Celebrating Our Employees at Our Holiday Party at Wollman Rink

As much as we love to Unleash Joy through Genuine Hospitality for our clients and their guests, we especially love to do it for and with each other. Each year we take a moment to celebrate each other at our holiday party, and this year, for the third year, we’ve held it at Wollman Rink.

 

It’s the perfect venue for a fun celebration of reconnecting with team members we may not see as often and enjoying moments of camaraderie as we take a spin (or a stumble!) across the ice.

 

Check out our gallery of photos below!

Sharing Our Love Through Food

by Michelle Altman and Josh Stern

From the moment we landed on doing our wedding at Wave Hill with Great Performances, we would convene for dinner and discuss work and this crazy thing coming up…our wedding! For years Josh has been a member of a CSA in Brooklyn. Coming together and figuring out the best use of whatever was in season was not only fun, but also helped us eat our way through the wedding planning. Whittling down our invite list while figuring out what to do with carrots, leeks and asparagus. Preparing for our combined bachelor/bachelorette weekend while chomping many lettuces, chard, herbs. And sitting there biting fingernails in the final countdown with an overflowing fridge of bursting tomatoes.

 

We still use cooking and food as a time to reconnect, laugh, and talk through whatever might be weighing on us. And as the wedding planning vacuum has taken hold, planning and cooking meals has become a daily way to share our love for each other. As the work day winds down, the ‘what are you thinking for dinner?’ text is a mainstay. Sometimes it’s, ‘What are you in the mood for?’ or, ‘I’m home first so I can start din!’ or  ‘Are you eating rice this week?’ but no matter what starts the conversation, thinking about food always means thinking about each other.

 

We pretty naturally split cooking, both of us love the process and the result of making something for each other, to share. A lot of what makes meals memorable and full of love is putting in that extra step or homemade touch. As the winter rages on, we have been making a lot of homemade broth from veggie scraps we accumulate during the week — a tip Josh picked up from the cookbook Sylvia’s Table by Liz Neumark. It’s a really sustainable and thoughtful way to add depth to a meal. The process reminds us of our wedding, actually, not because we had soup (we didn’t) but because there was no team more thoughtful in their small, medium, and big touches than Great Performances. It’s very easy to get caught up thinking about how others will experience your wedding while planning, but Great Performances made sure WE had the best time at our wedding. Not once was a drink missing from our hands or a grumble in our stomachs. And it didn’t stop at the food! After a tropical storm swept in and left Michelle with a wet train (oh no!), one of Great Performances’ magical fairies (aka staff) swooped in and helped pin the dress into a perfect bustle, while her sweet GP sidekicks poured us champagne and brought us trays with two of every appetizer. Never did we imagine or expect that when we chose the delicious seared tuna appetizer, that GP would be serving it to us while simultaneously jerry-rigging Michelle’s wedding dress into a gorgeous, totally incognito bustle. Miraculous. Incredible. Unforgettable. Are we talking about the tuna? The staff? It’s hard to tell!!! We barely know…

 

We wanted the food at our wedding to celebrate our love as well as share it. From the minute people walked in the door, they were greeted with a bright, sweet beverage. How would the contrasting pink of the beverage look against the background of the venue? We were floored that GP seemed genuinely as interested as we were to talk about a detail as minute as this. But they did! To celebrate Michelle’s Persian ethnicity, the team set up a Persian tea table stocked with dried fruits, nuts, and Persian cookies. Great Performances made sure the table looked and felt exactly as we envisioned and it’s something we’ll never forget. Sending our family and friends off at the end of the night with VERY full bellies was also something we wanted, and Great Performances had the genius idea to pull out their classic soft pretzel machine and hand those out, as well as Greenberg’s Black and White cookies, to each guest on their way to their cars. They cared as much as we did about our wedding, which seems hard to believe because we cared a LOT.

