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Tequila Cocktails for St Patrick's Day
Raise your glass with Sláinte de la Noche, a cocktail inspired by the popular “Irish Coffee” as well as Teq-Kiwi, a drink as green as the Emerald Isle itself. Not into cocktails? Pick up a bottle of whiskey-like Hornitos Black Barrel, pour yourself a glass and taste what sets this unique product apart.
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Fogo de Chao Classic Caipirinha Recipe
The classic Caipirinha is considered the national cocktail of Brazil and I can see why. It's cool, crisp and refreshing with that laid back tropical feel but still refined enough to be enjoyed at the fanciest of occasions. I don't see it served that often outside of Brazilian restaurants though, which is a shame since it is so tasty. I suppose that's just one more reason I love going to Fogo de Chao...
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Spooky Halloween Cocktail Recipes
It's Halloween time again and while once we prepared to go out and trick or treat collecting candy and other treats... as well as inflicting treats on those who dared to hand out carrots and apple slices, today we're adults. That means it's time to take our treats to the next level and enjoy some spooky Halloween cocktails. Here's our roundup of some of our favorite cocktails for your Halloween party this year!
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Unusual Variations of the Classic Bloody Mary Recipe
A drink that is famously paired with brunch (or hangovers), the Bloody Mary has been a staple of our culture for many decades. The Bloody Mary has even earned itself a national day of recognition on January 1st of every year. While the core ingredients of the drink are vodka and tomato juice, there's an endless number of variations that can take the flavor profile to new and interesting places. Here are five unusual variations of the classic Bloody Mary we know and love so well.
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Travel Virtually With These Amazing Rum Cocktail Recipes
National Rum Day is coming up and so we've put together a roundup of recipes paired with hotels and resorts around the world. These picks range from daiquiri's in Key West to Rum Punch in Belize and so we're looking forward to being transported to these amazing locals virtually right now while we wait for the pandemic to recede again.
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Ilegal Mezcal Offers A Gritty But Premium Experience That Brings Back Memories Of Surf Trips And Backpacking Across Mexico
Mezcal has always been a sort of "outlaw" spirit in terms of how most Americans perceive it. Frankly, I think that lends itself well to those folks who may have been attracted to whiskey for the same reason. To many distillers today though try to pretend that mezcal needs to be chic and luxurious and that often causes the mystique to be lost. On the other hand, there's Ilegal Mezcal, where you have a beautiful bottle and a fabulously unique back story, but it is still firmly planted in the authentic Oaxacan roots that make mezcal special.
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Gancia Holiday Morning Spritz Cocktail is Perfect For Sunday Brunch
Are you looking for something beyond your classic mimosa to enjoy during Sunday brunch? Italian Prosecco producer Gancia sends over this delicious-sounding idea for a holiday morning spritz to enjoy this season!
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Dos Hombres Espadin Mezcal Cocktail Recipes
We were recently sent a sample bottle of Dos Hombres new Espadin Mezcal. Mezcal is a less abrasive form of tequila for those not in the know. For people like myself, who aren’t straight tequila fans, it’s a more palatable option with less sugar in the taste and more smoothness to the pull.
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Cantera Negra Tequila Pays Homage To The Rich Volcanic Soil Of Jalisco
This premium brand is unveiling a collection of delectable cocktails, perfect for celebrating the season. The Cantera Negra portfolio, including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and Café, stands out with no additives (except in the Café) and aging that exceeds the standard for Reposado and Añejo.
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Ready For Coquito? Puerto Rico's Hipper, More Fun, and Ready To Party Answer To Eggnog
I recently heard a saying that great storytellers never finish the tale because they fear they will lose their value if all the secrets are shared. That same thing seems true for good holiday recipes passed down from mother to daughter and father to son. In my wife and I's case, though - neither of us has a Puerto Rican family to rely on and I swear the person who was responsible for getting us hooked on her coquito deliberately omitted an ingredient or a key process. Over the years, Heather has continued to research and experiment in a quest to create if not the PERFECT Puerto Rican Coquito... at least one that is uniquely ours and a holiday tradition that we both enjoy making, drinking, and sharing with others.
