The Spirit World

I’m not sure how often some of the rest of you might run into this problem, but I find myself quite often needing to “go on the road” with my bar tools. Sometimes it’s because I’ve been invited to a dinner party where I’m expected to make the drinks, or perhaps I’m heading across country […]

The cocktail shaker for your mid-century modern ranch is undeniably the 870 by Luigi Massoni and Carlo Mazzeri for Alessi.  The perfect combination of beauty and functionality has made it a classic in bars worldwide, and its sleek design will look stunning in your home regardless of your décor aesthetic. 
Designed when Luigi Massoni was only […]

It is fair to say that there are thousands, no several thousands of different cocktail recipes out there, and it often seems like more and more being concocted every day. It is equally fair to say that far more than just a small percentage of those really never deserve to see the light of day. […]

The folks at Sam Flax New York have a nifty little gift-set for the cocktail lover on your list… this set of four mini cocktail shakers will be available in November and retails for $18.95. Celebrity cook Rachael Ray even called these out as one of her “faves” in the October issue of her magazine, […]

Ever notice how you can order just about any fruity drink at any time, whether the fruit is in season or not?  No?  Maybe it’s just me and my fondness for the frou-frou cocktail drinks.  If you were wondering how the bartenders do it, I’ll let you in on one of their little secrets … […]

Recall that in my article last month, I summarized the history and production process of the Spanish wineskin, or “bota.” And then I hit you with a teaser–that I would, during the following month, provide enlightenment by means of the ten commandments of bota care and use–as told to me by 80-something year old […]

Everybody is familiar with maraschino cherries, those bright red cherries that often find their way into various deserts as well as being used as a garnish for a variety of cocktails.
There is however a lot that people don’t know about maraschino cherries.
To begin with, it technically shouldn’t be pronounced “mare-uh-SHEE-no” but “mare-uh-SKEE-no”, it comes from the fact […]

How I lament the disrespect with which the Spanish wineskin–or “bota”–is treated in the 21st century!

The bota, an essential tool for thirsty Spanish shepherds throughout the centuries and lovingly memorialized in the writings of Hemingway and Cervantes, has been reduced in other parts of the world to a vessel used by frat boys to smuggle […]

Over the last year, I’ve noticed a rather surprising comeback in true Grenadine, not only from bartenders as well as home-mixologists showing a true interest in the product, but also in quality products slowing making their way to market.
Originally, Grenadine was a sweet syrup made from pomegranate juice, but in that capitalistic attitude of trying […]

In early November we took a look at a few things you might need for holiday entertaining.   Well, you may still need or want a few things or you may now be looking for a gift for a cocktail loving friend.  My mailbox has been filled with catalogs on a nearly daily basis and those […]