 

Even though the wedding is over, we’re still showing our care, love, and compassion for each other through food. For Valentine’s Day, we plan to stay in and recreate one of our favorite restaurant dishes at the moment, the Green Curry Mussels from Greenpoint Fish and Lobster (huge shoutout to them). Instead of going to the restaurant, we’ll pick up mussels from their fish market instead! Even though we could easily spend this special night at one of their dimly-lit-to-perfection high top tables, it’s much more appealing to us to clean and steam the mussels together over a glass of wine and the new André 300 flute album because it’s something we can do for each other with each other. There’s little else outside of food that provides this opportunity as often or as richly as food does. Happy Valentine’s!

#BLACKVISIONARIES AT THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM

Celebrating the launch of the 2022 #BlackVisionaries program with Instagram and The Brooklyn Museum

By Great Performances

For the third year in a row, Instagram is partnering with the Brooklyn Museum and the curator Antwaun Sargent to invest in emerging creative communities. Building on the 2021 #BlackDesignVisionaries grant program, the 2022 program aims to uplift, center and invest in Black voices and organizations working across both art and design.

Instagram, Antwaun and the Brooklyn Museum believe that impactful ideas happen at the intersection of art and design. This year, with the support of Meta Open Arts, they are opening up their grants to visual artists, as well. The new name, #BlackVisionaries, reflects this expansion. #BlackVisionaries aims to deepen the impact of the grant program, which means expanding access to more Black creative communities. For more information about the #BlackVisionaries program visit this link.

Our team recently had the pleasure of hosting a luncheon party at the Brooklyn Museum to share the announcement of the program with emerging artists and designers. We loved the footage so much that we wanted to share it with you.

FAVORITE OUTDOOR VENUES FOR SUMMER CELEBRATIONS

By Great Performances

As spring blossoms across the city and the days get warmer, we start thinking about outdoor summer events. We’ve rounded up some of our most popular outdoor event venues that give you and your guests spectacular views and the opportunity to interact with nature — both flora and fauna!

From corporate events as companies onboard new team members, welcome summer associates, and host employee family picnics to nonprofit events including fundraising galas and charity functions we have the perfect outdoor venues for groups of all sizes.

We’ve also got venues that are perfect for social events including weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and lifecycle celebrations.

Check out the list of our most popular outdoor event venues and schedule some time with a planner today to book your outdoor event!

Central Park Zoo

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city by staying inside the city! This 6.5-acre tranquil oasis in the heart of Manhattan includes more than 1,400 animals representing more than 130 species from around the world.

Sip cocktails while you watch sea lions folic then stroll through lush gardens before enjoying a meal under a twinkle-light festooned tent. This exotic environment set against a classic NYC backdrop is simply iconic.

Learn More

Prospect Park Zoo

Great-Performances_Prospect-Park-Zoo_courtesy-Prospect-Park-Zoo_Photographer-Julie-Larsen-Maher_WCS

A hidden gem nestled in Prospect Park on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn is the Prospect Park Zoo. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s an ideal venue for smaller and larger groups of animal lovers.

In the Rotunda, you’ll meet the Hamadryas baboons and marvel at the 6,000-gallon fish tank. You’ll encounter more animals while wandering down the Discovery Trail before arriving at the Barn where animals are fed. The center piece, is the Sea Lion Pool, the perfect backdrop or background for a whimsical wedding ceremony.

Learn More

Caramoor

Sunken Garden at Caramoor in Katonah New York on July 18, 2021. 
(photo by Gabe Palacio)

Spectacular gardens, woodland trails, and an impressive great house as a centerpiece, Caramoor is home to metropolitan New York’s largest annual outdoor music festival. It’s the perfect venue for those who love music and nature!

With plenty of space for weddings, celebrations, and gatherings of all types, Carmoor has a wide range of facilities available. For nature enthusiasts who want to experience the best of summer outdoors, Caramoor is a must.

Learn More

Wave Hill

Joseph Lin

This hidden gem in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx boasts its own microclimate. Stroll along trails in the woods studded with a stunning variety of plants. You’ll always find something blooming at Wave Hill! The Pergola frames views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, providing a romantic backdrop for a wedding. We love the peace and tranquility of the Aquatic Garden, and the Marco Polo Stufano Conservatory is a dreamy location for photos.

