When I make drinks for people, I am frequently asked how or why I created the drink.  To me the answer seemed obvious: grab some bottles, pour, mix, taste.  Upon reflection, however, I realized that I do always have some sort of target.  The inspiration for that target can take many forms. 
A drink target could involve an [...]

NY got really cold this week.  Sure I’ve seen colder in the midwest, but my personal Absolute Zero is around 35 – anything below that is in one big category of inexplicable cold.  Given the temps, I was not surprised when EE requested something warming (but not warm) as an aperitif.
I feel challenged by making cold [...]

I’ve long been a fan of Wallse, an Austrian restaurant in Manhattan, but had never actually made it to dinner there (lots of Sunday brunches).  I was lucky enough to have my parents in town last weekend, and they took me (and EE) out to dinner – I chose Wallse.  
Why I love this Austrian restaurant SO much is [...]

Cranberry-infused Gin with Tonic (plus some squirrel candles)
EE and I are uber-excited to be hosting Thanksgiving dinner this year!  Because we live far from our families, and because I’m working on Friday, we are staying in Manhattan.  This will be our first chance to see the parade, and our first major holiday together without the presence of [...]

I have taken mixology somewhere it has never been.  Luckily, mixology will survive.
EE was making dinner last weekend, her first Sunday chili of the colder months, and I was puttering around in my mixology cabinet, trying to create a chili-friendly cocktail.  EE had left some New York sharp cheddar cheese on the counter cut and [...]