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Happy Hour: Dubonnet Rouge

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:45 -0700

I've always been a complete novice to the category of spirits known as aperitifs. These old-school standbys — which include liqueurs, dry champagne, and fortified wines — rose to fame in Europe in the 1800s, and have remained popular ever since.

When I received a bottle of Dubonnet ($11.99), I decided to begin my aperitif studies. The French fortified wine, originally developed in 1846, is available in two varieties: rouge and blanc. Dubonnet is made from wine that's had additional alcohol added to it, which preserves the wine, makes it sweeter, and increases its alcohol content.

I've always thought of Dubonnet — a proprietary blend of herbs, spices, and peels — as something more fitting for my grandmother. But surprisingly, my first sip was warm and rich, and had a nose and flavor that reminded me of tawny port. It was sweeter than brandy, yet drier than a dessert wine, and incredibly smooth given its price tag.

I'm looking forward to drinking some again tonight and can't wait to experiment with Dubonnet in classic cocktails. If you've ever tried this aperitif, what are your thoughts on it? Have you ever tasted a spirit that was incredibly different from what you thought it would be?

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

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,

Happy Hour: Tabasco Tequila

YumSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:15:05 -0700

My favorite condiment in the entire world might just be Tabasco hot sauce (DearSugar and I both put it on everything!) — so when I heard the hot-sauce empire was developing its own tequila, I got my hands on a bottle stat.

If you're a fan of tequila and not afraid of heat, you should definitely give Tabasco Tequila ($21.99) a try. The spirit has the toasty-tart flavor of tequila with a bit of spice that's not overpowering. It would make for a great round of shots at the bar. I tried it in my Bloody Maria, and didn't have to add as much hot sauce to make it spicy. I'm most excited about using it in margaritas where fruit will marry with the tequila to make a delicious, sweet-hot cocktail! I'll be serving the spicy stuff at my next taco dinner.

The 750-ml bottles are currently being rolled out in Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Dallas, and Houston markets. Will you be on the lookout for them?

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,

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,

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

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,

Happy Hour: X-Rated Fusion Liqueur

partysugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:00:54 -0700

While I normally prefer a classic cocktail or a glass of good whiskey, I've been known to enjoy a girly drink (or two) in my lifetime. Recently I've become obsessed with this brilliantly pink liqueur, X-Rated ($27).

At first, the cheesy name and vibrant color made me nervous. I was afraid it was going to be overly sweet — more like cough syrup than a luscious liqueur. However, the rosy liquid is absolutely delicious! A fusion of French vodka and organic blood orange, mango, and passion fruit juices, the liqueur tastes fresh not artificial. It's sweet, but not overly so. I served a chilled shot to girlfriends before a night on the town, but it would also be a flavorful addition to specialty cocktails.

If you're hosting a bachelorette party or bridal shower, consider serving X-Rated. Your girlfriends will love the taste and the experience of sampling a new liqueur. A bottle also makes a lovely birthday gift for a fashionable 21-year-old.

Have you tried X-Rated? What did you think?

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,

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,

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,

Would You Drink This Avocado Cocktail?

YumSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:15:04 -0700

Today PartySugar stumbled across this avocado cóctel. Dan from The Food in My Beard based it on a drink recipe featured in the New York Times, but added cilantro to it. Perhaps it's because I just ate lunch, but the chunks in the picture gross me out. Still the idea of an avocado cocktail is interesting! What are your thoughts on this drink?Source

Would You Drink This Avocado Cocktail?

Of course! I love avocados and I love cocktails.

I'd try a sip for kicks.

No, it looks disgusting.

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: 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,

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,

Noteworthy Nibbles — July 24-30, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:00:28 -0700

As usual, there are lots of delicious occasions to celebrate this week. For the more adventurous eaters, Rocky Mountain oysters will be on the menu in Wyoming. Not to worry if you aren't: You might enjoy celebrating the venerated garlic or, on the milder side, the sweet cantaloupe. If you live in Baltimore, it's your week to try out top-notch restaurants, where a three-course lunch might cost you just $20.08.

If there's something going on this week that we left out, feel free to add it in the comments below.

South Boston, VA: Virginia Cantaloupe Festival — July 25
Gilroy, CA: Gilroy Garlic Festival — July 25-27
Whiting, IN: PierogiFest — July 25-27
Oxnard, CA: Oxnard Salsa Festival — July 26-27
Annapolis, MD: Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food Festival — July 26-27
Ballard, WA Ballard SeafoodFest — July 26-27
Baltimore, MD: Baltimore Summer Restaurant Week — July 26-Aug 3

To see the rest,

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,

What Do You Think of This Cocktail Machine?

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 08:00:48 -0700

What do a rake, a toy truck, a wooden spoon, and a bunch of ball bearings have in common? They have a supporting role in what's possibly the world's most complicated cocktail maker. This contraption was created by New Zealander Joseph Herscher, who is known for his other Rube Goldberg-style machine, the chocolate egg creamer. While Herscher created this apparatus to promote Kiwi vodka 42 Below, there is an easier way to make the falling water cocktail. Although the clip is fun, I personally think it's a bit over the top. What about you — do you think it's funny, or just stupid?

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,

Noteworthy Nibbles — July 17-23, 2008

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:04 -0700

It's mid-July, and we're eager to be outside. Thank goodness there's no shortage of open-air festivals this week.

The coming weekend boasts the National Hamburger Festival in Ohio, where bobbing for burgers and competitive eating will abound. Other parts of the country are paying homage to a gamut of thirst-quenching refreshments, from watermelon to mixed drinks.

Check out what's going on in your neck of the woods, and if you see something left out, leave us a comment below.

