by J.K. O’Hanlon, author of “12 Happy Hours (Thirsty Jane Guides)” and “3 Ingredient Cocktails”

This is the time of year when the calendar pages for the next few months are red-lined with parties, making December through January look like they’re on fire. It’s a love-hate stretch of time, especially for hosts coming up with new ideas for drinks and food without pulling zombie-marathons in the kitchen.

I always suggest keeping it simple by … Read more

There is a trend for celebrities, alive and dead, to have their own wine labels. These wines are fun and make a great gift to bring for a party. This is important as we enter fall and the party season. I know that we are often scratching our heads as to a fun and appropriate gift to bring to a party. There is the added pressure given that we right about wine and booze.

We … Read more

Each year, less than two percent (2%) of port is declared “vintage”, meaning that it comes from the same year.  These wines can be found in vintage or late bottled vintage ports.  Generally, port contains wines from multiple vintages in order to preserve the style of the port house.  In this regard, it’s very similar to Champagne houses, like Veuve Clicquot or Perrier Jouet.  The decision to declare a vintage port is taken very seriously … Read more

You may not know it but your favorite celebrity might own a vineyard.  It’s very in vogue these days.  Many of you may know of Francis Ford Coppola, who I would argue is the best known celebrity vintner.  Coppola is very successful with a wide range of wine, including ones under the Coppola name, and to amazing wineries, Francis Ford Coppola Winery and Inglenook (formerly Niebaum-Coppola).  But, what you might know is that a number … Read more

Hudson New York Corn Whiskey was one of the first whiskeys made in New York State following prohibition.

From the distiller, “We double distill the corn mash pure and simple. No other flavors or sugar added. It’s then bottled at 46% without charcoal or chill filtering, giving the crystal clear whiskey a silky smooth, creamy and clean drinking experience. It’s also distinctly corny – just like your wise-cracking uncle. Cut the wax and pour.” 

New … Read more

I have long been a Tiki fan.  Way back in the day before the cocktail revolution, I dragged a bunch of friends to the original Trader Vic’s (well, it’s second incarnation since the original location burned down) in Emeryville, California.  We had a great time and I still have the coconut glass to prove it.  I have made a few returns but the coconut glass is not longer as easy to procure!

So, you can … Read more

We recently attended the Guinness International Champions Cup Soccer (er Football) tournament at San Francisco’s AT&T Park. Guinness wanted to show us some European Football and have us try their Black Lager. Black lager, you say? How is that possible, you say? We are talking about the folks at Guinness, so there. What makes it black is the dark roasted barley. This method also give Guinness Black Lager some very nice coffee notes.

Appearance: (hard … Read more

Sips & Apps is a fun cocktail and appetizer book from Kathy Casey.  Ms. Casey is a trained chef who loves her cocktails.  She consults on food, cocktails and pairing for many multinational companies and is the host of Liquid Kitchen on Small Screen Networks.  Her training as a chef and love of cocktails shine through in this innovative work.

In Sips & Apps, Ms. Casey starts out with the drinks and divides them into … Read more

What Is It? 

Box For A Bottle is a wooden, engraved gift box with personality. Occasion specific designs on the outside, engraved gift messages on the inside with special compartments to put your favorite bottle of goodness.

Why We Like It?

They are made by some crazy drink lovers from responsibly harvested wood. Each box in hand engraved right here in the USA, St. Louis to be exact. They make a great way personalize a … Read more