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Senior digital editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine. Recovering bartender, beverage director and exhausted line cook with a background in food and drink writing. Former senior music editor for the now-defunct PopCultureShock. Author of numerous freelance articles, terrible unpublished novels, and pro bono bios for broke musicians.
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The real story behind sangrita, the traditional red-hued Mexican accompaniment for Tequila, is up for debate. We tackle two competing styles, with recipes.
Rum is on the rise across the globe. Often mistakenly seen as simply a Caribbean mainstay, craft producers are now making the spirit in a variety of places, from France to South Carolina. Unfortunately, rum often plays second fiddle to other options like vodka and whiskey on most cocktail menus.
When you think of wine, most likely what comes to mind are powerhouse regions like Bordeaux, Napa or Champagne. Or, grapes like Pinot Noir, Malbec, Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon. But a growing group of winemakers in the Middle East, Western Asia and Eastern Europe are eager to remind they represent the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and that they're making wines like nowhere else on earth.
Yes, today's classic cocktail lesson is the Bahama Mama. A goofy-sounding drink generally used among bartenders as a punchline. A beverage that conjures images of paper umbrellas and overwrought garnishes, more akin to a spiked Hawaiian Punch than something worth talking about in the realm of modern cocktail culture.
Trey Zoeller is a curious man. The founder and distiller of Jefferson's Bourbon, a small-batch whiskey producer based in Crestwood, Kentucky, Zoeller has made a name for his brand with experiments in what could only be called "extreme distilling." Jefferson's is known for projects that take American whiskey in bold new directions.
What do Humphrey Bogart, Errol Flynn, Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck have in common? All knew how to drink well, and each counted the Jack Rose among their favorite cocktails. This easy-to-make American classic has been out of fashion since its popularity peaked in the 1920s and '30s, but it has made a comeback in bars across the country.
After the breakout success of HBO's , FX's The People v. O. J. Simpson and even Netflix's tongue-in-cheek American Vandal , the public's true-crime obsession shows no signs of slowing. And there's no shortage of it in the wine world, either.
The Last Word is a Prohibition-era cocktail that represents one of the earlier innovations in the sour family of cocktails: concoctions that include lemon and/or lime juice. Reported to have been invented at the Detroit Athletic Club bar in the 1920s, the drink is said to have been named for, or possibly created by, popular vaudeville performer Frank Fogarty.
The Espresso Martini, like many cocktails that rose to prominence during the 1980s and '90s, gained a somewhat bad reputation after decades of abuse. It evolved from an elegant, upgraded coffee to something more akin to a milkshake, but the classic black Espresso Martini remains a delicious choice for those who seek a pick-me-up while they wind down.
"Don't bother with churches, government buildings or city squares. If you want to know about a culture, spend a night in its bars." -Ernest Hemingway The Hemingway daiquiri has arguably become the most popular variation of this classic rum cocktail, perhaps unseating the undisputed heavyweight champion of the 1990s, the frozen strawberry daiquiri.
The Jungle Bird is one of a great number of cocktails that fell through the cracks of history until Jeff "Beachbum" Berry, author and renowned tiki historian, unearthed the recipe and gave it new life through one of his books, Beachbum Berry Remixed (SLG Publishing, 2009).
These days, it's hard to find a bar or restaurant that doesn't have a cocktail menu packed with original creations. Budding mixologists the world-over are vying to innovate and leave a lasting mark on bartending culture. But what does it take for a new cocktail to transcend from a one-off recipe to a modern classic?
Mark your calendars, the day of the Frosé is over. We're in a Friesling world now. Here's how to make one. Bartenders, being creatures populated in large part by struggling writers, actors and comedians desperately seeking a creative outlet, are notorious for the quirky, pun-filled names they give their cocktail creations.
What should wine lovers look for in a Bourbon? Is Scotch really that intimidating? WE Editors Kara Newman and Dylan Garret pull up to the bar to talk to two experts-Flavien Desoblin, owner of Brandy Library and Copper & Oak, and New York Times spirits writer Clay Risen -about America's favorite brown spirit, whiskey.
