Drinks Wire

Absolut SF Review

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The most recent release in Absolut’s city series, Absolut SF is the fifth city to be released. As proud San Franciscans, we believe that SF should have been first and not fifth in the Absolut City Series but what can you do. San Francisco is a pretty city perched on hills, overlooking some pretty famous bridges and shrouded in fog. San Francisco also has been a city that has paid homage to spirits — from … Read more

Etz Kamptal 2009 Gruner Veltliner Review – Wine Wednesday

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This week’s Wine Wednesday pick is the Etz Kamptal 2009 Gruner Veltliner 1L from Austria ($11.99 at K&L Wines).

A beautiful, zingy wine from Austria that offers refreshment on a hot, summer day. Gruner Veltliner is the unofficial wine of Austria with more Gruner planted than any other grape and more Gruner consumed than any other wine. We recently served this at the LA Wine Fest and it was a huge hit! The perfect summer … Read more

5 Wines for July 4th

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The 4th of July is just around the corner. Images of BBQ, corn and watermelon along with fireworks dance in my head. While the 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays, it isn’t the easiest holiday to pair with wine. The weather is typically hot and sultry (unless you live in San Francisco like we do and then it’s cold and foggy) and the food is as all American as apple pie with … Read more

Wine on a Budget – Volume II

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Beverages and More runs a five cent wine sale where it sells the consumer a second bottle of wine for five cents when buying the first bottle at full price. For a full disclaimer, I have never shopped this sale but I have friends who swear by it and they buy cases and cases of wine. In looking at some of the wine they have offered in the past, it appears that consumers can purchase … Read more

Watermelon Mojito

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It’s summer, and the 4th of July is just around the corner. So what you need is a Watermelon Mojito!

Try one, and I guarantee you’ll still be drinking them after Independence Day is over. It’s a flexible drink so make it as sweet or as strong as you like by adjusting the amount of simple syrup or rum.… Read more

Red, White and Blue Drinks for 4th of July

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Independence Day is coming up, and what better way to celebrate it than to serve up some red, white and blue cocktails at your barbecue or block party?

Serve these cocktails (at least one from each “color”) and show your patriotic side!

Red

Americano – Refreshing, sparkling cocktail that include Campari and sweet vermouth

Strawberry Ginger Martini – Fruity vodka cocktail with a bit of spice from ginger liqueur

Raspberry Margarita – Fresh raspberries add … Read more

Brooklyn Brew Shop Beer Kits

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If you want to get started brewing your own beer, the Brooklyn Brew Shop has some interesting kits and mixes for you!

Although the products seem to be designed with the beginning brewer in mind, they still keep it exciting with varieties like Peanut Butter Porter, Mustard Brown Ale and Grapefruit Honey Ale.

They have a Brew of the Month Club if you truly want to get your beer on.

Here’s a fun video they … Read more

How to Make Flavored Syrup

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Flavored syrups are a simple way to add flair to your cocktails. But you don’t need the store-bought variety. You can take your favorite fruit, herbs and even vegetables and turn them into a cocktail syrup. It’s as easy as boiling water! And who says the syrup is just for cocktails? Mix it with club soda or sparkling water for an easy homemade soda.

Here is the basic formula and instructions:

Ingredients

1 part water… Read more

Summer Chiller

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Summer is here and the heat is on. The folks at Baileys felt this ice cream cocktail would be a nice way to cool down. Who doesn’t like ice cream and booze?


Ingredients:
1 oz Baileys Irish Cream
2 scoops coffee ice cream
1 oz iced coffee

Directions:
Add Baileys, Coffee ice cream, and iced coffee to a blender. Add 1 cup of chipped iced and blend until smooth. Top with espresso, fresh whipped cream … Read more

Mark West Pinot Noir 2008 Review – Wine Wednesday

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Enjoy our new feature, Wine Wednesday! Each week, on Wine Wednesday, the Drink of the Week team will feature a wine for $10 or under.

2008 Mark West Pinot Noir, California ($8.99 at Safeway)

As an avowed pinotphile, it’s only natural that I would debut a Pinot Noir for our inaugural Wednesday Wine of the Week. However, it’s difficult to find a good Pinot under $25 per bottle and almost impossible to find one for … Read more