Drink of the Week » Drinks Wire

Southern Pacific Julep

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:13:06 PDT

Created by H. Joseph Ehrmann, proprietor at Elixr in San Francisco for their Cinco de Derby celebration. There is almost nothing better than a hint of peach in your Julep, a bit of ginger is better!

The Cocktails of the Ritz Paris – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 06 May 2013 05:00:35 PDT

Many moons ago, and not too long after we started DOTW (and before the recent cocktail revolution), we made a journey to Paris. We were excited to try Harry's Bar and at the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz, which was the modern incarnation of the bar at the Ritz. ...Read More

Ladies, Sauza Wants You to Make It With A Lifeguard

Jonas Halpren — Sun, 05 May 2013 15:24:40 PDT

Just in time for Cinco de Mayo and “Margarita Season”, Sauza has extedended it’s YouTube Video ad series “Make it with a Lifeguard”.
Enjoy!

Mint Julep

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:56:00 PDT

The mint julep and the Kentucky Derby have become synonymous, but how and why? The history of the Mint Julep can be traced back to the 1700s on the southern east coast of the United States. Some say it was an evolution of a Arab drink called made of water and rose petals called a Julab. Regardless, the first instance of the Mint Julep in print was in 1803s Travels of Four Years and a … Read more

Broken Shed Vodka Review

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 02 May 2013 06:00:12 PDT

Broken Shed Vodka is a premium whey vodka based in Wanaka, a small lake town in the mountains of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Broken Shed vodka has been four-times distilled, gluten and additive-free. Broken Shed Vodka is distilled from whey ... ...Read More

Nick Strangeway on Absolut Craft Herbaceous Lemon

Jonas Halpren — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:54:47 PDT

We recently met bartender Nick Strageway at San Francisco's Tick Dog to learn about his new line of all natural vodkas, Absolut Craft. Created by a master bartender, Absolut Craft was made specifically for bartending pros. ...Read More

Madison Craft Beer Week 2013

Booze Wire — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:57:35 PDT

The third annual Madison Craft Beer Week hosts more than 100 events celebrating craft beer in and around Madison, Wisconsin.

Madison Craft Beer Week runs from Friday May 3 through Sunday May 12, 2013 and features a wide variety of events highlighting Dane County’s vibrant craft beer culture. MCBW 2013 will feature beer dinners, festivals, rare bottle tastings, cheese pairings, brewery tours, classes, movies, Friday Fish Fries, and more – there is truly something for … Read more

The Perfect Drink For Every Occasion – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:10:19 PDT

If you are always looking for the perfect drink for any occasion, then this little book is the one for you. In The Perfect Drink For Every Occasion, the author will help you find drinks to help with the problems in your life, drinks that will impress a myriad of people and drinks for major life events. ...Read More

Highland Park Loki Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review

Jonas Halpren — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:05:47 PDT

Loki, is the second bottling in Highland Park’s Valhalla series. This limited edition single malt scotch is named for Loki, the Norse God of mischief or fire or both. He may not even be a full God, his status has been debated for many years. He is also a shape-shifter, for all you True Blood fans. What does this have to do with Whisky?

Gerry Tosh, Global Marketing Manager, says,

“While everyone will recognize … Read more

Mama Walker’s Breakfast Inspired Liqueurs Review

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:06:14 PDT

New from Pernod Ricard comes Mama Walker's, a new line of breakfast inspired liqueurs. ...Read More

Making Sense of Wine – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 05:00:55 PDT

Matt Kramer is a nationally renowned wine writer who has been writing and teaching people about wine since 1976. He brings an incredible amount of experience and expertise to the subject. In his first book Making Sense of Wine, Mr. Kramer puts this knowledge to good use. ...Read More

Doolittle Raiders to Enjoy 1896 Hennessy Cognac

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:31:46 PDT

Each year, the Raiders toast and turn the goblet of their fallen comrades, whose name is also inscribed upside right. When two remain, they will toast with the bottle of Hennessy. ...Read More

Shellback Silver Rum Review

Jonas Halpren — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:00:43 PDT

Shellback Rum is a new offering from Grande Antilles Cane Spirits (Gallo).

