A History of the World In Six Glasses – Literary Monday

We spend a lot of time thinking about drinks but I was still taken aback by the impact that six beverages had on world civilization. In his book, A History of the World in Six Glasses, Tom Standage explores the effect that beer, wine, distilled spirits, tea, coffee and Coca Cola had on civilization and world history. It’s nothing short of remarkable.

Six Glasses discusses the anti-bacterial properties of beer, wine, distilled spirits and tea … Read more

Love Machine

Ingredients:
1 1/4 oz vodka
3 fresh strawberries or 1 oz of strawberry liqueur
2 oz Cascal Ripe Rouge
Garnish with strawberry

Directions:
Start by muddling strawberries with a dash of strawberry liqueur in the bottom of mixing glass. Add vodka and ice and shake hard. Pour in the Cascal, stir gently and then fine strain into a cocktail glass.

Courtesy of Cascal Soda.… Read more

Super Bowl XLII / XLVI Drinking Game

Update: Now that the Giants and Pats find themselves matched up once again in Super Bowl XLVI, we thought it appropriate to resurface this one drinking game from Super Bowl XVII. We added a few new rules to drink by. Have some rules of you own to add, do it in the comments!

New for Super Bowl XLVI
Drink anytime:

Tom Brady and Joe Montana are mentioned in the same sentence. Drink again if you

… Read more

Super Bowl MVPs: Most Valuable Pairings!

The big game is here and millions will be watching around the world as the Giants and Patriots do battle this Sunday. From barrooms to back porches, Super Bowl Parties will be in full swing and spreads will be aplenty. Freaked out because you don’t even have a menu? Take a time out and we’ll help you brush up on a few Super Bowl MVPs – Most Valuable Pairings! Pour an easy cocktail and match … Read more

Super Bowl Cocktail Throwdown – New York vs. New England

Super Bowl XLVI will be here in two short days. It’s going to be a re-match of the two teams that slugged it out in the 2008 Super Bowl. During that epic game, the upstart New York Giants surprised the nation with a win over the New England Patriots, who dominated professional football during the first decade of the 21st Century with four trips to the Super Bowl between 2002 and 2008.

In our Cocktail … Read more

Bourbon Onion Dip

Prep time: 10 minutes 
Cook time: 1 hour 
Level: Easy
Serves 6-10 

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 large sweet onions/Vidalias, peeled, halved, sliced thinly with the grain
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup Maker’s Mark Bourbon, plus 1 tablespoon
¾ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh ricotta cheese
½ cup sour cream
Few drops lemon juice
Pinch sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Crudité vegetables and chips for dipping

Directions:
In … Read more

Bourbon Apple Glazed Chicken Wings

Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken wings, trimmed
1 cup Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 can frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed (12 ounces)
½ cup soy sauce
¼ cup cider vinegar
¼ cup dark brown sugar
4 large cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon maple syrup 

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to boil on high heat and then reduce to a simmer for 30-40 minutes … Read more

2010 Domaine Des Cassagnoles Cotes des Gascon Blanc – Wine Wednesday

This week’s Wine Wednesday is a bright, crisp, zippy white. The wine didn’t pretend to be anything that it wasn’t. It was simple and refreshing and evoked days of summer during the dead of winter.

The Domaine Des Cassagnoles is located in Gascony. I can’t say that I remember having a wine from Gascony before but apparently wines from there were pretty popular during the 1980’s. Since the wine industry is more like the fashion … Read more

DIY Vanilla Vodka

Vanilla vodka is one of the tastiest and most versatile infusions you can make. Not only is it a way to put a twist on a common drink, it’s super easy! All you’ll need for to make this recipe is funnel, coffee filter and a second 750ml bottle (with cap) that has been thoroughly cleaned and re-labeled. We suggest trying this infusion in Chocolate Martini or even try making your own vanilla bourbon by using … Read more

Tales of the Cocktail – Vancouver

Tales of the Cocktail is going on the road to Vancouver, BC. Drink of the Week will be heading up the coast to experience Tales North and sign a few copies of our book DIY Cocktails. If you plan to be in the Great White North, check in to the Fairmont Pacific Rim and explore the wonderful world of cocktails.

Because it’s February in Canada, we figure this is a good way to keep warm.… Read more