easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! When it comes to wine, there are a lot of choices. White, red, rosé, sparkling... it can be a lot. Plus, where cocktails can go with almost anything, some wines pair better with foods than others. Luckily, you don't have to choose between these types of booze. When you blend these two worlds — literally — by making wine cocktails, it's a win-win. Thanks to their fruit base, wines provide a range of fruity flavors that make for some very tasty drinks....
13 days ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! I'm of the opinion that there are a few drinks every at-home bartender should have under their belt, and the classic mojito is one of them. It's easy to mix up and always a crowd pleaser. Rum, lime juice and fresh mint are a compelling combination that's delicious and refreshing; you can even opt for a virgin version so everyone can enjoy the flavors without the booze. The mojito also plays well with others — flavors that is! Fruit is an easy add-in...
27 days ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! If you couldn't tell, I love a good seasonal drink. Even pumpkin spice has its place — but in the appropriate season. No need to start in August. The farmers market is my happy place; finding the freshest produce and using it to create a menu full of flavor brings me so much joy! There’s something especially magical about a summer cocktail that’s made with what’s fresh and in season. Juicy berries. Fragrant basil. A splash of citrus to wake everything...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! When a heat wave hits, there are really only two officially sanctioned ways to cool down: a dip in the pool and a frozen cocktail. (Ok, maybe more than two — drinking lots of cucumber water and staying inside are perfectly acceptable, and encouraged!) You won't find a slushy machine here, just a good old fashioned blender to craft your frozen cocktails — it's easy, even for favorites like frosé! Add some ice and your ingredients, then blend. Pour into...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Rum is a necessary spirit for summer, IMO. Light and bright, rum works especially well in summery cocktails, from tiki drinks to classic recipes. This sugarcane-based spirit is mostly produced in the Caribbean countries, where sugarcane thrives in the tropical climate. Depending on what kind of rum is produced — there are more than 6 kinds of rum — it ferments hours to weeks before it's ready to be enjoyed. Now let's get to the fun part, talking about a...
about 1 month ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! When I think of martinis few cocktails evoke the same sense of sophistication. From its origins in the 1800's to its iconic status today, the martini’s cultural significance and enduring appeal make this cocktail a great choice, time after time. Martinis are definitely an acquired taste: They’re dry, not sweet, and have hints of herbs and citrus, thanks to the gin and bitters. If you're not a fan yet, there's still hope for you yet. When I was in...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! Every mixologist, whether new or expert, has those days when they need a cocktail that's easy to make, with ingredients you always have on hand. Plus, less dishes! Enter two-ingredient drinks. Many of these are popular sippers I'm sure you've heard of, and for good reason! They're easy to make, easy to order and consistent in their flavors. Here are some of my favorites: gin & tonic The gin & tonic, or G&T, is an icon. This classic cocktail is one of...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! I've been there too. Standing in the liquor aisle, with one hand scrolling through cocktail recipes and the other juggling bottles, deliberating what to buy while mentally tallying up the cost of everything in my cart. Let’s be honest — building the perfect bar cart without breaking the bank can feel like a full-time job. The good news? I have something totally free to share with you that’ll make booze shopping way easier. My friend Leah at Gastronom...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
easy, elegant entertaining Hey, Reader! How do you feel about brandy? It has a tendency to get cast as a simple after-dinner drink or a source of holiday spirit, but it's so much more than that! Brandy offers a deep, sweet complexity that makes it perfect for mixing into cocktails in addition to sipping on its own. It comes from fermented fruit juice — yep, just like wine — so the flavors can vary widely. Pears, plums and grapes are commonly used to create different varieties. My advice is...
2 months ago • 2 min read