A mid-range offering, Shellback Silver and Spiced versions. Made at the famed West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados, Shellback Silver Rum is made using a combination of pot and column still distillates that are then blended together. The resulting rum, is smooth and fruity. It makes a killer base for rum punch.

Appearance: Clear with viscus legs

Nose: Clean, youthful with medium notes … Read more

Shellback Spiced Rum Review

Jonas Halpren — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:49:57 PDT

New on the rum scene is Shellback Rum from the folks in Modesto, Grande Antilles Cane Spirits (Gallo). No, it is not produced in Modesto, the rum is made at the famed West Indies Rum Distillery in Barbados. ...Read More

Harry’s ABC of Mixing Cocktails – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:45:11 PDT

Many, many moons ago, and not too long after we started DOTW (and before the recent cocktail revolution), we made a journey to Paris. We were excited to try the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz (where we were turned away for not being dressed nice enough) and even more excited to try Harry's Bar. ...Read More

Ice Balls and Free Scotch with The Macallan

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 09:37:48 PDT

The Macallan brought their road show to SF this week with loads of their amazing single malt scotch and ice balls! If you see this guy around town this weekend, make sure to have him buy you a few fingers of Macallan. ...Read More

Vodka Distilled – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:06:16 PDT

Tony Abou-Ganim, one of America's elder statesmen of mixology, recently released Vodka Distilled, a masterpiece on the subject of Vodka. Vodka is America's most consumed spirit but is largely on the outs with the cocktail crowd. Mr. Abou-Ganim thinks that this is an unfortunate state of affairs, and I happen to agree with him. ...Read More

Drink What They Drink On Mad Men

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:05:01 PDT

With another season of Mad Men starting up, w thought we'd dip in the archive and pull out some classic they'd be enjoying in the 1960s. ...Read More

Blessed Honeycomb Cocktail

DOTW Staff — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:28 PDT

The Nature Conservancy is into Cocktail Culture! They had mixologist Ektoras Binikos create the Blessed Honeycomb Cocktail to celebrate Spring!

The cocktail uses single varietal honey from Bee Raw, which sources its honey from family-owned apiaries across the country. Each variety is derived from a single floral source, giving it distinct color, flavor and aroma; the Basswood honey used in this recipe features herbal notes and a clean finish.… Read more

Every Drink in Every Episode of Mad Men – Video

DOTW Staff — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:03:37 PDT

from the folks at Slacktory.com

Win $5000 – The Star of the Bar Competition – Chicago

Booze Wire — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 09:43:45 PDT

The National Restaurant Association invites professional mixologists to show off their most creative cocktail talents using American Harvest Organic Vodka to vie for the sought-after title of Star of the Bar. The competition, which features a $5,000 cash prize, will take place at the International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) at NRA Show 2013 with the winner being selected at the Restaurants Rock party on Sunday, May 19 2013 ...Read More

Happy National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day

Jonas Halpren — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 11:27:11 PDT

Two treats for National Peanut Butter & Jelly Day. We recommend having the drink first then the awesomest PB & J ever. ...Read More

Win $1000 – The Perfect Flavor Artist Contest

Booze Wire — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:57:23 PDT

Beginning April 1, The Perfect Purée Perfect Flavor Artist contest will accept video submissions of foodservice professionals demonstrating how they use the company's products in original dishes or beverages. One winner will be selected each month through October. Winners will receive a $1,000 cash prize and be featured in the Winter 2013 issue of Chilled Magazine, as well as on-line at www.perfectpuree.com/flavorartist. Non-winners will be included in the pool of eligible entries to be considered by the panel of judges in subsequent months. ...Read More

