Drink of the Week » Cocktail Blog

Dubonnet Cocktail

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:18:22 PDT

Dubonnet was created in the 1840s as a way to make Quinine more palatable for French Foreign Legion Troops. The Quinine helps fight Malaria. The Dubonnet Cocktail surfaced in the early 1900s. It came about as Dubonnet is not great straight,but pairs nicely with gin. Know as the Zaza when served over ice, the Doubonnet Cocktail has become a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. It was also a favorite of her Mum’s.
The Queen likes … Read more

Awesome Flavored Vodkas

Alexander-Hanna — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 09:56:57 PDT

Just when you thought all the different brands had searched high and low for every fruit possible to flavor or infuse with vodka, the mad scientists behind these vodka companies have moved onto a newest trend: "shock vodka". I like to call it shock vodka because it's really about making you wonder: what can't they capture in a bottle? ...Read More

Top 5 Wines for Summer

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 29 May 2012 06:23:01 PDT

Summer is finally here! While its stays nice and chilly in San Francisco, we have heard that the heat wave has already started in other parts of the country. When the weather turns warm, I turn to lighter wines served chilled. For those white haters out there, don't despair, there are red wines that can be served chilled and roses to try. Here are our picks for wine to try this summer: ...Read More

Cookout USA – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:08:57 PDT

We thought that Cookout USA would be the perfect cookbook for Memorial Day. While not technically the start of summer, for many, Memorial Day signifies the start of summer and grilling season. I love everything about grilling season. The smell of the charcoal and grilling meats, the steamy weather and cold, refreshing drinks. Plus, there are fresh tomatoes, corn and watermelon to name a few of my food favorites! To me, summer, grilling and barbeques are intertwined and represent my favorite time of year. Although, grilling isn't just reserved for summer - my dad fires up in the grill in January and wears full hunting regalia to tend to his wares (my dad lives in Wisconsin and hunting clothes are made warm - if you are football fan, many of the Green Bay Packer fans sport this same regalia at games in the winter). ...Read More

Happy 75th Birthday Golden Gate Bridge!

Rachel Halpren — Sat, 26 May 2012 19:47:47 PDT

It's hard to believe that the Golden Gate Bridge turns 75 on May 27th. It's been a cultural icon, an engineering marvel and the symbol of San Francisco since it's opening in 1937. I can still remember the awe I experienced when I first time I saw it many years ago. I still experience a twinge of that awe every time I see its majestic orange-red spans suspended above the San Francisco Bay. ...Read More

Golden Gate 75

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 25 May 2012 00:30:01 PDT

This Sunday marks the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. To honor the occasion, our friend and fellow San Franciscan, Camper English, created The Golden Gate 75. A riff on the classic French 75, Camper replaces the Gin and Lemon for Campari and Orange Juice, giving the cocktail the same hue as the famous span.

read more about this cocktail and more at Alcademics.com… Read more

The Savoy Cocktail Book Review – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:14:14 PDT

The first print of The Savoy Cocktail Book was written during the darkest hours of Prohibition by a barman that sought refuge at the famed American Bar in the Savoy Hotel in London. Like many great American barman, Harry Craddock was forced to flee his native land in order to ply his craft. Luckily for us, he headed off to the American Bar where he was the head barman from 1925 to 1939 and wrote this time honored cocktail book. For those in love with the current craft cocktail movement, this book can be your blueprint. For many years, it was the bartender's bible and served as an oasis in the American bartending movement, which has only now began to truly recover from Prohibition. ...Read More

DOTW Talks to Pür Spirits

Skyler-Brown — Thu, 17 May 2012 22:30:29 PDT

A few weeks ago, DOTW sat down with Kiki Braverman, an amazing woman from the deepest of rural Bavaria. She's reviving old European distilling traditions and importing her products to the U.S. under the name Pür Spirits. ...Read More

The New North Beach

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 11 May 2012 05:00:23 PDT

This week’s drink was is an original creation of mixologist Ben Smith of 15 Romolo in San Francisco. In his words:

“It’s kind of a play off a Trinidad Sour. Which is 2 oz Angostura bitters and 1 oz lemon. The New North Beach is a contemporary version with hints of vanilla from the carpano and light notes of cinnamon and spice from the amaro balanced with the acid of lemon, all rounded out by
… Read more

Hamburger Week Is Here!

