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Happy Hour: Citrus Spritzers

partysugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:30:21 -0800

I ripped this cocktail recipe out of Everyday Food magazine back in August, and every week since I've been dying to make it. I finally had the chance to mix up a batch for my family yesterday. A toxic blend of fresh orange, lemon, and lime juice, this drink was refreshing, tart, and subtly sweet. The best thing about this concoction is that it can be made with or without alcohol, so cater the recipe to your family's needs. To give the cocktail a more festive flavor and brilliant color, the next time I make it, I want to use blood oranges.

I served it with baked garlic oysters, but any rich, creamy, or crunchy appetizer will do. Want the recipe? All you have to do is

What Are You Drinking With Your Thanksgiving Meal?

YumSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:30:21 -0800

PartySugar and I have already planned our Thanksgiving menus, and now we're just eagerly awaiting the big day. To distract our giddy selves, we had a discussion about what we're serving to drink at Thanksgiving dinner. She'll be serving a citrus spritzer, Champagne, and Beaujolais, while DearSugar will be drinking red, white, and bubbly. As for me, I haven't decided yet — I'll serve either a Gewurtztraminer or a Pinot Noir. What will you and your guests be drinking? Once you've made your selection below, tell me in the comments exactly what you'll be pouring!Source

Dr Pepper Celebrates Guns N' Roses Release With Free Sodas

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:00:18 -0800

Update: Dr Pepper is extending its promotional offer through 6 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 24.

Earlier this year, Dr Pepper announced that it would be giving a free soda to "everyone in America" Guns N' Roses album Chinese Democracy, 17 years in the works, arrived anytime in 2008. This Sunday, Nov. 23, the agonizing wait will finally be over, and the people will have their Chinese Democracy — as well as a free Dr Pepper.

Dr Pepper has been behind the efforts of lead singer Axl Rose from the beginning. “We never thought this day would come," said Tony Jacobs, Dr Pepper's vice president of marketing, "but now that it's here, all we can say is: The Dr Pepper's on us."

To find out how you can get free Dr Pepper,

Come Party With Me: Fast Thanksgiving — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:30:11 -0800

As much as I love cocktails made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, sometimes there simply isn't time — especially when you need Thanksgiving dinner ready in a hurry — to juice 20 blood oranges. The grocery store liquor aisle is crowded with generic and overly-sweet cocktail mixers, but there's one brand I trust for excellent mixers: Stirrings. With their blood orange flavor you can make a quick batch of blood orange bellinis.

Serve wine at mealtime. Call your local wine shop and ask them to set aside a couple of Thanksgiving-friendly bottles for you. Use their expertise to save time. You won't have to research wine pairings or stand in the wine aisle wondering what to buy. Don't forget sparkling apple cider, water, and soda for the kids. To look at the easy blood orange bellini recipe,

Talking Mixology With Dale DeGroff

partysugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:30:52 -0800

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Dale DeGroff. If you've never heard of DeGroff, you'll be surprised to know that he has changed your life. Remember that basil gimlet you enjoyed at the bar last week? You can thank Dale for that. Or what about that perfectly poured martini? Dale's responsible for that, too. Known to food insiders as the King of Cocktails, Dale DeGroff is single-handedly responsible for the renaissance of classic cocktails. Back in 1980s New York, at a time when the majority of bars served drinks made from overly-sweet mixes, Dale was mixing drinks with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients and creating cocktails based on preprohibition recipes. To find out what the master has to say about cocktail trends and to see who he thinks is the best bartender in America today,

Happy Hour: Ruby Chai Appletini

partysugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:42 -0800

When I hear the word appletini, I can't help but cringe and think of a cloying, neon green cocktail. That's why, while at a recent Root Division art auction, when I saw that the specialty cocktail was an appletini, I avoided it. However, when I heard the appletini was a creation of one of San Francisco's best bartenders, H. Joseph Ehrmann, I knew I had to give it a try. Made with fresh apple cider and vodka infused with tea, this appletini is nothing like its processed counterpart. It tasted like fall in a glass with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

It takes time to infuse the vodka and apple cider, but the process is worth it, especially if you make a large batch and serve it for Thanksgiving. Don't let Fall pass without making this refreshing, not-too-sweet cocktail, so get the recipe now and

Come Party With Me: Foodie Thanksgiving — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:30:39 -0800

At Thanksgiving, impress your foodie friends with a sophisticated cocktail. A blend of sweet and dry vermouths and bourbon, the perfect turkey is a seasonal variation of the classic Manhattan. The potent flavor of the whiskey will pair nicely with the rich appetizers. Prepare a pitcher, shake and serve as guests arrive.

