Warning: Attempt to read property "taxonomy" on bool in /home/icoholco/public_html/wp-content/themes/Grimag/archive.php on line 187
Sip into Summer: Refreshing Agave Cocktails to Try This Season
It’s becoming increasingly common to encounter menus at bars and restaurants filled with agave-based cocktails, extending beyond just traditional margaritas to a diverse range that includes mezcal. No longer confined to Mexican establishments, these drinks have taken over the cocktail scene.
The Transformation of Tequila
Tequila, once viewed as the rowdy party drink of choice, has evolved significantly. Once a staple for college celebrations, it is now appreciated for its complex flavors and quality, often showcased in tasting flights and lavish venues. Tequila is no longer just a shooter; it has transformed into a luxury item that celebrities endorse, mixologists celebrate, and consumers gladly savor.
Understanding Agave
Agave plants, common to the arid regions of the Americas, are essential for producing tequila, which has roots dating back to Aztec traditions. Early forms of this spirit, like pulque, were utilized long before the advent of modern distillation techniques. The first tequila factory was established in the 1600s in Tequila, Jalisco, and officially began adhering to stringent production rules in 1974, which stipulate that it must be made in Jalisco from blue Weber agave.
Agave vs. Mezcal
While tequila is strictly regulated, mezcal is more versatile, made from a wide variety of agave plants. This variability contributes to its complex flavor, typified by a smoky aroma distinct from tequila’s sweetness. In contrast, lesser-known agave spirits like raicilla, sotol, and bacanora offer intriguing alternatives, though they remain less accessible outside Mexico.
As Cinco de Mayo approaches, Long Island boasts many establishments that expertly craft tequila and mezcal cocktails, from timeless classics to innovative creations.
Notable Places for Agave Cocktails
Besito: Classic Margarita
Located at 402 New York Ave., Huntington, Besito offers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine alongside its traditional margaritas, renowned for their freshness. More information can be found at besitomexican.com.
T-Bar: Jalapeño-Cucumber Margarita
T-Bar, a chic venue at 1363 Old Northern Blvd, Roslyn, combines a vibrant atmosphere with a daily happy hour and a variety of margaritas, perfectly suited for any palate. Visit tbar.li for more details.
Ixchel Mexican: Cielo
At 130 Old Town Rd, Setauket-East Setauket, Ixchel offers a unique cocktail experience with options inspired by Mayan culture, including the refreshing Cielo cocktail. Check out ixchelmexicancuisine.com for their full menu.
The Green Door: Smoked Pineapple Mule
This upscale cocktail bar at 121 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst, is known for its inventive drinks, including the Smoked Pineapple Mule, which can be customized with mezcal. More information is available at thegreendoorlindenhurst.com.
Ruta Oaxaca: Tequila and Mezcal Flights
With locations in Patchogue and Woodbury, Ruta Oaxaca features an extensive selection of over 150 tequilas and 175 mezcals, offering educational flights and creative cocktails. Learn more at rutaoaxacamex.com.
Long Island’s cocktail scene is thriving with agave-based options that elevate the drinking experience, showcasing both tradition and innovation.
The Shift in Belarus: Why Vodka and Beer Are No Longer the Drink of Choice
Recent data from Belarus’s National Statistics Committee reveals a notable decline in alcohol sales for the first quarter of 2025. Vodka sales dropped from 1.9795 million decaliters in the first three months of 2024 to 1.9277 million decaliters in the same period of 2025, marking a decrease of 2.6%.
In addition to vodka, the sales of grape and fruit wines also saw reductions of 2.9% and 7%, respectively. Sales of liqueurs and liquor products dipped slightly by 0.2%, while beer sales decreased by 1.4%. Nevertheless, beer remains popular, with sales still reaching 8.912 million decaliters, down from 9.0369 million decaliters a year prior.
On a more positive note, some categories experienced growth. Sales of cognac, cognac drinks, and brandy surged by 8.1%, while low-alcoholic beverages increased by 6.7%. Sparkling wines and champagne also saw a rise of 4.5%, with other alcoholic beverages increasing by 4.3%.