Avengers: Infinity War is almost here, and the Wine Enthusiast office is not immune to the Marvel blockbuster's outsized hype. A casual lunch between the W.E. staff's biggest comic-loving nerds turned into a sweeping discussion of what the perfect wine would be for each member of the superhero team, a debate that got so heated, pads and pens were produced, diligent notes were taken, and both diagrams and battle lines were drawn.
A springtime Old Fashioned or a Bourbon snow cone? Opinions on Mint Juleps are as varied as the people who drink them. Here's how to make the perfect one. Let's get this out of the way: There's no Mint Julep recipe on earth that isn't going to upset someone.
When it comes to classic gin cocktails, few are as revered by bartenders as the Aviation. On the other hand, even fewer are reviled like a poorly made Aviation. The drink is built on a delicate balance of strongly flavored ingredients, which can easily cause ruin when out of proportion.
As egg white cocktails continue their unstoppable march across cocktail menus everywhere, it's time to look at the other half of the ingredient: the yolk. The New York Flip is just one member of an entire class of classic cocktails called flips.
The mojito is a funny drink. There might not be another cocktail that people so love to order and bartenders so hate to make. Even the most casual bar-goer can understand. It's a delicious drink, well balanced and refreshing. And given all the muddling and shaking involved, it's also time-consuming and creates a gigantic mess.
Today marks the ratification of the 21st Amendment of the United States Constitution, and the end of America's "noble experiment," better known Prohibition. Exactly 84 years ago today, a lot of people were finally able to (legally) order an alcoholic drink.
The Classic Hot Toddy Recipe Some people love winter. Some people also do "polar bear plunges" for fun. While it's not our place to tell anyone they're right or wrong on matters of opinion, this article is for those who think the best part of cold weather is hiding from it, and keeping as warm as possible while looking out the window at a winter wonderland and saying to themselves, "Not today."
Editorial Samples
Growing up in Mazatlán, a town in the state of Sinaloa on the Pacific coast of Mexico, Luis Arce Mota would watch his father and friends share a bucket of boiled shrimp while drinking small bottles of Pacifico to fend off the heat.
December 5, also known as Repeal Day, gets a lot of love in the bar and spirits community. It commemorates the date in 1933 when the 21 st amendment to the Constitution was ratified, repealing the 18 th amendment that banned the sale, transportation and manufacture of alcoholic beverages, effectively ending Prohibition.
Tannins, a group of bitter and astringent compounds, can be found abundantly in nature. They're present in the wood, bark, leaves and fruit of plants as various as oak, rhubarb, tea, walnut, cranberry, cacao and grapes. Perhaps most importantly, they're also found in wine. Plants have tannins to make themselves unpalatable.
Many people still view rum through the lens of the dark, rich and sweet offerings of decades past. But clairin, a traditional rum made in Haiti, showcases the spirit in its most essential, and some say, finest form. And it's finally making the leap to the United States.
Virginia ranks No. 6 in wine grape production in the U.S., with more than 280 wineries spanning the state. If that comes as a surprise, how about this: Virginia is one of just two places on the planet making noteworthy wines with Petit Manseng, a rich and unique white-wine grape that originated in Southwest France.
As wine lovers continue to become open to new styles of bubbly, the choices are no longer limited to Prosecco, Cava and Champagne. One in particular, pétillant naturel, or pét-nat, is in full force, becoming a popular new style for domestic wine production. As it happens, the style isn't new at all.
Chardonnay is among the most popular and recognizable wines in the world. The grape's genes essentially have been passed down from a single plant in eastern France centuries ago. This genetic consistency can be seen as a good thing, as it keeps the grape recognizable.
Vodka, whiskey, gin, rum and Tequila? They have a long way to go in order to reach the popularity of baijiu, the most consumed spirit on Earth. But what's the story behind this fascinating Chinese liquor, and will it soon be coming to a bar near you?
Why settle for four-star accommodations when you could have the whole night sky? Forget the hotels, resorts and bed-and-breakfasts the next time you visit one of your favorite wine regions. Good old-fashioned camping, or newfangled glamping, lets you nestle right into nature.
Although craft beer garners a ton of attention here these days, Kansas City has a rich grape growing and winemaking history that dates to the 19th century. In fact, by the 1870s, Missouri and Kansas together constituted the second-largest grape-growing and winemaking region in the U.S., just behind California.
