfruit and coladas and so many others.
I have a ton of ideas now for when I get a liquor cabinet going here. What a wonderful afternoon! I highly recommend a tour with Taste Belize not only because all of their offerings sound great, but they’re passionate and patriotic and proud to showcase beautiful Belize and it’s many flavors.
You are going to miss the nasty winter weather. You sure know how to make someone want to move to Belize.
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