Drink Well with

Behind Bars, The Secret, formerly secret, Colloquy of NY Bartenders

We've always wander what's going on the other side of the rail as enigmatic bartenders whisper and smile to each other as they concoct their liquid arts and drive conversation.

In his intrinsic inquisitive style, Ben Schott, interminable wordsmith, photographer, designer and general interpreter of our contemporary world, dove into the shadowy cosmos behind some of New York boroughs most enticing bars. Hed came back with the words.

Revealed is a compendium of language shared by the men and women who mix, shake, and stir. It is a fascinating read that will leave you changed, wiser perhaps. And maybe a better patron of many fine altars of  libation that we so adore. Read More NY Times

Ben Schott

An Exciting New Cocktail Book for Before and After

I love to drink and cocktails are the way to go if you want a fast start to your evening, afternoon, or morning buzz. I’m not judging. But what about the next day, the morning after, when you are grasping for clarity. In cocktail extraordinaire, rum judge, and all around very interesting guy, Warren Bobrow’s new book, Apothecary Cocktails – Restorative Drinks from Yesterday and Today, you may find your elixir. I just got my copy, am diving into it, and well, gotta warn ya. In the cure there is hurt, but what an enticing hurt it is.

Woman Wine Makers are Certainly

Dos Minas is one fabulous Malbec made by two amazing women, Dos Minas as they might be called in Argentina. They are Lucía Romero, who runs Bodega El Porvenir de los Andes in Cafayate, Argentina, and Heather Willens, who came to Buenos Aires via California. They are certainly badass in my book.

The dos minas (“two chicks” in Argentine slang) are both  champions of wines from the mystical desert landscapes of Cafayate in Salta Argentina, “and both believe that Torrontés is a wonderfully aromatic, food-friendly wine that is among the best of what Argentina has to offer to the world. So they decided to come together to create this small project to showcase the rugged, high altitude Malbec and the elegant, balanced Torrontés that the best producers in Cafayate are capable of making.”

I am not a big Torrontés but this Malbec is out of this world. The thing about Malbec is that it really takes on the personality of the places where it is made. Salta Province is way up in far northern Argentina. It has a rich history and wonderful environ for wine making and life“

" A phenomenal value! On the nose the wine smells of dark ripe plums, violets, roasted meat and a mysterious earthy note. On the palate it is complex yet approachable, with some of the same fruit flavors, as well as a slight peppery note, all smoothed out but not covered up by the light touch of used oak. The Cafayate personality really shines through in this delightful wine, and it is an ideal beef wine but can also go with lighter dishes that call out for ripe fruit in a wine. the vines for the Malbec are an average of 10 years old.”  Michael Skurnik Wines

Hill and Bay, 2nd Ave, New York City, a Refreshing Addition to this East Side Neighborhood

Hill and Bay, named after its home neighborhoods of Murray Hill and Kips Bay,  sits close to the boarder, is a very welcome addition to this area, NOT really known as a destination for great drinking or dining. In fact it was only by chance that we discovered it, I usually only drive this street on my way to the East Village or Lower Eastside.  Looking for a place for a quick drink and dining with nearby parking, not far from Madison and 34th we sited this very nice looking place. We will be back. Started off with some great beer and this fabulous “Chef’s Board” of one of Hill and Bay’s specialties, artisanal American Cured Meats and cheeses.

Saxon + Parole, a Cocktail, Charcuterie, and a Beer = Heaven

I love Google Maps! And NYC in the summer on the weekend. So easy and uncrowded yet still lots of great places to go and beautiful people to see.

Before Midnight at the Angelika Cinema was my to be entertainment for the evening, love Juley Delpy. Now where to go for a good cocktail and a bite to eat? Scanning deeper beyond the obvious Google offers, I found Saxon + Parole a few blocks away from the theater at 316 Bowery. On the menu was a 'barrel aged' cocktail and some really enticing food that cinched the deal. Read on.

What's Your Alibi? This Whiskey I Hope.

A fabulous dinner at the fabulous Hundred  Acres restaurant and Bar in Soho began with sensuous cocktails and a pour of this hedonistic whiskey, Alibi. It began with a cocktail called “Not Guilty” of course made with Alibi, Broadbent Madiera and fresh Lime. A decent cocktail but I had to get to the root. When I sipped this ultra smooth brown liquor I was amazed. It is a 90 Proof blended America Whiskey that is the creation of Panache Beverages who brought you Wodka Vodka, Alchemia Infused Vodka, and now Alibi.  The goal was to create a very high quality whiskey to just be enjoyed. Not debated or fussed over by whiskey snobs.

It is a Corn-based whiskey that contains other grains like rye and malted barley, distilled and then aged in New American Oak Barrels by LDI in Indiana, a distillery who, for those in the know, makes awesome whisky for the likes of big names like Bulleit, Templeton, Filibuster, High West, James E. Pepper, Redemption, and Smooth Ambler. Some are among Hundred Acres the 19 outstanding Whiskeys they pour.

That's Amari - Aperitifs (Apertivos) and Digestifs (Digestivos) that make Great Drinking and Cocktails

Consumed before or after your meal, or as we like in extraordinary cocktails, these Italian Amari (Bitters) are drinks you must know. Not to be confused with Amori (Love), why are those words so similar, they can inspire it. Created in Italy in the early part of the last century there are dozens of varieties of Amari all made out of a botanists vegetal compendium including exotic and common herbs, roots, berries and other gifts of nature. They are natural and exciting and certainly badass. Look how the red colors light up in the sun. Imagine sipping these on the Italian coast or at your favorite lounge.

In the world of cocktails few reach the notoriety of the Negroni, imagined by an Italian Count, Camillo Negroni with Caffe Cavalli bartender, Fosco Scarselli, in Florence, 1919. I’m looking forward to celebrating the 100th anniversary of this stunning drink made with equal measures of Gin, Sweet Vermouth and one of the Amori above.

Another Reason to Love Wines from Maremma, Toscana

Imagine that your next glass of wine spent time in this ethereal aging cellar waiting for the perfect moment to be bottled and travel to your home.

It was easy to envision as we sipped a pour of Rocca di Frassinello Le Sughere Maremma, an exquisite creation of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was also easy to dream of the tranquil Maremma countryside and the sweet sea sun and air from the coast that sustain it. Read More

Fresh From The Farm

It's summer and the Farmers Market is abundant with fresh fruits ripe for cocktail making. Here is a step by step guide on how to do it yourself.

For this drink we chose the wonderfully delicious Prairie Vodka that is "made 100% organic by farmers who own the land, the distillery, and the quiet respect of all around them" in Minnesota, a place we happen to love.

With this we muddled and stirred fresh mint, watermelon, strawberry and lemon juice with a touch of bitters.

Mundo Bizarro, Buenos Aires, Need We Say More

Ranked among the top 100 bars of the world, a visit here in 2011 was extraordinary.