Kristian Richards — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:50:22 PDT

We've rounded up an awesome burger recipe and some great cocktails to satisfy everyone from the safe sipper to the daring drinker ...Read More

Happy Cinco De Mayo! Enjoy with this Twisted Sister Mariachi Mashup

Jonas Halpren — Sat, 05 May 2012 11:40:29 PDT

It’s Cinco de Mayo! Starting with Cheap Trick and Surrender, Hornitos is making a annual event of mashing up famous rock groups with a mariachi band. This year, Twisted Sister jumped in. Dee and the Band created this new, one-of-a-kind version of their 1984 hit “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. Look like last year’s video was taken off of YouTube? Hornitos folks we want to see that!
Enjoy!

Download it for free:… Read more

Kentucky Derby Drinks & Eats

Kristian Richards — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:44:13 PDT

Whether you're into horses, into betting or just love a good, old-fashioned race, this year we've got some awesome choices to make sure the fun keeps going well past the two-minute mark. ...Read More

Cinco de Mayo Celebration Cocktails

Kristian Richards — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:09:49 PDT

The sun is out, the weekend is here and it's time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! ...Read More

May Is National BBQ Month!

Kristian Richards — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:21:59 PDT

This year it’s all about cool drinks with fresh, seasonal ingredients and great flavors that compliment your yummy meal. Lucky for you, there’s still time to try out some of our best spring recipes! ...Read More

Beer Review: Big Daddy IPA

Holly Abrahams — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:33:24 PDT

My favorite thing about Big Daddy is that the ale retains a crisp flavor that does not weigh the ale or the drinker down ...Read More

A Party For Repeal Day – A Happy End To Prohibition

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:45:14 PDT

While January 16 marks a sad day in US history (it's the day that Prohibition went into effect), it's opposite is Repeal Day, which occurs on December 5. We thought that we would throw a discussion of Repeal Day into the mix to make sure that everyone knew Prohibition ultimately had a happy ending. Repeal Day is celebrated around the United States every year and each year, the celebration grows. For Repeal Day 2011, DOTW took to the road and journeyed across the country to spend it with our friends at the Left Coast Bartenders Guild in Tampa Bay, Florida. ...Read More

When The Rivers Ran Red – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:24:51 PDT

When The Rivers Ran Red examines the impact of Prohibition on California's wine country, particularly the famed Sonoma County. Vivienne Sosnowski spent many hours researching this little discussed topic, including hours of oral interviews with the few survivors of Prohibition, who were in their 90's by the time Ms. Sosnowsky interviewed them. I have to admit that this book made me see red when reading it. Living in San Francisco, we are in close proximity to the wine country, and I particularly love Sonoma Valley. I could only imagine the impact that Prohibition had on so many hard working Americans in the wine industry. ...Read More

Earth Day Pisco Sour

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:53:58 PDT

As more and more distilleries open around the world, many are embracing the use of sustainable methods. The week’s drink come to us from Pisco Portón, a Peruvian mosto verde pisco, committed to sustainability. It is made at the oldest working distillery in the Americas, Hacienda la Caravedo, a distillery that combines age-old Pisco making traditions with eco-friendly modern technology, including:

A roof garden that naturally converts carbon dioxide emitted by fermentation into oxygen, reducing
… Read more

Absolut Icebar Stockholm Review

Rachel Halpren — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 07:00:19 PDT

On a recent trip to Stockholm, I dropped in to the Absolute Icebar Stockholm. It was cool, very cool! I had always wanted to stay at an ice hotel (and had read up on the one that is built in Quebec each year), but I didn't really know what to expect. It was far more than I expected, and honestly, much colder than expected. ...Read More

