[The Monthly Mixer is a new column by M. Quinn Sweeney who writes about crafting cocktails at LibationLab.com]

Bottles of fluorescent fluids labeled “sour mix” can be purchased at any grocery or liquor store but what you are buying has no actual fruit or anything else found in nature. It’s an artificial conglomeration of crap that tastes like the description above implies. It’s like stirring up some Tang and calling it orange juice. Bars use … Read more

Oh, water with bubbles, you have so many names: club soda, tonic water, sparkling water, mineral water … and more.

The Kitchn blog details the differences between each, when it matters which you use and when it doesn’t.

A question that’s probably plagued many home bartenders:

…What’s the difference between tonic water, mineral water, seltzer, carbonated water, and club soda? They all seem like fizzy water alternatives, and they may

… Read more

Energy drinks aren’t one of the fastest-growing segments of the beverage industry for nothing and their displays at the Nightclub and Bar Show were enough to keep us going all day and all night! Here are a few of our favorites, as well as some others that we just can’t help mentioning for their over-the-top marketing style.

Jetset Energy. As if to stake their claim as the proverbial David seeking to slay Goliath, local … Read more

Ice is the most important ingredient for any party. You’ll not only need lots of ice to cool down bottles of beer (or a keg) white wine and sodas, but you need it for mixed drinks as well. The good news is that ice is cheap, so buy lots of it.

We recommend getting at least pound of ice per person. This should make for a cool event.

more Party Planning tips …… Read more

What is it?

There is quite a bit of confusion over what this stuff is, yet tons of drinks call for it. Basically, Sweet & Sour Mix is sugar syrup combined with lemon juice, lime juice or both.

To make mix 3 parts sugar and two parts water, heat gradually to let the sugar disovle, then let the mixture cool. Once cooled add 1 part juice and mix well. This should last a few weeks … Read more

Q: I’ve been a bartender for 30 years. Some new bartender insists on squeezing the lime. I say don’t squeeze it, let the customer decide if they want to add the flavor of a squeezed lime.

A: Personally, I agree. Better to not ruin someone’s drink, if they want to squeeze the lime, there it is, just waiting. No problem.… Read more

Q: What is orgeat syrup? Where can I get it?

A: Orgeat is an almond-flavored syrup used in both drink mixing and in baking. It can be found in most liquor stores or it can ordered over the internet at places like BevMo.… Read more