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Spicy Tequila Cocktails for National Tequila Day
Celebrate National Tequila Day with a spicy twist! We've gathered a collection of bold and flavorful tequila cocktails that are perfect for any tequila enthusiast. These recipes feature a mix of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors that will elevate your cocktail game. Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or enjoying a quiet evening, these cocktails are sure to impress. Let's dive into these tantalizing recipes.
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Not All Mezcal Is The Same - This One From Bosscal Uses Rabbits During Distillation
That's right .. I'm not sure what more needs to be said except that the mezcal has a unique essence that is more than just a gimmick, as I thought initially. Pechuga de Conejo by Bosscal Mezcals is a pretty interesting expression that does precisely what a great spirit should do - evokes a conversation.
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Tips and Techniques To Help You Win A Grape Stomp
I think most of us have heard of a grape stomp - whether it is a memory from an old TV show like I Love Lucy or an email from a local winery inviting you to compete, it's a fun way to spend a late summer or fall afternoon with friends. I attended my first grape stomp as a guest of South Coast Winery in Temecula last week and it was an eye-opening experience. Not just for me - but for many of the competitors too. What seems like an easy task is actually way more complicated... if you want to win!
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More Than Just Margaritas For National Tequila Day
Commemorate the day by mixing up the Basil Paloma, a unique twist on the classic Paloma cocktail featuring Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, or the Coctel Del Barista, a sweet and refreshing cocktail featuring Hornitos Reposado Tequila, a variant created by Hornitos decades before it became common practice.
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10 Ideas for an Awesome San Diego Guys Weekend
San Diego is an awesome town that is sometimes forgotten about or dismissed as simply a surf town, but what I have discovered over the past year is that there is an incredible amount of awesome things to do here beyond the beach including touring some of the almost 100 craft breweries, exploring vineyards in nearby Temecula and Romona, as well as visiting the Zoo, touring historic military ships and some of the best burgers and tacos in the country.
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How to Create the Perfect Charcuterie Platter For a Sonoma County Wine Tasting
There's a lot of advice out there on how to create the perfect charcuterie board for wine tasting, but this is my advice. Take it or leave it, but I like to create a charcuterie platter to complement the wines that I'm about to taste - but also provide a variety of flavors and textures to entertain your palette. Some charcuterie boards are designed specifically to pair with an individual wine but I'm about having fun and exploring flavor combinations. Regardless of your style, there are some core guidelines to follow, so here's my advice on how to create the perfect charcuterie platter for wine tasting.
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Exploring Wines Of Campania Italy With Feudi di San Gregorio
It is unfortunate that many wine drinkers don't have an opportunity to explore beyond the typical varietals that you see commonly on wine lists and American tasting rooms. Personally, that's a challenge for myself as well even though I absolutely love trying new things and exploring different perspectives on wine varietals from around the world. That's why I was excited to try three wines sent to me by Feudi di San Gregorio that showcase their white white portfolio.
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Four Ways To Enjoy Wine In Buellton California
One of the things I absolutely love about wine today is that it is no longer a domain of snobby rich folks that think it should only be one way. Today's wine industry is incredibly vibrant with product at virtually all price points and styles that are perfect for almost every guy out there. While I can enjoy a technically excellent vintage and I know enough fundamentals to hold my own at a professional wine tasting, I'm a firm believer that above all else - wine is meant to be enjoyed.
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Keepin' It Local On a Food Tour Through North Dakota
One of my favorite parts about traveling is experiencing new foods. There's an unspoken sense of truth and honesty that comes only by experiencing what a different culture loves to eat and drink. That's true when you travel overseas... but it's also true even while traveling through this country as I did a few weeks ago during a road trip through North Dakota.
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Bianchi Winery Vinyard House For a Paso Robles Romantic Getaway
It’s a perfect time to be planning a summer or fall getaway to the beautiful California Central Coast wine country and the folks at Bianchi Winery sent over some images to entice me to visit. What do you think? Are you ready to head out to Paso Robles for a romantic wine weekend with great views, hot days, and cool nights sipping some of the best wines in California?
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What Wine Would You Pair With a Maserati?