Plymouth Gin Review

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 18:44:55 PDT

Plymouth Gin is the gin of the officers of the British Navy. While the enlisted men drank rum, the officers drank Plymouth Gin. Since 1793, Plymouth Gin has been produced in the town of Plymouth, England, a city located on the south-west coast of England. In fact, the pilgrims on the Mayflower took shelter from a storm there as they set sail for the new world. Maybe this is why they named their town Plymouth. Unfortunately form them, the Pilgrims didn't shelter any Plymouth Gin on their voyage as the famous gin wasn't distilled there until over 150 years later. ...Read More

Frangelico Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 06:42:47 PDT

Italy has a long tradition of making spirits and liqueurs. However, you might not know it as Italy isn't famed for their spirits or liqueurs. In fact, when you think of Italy and spirits, you probably think of Grappa. But, there is definitely more to Italian spirits than Grappa. One of them is called noisette, which are liqueurs that are made by soaking nuts in alcohol and then distilling part of the infusion again. Similar liqueurs are also made with rose, fruits and other florals. ...Read More

Bacchus & Me – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:27:57 PDT

From the author of Bright Lights, Big City comes Bacchus & Me, Jay McInerney's exploration of the world of wine. A successful author and a connoisseur of fine wine, McInerney was approached to be the wine writer for Conde Nast's House & Garden. Today, McInerney is the wine columnist for the Wall Street Journal. Bacchus & Me is compilation of stories that he wrote while at House & Garden. ...Read More

XP Pale Ale: Bear Republic Brewing Company

Holly Abrahams — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:46:27 PDT

Nestled among posh restaurants and shops lies one of Healdsburg’s greatest gems, the Bear Republic Brewing Company. The Bear is a microbrewery that produces exciting and rich house ales, all of which have been awarded prestigious honors from beer competitions from around the country. The brewery also produces limit sale seasonal brews that are always awaited with great anticipation. ...Read More

Celebrate Malbec Day!

Rachel Halpren — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 09:36:02 PDT

What was once a minor blending grape in Bordeaux France has emerged as the national grape of Argentina. What maybe this grape you ask? Why, it's Malbec. To celebrate this magnificent grape, April 17th has been designated Malbec Day! ...Read More

Titanic – A Night to Remember

Rachel Halpren — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:13:10 PDT

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of that unsinkable ship - the Titanic. Prior to it's sinking, it was certainly a good time with lots of food and plenty of booze consumed. The menus from the first and second class dining rooms are nothing but impressive. I can only imagine what drinks accompanied them. Folks back then knew how to throw them back. Poking around on the internet, I found that the ship carried cases upon cases of Champagne, wine and spirits. I would imagine that a good time was had by all until the ship went down. ...Read More

Tax Day – A Day Made For Drinking

Rachel Halpren — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 07:15:24 PDT

One of the most dreaded days of the year is rapidly approaching - April 15, otherwise known as Tax Day. Since April 15 falls on a Sunday this year, we get a day of reprieve with April 16 being Tax Day. I can think of no other day that is as hated, reviled or feared as Tax Day. Just writing this article about it makes me cringe. ...Read More

Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon Review

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 06:55:34 PDT

I didn't know much about Four Roses Bourbon other than that my friend Ingrid really, really likes it! We recently received a bottle of the Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon with the identification of Warehouse DS and Barrel 3-1I. Apparently, each of the Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon bottles come marked with their barrel identification and warehouse storage location. I thought that was pretty cool as bottles from different barrels can conceivably taste pretty different. It would be fascinating to track down a number of these bottles and do a taste test! ...Read More

2009 Caretaker Pinot Noir – Wine Wednesday

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 06:41:44 PDT

Another pick from Trader Joe's. This wine was purchased for $9.99, a steal for a Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley, which is near Santa Barbara California. For those of you who remember, this region was part of the Sideways journey. I am pretty picky about Pinot and this is one of the growing regions that I think produces some of the best Pinot Noir in California. My fave is Russian River and the Santa Maria Valley isn't far behind. ...Read More

