Drinking shots can be great fun. If consumed in moderation and deployed with common sense (I know, this can be very difficult once you get rolling), alcohol shots can make a good evening great, turn a cold night warm, or make a movie more interesting. While you can go old school, downing a whiskey shot with a beer chaser, there...
Absinthe is rapidly growing in popularity again after the US ban on the hallucinatory" spirit was lifted in 2007. Since then, beloved old brands and emerging new entrants have created a brilliant range of the bright diamond green liquid to rival the golden era during the French Belle Epoque. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy drinking absinthe make sure...
Using the best ginger beer is crucial to quality cocktails and mixed drinks, or even for use as a standalone beverage choice. While most offer a carbonated soda like dry ginger ale, the increased interest in craft brewing, seltzers, and kombucha drinks is seeing more contemporary brands brewing with real ginger. Increases in positive personal health decisions (even for alcoholic...
Gin varieties are evolving as independent and big distillers bring innovations and flavors to the fore. The individualized, interesting flavors of gin contribute to the spirit's popularity as the base in a brilliant range of mixed drink and cocktail options. The focus may be on the spirit and distillation, but things are moving forward as well for what you put...
The Star Wars galaxy is more than just films, folklore, might, and merchandise. The world of Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Darth Vader, and the Empire has spawned an interesting subculture of fanatical fan fiction, cosplay, food, and exotic beverages that appeal to fans from five years to 95 years of age. For adults who grew up with the Original Star...
Some drink connoisseurs feel that there is little need for top shelf vodka, based on the notion that the important thing with the alcohol is to make it crisp, clean and neutral only. While making the cleanest, crispest vodka with little flavor or aftertaste remains the goal for many cheap vodka brands, ultra-premium vodka expressions are different, both in the...
Compiling a list of best tasting beers is akin to ordering a succulent Chinese meal - it's impossible to finalize what you really want, atmosphere is important, and sometimes consensus is the best way to make a choice. Parsing between commercial brew powerhouses, beers of the world, and the increasingly dominant craft beer market means there's no shortage of candidates...
For newcomers to Scotch whisky the process of purchasing enjoyable bottles can be daunting. Nobody likes to spend good money on a bottle of scotch that you just don't like, which happens occasionally given the differences in taste, flavor, age, pricing, and accessibility across Scotland's vaunted distilleries. Learning about quality Scottish whisky need not burn a hole in your wallet....
You can ask anyone for their favorite bourbon and chances are you’ll get a different answer most times. One of the things I enjoy about American whiskey is that there are quality varieties from large distilleries and small independent producers, and room for everyone whether you're from Texas or Kentucky. Whiskey is accessible and interesting for experienced drinkers but also offers a welcoming smile and tip of the hat for newcomers. The following collection delivers 10 brands offering a...
Brandy is a spirit of distilled wine or fermented fruit juice but usually refers to grape juice. Other mash references the fruit that they've been made from, such as apple brandy. Often associated with wealth and luxury, brandy is interesting because of different interpretations of the alcoholic beverage and polarizing legislation about how it's defined, distilled, traded, and consumed. The...