2024-01-15 18:36
Hard to believe, but it’s time for my annual travel planning post. I had a very crazy travel year in 2023–10 countries and almost 150 nights away from home! It was thrilling and… Read More
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Traveling the world in search of drinks and adventures and the ingredients for both.
2023-11-18 15:42
Some people are geniuses at tablescapes, or decor in general. Themed parties, fancy place settings, it’s all lovely but exceeds my time and patience constraints. Instead, I focus on ni… Read More
2023-08-26 16:01
After my first visit to Vancouver, BC in 2012, all I could think about was getting back. Walking through the neighborhoods and taking in the waterfront left an impression on me. It’s p… Read More
2023-06-04 19:34
Despite my extensive travels–43 countries and counting–I had never been to Puerto Rico. That is until my recent trip in May 2023. For whatever reason, I just hadn’t booked… Read More
2023-04-29 19:18
On my first trip to Vancouver Island, I visited the northeastern part of the island. When I returned in April 2023, the first item on my agenda was to visit to Victoria Distillers. Located i… Read More
2023-04-16 22:56
When I moved to Lee’s Summit, Missouri 22 years ago, both my taste in cocktails and the places to choose from were limited. Luckily, both of these things have evolved with time. As Kan… Read More
2023-04-02 16:11
While I am not vegan, I have shared some information about aquafaba before. Some of these vegan cocktails were made using canned chickpea juice. Since I don’t really cook, opening a ca… Read More
2023-02-08 23:06
When you think of Germany, beer and pretzels may come to mind. While there are many amazing beer bars and breweries to choose from, the cocktail bar scene is also world-class. My first… Read More
2023-01-01 20:26
Every year, I like to look back on where I thought I’d be in the world and outline my plans for the year ahead. This is a great way to make plans to use all of my PTO, see as many peop… Read More
2022-12-21 23:40
I’ve always been a huge fan of cranberries. From cranberry sauce to juice, I love it all. It’s likely the tartness, but I also find cranberries interesting. They are one of the o… Read More
2022-11-25 19:49
Not unlike Croatia, the eastern European country of Georgia is known for its wines. While the country has more than 8,000 years of wine-making experience, they also make a brandy called chac… Read More
2022-11-11 15:31
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Old Fashioned fan. I have a lot of fun creating riffs as well. When I came up with this Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, I knew I had a winner. It’… Read More
2022-10-16 21:02
If you’re making cocktails, you know the importance of proper dilution. There’s nothing worse than ice that tastes like a freezer or smells bad. Since I built my basement bar, I… Read More
2022-09-24 15:36
I had my first sip of sotol in Chicago at Estereo. Since then, I have seen a couple of sotol cocktails popping up on menus. It’s definitely not a common spirit you’d find in most… Read More
2022-09-14 22:17
I’ve been to the Big Easy quite a few times over the years. But in 2022, I’ve been lucky enough to go twice to check out the best cocktail bars in New Orleans. I visited in Janua… Read More
2022-08-17 01:37
Ever since I was a little kid, my favorite part of any house shown on television or in movies was the basement bar. Granted, most of them were pretty ugly, but I liked the concept of having… Read More
2022-08-10 19:40
My husband planned a trip to Indonesia for my 40th birthday in August of 2019. Two of the cities we visited in Bali were perfect cocktail spots. Ubud, located in the uplands, is quieter than… Read More
2022-07-20 22:27
With some of the cleanest water in the world, it’s no surprise that Iceland has a signature spirit. Brennivín is a type of aquavit that came into the world in 1935. When prohibi… Read More
2022-07-08 16:54
Iceland is an incredible place. So incredible in fact that I traveled back last week after visiting in 2018. Full of natural beauty and fresh seafood, it may not to be a place you’d th… Read More
2022-06-16 12:41
