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    Christmas Cosmopolitan

    Cranberry sorbet turns a classic cocktail into a beautiful holiday treat. This Christmas Cosmo has the appeal of a traditional Cosmopolitan with the added oomph of a dessert … all without being too sweet.

    Ingredients

      2 oz cranberry sorbet ½-1 oz vodka ½ oz Cointreau ¼ oz freshly-squeezed lime juice
    Instructions

    With a shot glass, scoop out 2 ounces worth of cranberry sorbet and place in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. … Read more

  • Gorgonzola Bites

    Recipe courtesy of Campari.

    Ingredients
      350g puff pastry 250g gorgonzola 1 egg yolk 20g butter
    Instructions
      Beat the egg yolk in a bowl using a whisk until frothy. Put to one side. Roll out the pastry dough using a rolling pin. Then, using knife, divide into eight equal rectangular pieces. Spread the gorgonzola evenly over one half of each of the rectangles then close, folding the other half over. Press the edges firmly together, moistening
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  • Last, Last-Minute Boozy Gifts Ideas

    It’s down to the wire for holiday shopping, we’ve made it easy with these simple selections.

    Highland Park 25

    Recently named in the top 15 of spirits authority F. Paul Pacult’s “Best Spirits in the World” in the Scotch Whisky category, Highland Park 25 Years Old ($274.99) is a phenomenal whisky with a rich amber glow and an unmistakable taste of smokiness coupled with heather honey and a hint of peat. The remarkable complexity of … Read more

  • Liquor Links for the Holidays

    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
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  • Brandied Apricots

    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

  • Giorgio G Cognac

    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

    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

  • Macallan Amber Liqueur

    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”

    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