This classic drink has been a staple in cocktail recipe books for well over a century. The simple, but tasty “Collins” treatment of adding a fresh lemon and sugar to a spirit of choice will provide many happy cocktails hours at your home bar. Please promise to never buy those horrible ... Read More »
Spirits
Education and reviews of spirits
The wonders of hard apple cider: A substitute for beer fatigue?
The mention of cider in the U.S. takes most Americans’ thoughts to the cloudy, amber, delicious, but decidedly non-alcoholic beverage found in groceries and farm stands in the fall. Ask for a cider in the U.K. and Ireland, however, and you will be presented with a very different drink. There, cider ... Read More »
Fancy, whisky cocktail recipe: The Highland Sour
Sours are often a great and versatile cocktail style taking the essence of the spirit of choice with a fresh, tart, and semi-sweet citrus mix. We love rum, whisky, and Pisco sours and greatly enjoy tweaking the standards.
... Read More »Easy, classic cocktail recipe: Knickerbocker
Cocktail recipe: The classic Brandy Alexander
At times there is nothing like an “Old School” cocktail made without embellishment. The Brandy Alexander evokes visions and the mood of cocktail parties long disbanded but one I would love to attend from time to time. One of the greatest things about our current cocktail revival is the ... Read More »
Winter warm cocktail: Hot Toddy recipe
This classic winter cocktail can soothe us and at times heal us with its warmth and clever dose of Whiskey. It can be made with great ease and requires no special skills or ingredients. Be sure to brew your tea (loose is best) and use a quality honey.
... Read More »Whiskey review: Bushmills “Black Bush” Irish Whiskey, Ireland
This iconic Irish Whiskey was first introduced in the 1930s as “Old Bushmills Special Old Liqueur Whiskey,” a special blend of old malt whiskey matured in Sherry casks. By the 1960s, the distillery had a shortage of old stocks and the label was dropped. Human nature being what it is, the “Black ... Read More »
Cocktail recipes: What to do with leftover Halloween pumpkin
So the little kiddies have left with their candy stash, leaving you with a super spooky-pumpkin on your doorstep. But don’t throw it out. Recycle that gourd, turning its orange-hued pulp into a few different rich and luscious pumpkin-based cocktails like these.
... Read More »Cocktail recipe: Caramel Apple
This caramel apple won’t cause an emergency visit to your dentist. A great cocktail for a Halloween or fall theme party. It’s fruity with a crisp, tart edge just like a good apple. This recipe can easily be multiplied to create a tasty punch for your Halloween and fall parties.
... Read More »Home bar essentials – tools you need to make great cocktails
Whatever the task, you need the right tool for the job. The same is true for making cocktails at home. Luckily, the right tools are easy to find, thanks to the magic of the Internet, and pretty economical as well. You can put together a basic starter kit of the five essential items we have listed ... Read More »
National Vodka Day: A celebration in spirits
Although some people might celebrate it every day, National Vodka Day is actually today. Who knew? I didn’t until I received a press release touting the fabulousness of this versatile, chameleon spirit. And a quick internet search indicates October 4th has been declared National Vodka Day for ... Read More »
Classic beer-based cocktail recipe: Michelada
The Michelada is a wildly popular drink in Latin America. If you have ever enjoyed a cool beverage in a local bar in Mexico (a bar filled with tourists sipping frozen cocktails while wearing socks with sandals doesn’t count), you have likely seen this drink up close.
It is named for the bartender ... Read More »