February 2026 79
New York Lawmakers Renew Efforts to Permit Wine Sales in Grocery Stores
New York state lawmakers are revisiting legislation that could allow grocery stores to sell wine, reigniting an ongoing debate between large retailers and independent wine shop owners. This initiative aims to align New York with many other states that already permit wine sales in supermarkets.
Supporters of the bill, including large grocery chains, argue that modern shopping trends necessitate this change. Mona Golub, vice president of communications for Northeast Grocery Inc, emphasized the importance of adapting to customer shopping habits, particularly those that have shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the other hand, independent wine store owners like Cyndi Leonard are concerned about the potential negative effects on their businesses. Leonard highlighted the broader industry implications, including job losses among distributors and warehouse workers.
Previous attempts to pass similar legislation have failed, but this latest version includes provisions aimed at protecting small businesses. State Senator Liz Krueger referred to allowing wine sales in grocery stores as a "common-sense change," which could benefit consumers without harming small businesses. Additionally, Assemblymember Pamela Hunter noted strong public support for the proposal and pointed out that amendments would prevent grocery stores within 500 feet of an existing liquor license from obtaining a supermarket wine license.
The legislative push continues as lawmakers grapple with balancing consumer convenience against the challenges faced by independent businesses and job losses in the wine industry.
For more information, you can read about it here.
Sugarlands Distilling Company and Broken Antler Named Official Spirits of Progressive American Flat Track
American Flat Track has announced a new multi-year partnership with Sugarlands Distilling Company, designating it as the Official Moonshine of the series and its Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey as the Official Whiskey. This collaboration aims to unite the flat track racing community with one of the top names in craft distilling.
The partnership will officially kick off at the beginning of the 2026 season. Sugarlands will be prominently featured in the events surrounding this season’s opener, serving as the entitlement sponsor for the Sugarlands American Flat Track Kick-Off Party, which will take place before the first race. Additionally, they will co-sponsor the Mission Foods Award Party.
Hailing from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Sugarlands is known for its award-winning spirits, including Sugarlands Shine and High Rock Vodka. The new Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey offers a unique taste experience and aims to create an engaging atmosphere during selected race events. They will be active at two rounds during the 2026 season—on March 21 in Atlanta and August 22 in Peoria—providing fans with interactive experiences steeped in the Smoky Mountains’ spirit. Additionally, television personalities Mark and Digger from the show "Moonshiners" will serve as Grand Marshals at these events, offering fans opportunities to meet them.
“The passion, authenticity, and community surrounding American Flat Track aligns perfectly with our brand,” stated Patrick Sullivan, Sugarlands’ Chief Commercial Officer. The collaboration aims to connect with fans by bringing their popular moonshines and the Broken Antler Whiskey to the racetrack in a fun and engaging manner.
More information regarding the events and fan engagements at the Kick-Off Party will be revealed soon. This party will also showcase specialty cocktails made with Sugarlands Shine and Broken Antler Flavored Whiskey, celebrating the start of the AMA Pro Racing season.
For more details about Sugarlands Distilling Company and its products, you can visit Sugarlands.com.
10 Expert-Recommended Juices to Perfectly Pair with Rum
Rum is synonymous with tropical vibes, making it a perfect pairing with various juices. Experts from the beverage and hospitality industries have shared their insights on which juices complement rum best, ensuring your cocktails are delightful.
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is heralded as “the ultimate tropical mixer.” Its sweet and tangy profile balances the occasional intense sweetness of rum and is the base for classic cocktails like piña colada and rum punch. Although some experts prefer its pairing with silver and dark rums, others found it suitable for aged varieties as well.
Lime Juice
A staple in rum cocktails, lime juice provides essential acidity that balances sweetness and enhances the rum’s natural flavors. Essential for drinks like the mojito and daiquiri, lime juice cuts through richness, making it indispensable.
Orange Juice
Often associated with breakfast, orange juice also makes a fantastic rum mixer. Its soft sweetness pairs well with the vanilla and oak notes in rum, notably with golden rums to enhance fruity and spicy flavors.
Passion Fruit Juice
Less common but highly praised, passion fruit juice complements rum with its bright acidity and intense aroma. It’s best paired with lighter rums to maintain balance while adding vibrancy to the cocktail.
Guava Juice
Guava juice brings floral sweetness that enhances rum’s tropical notes without overwhelming it. This pairing is particularly delightful with silver rums, although some experts recommend it with aged rums to enrich depth.
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is a versatile mixer that adds tartness and a refreshing contrast to rum’s sweetness. Recommended for aged and spiced varieties, it elevates cocktails with a crisp, clean finish.
Mango Juice
Mango juice is celebrated for its lush sweetness and smooth texture, complementing tropical rums beautifully. It works best with silver rums but can also enhance the richness of darker, spiced rums.
Coconut Water
Although technically not a juice, coconut water offers a light, hydrating mix that highlights the coastal notes in white rum. Its subtle sweetness pairs perfectly without being overpowering.