Over the years, I have spent quite a bit of time in Seattle. My last trip was three years ago. I traveled back this week to reunite with some people I met while volunteering in the U.S. Virg… Read More
2022-05-31 19:25
While most tiki drinks are rum-based, you will find a couple with gin. The complexity of tropical drinks can sometime overpower gin. But, when balanced correctly, they’re a real treat… Read More
2022-05-24 21:26
While some people truly hate made up holidays, I’ll bet you’re not one of them. Cocktail holidays started with National Cocktail Day, established in 2013. A freelance writer made… Read More
2022-05-18 22:41
If you follow cocktail news, you have likely heard of bars seeking to reduce their waste. Since many bars go through hundreds of glass bottles, straws, and napkins, their footprint can be la… Read More
2022-04-01 19:24
I’ve been to Austin, TX many times. But most trips, like my one in March 2022, have been to attend South by Southwest. While I enjoy going to the festival, it doesn’t leave me a… Read More
2022-03-23 21:31
It’s no secret that I love mezcal. If I see it in a drink on a menu, I have to order whatever the cocktail is. There is such a wide range of flavor profiles in mezcal. Not unlike whisk… Read More
2022-03-11 14:08
The first time I wrote a guide for setting up your home bar, I included mixing glasses as optional. I know! My own journey as a home bartender has helped me learn and grow my cocktail making… Read More
2022-03-07 20:53
Each year around the world, equity for women is spotlighted. The day always makes me think of the women that I admire. In celebration of International Women’s Day, I wanted to share my… Read More
2022-02-25 22:51
While I do make simple syrups from scratch, sometimes I am busy. You might not have the time to heat up water and sugar, and then wait for it to cool either. There’s nothing worse than… Read More
2022-02-19 17:03
I recently made a delicious Blood Orange Old Fashioned. It got me thinking about other Old Fashioned variations that I love. And also how non-cocktail lovers ask me, “an Old Fashioned… Read More
2022-02-06 20:26
If you’ve visited my blog before, it should come as no surprise that I love an Old Fashioned. The simple build lends itself to limitless variations. As someone who enjoys experimenting… Read More
2022-02-03 21:23
Want to know a secret? I am guilty of having used liquor vs. liqueur interchangeably in the past. Over time, I certainly learned the error of my ways, but I still hear people wonder about th… Read More
2022-01-13 23:26
As I am sure you know, when I travel, I am always looking for the best bars. When I was planning my “escape Winter 2021” trip, I wasn’t finding a lot of craft cocktail bars… Read More
2022-01-05 14:19
The past couple of years have honestly been so weird for me, I almost forgot to write this post. Since it’s still the first week of the year, I figured it’s not too late. Plus, I… Read More
2022-01-02 21:16
With a new year comes new habits and resolutions. For many, it may mean dry January (this post is for you) or just cutting back a bit on drinking. I like to find healthier cocktail recipes t… Read More
2021-12-29 17:48
After buying a few great cocktail books and a trip to Hawaii earlier this year, I really started enjoying tiki drinks. Previously, I found most tiki cocktails to be way too sweet, but discov… Read More
2021-12-22 21:18
Don’t get me wrong, I love a mimosa. But, sometimes you need to mix things up a bit, literally! I love hosting brunches with friends and I like to surprise my guests with something new… Read More
2021-11-20 16:52
The mile-high city is only an eight and half hour drive from where I live in Kansas City. Denver is home to many great things including some of my and my husband’s family and my husban… Read More
2021-11-12 22:43
I used to hate spicy drinks. You know the ones that are so hot it numbs your tastebuds and makes you thirsty? Then I discovered more balanced cocktails with some heat that highlighted all th… Read More
2021-11-06 18:25
As a 20-year resident of Kansas City, I feel like I know the city well. Since starting this cocktail blog, I frequent its bars often enough that my friends text me when they’re looking… Read More
2021-10-23 12:09
As the title implies, it isn’t exactly easy to find a decent cocktail in Dubrovnik. The Balkans are still very much into their wines, which makes sense given how good they are. But, so… Read More