For those preferring an indoor event, Armor Hall’s towering cathedral windows create a majestic atmosphere while the wood-paneled Mark Twain Room offers peace and tranquility.

Learn More

620 Loft & Gardens

rooftop wedding venues midtown nyc

Above the bustle of Fifth Avenue is an oasis. A combination city garden and downtown-style loft, 620 Loft & Garden is the perfect midtown location for a memorable event.

Saks Fifth Avenue and Saint Patrick’s Cathedral provide a dramatic backdrop for the landmark garden with flagstone pathways and meticulously manicured gardens.

Dine under the stars while enjoying the twinkling lights of the city from the Penthouse Rooftop Garden or enjoy the views from inside the Loft or combine the best of two worlds in our Tented Garden —  620 Loft & Garden is the perfect way to enjoy the city and celebrate your event.

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Ellis Island

having-a-wedding-on-ellis-island

Ellis Island offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the exclusive use of a National Monument. Explore the museum and take advantage of National Park Service Ranger Tours to round out your visit. You’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Skyline and you dine under the stars and revel in the magic that is New York City.

Learn More

 

Wollman Rink

Great-Performances_Wollman-Rink_DiscOasis_Opening

Ice skating by winter, rollerskating by summer! DiscOasis has rolled into Wollman Rink this summer, making it a groovy spot for skaters of all experience levels!

Whether your looking for a small group outing perfect for team building or large scale event, Wollman Rink rocks!

Learn More

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS AT WAVE HILL

By Liz Neumark

1992 was a big year.

It was the year we moved into our new kitchen on the corner of Spring & Hudson in historic the Printing District; a transition that ushered in a period of growth and excitement for GP.  Our ground floor lease was $12/square foot. Our new landlord, Trinity Real Estate, welcomed us and it was the beginning of a decades long and deep relationship. 

It was the year my second child was born.  Katie arrived 2 days after the start of Spring, after about 2 short hours of labor.  A young person in a rush.  (She hasn’t slowed down since.)

1992 was the year we signed our first exclusive contract with a cultural institution: Wave Hill, New York’s most beautiful, yet least known, botanical garden. 

It was a match made in heaven!  We fell in love with all 28 acres of historic houses, gardens, scenic pathways, greenhouses and magnificent trees.  When thinking about a garden, one imagines it is most beautiful in peak season, fully in bloom surrounded by lush summer greens.  We learned to appreciate the exquisite beauty of all four seasons, each so distinctive and unique.

I brought my kids to Wave Hill countless weekends as it became our NYC backyard.  Where else could children run around barefoot in the grass or wander off to explore a secret garden or count the koi in the Aquatic Gardens. (I knew the café food would be delicious!)  We built snowmen, learned the names of the first flowers of spring, collected leaves, rain under sprinklers and enjoyed the family art projects.

We have been operating the café and catering events on site for 30 years.  My love for the gardens and the Wave Hill mission of sustainability, inclusion and education continues to grow as Wave Hill continues to evolve.  Although the pandemic shuttered Wave Hill in March 2020, it was one of the first cultural institutions to reopen that summer, welcoming New Yorkers starved for space and nature to its grounds.

It is hard to believe that 30 years have passed since we received the call “We selected you!”.  Wave Hill has set the standards by which we conduct our partnerships; with deep mutual respect, never taking relationships for granted, a shared commitment to continued investment and innovation – and a celebration of mission, life and our city.  

CELEBRATING THE RE-OPENING OF POSTER HOUSE

We are incredibly excited to celebrate the re-opening of Poster House! We have partnered with Poster House to provide food and hospitality within their unique venue.

