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California’s favourable climate, fresh local produce, and experimentation resulting from cultural and geographical influences has set the global standards for flavours, creativity and quality in beverages.
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From sun-ripened fruit infusions to expertly aged wines, California’s beverage scene reflects a unique spirit of innovation and craftsmanship. The golden state’s favourable climate, fresh local produce, and experimentation resulting from cultural and geographical influences has set the global standards for flavours, creativity and quality in beverages.
Date Shake
Date Shake is a California classic originating in Coachella Valley, the land of palm trees. This creamy preparation is a blend of vanilla ice cream, dates, and milk, creating a refreshing summer drink.
Recipe:
1/2 cup pitted California dates, soaked in hot water for 10 min
1/2 cup almond milk
1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2-4 tablespoons prepared vegan caramel, optional
• Combine the drained, soaked dates and the almond milk in a blender. Blend to break apart the dates into small pieces. Add ice cream and cinnamon. Blend until just combined.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of the vegan caramel to the bottom of two tall glasses. Divide the date shake between the glasses. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve immediately.
Orange Julius
Created back in the 1920s in Los Angeles, the Orange Julius is prepared by blending milk, orange juice, ice, and sugar into a frothy and citrusy beverage. Today, this drink is still available across fairs and restaurants as a nostalgic and fond memory of California summers.
Recipe:
5 California oranges Cara Cara and Navel oranges work great, but any types will do. Peel and pith removed.
1/2 cup ice
1/3 cup whole milk look for the Real California Milk seal!
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla bean extract
1 cup vanilla ice cream
• Place the peeled oranges on a plate and into the freezer for 30 minutes.
• Combine the frozen oranges, ice, milk, honey, vanilla bean paste, and ice cream in a blender and blend until the oranges are broken down and everything is combined. Serve immediately.
CA 75
A take on the classic French 75, CA 75 is its California counterpart. A fresh concoction of sparkling wine, California Vermouth, simple syrup, and lemon juice, the character and body of CA 75 is elevated and effervescent. CA 75 pairs well with brunch spreads and during special occasions.
Recipe
2 ounces (60 mL) Dry Vermouth
1 ounce (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ounce (30 mL) simple syrup
6 ounces (175 mL) California Sparkling Wine
Garnish: lemon twist (or ribbon)
• Add the Dry Vermouth, lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice and shake until well-
• chilled. Strain into 2 flute glasses.
• Top each with Sparkling Wine. Garnish with a lemon twist/ribbon.
Recipe notes:
Simple syrup recipe: Combine ½ cup (115 g) granulated sugar with ½ cup (120 mL) water in a
small saucepan over medium heat. Maintain a slow simmer until the sugar melts. About 5
minutes. Cool completely. Store any unused simple syrup tightly covered in the refrigerator for
up to 1 week.
Arnold Palmer
This innovative concoction of lemonade and iced tea created by celebrated golfer, Arnold Palmer, is a popular choice at golf courses, country clubs, as well as barbecues.
Recipe
Ice
Homemade lemonade
Brewed tea of choice
• Fill a tall glass with ice.
• Fill halfway with brewed tea, sweetend if desired.
• Top with freshly squeezed California Grown lemonade.
• Garnish with a lemon wheel if desired.
Variations on this iconic recipe: Swap out the black tea in this recipe for your favorite herbal tea or green tea. Add a tablespoon of honey if you prefer a sweeter drink.