5 Trends We Found at the 2013 Nightclub & Bar Show

Jonas Halpren — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:44:13 PDT

We recently attended the Nightclub and Bar Show in Las Vegas and here's 5 trends we saw emerge from the 700 plus exhibitors. ...Read More

2013 Manhattan Cocktail Classic Tickets On Sale Now!

DOTW Staff — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 09:47:30 PDT

“The fourth edition of the Classic is shaping up to be our best ever. We’re upping the ante on our flagship Gala event, once again, with even wilder twists and turns – and our stellar line-up of crowd-sourced events provides countless opportunities for rollicking good times throughout the city,” said Lesley Townsend Duval, Founder and Executive Director of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. ...Read More

Mixing New Orleans Cocktails & Legends – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:00:18 PDT

There is probably no American city more affiliated with drinking than New Orleans. A few come close but I don’t know if anyone can beat it. Just because you don’t live in New Orleans doesn’t mean that you can’t have a Mardi Gras bash. That is why we are highlighting Mixing New Orleans as this week’s Literary Monday pick.

Mixing New Orleans examines New Orlean’s cocktail culture through its favorite watering holes, drinking establishments (many, … Read more

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey Review

Jonas Halpren — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:00:14 PDT

In the town of Kilbeggan, Ireland sits one of the World’s oldest distillery. It dates back to 1757. After siting idle for over 50 years, Cooley Distillery (now Beam owned), began making whiskey in Kilbeggan once again. One of the 2 copper pot still used to make Kilbeggan is a 180 year old beauty from the Tullamore Dew Distillery.

They started distilling in Kilbeggan in 2010, so the whiskey we are drinking was made at … Read more

It’s National Absinthe Day!

DOTW Staff — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:50:37 PST

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

In Search of Bacchus – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:47:12 PST

In Search of Bacchus is a great book for anyone interested in wine history in far flung places and wine tourism. Also, if you are interested in blueprints for exploring various wine regions, In Search of Bacchus could be a fun, yet unorthodox, travel guide. ...Read More

Metate Margarita

DOTW Staff — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:41:30 PST

In honor of National Margarita Day, test your skills by mixing up a Metate Margarita, created by molecular mixologist Don Lee. Made with metate-infused Tequila Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice and agave syrup, this isn’t the simplest

Lee explains the background of his creation, “The recipe is inspired by the metate, which is a stone used to grind grains and spices in Mexico. It is used to make everything from tortillas to mole. The … Read more

It’s National Margarita Day!

DOTW Staff — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:05:27 PST

For National Margarita Day we wanted to share some of our favorite ways to add a little variety to your margarita -- even a recipe for sorbet! ...Read More

Gumbo Tales – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 18:11:09 PST

A number of years ago, we ventured down to New Orleans for the early parts of Mardi Gras and a tour of New Orleans drinking spots. We loved the dog parade but didn’t really love New Orleans. It wasn’t really what we expected. I had romantic notions of New Orleans. I pictured myself sipping cocktails at historic bars and restaurants and gazing upon Mardi Gras parades. I wasn’t expecting that Bourbon Street would be like … Read more

Mezcal Mai Tai

Jason Walsh — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 04:00:06 PST

There’s a couple of things that I really love. One of which is Mezcal and the other was orgeat syrup. The reserved rum balances this cocktail perfectly and provides this classic gem a whole new dimension. May you imbibe well… Read more

Bulleit 10 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Review

Jonas Halpren — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 23:03:45 PST

Diageo's small batch, Bulleit Bourbon recently released it's newest expression, Bulleit 10, a 10 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. ...Read More

Jacob’s Creek Moscato Rose – Wine Wednesday

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 06:13:03 PST

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. We have selected an almost perfect wine for the holiday! It's pink, it's slightly sweet with notes of grapes, honeysuckle, strawberries and raspberries and it's bubbly. The best part is that the wine is well below $10 in most markets in the United States. What is it, you may ask. It's the Jacob's Creek Moscato Rose ...Read More

The Book Club Cook Book – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 06:31:00 PST

Each recipe was listed with the book that is accompanies. Each entry includes a brief overview of the book, the recipe and the reasoning behind the selection of the recipe. The recipes in the book come from the authors of the books, book club members from around the country and the authors of the Book Club Cookbook, which results in an eclectic mix of sweet and savory treats to try! ...Read More

Super Bowl XLVII Drinking Game

Jonas Halpren — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 10:43:32 PST

Today in New Orleans the San Francisco 49ers meet the Baltimore Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.

