Location: DenverLinnea Covington is a writer specializing in food, drinks, travel and culture. She has been contributing to Liquor.com since 2016.ExperienceCovington has written for dozens of publications including Extra Crispy, Forbes Travel Guide, New York Magazine, The Spruce, Tasting Table, Time Out New York and Today.
Bryan Gall of Portland, Ore.’s Bacchus Bar at Kimpton Hotel Vintage uses a bright bunch of smashed basil to give this Yoda-inspired drink its requisite gasp of green, reminiscent of the Jedi master’s lovely skin tone. Sage simple syrup is a natural nod to Yoda’s wisdom, and a couple of those leaves make a nice, perky Yoda ear garnish too.
No reason vodka should have a monopoly on tomato-juice cocktails.2 oz Bulldog gin4 oz Tomato juice1/2 oz Lemon juiceGarlic clove, minced1 tbsp Prepared horseradish1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar1 tsp Worcestershire sauce3 dashes Celery salt3 dashes Black pepperTabasco sauceGarnish: CeleryGarnish: Pickled okraGarnish: Dill pickleGarnish: AsparagusGarnish: OlivesGarnish: Cherry tomatoes or carrotAdd all the ingredients to a highball glass, fill with ice and stir.
This fruity spin on the classic Whiskey Smash is a real winner.LemonPeach, pitted6 Fresh mint leaves1 tsp Sugar cane syrup2 oz Premium Bourbon3/4 oz CointreauGarnish: mint sprigIn a shaker, muddle the lemon, peach, mint and sugar cane syrup.Add the bourbon and Cointreau, and fill with ice.Shake, and strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with crushed ice.
The Dark ’n Stormy trifecta of dark rum, ginger beer and lime is icy, spicy perfection. But switch it up a bit with bitters, infusions, fruit juice or even another brown spirit stand-in, and the usual three-ingredient cocktail becomes so much more. These cocktails kick up their level of cool.Matt Giarratano, the beverage director at Phoenixville, Pa.
While I have no formal medical training, I can certainly attest to the sedative affect of an occasional nip of alcohol. Drinking may induce excitement, even arousal, but by the end of an evening it’s that last drink, a so-called nightcap, that lingers in my dreams until morning.The practice of drinking a cocktail before bed likely started in the 18th century as a useful (and pleasant) means to warm the body and soul before turning in on a chilly night.
