Mixology, the art and science of creating cocktails, has gone way beyond basic drinks. What used to be the preserve of professional bartenders is now a home hobby which also includes great creative and enjoyment. For a private party or just for personal play at home, study of mixology principles can take your drink game…
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,…
The world of craft cocktails has moved far beyond the dimly lit corners of high-end urban speakeasies. In 2026, mixology is recognized as a portable art form—a skill that enthusiasts take with them to transform a simple trip into a sophisticated lifestyle event. As the demand for privacy and autonomy grows, the intersection of high-end…
In the world of advanced mixology, we are obsessed with sourcing. We chase the perfect juniper profile for a gin, meticulously zest citrus to capture the most volatile oils, and hunt down obscure amari for their unique herbal complexity. The modern bartender is less a simple pourer of drinks and more a practical botanist, constantly…
The first time I truly understood how stressful travel and all its nuisances can be wasn’t a result of me being stuck on a delayed flight or standing in the middle of a chaotic security line. It was at baggage claim — you know, the typical fluorescent-lit airport corner where everyone silently loiters eyeballing the carousel like…
The first time I hosted a cocktail night at my place, I figured drinks would be the challenging part. I’d spent days planning: a simple menu, a handful of classic cocktails, a playlist that felt “grown-up but not trying too hard” and enough citrus to make my kitchen smell like a tiny tropical grove. I even worked…
February 03 2026 There’s something undeniably satisfying about a plate of spicy food—the warmth, the bold flavors, the way it wakes up your entire palate. But when it comes to choosing a cocktail to go alongside it, things can get tricky fast. Alcohol actually intensifies the burn from capsaicin, which means the wrong drink can…
Not all the ‘best’ sports memories even happen on the court. At other times, they come after — as testosterone quiets and everyone takes off their shoes and finally breathes out. It’s when a teammate chuckles about the “impossible save” that totally wasn’t, or your coach looks satisfied because the team finally played together. Those are the family-building, post-game…
January 30 2026 Premium spirits elevate the drinking experience through meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to quality. These libations stand out not just for their price but for the depth of flavor structure and balance they offer, often shaped by heritage distilling traditions and artisanal production methods. For those in the trade, trusted spirits distributors…
January 30 2026 Vodka sits quietly at the center of countless classic cocktails. From crisp martinis and refreshing Moscow Mules to rich Espresso Martinis, it plays a supporting role that often goes unnoticed. Yet the quality of vodka can make or break a cocktail. A harsh or overly neutral spirit can flatten flavors, while a…