Most of us will be rooting with creative food & drink.

So what not play a game during a time out? A drinking game.

We like to keep it simple here at Drink of the Week, so each take one shot (beer, booze, soda, water your choice!) at each of the following:

Super Bowl Cocktail Throwdown – San Francisco vs. Baltimore

Jonas Halpren — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 16:36:24 PST

Super Bowl XLVII is set between San Francisco and Baltimore. 49ers vs Ravens. San Francisco Bay vs. Chesapeake Bay. Blue Crab vs. Dungeness Crab. So what about drinks? We picked a 'team' for each Super Bowl City. ...Read More

Super Bowl Party Eats

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 23:01:15 PST

The Super Bowl is a great excuse to indulge in a little gluttony. I mean most of us have been pretty good since the beginning of the New Year. Why not have a great time on Super Bowl Sunday. ...Read More

A Toast to Bargain Wines – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 06:20:38 PST

I recently picked up a copy of George Taber's book A Toast to Bargain Wines. I couldn't wait to read the book given that I am a big fan of George Tabor's Judgment of Paris book, as well as budget wine. This was a book that combined the two of them. And, I appreciated the fact that Mr. Tabor was going to champion "budget wines" or "bargain wines" as he called them. ...Read More

The Curious World of Wine – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 06:53:47 PST

This week's Literary Monday pick is a book filled with fun facts about wine. Most interestingly, the book is authored by Dr. Vine. Sorry, I just couldn't resist - a book on wine authored by Vine. ...Read More

Ron Swanson Visits a Molecular Mixology Bar

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 22:01:50 PST

Stick with it, totally worth it.

Edible Cocktails – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:48:14 PST

Edible Cocktails brings us a cocktail book brimming with goodness from gardens and fruit trees. In her tome on drinking your fruits and veggies, Ms. Bovis explores the use of wine, syrups, jams, purees and vinegar as ingredients in the ever burgeoning repertoire of cocktails recipes. If that weren't enough, Ms. Bovis teaches you how to use meat, dairy and eggs in your drinks too! And don't forget to throw in the herbs! ...Read More

Skinnytinis – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 06:15:32 PST

Drinking on a diet isn't easy. Unfortunately, alcohol can pack a caloric punch. Drinks loaded up with shots are also loaded up with calories. Add in mixers and you can drink a whole meal of calories in one or two drinks. Lower in alcohol, beer, wine and cider don't pack quite the calorie punch that the hard stuff and cocktails can. But, I know that sometimes, all you really want is a cocktail. Luckily, there is a book for you - Skinnytinis - is all about the cocktails at half the calories. ...Read More

D’usse Cognac VSOP Review

Rachel Halpren — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 14:43:17 PST

D’usse Cognac VSOP is the lastest offering from Bacardi’s Chateau de Cognac, the Cognac house that produces Baron Otard. This is not your ordinary bottle of Cognac. It’s producers have gone for a completely different look on the bottle. It’s a bit gothic, a bit midieval with a double cross on a squat bottle with a glass topper. It looks pretty bad-ass for a Cognac. I guess that this is your granddad’s Cognac. Oh, and … Read more

Prosecco For The New Year

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:52:14 PST

The New Year is upon us! It's time to celebrate. But, if you are like us, you need to celebrate without breaking the budget! We have solved this problem by spending most New Year's Eves with our friends and sticking with affordable booze and food that we potluck. We end up with everything we love for the New Year - good friends, good food and good booze. For me, an essential component of the evening is also good bubbly! While I love Champagne, I generally find myself reaching for something that doesn't break the bank. One of those bottles that I reach for is Prosecco, which is a great party pleaser that doesn't break the bank. ...Read More

5 Drinking Tends That Can Die in 2013

Jonas Halpren — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:23:07 PST

Trends come and go. Here’s a few I like to see go.

