Two Cocktails of the Week for “Cinco de Derby” Weekend

Presented by Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor Please note: There will be no Cocktail of the Week posts for May 16 or May 23, as I'll be taking an intensive course on sake those two weeks. Derby Day and Cinco de Mayo are always near each other, but only sometimes on consecutive days, … Continue reading Two Cocktails of the Week for “Cinco de Derby” Weekend

Cocktail of the Week: The Vieux Carré

Presented by Cooks’ World and Pinnacle Wine & Liquor The Vieux Carré (pronounced VOO ca-RAY) was created in 1938 by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, and takes its name from the French term for "The French Quarter”—le Vieux Carré ("Old Square"). The Monteleone is one of the Quarter's … Continue reading Cocktail of the Week: The Vieux Carré

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: 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: Aquavit Manhattan

Manhattan cocktail fans know the usual burning question is whether the drink’s base spirit should be bourbon, rye, or some combination of the two (bartenders call that a split base). This week we say, “neither.”  Instead, we’re replacing the whiskey with aquavit. Pronunciation: Á-ka-veet. Alternate spellings include akvavit and (rarely) akevitt. Since I used Linie … Continue reading Cooks’ World/Pinnacle Liquor Cocktail of the Week: Aquavit Manhattan