2021-10-16 19:45
The first time I visited John Brown’s Underground, my husband declared it the best bar in the Midwest. We’ve lived in Kansas City for the past 20 years and we’ve been to al… Read More
2021-10-09 17:17
When I changed day jobs almost six years ago, I started traveling to Chattanooga, TN a couple times a year. As I became friends with a couple of my co-workers there, I started going for fun… Read More
2021-10-04 21:45
As I established in last year’s Fall cocktail post, I will pass on pumpkin spice but love everything apple. I grew up in Maine picking a variety of apples every fall. We would come hom… Read More
2021-10-02 15:42
I love a good distillery tour. Even if I don’t learn anything necessarily new, it’s still fun to get a glimpse behind the scenes. Plus, it gives more meaning to the tasting at th… Read More
2021-09-18 16:47
Located in the Adriatic Sea, you’ll find the island of Hvar, Croatia. Known for its nightlife, it also has a more refined side. From pleasure yachts and luxury hotels to beaches, you&r&hell…Read More
2021-08-24 14:19
I have been a long-time fan of the French 75 cocktail. It’s classic, yet sophisticated, and is easy to make. You can sip one at brunch or in celebration of something big or small. I ha… Read More
2021-08-18 23:17
I’m sure I’m not the first cocktail blogger to be skeptical of non-alcoholic spirits. I’ve tried a few in cocktails over the years with varying results. So far, I’ve… Read More
2021-08-08 18:43
When it comes to tasting spirits, the glass matters. While you may not think there’s a huge difference, try getting the full flavor from a plastic shot glass. In order to nose a spirit… Read More
2021-07-25 20:12
Have you been to a bar where the bartender asks you what you’re in the mood for? Some bars enjoy making custom cocktails based on your preferred spirit or flavor profile. (Like this on… Read More
2021-07-17 12:00
If you’re like me, entertaining has once again been on your mind. From backyard barbecues to movie nights, there are plenty of ways to reconnect. Right before the pandemic, one of my f… Read More
2021-07-11 20:57
Whether you’ve been drinking Scotch for years or have yet to enjoy your first dram, it’s always fun to learn a bit more. Over the years, I have been building up a taste for Scotc… Read More
2021-07-03 11:55
If you haven’t been to Charleston, SC recently, it has changed a lot since I was last here almost 15 years ago. On my recent trip to the Holy City in June 2021, I made up for lost time… Read More
2021-06-27 15:01
Since starting this blog nearly two years ago, I have changed the way I travel a bit. I still enjoy plenty of non-cocktail inspired adventures, but I also look for local spirits and distille… Read More
2021-06-19 18:46
The first time I tried tepache cocktails, my palate expanded a bit. Cocktail vinegars (or shrubs) were big for a year or two, but they can be a little harsh for some people. Tepache has a mu… Read More
2021-06-12 20:57
With nearly 6 million people living among 280 square miles, it’s no surprise that Singapore has plenty of great bars to choose from. Home to four of the Top 50 Bars in the World (2020)… Read More
2021-06-11 15:42
I recently wrote about Aperol cocktails. During my research, I found so many flavorful Aperol gin cocktails that I wanted to share them. I think the flavor combination of the slightly bitter… Read More
2021-06-08 20:49
I love cities that work hard to curate beautiful bars, create creative menus, and have friendly and knowledgeable bartenders. Portland, Oregon is one of those cities and has an amazing cockt… Read More
2021-06-04 00:35
Since traveling to Cuba in 2017, I’ve often revisited the cocktails I enjoyed while I was there. While many people associate Cuba with cigars, its rum is also notable. With a perfect c… Read More
2021-05-26 22:13
For more than 100 years, Aperol has been a summer staple in drinks. From its bright, vibrant color to its herbal and citrus scent, mixing up some Aperol cocktails will send you on a mini on… Read More
2021-05-19 22:03
While I don’t usually write about it, my hometown of Kansas City is home to more than great distilleries and cocktail bars. It also has many awesome breweries. The homebrew scene is al… Read More
