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Right now is a great time to be a fan of cocktails and spirits. It seems like virtually every day I hear about something new that piques my interest but only a handful have I had a chance to actually sit down and create cocktails for. Recently I was invited to test out TUACA, a fantastic vanilla citrus liqueur that is said to trace its roots all the way back to Lorenzo de Medici and later became popular in the United States after servicemen brought it home from Italy during WII. In the classic pattern we've seen with cocktails in general, TUACA is starting to become popular again with a whole new generation. 

The changing seasons are always something I look forward to, autumn especially so. We'll bring loved ones together, celebrating the survival of another fun filled summer, and prepare the incredible feast that will become Thanksgiving dinner.

Vodka is one of those spirits that moves easily among the seasons. It’s versatile, making for cool cocktails during warmer months, while effortlessly accepting spicy flavors over many a chilly evening.

I first enjoyed Murphy Goode a few months ago at a steakhouse in San Diego and was curious to learn more. The wine I had, 2015 Red Blend, paired well well the steak and I appreciated the simple confidence of the bottle and label design. It brings back a feeling that this is ultimately wine made to be enjoyed and not a pretentious expression of wealth and sophistication. The product speaks for itself and since then I've enjoyed several different bottles and appreciate that they are able to deliver an excellent product at a variety of price points from $15 to $45 so you don't have to worry about "picking the wrong one".

I am always on the lookout for unique wines from different regions of the country. In fact, this is somewhat of an obsession for me to the point where I would often pass an opportunity to try something that the "wine snobs" rave about to try something more unique from a lesser-known wine region. While I have a deep appreciation for classics from the world's renowned wine regions like Napa and Bordeaux, there's something truly exciting about discovering new expressions of wine in less traditional locales.

One of my absolute favorite places to visit for California wines is Paso Robles and while it is hardly a secret for Calfiornia wine enthusiasts... it is still off the radar for many folks back east who only think of Napa when it comes to fine California wines. Well... guess what... I have a new favorite source for the best California cabs... DAOU Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon has stolen my heart!

I'm a huge fan of cocktails, but as much as I love pushing the envelope with fancy bitters and exotic alcohol - nothing beats the pure simplicity of a classic Manhattan or an Old Fashioned. Last month I spent some time in Vegas Las Vegas (where I sampled many many Old Fashioned derivatives). I realized that there was really no reason why you had to stick with tradition. Old Fashioned Or Manhattan might be the name... but really, there's no reason why you can't swap bourbon for rye or even cachaca!

Making a classic cocktail is a skill that will impress your guests at a party, but sometimes that can prove to be challenging to get things "just right". Here's a way to cheat a bit and make some classic drinks such as an Old Fashioned or a Boulevardier quick and easy.

Santa Maria is the last of the Central Coast wine regions for us to explore and after spending a few days here, I'm ready to head back... and I want to bring some guys with me! Santa Maria is situated at the north west end of Santa Barbara County and roughly half way between Santa Ynez Valley and San Luis Obispo. On the surface, it lacks the glamour of Santa Barbara and the prestige of Paso Robles and that's why we'd passed over it so many times before, just simply driving past. However, this might just be one of the most exciting destinations when it comes to planning a guys weekend getaway anywhere on the Central Coast.

Members of the Millennial Generation tend to be more likely to get into craft beer than into great wines, which is a shame because many of them do not know what they are missing out on. Besides producing great beer, focused marketing is something that American craft breweries are really good at, and it is a business aspect that the wine industry should improve upon in order to invite younger aficionados.

Most people outside of San Diego know Cutwater Spirits as simply canned cocktails but unlike many other canned cocktail companies, their passion for premium spirits and creativity is manifested also by the awesome craft cocktails that they offer at their Tasting Room & Kitchen here in San Diego. We are happy to support any new concoction that they come up with but this one is special since it will also be supporting The Center SD, one of the nation's top LGBT community centers.

For some, staying at an all-inclusive resort is about rest and relaxation in some exotic location far from home. For me, one thing I love about traveling is discovering new and exciting cocktails - or familiar ones in new locations. That's why I love staying at all inclusive resorts like Villa Del Palmar in Loreto Mexico. Even though my stay was covered by the resort, having access to an open bar means you can try new things without the fear of wasting money. You've already paid for it... so let's enjoy it!

The classic Caipirinha is considered the national cocktail of Brazil and I can see why. It's cool, crisp and refreshing with that laid back tropical feel but still refined enough to be enjoyed at the fanciest of occasions. I don't see it served that often outside of Brazilian restaurants though, which is a shame since it is so tasty. I suppose that's just one more reason I love going to Fogo de Chao...

It's Halloween time again and while once we prepared to go out and trick or treat collecting candy and other treats... as well as inflicting treats on those who dared to hand out carrots and apple slices, today we're adults. That means it's time to take our treats to the next level and enjoy some spooky Halloween cocktails. Here's our roundup of some of our favorite cocktails for your Halloween party this year!

If you were lucky like we were in North West Ohio, you may have gotten a pretty awesome lightshow this past weekend. It was truly an extraordinary experience that normally you might need to head north to Alaska or Finland to experience. For Heather and I though, we got to not only enjoy the lights... but sampled some fabulous wines from Oregon that were made in celebration of the Northern Lights. Borealis Vintners couldn't have picked a more perfect time since their Rose, Pinot Gris, and White Blend arrived just in time for us to chill them a bit and put it in our cooler to enjoy while relaxing outside enjoying the northern lights.

When it comes to wine tours, most people think of the various AVAs around the United States, and countries like France, Spain, and Italy. What you may not know is that South Africa is a rising star, offering some unique varietals as well as a stunning countryside to explore. If you’re planning an international adventure that includes wine, South Africa may be the next destination you should check out.

The Humboldt Distillery is located in Humboldt County, California and makes several spirits, including vodka and rum, that appeal to those with a more humble(dt) preference. We tried Humboldt’s Finest vodka as well as the organic small batch vodka they make. Both are excellent. Our preference in sipping is perhaps with the organic small batch, but it’s a close race. For mixers, Humbdoldt’s Finest is a great one.

August 3^rd marks National Watermelon Day and CÎROC wants you to celebrate summer the right way. Bring a touch of fun to any Summer celebration with limited-time only CÎROC Summer Watermelon vodka, five times distilled and made from fine French grapes with a distinct blend of fresh watermelon and other natural flavors.

Ok, so that's a bit of a click-bait title since the reality is that almost every winery is unique and brings with it a personality and decor that is special in its own way. However, for guys who are looking for the "experience" of doing a Sonoma wine tour rather than the connoisseur looking only to visit their favorite, most technically excellent wineries, there are some vineyards and tasting rooms that are better than others. The sweet spot is when winemakers are able to blend excellent wines with a fun unique experience that guys of all levels will enjoy visiting. Thanks to the folks at the Sonoma Wine Road, for helping put this awesome itinerary together for us. 

You probably already know that California produces some of the world's best wines. The Wine Institute sent over some facts about California wine that you might not already know though. 

We're excited to see some new options from one of our favorite vodka company - CIROC when it comes to canned cocktails. Don't worry though... they haven't abandoned the "pour it yourself" variety of cocktails either. Which of these is going to be on your table for Memorial Day weekend parties?