Have champagne on hand. Nicolas Feuillatte has some lovely, affordable options. For the meal pour a pinot noir. To look at the recipe for the perfect turkey,

Meet the World's Largest Irish Coffee

partysugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:09:10 -0800

Earlier today, at 1 p.m. PST to be exact, history was made at the Buena Vista Cafe in San Francisco. Irish coffee making champion Frank Silletti, in conjecture with the staff of the Buena Vista, made the world's largest Irish coffee. I was there to witness them break the Guinness World Record.

To check out my firsthand account and a bunch of pictures from the event,

Happy Hour: Italian Fruit Punch

partysugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:00:19 -0800

Last week, while at my parents house, I was watching an old episode of Everyday Italian when my mom turned to me and said, "Let's make that cocktail!" With its vibrant color it looked amazing, so we sent my dad to the store to pick up the ingredients. The recipe calls for maraschino liqueur, a spirit that's pretty difficult to find.

The next best substitute, according to the alcohol specialist at G&G Market, is kirschwasser. Although it didn't have the bright orange hue, the cocktail was spectacular: not too sweet with a hint of fizz.

Limoncello is an unexpected flavor that makes the drink tart. The recipe makes enough for six cocktails, so it's perfect for entertaining. To look at Giada's recipe,

Come Party With Me: Budget Thanksgiving — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:30:29 -0800

To save money on drinks at Thanksgiving, ask guests to bring a bottle of red or white wine. Head to Trader Joe's, they have a wonderful assortment of affordable wines, and purchase a couple of bottles to add to the collection. Instead of offering bottled water, fill pitchers with ice and tap water.

Make one signature cocktail and have a pitcher ready to pour the moment the party starts. This recipe for a cranberry champagne cocktail is festive. Instead of using champagne, substitute a sparkling Spanish cava. Beverages and More has one on sale for $7.00. Grand Marnier, the French orange liqueur, can be pricey, so replace it with Triple Sec. To look at the cocktail recipe,

Would You Rather Drink Mulled Wine or Spiked Cider?

partysugar — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:30:05 -0700

Source

Would You Rather Drink Mulled Wine or Spiked Cider?

Mulled wine

Spiked cider

Neither I prefer ______ .

Eww both are gross.

I don't drink.

Come Party With Me: Election Night — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:00:24 -0700

Elixir, the bar where LibertySugar and I are hosting our town-hall style election-night bash, is offering guests a selection of drinking specials for the party. With fabulous names like "Bye Bye Miss American Rye," the menu will feature only American brands like Bluecoat gin, Square One vodka, and Sam Adams brew. I plan on ordering the "Red, White, and Night" a potent, sangria-like concoction made with vodka, red wine, and lemonade. To serve up this slinger at your own election-night soirée, get the recipe and

Happy Hour: Fall Fizz

partysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:15:08 -0700

Recently I attended a female-only cocktail competition hosted by Nirvino. While I've been to many cocktail competitions, I always look forward to Nirvino's monthly contest because the crowd gets to taste each cocktail and ultimately decides the winning drink. Nirvino is an exciting social networking community where drinking is the common denominator. You can rate drinks, bars, bartenders, wine, beer, and different kinds of liquor.

Its a fun concept that makes for an interesting event. After tasting each cocktail everyone gets on their iPhones or Blackberrys to rate the drink. This competition featured Square One Cucumber vodka and the winning bartender was Brooke Arthur from Range restaurant in San Francisco.

Her Fall Fizz delightfully combined the fresh flavors of cucumber, apple, and pear. Lemon juice adds an acidic balance and a dusting of cinnamon gives this drink a holiday feel. Like the gin fizz, it includes egg whites. I can't promise you won't get salmonella, but your drink will be deliciously frothy! To check out Brooke's recipe and a video of her mixing at the competition,

Happy Brunch Hour: Great Uncle's Gin Fizz

YumSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 16:14:22 -0700

I love brunch and even more so, I love brunch cocktails! This past weekend, my great uncle taught me how to make his effervescent, tangy, and delicious gin fizz.

There are many different types of gin fizzes. The simplest version combines gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water. The Ramos Gin Fizz, a New Orleans classic, dates back to 1888, and jazzes up the recipe by adding lime juice, cream, orange flower water, and egg white.

My great uncle has perfected his variation to include gin, sugar, cream, lime juice, orange juice, soda water, ice, and one whole egg. The egg made me a little nervous, but it adds a fabulous texture and frothiness to the blended drink. If you don't want to use raw eggs, substitute powdered egg white.