Drambuie Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 20:48:19 PDT

According to lore, Drambuie is fit for a King. In fact, it was allegedly invented by a Prince of Scotland who would have been King of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland if his insurrection has succeeded. We are speaking of Prince Charles Stuart, whose lineage included many of the Kings of Scotland and a few in England after the two countries united under James Stuart in 1603. In 1745, Charles sailed to Scotland and with the aid of the Scottish Highlanders, a fierce bunch of men, began their quest to retake Scotland for a "Scottish King". During this period, there was much strife in England and Scotland. In Scotland, it was the Highlanders versus the Lowlanders, who had benefited the most from the merger of England and Scotland. The Highlanders wanted to be left alone with their Scotch and were no fans of the heavy taxes levied on their fine beverage. ...Read More

Burke’s Complete Cocktail and Tastybite Recipes – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:00:14 PDT

Mr. Burke was very particular and fastidious in his instructions. This trait shines through in his instructions from eating while drinking, whether those drinks are wine or cocktails, to the number of shakes or stirs to execute the perfect cocktail. According to Mr. Burke, cocktails should accompany appetizers and he provides a number of appetizer recipes. Interestingly enough, a number of these recipes call for anchovies, something that most Americans wouldn't touch with a ten foot poll in the 21st century but that are so delicious if you give them a try. ...Read More

Cadenhead’s Scotch Shop

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:00:07 PDT

I lucked into Cadenhead's. Staring at their board of scotch whiskies, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Instead of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, it was Rachel and the Whisky Shop. I was in awe and yet overwhelmed. I was paralyzed by the choices and requested help. In my second stroke of luck that day, Mark Davidson, the Manager of Cadenhead's, assisted me. Mark was one of the most informative scotch experts I have met. He spent almost an hour with me explaining the different styles and distilleries and I felt like we barely scratched the surface (as that is just what we did). Seriously, I could have talked to him all day and it left me with an overwhelming desire to return to Scotland, if only to spend more time with Mark. Check out Mark's Scotch site at www.jollytopertastings.co.uk. ...Read More

Party Like a Mad Man

Judy-Gelman — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:17:11 PDT

If you’re planning a Mad Men-style party to welcome Don, Roger and Betty back this season, establish the mood with episodes of Mad Men (with the sound off) running on televisions strategically located in your party space. Your favorite Mad Men characters will virtually be guests at your affair! ...Read More

Fun Wines For Easter

Rachel Halpren — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 06:29:51 PDT

f you want to break out of your wine rut and try something fun for Easter, we have the wines for you. And, don't feel like you can only drink these wines for Easter. Feel free to drink them all year. These wines aren't your standard fare but they are fun, flirty and funky. These wines are approachable - they don't need to age in your cellar (or your dark closet) for a few years or decades to be at their best. You can grab them at the wine shop and drink them the minute you get home. In other words, low maintenance. ...Read More

Easter Cocktails — Put A Hop In Your Step!

Kristian Richards — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:24:11 PDT

While it's usually the children that get to indulge in this sweet, candy-filled holiday, we know that you need something to keep a smile on your face, too! ...Read More

Gruner Veltliner – A Wine For Passover and Easter

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:33:38 PDT

We don't want to commit sacrilege but we have the perfect wine for both Passover and Easter or maybe a joint celebration if you reside in a household that celebrates both. But, we will warn you that these may not be the wines for your Passover if you want Kosher wines. But, trust us. Whether you have never heard of Gruner, may have heard it in passing or consider yourself a Grunerphile, this wine will make the perfect perfect accompaniment to matzo ball soup, roast chicken, ham or turkey. We know, we have tried them out. ...Read More

Three Olives Loopy Vodka Review

Alexander-Hanna — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 07:46:23 PDT

Three Olives latest flavor should taste VERY familiar to most of us. If the name didn’t give it away, the bright and colorful “O’s” on the label should do the trick. It's Froot Loop flavored vodka and although it sounds crazy, so did just about every other flavor of vodka that has become a staple behind the bar (think whipped cream, marshmallow, sweet tea). Three Olives themselves describe Loopy as “A dastardly delicious medley of tropical fruit and imported English vodka”. Dastardly delicious might just be the understatement of the year. From the tropical red berries to the strong scent of citrus, this one hits all the right notes to create a tasty vodka and completely emulate the taste/aroma of a fresh bowl of Froot Loops in the morning. Don't worry, we wont think less of you if you break out the milk with this one but if your pour it in a bowl and try drinking it with a spoon, consider yourself judged. ...Read More

