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More New Holday Cocktails

We’ve been busy adding in a bunch of new holiday cocktails and punches for you to enjoy. So with out further ado…

First, we have two festive cocktails from Absolut Vodka that feature the new Absolut 100:

Seasons Blingings
Winter Breeze

Next, from Maker’s Mark, their special Hot Toddy recipe.

And, finally, and warm punch from Jacob’s Creek “Shira-la-la-la-az” Winter Warmer, an Australian twist on the European Mulled Wine tradition.… Read more

An Interview with the King of Cocktails

For those who don’t know the Dale DeGroff, the legendary bartender who grew to fame at New York’s Rainbow Room, this is a great introduction to the man and his no nonsense cocktail philosophy. He is not only responsible for the Cosmopolitan, but for helping to make bartending the creative, respectable profession it is today.

When asked, “Any tips for home mixologists on making drinks at home?”

Says the King of Cocktails, “If you have … Read more

Vodka Fan Would Rather Kill Himself Than Give It Up at the Airport

A 64 year-old German man nearly died recently while returning from vacation. With 2 pints (1 liter) of vodka in his carryon, he was informed by security that he would either need to check his bag or get rid of the vodka. He did just that—downing both bottles on the spot.

“The incident occurred at the Nuremberg airport on Tuesday, where the 64-year-old man was switching planes on his way home to Dresden from a

Read more

Absolut 100 Review

Only one word can be used to describe Absolut new 100 proof Vodka—boozy. That’s what came to mind when we first cracked the bottle.

This entrant is the first Absolut product not packaged in a clear bottle. The makers wanted some mystery around the vodka, so they encased it in a impressive black bottle. With silver lettering, Absolut 100 is ready for a night on the town. Perfect for New Year’s Eve!

While the initial … Read more

Bacardi Rum & Nut Cake

Turning through the Sunday paper, I ran across this classic holiday recipe for rum cake. Light, moist and full of rum. Ooh, and a wonderful rum glaze! What did you expect from the House of Bacardi?

Here’s the recipe for the cake:

Ingredients

    ½ cup Bacardi Gold Rum
     1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
     1 – 18 ½ oz package yellow cake mix
     1 – 3 ½ oz package instant vanilla flavor pudding mix
     4

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Bartending Books

Bartending & entertaining guides make great gifts. Here’s a few we really like.

Gary Regan — (writes for the SF Chronicle , very well regarded mixologist)
The bartenders Bible

Bartending for Dummies (always good)

The Craft of the Cocktail – Dale DeGroff — Legendary Bartender from the Rainbow Room

The ultimate A-Z Cocktail Book – I use this one alot

Cocktail Food – we gotta eat

Cocktail Parties with a twist

This one is just … Read more

Snowball

Not for throwing! This tasty holiday treat is for sipping only.

Ingredients

1 ½ oz gin
½ oz anise liqueur
½ oz cream

Instructions

In a mixer with ice, shake ingredients well. Serve in a chilled cocktail glass.… Read more

Happy Repeal Day

Raise a glass to the 21st Amendment

It was 74 years ago today that the 18th Amendment was repealed by the 21st Amendment once again legalizing booze in America. Yea!

read more
RepealDay.org… Read more

Happy Hanukkah

Light the candles, spin the dreidel …

What are we gonna celebrate with?

He’brew “The Chosen Beer” what else?

This east meets west brand originated and is based in our hometown of San Francisco, but is brewed in New York City. They make several beers including a Pomegranate Ale, the Flag Ship “Genesis Ale”, Rye Based Double IPA, a brown Ale and the annual limited release “Jewbelation” now in it’s 11th incarnation.

The great thing … Read more

Limoncello – Cocktail Q & A

Jan writes in,

“I received a bottle of limoncello recently as a gift. How do I serve this? Are there any special drinks that I can make with this?”

Well, I like it best served ice cold—I keep a bottle in the freezer—in a shot or cocktail glass. Sip accordingly. It is also very nice served with a small bit of lemon sorbet and a shot of vodka.

It is a terrific lemony addition to … Read more