Too much Amaro
Ok we get it. Amaro can add some great flavor and balance to your drink. Ever since the “discovery” of pre-prohibition cocktails, Amaros have been the cat’s meow with bartenders. Stop it. Having Amaro in every drink on your menu does not make a “craft cocktail” bar. Let’s do what the Italians do and sip Amaro after a big meal. … Read more

Dr. Cocktail – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 06:28:53 PST

Dr. Cocktail is a lovely little hardbound book peppered with interesting recipes, intriguing ingredients and luscious photos of cocktails and their ingredients. If that weren't enough, the book has catchy chapter titles and cocktail names. ...Read More

Seven Booze Trends for 2013

Rachel Halpren — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 16:30:28 PST

2013 is almost upon us! Seriously, what happened to 2012. It seems like it was here and gone in a blink of an eye. As the new year approaches, I get out my crystal ball and peer into 2013 to see what the top trends in drink will be in 2013. Here are my predictions. And, if I am wrong, I blame it on my crystal ball. ...Read More

Riunite Lambrusco – Wine Wednesday

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 06:56:53 PST

For this week's Wine Wednesday, we are heading back to the 1970's and imbibing in it's most popular wine - Riunite Lambrusco. As many of you may know, I love, love, love Lambrusco. It is fizzy and fruity and pairs really well with food. But, I had never had the wine that beget the craze in the United States - Riunite. ...Read More

The New Old Bar – Literary Monday

Rachel Halpren — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 06:26:53 PST

We can hardly believe that New Year's Eve is around the corner! If you are looking for great cocktail recipes and finger food, then this is the book for you. The New Old Bar is the latest book from Steve McDonagh and Dan Smith of the Hearty Boys (winners of the first Next Food Network Star) out of one of my favorite cities - Chicago! And, the recipes have Chicago written all over them. ...Read More

Bar10der – Ten Bartending Tools In One

Jonas Halpren — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 17:14:48 PST

Don't want to haul your whole cocktail kit to your friend's party, but want to be ready if duty calls? ...Read More

Maker’s Mark in Photos – The Ambassador of Bourbon

Rachel Halpren — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 14:16:58 PST

Not only do the photos in The Ambassador of Bourbon capture the process of making Maker's Mark bourbon, it also captures the essence of Maker's Mark. The Samuels family brought their vision to fruition in the historic Burk's Distillery< ...Read More

Sipping Stones

Jonas Halpren — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 18:14:06 PST

How to chill a fine Scotch without succumbing to tons of dilution? A question as old as the Whisky itself. ...Read More

Apple-cider Stuffing with Burbon-cider Dressing

Jonas Halpren — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:44:38 PST

Bourbon cider glaze

2 cups apple cider 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons molasses (optional) 1/3 cup+ 3 tablespoons good quality Kentucky Bourbon

Combine apple cider, maple syrup, molasses and apple cider vinegar in a nonreactive sauce pot. Heat and gently reduce to 2/3rd of a cup.

