yumsugar -- To die for.

Happy Hour: Sweeney (Hottie) Toddy

partysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:00:02 -0700

Now that Fall is here we can start to think about cold-weather cocktails, especially the warming toddy. With its burnt orange color, caramelized sugar rim, and creative name, this modern variation of the classic drink is not your grandmother's nightcap. Made with rum and Canton Ginger Liquor, it's delicious and surprisingly easy to drink. Created especially for my birthday party, by superstar bartender Aaron Smith, of 15 Romolo, the Sweeney (Hottie) Toddy is also a wonderful concoction for a Halloween party. Lighting the glass on fire to caramelize the rim makes for a fabulous party trick! Learn how it's done and

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:30:33 -0700

A lot of manly men will be attending my hoedown so I've decided to get a keg of beer. When selecting a keg, choose a versatile, easy-to-drink beer that's neither high- or lowbrow. I've ordered a keg of Lagunitas, an IPA native to my hometown.

For the ladies, offer a spicy rum punch. Made with a spiced sugar syrup, rum, and fresh lemon and orange juices, this punch is refreshing and potent.

Of course, water, soda, and wine are always good to have on hand at any event, so stock up on those as well. Get the punch recipe when you

Do You Drink Girlie Cocktails?

partysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:15:05 -0700

Do You Drink Girlie Cocktails?

Yes! Sometimes a girlie cocktail is just what the doctor ordered.

It depends on the drink.

No, I don't like girlie anything.

I don't drink.

Other — fill me in below.

Happy Hour: Buzzy Navel

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:01:05 -0700

This past weekend might have been the last seriously warm Saturday of the year. To celebrate, I mixed myself a fruity refreshment.

The Buzzy Navel, as it's called, is closely related to a perennial favorite, the Fuzzy Navel. The primary distinction? It includes a surprise element of beer, which alters the taste of the cocktail, mellowing out the hot flavors of hard liquor and adding a lingering, malty finish.

When I mixed my Buzzy Navel, I tweaked the recipe to my own liking, adding an extra 1/3 ounce of beer and omitting the ice. You can do the same when you

Must-Read: The Ultimate Beer Lover's Cookbook

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:30:41 -0700

Ever since the onset of Oktoberfest, I've had beer on the brain. Naturally I decided to break out my copy of The Ultimate Beer Lover's Cookbook. The tome is authored by John Schlimm, a descendant of the Straub beer empire. The collection, which took 10 years to compile, employs beer in every single one of its 400-plus recipes. To see what I think of the cookbook,

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:30:53 -0700

When one hears the words "tailgate" and "drinks," the first thing that comes to mind is beer. And lots of it. At my tailgate, I'll supply guests with a selection of cold brews and an updated version of the shandy, a classic beer cocktail. Tailgates always get a little rowdy, so I won't serve hard alcohol.

It's a good idea to have sodas, water, and a couple bottles of chilled white wine on hand. Before heading to the stadium, don't forget to stock up on ice. There's nothing worse than warm beer on a hot afternoon. To look at the refreshing recipe for the beer cocktail — at my party it will be poured into Cal cups! —

Happy Hour: Green Grape Sangria

partysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:00:57 -0700

When I saw this recipe for white wine sangria in the July issue of Gourmet magazine, I knew I had to make it. I wasn't disappointed when I did; this sangria is phenomenal.

It's fresh, fruity, and refreshing without being overly sweet. The mint adds an herby aroma to the wine, and the absence of fruit chunks makes for smooth, easy drinking. The recipe calls for Pinot Grigio, but I used a dry Riesling from Trader Joe's.

To learn how to make this divinely sip-able sangria,

Come Party With Me: Heroes Season Premiere — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:30:17 -0700

What cocktail pairs perfectly with a traditional meat and mashed potato TV dinner? A classic gin and tonic served in a chilled glass. It's a simple, no-fuss drink that will nicely complement the menu for my Heroes season premiere party.