We spend a lot of time talking about the stuff inside wine bottles. But can the bottle itself, from its shape to color of the glass, tell you more about what you're drinking? We go deeper than a punt into what's behind your wine bottle.
It's hard to pinpoint when popular opinion declared that good wines must be dry, but it couldn't be farther from the truth. Whether it was the recent rosé revival that taught us to value dryness in response to the bulk blush wine of a bygone era, or bad experiences with cheap, sweet alcohol, most aficionados today choose dry wines.
What is natural wine? The movement gains in popularity by the day, but with shifting definitions and no official standards, confusion can abound. We take a deep look at all things "natty wine" for your complete guide to this exciting category.
It's no secret that many restaurant recipes, from sauces to a quick deglaze, start with a splash of dry wine. Alcohol creates significant transformations during cooking. But in many cases, particularly in classic French recipes, fortified wines and spirits form the unique flavors that many diners can't quite place.
Red Champagne? And one that has no bubbles? Sometimes, the most interesting wines are those that are historic oddities, ones that have been set aside as the tides of wine history have shifted to a different direction. Such is the case with a handful of table wines that are made primarily from Pinot Noir grapes and produced in Champagne's Marne Valley.
Wine finishes are a growing staple in the whiskey world as a way to add nuanced layers of fruit and spice to the spirit without artificial flavorings. Yet, the taste of a favorite wine can present very differently when it shows up in a whiskey glass.
Each year, we take a moment to highlight those in the wine, food and beverage industries working to effect positive environmental change. Today, we take a look at six forward-thinking producers invested in the future of the Earth, be it through environmentally conscious alternative packaging, ecosystem preservation or partnering with nonprofits in an effort to reduce plastic in our oceans.
Wedding Crashers told the world "crab cakes and football-that's what Maryland does!," but it's not everything for which the state should be known. Previously overshadowed by New York's Finger Lakes to the north and Virginia wine country to the south, Maryland is quietly making a name for itself, with the hub of all-vino activity centered squarely in Baltimore.
A beverage made from pressed grapes must be vegetarian, right? Well, some winemaking techniques can make certain bottles a no-go for the animal-friendly crowd. Learn how animal derivatives end up in your wine, and how to spot vegetarian- and vegan-friendly wine.
Toasts and celebratory glasses of wine are an integral part of any wedding reception. Many couples default to "whatever is cheapest," but just because you're on a budget doesn't mean your wedding wine can't still have heart and taste great.
As with pizza, pasta and tacos, there has never been more availability of high-quality ramen stateside as there is today. There have also never been as many delicious new innovations in the dish popping up every day, some of which may perturb purists.
Tasting notes can be a helpful tool when picking a new wine to try. But the wine world is full of insider terminology that is often purposefully ambiguous. The good news is that if you still feel lost after reading a wine review, the fault may not be your own.
Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent and Zweigelt may not roll off the tongue as easily as better-known grape varieties, but that should not prevent you from trying them. They represent the glorious, refreshing and cherry-tinged triumvirate of indigenous Austrian red wine, something truly different and worth discovering. These Austrian originals possess distinct personalities.
What's really the difference between Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris? Syrah and Shiraz? Zinfandel and Primitivo? While these may be the same grape varieties with different names, local terroir can change their flavor more than you think. Learn how it works.
Photo Styling Samples
Think when you've had one mulled wine you've had 'em all? Let the wine experts show you how it's done with upgrades using red, white, rosé and Port wines.
Brewed with juniper and aged in a gin barrel, this beer channels the classic gin fizz cocktail. We show you the recipe for the original, egg white included.
Think all mulled wine is red? This combination of dry white wine, ginger and elderflower liqueur makes a winter warmer that won't put you to sleep. It's important to avoid oak when mulling white wine. Also, avoid wines with residual sweetness, or even a perception of sweetness, since you're adding your own sugar.
The brew abides. The beer is modeled after The Dude's signature cocktail from the classic movie, with a recipe to make the perfect White Russian as well.
The real story behind sangrita, the traditional red-hued Mexican accompaniment for Tequila, is up for debate. We tackle two competing styles, with recipes.
