Here we are in February already—midwinter, here in the northern latitudes of the United States, and this is the time of year I start watching golf tournaments just to see green grass and blue skies. Another way I like to pretend I’m somewhere warmer and sunnier is to make myself a tropical, summertime drink such … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The French Daiquiri
Author: Marty Nott
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Black Sabbath
First, happy Burns Night to all who celebrate! Tonight’s the night!! We conclude our month-long observation of Burns Night with a rock star of Scotch whisky cocktails: the Black Sabbath. (See what I did there?) This is a very, very easy cocktail to make. Smoky Islay whiskies (and mezcals, tequilas, and other strongly flavored, aromatic … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Black Sabbath
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Bitter Jean
Thursday, January 25th, is the birthday of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns—one of the most important dates on the Scottish cultural calendar. It’s celebrated worldwide with Burns Night suppers, a tradition that began in 1801, and naturally there is always fine Scotch whisky involved. To observe the occasion in advance and help customers with their … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Bitter Jean
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Tuxedo No. 2
If you’ve flirted with drinking dry Martinis but stopped short of fully embracing them, I can’t blame you; everything about the classic Martini is an acquired taste—the gin, the dry vermouth, and the olive. But the Martini has some siblings and cousins you may enjoy all the way through to the last sip, and the … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Tuxedo No. 2
For Burns Night: The Bobby Burns Cocktail
Happy 265th birthday (well, on January 25th) to Robert Burns, and happy Burns Night to all my friends who celebrate! I’ve already posted my annual homage to Scotland’s bard, so let's talk about the cocktail that bears his name. I chose the word “bears” carefully, because it turns out that this drink may not have … Continue reading For Burns Night: The Bobby Burns Cocktail
Scotch Whisky lovers: Make a Burns Night plan
Rochester area friends, come to Pinnacle Wine & Liquor between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, January 20! Mark this on your calendar: From 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, Pinnacle Wine & Liquor will hold its third annual Burns Day Scotch whisky tasting—a midwinter celebration of Scotland’s two greatest gifts to the … Continue reading Scotch Whisky lovers: Make a Burns Night plan
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Old Fashioned & its many riffs
What it is and why we call it “Old Fashioned” The name of the Old Fashioned cocktail is a textbook example of truth in labeling. We call it that because it was, indeed, the earliest form of American cocktail. During the pre-revolutionary and pre-refrigeration era, when whiskey and rum were coarse and often offensive to … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Old Fashioned & its many riffs
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Two “session” cocktails and tips for New Year’s Eve
With a look ahead to Dry January You may have guessed by now, but my motto is "Moderation in all things—including moderation." We’re almost there, folks. All of the November and December excuses for excess, except New Year’s Eve, are behind us. Here comes 2024, ready or not, and after the Day of Endless Bowl … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Two “session” cocktails and tips for New Year’s Eve
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Here comes cocktail Santa Claus
There are dozens and dozens of holiday-themed and holiday-appropriate cocktails one can make to please and amaze family and friends at this time of year. I’ll begin with my very favorite, which I originally posted on this blog a year ago, and then move on to a few others. And my very favorite holiday cocktail … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Here comes cocktail Santa Claus
Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Blackthorn and Other Sloe Gin Delights
The holidays are upon us, and too often this is a season of excess, so if you’re interested in beverages you can sip all evening without shooting holes in your liver and brain, I have two words for you: Sloe. Gin. “Sloe Gin? I’ve heard of that—what is it, anyway?”Sloe gin isn’t quite gin; it’s … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: The Blackthorn and Other Sloe Gin Delights
The Libation Lounge 