These trends indicate shifting preferences among consumers in Belarus, reflecting broader changes in alcohol consumption habits.
For more details, visit tochka.by.
Scots Vodka Queen Tied to Notorious Kinahan Cartel Spotted in Spain Amid Explosive Turf War
The manager of a Scottish vodka company, Nicola Morrissey, 49, who has connections to the infamous Kinahan crime cartel, has been seen publicly in Marbella, Spain, for the first time since her arrest. Accompanied by her husband, Johnny ‘Cash’ Morrissey, 65, the couple was spotted dining at an Indian restaurant near their luxurious residence.
The Morrisseys were arrested as part of a global investigation led by the U.S., where Johnny is accused of laundering over £170 million for the Kinahan crime gang. This group is linked to a turf war currently affecting Glasgow and Edinburgh. Meanwhile, Nicola’s vodka company, Nero Drinks, continues to operate from a discreet office in Glasgow. A source revealed that Nicola’s family is concerned about escalating gang-related violence in Scotland and is relieved she is in Spain.
Previously, Nicola had registered her business at a family property but later shifted it to a more anonymous location. Since her arrest, she has not returned to Scotland and seems to be aware of the violent disputes driven by the Kinahan network.
Nicola, originally from Stepps, Lanarkshire, founded her drinks company seven years ago, with ties to high-profile events and sponsorships such as the Hamilton Academical football club and the Marbella International Film Festival. The company has been associated with luxury and celebrity circles, but authorities have now deemed it a front for the cartel’s operations in the U.S.
After her and Johnny’s arrests in April 2022, Nicola was released without charges, while Johnny was granted bail amid ongoing investigations. Their lavish lifestyle includes a £4.5 million mansion and another villa in Costa del Sol. The couple’s connection to the Kinahan cartel has put them in the limelight, leading to concerns over their safety amidst increasing violence in Scotland.
Exploring Liquid Sunshine: Hawaii’s Thriving Craft Beer, Wine, and Spirits Scene
Hawaiians are celebrated for their innovative utilization of the islands’ rich agricultural resources, creating local beverages that honor and reflect the “aina” (land) of Hawaii. The landscape offers a plethora of ingredients for brewing beer, making wine, and distilling spirits, resulting in unique creations like coconut-infused porter, honey mead, and wines crafted from pineapples and volcanic grapes.
For those eager to explore Hawaiian alcoholic delights, there exists a variety of family-run establishments that offer educational and engaging tasting experiences. Here’s a curated guide to Hawaii’s vibrant craft beer, organic wine, and artisan spirits scene.
Kauai
- Kauai Beer Company: Located in Lihue, this brewery brews IPAs, German-style lagers, and an array of seasonal beers alongside a taproom menu with diverse food pairings. Visit at kauaibeer.com.
- Kaua’i Island Brewery & Grill: Nestled near Port Allen, this brewery is known for fresh seafood dishes and over a dozen beers on tap. More info at kauaiislandbrewing.com.
- Kōloa Rum Company: Made from pure sugar cane and rainwater, this rum is perfect for cocktails, with a tasting room at the historic Kilohana plantation. Details at koloarum.com.
- Nani Moon Meadery: Offers exotic honey wines in Kapa’a, featuring unique flavors like coffee-infused mead. Explore more at nanimoonmead.com.
- Hanalei Spirits Distillery: This distillery emphasizes local ingredients to craft rum, gin, and vodka, with tasting tours available. Check out hanaleispirits.com.
Maui
- Maui Brewing Company: As the largest craft brewer in Hawaii, its lineup includes the popular Bikini Blonde Lager and Coconut Hiwa Porter. Visit at mauibrewingco.com.
- Maui Aleworks: Known for rustic, farmhouse ales, this brewery offers an array of unique brews and is a recent addition to Maui’s beer scene. More at mahaloaleworks.com.
