Fans of flavored vodkas, listen up! Absolut vodka has just released its latest city-inspired flavor, Absolut SF. Since San Francisco happens to be my hometown, I was excited to get a bottle of the limited-edition vodka that's an interesting blend of grape, dragon fruit, and papaya. Although I found the vodka to be too sweet to sip solo, I thoroughly enjoyed it in this preparation. The combination Read more

Whenever I come across strawberries that are about to go bad — the mushy ones with lots of wrinkles and a deep red color — I set them aside and use them in a cocktail. Many recipes involve muddling the strawberries to extract the juices, so it doesn't really matter if they aren't the prettiest of berries. For adventurous home mixologists, I highly recommend you make use of blemished berries Read more

If you think tequila is only good in margaritas, think again! The Mexican spirit is a wonderful base for all sorts of cocktails. In this recipe, tequila is paired with sweet strawberries, tart lemons, and fragrant mint. The method is adaptable: if you prefer a strong drink, use more tequila, and if you're partial to weak beverages, add more club soda. This refreshing cooler is the perfect way to 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

After a long day of football-watching and cocktail-drinking, this ginger fried rice topped with a fried egg from Fresh Tart sounds like the perfect hangover helper, don't you think? OK yes, I realize that I'm posting yet another fried egg dish, but this one is just too good to not share. I had actually forgotten about it, which is rather amazing given how many times I've made the dish since Mark Read more

"Pimm's Cup" is fun to say and even more fun to drink. But what exactly is Pimm's No. 1? Like Southern Comfort or Fernet-Branca, this type of liquor is synonymous with its brand; Pimm's No. 1 is just that, and nothing else. This gin-based booze hails from England and carries a lower alcohol content (25 percent) than most hard liquor. For that reason, it's one of my absolute favorite ingredients Read more

We've got a new partnership with Padma Lakshmi! The host of the Emmy-winning Top Chef, writer, and designer started Padma Lakshmi, a social networking site that celebrates our favorite topics, including food adventures, recipes, and party planning. She'll be dishing up goodies for us here on YumSugar monthly. Today, Padma sings the virtues of a lesser-known condiment: homemade chili honey Read more

Can't wait for the Super Bowl to be here already? Well then you've lucked out, because this year, game day's come early — online, at least. Food Network's brought together some of the country's top food outlets for a virtual Super Bowl spread. From cocktails and appetizers to main dishes and desserts, this meal's got it all — and each recipe is one that you can re-create yourself at home. Read more