A classic mule (a.k.a. a buck) is made with ginger beer, lime juice, and whatever spirit your heart desires—most commonly vodka. This big-batch, low-alcohol version borrows the same winning combination of flavors but swaps out the booze for a sweet and spicy caramelized maple syrup with plenty of tart cranberry juice. The duo tints the … Read more
You need a French press, but not just for coffee. Even if you favor other methods for making your morning brew, there are so many French press hacks that will make this glass-and-chrome carafe your new favorite kitchen tool. A French press isn’t just something for caffeine dispensing—rather it’s an all-in-one strainer/mixer/squeezer/wonder workhorse. Reject the … Read more
A classic Manhattan cocktail recipe doesn’t have much to it—and it shouldn’t. It’s a straightforward, no-nonsense, old-school drink that’s two parts whiskey, one part vermouth, and a few dashes of aromatic bitters. But that wasn’t always the case. “The first recipes, which appeared in books in 1884, called for equal parts whiskey and vermouth. Some … Read more
The Rusty Nail has nearly a century of history under its belt; and yet in recent years it’s been overshadowed by resurgent classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Sazerac, and old-fashioned. Thankfully, there’s room for all at the whiskey bar. The origin of the Rusty Nail is hazy, but some believe it was invented in the … Read more
Most of us mere mortals would be hard-pressed to make water out of wine. But vinegar? Anyone can swing that—all you need to do is subject a bottle to suboptimal storage conditions for a long enough time. Chances are, you’re already familiar with the limitations of lower-proof alcoholic beverages like wine and beer: most properly … Read more
Thank you, thank you for giving the classic dry gin martini its proper elevated place. I consider every exotic variant – chocolate martini?? aberrant and unworthy of the name. It’s said that Churchill’s favored mix began with icy cold gin, followed by a glance across the room at a bottle of vermouth. Very dry!! My … Read more
The Siesta is a citrusy, tangy tequila creation that’s “here to raise you from the dead of winter,” says former drinks editor Alex Delaney: “To shout through a bullhorn made from fruit, sunshine, and booze that it’s time to wake the hell up.” Often overlooked next to heavy hitters like the margarita and paloma, the … Read more
Step 1 Bring 4 cups water to a simmer in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and add 4 mint tea bags and ⅓ cup sugar; let sit 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove tea bags, gently pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Stir to dissolve sugar. Step 2 … Read more
A slice of ripe watermelon cannot be improved upon—unless you add a sprinkle of salt. This juicy pitcher drink goes one step further, adding a little heat in the salt mix on the rim of each glass. Lemon and just a touch of bitter Campari balance the ripe summer sweetness of watermelon juice and strawberry … Read more
This creamy blended coffee cocktail takes its cues from banana coffee, a popular mix of morning joe and frozen banana. Bold cold-brew coffee concentrate takes well to the earthy, softly smoky flavors of mezcal, cinnamon, and vanilla, and the frozen banana adds luxurious texture and a touch of sweetness to the drink. Serve at brunch … Read more