Pork and Pinot – A Perfect Combination For Easter

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 06:01:02 PDT

Easter is around the corner and you might be asking yourself what wines to serve to accompany Easter dinner. We know that a number of you maybe serving ham and chicken. There is no better combination than pork with Pinot, and it goes pretty well with chicken as well. We say Pinot, we are talking about the major players in the Pinot family, which includes the famed Pinot Noir, the sublime Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris in some circles, and the elusive Pinot Blanc. Notice that these are the main players in the family. Like the popular playboy, Pinot Noir gets around, resulting in a number of mutations and crosses with other grapes. It certainly keeps it interesting. ...Read More

2009 Archeo Nero d’Avola – Wine Wednesday

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:18:18 PDT

Nero d'Avola is the main red grape grown in Sicily. It's generally dense and jammy with dark red fruits. If you like Syrah, you might be a fan of Nero d'Avola. However, this wine can run the gamut. The Archeo version is a very light version of Nero d'Avola. If it were a little lighter, it would be a borderline rose. However, the Archeo is highly drinkable and enjoyable. It's an affordable every day wine! Salute! ...Read More

Kosher Wines for Passover

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 06:00:20 PDT

To celebrate Passover, we have come up with a list of some of our favorite Kosher wines to help you celebrate. You might be bowled over when you see favorite and Kosher wine in the same sentence, but it's true. There is so much more to the world of Kosher wine than what you might think. For most people, Kosher wine is syrupy sweet wines that are synonymous with Manischewitz and Kedem, which interestingly enough, aren't usually Kosher for passover as they are sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. But, fear not. There are some amazing Kosher wines that are also Kosher for Passover coming out of Israel and France. In addition to the ones listed below, do some research and seek out other Kosher wines you like. ...Read More

Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:42:12 PDT

When the flavored Martini craze hit in the late 1990's, early 2000s, I was pretty excited. I really love Jolly Ranchers and the flavored schnapps reminded me of Jolly Ranchers. In fact, I used to joke that a Watermelon or Apple Martini was a Jolly Rancher for adults. Even thought the flavored Martini craze is supposedly now passe, I still love a good Watermelon or Apple Martini. We recommend you make up a pitcher to help the adults celebrate Easter. Here is our tasting note for the Hiram Walker Watermelon Schnapps: ...Read More

DOTW Talks to Mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:17:00 PDT

A few months back, DOTW was lucky enough to sit down with Jacques Bezuidenhout, the brand ambassador for Partida Tequila. Jacques is an interesting fellow who is a master mixologist and tequila junkie. Not something that I would expect from a guy hailing from South Africa. Also, Jacques won the 2011 Brand Ambassador of the Year Award at Tales of the Cocktail. I imagine it being a little like being the Miss America of the cocktail world but I have to admit that I forgot to ask Jacques about. ...Read More

Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 06:55:09 PDT

We recently received a copy of Sweet Cream and Sugar Cones by the folks behind Bi-Rite Creamy. OMG, I could barely contain my glee. Bi-Rite Creamery has the closest to perfect ice cream that I have ever tasted. And, take it from me, I am quite the connoisseur. I can't even think of one place that I have visited where I didn't sample the local wares. Seriously, if you get to San Francisco, make sure that the Bi-Rite Creamery is on your list of San Francisco landmarks. You will not be disappointed. ...Read More

Game of Thrones – A Return to Battle

Rachel Halpren — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 10:01:32 PDT

Game of Thrones returns. There are burning questions to be answered. Who will control the Seven Kingdoms? Will Daenerys and her dragons cross the sea and return to the Seven Kingdoms? Can anything top the Crown of Gold? Can the imp control Goeffrey? ...Read More

Pliny the Elder

Holly Abrahams — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 09:22:22 PDT

