Start shaking and stirring; it's Friday, which means happy hour is on the horizon. Warm weather makes us feel like we're on a beach vacation where sweet and fruity concoctions are the norm — it all tastes good going down until you realize that you've just undone a weekday's worth of workouts. Instead of passing on the Mai Tais, skip premade mixes, sugary juices, and refined sugar, and sweeten Read more

Simple syrup is one hot ingredient right now, and what's so great about it is that it takes minimal effort to create something special and useful. We've been noticing unique and exciting flavor combinations and recipes, like rhubarb and rosewater syrup, popping up all over the place. To make your own flavored simple syrup, all you need to do is add whatever flavoring component (citrus zest, Read more

Does anything scream warm weather more than a day at the racetracks? Even though I've never had the privilege of attending the Kentucky Derby, I look forward to the horse race, as I've always seen it as something of a Southern rite of Spring. The sun's out in full force, the air smells like horses and hay, and there's the buzzing energy of chatter throughout the stands. I love visualizing my Read more

Planning to indulge in a few festive sips for Cinco de Mayo? Before you toast with your pals, take a look at the nutritional content for these classic fiesta cocktails. Some of the picks aren't traditional Mexican drinks, but we've included a few Spanish and Latin sips to cover all the calorie bases. Whether you consider yourself a margarita enthusiast or more of a Corona type, you'll be able to Read more

The 138th Kentucky Derby is this weekend, so grab your wide-brimmed hats and kick back with a classic mint julep cocktail — just go easy on all that sweet stuff. Traditionally made with simple syrup, mint juleps are nothing if not a sugar high waiting to happen. You could skip the drink altogether in favor of another traditional whiskey cocktail from the South: the sazerac. With only a touch of Read more