Vinicola Rivera “Violante” 2007 Nero di Troia – Wine Wednesday

This week’s pick is another wine from Italy. What can I say, we love Italian wine and Italy offers some great values. Recently, we purchased a couple of bottles from this winery at a steal (purchased for $5.99 at the Wine House). While we liked both bottles, the “Violante” from Azienda Vinicola Rivera was our favorite. In this wine, the second and third generation winemakers from Puglia’s Azienda Vinicola Rivera’s goal was to highlight the … Read more

Hiram Walker Caramel Apple Liqueur Review

We were lucky enough to receive a little care package from our friends at Nova Marketing and Hiram Walker to help ease us into fall. One of the items in that care package was the Hiram Walker Caramel Apple Liqueur. Since it’s close to Halloween, I will put it out there that it would be perfect for Halloween. Imagine the number of apple drinks you can whip up.

The Caramel Apple Liqueur is a member … Read more

Jealous of Julia

I recently finished reading My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme. And, despite the fact that Julia Child is dead, I was insanely jealous of her life by the time I finished. Who knew that Julia was tasting her way through Burgundy, as well as attending the esteemed Cordon Bleu. Was it the kind of jealousy that drives a person to assume another’s identity or commit rash acts? No. Rather, it was … Read more

Halloween Punch Recipes

Don’t get stuck behind the bar at your Halloween party! Grab that punch bowl, mix up one of these and you’re set.

Here are devilish punch recipes that will satisfy your cocktail needs while letting you enjoy the night:

Bloody Rum Punch
Spirited Punch
Jack-o-Lantern Punch
Vampire’s Punch
Witch’s Brew
Flaming Tiki Pumpkin Punch
Italian Halloween Punch
Bloody Black Currant Punch
Wicked Apple Punch
Dragon Blood Punch

Even more Halloween Punch Recipes!… Read more

DIY Fig Bourbon

Figs are in season where I live (and in most of the US), so now is a great time to use this delightful fruit in cocktails. You can even enjoy this fig infusion long after the season is over!

The flavor of this fig bourbon is perfect for Fall and holiday drinks. Try it in a Manhattan or with a little soda and a squeeze of lemon. I use Black Mission figs, but you can … Read more

Bulldog London Dry Gin Review

Bulldog London Dry Gin is a relatively new entrant into the gin market, having been released in 2006. But its timing is impeccable; Bulldog’s release perfectly coincided with the resurgence of gin. There isn’t much information to be had about Bulldog Dry Gin. The website says that it is distilled by a distillery that has over 250 years experience. A press release states that the brand was started in 2003 by a former banker and … Read more

Cinnamon Syrup

The taste and smell of cinnamon bring to mind the holidays. This easy-to-make cinnamon syrup will add a little spice to your cocktails, hot or cold.

Cinnamon syrup is a key ingredient to many tiki drinks and a nice addition to whiskey cocktails. Other holiday flavors like cranberry and pumpkin match well with this spice, too.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup water
5 cinnamon sticks, broken in half

Directions:

Bring all ingredients to a … Read more

Graffigna Centenario 2008 Malbec – Wine Wednesday

This week’s Wine Wednesday is yet another Malbec from Argentina. I know what you are thinking, another Malbec, you guys must love Malbec. It’s true. We do love Malbec. But, we also love deals and this column is all about good tasting value wine. I have probed the deep recesses of my brain and I honestly believe that Malbec is the best priced red wine out there. So expect to see more Malbec showing up … Read more

Pumpkin Liqueur Roundup

Every Halloween, We get a bunch of emails from people looking for pumpkin liqueur for their pumpkin martinis.  You can make your own DIY Pumpkin Liqueur, but there are few good pumpkin liqueurs on the market that will do in a pinch. That’ll give you more time to work on your Darth Maul costume.

Bols Pumpkin Smash
Yes! It is back in the US. Pumpkin Smash is a unique combination of pumpkin, spices and cinnamon.

… Read more

Blood Red Halloween Cocktails

Halloween is just around the corner! This collection of tasty blood-red cocktails will get your guests in the right spooky mood. If you have a favorite red cocktail for Halloween, tell us about it in the comments.

Blood Red Sangria
Vampire Ritual
Bloody Black Currant Punch
Nelson’s Blood
Sangue Frio (Cold Blood)
Red Devil #2
Vampire Blood
The Red Witch
Witch’s Brew #2
Vampire’s Punch
More Halloween Drinks

… Read more