Sonoma County has stellar breweries that offer complex versions of the beer varietals we have all come to know and love. While so many think of wine when they head to this vineyard-clad area, I have come to think beer. ...Read More

March Mix Madness: The Gin Sectional

Justin Good — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 08:32:20 PDT

Instead of us declaring the winner; you break the shaker out yourself and let us know who reigns supreme! ...Read More

Fire & Ice

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 22:51:04 PDT

Fire & Ice is inspired by the struggle to defend the Iron Throne and the feuding families in Westeros. Created by mixologist Joel Black, the cocktail combines spicy bourbon with the intense flavors lime juice, jalapeño and sweet pomegranate juice to create a dynamic fusion of fire and ice in every sip.

Mix up some Fire and Ice while you enjoy the new season of Game of Thrones this Sunday night!!… Read more

Ketel One Citroen Review

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:31:39 PDT

Ketel One has a long and proud heritage. It was started in 1691 in Schiedam, Hollland by Joannes Nolet and has been passed from father to son for over three hundred years. We are looking forward to the day that it passes to a daughter as well given the increasing role of women in distilling and the industry. Ketel One historically produced a dutch spirit genever, which reminds me of a cross between vodka and … Read more

Hiram Walker Creme de Menthe Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 06:40:21 PDT

In keeping with this week's Mad Men theme, we are reviewing the Hiram Walker Creme de Menthe. Creme de Menthe was incredibly popular in the 1960's and for good reason - it's delicious. It makes me sad that we miss out on so much that is yummy and good by wanting to do the opposite of what our parents and grandparents did. I really think that we lose out on some truly delicious food and drink that way. Sometimes, we are rescued from the error of our ways by a glimmer through the vastness of time. That glimmer for the 1960's is Mad Men. And, lucky for us, the fashion, the food and most importantly, the drink has come roaring back. ...Read More

The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 06:06:22 PDT

The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook did not disappoint. It was the perfect blend of Mad Men recaps paired with the booze and food consumed on the show with a shot of historical context on the side. It was like the Boilermaker of books. Kudos to the authors who must of watched hundreds of hours of Mad Men to nail down such details and researching the recipes. Also, since Mad Men has been off the air for so long, it also helped me remember the details of the past seasons. ...Read More

Cocktail Casting Call: Mad Men

Justin Good — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 10:41:34 PDT

The hottest Madison Avenue firm on television is back! This Sunday Mad Men kicks off it’s fifth season on AMC and you better not be caught with an empty glass when the show starts... ...Read More

DOTW Talks To Vidal Fleury

Rachel Halpren — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 07:33:12 PDT

We recently had a very special wine tasting with Guy Sarton du Jonchay, the winemaster of Vidal Fleury, where we tasted through the Vidal Fleury portfolio with Mr. du Jonchay. During the tasting, we found out that Vidal Fleury is the oldest winery in the Rhone Valley having been established and in operation since 1781. Imagine my excitement when I found out that Thomas Jefferson visited the winery in 1787 in his wine tour of France and Italy and was the first person to export Vidal Fleury to the United States. Not to be too geeky, but I was an American history major and have always loved Thomas Jefferson who was a true renaissance man and wine lover! ...Read More

Firebelle Lil

Rachel Halpren — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 06:00:09 PDT

March is National Women’s Month. We have asked one of our favorite female bartenders, Pipi Rae Diamond, to come up with a drink in honor of National Women’s Month. Since we are in San Francisco, Pipi choose to honor Lilly Hitchcock, a 19th century San Francisco socialite who was the honorary mascot of the San Francisco Fire Department. Lilly Hitchcock was a woman ahead of her time and was quite the firecracker. If you ever … Read more

The Hunger Games Are Here!

