Drinks Wire

The Rooster

post icon

A huge part of the holidays is the blockbuster. One of this season’s most anticipated films to hit the big screen is True Grit, an all-star (Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin) remake of one greatest films of all-time.

The folks at Wild Turkey figured, while there is endless holiday fare to choose from, there is only one movie that has the tradition, toughness and swagger to be Wild Turkey Bourbon’s holiday pick.

So, … Read more

Liquor Links for the Holidays

post icon

Just in time for the Holidays, it this weeks boozy links

    Broke Ass Stuart shows how to make a set of Liquor Bottle Lights
    Yawn – Grub Street writes ANOTHER article debating free pouring vs. measuring. Answer – depends on mixing vessel and experience. It really is that simple.
    Valet. shares some Holiday cocktails made with beer from Joe doe in NYC
    Menuism has 10 tips for a perfect Holiday Party
    5 Cocktail Predictions for

Read more

Brandied Apricots

post icon

This simple recipe is very festive, making it perfect for holiday celebrations or homemade gifts. The brandied apricots are good by themselves or as a topping on ice cream or cake. You can even use the juice in cocktails. It’s probably possible to use dried apricots, although this was made with fresh ones that were flash frozen.

Ingredients

8 apricots, pitted and halved
¾ cup brandy (I used cognac)
¼ cup water
1-2 cinnamon sticks, … Read more

Scotch Spice

post icon

This holiday cocktail will bring you some cheer! Made with Glenfiddich 12 and homemade cinnamon syrup it warms you up even though it’s a cold cocktail. The aroma is festive!

You can use your favorite single malt, but a nice smooth one with mild peat goes best with these ingredients.… Read more

Giorgio G Cognac

post icon

Giorgio G is fashion icon Giorgio Gucci’s foray into cognac. The distribution company, Emperor’s Brand, sent a sample of the Premier Cru Special Limited Edition, which is aged over 50 years. This was one of those situations where the small sample bottle left me wanting more.

The name implies it’s luxury liquor, but the taste confirms it. Made from Ugni Blanc grapes from the Grande Champagne area, it has a deep gold color and gentle … Read more

Monthly Mixer: Grenadine

post icon

The Monthly Mixer is a new column by M. Quinn Sweeney who writes about crafting cocktails at LibationLab.com.

That never-expiring bottle on your shelf isn’t really grenadine. That bastard stepchild of the classic cocktail mixer, which comes in a color not found in nature and is comprised almost entirely of sugar, may be ubiquitous but it’s not authentic.

Thanks to the public demand for antioxidants and the year-round growing season in California’s Central Valley, 100% … Read more

Hump Day Liquor Links

post icon

This week’s roundup of libatious links:

    He’Brew shows how to build a beer menorah.
    UK storm strands 7 lucky people in a pub.
    Nine vodkas for non-vodka lovers.
    Mark Leno tries to bring some sense to the ABC.
    Eight cocktails of Hanukkah.
    Rachel Maddow talks garnish etiquette.

Read more

Macallan Amber Liqueur

post icon

Macallan’s Amber liqueur is so good that it’s worth sharing–even though it’s hard to find since they stopped making it. It’s a single-malt scotch liqueur with maple and pecan flavors. NOTCOT gave us some to try, and if you’re curious there are sources online for procuring a bottle. It smells like scotch and maple syrup! Have I built up enough of a demand and air of mystery?

The light smokiness of the scotch pairs perfectly … Read more

Happy Repeal Day – “Cinco de Drinco”

post icon

Way back in 1933 the USA was gripped with an economic depression and to make matters worse, a prohibition on alcohol. The Eighteenth Amendment, “Prohibition,” set the act of getting a decent cocktail back years. Unless of course you were rich, then one could still get the good stuff (with a doctor’s note). The great bartenders all fled to Europe or Latin America as they were now outlaws at home. Drinkers were forced to go … Read more

Laughter in the Dark

post icon

This week features an original from our friend Quinn Sweeney. He created this light tropical cocktail with rum generously donated by Don Q, specially for the La Petite Soiree at this years BlogHer Food Conference. (M. Quinn Sweeney writes about crafting cocktails at LibationLab.com.)… Read more