Pairing wine with food is something that most people think about when the subject of how to best enjoy wine comes up. Really though, the spectrum is much wider than that. Last week, I got invited to a Maserati and wine tasting event and so I started thinking about what wines pair well with which cars. After all, we tend to refer to both wines and cars in terms of personality. So it got me thinking, which wines would I pair with which Maserati cars?
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Sonoma California Wineries Guys Will Love To Visit
Ok, so that's a bit of a click-bait title since the reality is that almost every winery is unique and brings with it a personality and decor that is special in its own way. However, for guys who are looking for the "experience" of doing a Sonoma wine tour rather than the connoisseur looking only to visit their favorite, most technically excellent wineries, there are some vineyards and tasting rooms that are better than others. The sweet spot is when winemakers are able to blend excellent wines with a fun unique experience that guys of all levels will enjoy visiting. Thanks to the folks at the Sonoma Wine Road, for helping put this awesome itinerary together for us.
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A Wine and Cheese Plate Pairing Makes for A Great Romantic Evening
You may think you've got time since Valentine's Day is still a couple months away but Christmas can be romantic occasion too, as can New Years Eve! One thing that I'm always a fan of us doing a plate with assorted cheeses and other items along with a favorite bottle of wine. The folks over at Whole Foods Market agreed to share some of their knowledge and hooked us up with three amazing cheese and three bottles of wine.
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Sparkling Wine Cocktails From Mumm Napa
Sparkling wine as a category continues to impress me with far more than the standard "party Champagne" on offer today. For generations bubbly wine has been celebrated in various formats but we are truly in the midst of a renaissance with a wide variety of creations available as well as a resurgence in sparkling wine cocktails as well. Mumm Napa sent over some bottles for us as well as these recipes to share. I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did !
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Let's Explore The Unique Expressions Of South African Wine
When it comes to wine tours, most people think of the various AVAs around the United States, and countries like France, Spain, and Italy. What you may not know is that South Africa is a rising star, offering some unique varietals as well as a stunning countryside to explore. If you’re planning an international adventure that includes wine, South Africa may be the next destination you should check out.
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Oak Farm Vineyards In Lodi California
Whenever you think about California winemakers, it is natural for your mind to gravitate towards established growing regions such as Sonoma and the Napa Valley; after all, these are places where vineyards routinely earn awards and widespread recognition. The truth about the Golden State is that it is blessed with numerous American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) beyond Napa and Sonoma, and one of the most overlooked is Lodi in the Central Valley.
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Wine Flies Free From Sonoma On Alaska Airlines
I absolutely love Alaska Airlines. They somehow have managed to maintain the small town friendly attitude that has made them an essential part of life for thousands of people on the west coast. They have now started expanding service at Sonoma County / Santa Rosa airport to and from a variety of west coast destinations and a huge perk about flying with Alaska is that wine flies free! That's right, you can check a full case of wine like you would any other bag - except there's no fee if you are a Mileage Plan member (free signup).
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How Long Can You Store Wine?
How long can you store wine? That is a question that many people have, and it is not an easy one to answer. The truth is, the length of time that wine will last depends on a variety of factors including the type of wine, how it is stored, the quality of the wine, and even the climate where you live. In this blog post, we will take a look at different types of wines and how long they are likely to last under different conditions.
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Mount Gay Barbados Rum 2020 The Port Cask Expression
I'm a sucker for limited edition premium spirits. While some folks collect baseball cards I love to collect rare and unique spirits. For me, spirits like this Mount Gay "The Port Cask Expression" is an illustration of creativity and talent honed across generations of distillers, blenders, and farmers - as well as from the artists who design the iconic bottle art. This year's expression did not disappoint and it is limited to only 6,570 bottles worldwide.
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Mezcal Amaras Is Committed To Sustainably Produced Ancestral Mezcal
Mezcal Amarás is a perfect example of why I'm absolutely enthralled by this spirit! Alcohol has had a unique place in the history of man and the act of fermentation is probably as old as the act of grilling meat. Throughout it's history, our ancestors celebrated this magic liquid's ability to both open up a portal to experience a different plane of existence for religious and mystic purposes as well to frankly... just feel good. While most spirits today are simply commercial and indeed industrial operations designed purely for commercial profit - there still exists a cadre of mezcaleros who keep their ancient traditions alive so that we can experience them ourselves.
