Drinking shots can be great fun. If consumed in moderation and deployed with common sense (I know, this can be very difficult once you get rolling), alcohol shots can make a good evening great, turn a cold night warm, or make a movie more interesting. While you can go old school, downing a whiskey shot with a beer chaser, there...
Absinthe is rapidly growing in popularity again after the US ban on the hallucinatory" spirit was lifted in 2007. Since then, beloved old brands and emerging new entrants have created a brilliant range of the bright diamond green liquid to rival the golden era during the French Belle Epoque. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy drinking absinthe make sure...
Tequila looms as the boom spirit for 2021. The growth of cool brands and famous faces investing or collaborating, strong Mexican regulation, and advances in agave plant production and distillation is fuelling the popularity. Gone are the days of just pounding down a couple of tequila shots before you hit the club. Tequila can now be enjoyed in many fashions...
Using the best ginger beer is crucial to quality cocktails and mixed drinks, or even for use as a standalone beverage choice. While most offer a carbonated soda like dry ginger ale, the increased interest in craft brewing, seltzers, and kombucha drinks is seeing more contemporary brands brewing with real ginger. Increases in positive personal health decisions (even for alcoholic...
The mysterious spirit absinthe has tantalized and scandalized drinkers since its heyday in the 1800s. Everyone from nobles and ear slicing artists to unemployed writers and struggling painters drank absinthe in Bohemian Paris, often using interesting, ritualistic methods to chase the "Green Fairy." Absinthe is a tasty liqueur reminiscent of liquid licorice combing spirits and herbs including fennel, green anise,...
Drinking vodka can be a lot of fun when done in moderation. Traditionally, vodka (and gin) has been considered a neutral spirit, designed to be flavorless, odorless, and colorless. Neutral spirits can be made from grains, grapes, molasses, potatoes, and other agricultural origins, then infused with herbs and flavors. Vodka is following gin by creating more expressions from grain to...
The Star Wars galaxy is more than just films, folklore, might, and merchandise. The world of Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and the Empire has spawned an interesting subculture of fanatical fan fiction, cosplay, food, and exotic beverages that appeal to fans from five years to 95 years of age. For adults who grew up with the Original Star...
Buying gifts for whiskey lovers need not be boring. Sure, a bottle of rye or a cheeky single malt from Islay will never be laughed at knocked back, but you do have plenty of interesting options to impress the whiskey drinker in your life. Here are 20 gift ideas that every budding whiskey aficionado can enjoy, whether it's for being...
You can ask anyone for their favorite bourbon and chances are you’ll get a different answer most times. One of the things I enjoy about American whiskey is that there are quality varieties from large distilleries and small independent producers, and room for everyone whether you're from Texas or Kentucky. Whiskey is accessible and interesting for experienced drinkers but also offers a welcoming smile and tip of the hat for newcomers. The following collection delivers 10 brands offering a...
Brandy is a spirit of distilled wine or fermented fruit juice but usually refers to grape juice. Other mash references the fruit that they've been made from, such as apple brandy. Often associated with wealth and luxury, brandy is interesting because of different interpretations of the alcoholic beverage and polarizing legislation about how it's defined, distilled, traded, and consumed. The...