- Kohola Brewery: This brewery, in collaboration with Kona Brewing, features a range of ales and an on-site café serving local cuisine. Learn more at koholabrewery.com.
- Hali’imaile Distilling: Uses local pineapple to create premium spirits such as Pau Maui vodka and Paniolo Whiskey. Details at haliimailedistilling.com.
- MauiWine: Located on the slopes of Mount Haleakala, this winery is known for its pineapple wines and offers free tasting tours. Explore at mauiwine.com.
- Ocean Organic Farm and Distillery: Produces vodka using deep-ocean water and organic sugar cane, also providing tours of their sugar cane farm. Visit at oceanvodka.com.
Oahu
- Aloha Beer Company: Based in Honolulu, it offers a variety of beers with tropical flavors in its vibrant taproom. Check out alohabeer.com.
- KoHana Rum: Specializes in rums made from its own hand-harvested sugar cane, offering daily tasting tours. More on kohanarum.com.
- Koʻolau Distillery: This distillery crafts innovative spirits using local ingredients; tours available for tasting. More info at koolaudistillery.com.
- Hawaiian Shochu Company: The only shochu producer in Hawaii, crafting unique spirits from locally-sourced ingredients. Learn more at hishochu.com.
- Hawaii Honey & Mead: Oahu’s only craft meadery offers a flavorful mead using Hawaiian honey. Visit manoahoney.com.
Hawaii Island
- Kona Brewing Company: A veteran of the Hawaiian brewing scene, known for its vast variety of beers. Tours are available at konabrewinghawaii.com.
- Big Island Brewhaus: Offers a selection of award-winning craft beers and a menu with local dishes. Visit at bigislandbrewhaus.com.
- Wailuku Brew Works: Features craft beer and mead in a social hub for locals and visitors alike. More at wailukubrewworks.com.
- 12th Hawaii Distillery: Specializes in honey-based spirits, offering maceration processes unique to each bottle. Explore at 12thhawaiidistiller.com.
- Kuleana Rum Works: Uses heirloom sugarcane for its unique rums, open for tasting tours. More on kuleana.com.
- Ola Brew Company: This brewery produces small batches of uniquely flavored beverages reflective of island culture. More at olabrewco.com.
- Volcano Winery: The winery grows grapes infused with tropical fruits, offering tours for a taste of local innovation. Visit at volcanowinery.com.
Embark on your journey through Hawaii’s craft beverage scene and immerse yourself in the flavors that celebrate the unique connection between the land and its people.
Sip the Big Apple: 8 Iconic Cocktails Inspired by New York City
New York City has long served as a muse for countless cocktails, with some of the most iconic drinks originating from its vibrant bars. Foremost among these is the Manhattan, a classic blend of rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and aromatic bitters. First mixed in the 1880s, the Manhattan’s simple yet delightful composition has earned it a place in cocktail lore and inspired countless variations over the years.
Close on its heels is the Brooklyn, a cocktail likely conceived shortly after the Manhattan gained fame. Made with rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon, its revival began alongside the modern craft cocktail movement of the early 2000s. This resurgence prompted bartenders to put their spins on the drink, yielding variations named after Brooklyn neighborhoods such as the Red Hook and Bushwick.
In addition to these celebrated classics, the city also inspires unique cocktails like the Algonquin, which mixes rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and pineapple juice, and the Adonis, an alluring mix of sherry and sweet vermouth. Below are some of the most notable cocktails inspired by the city that never sleeps:
1. Manhattan
The quintessential New York City cocktail, the Manhattan combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and bitters, solidifying its status as one of the world’s most beloved whiskey drinks.
2. Brooklyn
This pre-Prohibition classic blends spicy rye whiskey with dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and the bittersweet French liqueur Amer Picon.
3. Red Hook
Created in 2003, this modern cocktail unites rye whiskey, maraschino liqueur, and Punt e Mes. It’s regarded as one of the early modern classics arising from the original Brooklyn recipe.
4. Newark
Though named for a New Jersey neighborhood, this cocktail is inspired by the Brooklyn. It substitutes rye whiskey for overproof apple brandy and uses sweet vermouth alongside Fernet-Branca instead of Amer Picon.