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Mint Julep Cocktail Recipes to Celebrate The Kentucky Derby!
With the Kentucky Derby almost upon us, it's time to break out our julep cups, crush some ice and mix up some awesome cocktails so we forget how silly those women look wearing their derby hats!
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Longbranch Bourbon Cocktail Recipes
There are times when celebrities just slap their name on a bottle or buy a distillery and there are others when it is obvious that the celebrity is actually a partner with the distillery to create something new and unique. That's the case with Matthew McConaughey and Wild Turkey Bourbon.
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An Introduction To Wines Of Georgia Geography, Tasting, and Pairing Ideas
Georgian wines are often overlooked in the wine world, with their more famous neighbors of France and Italy sitting at the top of most lists. Made primarily from indigenous grapes like Rkatsiteli and Saperavi, Georgian wines have a distinct character all their own that is usually underrepresented on wine menus. In this post we'll explore some history on Georgian wines, as well as how to pair them with food. Finally, we'll look into what's next for this sometimes forgotten European wine region!
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Meet Murphy-Goode Winemaker Dave Ready Jr
I first enjoyed Murphy Goode a few months ago at a steakhouse in San Diego and was curious to learn more. The wine I had, 2015 Red Blend, paired well well the steak and I appreciated the simple confidence of the bottle and label design. It brings back a feeling that this is ultimately wine made to be enjoyed and not a pretentious expression of wealth and sophistication. The product speaks for itself and since then I've enjoyed several different bottles and appreciate that they are able to deliver an excellent product at a variety of price points from $15 to $45 so you don't have to worry about "picking the wrong one".
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Broken Shed Vodka Review: Discover the Smooth, Creamy Flavor of Whey-Based Vodka
You've likely tasted a variety of vodkas, but have you ever tried one made from whey? I hadn't until now. Thanks to my PR friend representing Broken Shed Vodka, I had the chance to experience something completely new and exciting. This unique spirit hails from the pristine landscapes of New Zealand and is a pretty unique product in the vodka market. It's not just the creamy texture and subtle sweetness that'll intrigue you, but also the fact that it comes from the southern hemisphere, evoking a different story than the vast majority of American and European vodkas available right now. Having a sip of this vodka is like experiencing a piece of New Zealand's natural beauty - crisp, clean, pure, but with a unique twist that takes a moment to figure out exactly what's going on.
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Paso Robles Guys Weekend
Paso Robles is an interesting example of the secret side of California. To many folks who have never visited the state, they think only of LA and San Francisco as well as possibly places like Yosemite and Tahoe. When it comes to "wine country" Napa and Sonoma are the go-to places that everyone thinks about. California's Central Coast region however is a completely unique area with wines that are just as good - and depending on your preferred varietal - maybe even better than those areas. However, what makes it truly unique is the backdrop of ranches and a feeling that you are in a completely different world than the rest of the state. That translates into wine tasting for sure... but also other great guys weekend activities such as hiking, off-road driving, and hunting too.
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Jack Daniel's Does Whiskey The Family Way
I have been a BIG fan of Jack Daniel's since my early 20's. The first time I drank it, it was almost as if I had reunited with an old friend. Jack on the rocks quickly became one of my favorite drinks and it has stayed one of my go to adult beverages for many years. I've been desperately wanting to visit the Jack Daniel's distillery ever since that first sip. So, you can imagine my excitement when I was invited to spend two days there and soak up (you see what I did there) the history and culture of this American institution. What I found was a company that has an intense pride and attention to detail that can be found in every aspect of their product. Here are a few things that make Jack Daniel's a little different.
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Whiskey Cocktail Recipes For the NFL Playoffs
It's that time of year when football takes over our lives and we're down to just a handful of teams. So the folks at Redemption Rye sent over this whiskey cocktail roundup. Unfortunately some of favorite teams have already reached the bottom of the glass, but I'm sure that there's at least one here like the the Black and Gold Punch in honor of the New Orleans Saints that can help make you happy again!
