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Ready to try something different at the bar? Want to impress the next time you host a dinner party? Here are some of our current favorites to help you branch out and modernize your cocktail game.

 

Top 5 Contemporary Cocktails 

 

 
The Gold Rush

Simple and sweet, what more could you ask for? The Gold Rush is a modern twist on a whiskey sour, using a honey syrup instead of the traditional sugar. Here’s how it’s done:

1) make a honey syrup by combining 2 parts of honey with 1 part water in a saucepan. Heat and stir constantly until the honey dissolves. Let it cool.

2) Add two ounces of bourbon, 3/4 ounce of lemon juice, and 3/4 ounce of honey syrup into a shaker with ice.

3) Shake, strain, and serve!

 

 

Espresso Martini

All the rage these days, the Espresso Martini has emerged as a favorite of the roaring 20s (2020s, that is). Tasty and strong, this is a great way to end a meal or start a night out.

1) Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, 2 ounces of vodka, 1 ounce coffee liqueur, 1 ounce espresso, 1 ounce simple syrup. 

2) Shake for 30+ seconds, to make sure the combination is frothy. 

3) Strain into a martini glass and serve!

 

 

Tommy’s Margarita

A margarita-lover’s favorite margarita, this sweeter version is a refreshing cocktail and modern classic. Plus, only three ingredients. Check it out:

 

1) Fill a shaker with ice, 2 ounces of blanco tequila, 1 ounce lime juice, 1/2 ounce agave nectar.

2) Shake until the shaker gets a bit frosty.

3) Strain into your salt-rimmed glass.

 

 

Oaxaca Old-Fashioned

If you want something that will make you feel like you’re at an underground speakeasy in the East Village, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned is the drink for you. Old school bones with a new school flare makes for a great drink.

 

1) In a mixing glass, stir together 1.5 ounces of reposado tequila, 1/2 ounce of mezcal, one teaspoon of agave syrup, and 1 dash bitters with ice.

2) Pour over a big ice cube.

3) Add a flamed orange peel for a smoky garnish.

 

 

Revolver

Another great modern drink that’s an easy ask of any bartender (they’ll thank you for it) is the Revolver. The idea here is the template of a Manhattan with a contemporary twist. Here’s what to do:

1) In a mixing glass, combine 2 ounces bourbon, 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur and 2 dashes of orange bitters.

2) Stir on ice until chilled, then strain into your glass.

3) Garnish with a flamed orange twist.

 

Have a different drink in mind when you think of contemporary cocktails? Let us know in the comments!

 

 

When you think of America what do you envision? The Statue of Liberty? The flag with 50 stars and 13 stripes? President Theodore Roosevelt? What if we told you there was an even tastier, boozier American icon that predates all of these?

 

It’s 1880s New York. Air conditioning hasn’t been invented yet. The first ever Labor Day is being celebrated. Enter, the Manhattan, stage left. Sometimes attributed to Winston Churchill’s mother (though this has been largely debunked) the Manhattan is a whiskey-forward cocktail whose recipe has remained largely unchanged across the centuries.

 

If you’re a whiskey lover, chances are you’ve sipped your fair share of Manhattans. If you haven’t, here’s how to make one for yourself!

 

 

How to Make a Manhattan

 

You’ll need:

 

Step 1: Add the whiskey, vermouth, and bitters to a mixing glass with ice. Stir until combined.

Step 2: Strain into your glass.

Step 3: Add your garnish of choice.  

 

Does your recipe look like this? Let us know if you have any tweaks in the comments below!

 

 

Few things are as closely tied to American culture as beer. What started as the colonists bringing their brewing culture with them to North America has evolved into something entirely our own. Whether you’re tailgating before a game or scoping out a new microbrewery for a trivia night, here are some of the best places in the country to crack a cold one.

 

 
St. Louis, MO

 

St. Louis became one of the first great American beer cities with an influx of German and Irish immigrants as the country expanded west, and is still home to the largest American brewery, Anheuser-Busch. But aside from the Bud Light-fueled Goliath, the city’s Davids have thrived as well, creating a vibrant craft brewery scene. If you’re in town, swing by local favorites like Urban Chestnut or 4 Hands and let us know what you think.

 

 

 

Bend, OR

 

Boasting one of the best brewery-to-resident ratios in the country, Bend is quickly becoming a must-see spot for beer lovers. Despite its small town vibe, the hip breweries that call Bend home have risen to prominence around the Pacific Northwest. But are we surprised? Mountain views paired with tasty brews? What could be better! 

