Cocktails

 National Rum Day is coming up and so we've put together a roundup of recipes paired with hotels and resorts around the world. These picks range from daiquiri's in Key West to Rum Punch in Belize and so we're looking forward to being transported to these amazing locals virtually right now while we wait for the pandemic to recede again.

Raise your glass with Sláinte de la Noche, a cocktail inspired by the popular “Irish Coffee” as well as Teq-Kiwi, a drink as green as the Emerald Isle itself. Not into cocktails? Pick up a bottle of whiskey-like Hornitos Black Barrel, pour yourself a glass and taste what sets this unique product apart.

In honor of Mexican Independence Day, I'm sharing a tasty little recipe from Zinum Mezcal for their Basil Margarita!

Happy Scotch Day everybody! Even though Scotch is better known as a sipping spirit, it's exciting to see more and more mixologists breaking with convention and creating new experiences for our pallets like this Tartan Collins by Jordan Felix of Portland, Oregon featuring Laphroaig Select.

A drink that is famously paired with brunch (or hangovers), the Bloody Mary has been a staple of our culture for many decades. The Bloody Mary has even earned itself a national day of recognition on January 1st of every year. While the core ingredients of the drink are vodka and tomato juice, there's an endless number of variations that can take the flavor profile to new and interesting places. Here are five unusual variations of the classic Bloody Mary we know and love so well. 

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.

I love casinos, they are pure marketing and designed to offer experiences that break out of the ordinary limits of good taste and reality. In recent years, signature cocktails and ridiculous culinary concoctions are one of the big ways to draw people's attention so it should be no surprise that our friends at Southern California's San Manuel Casino are once again one-upping the guys in Vegas with their new High Limits lounge and $10,000 signature cocktail the Rare and Fine.

Are you looking for something beyond your classic mimosa to enjoy during Sunday brunch? Italian Prosecco producer Gancia sends over this delicious-sounding idea for a holiday morning spritz to enjoy this season!

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.

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.

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. 

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!

This premium brand is unveiling a collection of delectable cocktails, perfect for celebrating the season. The Cantera Negra portfolio, including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Café, stands out with no additives (except in the Café) and aging that exceeds the standard for Reposado and Añejo.

In honor of National Cocktail Day on March 24th, HAVANA CLUB and BACARDÍ are celebrating with two specialty rum cocktails sure to keep you coming back for more!

We were recently sent a sample bottle of Dos Hombres new Espadin Mezcal. Mezcal is a less abrasive form of tequila for those not in the know. For people like myself, who aren’t straight tequila fans, it’s a more palatable option with less sugar in the taste and more smoothness to the pull. 

Dig out those flip flops and the sunscreen - summer is coming!

As the weather starts to heat up, step up your day drinking with an icy treat made with Amarula Cream, a South African treat made using the fruit of the indigenous marula tree. A decadent tipple, Amarula Cream is light brown in color, creamy on the palate and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks and in an array of drinks - including boozy shakes! 

Ok guys, I've shared some easy recipes here in the past and there's something to be said for a cocktail recipe that can be shared in 3-4 lines. However, sometimes it's good to try something a little more advanced and that's what I have to share with you today from our friends at Basil Hayden's, part of the Beam Small Batch Collection.

The stakes are rising fellas'! Valentine's Day is almost here and what are you going to do? Cooke a romantic dinner? Buy Flowers? or something different?

We vote for something different and we think it's time you learned how to make some craft cocktails that show her just how much you mean to her. The folks over at Cruzan sent over these recipes to give us a head start, so let's dive in!

We all know bourbon and rye work great with cocktails, but Irish whiskey is a hidden gem that most people don't fully appreciate. However, it's sweeter, smoother nature compared to other whiskey cousins offers a fantastic opportunity to mix it up into some delicious creations. The folks over at Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey seem to agree since they sent over some fantastic recipes for us to share with you guys!

Who's ready to celebrate National Rum Day? Here's some awesome rum cocktail recipes from Zaya Rum!