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Chronic Cellars Winery Blends Humor, Art, and Fantastic Wine In Paso Robles
Members of the Millennial Generation tend to be more likely to get into craft beer than into great wines, which is a shame because many of them do not know what they are missing out on. Besides producing great beer, focused marketing is something that American craft breweries are really good at, and it is a business aspect that the wine industry should improve upon in order to invite younger aficionados.
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Pech Merle Winery Introduces Linea 5
If there is one thing I love above almost anything else in the craft food and beverage market, it is innovation that creates an experience for the imbiber. That's how I felt after trying Pech Merle Winery's inaugural release of Linea, a "solera" blend that features five vintages of cabernet sauvignon, starting with a 2008 from Garden Creek Vineyard. This wine is special to both the winery as well as to Pech Merle wine club members like myself because this isn't about creating something arbitrarily fancy just to pull a few extra dollars from our pockets. This is quite literally a love letter written by the winemaker to all of the Pech Merle fans that have supported them over the past 13 years.
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Will Rose Cause Wine Stains Like Red Wine Does?
Red wine is notorious for causing stains in clothing and fabric but the other day while sitting in a vineyard drinking a grenache of rose I began to wonder... will rose cause a wine stain too? Sadly, the answer is yes but it will be less noticeable than with a deep heavy red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or a Malbec.
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Bulleit Wiskey and Stone Brewing Celebrate A Beer And A Shot Partnership
You might not think that there's a science to pairing your shot of whiskey with a beer but there is. It honestly makes sense that you wouldn't want to have whatever the bar manager has picked for their happy hour special and that's why Bulleit Whiskey and Stone Brewing have kicked off a partnership to help educate whiskey - and beer drinkers across the country on the proper pairing.
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BLACKENED - Whiskey That Rocks
Musician groups releasing whiskey brands is nothing new but since we're fans of Metalica I figured what the heck, let's check it out. BLACKENED Whiskey is said to be "sonically enhanced" Let's take a look.
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Joe Harden Winemaker at Nickel & Nickel Talks About How Basketball Influenced Him To Create Great Wines
The wine industry can be full of paradoxes sometimes and one of the ones that I currently enjoying the exploration of is Napa wines. At one level, this is the pinnacle of technical excellence in terms of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The region has reached the point where for most Americans, Napa is California wine country. It has rightfully earned it's place as one of the world's best wine producing regions and that has led to high prices and attracted a lot of wine snobs. However, tucked beneath the surface are stories such as that of winemaker Joe Harden of Nickel & Nickel.
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Irish Cream Cocktail Recipes For St Patrick's Day And Beyond
Whether celebrating St. Patrick's Day or simply enjoying a nice creamy cocktail, Irish Cream Liqueur has always been a favorite of mine. To be honest, I'm a fan of cream spirits in general but while there are big names on the market, few folks manage to bring forth a small batch experience the same way you can find with traditionally distilled spirits. That's why I was excited to come across Five Farms and their collection of family-owned farms in Ireland.
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Favorite Margarita Recipes and Tequila Cocktails
We love tequila and whether you are sipping, shooting, or enjoying it in a cocktail it's always a spirit to enjoy with friends. While there are plenty of bars where you can celebrate we wanted to create a list of some of our favorite recipes provided by friends at our favorite Tequila brands including: CRUZ, el Jimador, Partida, Herradura, and others.
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For Black Owned Red Bear Winery Diversity Brings New Influences To Classic Sonoma Wine
Alexander Valley AVA in Sonoma is one of my favorite regions for Cabernet Sauvignon. This is partially due to my inclination to rebel against the overwhelming snobbery of its big brother next door in Napa - but also due to the fact that for a fraction of the price, you can get phenomenal vintages from more unique, often boutique wineries where the winemakers are approachable and willing to talk about why they love what they do. While Napa has priced out all but the wealthiest winemaking families and is now essentially controlled by historic families, corporations, and celebrities - there's still a sense of innovation at work in Sonoma. This includes the story of father and son team, Wayne and Samuel Jordan who are building Red Bear Winery.
