The Sidecar

There are numerous stories on the Sidecar’s origins. However, Harry’s Bar in Paris is generally credited with inventing the Sidecar for a patron who often rode in the sidecar of a motorcycle. Pictured is the Sidecar we drank at Harry’s.

I am grateful to this unknown and unsung mixologist who brought us this cocktail, as it is my personal favorite, and I am eternally grateful to the Bix in San Francisco for introducing me to … Read more

The Well-Stocked Bar for Summer

The Washington Post laid out this simple and affordable collection of spirits that will have you making Martinis, Mojitos and Manhattans in no time. These dozen well picked bottles can be had for a mere $187. Not a bad investment for the summer. Spend another $80 bucks on on 5 specialty bottles like Pernod and Campari, and you’ll have the ultimate summer bar.

The Well-Stocked Bar for Summer [WaPo]

Also see our own guide to … Read more

Cookout USA – Book Review

We thought that Cookout USA would be the perfect cookbook for Memorial Day. While not technically the start of summer, for many, Memorial Day signifies the start of summer and grilling season. I love everything about grilling season. The smell of the charcoal and grilling meats, the steamy weather and cold, refreshing drinks. Plus, there are fresh tomatoes, corn and watermelon to name a few of my food favorites! To me, summer, grilling and barbeques … Read more

Show Me the Chocolate

Editor’s Note: This guest blog is by J.K.O’Hanlon and features content from her newest book, “12 Happy Hours,” available on Amazon and wherever books are sold in soft-cover and eBook formats.  It features drink and food recipes with monthly themes and entertaining tips for casual, stress-free parties. O’Hanlon, a former corporate attorney, gets her ideas and inspiration from years of hosting cocktail gatherings in her suburban Kansas home; so many, in fact, that she has … Read more

Last Minute Gift Ideas from Guinness That Help Firefighters

If you’re one of the many shoppers still struggling to find the perfect last-minute gift for family or friends, consider doing some good on their behalf by purchasing a limited edition firefighter-inspired Guinness t-shirt.

Proceeds from every transaction will go directly to The Leary Firefighters Foundation, Guinness’ charity partner, and will help the brand reach its goal of raising $1 million for firefighters by St. Patrick’s Day 2014.

You can also celebrate the holidays with … Read more

Deck the Halls with Less-Frizzled Hosts

by J.K. O’Hanlon, author of “12 Happy Hours (Thirsty Jane Guides)” and “3 Ingredient Cocktails”

This is the time of year when the calendar pages for the next few months are red-lined with parties, making December through January look like they’re on fire. It’s a love-hate stretch of time, especially for hosts coming up with new ideas for drinks and food without pulling zombie-marathons in the kitchen.

I always suggest keeping it simple by … Read more

Wines That Rock For the Holidays and After

There is a trend for celebrities, alive and dead, to have their own wine labels. These wines are fun and make a great gift to bring for a party. This is important as we enter fall and the party season. I know that we are often scratching our heads as to a fun and appropriate gift to bring to a party. There is the added pressure given that we right about wine and booze.

We … Read more

Happy Repeal Day – aka Cinco de Drinko

Today marks the 80th Anniversary of the implementation of the 21st Amendment, also known as Repeal Day (for repealing the disastrous 18th Amendment, which went into effect on January 17, 1920). Make sure you enjoy a tipple today to celebrate!

Prohibition was a dark period in America. It pitted recent immigrants against Americans who had been in the country for generations and rural areas against urban. Hypocritical politicians voted dry and drank very wet. I … Read more

Bourbon Brined Turkey Breast with Gravy

Ingredients:

1 whole turkey breast, 6-8 lbs. Brined in Bourbon Brine
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, minced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup Maker’s Mark Bourbon
¼ cup cider vinegar
½ cup apple juice
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
½ lb slab bacon, cut into ¼-inch thick pieces
2 carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch thick pieces
1 head fennel, cut into ¼-inch thick slices vertically
1 large red onion,

… Read more

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Turkey Gravy

A little more involved than our basic bourbon gravy, but worth the effort

Ingredients:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 pieces turkey wings, chopped into 2-inch pieces
1 onion, minced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 bay leaf
1 sprig thyme
1 sprig sage
¼ cup flour
¼ cup Maker’s Mark Bourbon
½ cup red wine
3 cups chicken or turkey stock
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Splash red wine vinegar, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste

… Read more