New Orleans, LA: Tales of the Cocktail — July 17-20
Santa Barbara, CA: California Wine Festival — July 18-19
Des Moines, IA: Rib America Festival — July 18-20
Seattle, WA: Bite of Seattle — July 18-20
Bethlehem, PA: Blueberry Festival — July 18-20
Yarmouth, ME: Yarmouth Clam Festival — July 18-20

To see the rest,

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

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,

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! —

Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:15:54 -0700

When searching for fun red, white, and blue cocktails to serve at a Fourth of July barbecue, I was disappointed by the uninspiring results: most were colored blue with the artificial tasting blue Curacao. However, with a little creativity one can offer guests delicious, patriotic-colored cocktails in the form of a mojito bar. The classic mojito is white, a raspberry mojito is red, and a blueberry mojito is blue. Set out a recipe, all the ingredients, several muddlers, and glasses and invite guests to make their own cocktails. Depending on your preferences, also offer guests a selection of beer, wine, waters, and lemonade. For the red and blue mojito recipes,

Happy Hour: Long Island Iced Tea

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:00:39 -0700

After finding this recipe for a Long Irish Iced Tea a few weeks ago, I had the hankering for the strong, original cocktail that has inspired so many variations. These highballs are great for Summer sippin', but don't let the name fool you: Long Island Iced Tea isn't actually made with tea. It was most likely named because of its resemblance to tea and lemony flavor.

This dangerous drink is a combination of vodka, rum, triple sec, gin, and tequila, so it's handy if you're moving and need to empty the liquor cabinet. The combination of booze, plus sweet and sour mix and a splash of cola, goes down surprisingly easily. To get the recipe,

Drinking the Tasting Tent: Cocktails

YumSugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 13:00:28 -0700

With the food ranging from s'more bites to duck paninis, you could imagine that the liquid side of Aspen was also quite varied. Although it's called the Food and Wine Classic, there were actually loads of mixed drinks to be found. During one of the five grand tastings, PartySugar and I ended up skipping the wine and going straight for the cocktails. To check out some of our favorite finds just click the "Start" button.

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:15:53 -0700

Besides icy-cold beer and white wine at all of my dinner parties, I like to offer guests one refreshingly potent cocktail. Serving guests a drink right after they've walked through the door gives them something to do, puts them at ease, and sets the party mood. For a solstice dinner, select a cocktail that is quintessentially Summer. Made with chunks of ripe watermelon, fresh lime juice, and white rum, this watermelon cooler is thirst-quenchingly perfect.
To check out the recipe,

Happy Hour: Pear Sazerac

YumSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:00:41 -0700

Ever since I made Peartinis in January, I've had a bottle of Grey Goose La Poire chilling in my freezer and wondering when it might be useful again. Sometimes I'll mix it with club soda, but this weekend I decided to seek out another cocktail recipe to let this (surprisingly delicious) pear vodka take center stage.

I never would have expected to find it in a sazerac, a classic New Orleans cocktail made with Pernod or another anise-flavored liqueur. This version replaces the traditional rye whiskey with pear vodka, and though the concept sounded bizarre, the cocktail was pleasingly crisp with an intensely fresh fruitiness and just a hint of licorice flavor. To get the recipe,

Happy Hour: Cherry Mojito

partysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:00:09 -0700

Inspired by the success of YumSugar's mango mojito, I decided to experiment with my own cherry variation. It was wonderfully delicious and everything you expect a good mojito to be: refreshing, light, and not to sweet. The key is to use fresh squeezed lime juice and perfectly ripe berries. The recipe makes enough for a crowd, so this cocktail is excellent for Summer entertaining. I highly recommend that you take a look at the recipe, please

Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:15:40 -0700

Having a fabulous selection of alcoholic beverages at your bachelorette party is as important as having delicious food. Drinks will help unacquainted guests mingle more freely and will allow the entire group to loosen up.

For Elena's lingerie shower in my Vegas hotel room, I'll have an unlimited supply of her favorite Champagne, Sofia Blanc de Blancs. To get guests in a wild mood, I'll set shots of kamikaze on ice around the room. Plenty of chilled bottled water is also a must. For more wedding ideas, go to IDoSugar. To check out the the kamikaze recipe,

Despite Recession, Americans Still Prefer Top Shelf

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 11:15:39 -0700

Yesterday model and actress Molly Sims announced the interesting results of the 2008 National Survey of American Cocktail Culture, Attitudes, and Trends. The survey — conducted by drinkwell.com — asked consumers about their drinking perspectives. Steve Wallet, VP of Diageo, which sponsored the survey, summarizes the results:

Our focus on cocktail culture continues to expand, prompted by pop culture influences like "Sex and the City," an increased awareness of quality brands, and bartenders with skills rivaling chefs — all making our choices of where to go and what to drink even more integral to Americans' lifestyles.

The study revealed that 58 percent of Americans are willing to pay more for top shelf brands. Birthdays are the number one reason to toast, followed closely by vacations and job promotions.

Guess what the most popular drink of the Summer is? The margarita! Do you agree with the findings? Do you order top shelf liquors at bars? Is the margarita your preferred Summer cocktail?

Source

Happy Hour: Long Irish Iced Tea

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:00:07 -0700

When I'm not craving mojitos or other hard and fruity cocktails, I find that warm weather makes me thirst for spiked drinks inspired by iced tea. In my college days, I occasionally threw back a Long Island Iced Tea, and though the drink gets a bad rap for being so darn strong, it's also deliciously refreshing.

If you're longing (har har) for a more sophisticated take on the Long Island, I recently discovered a variation called the Long Irish Iced Tea, which uses citrus vodka, a honey-flavored Irish whiskey, and a cognac liqueur called Celtic Crossing. To get the recipe,