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Celebrating "Dry January" With A De-Alcoholized Wines Pairing From Fre and Gieson 0%
I'm not a big fan of the idea behind "dry January"... the notion of creating a "time out" implies that overconsumption instead of moderation is ok and while for some this might be the opportunity to put them on the right path again, I'd prefer that people approach the concept of bing drinking in othere more practical ways. Regardless though, this is a great time of year to take a look at non-alcohol wines and how the industry is evolving in terms of packaging, production quality, and technology that allows them to be a palatable alternative to alcoholic wines for folks who, for whatever reason choose not to imbibe.
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Bota Box Is The Perfect Partner For Your Summer Party Plans
A couple weeks ago I had the fortune of receiving a huge box of samples from Bota Box. The very generous folks there were determined to show me that boxed wine didn't have to be terrible. They were right but what blew me away was their latest creation, Bota 'Rita - a wine based margarita that comes in their signature bag-in-box packaging.
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Seasonal Cocktails for Your Thanksgiving Table
The changing seasons are always something I look forward to, autumn especially so. We'll bring loved ones together, celebrating the survival of another fun filled summer, and prepare the incredible feast that will become Thanksgiving dinner.
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Classy Classic Cocktail Ideas
Every man should know how to throw a solid party. No gathering is complete without some adult beverages to get the good times rolling, but if you want to take things a step beyond generic beers and wines it might be time to try the world of crafting cocktails. While there's nothing wrong with sipping a fine tequila neat, cocktails can bring out interesting flavors that are simply not doable otherwise. If you think about it, it's the difference between enjoying the taste of sugar - and enjoying the sight, smell, taste, and overall excitement of looking at a delicious fresh baked scone.
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Fogo de Chao Introduces New Spring Menu Items
Fogo de Chao is hands down one of my favorite restaurants. Not only do you get a never-ending parade of meats but the place is fun and imaginative when it comes to creating seasonal updates to the menu. We were invited to check out their new Spring Menu this week, so how could I resist when it includes three new cocktails to try!
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Don The Beachcomber Original Mai Tai Recipe
When it comes to fruity tropical drinks, the classic Mai Tai is among the most iconic. It's the Pacific Islands version of the classic Caribbean Daiquiri... or is it? Ironically this classic drink actually originated in California during the tiki bar craze and while two men lay claim to having created it - I DON'T CARE - because the ones found at Don The Beachcomber are the best I've had. It's a more complex recipe and the time and effort is worth it. Here's the recipe so you can make it at home.
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Tres Tribus Mezcal Espadin Review
Above a certain level, premium spirits are about the feeling it provides the imbiber as much as it is the actual quality of the liquid. We're very fortunate right now to live in a time with plenty of options when it comes to high-quality agave spirits and it is always a pleasure to have the opportunity to try something new. I guess what impresses me the most is that while many of these distillers are "new" to the American market, the reality is that folks like Maestro Mezcalero Juan Antonio Coronel from Tres Tribus is actually part a legacy going back hundreds of years.
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Chai Tea Vs Green Tea: Comparing Health Benefits
Hey there! You’ve probably heard of chai tea and green tea, but do you know what the differences between them are? Or how they can benefit your health? In this article we’ll take a look at the unique flavors, nutritional differences, caffeine content and cultural significance behind both types of teas. We’ll also discuss which is better for your health and provide tips on getting the most out of your tea consumption. So read on to learn about chai tea versus green tea, including a comparison of their health benefits.
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Drinking Our Way Through 150 Years Of Holland America Line History At Half Moon Bar
There are many... many... MANY bars on cruise ships but all too often they turn out to be mere gimmicks. That's what I expected too when I discovered my beloved Blend had been replaced with something called Half Moon Bar on Holland America Line's latest ship MS Rotterdam. What I discovered instead was one of the best bars at sea and an incredibly talented mixologist who served up drinks of the same quality that I'd expect at the top craft cocktail lounges in Vegas.
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12 Days Of Cutwater Is At The Top Of Our Wish List
Five golden rings I get, but what am I to do when my true love gives me 10 lords-a-leaping? Catchy as it may be, the gifts from Twelve Days of Christmas are a bit out of date.
