It’s been a while since I posted on here, but I have a good excuse: I’ve been working on my second book, Make Myna Double: Cocktails for Bird Lovers! As many of you may know, I used to study birds; I earned my PhD from Boston University studying the evolution of finches in Australia and New…
Have you ever thought about taking your home bar to the next level? Integrating credit card terminals into your setup could be a great addition. These handy devices, commonly seen in restaurants and cafes, can also enhance your home bar experience by bringing convenience and a touch of professionalism to your gatherings. Think about having…
Cannabis dispensaries have unique needs that go beyond what a standard point of sale system can typically handle. A cannabis POS goes beyond sales to help with managing compliance, inventory and customer relationships in a way that keeps your business running smoothly. The right system can prevent costly errors and make daily operations far more…
When I first mentioned the Tommy’s Margarita at home, I had to clarify to my husband – also named Tommy – that I was not referring to a margarita that I had made for him to drink. (I’m sure I did make him one shortly after.) No, the Tommy’s Margarita is a specific drink that…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Andrea McHugh Andrea McHugh is a New England-based food, wine and spirits, and travel writer. Her byline can be found in US News, Insider, Parade Magazine, the Boston Globe, Yankee Magazine, Classic Boat, Travel Awaits, TripSavvy, the Hartford Courant and numerous national and international publications. She’s traveled to destinations far and wide,…
In the world of advanced mixology, we often talk about “balance.” We obsess over the specific gravity of a syrup, the dilution rate of a stirred Martini, and the precise ABV (alcohol by volume) of a house-made tincture. We treat our cocktails as complex chemical systems requiring meticulous oversight. Yet, for too long, the industry…
In the world of high-end mixology, materials matter. We don’t serve a Moscow Mule in a glass tumbler for the same reason we don’t use plastic jiggers: it compromises the “Structural Integrity” of the experience. The copper mug is the undisputed king of barware, prized not just for its aesthetic, but for its superior thermal…
At NRF, we hosted our exclusive industry event Lightspeed Edge, and the energy was unmatched. It was a space for real conversation—practical sessions, candid questions and networking that didn’t feel like speed dating. We wanted retailers and partners to talk openly about what’s changing and what’s actually working in-store right now. Retailers and partners joined…
For retailers, doing a physical inventory count is something that often gets put off. Why? Because counting all of the merchandise in-store is both time-consuming and tedious. To make time for inventory management, many retailers work after business hours or close the store temporarily, none of which are ideal. But even if it’s not a…
If you love a fun Valentine’s cocktail, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites, from the classic French 75, to some of my own creations, like the White Chocolate Coconut Rum Alexander. These recipes range from easy-peasy to slightly involved (making a quick simple syrup), so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s or…
