It comes as no surprise that with the ever-growing concern over the economy, businesses nationwide have been forced to scale back on employee benefits; one major casualty of this has been the company holiday party. A recent survey showed that roughly one-fifth of businesses are trimming holiday festivities, marking the lowest percentage of office parties the U.S. has seen in 20 years.
“Kahlúa has been a welcome guest at many a holiday party and, given … Read more
Punches and sangria are a great way to serve a party full of holiday guests. This fantastic Apothecary Beverage Dispenser is a stylish way to serve the thirsty masses.
Not only does it take up less space than a traditional punch bowl, but it keeps the punch safe inside a closed container. Attractive and practical!
And, you know, it would make a pretty good gift. As of posting date, it’s on sale for $40.
Apothecary … Read more
December 5 marks the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition. Whether you spend the evening in a modern-day speakeasy like San Francisco’s Bourbon & Branch or throw your own 1930s-themed party, it’s an anniversary worth celebrating!
New York’s Colony Club was one fancy speakeasy, with high-society clientele like the Vanderbilts coming to enjoy a cocktail or two on the sly. One of the most popular cocktails was the eponymous Colony Cocktail.
Colony Cocktail
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Recently arrived from the folks at Campari, a perfect end to any holiday party. Created by chef Nancy Verde Barr.
Ingredients2 cups cranberry-raspberry juice drink
1 ¼ cups sugar
1/2 cup Campari
3 3xl-inch strips orange peel (orange part only)
6 Bosc pears (each about 7 ounces)
1 lemon, cut in half
1 10-ounce package frozen raspberries in syrup, thawed
4 tablespoons orange liqueur
2 tablespoons red currant jelly
1 cup mascarpone cheese (about … Read more
At around $20 a bottle, 1.0.1 Vodka is a good deal considering the high quality of the spirit. This grain vodka has a strong nose and soft, smooth mouthfeel.
The flavor is smooth, but with a bit more bite than most other American-made vodkas. But this is a good thing. The hint of spice makes it a good candidate for a great vodka and tonic.
If you’re a Ketel One drinker, 1.0.1 could be the … Read more
Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy a potpourri of Thanksgiving links:
Manly Ways to Prepare Turkey [Mental Floss]
The History of Thanksgiving [The History Channel]
A fruitful and liberal harvest [Boing Boing]
Thanksgiving Toast [DOTW]
Thanksgiving 2008 [The Food Network]
Pumpkin Liqueurs [DOTW]
Pumpkin Martini [DOTW]
Why do the Lions & Cowboys always play on Thanksgiving? [Mental Floss]
Top 10 Thanksgiving Drinks [College OTR]… Read more
I cannot rave enough about TRU2 organic gin. Of all the organic spirits making their way to market lately, this one is the most impressive and unique.
Just looking at it you can tell it’s different. Most gins are clear because they are distilled twice — once before the herbs are added and once after. TRU2 is made with 14 botanicals and only goes through one distillation, which is why it has a … Read more
On a recent trip to New York City, I visited Tailor, a restaurant and bar with some of the most amazing cocktails I have seen. The bartenders at Tailor practice the new trend of Molecular Mixology, creating cocktails made with ingredients like smoked Coke and orange foam.
I tried a drink called “Blood & Sand,” a concoction of scotch, cherry ale, vermouth and the aforementioned orange foam. My companions tried a drink called “Swedish Fish” … Read more
During the holiday season, money’s tight. But it doesn’t mean you can’t have the good stuff … or give the good stuff.
Rosso & Bianco has some solid offerings for $12 a bottle. (I got mine at the tasting room, and it was $11 there.)
You can feel comfortable bringing this wine as a host or holiday gift or serving it at your holiday gathering.
The 2006 Pinot Grigio is a light and fruity white, … Read more
Looking around for Thanksgiving dessert inspiration, I found some mouth-watering pumpkin desserts that incorporate a wee bit of booze.
Photo by azcentral.com.… Read more