 

 
Milwaukee, WI

 

When a city’s sports team is named after their beer scene, it must be good. Home to big time brewers like Miller and Pabst, folks from Milwaukee will affectionately call it “Beertown,” “Brew City,” or even “the Beer Capital of the World.” It gets cold up there, so if you find yourself in Milwaukee over the winter months, snuggle up with a pint (or six) and the locals will respect you.

 

 

 

 

Asheville, NC

 

In recent years, the number of people we’ve overheard at bars claiming that Asheville is a beer-lover’s paradise has risen exponentially. And for good reason. With the highest breweries-per-capita of any U.S. city, dozens of local options can be found on tap around Asheville’s walkable downtown area. Bar crawl anyone? 

 

 

Boston, MA

 

Maybe the most passionate drinkers on this list, Boston is likely the oldest beer city in the nation, thanks to the fact that beer was safer for the Pilgrims to drink than water. Now home to the famous Boston Beer Company (among other newer brew houses), and the thirstiest beer drinkers (ask anyone from Boston and they’ll back us up on that), their business model is a recipe for success.

 

What city would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments section what we’re missing!

 

 

 

If you are reading this blog post, first off, apologies. You are probably hungover or planning on being hungover in the near future. Below you’ll find everything you need to help avoid a hangover, and if that’s not enough, well, you’re on your own.

 

Hangover Prevention

 

First things first, hydration is key! Guzzle down some water like it’s your job before and during your wild night out. Try to go drink for drink with a glass of water. Trust us, your future self will thank you. 

 

Next, don’t skip on the food. Grab a burger, some pizza, or a burrito the size of your face before you hit the town. A full stomach can slow down the absorption of alcohol, giving your body a fighting chance. Healthy fats are one of the best foods to eat before drinking.

 

Another good tip is the darker the liquor, the worse the hangover, so, stick with the clear liquors. Chemicals known as congeners, often found in dark liquors, make the hangover worse. And let’s not forget the adage “Beer before liquor, never been sicker. Liquor before beer, you’re in the clear.” Though this phrase has little scientific evidence to confirm that drinking beer before liquor does in fact make one sicker, it sure is catchy.

 

Another trick of the trade is taking an anti-hangover supplement. Popping a few of these pills might save you from that “I’m never drinking again” feeling in the morning. There are a lot of these supplements on the market, each with its own benefits and methods of consumption.

 

Finally, consider drinking in moderation. That always helps.

 

 

I’m hungover, now what?

 

Remember, water is your savior, so grab a glass and chug it like you’re pledging a fraternity. Maybe add an electrolyte packet to your water for extra hydration. While you’re doing that, pop a pain reliever to soothe the pounding headache you likely have, BUT avoid Tylenol, as it could damage your liver even more than you already have. 

 

Now, let’s move on to a personal favorite, the panacea of hangovers: the breakfast burrito. Carbohydrates are the best thing to consume the morning after drinking because alcohol lowers your blood sugar, and carbs do the opposite, bringing your body back to where it should be.  Load that bad boy up with your fillings of choice, sit back, and let the hangover-curing magic do its thing. Kick your feet up, catch up on your favorite show, and pre-game the inevitable food coma.

 

Remember, this too shall pass, and you’ll be back on your feet ready for another wild night in no time, maybe even by the next night.

 

Got any hangover hacks? Leave them in the comments below!

‘Tis the season for green beer and Guinness! With parades, parties, and general revelry, St. Patrick’s day has become one of the biggest drinking holidays in the United States. 


What started as a religious holiday for Irish Catholic immigrants in the U.S., eventually became a way for that community to make a place for themselves in their new home. American parades soon developed their own unique traditions (think green Guinness, or corn beef and cabbage) that were only loosely tied to the original holiday. Wondering what’s going on this year? Here are some of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s day celebrations happening across the country.

 

 

 

 

New York


The Big Apple is home to the oldest St. Patrick’s day parade in the U.S., the major event of the day, but in classic New York fashion, there is so much more to do around the city. We’re talking pub crawls, cruises, stand up comedy, and green-colored everything from bagels to the Empire State Building.

 

 

Chicago

 

If you want to see the biggest St. Patrick’s day parade in the country, head to Chicago! For decades, the celebration has also included the iconic dying of the Chicago river, making the downtown radiate green from Lake Michigan through Chinatown. The recipe for the dye has famously been a closely guarded secret, so you’ll only get to see that color in Chicago in March. 