Ingrid-Cheng — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:25:44 PDT

Today marks the much-anticipated release of The Hunger Games movie. If you’re like me, you’ve lost sleep reading the book into the wee hours of the morning, at the expense of the next day’s productivity. ...Read More

Glen Grant 10 Yr. Single Malt Whiskey Review

Jonas Halpren — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 06:17:04 PDT

This scotch is the perfect spirit for beginning scotch drinkers. It expresses the essence of scotch with its soft nose and palate expressions of dried fruit and kernal flavors, such as toffee, with none of the intensity or smokey peat that may turn off beginning drinkers. This soft and approachable qualities also make it a great scotch to use in cocktails. The Glen Grant 10 Yr. Single Malt Whiskey also clocks at an entry level price at just under $40. ...Read More

2010 Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Review – Wine Wednesday

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 06:07:31 PDT

This week's Wine Wednesday is the 2010 Stoneleigh Pinot Noir and it hails from Marlborough New Zealand. While we receive this wine as a sample, it appears to retail from $9.99 to $17 and at $9.99, just sneaks into Wine Wednesday. There have been many a wine from Italy and Spain featured in the Wine Wednesday column, but not so many from New Zealand. While the wines from New Zealand aren't overly expensive, they generally don't fall into the $10 and under category. But, a number of them can be had in the $10 to $20 range and are still a good value at those prices. ...Read More

It’s Spring!

Jonas Halpren — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 04:30:57 PDT

We made it! Spring is here. So, what does spring mean for us? Vibrant fresh cocktails, that's what! ...Read More

Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 22:22:06 PDT

Last week, I volunteered at a fantastic Grand Marnier tasting at San Francisco's own Boothby Center. We were lucky enough to taste through the Grand Marnier portfolio with its Master Distiller Patrick Raguenaud. Mr. Raguenaud was charming and incredibly knowledgeable. He captivated the audience for almost two hours. Not necessarily an easy task when discussing the fine art of distilling. The audience was captivated by both Mr. Raguenaud's discussion and the incredible cocktails using Grand Marnier crafted by H. Joseph Ehrmann of Elixir and the Barbary Coast Conservancy of the American Cocktail. ...Read More

Cooking My Way Back Home – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 06:15:44 PDT

Cooking My Way Back Home has an amazing array of recipes, all of which would make great accompaniments to booze, whether that be cocktails, wine or beer. It's the perfect food to serve at a boozy dinner party. Personally, those are my favorite kind. There is nothing better than spending an evening with friends around the table with platters of delicious food being passed and free flowing wine and cocktails. I can guarantee that the recipes in this book will not disappoint! ...Read More

March Mix Madness: The Vodka Sectional

Justin Good — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:20:07 PDT

Tired of the same old bracket where you don’t get to make your own choice? For the next four weeks, we’re going to create the ultimate barkeep bracket? ...Read More

Enjoy Some Irish Cheer With Irish Beers!

Holly Abrahams — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:08:42 PDT

Check out our list of beers to try on St. Patrick's Day, or any other day, that will truly bring out your “Irish smile.” ...Read More

Black Opal

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 05:00:38 PDT

Spicy up your pint with this creation by friend of Drink of the Week and Partida Tequila Head Mixologist, Jacques Bezuidenhou. The Black Opal combines Partida’s Repasado, Tawny Port and Guinness into what is an amazingly refreshing cocktail.

Tullamore Dew Whiskey Review

Alexander-Hanna — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:02:54 PDT

If I asked what the bestselling Irish whiskey in the world was, I'm sure most of us would correctly guess Jameson. But, could you guess the second bestselling and fastest-growing whiskey brand in the U.S. market? That's right, it's Tullamore and it's for good reason.Founded in 1829, Tullamore Dew derives its name from the initials of its creator, Daniel E. Williams. Aged in bourbon and sherry casks, it's got the three levels of easy: easy on the eyes, easy to drink and easy on the wallet. What more can you ask for? ...Read More

Irish Mist Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 06:17:57 PDT

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, we selected a liqueur that is made in Ireland, conjures up Irish history and adds a modern twist to an Irish classic. Irish Mist is linked with the history of Ireland, itself. In ancient Ireland, the Chieftains, nobles and warriors drank a wine made of honey and herbs. With the English conquer of Ireland in the 1500's and the fleeing of the Irish nobility and soldiers in the 1600's, the recipe seemed to disappear and was lost. According to lore, the recipe was lost until Desmond Williams of the Tullamore Distillery came across a manuscript containing the recipe that magically appeared in the 1940's. Mr. Williams took this recipe and adopted it, using Irish Whiskey at it's base. ...Read More

Go Green With These St. Patty’s Cocktails

Kristian Richards — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:55:54 PDT

Try these green cocktails out at your St. Patrick’s day party this weekend and let us know how it goes!

