Pécharmant – The Best Alternative to Bordeaux Wine

Martha Stewart has reintroduced a delightful party hack just in time for the summer entertaining season. Known for her stylish approach to hosting, Stewart’s "iced vodka" presentation involves encasing a bottle of vodka in a block of ice adorned with flowers, making it both an attractive centerpiece and an effective way to keep the vodka chilled for hours.

In a recently resurfaced clip, Stewart demonstrates the process by placing a 750-milliliter vodka bottle into a half-gallon milk carton with the top removed. She surrounds the bottle with fresh flowers, fills the carton with cold water, and then freezes the entire setup. Once solidified, the carton is peeled away to reveal an elegant, flower-studded ice block that perfectly showcases the vodka bottle.

The appeal of this trick goes beyond aesthetics; keeping the vodka extremely cold enhances its flavor and reduces the burn typically associated with hard liquor, according to beverage experts. Stewart mentions that freezing the vodka alters its texture and taste, presenting a smoother experience for drinkers.

Fans of the technique have shared their appreciation online, with many expressing excitement to replicate the distinctive presentation for their own gatherings. While some nostalgia surrounds Stewart’s demonstration from her long-running daytime show “Martha Stewart Living,” others have raised practical concerns about the mess it could create as the ice melts. Nevertheless, adjustments such as using a tray to catch melting ice and adding seasonal accents, like citrus slices or herbs, can enhance the presentation while minimizing mess.

Overall, Stewart’s iced vodka trick is reaffirming its place in summer festivities as a splendid way to serve drinks stylishly and refreshingly.

A new barbershop in downtown State College, named The Whiskey Barber Salon, seeks to redefine the traditional barbershop experience. Located at 135 S. Pugh St. beneath the Scholar State College hotel, it offers a variety of hair and beard grooming services tailored for customers of all ages. The barbershop’s unique western theming and whiskey-infused treatments aim to create a memorable atmosphere for clients seeking more than just a haircut.

Owner Tanya Campbell emphasizes a personalized approach to each client. “We’re not a rushed, in-and-out shop,” she says, focusing on delivering precision and consistency to create styles that complement each individual’s lifestyle. The shop offers a complete grooming experience for $35, which includes a precise haircut, neck shave, shampoo, eyebrow trim, and a hot steam towel. Children’s haircuts start at $30.

Whiskey plays a significant role in the barbershop’s branding, featuring whiskey-infused hot towels among other products from brands like Duke Cannon that incorporate Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey. Customers can relax with a complimentary drink such as Vitamin Water, Bai water, or a small glass of whiskey during their visit.

“We’re doing our best to source products that go with our brand and style,” Campbell explains, pairing the ambiance of dark woods with the high-class barbering experience she aims to provide. The shop officially opened in early April and plans to celebrate its launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The atmosphere at the salon aims to forge personal connections between the staff and clients, fostering a community feeling. Salon professional Cassie Poorman notes that getting to know customers leads to better service and stronger relationships, encouraging them to return for both quality cuts and positive experiences.

To support its launch, Campbell’s team received assistance through the Retail Launch Assistance Program, which provides funding for first-time brick-and-mortar businesses. This support not only alleviated financial burdens but also integrated them into the State College business community.

Kendra Kielbasa, the improvement district’s retail advocate, hopes the program will continue to benefit new businesses, noting the satisfaction of guiding owners through the startup process. For Campbell, the program has been invaluable in establishing connections within the local community—a crucial aspect of her business philosophy.

The Whiskey Barber Salon is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clients can easily schedule appointments through their website.

Many whiskey enthusiasts know Buffalo Trace Bourbon, a Kentucky-based distillery known since the early 2000s. However, in 2024, they introduced a new blend called Traveller Whiskey, aimed at appealing to novice whiskey drinkers. With rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, this whiskey boasts 45% alcohol by volume yet remains approachable. It garnered significant acclaim, winning 15 awards, including a Gold at the 2024 American Whiskey Masters Awards.