5. Adonis
This cocktail, a tribute to a Broadway show, harmonizes sherry and sweet vermouth, resulting in a surprisingly complex drink garnished with orange peel.
6. Bushwick
Created in 2009, this cocktail stays true to the original Brooklyn blend while focusing on rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, maraschino liqueur, and Amer Picon.
7. Algonquin
Originating from the post-Prohibition era, this drink combines rye whiskey, dry vermouth, and pineapple juice, creating a crisp, delightful sipper.
8. Greenpoint
Another Brooklyn graduate, created in 2006, it’s a modern classical concoction of rye whiskey, Yellow Chartreuse, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
From classic to contemporary, these cocktails epitomize the spirit of New York City, celebrating its rich bar culture and cocktail heritage. Whether at home or in a bustling bar, these drinks are sure to bring a taste of the Big Apple to your glass.
Unveiling the World’s Best Whiskey: Highlights from the 2025 London Spirits Competition
The London Spirits Competition recently awarded WL Weller Antique 107 the prestigious title of the world’s best whiskey for 2025. In its eighth edition, this competition sets itself apart by evaluating not only the liquid itself but also the look, value, and marketability of the products. The aim is to spotlight spirits that consumers genuinely want to buy, making it relevant for both enthusiasts and industry professionals.
WL Weller Antique 107, produced by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, achieved an impressive score of 99 out of 100, earning it the distinction of whiskey of the year and spirit of the year overall. This wheated bourbon, often abbreviated as OWA (Old Weller Antique), is renowned for its balance and complexity. Its tasting notes feature a rich nose of cassia bark and licorice, alongside a sweet palate enriched by vanilla and brûléed sugars. This harmonious blend leads to a lengthy finish, with a subtle hint of cherry fruit leather.
The bourbon’s stature comes not just from its individual qualities but also from a robust heritage. It shares a mashbill with the celebrated Pappy Van Winkle line, further enhancing its appeal among bourbon enthusiasts. Historically significant, Weller was named after William Larue Weller, who was instrumental in popularizing wheated bourbons in the 19th century.
With its classic profile and growing recognition, WL Weller Antique 107 is a must-try for whiskey lovers and a noteworthy selection for bars and restaurants seeking high-quality spirits that are favored in the marketplace.
Kicking Off 2025 Sacramento Beer Week: The Excitement of Brewers Cup
The 2025 Sacramento Beer Week kicked off with a spirited stout competition held at the Crest Theater, where an impressive lineup of over 200 breweries gathered to compete for the coveted title of California’s best beer. Attendees and brew enthusiasts flocked to the event, eager to taste a diverse range of brews and celebrate local craft beer culture.
The weeks-long festivities included various events such as tastings, educational sessions, and brewery tours, highlighting the vitality of the craft beer scene in Sacramento. With each year, this celebration grows, attracting more participants and showcasing the creativity and passion of California’s breweries.
The anticipation leading into Beer Week is palpable, as both beer lovers and industry professionals look forward to discovering new flavors and networking opportunities. For those involved, it represents not just competition and entertainment, but a vibrant community thriving around craft beer.
Top 5 Online Courses to Enhance Your Wine Knowledge
Discovering the world of wine has become more accessible with the rise of online courses, providing options for everyone from casual enthusiasts to aspiring sommeliers. The shift towards virtual learning, accelerated by the pandemic, has opened doors to digital classes covering a broad spectrum of wine education, whether it’s a quick lesson on tasting techniques or a comprehensive program towards certification.
When considering wine education, it’s essential to choose a course that suits your level and interests. Below are five noteworthy online options for enhancing your wine knowledge:
For The Casual Connoisseur
Amble Wine
Amble Wine, created by Léa Gatinois DipWSET, offers a fun and accessible platform for learning about wine. The site includes a range of tools, from aroma wheels to tiered programs that delve into various aspects of wine tasting, production, and global wine regions. Resources are cost-effective, making it a great choice for wine lovers looking to expand their understanding.