2021-05-07 17:58
Growing up, my neighbor in Maine had an old, gnarled lilac tree. Every time I smell lilacs it brings me back to standing in my neighbor’s yard. We used to pick the tiny flowers and bre… Read More
2021-04-20 12:26
When I visited Hawaii in March 2021, I enjoyed some locally distilled spirits in cocktails at several bars in Oahu. With a fantastic climate for growing things like sugar cane, it makes sens… Read More
2021-04-11 02:31
My first canned cocktail was a mimosa. It was terrible. That was about ten years ago and the quality of to go cocktails has been improving ever since. Last summer I encountered two really go… Read More
2021-04-01 12:12
The espresso martini was invented in the 1980’s by a British bartender named Dick Bradsell. It is a combination of vodka, coffee, and a sweetener. Bradsell came up with the cocktail at… Read More
2021-03-22 15:07
It’s the first week of Spring! After the past year, I think that calls for a toast with a refreshing cocktail. I love citrus cocktails and exploring new spirits at home and when travel… Read More
2021-03-17 16:36
After a year of monthly road trips, I flew to Oahu in March 2021 to work remotely for ten days. Since I’ve had one vaccine and obtained a negative COVID test, I decided it was time for… Read More
2021-03-12 18:17
My first road trip of 2020 took me to Colorado in July. Since we hadn’t left the house for anything but groceries, I was going stir crazy. My husband’s aunt and uncle have a cond… Read More
2021-03-07 17:53
This blog is evidence of how much I love cocktails. I started writing the “That’s the Spirit” series because I was already researching the spirits I use to make drinks and… Read More
2021-02-28 16:49
I was first introduced to Zirbenz by one of my favorite cocktail bars in Kansas City, The Campground. Their house gimlet is served pink and tastes like a forest, in a good way. I’m alw… Read More
2021-02-21 19:45
I love clear ice. If you follow me on Instagram, you might already know this. While some criticize it for wasting water, I think it’s magical. There’s nothing classier in a cockt… Read More
2021-02-16 13:48
I had my first cocktail-paired dining experience in Bali. It was incredible and delicious. Six months after I returned home to Kansas City, I saw that one of my favorite bars–The Hey!… Read More
2021-02-12 13:41
There’s long been a connection between tropical vacations and cocktails sporting beach umbrellas. Certain flavors can transport you mentally into a beach chair with a single sip. Peopl… Read More
2021-02-07 13:41
I have been home bartending for years. However, despite my time shaking and stirring, I STILL mix up the recipe for the Manhattan and an Old Fashioned. In reality, these two whiskey drinks a… Read More
2021-02-02 13:41
Cocktail mixers are the non-alcoholic components of a cocktail. They can make a big difference in the overall flavor of a drink. While there are many great craft cocktail businesses that mak… Read More
2021-02-01 12:20
There once was a time when I thought a frozen bucket of margarita mix was home bartending at its best. I used to get overwhelmed by making cocktails with more than two ingredients. If you en… Read More
2021-01-29 22:29
If you’re here, you’ve likely been experimenting with making cocktails a lot over the past year. Thanks to many talented bartenders and photographers, we’ve been entertaine… Read More
2021-01-19 12:49
I first learned about Bols Genever when I visited the world’s oldest gin distillery. At that time, I was starting to get into researching gin seriously. So I was fascinated to learn mo… Read More
2021-01-12 23:18
As I continue on my home bartending journey, I am determined to try everything at least once. I’ve worked on labor-intensive syrups, tried learning a one-handed shake, and smoked a coc… Read More
2021-01-08 13:20
From the team behind The Monarch Bar and Verdigris, comes The Mercury Room. This the second bar the Exit Strategy has opened during a pandemic, the first being Verdigris in June 2020. The Ex… Read More
2021-01-04 13:42
I still remember the first time I saw a bartender flame an orange peel over my drink. I thought it was magic. At the time, I didn’t realize that the fire helped release the oils. As I… Read More