 

 

Savannah

 

Head down to the St. Patrick’s Day Capital of the South for a massive party in an unlikely city. Savannah, Georgia’s population triples every March, to become the second largest St. Patrick’s day celebration in the world, behind only New York City. Through the early days of the U.S., large groups of Irish immigrants ended up settling in Savannah, making it the perfect location for St. Patrick’s day festivities. Trust us, it’s definitely worth the trip. 

 

 

 

New Orleans

 

This city knows how to do a parade. On the back end of the world-famous Mardi Gras, New Orleans still comes through with one of the most fun St. Patrick’s day celebrations you’ll find. Yeah there’s parades and block parties, but our favorite tradition is the annual Irish Channel Parade, where participants throw Irish stew ingredients (think cabbage or potatoes) into the crowd. Watch your head, and have a blast!

 

 

Philadelphia


Want to see a parade that’s older than the United States? Head to Philly for St. Patrick’s day! After the parade, you should hit some of the best Irish Pubs in the country (Fado, Fergie’s, and Black Sheep are some local favorites).

 

 

Boston

 

We couldn’t leave our hometown off this list of great places to celebrate St. Patrick’s day! So, as an honorable mention, Beantown makes the cut. A parade, check, Celtic punk rock, check, drinking, check. What more could you ask for? 



St. Patrick’s day is a fun holiday no matter where you are in the country. Can’t make it to any of these spots this year? Let us know where you’re celebrating and what traditions you’ll be participating in. Oh, and don’t forget to wear green!

Finally, spring break is right around the corner! Whether you’re heading to a beach, throwing a cocktail party, or just kicking your feet up and breaking out the grill, here are some of our go-to cocktails for some springtime relaxation.

 

 
Margarita

Nothing says “it’s finally warm outside again” like a margarita on a patio. This is one of the world’s most popular cocktails, so definitely one to have in your mixology arsenal. Here’s our recipe:

 

 

 

Mojito 

 

When we think of a refreshing drink, the mojito is among the first to pop into our minds, and they are actually actually pretty easy to make. Straight from Cuba to your backyard cookout, here’s what to do:

 

 

 

Pina Colada

 

Another beach trip favorite, the Piña Colada was born in Puerto Rico and became the island’s national drink in the 70s. It’s a bit more complicated as far as ingredients go, but if you’re prepared, it’s sure to be a hit at your next cocktail party. 

 

 

 

Lemon Drop

 

For all our vodka drinkers out there, don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you. The lemon drop is a fan favorite that’s perfect for a sweet, refreshing spring break treat. Head to your bar cart and get started!

 

 

 

Beer with a Lime

 

No time for mixology? Luckily one of the best summer drinks also happens to be the easiest. Whether it’s a draft at the bar, a bottle in the backyard, or a can at the beach, grab yourself a cerveza and a lime wedge for a refreshing summer sipper. 

 

 

What are you drinking this spring? Let us know what we missed by leaving a comment, we’re open to any and all recommendations!

 

If we asked, “where do you think the best porter in the nation is made?” what would you say? A long-standing beer city like Milwaukee? An up-and-coming trend-setter like Asheville? A place with a lot of potential test subjects like New York or Chicago? Well, this year, you’d be wrong. 

 

Every year, expert brewers (and regular people who just like beer) gather in Denver, Colorado to decide who does it best at an event called The Great American Beer Festival (GABF). As you might expect, winners hail from far and wide across the country. Judges from around the world are brought in for a blind taste test to decide which brewery makes the best product. 

 

 

And the awards aren’t some cakewalk. The judges have strict criteria, and if they think there aren’t any entrants worthy of a gold medal, they just won’t give one. It’s serious business.

 

So when a small brewery from central Missouri enters the competition, you might think their chances are slim. Until they come home with the gold.

 

 

Enter Logboat Brewing. Situated on the north side of Columbia, Missouri (opposite the University of Missouri), the independent craft brewery has been a watering hole for locals and Tiger fans since 2014. When they first opened, they only were brewing four beers, but added a seasonal offering the first winter: Dark Matter, the porter that would go on to win gold at the 2023 GABF.

 

We took a visit to Logboat to try the award-winning beer and chat over a pint with Logboat’s founding brewer Josh Rein, and production manager Mike Ivancic. 

 

The first thing you should know: the Dark Matter porter? It’s really good. But the crew at Logboat wasn’t ever really set out to win an award.