Wine Folly
Wine Folly is an excellent resource for beginners, featuring articles on grape varieties and wine regions contributed by experts. Additionally, they provide guided wine courses and certifications that cater to both novice and advanced learners. Their introductory course, “Master the Basics of Wine,” includes modules on essential topics like wine history and storage tips. More advanced segments, such as the French Wine Course, explore deeper into specific regions and varieties.
MasterClass
The MasterClass platform hosts several wine-related courses taught by renowned experts. James Suckling, one of the most influential wine critics, leads a series on Wine Appreciation, emphasizing the stories behind the vineyards and the relevance of wine as an agricultural product. Another course, led by Emily Wines, aims to demystify wine culture and encourages students to appreciate wine beyond its price tag.
More Advanced Options
UC Davis: Learn the Science Behind the Art of Winemaking
The University of California, Davis, is well-known for its winemaking programs. Their Winemaking Certificate Program spans two years and offers a comprehensive education on winemaking. Interested learners can also take a free sample course to gauge the curriculum’s fit for their educational goals.
Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)
Established in 1969, WSET provides trusted wine education and certification programs tailored for professionals in the wine and spirits industry. Their qualifications range from WSET Level 1 to Level 4 (Diploma in Wine), offering a structured approach to wine knowledge that culminates in a certification test.
These online courses not only deepen your appreciation of wine but also enhance the sensory experience of tasting and learning. Whether you choose a lighthearted class or a rigorous program, having a few bottles handy is recommended to fully engage in the learning process.
How Trump Tariffs Could Disrupt California’s Farms, Wine Industry, and Ports
President Donald Trump’s fluctuating tariff policies pose significant risks to various California industries, particularly agriculture and wine. Business owners, farmers, and industry associations are grappling with uncertainties that stem from these tariffs, which threaten not only their immediate profits but also long-established trading relationships.
The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, two of the busiest ports in North America, reported an uptick in imports but a notable decrease in exports during the first quarter of the year. Gene Seroka, the Port of Los Angeles executive director, noted that businesses are cautious, holding back on hiring and investments due to worries about ongoing trade tensions. A predicted 10% drop in cargo volume is expected as tariffs continue to apply pressure on agricultural and manufacturing partners.
China has reacted to Trump’s tariffs by imposing its own retaliatory tariffs, further straining trade relations. With Chinese goods comprising a significant portion of the imports at these ports, any downturn in trade will reverberate across various sectors, including agriculture.
In the wine industry, the effects are multifaceted. Some business owners, like Igor Ivanov of Vinous Reverie, face tough decisions, contemplating the shift towards more local products due to the escalating tariffs on European wines. Conversely, some California winemakers see potential benefits from higher tariffs on imports, which could drive consumers toward local wines. However, all winemakers struggle with increased costs for materials such as glass bottles and labels due to import tariffs.
The stakes are high for California’s wine exports, worth $1.3 billion in 2022. The ongoing uncertainty leads to concerns about the long-term viability of these relationships, particularly as market fluctuations could lead consumers to shift toward foreign wines. Anecdotal evidence suggests that local wineries have already lost substantial business, particularly partnerships with Canadian distributors.
California has responded by filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, asserting that the tariffs are not only harmful but also legally questionable. The damages incurred by companies vary, with anecdotal reports from industry insiders highlighting significant declines in orders and future sales.
The impacts of tariffs extend into other crop markets as well. Ryan Talley of Talley Farms expressed concerns about potential declines in sales, particularly of bell peppers, due to changing trade dynamics. Other products, like spinach and dairy, also face instability, particularly in exports to markets such as Canada and China.
Overall, the agricultural landscape in California is at a precarious crossroads due to the uncertain trajectory of federal trade policies. Farmers and producers are bracing for possible market floods if export channels dry up, which could lead to a significant drop in prices domestically, destabilizing the state’s agricultural economy. Many stakeholders are left hoping for a resolution or federal intervention to mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing tariff situation, but the consensus is clear—the repercussions are already being felt across the board.