The origins of Buffalo Trace can be traced back to the early 1800s, surviving Prohibition and producing over a million barrels since then. The relationship between the distillery and Chris Stapleton, a renowned Kentucky-born musician, led to the creation of Traveller Whiskey. Stapleton, who famously sang about Tennessee whiskey, collaborated with Buffalo Trace to develop this new spirit, tasting up to 50 blends before concluding on the final product.

In terms of flavor, the whiskey offers a mellow experience without the harsh burn typical of other stronger spirits. Neat, it reveals its smoothness through flavors of caramel and spices, while on the rocks, it presents different notes of aged fruit and a lighter profile. While sampling, drinkers may find it best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full complexity.

The composition of Traveller Whiskey is less transparent than that of their bourbons. Though the exact grain mix remains a trade secret, it includes more than two varieties from the distillery’s portfolio. It also lacks an age statement, which means the maturation period isn’t publicized. The whiskey carries the philosophy that good whiskey, like a good song, speaks for itself on the first sip.

This whiskey can be enjoyed in various ways—neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. One standout cocktail is the Lucky Penny, made with honey syrup and lemon juice, enhancing the whiskey’s maple undertones.

Interestingly, Stapleton himself is not a heavy drinker, having reflected on his relationship with alcohol. While he enjoyed drinking in his younger years, he now approaches it with balance and moderation, maintaining an impressive bourbon collection at home.

A unique feature of the Buffalo Trace Traveller Whiskey bottle includes a hidden map of Lexington, Kentucky, viewable through the whiskey itself, symbolizing the origins of both Stapleton and the distillery. Additionally, in 2025, it was designated as the first official whiskey of Major League Baseball, further embedding its presence in culture by connecting with fans in a unique multi-year partnership.

For more information on Buffalo Trace products, you can visit the official site Buffalo Trace.

Martha Stewart has shared an ingenious method for serving ice-cold vodka, perfect for impressing guests at your next party. Known for her culinary expertise and lifestyle tips, Stewart emphasizes the unique experience that chilled vodka brings, both in texture and taste.

Many vodka enthusiasts store their bottles in the freezer to enhance the drink’s richness. Chilling vodka modifies its texture, making it thicker and smoother, while also reducing the alcohol’s sharp aromatic notes. However, simply keeping the vodka in the freezer may not be enough when it comes time to serve. As the bottle warms up, it can lose the refreshing chill that makes it enjoyable.

To maintain that icy temperature, Stewart recommends a creative approach: freeze the vodka within a block of ice. This unconventional hack involves using an empty milk carton to create a beautiful ice fixture around the vodka bottle.

Here’s how to execute her trick:

1. Gather a fifth (750-milliliter) bottle of vodka, an empty half-gallon milk carton, and optional decorative flowers.
2. Cut the top off the milk carton, leaving one open end.
3. Insert the vodka bottle into the carton and fill the surrounding space with flowers for an elegant touch.
4. Fill the carton with water and freeze it until just before serving.
5. Once frozen, peel away the cardboard to reveal the vodka encased in ice, keeping it cold and stylishly presented.

This charming method not only enhances the drinking experience but adds a visual element that can elevate any gathering. Stewart’s fans have shared their positive experiences with this technique, proving it to be a hit at parties, especially during holidays like Christmas.

For those looking to provide a unique touch at their next event, this iced vodka presentation is sure to leave an impression.

Read more about this on Food & Wine.

SunnyD Vodka Seltzer has introduced a new limited-time offering called PURPLE, inspired by the iconic “Purple Stuff” from the beloved 1990s SunnyD commercials. The brand aims to give a contemporary twist to this nostalgic reference, crafting a flavor-forward hard seltzer that resonates with today’s drinkers.

Randi Jachino, the Chief Marketing Officer of Harvest Hill Beverage Co., expressed excitement about this launch, noting, “PURPLE was always the mystery in the fridge. Now it is the boldest thing in the cooler.” The essence of the original advertisement is captured in this modern drink, designed for social gatherings and enjoyment.

With a light and bubbly profile, SunnyD Vodka Seltzer PURPLE has a 4.5% ABV and is set to hit select retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a four-pack, but only for a limited time.

For more information, visit SunnyD Cocktails.