The History and Culture of Cocktails
A look back at the stories behind the creation and traditions of some of the most popular cocktails, distilled spirits and the people who made them as well as the stories and culture as it lives on today.
What is a Cocktail and What is the History of the Cocktail?
The cocktail is a style of mixed drink of liquor, water, sugar and bitters with a colorful, mysterious origin.
The cocktail is a style of mixed drink of liquor, water, sugar and bitters with a colorful, mysterious origin.
The United States Prohibition of Alcohol - 1920-1933
The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920’s and 30’s in the United States is one of most famous, or infamous, times in recent American history. The intention was to reduce the consumption of alcohol by eliminating businesses that manufactured, distributed and sold it.
The prohibition of alcohol in the 1920’s and 30’s in the United States is one of most famous, or infamous, times in recent American history. The intention was to reduce the consumption of alcohol by eliminating businesses that manufactured, distributed and sold it.
Classic Cocktails and Mixed Drinks
Thousands of cocktails have been created since the first drink was mixed, but only a few have stood up to the test of time. From the 18th century Mint Julep and Eggnog to the Prohibition era Hurricane and Deauville Cocktail, these classics are just that, classic.
Thousands of cocktails have been created since the first drink was mixed, but only a few have stood up to the test of time. From the 18th century Mint Julep and Eggnog to the Prohibition era Hurricane and Deauville Cocktail, these classics are just that, classic.
A Tour Through Tequila Country
A journal of my trip through the tequila producing regions of Jalisco, Mexico. During this two day adventure I was able to visit five tequila distilleries that produce premium tequilas and enjoy the cultural charm of this often overlooked region.
A journal of my trip through the tequila producing regions of Jalisco, Mexico. During this two day adventure I was able to visit five tequila distilleries that produce premium tequilas and enjoy the cultural charm of this often overlooked region.
The Aztec Legend of the Agave and Tequila
According to legend, the agave plant was a gift from the gods. The elixir made from the plant was meant to soothe the soul of people who lost loved ones, like Quetzalcoatl who lost his beloved Mayahuel.
According to legend, the agave plant was a gift from the gods. The elixir made from the plant was meant to soothe the soul of people who lost loved ones, like Quetzalcoatl who lost his beloved Mayahuel.
Origins of Eggnog
The drink that stirs up memories for most people, either you love it or hate it. Either way you feel, you must admit it has become embedded in our holiday traditions.
The drink that stirs up memories for most people, either you love it or hate it. Either way you feel, you must admit it has become embedded in our holiday traditions.
Bourbon History Timeline
Marked as "America's Native Spirit," bourbon whiskey has a rich and storied past. Many of the important events in the distilled spirit, predominantly produced in Kentucky, are disputed but they are still important to note. This historical timeline attempts to outline the significance bourbon whisky has played the heritage of the United States.
Marked as "America's Native Spirit," bourbon whiskey has a rich and storied past. Many of the important events in the distilled spirit, predominantly produced in Kentucky, are disputed but they are still important to note. This historical timeline attempts to outline the significance bourbon whisky has played the heritage of the United States.
The Historic Maker's Mark Distillery
To finish off the first National Bourbon Heritage Month (September 2007) I traveled to the Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky distillery to meet the people and see the operation behind one of my favorite bourbons. This image gallery is filled with the picturesque scenes of the distillery along with all the details of creating such a distinguished distilled spirit.
To finish off the first National Bourbon Heritage Month (September 2007) I traveled to the Maker's Mark Bourbon Whisky distillery to meet the people and see the operation behind one of my favorite bourbons. This image gallery is filled with the picturesque scenes of the distillery along with all the details of creating such a distinguished distilled spirit.
An Interview with Bill Samuels Jr., President of Maker's Mark Bourbon
The producers of Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey are from the long time, Kentucky whiskey distilling family, the Samuels. I had the opportunity to interview Bill Samuels Jr., current President of Maker's Mark, about his family's history, their bourbon and the significance of the designation of September to be National Bourbon Heritage Month.
The producers of Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey are from the long time, Kentucky whiskey distilling family, the Samuels. I had the opportunity to interview Bill Samuels Jr., current President of Maker's Mark, about his family's history, their bourbon and the significance of the designation of September to be National Bourbon Heritage Month.
An Interview with Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve Bourbon Distiller
Distilled in Woodford County, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey is a fine, well-balanced bourbon with an ideal flavor profile for mixing into cocktails. On the occasion of the first National Bourbon Heritage Month in September, 2007, I had the opportunity to speak with Chris Morris, Master Distiller, about the bourbon he produces and the significance of this new national designation.
Distilled in Woodford County, Kentucky, Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey is a fine, well-balanced bourbon with an ideal flavor profile for mixing into cocktails. On the occasion of the first National Bourbon Heritage Month in September, 2007, I had the opportunity to speak with Chris Morris, Master Distiller, about the bourbon he produces and the significance of this new national designation.
An Interview with Fred Noe, Distiller for Jim Beam
Producers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey, the Beam family has one of the longest bourbon producing legacies in Kentucky. Fred Noe, the 7th generation Beam distiller, speaks about the significance of National Bourbon Heritage Month, the family of bourbons he produces and growing up in one of the famous distilling families.
Producers of Jim Beam Bourbon Whiskey, the Beam family has one of the longest bourbon producing legacies in Kentucky. Fred Noe, the 7th generation Beam distiller, speaks about the significance of National Bourbon Heritage Month, the family of bourbons he produces and growing up in one of the famous distilling families.
Hollywood Cocktails
Cocktails often made an appearance in the early cinema and many of the early Hollywood legends have drinks named for them. Relive these moments with some great cocktails and unforgettable lines in classic films.
Cocktails often made an appearance in the early cinema and many of the early Hollywood legends have drinks named for them. Relive these moments with some great cocktails and unforgettable lines in classic films.
The Museum of the American Cocktail
In 2005 The Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans opened its door to the world. The museum is dedicated to the history of the cocktail and has many exhibits and events around the country.
In 2005 The Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans opened its door to the world. The museum is dedicated to the history of the cocktail and has many exhibits and events around the country.