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Happy Hour: Jalisco Flower

Susannah Chen — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:18:53 PDT

There's no better hair of the dog after a long night out than brunch filled with bottomless mimosas. But if you've grown weary of that mundane combination of orange juice and bubbly, switch up your drinking routine with another Champagne cocktail that's twice as exciting to sip, but just about as easy to prepare.

The Jalisco Flower is a combination of ruby red grapefruit juice and sparkling wine - with a bit of tequila and St-Germain added in to throw your taste buds for a loop. Tart tequila pairs well with the sweet-sour grapefruit juice, while the elderflower liqueur adds complex floral notes and softens the spirit's aggressiveness.

For a delicious new fizzy beverage, read more.

Happy Hour: Thoroughbred

Susannah Chen — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:24:20 PDT

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 presence at Churchill Downs each year - usually in front of the television, a classic mint julep in hand. But I've discovered a totally different cocktail that's so delicious it's going to be my julep stand-in this time around.

With a generous pour of peach purée, a splash of soda, and a garnish of candied ginger, this refreshing drink is sure to be the belle of any Derby day ball.

Want to enjoy one? Then keep reading.

For Adults Only: Fizzy Gin and Lavender Lemonade

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:05:10 PDT

If warmer weather leaves you craving something slightly sweet and fizzy, then whip up a cocktail with Dry Sodas. We don't just love them on their own, but they also make the ideal base for an adult beverage.

This particular cocktail will take you five minutes to prepare, yet the flavors are intoxicating. Lavender Dry Soda and Meyer lemon give the drink a floral tang, the Vanilla Bean Soda adds just a hint of confectionery sweetness, and the gin offers a refreshing kick, perfect for Summery months ahead. Get the refreshing cocktail recipe.

Stiff Drinks to Get You Through Tax Day

Susannah Chen — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 03:43:34 PDT

If you're a procrastinator like myself, you may have put off taxes until the very last minute - in which case, your weekend's spent toiling over documents and forms. Make all that paperwork just a little more enjoyable by filing it with a stiff drink in hand (not that we're endorsing drunk tax filing!). Check out a handful of the spiritous drinks we'll be nursing to ease that tax pain.

Gin and It	Death in the Afternoon	Sazerac
Means of Preservation	Black Russian	Gin Sling

Happy Hour: Strawberry-Ginger Caipirosca

YumSugar — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:30:36 PDT

For the first time this year, I saw signs of the new season at the farmers market: purple-green Spring onions and lush, shiny strawberries. I was so enthralled that I decided to toast the first berries with a timely cocktail.

This drink has a fruity-floral bouquet, with a clean finish from the mint and ginger. It's also not too sweet.

When I served it to my guy, he took one sip and said, "This might be the best cocktail you've ever made for me." The only downside? It has no trace of alcohol flavor, so I could have easily had five more. For the stellar recipe, read more.

Happy Hour: Irish Buck

Susannah Chen — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:03:57 PDT

St. Patrick's Day isn't until tomorrow, but we've been celebrating all week. If you don't really have a penchant for black and tans, and the prospect of drinking whiskey straight-up isn't really your thing, then consider raising a glass with the Irish Buck.On first sip, you'll notice immediately that this cocktail manages to highlight all three of its main ingredients: Irish whiskey, ginger ale, and lime juice. The result is a fizzy, boozy drink that's hop-free, yet still channels the fighting Irish spirit. To get the party started, keep reading for the recipe.

9 Brews to Help Change Your Mind About Beer

Lizzie Fuhr — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 07:05:20 PDT

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and no explanation is necessary for this notorious holiday: it's one of the most celebrated days of drinking worldwide. Whether you're celebrating at home with friends or planning on hitting a few pubs, beer is the obvious St. Patty's drink of choice. Even if you're a self-described loather of all things beer, I urge you to think outside the box, and try to taste something a little different this year.

I'm definitely not saying you should go grab a Guinness right away, but if you keep things fresh, fruity, or sweet, you may be singing a different tune. Get ready to drink up with these 10 picks!

Happy Hour: Guinness Milkshake

Susannah Chen — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:22:32 PDT

Photo: Lauren Hendrickson

With St. Patrick's Day a week away, I went off in search of a timely tipple to enjoy over the weekend. I found a number of drinks that called for ingredients like vermouth and hazelnut whipped cream; they sounded delicious, but rather contradictory to the rowdy spirit of St. Patty's.

I finally landed on a Guinness milkshake. It embodies the boisterous beer drinking of March 17, with a nostalgic nod to youth. The combination might sound questionable, but I promise that the frothy, chocolaty Guinness is the perfect foil for sweet vanilla ice cream. For the single step recipe, read on.

A Primer on Beer

Susannah Chen — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:55:04 PST

If you've been known to enjoy a pint or two, then chances are, you'll be raising a glass this month in honor of St. Patrick. But 'fess up: between all that Guinness and red ale, do you know what you're really imbibing? For those who don't, we're here to educate you. It's true that unless you're a science fiend, home brewer, or brewing aficionado, it can be confusing to wrap your head around the different beer varieties - especially since they're all made of water, malted barley, yeast, and hops.

For the most part, beer can be broken down into two major categories. Learn what they are - and their defining characteristics - when you keep reading.

Happy Hour: Eclipse

Susannah Chen — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 11:38:27 PST

I've never been drawn to premade margarita, sweet and sour, and bloody mary mixes, mostly because I can make the aforementioned from scratch. Needless to say, I was hesitant when I heard about The Perfect Purée, a Napa Valley-based company that produces a wide range of exotic fruit purées designed for combining into beverages. That is, until I tried one in a cocktail.

If you can't locate, say, white peaches, yuzu, or blood oranges in your area, this product is truly the next best thing. Unlike most other cocktail blends out there, these purées are extracted from fresh fruit and flash-frozen to preserve freshness.
At a recent tasting, this cocktail - an eclectic recipe of tequila, apple brandy, and Campari with passionfruit, pomegranate, and blood orange purée - was so enjoyable that I asked the company for the recipe. Here it is.