Gently warm 1/3rd cup of bourbon in a saucepan to eliminate the alcohol. Add this to the reduced cider liquid. Reduce this mixture … Read more

DIY Cocktail Kits – Holiday Gift Idea

Marcia Simmons — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:30:35 PST

Gift baskets can be a fun way to give the gift of cocktails this holiday season. The idea is simple: Pick a cocktail your recipient will love, then get the ingredients and package them in a gift box or basket ... along with copy of DIY Cocktails, of course. ...Read More

Five Drinks That Will Sleigh Santa

Rachel Halpren — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 20:25:50 PST

When Santa comes tonight, surprise him! Instead of putting out milk and cookies, leave out cocktails and candies. I am sure that Santa would appreciate a hot toddy to warm him up or a classic Martini to get his blood flowing. ...Read More

Eight Crazy Hanukkah Cocktails

Jonas Halpren — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 15:30:57 PST

Light up your Hanukkah with more than candles. We've put together eight crazy cocktails, one for each night. ...Read More

Spiced Pear Toddy

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 13:27:41 PST

Warm up and toast the Holidays with this spin on the traditional Toddy recipe. Created by H. Joesph Hermann proprietor of Elxir is San Francisco, his Spiced Pear Toddy is bursting with fall fruitiness and holiday spice. Multiply this recipe and make it for group!… Read more

Happy Repeal Day – aka Cinco de Drinko

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 17:00:42 PST

Today marks the 79th Anniversary of the implementation of the 21st Amendment, also known as Repeal Day (for repealing the disastrous 18th Amendment, which went into effect on January 17, 1920). Make sure you enjoy a tipple today to celebrate!

Prohibition was a dark period in America. It pitted recent immigrants against Americans who had been in the country for generations and rural areas against urban. Hypocritical politicians voted dry and drank very wet. I … Read more

First World Trash Wine Satchel

Jonas Halpren — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 06:00:20 PST

If you have a wine lover on your list, this wine satchel is a great way to get them to bring wine to your house.

Each one of a kind wine satchel is hand crafted from almost entirely recycled materials. The body is made of recycled (and cleaned) billboard vinyl and the straps come from old seat belts. The bottom is reinforced with recycled bicycle inner tubes, which is good because this bag hold six … Read more

Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 – Wine Wednesday

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 06:09:52 PST

The Wine Wednesday column has been missing for awhile now! But, we are back and we will do our best to bring you a bargain wine selection each Wednesday. Our first return to Wine Wednesday selection is an exclusive at Trader Joe's, one of our favorite places for bargain wines. The 2010 Dark Horse Cabernet Sauvignon is an easy drinking Cabernet with tamed tannins and displaying that the grapes hail from a warm growing region. This wine spent its time in stainless steel, which preserves the pure fruit notes and shows an absence of oak flavors, like vanilla, oak, cedar, cocoa and chocolate. Instead, the Dark Horse Cabernet is extremely fruit forward with an almost candied fruit notes of blackberry, black cherry and currants. This wine is great for newbies, cocktail parties and sangria. ...Read More

End of the Summer of Riesling

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:50:20 PST

2012 marked the 4th year of the Summer of Riesling. Paul Grieco of Terroir Wine Bar in New York City (there are multiple locations) kicked off the annual celebration in 2009 by pouring only Riesling wine for its white wine by the glass selection. That's totally balsy and Paul gets total respect for that move! Like most wine geeks, I am in love with Riesling, and when I serve it to peple and don't tell them what it is, they love it too. When I tell them, they turn up their little noses. Seriously, folks of my generation and younger (and a little older), you are too young to remember the run on Blue Nun and other Liebfraumilch that heated up the international wine scene in the 1960's and 1970's. Give Riesling a try! ...Read More

Mavea Elemaris XL Water Filtration Pitcher

Jonas Halpren — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:14:27 PST

We recently tried out the Mavea Elemaris XL Water Filtration Pitcher for our water drinking needs. Living in San Francisco we have great water, which is some what negated by the pipes in our 1920s era building ...Read More

Hair of the Dog PB & J Sandwich

DOTW Staff — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 10:57:24 PST

Created by PB J’s Food Truck, Portland this is sandwich is great for tailgating and even better for getting over tailgating. ...Read More

Kinky Liqueur Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 06:00:46 PST

Kinky Liqueur has paired with Kinky Boots, a Broadway bound play involving Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein that debuted in Chicago. The play is based on the English movie Kinky Boots. It's about a man who inherits a barely alfoat family shoe business. To keep the business alive, the man turns to making footwear that is a bit on the risky side or perhaps even kinky. If you are in Chicago or New York, take in the play. If you are nowhere close to those two cities or prefer cinema to theater, track down Kinky Boots! ...Read More

Election Day Drinks – Vote for the Cocktail Party!

