Advice

No matter how many you consume, you'll never forget your first Harvey Wallbanger. November 8th is "National Harvey Wallbanger Day" and I am here to illustrate it's strange and intriguing history. This classic drink has made a splash in the annals of cocktail history thanks to it's unique and memorable name. According to drink mythology, it was named after a surfer in the 1950's. After losing in a surfing competition in Cali, the downtrodden surfer dude, Tom Harvey, went to his regular bar and ordered his favorite concoction - orange juice and vodka with a float of Galliano.

For those who don't drink, who aren't in the mood to drink, or maybe drank too much the night before, a well-balanced, fresh, non-alcoholic beverage with complex flavors and thirst-quenching chararcteristics can be hard to find. Drinking flavored waters, protein drinks, and drinks with low sugar and calories may be fine for some people, but it would be nice to have something more or special. A drink with a little something extra.

Arriving on the scene is the non-alcoholic cocktail known as the 'mocktail'.

So you're having a party or event and you're interested in hiring a Professional Bartender/Mixologist to take care of you and your guests? Great idea! But how do you evaluate professional bartenders and which service is the best for you? After all, it is a profession that many people are truly unfamiliar with. There is a lot that the common man or woman does not know. Here are the questions you should ask before you consider hiring a Professional Bartender/Mixologist. Make sure they meet all or most of these requirements.

The classic Hemingway Daiquiri is my "Cocktail of the Month", which is great for sipping by pool or at the beach. Enjoy the different takes on this classic libation, including Michael's version. Also, because I was in the Daiquiri 'spirit', I included a great You Tube video from my friend and colleague, Marsha Meyer, on making a proper classic Daiquiri - check it out. Btw, the Daiquiri, against popular belief, is not a blended frozen drink.

Thank you to my friend and writing colleague, Katelyn Green, for contributing and sharing this excellent piece on "Homemade Wine Ice Cream". Don't forget about the author, Kristen Nunez, as well. We all know how difficult the writing profession is and the importance of being recognized for good work. I assured Katelyn that my readers, audience, and both foodies and wine connoisseurs alike would love it. Please share the direct link to this piece and the awesome lifestyle blog at the end of the story for more great info. Social media links below.

Enjoy these New Orleans/Mardi Gras cocktails offered by Raise Your Spirits, Inc for your next party or event. We, at RYS, can also prepare a batch of these cocktails for a get together with your friends, co-workers, or neighbors. These concoctions are all classics, but some of them have been modified/improved to create a better cocktail experience. If had the opportunity to try them at our kickoff event a few weeks ago, you know how delicious they are. Due to copyright reasons, I have not listed the intended proportions, ratios, measurements, and mixing instructions.

After a considerable hiatus from blogging, we have returned with this special post. To all of my lovely followers and fans, thank you for sticking around. I hope you enjoy this edition filled with lovely cocktails and info even for the home bartender, whiskey connoisseur, or cocktail aficionado.

Thank you Tom, Morgan, Food & Drink team, and FIX.com for contributing to our blog as guest bloggers! Please share with your colleagues and audience and 'like' our page at "Raise Your Spirits, Inc." and follow! !Visit FIX.com for more great info and stories... Cheers, Michael

Well, November is here. Halloween has past and winter hibernation is starting to look more and more appealing so it’s time to stay at home and keep warm. The upside - it is time to start planning those holiday parties and preparing cocktails that will warm your heart and soul.