Art of Mixology

The venerable “G and T” is much beloved amongst drinkers young and old, despite critics’ claim that its taste resembles pine needles. Leave the tree chewing naysayers to themselves and pour another. The gin and tonic has, in its two hundred years of existence, never been out of style. Winston Churchill even once declared, “The gin and tonic has saved more Englishmen’s lives, and minds, than all the doctors in the Empire.” This might seem preposterous, or even a good jest, but would Churchill lie to you? It all began in an exotic, far off land. India: the jewel of...

Once you have a few cocktail recipes down pat, it’s time to invest in some fine glassware. Show off your knowledge of art of mixology and the traditions behind the glassware and the cocktails they enhance. Rocks (Double Old Fashioned) This truly is a must for all lovers of tan liquors. The double old fashioned (which also comes as a single and even a triple) is a staple gentleman and ladies looking to tip a glass back with sophistication. The rocks glass is best for drinks that you build within the glass. By this we mean without using a cocktail...

You might have noticed that these little magic potion bottles are essentials in many favorites, from Manhattans to Planter’s Punch. When you get the craving to mix up one of these gems you might look up an ingredient list only to find that this is the one ingredient you don’t have. Well, it’s time to make a stop at the liquor store. By the time we’re done with this post, you’ll be an expert on why bitters make drinking oh so sweet. Bitters are made up of a concentrated mix of alcohol, sour, or bitter botanical ingredients. They can come...

A cocktail is much more than a vehicle for alcohol. The true pleasure of drinking comes from the act of bringing people together. Strangers become friends, lovers meet and, occasionally, enemies spar. But all come together in pursuit of one thing: a fine beverage in convivial spirit. You’re sure to have seen the iconic copper mugs wet with condensation, indicating the deliciousness inside. Enjoying a Moscow Mule is an American pastime and the rose gold cup is as much a part of the story as the cocktail itself. But where did it all begin? The legend of the Moscow Mule...

A shrub may sound like the thing you fall into after a few too many cocktails on your way home from the bar, but today we’re talking about a much sweeter, and less prickly, shrub. This kind of shrub is a chic addition to your bartending stockpile. In mixology terms, a shrub is a homemade fruit flavored syrup made from three basic parts. The equation goes: sugar + fruit + vinegar = shrub Shrubs are fantastic because you can make them with almost any fruit and personalize them to any flavor profile. To take your next dinner party from good...