Grapefruit, orange liqueur and rosé help create an uplifting warm winter treat that will make you rethink mulled wine. Think pink! In choosing rosé for mulled wine, go by color. You want a clear, vivid hue without amber tones, as the color can dull during cooking.
While not a traditional for mulled wine, nothing says cold weather like Port. This recipe gets a savory punch from bay leaves while rosemary adds aromatics. Mulling Port wine might seem a bit intense, but eliminating the sugar, using lemon and diluting with water can help offset the sweetness, and creates a unique take on the drink.
This golden ale is brewed with coriander, juniper berries and lime to evoke a classic G&T. We also tell you how to make the original cocktail right.
Looking to change up your mulled wine this season? Curious what Feuerzangenbowle is, and also enjoy setting things on fire? Then it's time for you to explore this German winter tradition. Recipe courtesy St. Regis Aspen Resort, Aspen, Colorado "The St.
Most of the ingredients for a classic chai spice blend are in your pantry already. Just add tea, cream and brandy for this perfect cold-weather cocktail. Nothing says "warming winter flavors" like the taste of classic chai spices.
While many cultures have a tradition of heating spiced wine to stay warm throughout the winter, savory aquavit sets apart the Norwegian version of this Scandinavian staple. Recipe courtesy Visit Norway Though the first culture to heat up sweetened wine before spiking it with spirits and spices were the Romans in the 2nd century, it's hard to argue that the Nordic countries have become known for perfecting it.
While a buttered cocktail may seem off-putting to some, there's a reason this seasonal hot rum classic has endured for centuries. Learn how to make it here. Winter can be an endless, freezing drag. Luckily, nothing helps melt through seasonal malaise like a cocktail classic: hot buttered rum.
Classic Eggnog Recipe Courtesy Frank Caiafa, author, The Waldorf Astoria Bar Book While eggnog seems synonymous with Christmas, the creamy, fortifying drink came into its own as a holiday specialty in the late 1800s, says New York City bartender Frank Caiafa.
Paloma Gose (Schlafly/The Saint Louis Brewery; St. Louis); abv: 4.5% The German-style ale brewed with grapefruit, lime, coriander and salt meets Mexico's famed Paloma cocktail. It's golden and bright in the glass, with a fresh grapefruit-peel scent. It drinks like a classic sour gose. It includes a distinctly mouthwatering saline quality, finishing with refreshing lime acidity.
Brewers have begun crafting beers evoking the flavors of classic cocktails. Here are six you need to try, and the recipes behind the originals.
"Don't bother with churches, government buildings or city squares. If you want to know about a culture, spend a night in its bars." -Ernest Hemingway The Hemingway daiquiri has arguably become the most popular variation of this classic rum cocktail, perhaps unseating the undisputed heavyweight champion of the 1990s, the frozen strawberry daiquiri.
Often a blank canvas for a variety of innovative upgrades, the classic Hot Toddy recipe is still the best entry point to the world of warm cocktails. As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Two of the world's most refreshing drinks, beer and the Moscow Mule, collide here. Get the recipe for the original ginger-beer and vodka cocktail as well.
The Classic Hot Toddy Recipe Some people love winter. Some people also do "polar bear plunges" for fun. While it's not our place to tell anyone they're right or wrong on matters of opinion, this article is for those who think the best part of cold weather is hiding from it, and keeping as warm as possible while looking out the window at a winter wonderland and saying to themselves, "Not today."
This Irish whiskey-powered Hot Toddy brings together pumpkin puree and a unique walnut liqueur called nocino for a warm, winter specialty unlike any other. Recipe courtesy Colicchio & Sons , New York City This hot toddy variation balances the fresh, bright flavor profile Irish whiskey with touches of pumpkin, walnut and blackstrap molasses.
Brown & Stirred (Pipeworks Brewing, with Longman & Eagle; Chicago); abv: 10.5% This Manhattan-inspired ale, made in conjunction with whiskey-focused bar Longman & Eagle, is particularly exciting. It's made with cherries, corn in the mash and faux "bitters." It's then aged for 18 months in three different rye whiskey barrels ( Rittenhouse, Willett and Dad's Hat Vermouth-Finished Rye).