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Las Californias Gin Celebrates California's Cross Border Heritage
The first thing you might be thinking here is, "gin from Mexico?" I'll give you a moment to work through that moment of confusion you might be struggling with right now but then it's time to dive in to what may be the most exciting gin that I've tasted in years. Like most of you, I enjoy spirits that have soul, heritage, and the ability to immediately connect you with a favorite place and culture. With the two unique gins from Las Californias, that is exactly what you'll experience and that makes me happy.
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Gray Whale Gin Cocktails For Summer Entertaining
Gray Whale Gin is one of my favorite West Coast gins right now. Not only does it have a great story, a brand that I can support, and taste great... but frankly speaking it also just looks fantastic on the bar. This gin, distilled six times from a gluten-free corn base, captures the essence of the gray whale's 12,000-mile migratory voyage in each drop, with botanicals sourced from the whale's path spanning from the tip of Baja to the Arctic ocean, it is also an inspiration to travel to some of my favorite places.
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Tequila Cocktails For Thanksgiving
Tequila tends to be a summer drink in the United States - it is synonymous with margaritas and doing shots on the beach or around a campfire. However, there is more to the spirit than just that. To help convince us, Tequila Avion sent us some great recipe ideas that will go well with your Thanksgiving celebrations this year.
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Move Over Napa - DAOU Vineyards Is Home To My New Favorite Cabernet Sauvignon Wines
I am always on the lookout for unique wines from different regions of the country. In fact, this is somewhat of an obsession for me to the point where I would often pass an opportunity to try something that the "wine snobs" rave about to try something more unique from a lesser-known wine region. While I have a deep appreciation for classics from the world's renowned wine regions like Napa and Bordeaux, there's something truly exciting about discovering new expressions of wine in less traditional locales.
One of my absolute favorite places to visit for California wines is Paso Robles and while it is hardly a secret for Calfiornia wine enthusiasts... it is still off the radar for many folks back east who only think of Napa when it comes to fine California wines. Well... guess what... I have a new favorite source for the best California cabs... DAOU Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon has stolen my heart!
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Wineries Near Charlottesville Virginia Blend Wine History With Modern Innovation
One of the East Coast's top wine tasting destinations is nestled in the piedmont area of central Virginia. Here you will find a fantastic blend of rich history, music, restaurants, and wineries surrounding Charlottesville, VA. What most people don't realize is that this region - known to oenophiles as the Monticello AVA - is perhaps one of the most historically significant wine regions anywhere in North America. This makes a visit to Charlottesville, Virginia the perfect place to explore how old world wines and winemaking tradition have blended with new world innovation to produce very high-quality wine on local farms in this fantastic part of Virginia Wine Country.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Haven Exclusive Bespoke Cocktail Program
One of my favorite parts of traveling is trying new cocktails, or even just relaxing with a new interpretation of a familiar favorite. That's one of the reasons that I absolutely love traveling with Norwegian Cruise Line. Simply put, their bar program is one of the best at sea and while others use gimmicks of flair bar tending and even robots to mix your drinks - Norwegian focuses on human talent and creative recipes. Now though, in addition to the fantastic and diverse menu of drinks available in different parts of the ship, they've introduced a new "Bespoke Cocktails" program exclusively for Haven guests.
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Bourbon Lemonade Cocktail Recipe From JW Marriott San Antonio
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa’s lobby bar offers this special combination of bourbon, fruit and a splash of lemonade. Crooked Branch is a wonderful open space with an assortment of cocktail options – offering the Bourbon Lemonade especially for National Bourbon Day – June 14th.
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How To Keep Wine Fresh
Despite the fact that I love all things wine and enjoy visiting new wineries for a tasting, at home I'm honestly not much of a drinker. As a result, no matter how much I LOVED that bottle of wine at the wine tasting, it's likely that it will be weeks or even months after I come home that it will be opened. Even once opened, sadly there are too many bottles that have gone to waste. I know that I'm not alone in this challenge though, so I thought it might be time to share some wine wisdom. Hopefully this helps save precious wine from being wasted!