Cocktails and Spirits

[Editor's Note: It's National Pick Strawberries Day today, and those lovely berries are at the peak of the season. If you find yourself with an abundance of them, try making this beverage, which can be served as a non-alcoholic spring treat, or, with the addition of gin, tequila or vodka, kicked up a notch and served as an adult option. Either way, you'll make the most of all those strawberries you picked...or just picked up at your local farmers market. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: It's rare that you'll find me sipping on a sweet cocktail, and even rarer that I'll order one that leans toward the dessert end of the drinking spectrum—my taste leans toward the boozy and dry, not the sugary. But I will admit that I had a bit of an obsession as a kid with Toblerone bars—their distinctive shape (perfect for breaking into pieces to dole out to friends or, sometimes, stuffed animals) fascinated me, and I loved how they tasted. As a result, I'm especially curious about this cocktail, particularly because it creates a little bit of magic by not even including a chocolate ingredient in the mix! --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: If there's one thing I know, it's that women shouldn't fear a cocktail with a boozy bite to it. Some might call these cocktails "manly," but I truly believe a delicious cocktail transcends gender roles. Afraid to try a classic cocktail more traditionally chosen by men? Check out Food Blogga's primer on five drinks worth a sip. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: Though I am mostly in the anti-fast food camp, I will admit to having a bit of a weakness, earlier in my life, for the McDonald's Shamrock Shake. There's something compelling about its seasonal greenness, after all. But they don't sell said shake in their German franchises, which led Ann Marie of Household 6 Diva, who lives in Germany with her family, to improvise a homemade version with a little bit of a kick. Don't serve this to the kids, folks, but if you're having an adult craving for a "Shamrock Shake," this ought to do the trick. --Genie]  Read more

Though winter is winding down, there are still plenty of chilly nights left. Especially when the weather starts to turn from snowfall to late winter frigid rains, one needs a drink that cuts the chill. A hot toddy is ideal: slightly boozy, but also a bit sweet and a bit spicy. It's comforting as the season turns.  Read more

[Editor's Note: This holiday sipper is comforting, and something the whole family can share together on a cold and frosty evening. That being said, I can imagine slipping a bit of bourbon into it so the adults around the living room can have a warmer with a bit more kick. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: Because this hot buttered rum mix includes ice cream, it's definitely a gift you'd want to give to local friends and family only—it won't travel well! But it's a great wintry gift, particularly when paired with a bottle of rum, and will be appreciated at the holidays and beyond. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: I've never tasted Krupnikas, which is a Lithuanian liqueur that uses honey for sweetness. It sounds really interesting, though, even if it also sounds like something to drink with care—from the looks of it, it's pretty powerful booze! It's a terrific holiday beverage, though—a perfect little warmer for the season. --Genie]  Read more

[Editor's Note: Foodette herself gave me a heads up that she was planning to whip up these blogworthy, holiday-friendly cocktails, and I could not wait to read all about them. They feature Root, a modern version of a liquor that started as a 1700s herbal remedy. Anchored by this interesting spirit, this cocktail is boozy, creamy, and totally worth celebrating. --Genie]  Read more