For lovers of the delicious flavours of the American South, this coming week cannot come soon enough. 3rd to 9th June will see the nation marking National BBQ Week, coinciding with The Cambridge Club Festival (7th to 9th June) which will see Visit the USA take over the VIP hospitality area with mouthwatering grills and thirst-quenching cocktails.
Texas has perfected the art of tender yet smoky meat, famous for its delicious, fall-off-the-bone barbecue. Just over a thousand miles away lies Kentucky, the heartland of bourbon and the producer of 95% of the world’s supply. Together, the two states’ staples provide the hearty inspiration for National BBQ Week.
Luckily, foodies won’t need to venture to the States to savour their flavours this week. The Cambridge Club Festival, running from 7th to 9th June, will feature a plentiful supply of Texas barbecue and Kentucky bourbon, bringing a taste of the South to you.
Other than a stellar lineup of acts ranging from Chaka Khan, Jessie Ware, and Earth Wind & Fire, you’ll also be able to find popular cooking duo Sam and Shauna grilling at the festival’s VIP hospitality area Club USA, presented by Visit the USA, in partnership with Austin and Kentucky. The top tier tickets include complimentary food and drink to keep you energised and refreshed, as well as a superb view of the main stage along with many other perks.
For those who aren’t able to make The Cambridge Club Festival, fear not – you can bring the grill to your own home with these stunningly simple award-winning recipes, courtesy of Sam and Shauna:
Pitmasters Sam and Shauna’s Texas-style espresso BBQ sauce
Ingredients:
- 200ml/7fl oz brewed espresso, or strong dark coffee
- 250ml/9fl oz ketchup
- 100ml/3½fl oz cider vinegar
- 50ml/2fl oz Worcestershire Sauce
- 100g/3½ oz dark muscovado sugar
- 1 tbsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tbsp sea salt flakes
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- ½ tbsp chilli powder
Preparation:
- Whisk all ingredients together in a saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over a medium heat and cook for 15 minutes.
- Transfer to clean jars and allow to cool. Store in the fridge, but allow the sauce to come to room temp before serving.
Kentucky Twisted Mint Julep
Ingredients:
- 2 Parts Jim Beam Black Bourbon
- 5 Parts Peach Nectar
- A handful of muddled blueberries
- Mint sprig
- Touch of brown sugar
Preparation:
- In double Old Fashioned glass, muddle the mint and brown sugar
- Add the blueberries and muddle again
- Add crushed ice, peach nectar and Jim Beam Black Bourbon
- Stir to distribute the mint
- Top with crushed ice and garnish with blueberries and a mint sprig
Tickets for The Cambridge Club Festival are available online here, and you can find out more information on Club USA right here.
