Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday but can fall anywhere from February 3 to March 9. The floating date is always 47 days before Easter. This Mardi Gras we keep the Hurricanes flowing and forget the economy if only until Wednesday. Learn more about Mardi Gras.
SoCo & Lime Hurricane Ingredients3 oz Southern Comfort
1.5 oz sweet and sour mix
½ oz blue curacao
½ oz sweetened lime … Read more
More fun facts and Margarita recipes for National Margarita Day.
The original Margarita was invented in 1948 by socialite Margarita Sames. According to the legend, it was during a party at her cliff side hacienda in Acapulco that Margarita began experimenting with “the drink.” Looking for something to cut the dust of a hot afternoon, she mixed Tequila Herradura, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. Her cocktail kept the party going for two weeks and today … Read more
James Bond, the epitome of style and sophistication, always insists his martinis should be “shaken, not stirred.” However, that preference may well be a sign of his rebellious nature more than his command of the cocktail. Traditionally, martinis are stirred … and for good reason.
Many experts dismiss the idea that shaking “bruises the gin.” But they do note that while shaking makes for a colder martini, it also dilutes the martini and gives it … Read more
Beam just introduced (ri)1 in the midst of rye whiskey’s comeback from more than 70 years in the shadows.
In the 19th and early 20th century, rye was the go-to liquor. Many traditional cocktails–like the Manhattan and the Old Fashioned–originated as rye cocktails.
But after Prohibition ended in 1933, American distillers turned all their attention to bourbon.
No one knows for sure why, but it could be because corn was cheaper than rye. It … Read more
In 2007 the U.S. Senate created National Bourbon Heritage Month. To be observed each September, the event celbrates Bourbon as America’s Native Spirit.
To Kick off the month, the folk at Wild Turkey Bourbon sent us their version of the classic Manhattan.
1 parts Wild Turkey 101
1 ½ parts sweet vermouth
1 dash bitters
Stir well with cracked ice and strain into a Manhattan or chilled martini glass. … Read more
Building on the success of his restaurant at the St. Francis Hotel, Michael Mina has converted a former jewelry store into a bar worthy of a scene out of Mad Men.
The bar was designed in “neo-mod” style, reminiscent of cocktail lounges 50 years ago. I was impressed by the extensive cocktail menu, fresh ingredients and attention to detail. Hats off to the friendly staff and amazing cocktails.
This cocktail is a shout out … Read more
Brunch is a time-honored tradition and a must for summer weekends. Who are we to thank this laid-back bonus meal that defies the rules established by the traditional three-times-daily meal plan?
Some claim brunch emerged as a leisurely privilege for wealthy Brits during the turn of the 19th/20th century and point to Guy Beringer’s 1895 essay “Brunch: A Plea,” in which he argued, “By eliminating the need to get up early on Sunday, brunch would … Read more
From Maxim comes this list of our 8 most liquor-soaked US Presidents. I am wondering how they narrowed down to only eight.
The list:
Martin Van Buren
Franklin Pierce
James Buchanan
Chester A. Arthur
Grover Cleveland
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Richard Nixon
George W. Bush
How did they miss Harding and as commenter Jason reminds us US Grant !?!
Americas Drunkest Presidents… Read more
Windows Mobile is going to help us chronicle our many travels to bars and events around the globe with their mobile and mapping technology. To kick this off—and with it being cold everywhere except Florida and Hawaii these days—, what would be more perfect than to visit Hemingway hangout in sunny, warm Key West institution Sloppy Joe’s Bar?
Located at Greene & Duval Streets in the heart of Key West, Sloppy Joe’s has been delighting … Read more
Q: A reader asks, What’s the deal with Mardi Gras?
A: Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday” is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is the final day of Carnival, but incorrectly Mardi Gras has come to include the weeks proceeding Fat Tuesday as well. The most famous US Mardi Gras celebration is held in New Orleans with many others held around Louisiana, the Gulf States, Europe and Latin America with huge celebrations in Rio de … Read more
