Van Gogh’s Espresso Vodka is made from fresh cracked Columbian beans with a subtle compliment of cocoa. The result is wonderfully pure creating aromatics that are rarely found in coffee based spirits. If you close your eyes you can actually believe that you are nosing a chilled espresso. The ... Read More »

This classic cocktail has the dubious reputation of being among the most potent cocktails ever created. The crisp and refreshing combination of gin, sparkling wine, and lemon passes the lips with ease but can certainly leave your head in the clouds. The unique name is said to be homage to the French ... Read More »

There is no reason to fear Scotch Whisky. Be assured that there is no secret handshake, no Gaelic password, and no initiation rights to be performed (although a kilt doesn’t hurt). Your curiosity for new flavors and experiences is all that is required. If you have made the leap to distilled spirits ... Read More »

Sean Ludford answers to the top three questions about spirits and liquors: What is proof? What does double or triple distillation mean and why is it used? Why is whisky dark and vodka clear?

My Ginicello cocktail was invented on a steamy summer’s night when, after a few cocktails, I was torn between a Margarita or a cool Gin & Tonic. To further complicate matters, neither one was winning my mental tug-of-war. So I took a good look at the liquor cabinet and the combination of ... Read More »

Bourbon is America’s drink, so deeply submerged in this country’s history that most every obvious trace of its legacy has been eroded away by time, politics, and image problems. Nearly, if not entirely, forgotten is the fact that America’s first civil war was inspired by whiskey.

Victor Bergeron, best known as Trader Vic, in 1944, created this classic cocktail. The Second World War was in full swing on fronts in Europe and the Pacific and Bergeron was keen to create a mood-lifting cocktail made with the best possible ingredients. He first presented the drink to two friends ... Read More »

If you really want to scare a timid drinker, cart out some Grappa post dinner and watch the shivers. In fact, I have scared a lot of experienced and adventurous bona fide drinkers with the appearance of Grappa at the dinner table. No spirit, with the possible exception of Chartreuse, stimulates such ... Read More »

Deep copper to amber color. The nose is rich with Sherry, figs, prunes, and dates with accents of cigar, leather, dark chocolate, candied orange, caramel, and roasted walnuts. The palate echoes the nose offering a delicious explosion of fruit, toffee, brown baking spices, and cocoa.

This classic cocktail is reported to have been invented in the Cock ‘n’ Bull pub in Hollywood in the mid 1940’s. It was originally made with Smirnoff Vodka but it can clearly be made with any quality vodka. It’s dead simple but surprisingly tasty when made with great ingredients. ... Read More »

Rum. She’s a glorious lady with breeding, history, versatility, and many moods and looks. If that weren’t enough, it’s made in exotic locales near white sandy beaches and gently ebbing tides. So why is rum seemingly destined to be the perpetual bridesmaid never occupying the highest step of ... Read More »

This classic fluorescent cocktail, The Blue Hawaii was invented in 1957 by Harry Yee, legendary head bartender of the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Hawaii. The drink was created in response to a request by Bols, the Dutch liqueur specialist, to utilize their Blue Curaçao.