I'll also have a couple bottles of red wine on hand to enjoy with dinner. Water, beer, and sodas are a must for those who dislike gin. To look at the recipe for this uncomplicated cocktail,

Tea Bags: What Do You Know?

YumSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:15:02 -0700

Although tea itself has been around for more than 4,000 years, the tea bag is a modern advancement. In fact, it's believed that the invention turns 100 this week.

Have you given the tea bag much thought? Give this tiny addition to culture a small salute when you take our quiz below!

Source

Happy Hour: Bloody Maria

YumSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:00:20 -0700

Besides the requisite cup of coffee, my favorite brunch drink is the Bloody Mary. But after trying the Bloody Maria, I think I may need to reconsider.

A Bloody Maria is essentially a Bloody Mary made with tequila instead of vodka. While vodka is essentially flavorless, tequila packs a toasted, oaky, tart punch, adding even more kick to a drink that's already full of hot and tart flavors.

I love bold food and drink, so I thought this was absolutely delicious. Hail Maria, full of taste!

To get the recipe,

Nestlé Introduces Beauty Drink

YumSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:15:04 -0700

The brand Nestlé is synonymous with chocolate bars, frozen meals, and those delectable Toll House cookies, but it's possible that the company may soon be just as recognizable at the cosmetics counter.

The world's largest food and beverage company has introduced Glowelle, a beauty drink that proclaims to have antiaging properties.

The bottled drinks come in two flavors, raspberry jasmine and pomegranate lychee, and are available for $7 a pop at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman department stores. The blends claim to "nourish and hydrate the skin from within and help fight free radicals, known contributors to the signs of aging."

This drink is just the latest in a bevy of supplements that have hit the market. I've always been perplexed by beauty drinks: do they work? Have you ever tried a beauty supplement in the form of food or drink?

Source

Taste Test: POMx Iced Coffee

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:00:17 -0700

Pomegranates may have been around for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a few years ago that the fruit took off with the launch of pomegranate drinks such as POM Wonderful. Suddenly, the übernutritious specimen became the world's hottest fruit. Its tart, brambly flavor began appearing in everything from cocktails to salad dressing. When I heard POM had developed a coffee drink, I had to find out what the hype was about. Did this beverage have pomegranate juice mixed in with its coffee? As it turns out, POMx Iced Coffee contains pomegranate extract for its antioxidant benefits, but no actual pomegranate juice. The 10-ounce drink, which is currently only available on the East Coast, comes in two flavors, café au lait and chocolate, and costs $2.99. The drink contains Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee, fat-free milk, and organic cane sugar. To find out my impressions of the drink,

Come Party With Me: Fashion Week Party — Drinks

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:15:19 -0700

For the bash I'm throwing in honor of New York Fashion Week, I'll be serving everyone rounds of this drink, the Manhattan. Not only is it a classic cocktail, but it's sleek, urban, and distinctly New York. The best thing about this bar classic? It's just as easy to make in a large batch as it is to prepare just one.

For those of my guests who aren't sipping spirits, I'll have sparkling cranberry juice on hand to pour, so they can look (and feel) just as glamorous as the rest. To stir up this fashionable drink,

Name That Drink!

partysugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 07:00:24 -0700

This nonalcoholic concoction would be great on a camping trip or a picnic. Do you know what the sweet, lemony libation is called?

Happy Hour: Sueño

partysugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:00:16 -0700

Cucumber haters beware. This tart yet refreshing cocktail might make you rethink your distaste. When muddled with rosemary, lime juice, and simple syrup, the flavor of the cucumber is subdued, and what remains is the essence of the cool vegetable — well, technically a fruit, but you know what I mean.

