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Mulled Wine: A History

Leave a Comment / Christmas, Drink Recipes, Halloween, Wine / By / November 9, 2022

The divine creation of mulled wine is a prime example of the phrase ‘waste not, want not’. For even the most ancient of civilizations knew that wine was too good a drink to squander. And, for those who prefer a little booze in their winter beverage, historical wine makers certainly had you in mind when they vinified this delightful drink. 

But, of course, there is more to this wine-making story than connoisseurs wanting to please the likes of, well, us. And, although the history of mulled wine is pretty much another ‘the Romans copied the Greeks copied the Romans’ – extravaganza, the tale is still worth telling. Read below and find out more about history of mulled wine, why it makes grandad a little more jolly at Christmas dinner, and how you can make your own this holiday season.

History of Mulled Wine: glass being poured with red wine
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Halloween Drinking or The Spirits of Halloween: Ghosts AND Liquor

Leave a Comment / Blogs, Drink Recipes, Halloween / By / October 10, 2022
Halloween Drinking: Cocktail with Spider Embellishment and Fog around the glass. Skeleton hand on the table

Headstones, skeletons, and ghosts OH MY! Should I even mention Halloween drinking with its spooky cocktails and treats?

Halloween is my favorite time of year! As soon as the calendar turns from September to October, I start rolling out the gory fun. First, come the graves, then the ghouls. I even have a BBQ grill set up with sizzling bloody body parts and a skeleton feast all laid out on my front lawn. And, if you’re brave enough to get through that mess, en route to my front door is a shriek-tastic array of motion-censored animatronic characters that jump, scream, and BOO as you pass through the fog and flashing lights. 

In fact, I love Halloween so much that up until recently, I had a gothic Halloween-themed bathroom! No joke, I love all things macabre, but this article isn’t about me and my morbid display of the dead, this is about the holiday itself and the festivities that come with it! So join me on a haunted hayride through the history of Halloween and I’ll tell you all about what really happens behind the mask. 

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I Do! Wedding Toasts From Around the World

Leave a Comment / Blogs, Vodka, Wine / By / September 26, 2022

Pierce Brosnan once said (sang) “Here’s to us, one more toast, and then we’ll pay the bill.” If Mamma Mia wasn’t the world’s favorite musical comfort movie, it would surely be in the running for giving fans the most Pinterest-perfect wedding scene. Set in the picturesque country of Greece, I had to take the opportunity to bring up a musical that I’ve watched countless times. Why? Well, wedding toasts, my dear reader, have origins in ancient Greek culture, among many other cultures, of course. But, we’ll delve into that in a minute. 

Whether we prepare our written sentiments weeks ahead of time, or feel a sudden urge of spontaneity thanks to liquid courage; making a toast is an intrinsic part of any celebration. And, our loved ones being unified in holy matrimony is no exception. But, where did this tradition come from? After doing a little research, I’m happy to say that I have an idea. Read below and get ready to be enlightened on the origins of wedding toasts and how different people raise their glasses across the globe.

Bottles of champagne dressed as a groom and bride.
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Single, Double, and Everything in Between: Your Guide to Good Scotch

Leave a Comment / Drink Recipes / By / September 21, 2022

Everyone deserves to experience the taste of good scotch. And, yes, that includes women. We all know how it goes in even the most recent Hollywood movies. After a ‘long day’, a man comes home and pours himself a neat glass of brown liquor. This one-dimensional representation of masculinity remains the bane of scotch and whiskey’s existence. Nevertheless, more and more women are indulging in the spirit that was once known as a ‘man’s drink.’ And although it’s not my personal favorite, I will say cheers to that! 

Unfortunately, the Women v.s. Whiskey debate will have to happen another day. Today, I will share all I know about Scotch (which wasn’t much until recently) and how you can experience this drink at its best! Even the most experienced Scotch drinker will say it comes down to personal preference. But, you should at least know the basics before you get started. Read below to learn more. 

Good Scotch: Decanter of whiskey besides two glasses half filled on a round wooden table in a dark room
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Which Glass Do I Use? A Handy Guide for the Beginner Bartender

Leave a Comment / Beer, Blogs, Wine / By / August 4, 2022

Bartenders, barkeepers, barmaids, or mixologists; the terms you use to refer to the instant best friend that serves us liquid gold when visiting our favorite spots! I can attest to the joy that is watching them work their magic. Much like watching Da Vinci bring The Monalisa to life (Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little there!), the careful tossing and spinning of intricately designed cocktail shakers are not the only appealing display of art when visiting a bar!

There is so much to look at, including the ecstasy that seems to glue bartenders and bar enthusiasts together, the fascinating tools used to prepare the liquid gold, and the array of glasses displayed that leaves the average customer curious. What are these, why do they have so many sizes of the same kind – and why do I not have them in my kitchen?

Which Glass Do I Use? Animated drawings of liquor, wine, and beer glasses - a visual aid deciding which glass to use
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