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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.

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

For a twist and as the weather changes, I offer up some fun bar related material filled with fun facts, little tidbits, and humor.

The key to millennials’ hearts is through their cocktail glasses, according to a survey commissioned by Southern Comfort.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, researchers polled 1,001 unmarried respondents ages 21 to 34. A whopping 93 percent of respondents said they’re impressed by people who know how to make a good cocktail, and 70 percent said they would date a professional mixologist.

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.

Follow this Martini primer if you want the "perfect" Martini. Just ask anyone who received one from me (Sam Sharp). There is “The Martini” and then there are martinis and, quite often the latter has little or no resemblance to the original. The classic Gin Martini, made of gin and dry vermouth, will always remain a classic and a favorite of many.

The countdown to #WorldWhiskyDay is upon us.  World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the “water of life” on May 21st.  World Whisky day celebrates all types of whisky/whiskey from anywhere in the world. World Whisky Day is all about making whisky fun and enjoyable. You can drink it however you want (ice, water, mixer – whatever works for you).  A splash of water with your bourbon really brings out the unique aroma and flavor.

(Whiskey cover photo courtesy of Whiskey Cheatsheet.com)

As a follow-up to last week's blog post, here is a fun discussion on personality traits related to the way drinkers hold their class. Again, for purposes of novelty, not exact science, but in my many years of servicing the drinking public, I have caught on to a few things. Much of this information was being tabled for my new book, but I thought all of you would have fun going through the list diagnosing your friends and self-analysis...As always, enjoy!!!

In all my years tending bar and observing people in bar-type settings, I have learned and discovered quite a few things. First, it always helps to have a degree in psychology and counseling. Ever since I could remember, I've had a fascination and keen interest in human behavior and cognition, especially as it applies to the drinking environment. Second, working in many different bars, restaurants, and owning your own bar business has afforded me the opportunity to conduct research and gather evidence pertaining to how people behave, specifically from drink #1 to last call.

The development of “De la Tierre” Canadian Maple Tequila didn’t happen overnight, but was an instant success. My good friend Wayne Rezunyk and his friend Troy put their heads together one day and came up with the concept. After a little research and tasting, of course, they realized that they stumbled onto something special. That extensive testing and researching led them to what is now known as “De la Tierre” Canadian Maple Tequila, first of its kind in the world.