I usually associate vodka with this sort of herbaceous, earthy concoction, but tequila makes a surprisingly sublime match for the woody herb and crunchy cuke. A tonic float adds a bubbly, carbonated finish. To think outside the bartending box, make this drink and

Taste Test: TeaZazz Sparkling Teas

YumSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:05:33 -0700

Lately we've been receiving a lot of tea to try at the office. We've also been witnessing a lot of beverage companies swapping the high-fructose corn syrup in their drinks for pure cane sugar. So it comes as no surprise that the latest rising beverage on the market is TeaZazz, a carbonated tea made with sugar that markets itself as a healthier hybrid soft drink.

TeaZazz comes in four different flavors: original, green tea mint, green tea lemon, and peach. Curious, I tried the first two. To hear what I thought,

Come Party With Me: Campfire Fiesta — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:15:51 -0700

After a long day of pitching tents, cooking food, and preparing dessert, the gang at your campfire fiesta definitely deserves a drink. No camping trip is complete without beer, so fill a cooler with plenty of ice and ask guests to bring their own brews. I'll also pick up a few bottles of red and white wine.

As the host of this fireside fete, you can also offer a fun addition to the bar menu. Since you probably won't have the time or energy to whip up something like a guavarita, opt for spiking a watermelon with rum. It's summery and refreshing, it will go great with the Mexican-inspired main courses, and it's easy to eat around the campfire. Just consume with caution, since it will undoubtedly be strong! To find out how to make it,

Happy Hour: Guavarita

partysugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:15:56 -0700

Meet the guavarita, the rosy-hued cousin of the classic margarita. Made with a splash of guava nectar, this cocktail is refreshing and slightly sweet. If you find margaritas too potent, give this variation a shake.

The guava juice balances the sometimes overwhelming flavor of tequila. Since the tequila was subdued, I found the salted rim unnecessary. When I made round two, I left the rim alone.

To look at the recipe,

Happy Hour: Lemonade Mojito

YumSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 14:30:45 -0700

The other day, I cohosted a barbecue so, of course, I served a signature cocktail. As an added challenge, the barbecue was actually a baby shower, and the guest of honor was pregnant. So I searched for a recipe that would be just as refreshing without booze as with it.

I dug this recipe out of my recipe file, ripped out of InStyle magazine years ago and just waiting for its moment. It's great for big groups since it can be made in large batches, and I like that it uses vodka instead of the usual rum, since I have a lot of friends who find rum off-putting. It's very tart and sufficiently sweet, and without the vodka, it's just a minty homemade lemonade. To get the recipe,

Come Party With Me: My Birthday — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:14:56 -0700

Obviously, I think my birthday is a cause for celebration, and with celebration comes champagne! When choosing a signature drink for my bash, I wanted something that would subtly echo the floral motif of my invitations without being too juvenile. A playful twist on a classic, grownup cocktail seems fitting for someone turning 27.

I've settled on this variation on the French 75 cocktail; it features blood oranges so it has a slightly pink, but not too pink, hue. Better yet, it will please both cocktail connoisseurs and casual drinkers, and it can be made in large batches. To get the recipe,

Happy Hour: Rossellini

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:00:30 -0700

Sunny weekends in San Francisco are hard to come by. When I awoke last Saturday to clear-blue skies, I headed over to Bar Bambino, an Italian nook in the city with a new back patio.

There, I enjoyed the perfect warm-weather drink: a spin on sangria that was refreshing and fruity without being overly cloying or too heavy on the alcohol. With one in hand, I imagined I was an effortlessly chic Italian woman. I snagged the recipe for the next real Summer day.

