In The Spotlight

1. How to measure in 'parts'

   Drinks Wire
   

   Normal people measure things in ounces, cups, tablespoons and other recognizable increments. Cocktail people often use "parts" instead, which puts the recipe in the form of a ratio. A part can be any type of measurement. All you have to do is assign a measurement increment to be a part—for example, one part equals one ounce—then ...Read More

2. Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs. Chivas Regal 18

   Drinks Wire
   

   We were recently asked to taste two amazing whiskies head to head, Johnnie Walker Blue Label vs. Chivas Regal 18. Chivas Regal 18 Chivas Regal 18 includes over 20 of Scotland’s rarest single malt whiskies Quite strong on the nose with a slight oakyness. The color is a rich dark amber. On the tongue Chivas 18 is smooth, fruity and ...Read More

3. Black Vodka for Halloween Cocktails

   Drinks Wire
   

   Mixing a Halloween cocktail that looks dark and sinister without the aid of sweet additives like grape gelatin is a challenge. Enter black vodka. You won't find American black vodka, because US government regulations say domestic distillers can't call a spirit vodka unless it is "without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color." Other countries aren't ...Read More

4. Suck & Blow

   Drinks Wire
   

   The perfect Valentine's treat! The Suck & Blow is a fun new way for people to share jello shots. Invented by Doug Hamer of South Carolina, the S&B, as it is known, is a jello shot encased in a six inch tube. What results is unabated, sexy fun. Two drinkers suck and blow to get the ...Read More

5. Monthly Mixer: Syrup Made Simple

   Drinks Wire
   

   [The Monthly Mixer is a new column by M. Quinn Sweeney, who writes about crafting cocktails at LibationLab.com] Simple syrup, is called simple for a reason. It is the easiest way to sweeten a drink, and blends into a cocktail much easier than plain sugar. You can make it at home in five minutes and store ...Read More