2021-01-01 14:40
When I look back on my 2020 New Year’s Travel post, I want to laugh and then cry a little. How wrong I was! After the first four trips on the list, every single thing was canceled. I w… Read More
2020-12-30 13:37
As a new year looms with promise, resolutions come to mind. When it comes to drinking, many people think about “dry January” plans. After surviving 2020, it seems like just drink… Read More
2020-12-21 00:01
As many people have been doing this year, I have been traveling by tastebud quite a bit. When we were in Indonesia last year, I discovered arrack (not to be confused with Middle Eastern arak… Read More
2020-12-18 21:09
This summer, I reached out to my local fresh-pressed juicer, Zen Donkey Farms, about collaborating on a post. They agreed, supplied the juices, and I created five of my new favorite summer c… Read More
2020-12-16 13:37
The last nine months have been a bit wild. I’ve fully enjoyed getting out of my basement office with a once-a-month roadtrip. Seeing the world pass by from my car as I made my way to N… Read More
2020-12-03 13:15
It’s that time of year when the world furiously searches for holiday drinks online. Of course, that’s only if you don’t already have a tradition of making eggnog or yule pu… Read More
2020-11-27 13:47
I’ve always loved shopping local stores, full of treasures you never knew existed. When I started getting really into home bartending about five years ago, there was so much I needed… Read More
2020-11-22 18:36
When you think of Winter drinks, a hot toddy or a hot buttered rum might come to mind. While these are certainly sure to warm you, and maybe even cure your sniffles, I’ve never been on… Read More
2020-11-20 13:43
Despite living only five hours away, and driving through many times, I had yet to stop and explore much of Oklahoma. I started looking into the cocktail scene in nearby cities for my monthly… Read More
2020-11-08 21:39
Learning more about spirits–like sloe gin or mezcal–brings me a lot of joy. I’ve been exploring the fundamentals and ingredients in cocktails. The more I discover… Read More
2020-10-27 23:01
If there’s one drink recipe that is hotly contested, it’s the margarita. Everyone has their own “way” to make one and insists that it’s the best. I’ve bee… Read More
2020-10-21 12:11
I first visited Nashville, Tennessee for work about fifteen years ago. Since then, I have come back whenever I’ve had the chance. It’s like the Austin of Tennessee, with better m… Read More
2020-10-12 12:31
Back in July, I heard friends start talking about putting up their holiday decorations and calling it a year. Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, I think we can all agree that we coul… Read More
2020-10-08 21:48
You know it’s Fall when the leaves start changing and the apple cider cocktail recipes come out. While there are many great cider drinks out there, I find that most of them are either… Read More
2020-10-01 12:32
A lot has been written about mezcal. One of my top books from two years ago covers the spirit in depth. However, if you’re not deeply obsessed with spirit trivia, like I am, you might… Read More
2020-09-18 12:43
Over the past six months, I have greatly improved my home bartending skills. While this is due mostly to the fact that I’ve been home to practice, I have also done a good deal of readi… Read More
2020-09-12 12:53
I remember the first time I saw sloe gin listed on a cocktail menu. I assumed it was just a thicker version of gin, like molasses. This was a little bit right, but mostly wrong. Sloe gin is… Read More
2020-09-06 12:50
If you visit cocktail bars in the United States, you have likely had a spirit from Chicago. However, because Chicago is known as the food and drink capital of the world, the spirits produced… Read More
2020-08-28 13:57
When it comes to summer drinks, I want something that’s refreshing but also surprising. As a home bartender with probably too many bottles in my collection, my tastebuds are admittedly… Read More
2020-08-18 11:52
I’ve always had a bit of an aversion to foods marketed as healthy. Not only do I run from fat-free, but things labeled for specific dietary needs instantly fall off my list. A gluten-f… Read More
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