Drinking alcohol is a time-honored tradition going back thousands of years. For celebrations, family gatherings, or a night on the town, a refreshing cocktail goes hand-in-hand with a good time. What if you don’t want to drink alcoholic spirits, or are concerned about developing an addiction to alcohol? What if you are “sober curious” and enjoy the flavor profile of spirits but don’t want to drink alcoholic spirits for health reasons? Non alcoholic spirits are probably the answer. While alcohol free spirits have been around for many years, it is only recently that they’ve achieved market accep ..read more

In recent years, professional bartenders and mixologists have experimented with new ingredients in their quest to develop thrilling and flavorful cocktails. Among the many innovative ingredients, nitrogen gas stands out. What are nitrogen craft cocktails, and what makes a nitro beverage so special? In this guide, we’ll explore the exciting world of the latest mixology trend – nitro infused cocktails – and learn why nitro drinks continue to be developed for bars and restaurants around the world.   Nitrogen Bubbles add Thrills and Flavor Infusing your beer (i.e. Guiness) or cocktails with n ..read more

Milk-based cocktails have been staples of the bar scene for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Popular favorites like the White Russian or the holiday classic Egg Nog are time-honored classics, but both are known for their heavy, creamy consistency. Milk punches, particularly the clarified milk punch, offer the complex flavor and smooth mouthfeel of milk-oriented cocktails, but without the heaviness associated with such drinks. Clarified milk punches were developed in the early 18th century as a method of preserving drinks. Here, clarification refers more to a technique than a specific cock ..read more

Nothing says summer like a zesty, tangy citrus-based cocktail. For centuries, drinkers have enjoyed the juices of lemons, limes, and oranges mixed with their favorite spirits and other ingredients. The bright citrus tang pairs well with several spirits, including gins, vodkas, and even whiskies. Adding in a frothy, fluffy component takes lemon and spirits to the next level. Here are two of our favorite recipes for whipped lemonade – sure to be a hit at your next small gathering or beach event.   Two-Ingredient Whipped Lemonade The name for this frothy blended beverage is a bit of a misnom ..read more

Professional bartenders all agree that certain cocktails benefit from advanced mixing techniques. One of these techniques is called the “dry shake”. What does it mean to dry shake a cocktail, and what cocktails are ideal for this method? In this guide, we will explore the dry shaking method, allowing you to craft flavorful beverages for your next gathering or event.   What is a dry shake technique? In simple terms, a dry shaked cocktail is one where the ingredients are mixed at room temperature before the addition of ice cubes to the shaker. Typically, when you dry shake a cocktail, the i ..read more

At sporting events, family gatherings, and social events all year long, alcohol often plays an outsized role. With the seemingly limitless presence of alcohol in our society, it may seem unusual for some people to explore alternatives… Yet this is actually a growing movement known as “sober curiosity,” and has attracted positive attention in recent months. Our guide explores this movement and the potential benefits associated with the concept of mindful drinking.   The Sober Curious Movement: History and Beliefs The Sober Curious movement is a growing trend where individuals voluntarily c ..read more

Every professional bartender knows that bar tools make the job of crafting cocktails easier. Bartenders use a wide range of tools – some only for specialty drinks – while others are used constantly. With such a dizzying array of tools available, what are the essential bartending tools for the discerning mixologist or home bar? In this guide, we will explore some of the “can’t live without” tools, from the humble bar spoon to more complex shakers and mixing glass options.   The Bar Spoon Although simple on its surface (after all, a spoon is known to nearly everyone) the bar spoon is a mult ..read more

In a quest to create exciting new cocktail variations, professional mixologists have turned to a wide range of surprising ingredients. One of the most interesting ingredients found in modern bars is dry ice. Dry ice cocktails offer visual appeal – imagine a bubbly cocktail served in a tall glass with “smoke” pouring from the top! Dry ice cocktails are especially popular around the Halloween season; Halloween cocktail favorites with the addition of dry ice certainly do create an impact. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about using dry ice in cocktails, including safety ..read more

One of the most popular – yet often misunderstood – spirits is tequila. More than a shooter, this distilled spirit from the heart of Mexico comes in a wide range of types, each with its own complex flavor profile. Tequila can be sipped neat or used as the primary spirit for a huge selection of cocktails ranging from the classic tequila sunrise (which we recommend with both orange juice and orange bitters) to the Mexican mule, margaritas (with fresh lime juice), and the mojito blanco. In this guide, we will explore the different types of tequila, providing you with the details you need to make ..read more

Professional bartenders know that sour cocktails are some of the most flavorful – yet difficult to truly master – alcoholic beverages. Consisting of a wide range of cocktail classics, great sour cocktails achieve a balance between disparate elements. In our guide below, we’ll explore the sour cocktail, list some of the most popular sour cocktail recipes, and provide tips on creating your own classic whiskey sour cocktails guaranteed to thrill your guests at your next event or gathering.   The Art of the Sour Cocktail Sour cocktails typically consist of three primary elements: liquor; an a ..read more