marcia

Woodinville Age Your Own Whiskey Kit

post icon

Distilling your own whiskey at home is complicated … not to mention illegal. But if you want the satisfaction of making your own whiskey, here’s a kit that’s pretty close.

The Woodinville Age Your Own Whiskey kit comes with two bottles of 110-proof white dog unaged whiskey, an aging barrel, funnel, glasses and, of course, instructions. The barrel is pretty small at 2 liters so the whiskey will age in about three to six months.… Read more

Lunazul Tequila

post icon

Lunazul Tequila is a smooth, 100% blue agave tequila that tastes more expensive than it is.

Lunzaul Blanco

In general, the blanco variety of tequila can sometimes be too harsh, if not done well. However, Lunazul Blanco is very smooth while still possessing a little heat.

It has a strong agave nose (which is a good thing) with a hint of fruitiness. There’s a mild floral taste accompanied by a hint of pepper and citrus. … Read more

Beer and Pretzel Marshmallows

post icon

What’s better than kicking back with some beer and pretzels? Why, adding some chocolate and marshmallow to the mix, of course! Beer and pretzel marshmallows are a brilliant creation.

Confectioner Truffle Truffle makes beer marshmallows (I didn’t know there was such a thing), dips them in chocolate and tops them off with a beer and pretzel brittle. Sweet, salty, crunchy, chewy … with beer. Though they were created for the Super Bowl, I don’t think … Read more

Chocolate-Covered Strawberries

post icon

Chocolate-covered strawberries are the perfect romantic treat for Valentine’s Day. They pair well with Champagne and sparkling wine. They look pretty on the plate. However, they are actually inexpensive and easy to make.

When pairing this with champagne, you can’t go wrong. But if you’re looking for a nuanced pairing, keep in mind that you want the Champagne or sparkling wine to be as sweet as the chocolate. “Brut” has the least sugar, which would … Read more

Super Bowl Recipes

post icon

Super Bowl party food is the best!

Game time is the perfect time for those snacks you’ve been craving for months. No matter whom you’re rooting for, here are a few of our favorite Super Bowl food recipes:

Buffalo Wings
Creamy Artichoke Dip
Slow Cooker Super Bowl Chili
Sliders with Chipotle Mayo
Mexican Layered Dip
Deviled Eggs
Bacon Cheddar Popcorn
Whiskey Brownies

Football-Themed Cocktails

Photo by Ron Almog.… Read more

DIY – How to Make a Spiral Lemon Zest Garnish

post icon

A beautiful lemon spiral is a great garnish for cocktails like the French 75 or any cocktail that you want to add a little lemon oil to. You can also do this with oranges for cocktails that call for an orange twist. It takes a bit of practice but, as you’ll see in this video, it’s not that hard. All you’ll need besides lemon is a citrus zester, also called a channel knife.

 

 

Read more

Kentucky Apple Sour Jellies

post icon

Jell-O shots are fun, but they don’t taste like cocktails.  This sophisticated take on the Jell-O shot, which like the Brits we’re going to call a “jelly,” tastes like a cocktail in solid form. I reinterpreted the Kentucky Apple Sour, a recipe from our upcoming book DIY Cocktails, and turned it into a jiggly finger food. I used sparkling apple juice because I had some in the house and think it adds a little … Read more

New Year’s Eve Party Recipes

post icon

If you’re ringing in the coming year at home with a few friends, here are some cocktail and appetizer recipes to help you start the New Year right.

Champagne Cocktails

The original Champagne Cocktail
Shrinking Violet Champagne Cocktail
Godiva Royale
New Year’s Swanky Toast
Sparkling Rye Cocktail

Appetizers

Gorgonzola Bites
Pico de Gallo
Bruschetta
Shrimp Cocktail
Spanish Albondigas
Champagne-Mushroom Crostini with Chevre

Photo by D Sharon Pruitt.… Read more

New Year’s Eve Champagne for Every Budget

post icon

It’s almost time to toast in 2011! So here are our bubbly picks to help you ring in the New Year.

Sparkling Wine under $15

Korbel Brut Rose: Korbel offers affordable sparkling wines made in the traditional way for many decades. While most aren’t too nuanced, they are solid offerings with pleasing flavors and textures. The brut rose will bring a splash of color to your celebration along with the melon flavor and moderately … Read more

Peppermint Froth

post icon

This creamy, peppermint treat in cocktail form is perfect for cozy nights by the fireplace.

Ingredients

    1 ½ parts vodka
    1 part peppermint schnapps
    ½ part simple syrup
    ½ part cream

Instructions

Shake all ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Strain into rocks glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with chocolate or chocolate-covered peppermint sticks.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Grey Goose.… Read more