An extraordinary venue for design connoisseurs, culture mavens, and everyone who enjoys having fun, Poster House is a hidden gem. Nestled between the art galleries of Chelsea and the dynamic NoMad and Flatiron districts, Poster House captures the energy and sophistication of the city while providing a unique experience for guests of all ages. Original fin-de-siécle cast iron columns and vaulted ceilings mingle with modern architectural finishes and natural materials in our award-winning space to create an inviting, airy ambience. Whether your event will be an intimate gathering, a corporate function, or a milestone celebration, let Poster House provide your guests with an unforgettable experience tailored to your needs and vision. Their event spaces include their signature cafe: Café des Affiches, a Reception Area, Galleries, a Conference Room, and an Education Workshop.

Current and upcoming Exhibitions at Poster House include:

  • Ethel Reed: I Am My Own Property  (February 25–August 21, 2022)
  • The Utopian Avant-Garde: Soviet Film Posters of the 1920s  (February 25–August 21, 2022)
  • Peter Max: Cosmic Advertising  (October 14, 2021–March 27, 2022)
  • What’s The Score? The Posters of LeRoy Neiman  (September 2, 2021–March 27, 2022)
  • Experimental Marriage: Women in Early Hollywood  (April 8–October 9, 2022)
Learn more about Booking an event at Poster House here.
 

Poster House

119 W. 23rd Street,
New York, NY 10011

917.722.2439

www.posterhouse.org

Follow Poster House:

LOVE NOTES FROM OUR CLIENTS

By Liz Neumark

We have a passion for serving others. There is nothing predictable (think weather), simple (think complex pre-event emotions) or easy (have you driven a truck in NYC?) for our sales and planning teams. But every day, they get it right! 

With thanksgiving in mind, we want to share some of the wonderful notes we receive from our clients. It is a tribute to our GP family but also a reminder of how powerful the written note of thanks can be.

Wedding, Wave Hill, The Bronx, NY

About the Event

  • Event: Wedding
  • Location: Wave Hill
  • GP Planners: Amanda DiUglio, Emily Schreiber

From the Client

Amanda!!! We can’t thank you enough for everything you and the GP team did to make our wedding so perfect on Saturday. 

Like…REALLY can’t thank you enough.

At our brunch yesterday morning, the GP food and service was the talk of the town! Everyone was raving about everything they ate (cookie pizza obviously included!!!) and made special note of how amazing the service was and how wonderful the staff was. One of our friends said it was the safest and most “back to normal” she’s felt in 2 years. She said they’d turned down numerous events over the last few months but felt confident we’d have a plan in place for making everyone feel good. She said your team went above and beyond her expectations. 

Did I mention people loved the food???? 😂😍 Literally everyone was raving about everything from the fritters and the taco station to the pretzel bread/baguette (um yes! I love pretzels and didn’t know this was gonna be a thing!) to the steak to the incredible perfectly melted-ness but not too melted of the ice cream. (This is an excellent thing, I say that as an ice cream connoisseur.) People were like, “Wait isn’t wedding food supposed to be like..not good??” At our wedding, it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

We really just are amazed at how incredible everything was. The room was electric and people were so happy and we know it’s because they felt SAFE and happy and fittingly full! 

We really are just wowed. I want to also give a HUGE shoutout to Tasha who was cool as a cucumber and a wonderful human being. I didn’t realize the GP bridal attendant would be so key to our day (I mean, delivering Diet Cokes is obviously key to the day…but I didn’t realize she would be with me the whole night!!), and I believe it’s a HUGELY marketable part of the GP package. Grateful to Tasha for carrying my chapstick (critical!), helping me with my Saks-disaster of a bustle and sourcing granulated sugar when I got the hiccups! (It DID work, for what it’s worth!) 

If I can be a reference for you guys or a website testimony or anything moving forward, I would be ecstatic to be. I’m on a list of 500 women in media/tech/entertainment and plan to send around your email and the GP info when I do a write up of how amazing my wedding vendors were. 

Wedding, Glenmere Mansion, Hudson Valley, New York

About the Event

  • Event: Wedding
  • Location: Glenmere Mansion
  • GP Planners: Amanda DiUglio, Emily Schreiber

From the Client

You beat me to it! 