 

“Our mindset is that we have these beers, we really like them, we think they taste great, so let’s go get some feedback from our peers,” Rein explained. 

 

At the competition, the certified judges critique the entrants, talk to each other, and give the brewers pages of notes about what they tasted, good and bad. That expert feedback is invaluable to a brewer. Those pages are still sitting on Rein’s desk, despite the competition ending months ago.

 

“Even when we don’t medal, getting that feedback from competitions is always good,” Ivancic said. “We learn from that and we adjust. It’s easy in your town to have regulars who love your beer, but to have someone across the country tell it like it is is so worthwhile” 

 

In years prior, Dark Matter had been sent to the judges table for consideration and not been selected. The team calls it a work-in-progress. Over the last nine years the recipe has been tweaked fairly substantially at least four times. This year, it was the winning combination.

 

“It was pretty f*cking cool,” Rein said. “Really awesome that it was recognized. But, it’s a little bit of luck, you know. Thousands of beers are entered, and it’s all phenomenal beer. As brewers, we know it’s a shot in the dark.” 

 

That’s not to say that the team didn’t celebrate the win accordingly. On the day of the awards, they had a watch party at the Logboat taproom with the staff.

 

“The categories are numbered and Dark Matter was up in the 80s, it was our last entry,” Ivancic recalled. “At that point we were all thinking, ‘ah bummer,’ but then sure enough, it was the gold. We all just lost it for a minute, at noon on a Saturday, with like four other people in the bar and all of us freaking out. I almost fell off my barstool.”

 

The win marks a real boost for Logboat. The publicity that comes from winning GABF gold means more people coming into the taproom, being listed in Forbes, and generally increasing sales. Not bad for a college town operation.

 

“Getting recognized is a source of pride,” Rein said. “It’s great for the company and the marketing. Being able to put a shelf tag on a crowded supermarket aisle saying that says ‘gold medal winner’ is an easy way to stand out from a massive selection.”

 

And the future looks bright for the Logboat crew. Last year, the brewery underwent an addition that more than doubled its square footage, and added an extra outdoor bar and double decker patio. When Rein and the team look forward to what’s next, they’re excited to say the least:

 

“We’ll be making a hell of a lot more beer, that’s the plan.” 

Calling all cocktail connoisseurs! How can you elevate a drink without changing what’s in it? Presentation, of course! 

 

Cocktail garnishes are the name of the game, the tiniest details can transform your drink into a masterpiece.

 

 

What Citruses Are Best for Garnish?

Citruses – lemons, limes and oranges – are a triple threat of tangy goodness, and some of the most common choices for garnish. Whether it’s a twist, a wheel, a slice, or a wedge, a bit of citrus can make even the lamest cocktail fun. For ultra-sophisticated presentation, you can use a Channel Knife or Pinking Shears to shape the peel into elegant designs.


 
What Are Some Other Garnish Options?

Want to make it look like you put in a bit more effort? Try dehydrated fruit for your garnish! We’ve seen dehydrated fruit at some of the fanciest cocktail lounges in the country, bringing a new level of sophistication and visual appeal. Sure, they demand a bit of effort, but you’ll be sure to impress anyone who asks about your bar cart. Here’s how to make some:

 

First, slice your desired fruit of choice very thin. Second, brush them with some lemon juice. Maybe even some sugar too if your sweet tooth is acting up. Then, pop them into either a dehydrator for 6 hours at 160º F or (if you’re a normal human being who doesn’t own a dehydrator) an oven at 160º F for about 5 hours. Once the fruits are dried, keep them sealed in a dry place until you use them to garnish your favorite drinks!

 

Cocktail cherries are another garshish option that’s stood the test of time. Cherries add a burst of sweetness to your drink, not to mention some color to your glass. But if you’re looking to be more reactive, try cocktail skewers! Pick whatever you want to go on there that compliments your drink – olives, pineapple chunks, cucumber slices, bacon. Anything and everything is fair game.

 

 

Not feeling the fruit garnish? Add some fresh herbs for a touch of greenery and a more complex flavor to your favorite cocktail. Any experienced bar hand will tell you that you can’t go wrong with favorites like mint, lavender, basil, or rosemary. 

 

Taking your drink from ordinary to extraordinary is as simple as a cherry on top. Literally. Next time you’re hosting, or just looking to make yourself a tasty drink, keep these garnish options in mind. Cheers!

