TRAMPING IN TAMPA
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Before becoming Chairman of the United States Bartenders Guild’s Nevada Chapter, and Director of the Academy Of Spirits And Fine Service, Francesco Lafranconi won more international cocktail competitions than you can shake a swizzle stick at. In fact, he’s only made one false move in his entire career — and that’s inviting the Bum to join him onstage at a cocktail seminar later this month.
We’re not worthy to fold Francesco’s bar towels, but we’re about to tell him that. Not when we get to help make (and hopefully help drink) six tropical cocktails at his “Tiki Beach” tasting seminar, which is set for 3:15 p.m. on May 17 at the Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival in Tampa, Florida. Here’s Francesco’s drink menu for the seminar, which he’s holding on the beach in front of the Don CeSar Hotel (pictured above):
1944 MAI TAI (By Trader Vic Bergeron)
Refrain from any imitation and taste the Real Mc Coy! Myers’s Dark and Cruzan Single Barrel paired together with Orange Curacao, fresh lime juice and orgeat syrup. After the first sip your perception of Mai Tai will never be the same!
DOCTOR FUNK (By Don The Beachcomber, adapted)
In case you need a doctor to heal your burdens of life here’s the one and only: Dr. Funk! A combination of Flor de Caña Extra Dry Rum, Pernod, Amoretti pomegranate-grenadine and fresh citrus juices, topped with Perrier Lime-flavored sparkling water.
RESTLESS NATIVE (by Beachbum Berry)
Enjoy a tropical variation of a classic Daiquiri by combining together Cruzan Coconut-flavored Rum, Marie Brizard White Crème de Cacao and fresh lime juice, garnished with fresh coconut …tropical breezes and white sandy beaches here we come!
EASTER ISLAND’S SWIZZLE (by Francesco Lafranconi)
Martinis are OUT and Tiki is IN! Savor this tropical libation made with 10-Cane Rum, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice, bitters and passion fruit-ginger beer….spicy, sweet and intense with fragrant aromas of mint.
HAI KARATE (by Beachbum Berry)
Cruzan 2-Year Dark Rum, unsweetened pineapple and fresh citrus juices, a rich touch of maple syrup and a hint of bitters…does life get any better?
THAITI HAMOA (by Francesco Lafranconi)
Tiki goes epicurean in this unique combination of banana flambé with Navan vanilla liqueur, Muscovado sugar and fresh citrus juices. Black tea and Pyrat XO rum with a hint of nutmeg will let the Polynesian spices tease you, while you’re seated by the sea, under the coconut trees…
Francesco’s oft-quoted motto is, “We’re not drinking… we’re learning!” If the Bum had a motto, it would be “We’re not learning … we’re drinking!” But he and Francesco are sure to find a happy medium (especially after that sixth drink sample).