White Grape Juice
This underrated pairing is noted for highlighting oak, caramel, and vanilla notes in aged rum. Its delicate balance is ideal for enhancing the complexities of the rum.
Grapefruit Juice
Bittersweet grapefruit juice adds refreshing contrast to rum, balancing out its sweetness without overwhelming it. It’s recommended for simple, two-ingredient highballs for an effortless cocktail option.
These expert recommendations ensure that your rum cocktails not only taste great but also capture the essence of tropical breezes and sunny days. Whether you opt for classic combinations or explore lesser-known juices, these pairings are sure to elevate your rum-drinking experience.
Svedka Vodka’s Bizarre AI Super Bowl Ad Evokes Temu’s I, Robot Feelings
Svedka Vodka introduced a new advertisement during Super Bowl LX, featuring AI-generated visuals that sparked controversy and criticism across social media. The ad showcased two robots, Fembot and Bro-bot, dancing to Rick James’ "Super Freak" at a nightclub, embodying a bizarre attempt to market the vodka brand.
The ad’s 30-second run-time saw the robots humorously struggling to drink the cocktail, which led to comments deriding the overall quality and execution. Many viewers took to platforms like X (previously Twitter), labeling it as one of the worst ads in Super Bowl history, with remarks such as "fire that marketing team" and "this looks like it was made by Grok," suggesting the AI-generated nature was painfully evident.
Sara Saunders, the Chief Marketing Officer for Sazerac (Svedka’s parent company), attempted to promote the ad as a blend of "human creativity and dance moves with modern technology," but audience reception has starkly contradicted this message. Many viewers conveyed feelings of discomfort, noting the robots’ awkwardness and the ad’s perceived low artistic value, igniting a broader critique of the trend toward AI in advertising.
This ad follows a series of missteps from Silverside AI, the production studio behind it, which was also involved in a previous unpopular marketing campaign for Coca-Cola in late 2024. The negative reaction to Svedka’s Super Bowl AI ad reflects growing concerns about the use of AI in creative industries and the potential loss of human touch in advertising.
For more details on the ad and viewer reactions, visit Mandatory.
Unlocking Irresistibly Tender and Flavorful Seafood: The Art of Beer Steaming
Steaming seafood has always been a popular cooking method, known for producing tender and flavorful dishes. While water is typically used as the steaming liquid, chef Franklin Becker from Manhattan’s Point Seven suggests a flavorful twist: using beer instead.
According to Becker, beer steaming involves substituting water with beer, which enhances the flavor of the seafood. He recommends using lighter-style beers, as they won’t overpower the delicate taste of the fish but rather complement it. For instance, you could modify a steamed crab legs recipe by replacing chicken stock with beer to bring a new level of flavor to the dish.
Becker mentions that beverages like wheat beer pair well with steaming clams, mussels, crabs, and shrimp. He emphasizes the importance of using a beer you enjoy drinking, as it impacts the overall taste of the dish. For added flavor, consider incorporating spices and seasonings that complement the seafood without overwhelming it, like Old Bay seasoning or finely chopped fresh herbs.
To present your beer-steamed seafood, serve it with a glass of the same beer used in the steaming process, along with lemon or lime wedges for a fresh twist. A side of rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables can complete the meal, ensuring that the seafood remains the highlight. With these tips, your beer-steamed seafood is sure to impress at any table.
For more culinary insights, you can read the original article on Tasting Table.
Jason Kelce’s Garage Beer Super Bowl Ad: When a Miniature Horse Steals the Show
Jason Kelce and Beau Allen star in a new Super Bowl ad for Garage Beer that humorously nods to Budweiser’s iconic Clydesdale commercials. The twist? They feature a miniature horse named Doug instead. The ad playfully suggests that only Budweiser can use full-sized Clydesdales, while Garage Beer embraces a smaller but equally charming equine star.
Doug quickly gained fame, especially after a teaser video titled "The Brotherly Shovel" went viral. Garage Beer capitalized on this by selling out Doug stickers in minutes and launching a dedicated merchandise line. They even created an Instagram account for Doug, showcasing his newfound popularity.
In an exciting promotion, Garage Beer is offering fans a chance to spend a day with Doug. The winner and a friend will receive round-trip airfare and accommodations to Willow Grove Farm in Long Valley, New Jersey, where they can enjoy lunch and craft beers by the river, go trail riding, and participate in a professional photo shoot with Doug.
The announcement for the contest winner is set for February 13th.
Whiskey Yard: A Global Culinary Experience with a Piano Bar and 200-Bottle Whiskey Library
A new dining experience is launching at Liberty Center, titled Whiskey Yard, located at 7524 Bales St., Liberty Township. Scheduled to open on Sunday, February 8, this bistro-style restaurant will offer a global menu crafted by chefs with Michelin-star experience, promising a unique culinary adventure complemented by an extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon.
Whiskey Yard will feature between 200 and 250 options of whiskies, including bourbons, scotches, and other spirits, which are perfectly paired with dishes inspired by flavors from around the world, including South and Central America, Asia, and Europe. According to Lincoln Workman, the director of operations for Epic Brands, the menu design focuses on crafting meals that enhance the whiskey drinking experience while also introducing various international flavors.
