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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.

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 cover photo courtesy of AJ Rathburn)

The Fizz family of drinks emerged in popularity in the 1910’s, 20’s, and 30’s, when citrus fruit juices (lime or lemon), carbonated water, a spirit, a sweetening agent, and other ingredients were combined to produce a concoction that kept people cool under their layers of clothing, even if hemlines have been raised or lowered quite a bit in the last century.

A modern Fizz, such as the “Springtime Fizz” below, brings tartness, tang, and color in the form of dried Hibiscus flowers along with some sweetness of pomegranate.

#NationalAbsintheDay falls every year on March 5th. The term “absinthe” comes from “Artemisia absinthium”, the scientific name for its key ingredient, wormwood. Long before distillers discovered it, the herb was used for medicinal purposes.

In lieu of #NationalKahluaDay on Feb 27th, let's get to know a little more about that classification of alcohol known as #liqueurs or #cordials, the latter is the more widely used term in Europe, but liqueur in the USA.  They are interchangeable. I personally prefer the term cordial so that will be used throughout this piece.  Cordial literally means “to warm” in French and is an adjective used in describing someone who is nice or warm.

I will give a brief description of the cordial, #Kahlua, along with many other popular cordials.

In celebrating #NationalMargaritaDay on February 22^nd, I give you a fully loaded post filled with history, factoids, info, and recipes.

I meant to put this post together later in the week, but due to coordinating and doing three events this week, this V-day post comes early in the week. Giving you plenty of time to get the ingredients and perfect these cocktails before your date arrives.