Burnett’s Cocktails

More pre-mixed, ready-to-pour cocktail offerings, this time from Burnett’s which turns out some 20 vodkas and gins in every flavor imaginable. With these three concoctions, Burnett’s turns its vodkas into three simple bar standbys. More... 

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Is It Worse to Drive Drunk or on the Cell Phone?

Here’s a wholly unscientific look at the question I undertook back in 2005 courtesy of a closed track at a Malibu Grand Prix, a friend with an oversized liver, and half a bottle of Absolut. The answer: Inconclusive . Here’s a wholly unscientific... 

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Vermont White and Vermont Gold Vodka

In this business, you learn something every day. In this business, you learn something every day. Today I have learned that you can make vodka out of anything. Vermont Spirits makes its two vodkas, Vermont White and Vermont Gold, out of truly unique... 

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Gran Sierpe Pisco Quebranta Grapes

Distilled in Chile and Peru — where the definition of what is “real” pisco remains a national preoccupation on both sides — pisco is grape brandy that, unlike French brandies, is unaged (or aged very little), and generally used... 

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Monte Alban Mezcal

Monte Alban is perhaps the most widely available mezcal on the market, but that doesn’t mean it’s rotgut. Monte Alban may lack sophistication, but it’s a fine entry point into the mezcal arena. Briny and with the distinct smell of sweat,... 

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Brady’s Irish Cream Liqueur

Brady’s isn’t the biggest name in Irish Cream liqueurs… but it sure sounds a lot like it. Turns out it tastes a lot like it, too. Brady’s isn’t the biggest name in Irish Cream liqueurs… but it sure sounds a lot like... 

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Caipirinha! Caipirissima! Caipiroska!

Caipirinha is simple and gorgeous cocktail from heritage Brazilian rum-like sugarcane based spirit cashaca. Caipirinha is simple and gorgeous cocktail from heritage Brazilian rum-like sugarcane based spirit cashaca. Caipirinha is traditional drink... 

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Wine in Plastic Bottles? 2006 Fog Mountain Merlot Reviewed

Take a look at the bottle below. Looks normal enough, though the observant may recognize it’s about a half inch taller than your average wine bottle. Take a look at the bottle below. Looks normal enough, though the observant may recognize it’s... 

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The Fala Cocktail

I call this cocktail the Fala , after President Franklin Roosevelt’s beloved Scottish Terrier. I call this cocktail the Fala, after President Franklin Roosevelt’s beloved Scottish Terrier. FDR favored Plymouth Gin and, I am sure, would... 

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Bastille Day Ricard Pastis

Today is Bastille Day, and in honor of the French Revolution, the folks at Pernod-Ricard sent us a bottle of Ricard Pastis (and a pét anque set) to help us celebrate. Pastis is an anise-flavored liqueur — not the same as absinthe (but it’s... 

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