Advice

We browse the shelves of wine stores all the time, not only to find that perfect bottle for dinner or dinner party, but also to see what's new and on sale. More than ever, we are overwhelmed and stymied by the proliferation of wine labels, varietals, countries, blends, regions, etc...Having this much choice is awesome - or paralyzing - depending on your knowledge of varietals, regions, and foreign languages. This is where feeling comfortable interpreting or decoding the info on wine labels comes in.

Where does the red color in wine come from?

If you’re a penny pincher and don’t want to spend a lot of money on wine, but want good, quality wines, then these wines will satisfy your palate and budget. All bottles listed are under $30/bottle, which constitutes a “best buy” in my opinion. I tried to include all different wine types, but a little partial to the wines of Oregon and Washington State these days. Official ratings from “Wine Enthusiast”, but I also offer my notes. Many of these wines listed are hard to find, but available through ordering. ABV (Alcohol By Volume) is the measurement of alcohol.

Someone once ordered a martini at a networking event. “How do you want it?” the bartender asked. I had no idea what he meant but I didn’t want to look dumb. “Uh, shaken?” I replied (because that’s what James Bond says). The bartender smirked. “No, I mean, do you want Vodka or Gin, what brand?, dry, straight up or rocks?” That patron felt dumb. Here’s how to order booze or a drink without embarrassing yourself and avoid being jeered all night.

In August of 2007 the United States Senate declared that September be recognized as National Bourbon Heritage Month. While this may not have much impact with the average consumer, it is an honor for the craftsmen in the bourbon industry. The designation is designed to celebrate "America's Native Spirit" and the significant historical, economical and industrial role the bourbon industry has played in the country's history.

Hello Everyone - Now that summer is upon us, it is time for us to release our NEW exclusive summer craft cocktails available for parties, events, and mixology parties. Due to copyright restrictions and the need to book us for events, we are not revealing the ratios and proportions of the cocktails that is no different than if you go to a bar or restaurant. These cocktails are fresh, hand-crafted, delicious, and beautiful and not available anywhere else.

Don’t be afraid to spice up your ‘rita with a pinch of rosemary or cilantro, or a little jalapeño or habanero chile. But remember, less is more when it comes to herbs and hot peppers. I make a great tequila infusion using the serrano pepper in blanco tequila.

 Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd and to honor what it stands for I am offering up truly "green", farm-fresh, organic ingredients and cocktails for spring. As an added bonus, I list the best fruits, veggies, herbs, spices, and florals to be used in cocktails, infused spirits, syrups, purees, and juices for the season, best way to prepare them, and what base spirits pair best with them. Thank you to Nicole Friend and my friends from over at Sauza Tequila for contributing.

International G & T Day (April 9th) has come and gone, but why not celebrate this classic elixir the whole month of April as we transition from spring to summer. Even though the G & T has lost some of it's luster over the past decade, it still remains iconic, especially for traditionalists. New age bars and bartenders have begun to modernize it by serving it many different ways without losing the distinct G & T taste. The classic G & T is experiencing a renaissance.