To add a little fizz to your weekend brunch,

Happy Hour: Cranberry Apple Cider Shandy

partysugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:00:58 -0700

While Yum was into Tyler Florence's kitchen essentials, I was more interested in the cocktail — or should I say mocktail, it was nonalcoholic he was pouring. The refreshing beverage was a mixture of cranberry juice, ice, and sparkling apple cider. This cool and delicious concoction is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Although you do need a blender, it's so easy to make that you could even get the kids involved. To get the technique for Tyler's festive slushie-like mocktail,

Do You Drink Strong Alcohol?

partysugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:45:31 -0700

The other day I made a martini with Absolut's 100-proof, black-label vodka. I've never considered myself a lightweight, but you could definitely notice the difference in strength! How about you? Do you ever drink super-strong alcohol? Anyone else tried the Absolut 100?

Do You Drink Strong Alcohol?

Yes, I like my alcohol strong.

No, I prefer lower-strength liquor.

I don't drink.

I don't drink hard alcohol.

Other

Come Party With Me: Halloween Dinner — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 12:30:50 -0700

Although there is no meat in the Halloween dinner menu, the meal is quite rich, so select a cocktail that is clean, crisp, and refreshing. The classic highball is perfect because guests can choose between gin or vodka. Eyeball ice cubes are a creative and festive way to make the drink more Halloweeny. If you don't like a highball, consider using the ice cubes in another concoction. When guests sit down to dinner pour a Halloween-themed wine. As always, be sure to have plenty of water, beer, and nonalcoholic alternatives on hand. To learn how to make the eyeball highball,

What's Cooking at Slashfood

partysugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 04:00:33 -0700

We love Slashfood so much that every Thursday we round up their most delicious stories. Here are this week's finds:

Learn how to get free drinks at your local watering hole.
75 percent frosting, 25 percent cake!
Do you write notes in your cookbooks?
The New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys want you to eat better when at the ballpark.
Radicchio is in season; it pairs perfectly with raisins and pine nuts.
How important is it to preheat your oven?
It's a great time to enjoy pumpkin ale.

Source

Goodbye, Zima

YumSugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 11:15:53 -0700

MillerCoors announced yesterday that production of the malt-liquor beverage Zima has been discontinued.

The product was part of the 1990s clear-drink craze that included Crystal Pepsi and Tab Clear. Zima proclaimed to be "Zomething different" from beer, wine, or hard liquor, but in recent years, the drink — which had been repackaged and reformulated into citrus, tangerine, and pineapple citrus flavors — was outsold by competitor Smirnoff Ice. The decision, MillerCoors says, was due to declining consumer interest and weakness in the "malternative" segment.

If you're having a hard time parting ways, don't worry: There's still time to stock up, as distributors can most likely get remaining inventories of Zima through December.

Are you sad to see this drink become a thing of the past?

Source

Happy Hour: Jim's Diablo

partysugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:00:17 -0700

When I heard the name of this cocktail, I assumed it would be a devilish drink that was either too spicy or super strong. I was pleasantly surprised when it was neither hot or potent, but rather a delightfully well-balanced, tasty cocktail.

Despite its blushing color, this mix of tequila, Canton, and lemon juice is not a typically girlie, sweet concoction.

Created by one of New York's top mixologists, Jim Meehan, the diablo is simple to make at home. Take the time to chill the glasses before hand, it will make a better drink.

The recipe calls for creme de cassis, but I made mine with Chambord, because that's what was in my liquor cabinet. To check out Jim's Diablo,

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Patch Picnic — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:30:09 -0700

Like the menu and dessert, when selecting a cocktail for a picnic, choose one that can be made in a large batch in advance. This rosemary ruby cocktail is refreshing and delicious. It combines a rosemary simple syrup with vodka and grapefruit juice. To make a nonalcoholic version, substitute sparkling water for the vodka. Fill a cooler with seasonal ale, water, and single-serving juices. Don't forget to pack extra ice for the cocktails. Get this tantalizing cocktail recipe when you

What's Your Coffee Syrup of Choice?

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:15:31 -0700

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Come Party With Me: Baby Shower — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:30:17 -0700

At a baby shower, it's incredibly important to have a nonalcholic specialty drink. That way the mother-to-be can join in the festivities. For Denise's baby shower brunch, I'll offer guests mimosas and spiced pomegranate sparklers.

The concoction is made with a cinnamon-spiced pomegranate juice and sparkling water. Do take the time to make the garnish — frozen whole cranberries — because it's a lovely addition to the drink.

Also have an assortment of juice, coffee, and tea on hand. To get the refreshing recipe to the sparkling mocktail,

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 ubernutritious 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?

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