Our experience with Great Performances under your leadership was impeccably professional and delightful from start to finish. 

GP was the shining light among vendors amidst the roller coaster trajectory of the pandemic. 

The quality of your food, service and presentation, second to none. 

[We] are grateful to you for helping to make our daughter and son-in-law’s celebration at Glenmere so delicious, beautiful and memorable. 

You haven’t seen the last of us!

Conference, The Glasshouse, Manhattan, New York

About the Event

  • Event: Technology Conference
  • Location: The Glasshouse
  • GP Planners: Jill Cole, Sara VanWeichen

From the Client

Thank you to you, Forrest, Ken and the rest of the GP staff for all of your help and support leading up to and during the event.

I’m not sure how the event would have turned out if you weren’t one of our partners as we took on the Glasshouse as a venue. You helped us navigate so much from what you shared and who knows how much more was done behind the scenes. It’s so comforting to know that catering is something you never have to worry about when we do our events with you. 

The food and service was top notch as always. Gotta love it when your CEO tells you he gets so many compliments on the food and how we always have the best food at our events. 

Again, thank you. I absolutely love working with you all and I hope you pass this along to your bosses! Or if I should share it directly, let me know. I know the past 1.75 years haven’t been the easiest in your industry, but I’m so glad you are all still here. 

Good luck with your upcoming weddings!

From the Planner

It has been an absolute pleasure to work together on the [event] this week and throughout the planning process. Your immaculate attention to detail, your poise under pressure, and your creative collaboration are qualities we respect and appreciate so much. Thank you for your time, your heart, and for the laughs along the way (we had to laugh sometimes, didn’t we??).

[…]

Again, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! Best of luck with your busy wedding weekend (and to your GP team catering another [one of our events] this evening!). We can’t wait to see more of you and your work very soon.

Nonprofit Gala, Brooklyn, New York

About the Event

  • Event: Nonprofit Gala
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
  • GP Planners: Jill Cole, Sara VanWeichen

From the Client

Thank you so much for following up – I am still pretty comatose right now, but there is pretty much one thing that I’m happy to reflect on, and that is the greatness of Great Performances.

Everything last week was perfect. We got SO many comments from guests about how good the food was, and how much of it there was… we were never ever concerned about the transition from seated dinner to cocktail and whether people would be full… it was obvious that they were! I also must commend you on the incredible work ethic of your team. Your staff is really astonishing, from the top on down. I remarked to Forrest at some point (and then later Susan) that what your staff really embodies is “hustle” – that’s what you want to see of every single person at an event, and there is not one person on your team who is without purpose, focus, and speed. It’s something that other vendors and event managers should envy. And you know, truly, that I adore Mack and was ecstatic to have him there. He is such a special, hard working person, and I feel lucky to get to work with him, Forrest, and you two.

So long short, everyone was very happy. Thank you so much again for everything!!!

Sublime Summer Weddings

By Great Performances

Our wedding event planners had an exceptionally busy summer of weddings this year! From backyard brunches to rooftop romances, and everything in between, we haven’t seen a wedding season like this before! Our wedding event planners worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect for our couples. Check out a small handful of the weddings we planned this summer and you’ll see why made it into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame!

620 Loft & Garden Rooftop Weddings

Seven floors above the hustle and bustle of Rockefeller Center is a tranquil oasis with incredible rooftop views of New York City. Strategically placed lighting and candles make the event sparkle with magic.

Guests were greeted with a welcoming flute of champagne and Mint Basil Lemonade. We highlighted the best of the growing season with a our ever-popular rainbow of vegetables in our Growing Season Vegetable Crudite served in a cup for easy nibbling and mingling. A special highlight was the couple’s favorite dish, Scarpetta’s Spaghetti Pomodoro.

Think 620 Loft & Garden might be the perfect venue for your wedding? See what all it has to offer at the link here.

