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16 Love-Inspired Libations

Tara Sharp — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:28:14 PST

Set the mood this V-Day with these sip-worthy cocktails, inspired by the Feb. 14 holiday. From romantic red concoctions to blissful bubbly, I've rounded up 16 sweet, tart, and fruity drinks for you to toast to a romantic night in or to share with gal pals at a Valentine's Day singles soiree. Get the recipes now!

Holiday Cocktails to Last You Through the Season!

YumSugar — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:50:49 PST

The holidays are a time to celebrate, and what better way to make merry than with a festive cocktail in hand? Whether you're busy whipping up edible gifts, exhausted from last-minute shopping, or hosting your own amazing holiday party, here are several wonderful wintry cocktails to help you get into the spirit.

Breakdown of Eggnog Alternatives

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 22:46:52 PST

They may be loaded with cheer, but holiday drinks are also notoriously rich and calorie-heavy. Staples like eggnog are sure to show up at seasonal soirees, so it's helpful to do a little planning before you sip. One cup of eggnog contains about 350 calories along with 11 grams of saturated fat, but that doesn't stop 45 percent of FitSugar readers from enjoying it here and there. If you're looking for a wintry treat for a festive fete, you might try to serve or pack a lighter alternative like soy nog or rice nog. They both contain less fat and nearly half the calories of eggnog.

To see the full breakdown read more.

10 Fall Cocktails to Toast to This Thanksgiving

Susannah Chen — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 04:30:26 PST

There are countless things to be grateful for in 2011, but let's face it: the best way to be thankful on turkey day is to kick back, bond, and have a drink (or three) with loved ones. To take Thanksgiving entertaining to the next level, match your courses with deserving wines and start off with cocktail hour. Don't forget to refill your ice trays, because we've got 10 tipples that are guaranteed to be magnificent with your meal.

Happy Hour: Ginger Sidecar

Susannah Chen — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 15:05:30 PST

While you want Thanksgiving tipples to be memorable and festive, make sure to keep them accessible enough for the whole family (including your less-than-experimental sister-in-law). One way I like to approach this is by placing a contemporary twist on an otherwise standby cocktail.

Much like a pear essence cosmopolitan mellows out the cosmo, here, ginger and maple syrup add a Winter twist to the classic World War I-era sidecar. It won't rouse any raised eyebrows, but do prepare yourself for a table full of compliments. For a timeless cocktail with a hint of sugar and spice, read more.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Coffee Day

Nancy Einhart — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:00:25 PDT

Feeling the need for one extra cup today? Go ahead and indulge, because today, Sept. 29, is National Coffee Day. Here are five ways to celebrate, so try one or four, depending on your level of sluggishness.

Enjoy - really enjoy - a cup by following the coffee tasting process employed by the pros. This way, you'll appreciate the complexities rather than just the jolt.
Free coffee! At 7-Eleven's CofFree Day, get a free medium cup until 11 a.m. Krispy Kreme is also giving away free coffee, no doughnut purchase necessary. But, you know, while you're there . . .
Speaking of doughnuts, in honor of National Coffee Day, Dunkin' Donuts is hosting an online Chance for StarDDom contest to find the country's most passionate Dunkin' Donuts coffee fan. Enter on DD's Facebook page for a chance to star in a Dunkin' Donuts ad or down free coffee for a year.
Make coffee ice cream. At least in San Francisco, it's still ice cream weather, so why not have your coffee for dessert?
Whip up another java-licious recipe. Here are eight recipes with coffee as the secret ingredient.

Source: Flickr User brookpeterson

Happy Hour: Cherry Lime Rickey

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 13:57:33 PDT

Unlike the martini or daiquiri, the rickey is a lesser-known classic cocktail with origins that date back to the 1880s. A traditional rickey consists of spirit (bourbon or gin), half of a lime squeezed and dropped into the glass, and carbonated water. This modernization of the rickey adds a delightful seasonal element to the drink: cherries. Although you could make it with bourbon, I used gin because it's lighter and more refreshing. This concoction is fruity, tart, and absolutely wonderful. Gin lovers will enjoy the perfect balance of sweet cherries, sour limes, and botanical spirit. Want to give it a try? Get the recipe.

Happy Hour: Butterbeer

Katie Sweeney — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 12:44:54 PDT

Harry Potter fans, the moment we've all been waiting for is almost here. The second half of the final movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, premieres in New York today, hits theaters this Friday. There's no better way to anticipate the finale than with a frothy, cold mug of butterbeer! This recipe is nonalcoholic, so you can serve it to the underaged fans as well. It's a sweet treat, somewhere between a milk shake and a root beer float, with the base ingredient being cream soda.

Take the time to make your own butterscotch; it really enhances the flavor of the beer. To serve a spiked version, add a shot of spiced rum. Get the recipe after the jump.

Happy Hour: Raspberry Mojito Royale

Katie Sweeney — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:22:20 PDT

The start of a long weekend calls for a celebratory cocktail, and today I'm toasting with this fizzy, raspberry mojito! It's got all of the usual suspects of a classic mojito - rum, lime juice, and mint - but it's given a girlie twist with the addition of raspberries and sparkling wine. The libation is fruity, refreshing, and downright delicious. The only problem with it? It's too easy to drink! Start making a second round before you've finished the first and you'll be good to go. Here's the easy recipe.

7 Cocktail Trends to Embrace and 4 to Avoid

Katie Sweeney — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 03:15:34 PDT

Goat, pork desserts, and grilled cheese weren't the only trends we spotted at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. I also attended a seminar devoted to what's hot (and what's not!) in the world of mixology. At The Cocktail Guide, New York's most famous bartender Jim Meehan, of PDT, and Food & Wine's Kate Krader discussed top trends when it comes to drinks. Wondering what you should seek out and stay away from the next time you hit up your local watering hole? Read on.