by Sean Ludford | Jul 19, 2017 | Cocktails
July 19 is National Daiquiri Day. The Daiquiri is a drink that is both revered and plagued by its simplicity. Just three ingredients is all you need: Rum, lime juice, and sugar. It is so simple that over the years this drink has endured more alterations and additions than a fading Hollywood starlet. The Daiquiri is just so damn simple that it encourages tinkering....
by Sean Ludford | Jul 11, 2017 | Beer, Cocktails
Apparently July 12 is Michelada Day. Who knew? The Michelada is likely the best known beer cocktail in the USA. This unexpected, tall, cool drink is well-known in Mexico and Central America and until recent years it was rare to see it served in the USA. The Michelada is an enigma offering bright refreshment along with a deep savory accents and a vibrant dose...
by Sean Ludford | Jul 5, 2017 | Cocktails, Travel
July 10 is National Piña Colada Day – again, who comes up with these? Most drinkers, especially anyone who has vacationed on a Caribbean beach or taken a cruise has had the chance to enjoy a the essential Rum cocktail, the Piña Colada. There are certainly good and bad Piña Coladas (mostly bad I must say) but there is just one original. Like all things of...
by Sean Ludford | Jun 1, 2017 | Cocktails, Sean’s Rant
Jigger me this; when is a shot not a shot? Answer: when it’s not measured. There is an ongoing debate in the bartender/mixology world concerning the practice of “free pouring” versus measuring. I won’t keep you in suspense regarding my opinion on the matter. I strongly and without doubt or reservation vote for measuring. Since I live in Chicago I reserve my civic right...
by Sean Ludford | May 30, 2017 | Cocktails
Vodka is so agreeable that it mixes with virtually anything or nothing at all. To be truthful, we prefer the later – super-chilled Vodka served neat with plenty of pickled vegetables, ham, smoked fish, and/or caviar. We know that we will hear from plenty of you asking why the Vodka Martini is not included on our list. The answer is simple – the Martini is a Gin...
by Sean Ludford | Nov 29, 2016 | Cocktails
When the snow is flying and the fire is roaring cozying up with a cool Margarita just seems wrong. Granted, I am a seasonal eater and drinker and I fully embrace this trait. I think that most of us crave a little warm up in the cooler months and what’s better for the body and soul than a tasty hot cocktail. Besides, we have...
