Tired of reading all the time? Take a break and check out our ever-growing collection of cocktail videos. I just finished organizing the latest crop and there are some good ones in there.

I'm most excited that included in this new batch are a handful of  what I call 'Top Picks & Tips' videos. In those you will find the likes of 5 shooters and martinis, explanation of sours, highballs, and lowballs, and tips for flaming drinks, garnishing, and service tips for bartenders. More of this variety will be coming very soon and I'll be sure to pass along the news when they go live.

Until then, sit back and enjoy the show as you browse through the cocktail video shorts here.

In honor of next week's Valentine's Day, I have three new drinks to share which bring the ongoing collection of lover's libations to 30 (and counting).

Sweet Dreams

French Sparkle - If you have yet to check out Chambord Flavored Vodka, this drink (and the occasion) is an ideal excuse to do so. In this drink the black raspberry liqueur-inspired vodka is combined with mango nectar and champagne. Simple, classy, delicious.

Sweet Dreams - Featuring another new spirit, this drink is part chocolate and part coffee with a touch of tequila, vodka, and caramel. The first three flavors are found in one of the drink's ingredients and the latest release from Patron Spirits, namely Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa - aka a mouthful of scrumptiousness.

Saint Valentine - Not necessarily a new drink, but new to the list. This David Wondrich creation should be a classic and will make an elegant addition to date night (or whenever). It's a mix of white rum, ruby port, orange liqueur, and lime juice.

More Valentine's Day Cocktails...

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Beyond the Super Bowl and Valentine's Day, the cocktail news this week has been pretty slow. However, I was able to dig up a few interesting headlines that are certainly worth reading.

Glacier Ice Stolen for Cocktails - Yes, we should strive to use the best ice available to make our drinks, but getting it from a glacier is not a good way to go about it.

Bols Genever re-launches in Colorado - This week, particularly this evening (Wednesday), will see the return of Bols Genever to the state. Tonight's event at Boulder's Bitter Bar features guest bartender and Bols rep Jacob Grier showing off the beauty of this old-school gin in preparation for it becoming a regular on the state's liquor shelves.

Scotch for a Queen - Sixty years ago this week Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the thrown and at the same time a selection of specially crafted Scotch went into the barrels. On this special anniversary, that 60 year-old Diamond Jubilee Scotch Whisky found its way into 60 decanters that will be auctioned off to benefit the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust. As stated in this article on the Pursuitist, John Walker & Sons consider this a high honor and to them I say congrats, that is impressive! That decanter is by far the most stunning I've ever seen, and of course, it's fit for a queen. Read More...

The majority of cocktails are inspired by another drink, though it's often difficult to place which came first. This is the case of the Napoleon and Weep No More and I bring them up today because they are two fantastic drinks that are easily interchangeable.

The common ingredient is Dubonnet Rouge, that lovely, rich aperitif with hints of spice, which is perfect for cold winter days. The Weep No More uses brandy for the base and maraschino and lime for the accents. In the Napoleon, you'll switch out gin for the brandy and use Grand Marnier for the accent.

It's that simple: 5 bottles and some fresh squeezed lime juice and you have two drinks, each with a different character, yet similar. At any rate, these two drinks are an excuse to restock Dubonnet in your bar.

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