Holidays

  • A Few Drinks for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

    Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead in English, is celebrated on November 1 & 2. The holiday originated in Southern Mexico before Europeans arrived. Over the two days, families celebrate their deceased loved one’s by holding celebrations and prayer in the cemeteries.  They also clean and decorate the graves, building altars and stocking them with offerings. The most common offerings are calaveras de azucar or Sugar Skulls, toys (for children) and mezcal, … Read more

  • Cinnamon Syrup

    The taste and smell of cinnamon bring to mind the holidays. This easy-to-make cinnamon syrup will add a little spice to your cocktails, hot or cold.

    Cinnamon syrup is a key ingredient to many tiki drinks and a nice addition to whiskey cocktails. Other holiday flavors like cranberry and pumpkin match well with this spice, too.

    Ingredients:

    1 cup sugar
    1 cup water
    5 cinnamon sticks, broken in half

    Directions:

    Bring all ingredients to a … Read more

  • Pumpkin Liqueur Roundup

    Every Halloween, We get a bunch of emails from people looking for pumpkin liqueur for their pumpkin martinis.  You can make your own DIY Pumpkin Liqueur, but there are few good pumpkin liqueurs on the market that will do in a pinch. That’ll give you more time to work on your Darth Maul costume.

      Bols Pumpkin Smash
      Yes! It is back in the US. Pumpkin Smash is a unique combination of pumpkin, spices and cinnamon.
    … Read more

  • Not-Too-Sweet Halloween Cocktails

    If you’re not into the sweet stuff, it can be a challenge to find the right Halloween cocktail. These drinks are in the spirit of Halloween but don’t contain a lot of sugar, syrup or fruit. If you like your cocktails dry, here are some great options for you:

      The Obituary Cocktail: Gin, vermouth and absinthe … cornerstones of the classic cocktail Red Devil #2: Campari and orange are the perfect sinister match
    … Read more

  • Happy National Punch Day

    Punch originated in India but quickly gained popularity amongst European sailors who took advantage of the abundance of Caribbean sugar cane. Sugar was perfect ingredient for their new drink of choice. Hindi for “five,” a true punch is composed of five main components: sugar, water, citrus, spice, and alcohol. When punch arrived in the new world, many drinkers relished the taste, texture and simplicity of the drink, and enjoyed sharing it in large quantities. “It’s … Read more

  • Happy National Scotch Day!

    Just in case you need an excuse to drink Scotch: Today is National Scotch Day. So drink a dram to celebrate! Scotch is a polarizing whisky … most people either love it or hate it. I fall into the “love it” camp.

    The strong character of this whisky often makes it a challenge to mix, but when it’s done right, a Scotch cocktail can really blow your mind. Here are a few to try:

    The… Read more

  • Red, White and Blue Drinks for 4th of July

    Independence Day is coming up, and what better way to celebrate it than to serve up some red, white and blue cocktails at your barbecue or block party?

    Serve these cocktails (at least one from each “color”) and show your patriotic side!

    Red

    Americano – Refreshing, sparkling cocktail that include Campari and sweet vermouth

    Strawberry Ginger Martini – Fruity vodka cocktail with a bit of spice from ginger liqueur

    Raspberry Margarita – Fresh raspberries add … Read more

  • Father’s Day Food & Drink recipes

    Celebrate Father’s Day by eating and drinking … with Dad, of course!

    Here are some recommendations for food and drink to help you say, “Thanks for being my Dad!” After all, he doesn’t need another tie or coffee mug.

    Cocktails
      Manhattan or Martini — Traditional, strong and the best! If that sounds like your father, one of these may be the drink for him. Garnish with easy homemade cocktail cherries! Blood & Sand —
    … Read more

  • Bourbon Balls

    Bourbon is magic, and bless Kentucky for giving it to us!

    This Southern treat takes less than 30 minutes to whip up and is perfect for a whole host of occasions — Kentucky Derby, Christmas, Wednesday nights…

    The bourbon flavor deepens over time, so leftovers (if there are any!) aren’t a problem. They keep for 12-15 days if stored in an airtight container.

    Ingredients

    1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
    1 cup chopped pecans
    2 tablespoons … Read more

  • Mother’s Day Brunch & Champagne Cocktail Recipes

    One way to show your Mom she raised you right is to treat her to a homemade brunch!

    Here are some wonderful brunch and champagne cocktail recipes to show your Mom that you love her.

    Celebrate your Mom with a champagne toast and tasty meal. Happy Mother’s Day!

    Champagne Cocktail Recipes
      Blackberry Champagne Cocktail  The Happy Mom Mimosa  Kir Royale  Orangecello Champagne Cocktail  Blood Orange Bellini  French Revolution Malibu Sparkler  Mama’s Malibu Martini Ultimate Indulgence
    … Read more