Jonas Halpren — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:52:01 PST

What party does Drink of the Week support?
The Cocktail Party, of course! ...Read More

Saturday Liquor Links

Jonas Halpren — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 14:18:52 PDT

[View the story "Liquor Links " on Storify]
Liquor Links Our round up of interesting links from the drinking world.

Storified by Drink of the Week · Sat, Nov 03 2012 14:18:00

22 DIY Ways To Reuse Empty Booze BottlesWhether you’re stuck inside during the hurricane with nothing to do but drink (and "work from home"), or just happen to have a whole bunc…

How To Rapidly Flavor any Booze Using Whip-ItsInfusing liquor is the … Read more

Hiram Walker Whipped Cream Review

Rachel Halpren — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 11:57:18 PDT

We are lucky at DOTW to try the newest, hippest and edgy spirits and liqueurs. Often, I am not quite sure what to expect. Occasionally I am blown away - sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way. Other times, I am pleasantly surprised. I will admit that when the bottle of Hiram Walker Whipped, I wasn't quite sure what to think. However, I am happy to report that this was one of those times that I was pleasantly surprised. Hiram Walker Whipped was incredibly pleasant and adds a nice flair to cocktails. There is also something warm and toasty about the Whipped that almost makes me look forward to Fall. ...Read More

Zombie – Don the Beachcomer 1934

Jonas Halpren — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 11:13:18 PDT

If you love Tiki Drinks like we do, this is one of the grandaddies of the genre. Created by Don the Beachcomer in 1934, the recipe was top secret. Don even instituted a two Zombie limit to keep the competition from figuring it out. Maybe it could have been that they were really strong as well!

The recipe we have here was adapted by Tiki Historian Jeff Barry for his book, Sippin’ Safari, a must … Read more

Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie Vodka Review

Rachel Halpren — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 11:15:32 PDT

Fall has arrived! While I generally a bit depressed by the arrival of the cold weather and the end of summer, the one thing that I look forward to is pumpkin season. Like Richard Cristy of the Howard Stern Show, I love all things pumpkin. According to the New Yorker, "pumpkin is the new black". Needless to say, we were very excited when a bottle of Pinnacle Pumpkin Pie vodka arrived at our doorstep just in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving. My only request is that they ratchet up its pumpkintude. ...Read More

Pumpkin Cocktails for Halloween

Marcia Simmons — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 06:30:22 PDT

Halloween is not only pumpkin-carving time; it’s also pumpkin drinking time! (But please … finish with that carving knife and put it away before you hit the sauce.)

Whether you use pumpkin spice liqueur, pumpkin spice mix, pumpkin purée or a combination, Autumn’s iconic orange vegetable (or is it a fruit?) is a welcome addition to the cocktail mixer.

Now time to mix!

Here are Drink of the Week’s top picks for Halloween pumpkin cocktails:… Read more

12 Candy-Themed Cocktails

Rachel Halpren — Sat, 20 Oct 2012 13:45:21 PDT

On Halloween, celebrations will be in full swing. We have been scratching our heads, trying to come up with new and innovation ways to make adult Halloweens fun. ...Read More

Spookify Your Halloween Drinks

Jonas Halpren — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 07:00:07 PDT

This year take your Halloween party to the next level by serving some spooky cocktails. ...Read More

Zombies Are Hot This Halloween

Rachel Halpren — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 07:00:11 PDT

Thanks to the Walking Dead, zombies are this year's vampires. ...Read More