Author: admin

“San Francisco’s Camper English invented a home method for making clear ice that’s now celebrated around the world”  is the dek to this story in the San Jose Mercury News […]

I was sent a bottle of Smirnoff Peppermint Twist Vodka to sample.  I was not paid for my opinion.  All views and opinions are my own. ‘Tis the season for […]

I’ve been experimenting with Root, the highbrow root beer spirit from Art in the Age. This round focuses on rum and its natural accompaniments: lime, brown sugar, absinthe—all of which […]

By The Straight Up, February 14, 2014 Instructions: Add the Irish whiskey, Dolin Blanc, dry curaçao and Hair of the Dog bitters to a chilled mixing glass. Add ice and stir […]

I’ve long been a fan of the Clearly Frozen clear ice cube tray. It’s value priced at $40 (including shipping) and makes 10, 2-inch cubes at a time.  Well now […]

I was sent a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka Holiday Ornament Bottle to sample.  I was not paid for my opinion.  All views and opinions are my own. It’s been a while […]

I wish more choices in aquavit were available locally in San Francisco but I’m happy to enjoy Krogstad. It works in places where I’d reach for gin, but Krogstad is […]

By The Straight Up, February 14, 2014 Instructions: Add all ingredients to a shaker. Add ice and shake vigorously until the outside of the shaker begins to frost. Double strain […]

Drinks International has released their 2023 Bar World 100 list, a list of the 100 most influential people in the bar world internationally. I am happy to say that I […]

Have you ever tried an Angry Orchard Rosé before?  How about mixing it into a cocktail? Well I just did both and although the Rosé itself is good, this cocktail […]

This is a gin sour I’ve been kicking around with a friend. The combination of maraschino and allspice isn’t one I immediately think of so I’m glad for the inspiration. […]

By The Straight Up, March 3, 2014 Instructions: Add the Vya Extra Dry (or other extra dry vermouth), yellow and green chartreuse and Malort to a chilled mixing glass. Add […]

I am very happy to announce that Doctors and Distillers: The Remarkable Medicinal History of Beer, Wine, Spirits, and Cocktails is a Top 4 Finalist for the Tales 2023 Spirited […]