I know that I have warned you against buying bottles based on how much you like the label, which was something that I did with alarming frequency as a newbie. But, sometimes when I am at a good wine shop where I know and trust the buyer, I will indulge my love of beautiful labels. This bottle falls squarely within that category with it’s abstract label that provided a lovely contrast to the wine bottle … Read more
This liqueur is steeped in history and intrigue, and at times, the two intersect. We like that!
Let’s start with the history of Mandarine Napoleon. It was allegedly developed by Napoleon’s doctor, Antoine-Francois de Fourcroy, who had the idea of steeping the exotic tangerine in liquor and then blend it with Cognac. It’s hard to imagine now but citrus, like tangerines, were once very rare and highly exotic with many people never even able to … Read more
We want you to start out the new year with a copy of our awesome book DIY Cocktails and a prize from our vault of goodies.
To enter, check out our cocktail suggestions for National Hot Tea Month and leave a comment to let us know which one was your favorite!
Contest ends January 8th. Good luck!… Read more
January is National Hot Tea Month and there’s no better way to celebrate than to jump right in and start enjoying some piping hot cocktails!
Tea dates as far back as the 10th century and has been a popular beverage in many cultures. It’s packed with antioxidants, flavonoids and has even been proven to improve the body’s natural defenses against bacteria and viruses. So, while you’re digging into these recipes remember that you’re also doing … Read more
2012 is here! We’d been waiting for it, watching it creep upon us but for some reason it’s still surprising when it actually gets here. Now that the hoopla has died down, we have been thinking about what will be popular on the wine and spirits front in 2012.
Bi-Rite Market is a legend in San Francisco. It helped start a gastronomical revolution and neighborhood renaissance in the Mission District. Bi-Rite was on the cutting edge of the local food movement in the United States, sourcing the majority of its ingredients from local vendors. Unsatisfied with having an amazing grocery, Bi-Rite expanded and started a famed ice creamery shop. It’s salted caramel ice cream is legendary. I find myself driving across the city to … Read more
As you know, I love all wine but I have a soft spot in my heart for Italian wine. While I enjoy the acidity and bright fruit flavors that most Italian wines exhibit, I love the passion that Italians, and particularly Italian winemakers, have for wine. It’s infectious. The Italians vinify varietals that 99.9% of the population has never heard of, including a number that date back to ancient Rome and the Greeks. The Italians … Read more
New Years Eve is upon us, several nights where we can all let loose and still have a day to recover. I thought we should take a moment to cover the basics for survival of all the drinking to ensue.
First, an article on mixing great drinks at home, not only will this help stretch your drinking budget, but using fresh mixers and premium spirits will help to ease that New Year’s Day hangover. If … Read more
We are pitting Cabernet Sauvignon from the famed Cabernet Sauvignon stalwart Napa Valley against Sonoma, its upstart, funkier neighbor to the West. Napa and Sonoma are separated by the Mayacamas Mountains. Does the Napa-Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon feud rival the epic feud that has rages between East Coast and West Coast rappers. Probably not. Vintners are usually pretty cooperative. But, we thought that it would be fun to pit Napa against Sonoma for your drinking pleasure. … Read more
If you think the drinks on cruise ships are all watered down Piña Coladas for fuddie duddies, then think again. Cruise ships are sailing with a wide and deep array of fine wines, craft beers and state-of-the-art cocktails.
Consider Celebrity Cruise Solstice-class ships with their 21 bars and two-story wine tower in the main dining room. There are the pool bars, of course, but the Martini Bar with an “iced” counter and bartenders who “flare” … Read more