The cocktail calls for white wine (I'd recommend a Sauvignon Blanc, or any other dry white with mineral notes) as well as orange bitters, which can be found at large liquor stores. For the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Going Away Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:15:14 -0700

The menu for the going away party is simple, classic, and comforting so serve a drink that embodies these qualities as well. A lemonade-inspired punch is refreshing and crowd-friendly. It's simple to make and delicious to drink. Make two batches — one alcoholic and one nonalcoholic. For the clambake offer guests a chilled white wine or light, fruity red. For those who prefer not to drink hard liquor or wine, stock up on beer, water, and sparkling juices. For the easy spiked lemonade recipe,

Happy Hour: Pisco Sour

YumSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:00:46 -0700

The other night I found myself at Nopa, a San Francisco restaurant known for its great food and equally respectable drinks. My drink of choice was the pisco sour, the slightly sweet, tart, frothy lemon cocktail made with pisco, a regional South American brandy. This is a wonderful concoction and I'm excited to re-create it at home.If you don't own pisco, you can find it at a well-stocked liquor store or online. The pisco sour and its namesake spirit have been at the center of a centuries-old battle between Chile and Peru, with both countries claiming it their own.

Note that this recipe calls for Chilean pisco, which is sweeter, with slightly lower alcohol content than Peruvian pisco. If you substitute Peruvian pisco, increase the amount of simple syrup and lemon juice according to your taste. To get the recipe to this lovely Latin libation,

Does Organic Booze Cure Hangovers?

partysugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:00:52 -0700

By now, we know that organic food is better for your health and the environment than non-organic food, but what about organic alcohol? How exactly does the organic booze affect the morning after? Recently Sean Evans, a writer for the New York Daily News, put organic liqueur to the test. One night he drank only organic cocktails and the next night he imbibed their exact counterparts. Starting with the organic, he compared his hangovers:

There was no headache, and at first everything felt groggy. But despite being slightly slow, after a quick shower nearly all symptoms had dissipated. There was no nausea, no stomach pain; no normal hangover feelings. But the next morning was completely different. Everything felt sluggish and slow, and there was a dull headache, which lingered for a few hours. My churning stomach was quelled only after lying down for an extra hour, and several bottles of water were needed before an attempt to truly start the day could occur.

Being a huge fan of Lotus vodka, it's no surprise to me that the organic alcohol made him feel less hungover. So do you drink organic alcohol? If so, have you noticed a difference in your hangovers?

Source

What Do You Know About Rum?

YumSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:30:16 -0700

You may think you already know all there is to know about rum through drinking piña coladas and daiquiris, but let's see if my quiz (in honor of tomorrow being National Rum Day) can stump you. Are you ready to rummmmble? Let's begin!

Source

Come Party With Me: Movie Club Meeting — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:15:00 -0700

Although every dish on the menu for my movie club meeting features corn, I couldn't find a corn cocktail recipe. Thus, I looked for a refreshing concoction that would pair with the corn cakes and corn and zucchini pizzettas. This tequila sunrise punch is quick and simple to make for a crowd. To meld the flavors and infuse the tequila with citrus, let the mixture sit in the fridge for longer than ten minutes.

After the movie and during dinner, serve a buttery Chardonnay or light Tempranillo. Don't forget sparkling and still water, beer, and a selection of sodas. For the punch recipe,

Must-Read: Food and Wine Cocktails 2008

partysugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:13 -0700

As bartenders raise the bar on the quality of cocktails, it's no wonder I've become interested in doing the same at home. At happy hour, I no longer want to make a simple rum and coke, instead I prefer to experiment with exciting combinations and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Recently I purchased Food and Wine Cocktails 2008, an informative, paperback full of classic and modern recipes from the nation's hippest bars and restaurants. From wine spritzers to whiskey drinks to party punches to bar snacks, nothing is overlooked or forgotten. To see what I think of the book,

Happy Hour: Ginger Beer Cooler

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:30 -0700

Last night, I dined at a local Burmese cafe with a friend. While we went there for dinner, which was delicious, I wound up getting tipsy on these beer drinks called Burma coolers.

With a lemon zing and tangy ginger finish, they were wildly refreshing, so I tried to re-create them at home.

