winter cocktail

As the days grow shorter and the air turns brisk, there’s nothing quite like a bourbon maple smash to warm the soul. This delightful cocktail marries the rich, caramel notes of bourbon with the velvety sweetness of pure maple syrup, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. What is a Smash? Smashes […]

This simple drink oozes elegance. There is no fancy name, no long story behind it, and no unusual ingredients, but this pear-thyme Prosecco cocktail is a tasty one and a fun seasonal cocktail for the cooler months. I have always been a fan of bubbles.  The trend of serving sparkling wines and campaigns with any […]

To be clear, it’s still cranberry season, at least it is to me. I first read about a Good Tidings cocktail in Esquire.  I’m not sure where that magazine has been all my life (although apparently the answer is: on my husband’s nightstand). Esquire regularly has fantastic drink features. I loved the flavors in this […]

Chances are you’ve heard of a White Russian, a rich creamy cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream served over ice. This beloved cocktail was created in the late 1940s by Gustave Tops, a Belgian barman who also created the White Russian’s sister cocktail a Black Russian which is simply a White Russian without […]

If you’ve never had a Hot Toddy on a cold winter night, you must. Known as a “hot whisky” in Scotland, it can mixed in any number of ways.  But typically, it is served as one is (according to Wikipedia) “retiring” for the night. Love that. In essence, it’s a true “nightcap.” Some believe the Hot […]

I read about this drink a while ago and it left a lasting impression.  I used to be scared of tequila. Chalk it up to a bad experience at a young age. Older, I now find tequila fascinating. Its versatility amazes me. And if you haven’t had the good stuff yet, try it, it’s life-changing. […]

There are many occasions when a Bloody Mary is the perfect beverage: Sunday brunch, family gatherings, a long cross-country flight, and during lunch while skiing on a cold winter day.  Truthfully, I have always loved a good Bloody Mary, I think mainly because they are salty–and I do love salt.  In Wisconsin, where I went […]

Smooth and refined deliciousness. The Sazerac, credited as being one of the first true cocktails, is a New Orleans take on a traditional rye cocktail. The Federation puts a further spin on the Sazerac.  The combination of Anejo tequila instead of rye mixed with creme de cacao leads to a sweeter, richer, cocktail with a […]

Have you ever had Lillet?  If the answer is no, you’ve been missing out. Pronounced “li’ leh,” it is a French aperitif created in 1887 by Paul and Raymon Lillet from Podensac, just outside of the Bordeaux region in France.  Lillet, considered a “tonic wine” (or quinquina), is a blend of 85% Bordeaux region wines and […]

This is a cranberry-orange whisky sour and it’s a great specialty cocktail for holiday parties.  A whisky sour is a classic bourbon drink that is subtly sweet and sour at the same time.  If you ask a bartender, a traditional whisky sour is one of the simplest cocktails that you can get that is still called a […]