Pop quiz for Friday happy hour, and the subject is rum: What islands make outstanding rums from fresh sugarcane juice? Most rum fans probably think first of Martinique, or maybe Guadeloupe. These islands in the Lesser Antilles are renowned for making intensely aromatic rhum agricole; lively spirits with the characteristics of grass, herbs, and tropical...

Whether you’re languishing in a heat wave or simply craving an extra-cooling version of a classic cocktail, here are a few of our favorite frozen variations. Bust out that blender and whip up an Aperol Spritz, Espresso Martini, Bee’s Knees, and more. Blended Aperol Spritz Fresh lime and orange juice bring a sweet, citrusy zip to...

When the team behind Oxalis, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Brooklyn, opened Clinton Hill wine bar Place des Fêtes in 2022, beverage director Piper Kristensen knew exactly what he didn’t want to do: re-create the same-old, same-old bistronomy-style French-heavy list. Coming from the cocktail world, with previous stints at Booker & Dax, Kristensen...

While the Golden Age of aviation conjures images of Martinis sipped from the comfort of roomy seats, nowadays the reality faced by frequent flyers is far less gilded. Still, despite limited space and access to fresh ingredients, airlines have introduced increasingly sophisticated drink offerings thanks to partnerships, sommeliers, and even bar pop-ups....

In terms of refreshing summer beverages, few options hit the mark for me quite like a glass of iced tea. So I was delighted when samples from Kazi Yetu crossed my desk, courtesy of a referral from our resident tea expert Max Falkowitz. I perused the offerings, including spiced black teas, pure greens, and herbal infusions, and landed on the Ginger Mint...

A good theme isn’t a requisite for a standout cocktail menu, but it definitely makes cocktail hour more fun. Case in point: the new California road trip–inspired menu at Los Angeles’ Big Bar, a 13-year-old neighborhood bar nestled beneath the iconic Griffith Observatory. “I get the most excited for a cocktail that tastes great and has a narrative layer,”...