Green Sangria

Shamrock #3

Irish Spring

Absinthe Irish

Irish Sour

The Cure For Your Winter Blues!

Holly Abrahams — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 13:15:39 PDT

With spring and summer fast approaching, the time for sunshine and citrusy cocktails is almost here! ...Read More

Boozehound Review – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:35:24 PDT

In Boozehound, Mr. Wilson traces his humble drinking origins back to his parent's liquor cabinet where he was quite fond of the bottle of Sambuca, an anise flavored liqueur, that remained relatively untouched in high school. He charts his path onto college, an enlightening experience with a mentor who ordered him his first Stinger and a college trip through Europe. Not stopping, Mr. Wilson then regales us of tales from his time as a spirits writer traipsing through distilleries, going to booze festivals and stops along the way in many drinking establishments, famous and otherwise. ...Read More

Irish Coffee

Jonas Halpren — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 15:00:54 PST

First originating in the 1940s at the Port of Foynes, in the West of Ireland, by chef Joe Sheridan. Wanting to warm a some weary American passengers, Joe added some whiskey to there glass. When they inquired what sort of coffee it was, Joe replied, “Irish Coffee”. The drink became a staple at near by Shannon Airport, where it was discovered by San Francisco travel writer, Stanton Delaplane. Delaplane was so taken by the cocktail, … Read more

Try Your Luck With Irish Cocktails

Kristian Richards — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 09:00:19 PST

We’ll admit it, there may not be anything particularly Irish about these cocktails aside from the name and maybe the inclusion of a little bit of Irish whiskey. But, there’s one thing we do know for sure — you’ll love them! ...Read More

NCAA Championship Weekend Hotspots

Justin Good — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 13:10:44 PST

Got a case of the March Madness yet? We’re in full swing for NCAA Championship week as we get ready for the NCAA tournament. ...Read More

Irish Whiskey Cocktails For St. Patty’s Day

Kristian Richards — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:21:33 PST

Check out some of our tastiest Irish whiskey recipes to put some pep in your holiday step! ...Read More

Patrón Talks To DOTW – Part 2

Skyler-Brown — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:59:35 PST

The Director of Communications for Patrón discusses his passion for tequila, the versatility of the spirit and tells us about exciting, new developments for the brand. ...Read More

2010 R Collection Lot No. 3 California Cabernet Sauvignon – Wine Wednesday

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 05:46:59 PST

The R Collection is the introductory line by Raymond Vineyards, which traces it's roots to the immediate post-Prohibition era in Napa. The founder of Raymond Vinearyds, Roy Raymond arrived in Napa Valley in 1933 and married into the Beringer family. After working at Beringer for more than 35 years, Roy and his sons started Raymond Vineyards with the family working side by side for their first crush in 1974. Since then, Raymond Vineyards has earned a reputation for producing elegant wines. Luckily, it lives up to it's reputation with the R Collection. ...Read More

Luxardo Cherry Liqueur Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:48:30 PST

Today, in the heyday of the cocktail renaissance, there is probably more adored spirit than the Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur. This liqueur is it's baby brother and while the two share the same DNA with the use of the sour marasca cherry, they are very different. The Luxardo Cherry Liqueur is similar to a cherry brandy. The juice of the marasca cherries are fermented and then aged in oak barrels, which gives the Cherry Liqueur a very different flavor profile than the Luxardo Maraschino. ...Read More

The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 05:38:32 PST

The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks is a modern classic. First published in 1948, it is probably more popular today that it was when the book was initially released. ...Read More

It’s National Absinthe Day!

Kristian Richards — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:15:37 PST

Absinthe is the highly-alcoholic, anise-flavored spirit with quite a kick. ...Read More