Event planners: Amanda DiUglio & Emily Schreiber

Caramoor Weddings

Caramoor’s sprawling gardens with its romantic Sunken Garden make it an idyllic place to tie the knot. The Cedar Walk Path leads guests to the clear sided Reception Tent overlooking the Butterfly Garden.

Masked cater waiters greeted guests with refreshing Berry Basil Lemonades and a variety of hors d’oeuvres including Tuna Poke on a sesame tuile and Potato Cornets filled with Potato Cornet with portobello mousse. A guest favorite was the Raw Bar featuring jumbo shrimp, lobster, crab claws, oysters, and clams.

Think Caramoor might be the perfect venue for your wedding? See what all it has to offer at the link here.

Event planners: Amanda DiUglio & Emily Schreiber

Central Park Zoo Weddings

For the animal lovers out there, Central Park Zoo makes for a unique and playful wedding venue. One couple even brought their dog dressed for the occasion in a tutu! An open-sided tent with a clear roof makes for a light and airy covered space, perfect for a seated dinner. As the sun sets chandeliers and mood lighting create the perfect mood for an evening of celebration.

Our team greeted guests with a variety of speciality cocktails, including a Strawberry Frose. The decadent menu included a Caviar Specialty Station, an Asian Station, and a Mediterranean Station. After an evening of celebrating, guests were refueled with some late night classics including sliders, tater tots, grilled cheese with tomato soup shooters, and soft pretzels.

Think Central Park Zoo might be the perfect venue for your wedding? See what all it has to offer at the link here.

Event planners: Amanda DiUglio & Emily Schreiber

Hamptons Weddings

Private homes in the Hamptons provided an idyllic setting for several of our couples getting married. Our expert event planners will visit your home (or location of choice) and make recommendations about what you’ll need to create the wedding of your dreams!

Planning a wedding at your home? Let us help you turn your dreams into reality! Click the link here to contact us.

One of our favorite weddings included long tables bedecked with a red-checked tablecloth, reminiscent of a picnic. Colorful flowers and sparkling twinkle lights added to the whimsical air. A rainbow emerged, making this an especially memorable wedding.

Fun finger food including our Truffled Mushroom Pizzetta, mini Lobster Rolls, and Popcorn Chicken Cones kicked off the evening. Dinner included decadently delicious comfort favorites like Surf and Turf and Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffles, and guests barely had room for our Warm Chocolate Chip Cookies & Milkshake Shot, Lemon Meringue Pie Pops, and Flourless Chocolate Cake.

Event planners: Amanda DiUglio & Emily Schreiber

An especially vibrant wedding – from the decor to the dresses to the dishes – was an Indian wedding in Amagansett. Gorgeous cups of flower petals waited for guests to toss them over the couple. Hand-written menus graced each place setting, and there was an opportunity for guests to write a postcard about their favorite travel place. The food reflected the culture, with the bold colors playing beautifully off the white plates. 

Event planners: Amanda DiUglio & Emily Schreiber

Wave Hill Weddings

We held a record number of events at Wave Hill – and looking through our albums, it’s easy to see why! This hidden gem in the Riverdale section of The Bronx has it’s own microclimate, and is lush and green throughout summer. Gorgeous landscaping and stunning views are enhanced by water features, a great lawn, and the greenhouse – all popular spots to take photos.

No two weddings are ever the same, as you’ll see from some of our photo highlights below.

For more information about Wave Hill, see what all it has to offer at the link here.

We love a good escort table – it immediately sets the mood for your wedding! Flowers, cacti, and moss all made their way to the escort cards, some even to be brought home by the guests. 

Signature cocktails were a great way for the couples to share some of their favorite memories with the guests. Our teams can help you create a cocktail or we’re happy to use a recipe that has significance for you!

Inside or outside, although there are a some favorite spots in which our couples have chosen to exchange their vows. But there are so many other spaces to explore as well!

Dine al fresco either in a tent or with nothing but the sky above your heads or take your celebration indoors, we’ve got solutions for everything. From formal place settings to more casual ones, we can help make the rental decisions that express your theme. Flowers are always a beautiful pop of color and help bring the outside in.