To see how I made my version of this divine drink,

Definition: Pilsner

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 06:45:22 -0700

Pilsner
A light, golden lager with a smooth, clean taste. This beer, which originates from the town of Pilsen in today's Czech Republic, has a prevalent flavor of hops and malt, a spicy bitterness, and often a floral aroma. While pilsners are a refreshing and good match for most foods, the term has become interchangeable with any light, drinkable beer.

Source

Happy Hour: Piña Colada Mojito

partysugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:00:46 -0700

The other day while searching for the ultimate piña colada recipe, I came across this recipe for a piña colada mojito. Intrigued, I decided to find out how lime and mint combine with pineapple and coconut. The final result was absolutely divine, a refreshing mix of tart, sweet, and creamy flavors. Since it's not blended, this cocktail is much lighter than the common piña colada, making it easier to drink a couple rounds. The ingredient list calls for both pineapple and coconut rums, but I used pineapple and regular rum because I wanted a less sweet variation. To learn how to make this tantalizing concoction,

Come Party With Me: Olympics Viewing — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:15:54 -0700

When guests arrive at your Olympic viewing, surprise them at the door with a chilled shot of Canton Ginger Liqueur. The shot will loosen up shy friends and get the conversation flowing. Next offer guests a glass of strawberry-lychee punch. Muddled with fresh strawberries, China's most cherished fruit sweetens this delicious rum cocktail.

Also have beer, wine, and sparkling water on hand. To learn how to make this cool, refreshing strawberry-lychee concoction,

Happy Hour: Tom Collins

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 14:00:55 -0700

In a memorable scene from last night's episode of AMC's Mad Men, advertising copywriter (and main character) Don Draper, who's known to drink on the job, instructs his 6-year-old daughter Sally how to prepare a Tom Collins for guests.

This gin sour drink, first created in the late 1800s, was a popular Summer sipper in the '50s and '60s, when it was known as "the king of cooling drinks." While it's currently fallen out of favor, perhaps the scene makes a suggestion that it's time to bring back this maraschino-topped crowd-pleaser. To get the classic recipe,

Would You Rather Drink Red or White Wine?

partysugar — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 01:30:29 -0700

A couple of weeks ago I found out that the majority of you prefer to drink wine instead of beer. So now I want to know what kind of wine you favor: red or white?Source

Would You Rather Drink Red or White Wine?

I prefer red wine.

I prefer white wine.

I appreciate both red and white wine.

White in summer, red in winter.

I don't drink.

Happy Hour: Bellini

partysugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:00:56 -0700

During the Summer's peach season, I love to enjoy bellinis. Similar to a mimosa, a bellini is Prosecco diluted with fresh white-peach puree. When made with perfectly ripe peaches, this glamorous cocktail is slightly sweet and delicately bubbly.

Named for the 15th-century Venetian painter, Giovanni Bellini, the drink was created at Harry's Bar in Venice sometime between 1934 and 1948. Now it is considered a classic cocktail and can be found on menus across America.

To make the peach puree, score a cross on the bottom of each peach with a knife.

Drop into a pot of boiling water for a couple minutes, plunge into an ice-water bath, and remove the skin. Chop into chunks, puree in the blender, and strain through a fine mesh sieve. For the proportions of this sublime concoction,

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:15:24 -0700

Lately I've been into making cocktails with rum. I'm sick of vodka drinks and have since started experimenting with the Latin libation. For the waterpark party, I plan on mixing up this refreshing rum punch. It looks like lemonade, so if anyone asks what we're sipping that will be our quick reply! This potent cocktail, from the inventive minds of MyRecipes.com, is a blend of rum, brandy, and pineapple, orange, and grapefruit juices. To make it more thirst quenching, I'll float a splash of sparkling water on top.
Get the tantalizing recipe when you,

How Do You Take Your Iced Tea?

partysugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:45:38 -0700

Source

How Do You Take Your Iced Tea?

Sweetened

Unsweetened

Mixed with lemonade.

In an exotic flavor.

I don't like iced tea.