Beyond the culinary offerings, Whiskey Yard will provide nightly live music performed by a vocalist and pianist, adding a sophisticated ambiance to the dining experience. This environment is further emphasized by its décor, which features elements intended to create a moody, luxurious vibe.
Executive Chef Roberto Castañeda, alongside Chef de Cuisine Jonathan Sauer, leads the kitchen at Whiskey Yard. Both chefs bring over 30 years of culinary expertise, much of which was gained in prestigious Michelin-star establishments.
Whiskey Yard replaces the Rusty Bucket, which closed its doors in October. It will complement other Epic Brands establishments in Liberty Center, such as Agave & Rye and S.O.B. Steakhouse, while aiming to provide an upscale dining experience that stands apart from the existing restaurants in the area.
With a seating capacity of 190, Whiskey Yard aims to deliver not just dining but an immersive experience, celebrating flavors, music, and the rich tradition of whiskey.
Tequila Takes the Crown: Vodka Dethroned as the Top-Selling Alcohol in the US
In a surprising shift within the American alcohol market, ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs) have overtaken vodka as the top-selling spirit by volume. Data from the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S. reveals that Americans purchased 85.6 million 9-liter cases of RTDs in 2025, a jump of 17.1% compared to the previous year. In contrast, vodka sales fell to 72.5 million cases, down 2.2%.
RTDs, often found in cans and made from a blend of spirits, wines, or malt, have risen in popularity; they account for a diverse market share that includes malt-based beverages such as White Claw and Smirnoff Ice, which dominate sales. Notably, wine-based RTDs have also secured 4% of the total market, while spirits-based options now comprise 19%.
The surge in RTD consumption can be attributed to various factors, including convenience and cost-effectiveness, as highlighted by Chris Swonger, the CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council. He remarked that despite a slight decline in overall U.S. spirits sales—down 2.2% in 2025—consumer interest persists, particularly with innovative RTD products leading the way.
Financially, vodka remains the top revenue earner, generating $7 billion in sales in 2025, followed closely by tequila/mezcal at $6.4 billion and American whiskey at $5.1 billion. Although sales for many categories saw downturns, the success of RTDs helped mitigate an even steeper decline.
The growing market for RTDs has caught the attention of premium brands as well, with new entrants including bourbon makers exploring this expanding category. Noteworthy brands such as Surfside and others have doubled their market shares since 2021, showing the increasing inclination of consumers towards these convenient ready-to-drink options.
As consumer preferences evolve, the dynamics of the alcoholic beverage market reflect changing lifestyles, making the ready-to-drink cocktail category a significant trend to watch going forward.
11 Creative Cocktails That Showcase Scotch Beyond the Neat Pour
The U.S. State Department is taking significant steps to remove all posts from its social media accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter) dating from before Donald Trump’s second term. Reports indicate that from now on, the only way to officially access the archived posts will be through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, effectively making those earlier communications less accessible to the public.
This decision aligns with broader efforts to manage the department’s digital footprint and potentially reshape its online presence as a response to evolving political climates. The implications of such a move are considerable, as it raises questions about transparency and the public’s right to access historical government communications.
For more details, refer to the article on Engadget.
Finding Joy at Lush Wine & Spirits Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Co-owner of Lush Wine & Spirits, Mitch Einhorn, thrives on curating exciting wines and creating unique dishes. However, an alarming threat of 200% tariffs has led him to reconsider some of his purchases. Established in 2005, Lush Wine & Spirits operates as a friendly neighborhood wine shop with a cozy bistro in Roscoe Village and West Town, allowing customers to enjoy a bottle on-site or take it home.
Lush’s offerings range from caviar to brunch favorites like avocado toast and brioche French toast. But with ongoing tariff uncertainty and increased taxes on imported European wines, Einhorn feels the pressure on both his purchasing decisions and consumer prices. Tariffs have escalated from 15% to potential announcements of 200%, leading to unpredictable pricing and supply chain concerns.
Last month, President Trump hinted at additional tariffs as leverage in foreign policy, further complicating the situation for businesses reliant on imported products. Einhorn had pending orders from France when the looming tariffs emerged, and the inconsistent nature of these tariffs causes significant anxiety. “It’s just so arbitrary,” he expressed, emphasizing the broader impact of tariffs on jobs connected to the supply chain, including drivers and retail workers.
Einhorn is also grappling with rising food costs that put pressure on him to increase menu prices, a move he hesitates to make. The past year saw him obtain a building permit to expand Lush’s Roscoe Village location, a venture met with new challenges due to rising construction costs.
Despite the challenges, Einhorn remains optimistic. He continues collaborating with Washington vineyards to develop exclusive wines for Lush and diligently creates new recipes for the menu. His ultimate objective is to establish Lush as the premier destination for purchasing wine and enjoying gourmet meals without excessive prices. “If you stop learning and doing new stuff, you cease to exist,” he said, reflecting his commitment to growth amidst challenges.