The Spirit World

Absinthe has long held a fascination for many people and, as with many things, it’s ban in the early 1900s only added to it’s allure. At that time Absinthe was reported to cause madness in some people and so the ban was to protect the public good. Those claims have been disputed and who […]

Sometimes I find the most interesting cocktail recipes in those little pamphlets that often are attached to your bottle of liquor - I mean the people who make the liquor have a vested interest in providing great ways to use their product, right?
Last week I opened a new bottle of Chambord for the […]

Last week we talked a bit about Limoncello (sometimes spelled Lemoncello) as an Italian aperitif. This week we are going to delve into how to make your own.
The Tools
When making limoncello you only want the zest from the lemons, none of the bitter white pith. This is easiest to do if […]

Last time I told you I was reading a book by Ken Wells called Travels with Barley. I want to share with you a few things I’ve learned about the two (or more?) beer cultures in America.
The homebrewing culture is married to the craft beer culture. They aren’t identical cultures. And, like […]

There once was a bar in Cuba known as “La Piña de Plata” (The Silver Pineapple). Right around 1900, the name was changed to “El Floridita”, where it was a popular libation point for thirsty travelers from all points of the world. Ernest Hemingway claimed this was one of his favorite bars, and was regularly […]

(Yellow, orange, and red bloody marys © Nika All rights reserved)
A Bloody Mary can be a resplendent experience but not if a store bought mix is used. That really just negates the whole concept of a summertime tomato based drink. Why waste your time with the mix when there is a wide selection […]

Back in January, Sal provided us with a quick primer on Scotch whisky. Well, you can put that new found knowledge to good use the next time you are in the country - especially if you are looking for a gift or two to bring home. Even if it’s just for yourself! […]

I tend to travel by myself quite often - it started back when I used to do a lot of business travel. After being out on the road so many times on my own, I came to actually enjoy it. You have total freedom over what you do and when you do it! […]

We are right in the middle or prime growing season and it’s time to make sure we use the bounty that is available all around us! I originally made these daiquiris last weekend with raspberries I had leftover after making jam. At that time I thought the recipe needed a little adjustment but […]

I have had lemon on my mind lately. I’m not exactly sure when it started but I’ve had a little yellow spot on my brain for at least a couple weeks now. And this yellow spot keeps focusing on a sweet, tangy, ice-cold idea. Limoncello. Limoncello, the lemon flavored aperitif essential […]