The world of beer is expanding, in both flavor and appeal. Craft brewing has taken the beer-drinking community to new heights and innovations. The time to learn about, explore, enjoy, and appreciate this sacred beverage has never been more exciting. But how does it all break down? How can one begin to decipher the differences between styles and sub-categories of beer? How can anyone truly appreciate beer without a basic understanding of beer’s ingredients and flavor profiles?

Have no fear, LifeEpicurean’s Beer Battles: 101 series will break down basic concepts such as the difference between ales and lagers, highlights of various beer styles, proper pouring and tasting process, and the appropriate glassware for different brews. Pay attention-–class is in session. READ MORE HERE.

We are having a Big Ass Summer Bash at my bar this week.  Tuesday's theme is "Fat Tuesday" and I am looking for drink specials other than Hurricanes and Hand Grenades.  Any ideas?  Also, recipes for hand grenades?

Thoughts, Ideas?

http://food.theatlantic.com/mixmaster/goodbye-to-80s-bartending-trends.php

So I was having this argument with a bartender a few days ago about a dry martini. I said that a dry martini was one with less vermouth and more gin, and he said that it was the other way around, and that there was more vermouth in a dry martini than a regular martini. Research on wikipedia says there is no consensus on this.

What do you guys think?

. . . by De Kuyper (yes, the same folks who make Pucker . . .I know).  Anyone know if it's possible to buy this in the US?  Ever seen it anywhere on this side of the pond?

I'm managing a new bar that is set to open soon. The owners and I are butting heads over using shot stop pourers. They want them, I don't. I've never found one that works well.

Have any of you used them and liked them?

Hey guys, me and my friends made a blog for our alcohol experiments (currently we're doing different types of candy, but we may expand in the future). Check out some of the vodka infusions we've made and sampled:

Skittles - all five flavors
Pez
Caramel Mint Werthers
Cookies n' Cream hard candies
Sour Warheads

Lots of pics, step-by-step instructions, and even drink recipes. :)

http://badspirits.blogspot.com or follow it here on LJ at badspiritsblog

Whipped up this one last night. Tangy, potent.

THE LES BAXTER

2 oz. orange juice
1 oz. unsweetened pineapple juice
3/4 oz. lemon syrup
1 1/2 oz. gold rum
3/4 oz. 151 (overproof) rum 

Shake with ice, strain into a tiki mug or double old-fashioned glass filled with ice.

Now that it's summer, try this drink. Adapted from the Grog Log. And yes even if you don't like gin, I promise you'll like it.

ROYAL HAWAIIAN

juice of 1 lemon
3 oz. pineapple juice
1/2 oz. orgeat (almond) syrup
3 oz. gin

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into an ice-filled pilsner glass.

Didn't see this so far...
(it a 'to taste' kind of thing so you just have to try it on unsuspecting folk until you prefect "yours")


Purple Jesus

in cocktail shaker:
1oz vodka
1oz tequila
1oz(ish) sour mix
splash OJ
splash Chambord
Shake
add
dash sprite (for fizziness)
dash coke (fizziness, color, sugar)
Shake lightly
pour over ice