A while ago I ordered a copy of Left Coast Libations, a cocktail tome I had seen mentioned once or twice in the Blogosphere and had paged through while sitting at the bar at Merchant. While I still recommend it to anyone interested in craft cocktails (you gotta love Ted Munat's devil-may-care sense of humor, the meticulously researched recipes,... Continue Reading →
It was bound to happen: a neighborhood cocktail club is in the works and nearly set to debut (one week to go). I hate to keep such a thing exclusive and secret, mainly because I believe that good drinks are something that everybody should be able to experience, hence my slight lack of fondness for "speakeasies" like... Continue Reading →
Well, as usual, I'm getting impatient. Fall is entirely too far away; it's fresh, cool air and brightly colored leaves, which contrast with the oh-so-necessary crystal-clear blue sky, make it my favorite season. There should be a faint hint of woodsmoke in the air and a jacket over your arm. Curiously enough, what you'd like to... Continue Reading →
"There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place, and the universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what's possible." - Field of Dreams, 1989 OK, so that might be a bit of over-enthusiastic hyperbole, but I can't help but praise Leon's Full Service in downtown Decatur.... Continue Reading →
Happy 4th of July! In keeping with the spirit of the holiday, it's time to drink American...liquor, that is. Though this next cocktail tosses in a few European additions, the base spirit is good ol' American apple brandy. What could be more apropos than cultures coming together in the form of a cocktail? Newark 2... Continue Reading →
Today we'll take an in-depth look at the history and recipe of a particular cocktail: The Martinez. First, a bit of history. Is it a precursor to the Martini? A cousin? A variation? And what about the Manhattan? The truth will likely never be known, though we can safely assume that the Martini and the... Continue Reading →
Tempered Spirits 