The first session I attended during last week’s Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans was a panel titled “2009 Big Trends in Cocktail & Spirit Service.”

The panel consisted of Jim Meehan, Michael Waterhouse, Devlin Tavern, and Simon Difford (Source Guide) and was moderated by Ryan Magarian (Aviation Gin).

The program covered the 4 Ps of Cocktail Service Success, not unlike the 4 Ps of marketing: product, precise execution, promotion, passion.

It was here … Read more

Nothing like a cool cocktail to help you chill out during the summer heat.

This fruity and refreshing cocktail, created by Beefeater London Dry Gin, is a great way to celebrate the season. Cheers! 

Beefeater 24 gin inspired me to concoct this simple cocktail that plays with the tea and citrus notes of the liquor.

I think it accentuates the spirit’s flavor and is a good match for its smooth and rich nuanced character.

Using frozen fruit and berries as ice cubes is a new thing I’ve been doing lately.

Not only is it pretty, but it cuts down on the water that will be added to your drink … Read more

Looking for a Father’s Day gift that is both thoughtful and quick?

These picks are unique liquors that stand out among other spirits of the same type. What better way to show Dad that you think he’s one of a kind.

I’ve included multiple price ranges, but these were chosen for their taste and not their price tag.

Here are a few liquor picks for the discerning Dad on your gift-shopping list:… Read more

Single-Malt Scotch:
Aberlour

Beefeater 24 is the London gin company’s fresh take on premium gin—and I like it.

It’s a smooth gin that is slightly sweeter and richer than its dry gin counterpart.

Beefeater 24 gets its name from the 24 hours it steeps in botanicals including Spanish grapefruit and Seville orange peel, bitter almond, orris root, green tea and Japanese Sencha tea.

The tea and citrus influence is very subtle but pleasing.

It’s not a flavored gin, … Read more

In keeping with our turbulent times anti-energy drinks have emerged to help us try to take the edge off. We tried a few of the following at this years annual Las Vegas Bar Show.

Drank, (www.drankbeverage.com), which uses melatonin, rose hips, and valerian root, is a purple elixir whose sole purpose is to help you relax. With the added melatonin probably best used after you get home.

Blue Lotus, (www.bluelotuslifestyle.com), incorporates the blue … Read more

Making your special someone a home-cooked meal is a romantic (and economical) way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. But remember that wine isn’t the only beverage that pairs well with food.

Cocktails, liquor and beer can compliment a meal. And since you’re in control of the food and the drink, there are a lot of ways you can tie the meal and the beverage together.

For example, you can add a garnish or ingredient to your … Read more

James Bond, the epitome of style and sophistication, always insists his martinis should be “shaken, not stirred.” However, that preference may well be a sign of his rebellious nature more than his command of the cocktail. Traditionally, martinis are stirred … and for good reason.

Many experts dismiss the idea that shaking “bruises the gin.” But they do note that while shaking makes for a colder martini, it also dilutes the martini and gives it … Read more

The New York Times reports of a new gin from Oregon that tastes and smells like Christmas. Rouge Ales is now making artisinal spirits and they flavor their gin with essence of spruce trees. Writes the Times about Rogue Spruce Gin it, “evokes the wreaths and trees of the holiday season.”

Gin With the Scent of Christmas – NYTimes.com
Rouge Spruce Gin