Other — I'll explain how I make iced tea below.

Happy Hour: Papa Doblé Daiquiri

YumSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:01:17 -0700

At Spruce, an upscale bar and restaurant in San Francisco, I came across the papa doblé daiquiri on the bar menu and knew I had to order it. I love this drink for several reasons, and one of them is the legendary story behind it. The papa doblé was the signature drink of prolific writer Ernest Hemingway. Back in the '30s and '40s, he frequently ordered it at the El Floridita bar in Havana, Cuba. The cocktail isn't cloying — in fact, it isn't sweet at all — but it's smooth and easy to drink. Beware of impostor recipes, which will use cherry syrup in lieu of true, colorless, maraschino cherry liqueur. To learn how to make this famous concoction,

Meet Tony Abou-Ganim, the Modern Mixologist!

partysugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:00:12 -0700

One of my favorite seminars at the Food and Wine Classic was Tony Abou-Ganim's party punches and sangria class. A pioneer in the world of classic cocktail making, Ganim is known for establishing cocktail programs at prestigious bars in San Francisco, New York, and most recently Las Vegas. Referred to as the Modern Mixologist, Tony takes a culinary approach to cocktails and considers himself a "bar chef."

Earlier today I had the chance to speak with Tony over the phone. To see what the fabulous Abou-Ganim had to say in my exclusive interview,

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:15:57 -0700

Both kids and moms love lemonade. It's sweet tart taste is pleasing to a child's palette and it's pale yellow color won't stain, making mom happy. For a boy's birthday party on Alcatraz pack two coolers. Take one with you and leave one in the car. Fill the first with fresh lemonade and waters. Pack the second with small cans of soda and waters.

When you return to the car, surprise the boys by offering them a soda! To check out this delicious honey-vanilla lemonade recipe,

Tequila!

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:15:05 -0700

You may know how to pour a strong margarita or how to cook up a tasty tequila-lime chicken. You may have even taken your turn at mixing some mean tequila cocktails, but how much do you really know about the zippy spirit that can make you so happy?

Well, since today happens to be National Tequila Day, we thought we'd test your tequila knowledge. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila . . . go!

Happy Hour: Blue Gin Rizz

partysugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:00:23 -0700

The other day I was at the farmers market when I noticed a sad sign saying, "last day for blueberries." I immediately purchased a pint with the intention of using them in a delectable drink. While the original recipe, from H. Joseph Ehrmann of San Francisco's Elixir, calls for kumquats, I couldn't find them, so I substituted fresh peaches.

The final concoction is refreshing, tangy, and light. The ginger liqueur stabilizes the natural bite of the gin resulting in a cocktail that is balanced and easy to drink. It would be great paired with food, but it's also lovely when sipped solo. To say cheers to the weekend with this recipe,

Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:00:44 -0700

Since guests may arrive at different times and you could be busy giving a tour of the house, set up a small bar at your housewarming party. Let visitors pour their own drinks. Fill a bowl with ice and arrange glasses, garnishes, and napkins nearby. Place cold beers and several bottles of white wine in a large bucket. Make a pitcher of fruity sangria and place it on the table. Serving a sangria is smart because it's made in advance and keeps up with the Spanish theme of the snacks and sweets. To look at the recipe for this peach -strawberry sangria,

Happy Hour: French 75

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:00:14 -0700

In honor of Bastille Day, which celebrates the start of the French Revolution, mix (or order!) a French 75 cocktail. Named for a type of gun, this drink was originally created by a World War I, French-American fighter pilot. The combination of gin and champagne packs such a potent kick that people believed drinking it was like being shot with the powerful gun.

Now, the French 75 is considered a classic Champagne cocktail. The strong concoction is easy to make and even easier to drink. Get the recipe and

Happy Hour: Monkey's Lunch

YumSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:00:17 -0700

I know what you're thinking: Why on earth is Yum drinking a banana-flavored cocktail with a ridiculous name? Well, sometimes a girl needs a silly, sugary drink — and sometimes a girl has a bunch of creme de banana left over from a bananas foster recipe. In search of a use for this odd liqueur, I headed to the Internet and found the Monkey's Lunch.