Event planners: Amanda DiUglio & Emily Schreiber

Watermelon Cucumber Tonic

Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM

cucumber watermelon tonic

Pro Tip:

Taste your watermelon. A pinch of salt can help bring out the flavors and, if it’s not sweet enough, feel free to add a pinch of sugar, especially if you’re going to combine it with soda water.

Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.

Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!

WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC

Although this Watermelon Cucumber Tonic is a bit more complicated than some other cocktails, we think it’s worth it to prepare the juice from scratch. As a shortcut, you can purchase watermelon juice and use Hendricks Gin to get some of the cucumber flavors. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the cocktail together nicely.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided

  • 1/4 cup mint leaves, divided

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided

  • 1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)

  • 2 1/2 cups tonic water, chilled

  • 1 1/4 cups of gin

Garnish

  • Mint leaves
  • Cucumber slices
  • Watermelon wedges

Procedure

  1. Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
  2. Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water and gin, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.

ZERO PROOF WATERMELON CUCUMBER TONIC

If you’ve already prepared the watermelon cucumber juice for the above version, you can use any remaining here. Alternatively, you could purchase watermelon juice from the grocery store. Adding a garnish of a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint will bring the drink together nicely.

Ingredients

  • 6 cups cubed seeded watermelon, divided

  • 1/4 cup mint leaves, divided

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided

  • 1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced, and divided (about 3 cups)

  • 2 1/2 cups tonic water or soda water, chilled

Garnish

  • Mint leaves
  • Cucumber slices
  • Watermelon wedges

Procedure

  1. Prepare the Watermelon Cucumber Juice. Combine half of each watermelon, mint, lemon juice, and cucumber in a blender or food processor. Line a fine sieve with 4 layers of cheese-cloth, allowing cheesecloth to extend over edges. Strain watermelon mixture through prepared sieve over a bowl, reserving juice mixture. Gather the edges of the cheesecloth together. Holding cheesecloth over sieve, squeeze to release the remaining juice mixture. Discard solids. Repeat procedure with remaining watermelon, mint, juice and cucumber.
  2. Make the Cocktail. Combine 2 1/2 cups juice mixture with the tonic water or soda water, stirring well to combine. Pour over ice and garnish with mint, cucumber, and watermelon wedges.

Rosemary Salty Dog

Eat, Drink & Be Literary With BAM

Salty Dog Cocktail

Pro Tip:

Rosemary can be a potent herb and we enjoy it’s distinctive woodsy/piney scent which compliments the grapefruit in this cocktail. We don’t want to overpower the cocktail, which is why we’re not muddling it as we typically do with other herbs in cocktails.

Great Performances has long partnered with BAM and the National Book Foundation on Eat, Drink & Be Literary, a unique series for readers, writers, and diners. Now adapted for the digital space, the series welcomes world-renowned authors Sigrid Nunez, Tayari Jones, and Luis Alberto Urrea for these one-night-only live events. Find out more about the series here.

Great Performances will be crafting a new cocktail each month and we’ll be sharing two versions: a cocktail and a zero-proof cocktail so that everyone can enjoy! Cheers!

ROSEMARY SALTY DOG

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ oz gin

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • 2 oz red grapefruit juice

  • ½ inch rosemary sprig

Garnish

  • Sprig of rosemary
  • Salt

Procedure

Rim a martini glass with salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine gin, simple syrup, grapefruit juice, and rosemary sprig. Shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass and garnish with a sprig of rosemary

ZERO PROOF ROSEMARY SALTY DOG

Ingredients

  • ½ inch sprig rosemary

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • 2 oz red grapefruit juice

  • Club soda

Garnish

  • Sprig of rosemary
  • Salt

Procedure

Rim a highball glass with salt and fill with ice. In a cocktail shaker, combine rosemary, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice and shake well. Strain into prepared highball glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.