 

What’s your favorite garnish + cocktail combo? Discuss amongst yourselves in the comments section below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you think of cities with some personality, New Orleans has got to be towards the top of the list. The biggest party in town? Mardi Gras, the Fat Tuesday celebration that marks the last chance to indulge before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the lenten season. 

 

Along with the annual parade, music, and bead throwing, drinking is a staple of the holiday. The party starts early, up to two weeks before Fat Tuesday, with the largest parades (and parties) starting the weekend before. From then on out it’s a 24/7 party, one that should be on everyone’s bucket list of must-see-in-person events.

 

Not making the trip this year? If you want in on some of that New Orleans magic from home, get your party on with one of these Mardi Gras-themed cocktails.

 

 

Hurricane

 

The drink that’s synonymous with New Orleans: the hurricane. What started as a local bar’s response to the World War II whiskey ban has become an icon of the city. And fair warning, like the storm it’s named after, the drink is strong. 

 

 

 

 
French 75

 

New Orleans shares the same famed French origins as this classic cocktail (named after the rifle of choice for French World War I soldiers, because both can ‘knock you down flat’). While it’s not directly connected to Mardi Gras, it’s a great cocktail for a celebration thanks to the added champagne. 

 

 

 

 
Sazerac

 

Maybe the oldest cocktail on this list, the Sazerac comes just blocks from Jackson Square thanks to 1800s Creole apothecary Antoine Peychaud. Like an old fashioned with a bit of crescent city magic, this drink has become the official cocktail of New Orleans, which makes it a perfect choice for Mardi Gras weekend (and beyond). 

 

 

 

 

 

Flasher

 

If you’ve been to Mardi Gras, you’re no stranger to flashers. The tradition of nudity in exchange for beads (likely caused by drunkenness in the first place) has inspired its own cocktail. Similar to a dark and stormy, it’s tasty and simple, which makes it easy to enjoy parade-side. 

 

 

 

 

Roffignac

 

Like any classic drink, the Roffignac has a handful of differing origin stories. Some will tell you it was invented by Count Louis Philippe Joseph de Roffignac (who was mayor of New Orleans back in the 1820s). Others will tell you that it’s just named after him, or that it’s named after the cognac brand. Whichever tale you choose to believe, it’s a great Mardi Gras drink that’s been baked into the history of New Orleans for centuries. 

 

 

 

When it comes to Mardi Gras, any drink will do. What beverages will you be enjoying this year? Let us know in the comments section!

 

Two things that scream America: Drinking and Football. With football season comes tailgate season, the perfect opportunity to throw a couple back while you wait for kickoff. Sure, the on-field product is exciting, but this is what we’re really interested in.

 

A couple years ago, someone more studious than us put together a survey to ask NFL fans about their drinking habits, and some of the results might surprise you! It’s anyone’s guess which team will come out on top this season, but these fans are always sure to have a good time. Here are the Top five NFL Teams based on the average number of alcoholic drinks consumed by fans.

 

Which NFL Fans Drink the Most?

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After a recent Super Bowl in 2021 but a shaky post-Brady era, Bucs fans rolled into the top 5 of drinkers in the league. The survey also logged them as number 3 for the fans who are most likely to come to work hungover the next day. At least they live close to the beach?

 

 

Cleveland Browns

Despite making the playoffs this season, for years, the Browns have been a frontrunner for the worst franchise in the NFL. With an ongoing search for a franchise quarterback, and zero Super Bowl appearances in team history, is it a surprise that their fans cracked this list?

 

 

Las Vegas Raiders

The newly relocated Raiders had to be a lock for this list. With the Vegas Strip as a backdrop to their new $2 billion stadium, and their fans being notoriously rowdy, it makes complete sense that the Raiders find themselves on the booziest fans list. 

 

 

Buffalo Bills

When you think of fans who like to party, the Bills Mafia comes to mind immediately. You might also find them on a top 5 list of ‘most likely to body slam a folding table.’ That reputation, coupled with the fact that they’ve been one of the best teams in the league over the last few seasons, is the perfect storm for a fanbase pouring up before, during, and after the game.

 

 
Denver Broncos 

Does number one on this list surprise you? The Broncos haven’t had much to cheer for since winning the Super Bowl nearly a decade ago. The result? Broncos fans responded to the survey saying they’re likely more eager to drink after a loss. Cheers, to a better outcome next season.

 

 

Any teams on this list surprise you? Let us know what you think, and who might crack the top 5 next season in the comments section.