Navigating the American Wine Market: Balancing Price and Quality in a Complex Landscape
Long before rising grocery prices and recession concerns became the talk of the town, cost was already a significant factor shaping American wine choices. With potential tariffs poised to increase import prices, many consumers may find that domestic wines offer a more economical alternative.
However, navigating the affordable wine market in the U.S. can be complicated, as Zack Eastman, co-owner of the wine bar and bottle shop Easy Does It in Chicago, points out. There’s an abundance of inexpensive American-made wines available at grocery stores and big-box retailers, mainly mass-produced brands that prioritize consistency over quality.
While low cost is a significant consideration, Eastman argues that true value in wine encompasses more than just price; it includes aspects such as quality, sustainability, and ethical farming practices. In contrast, iconic American wines, particularly Napa Valley cabernets and Sonoma chardonnays, can be prohibitively expensive. Given free access to a diverse range of imported wines at reasonable prices, American wines often struggle to compete, especially as small producers deal with high production costs.
California winemaker Joey Tensley explains that making high-quality wine in the U.S. often incurs higher costs than producing similar quality wines abroad. Consequently, independent American wine producers find it challenging to offer wines priced under $15. They face substantial upfront investments, including acquiring land and equipment, not to mention ongoing labor and distribution costs.
Tensley produces premium wines at higher price points, but he launched a more affordable line called Fundamental by sourcing grapes from larger growers, allowing him to keep prices under $25 without sacrificing quality.
Wine director Grant Barnow from The Oakville Grill & Cellar identifies many of the best-value wines from regions that aren’t typically in the limelight, such as the Central Coast, San Benito County, and Mendocino County. Eastman adds that regions like the Finger Lakes in New York, Michigan, and the Columbia Valley in Washington and Oregon are also home to great wines at approachable prices.
Even seasoned professionals like wine consultant Vernon Jackson emphasize the importance of exploring lesser-known wine regions and varietals while developing relationships with local, independent wine shops. He advises consumers to be confident in trying new options, as the true value of wine lies in its potential for discovery—it’s about the stories behind its production and the families that cultivate the grapes.
For those looking for great wines without breaking the bank, here are ten American wines priced under $25 that offer excellent value:
-
Floréz 2023 Poilu’s Pinard Cienega Valley Red Blend, $25
- A unique co-ferment of red and white grapes offering freshness and drinkability.
-
Two Shepherds 2022 Old Vine Mendocino County Carignan, $22
- Made from 80-year-old vines, this organic carignan is both high-quality and affordably priced.
-
Barbichette 2023 Le Blanc Seneca Lake Riesling, $25
- A distinctive dry riesling with minerality reminiscent of Jura wines.
-
Poetson 2023 Old Shore Vineyard Co-Ferment Lake Michigan Shore Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, $25
- A light and fresh co-ferment that showcases local Michigan winemaking.
-
Joey Tensley 2019 Fundamental Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon, $25
- A well-balanced cabernet offering glimpses of traditional varietal characteristics.
-
Bedrock Wine Co. 2024 Ode to Lulu California Rosé, $24
- A grenache-based rosé that captures the essence of southern Provence with California flair.
-
Monte Rio Cellars 2024 The Bench Clement Hills Lodi Vermentino, $25
- With delicate herbal tones and citrus notes, this orange-style wine is a rarity worth trying.
-
Tatomer 2024 Steinhügel Santa Lucia Highlands Riesling, $22
- Known for its vibrant flavor profile, this riesling is produced in a dry, Austrian style.
-
Maison Noir Wines 2023 O.P.P. Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, $23
- A fruit-forward Oregon pinot that pairs well with a variety of foods.
-
Day Wines 2023 Vin de Days Willamette Valley Blanc Natural, $21
- An Alsatian-style white blend that offers a unique taste of Oregon’s organic winemaking.
In summary, discovering affordable yet high-quality American wines is increasingly achievable with some effort and exploration.