Jonas Halpren

The Well-Stocked Bar for Summer

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The Washington Post laid out this simple and affordable collection of spirits that will have you making Martinis, Mojitos and Manhattans in no time. These dozen well picked bottles can be had for a mere $187. Not a bad investment for the summer. Spend another $80 bucks on on 5 specialty bottles like Pernod and Campari, and you’ll have the ultimate summer bar.

The Well-Stocked Bar for Summer [WaPo]

Also see our own guide to … Read more

Bourbon Brine

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This brine is meant for a turkey breast, but you can also use it for chicken and pork.

Ingredients:
 
½ cup Maker’s Mark Bourbon
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup sugar
6 cups water
1 piece cinnamon stick
10 pieces allspice berries
1 tablespoon black peppercorns
5 cloves garlic, crushed
2 bay leaves
1 sprig thyme
1 whole turkey breast, 6-8 lbs

Instructions:

1. Combine everything except the turkey breast in a large pot. Bring … Read more

Hendrick’s Quinetum Cordial

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I was recently summoned to the historic Haas-Lilienthal House in San Francisco for US unveiling of Hendrick’s Quinetum Cordial.  Created over several years by Hendrick’s Gin Master Distiller, Lesley Gracie, this quinine cordial was formulated to perfectly compliment Hendrick’s Gin. The recipe developed by Gracie was inspired by the work of 19th century chemist Thomas Whiffen. His pioneering work did much to develop the use of quinine in the 19th century.

A first run … Read more

Spookify Your Halloween Drinks

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We love Halloween at DOTW but we know how much work it takes to throw a kick-ass Halloween party. This year takes your Halloween party to the next level by serving some spooky cocktails. Imagine the looks of horror and fright when serving a drink with an eyeball floater!

We have been working away in our lab coming up with ways to make your Halloween even more creepy and spooky this year. Check out these … Read more

Set Sail With Bowmore

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We recently partook in a scotch and sailing expedition.  Yes, you heard that correctly.  Scotch and sailing.  Bowmore scotch to be exact.  And, it was a blast!

The sail took place on a warm and balmy day in San Francisco.  You also heard that one correctly.  In San Francisco, our summer happens in September and October when the fog recedes.  The day happened to be one of those lovely days!  Clear blue skies, sun shining … Read more

Creating Interactions: An Interview with Bar Rescue’s John Taffer

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John Taffer is the President of Bar & Nightclub Media and the Host of Spike TVs Bar Rescue (new episodes start October 6th!). I sat down (ok, had a call) with Mr. Taffer recently to discuss the new season of Bar Rescue, his new book and his years in the bar business.  John has been creating and running bars for over 35 years. To say the least, he’s seen it all.

How did you get Read more

Tailgating Drinks and Eats

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Now that Football season is on full swing, we celebrate Tailgating Week!

What is tailgating and where did it come from?

According to our sources, mostly Modern Marvels Tailgating episode, Tailgating is a truly American past time spawned by the rise of American College Football in the late 1800s.  The game of college football got it’s start on the Northeast United States around New York City.

The first game was played in 1869 between Rutgers … Read more

10 Fun Facts for Bourbon Heritage Month [InfoGraphic]

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September is Bourbon Heritage Month!

Did you know? The U.S. Senate signed “Bourbon Heritage Month” into law in 2007, reinforcing the 1964 Act of Congress that declared bourbon “America’s Native Spirit”.

Bourbon production has more than doubled since 1999 and the state of Kentucky currently has 4.9 million barrels gently aging, the highest inventory since 1978. That’s about 262 million gallons of Bourbon. There’s 2 more facts for you!

 

 … Read more

Ameica’s Cup Final – Skyy Vodka vs Shellback Rum

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The Amercia’s Cup Final is taking place here in San Francisco and two local brands are racing for the trophy.  The challenger, Team New Zealand is sponsored by Skyy Vodka, which was born about a mile from the Bay. The defender, Team USA, is sponsored by Shellback Rum, made in the Caribbean by wine giant Gallo based in nearby Modesto.

Who will win? Rum or Vodka?… Read more

Happy National Rum Day

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Today, August 16th, we celebrate rum, the wonderful spirit that is the base of many classic cocktails including the Daiquiri, Mai Tai and Piña Colada. Rum was instrumental in the growth of the American colonies, Australia and was a staple for British sailors until 1970.

So What is Rum?

It is a spirit distilled from molasses, which is a byproduct of the sugar manufacture. There are a few instances where Rum is made from straight … Read more