Though it may sound a bit off-putting, this drink was yummy enough that I drank the whole thing and would happily drink another. The banana flavor is very subtle, like a tropical twist on a White Russian. If it sounds a-peel-ing (sorry, couldn't resist), get the recipe when you

Would You Drink This Floral Tea?

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:15:42 -0700

The Slanted Door Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco offers a choice of floral or smoky tea. Opt for floral, and you get an elegant wine goblet containing a bouquet of actual flora. I haven't tried it, but I'm so curious. Would you down this earthy drink?Source

Would You Drink This Floral Tea?

Yes! I'm so intrigued.

I'd take a sip, but the whole flower thing is a little weird.

No, that's just too wacky for me.

Other (tell us below)

Come Party With Me: Pool Party — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:15:51 -0700

When hosting a pool party, stock up on plenty of ice and water to ensure that guests stay hydrated. For easy access, place coolers around your backyard and fill with refreshments.

Since beer bottles inevitably get broken at any party, purchase beer cans and plastic bottles. Barefoot guests won't have to worry about stepping on glass shards.

Offer one fresh-fruit cocktail. This recipe for pineapple mango rum cocktails is cool and delicious. To learn how to make it,

Happy Hour: Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:15:25 -0700

Though I enjoy the occasional Manhattan, I'm not usually a drinker of straight bourbon. Like scotch, the Kentucky libation always seemed more like a sippin' drink for old dudes. But lately, I've been acquainting myself with these potent brown liquors, and I have to say that neither scotch nor bourbon is anything to be afraid of. (That is, as long as you don't drink too much.)

Case in point: Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon, distilled in Frankfort, KY, has taught me that truly excellent bourbons go down easy — almost too easy — even without a mixer. I recently picked up a bottle of a batch made especially for a San Francisco spirits shop, but you can buy it online for about $50. From the waxed-sealed racehorse-adorned top to the hand-scrawled date, Blanton's is clearly a special-occasion bottle of hooch.

One sip and you'll understand what separates high-end bourbon from everyday booze like Jim Beam. The rich, caramel liquid has the decadent taste of toffee with a hint of woodsy, almost fiery flavor. It's best served over ice or just "neat" in a glass, but if you simply must dilute it, I recommend a bit of water. Have you gotten into high-end bourbons? If so, tell me your opinions below.

The Big Chill

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:00:18 -0700

I don't know whether it's the sweltering heat or being cooped up inside on a sunny day, but when it's Summer, it seems all I want to do is kick back and relax in the sun, frosty cocktail in hand. My solution? Plotting out the margarita I'm going to make when it's five o'clock and I'm shopping for festive glassware that could be used to serve my beverage. Check out my finds below: My favorite is this oversized margarita goblet, which is large enough for you and your three BFFs. What'll you be toasting with? Bottoms up!

Come Party With Me: Black and White Luau — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:30:59 -0700

When hosting a large, blowout-style bash ask guests to bring alcohol. Delegate a certain type of liquor or simply let them bring their favorite bottle. Doing this ensures that you won't run out of drinks and anything leftover can stock your liquor cabinet!

However, do make a specialty cocktail and purchase beer. For Fab's black and white luau I'll be making a simple yet chic punch. Fab requested a "white" drink and this colorless ti punch is elegantly refreshing. To check out the cocktail recipe — it's garnished with white rock candy! —

Open the Windows, Kick Off Your Shoes, Enjoy a Summer Cocktail!

Sponsor — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:45:22 -0700

This Summer, whether you are celebrating with family, entertaining friends, or going out, always drink appropriately. Here's 10 tasty drinks from thebar.com to help you do just that!