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Join the Lorain Historical Society for an Evening of Cocktails and Conversation!
The Lorain Historical Society is hosting an evening of cocktails and conversation on April 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Speak of the Devil Cocktail Bar, located at 201 W. 5th St. in Lorain. This event will showcase the city’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, particularly honoring the historic Heilman’s establishment that played a significant role in Lorain’s dining history.
For just $35, attendees can enjoy a special menu featuring Heilman’s cocktails, receive a keepsake Old-Fashioned Heilman’s glass, and participate in a fun quiz focused on local food trivia. The event promises to be both entertaining and educational, providing a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike.
Ticket sales are currently open and will close at the end of the day on March 24. Only 60 tickets are available for purchase through the Lorain Historical Society’s website: lorainhistory.org.
Potential Effects of US Tariffs on Canada: A Closer Look at the Finger Lakes Wine Industry
HAMMONDSPORT, NY — The Finger Lakes wine industry is bracing for potential effects from an emerging trade conflict between the United States and Canada. With winemaking being a significant part of the region’s economy, local vintners are reevaluating their sales strategies heading into the 2025 season.
"We’re all just looking at this with our fingers crossed and saying we’ll see what happens," expressed Jordan Harris, the Winemaker and COO at Heron Hill Winery in Hammondsport. He noted the situation is rapidly evolving, making it hard to predict future impacts.
In response to U.S. tariffs on various Canadian imports, Canadian provinces, particularly Ontario and Quebec, have removed American-made alcoholic beverages from their shelves. This shift is problematic for wineries like Heron Hill, which had previously counted on sales across the border. "By removing American wines from the shelves, it effectively creates more space for Canadian products," Harris pointed out, adding that he doubts their wines will regain shelf space due to consumer habits potentially shifting to local alternatives.
Currently, Heron Hill Winery has not yet felt the effects as the peak season has not commenced. However, Harris anticipates challenges with the arrival of summer, particularly due to the ban on American alcohol in Canada and a likely decrease in Canadian tourism. "A significant portion of our business relies on travelers from Canada who visit the Finger Lakes for wine tours," he stated.
Despite signing a deal with a Canadian distributor to increase their market presence in Canada earlier this year, the winery was unable to ship wine across the border before the American products were banned.
Looking ahead, Harris sees potential solutions to mitigate the impact, including targeting areas like Buffalo to expand their customer base. He believes that many Buffalo residents, who used to travel to Canada for wine tasting, may consider exploring Finger Lakes wines instead.
New Tariffs Pose a “Massive Problem” for the U.S. Wine Industry, Warns Trade Group President
The U.S. wine industry is facing significant challenges after Canada imposed a 25% tariff on several American products, including wine. This action comes in retaliation to new tariffs set by the U.S., which, although some were paused until early April, have already begun to disrupt trade relationships.
Benjamin Aneff, the president of the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance, expressed concerns about how these tariffs will affect U.S. wine suppliers. He highlighted that the tariffs represent a massive problem for the industry, impacting both producers and consumers.
This scenario underscores the complexity of international trade and the ripple effects tariffs can have across various sectors, particularly for businesses reliant on exporting goods. As negotiations continue, the outlook for the U.S. wine industry remains uncertain, prompting calls for reevaluation of the trade policies affecting it.
18 Months Probation for Vodka Thief Who Assaulted Ex-Girlfriend
A provincial court in Prince George has sentenced Jordon Zachery Roland Cote, a 22-year-old man, to an 18-month conditional discharge after he entered a guilty plea for stealing alcohol and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. This ruling, made on March 12, allows Cote to avoid a criminal record if he meets the terms of his 18-month probation.
Judge Cassandra Malfair emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence, noting that typically, offenders would face a record for such acts. However, she acknowledged the joint plea agreement, Cote’s Indigenous background, and the addition of a counseling requirement aimed at addressing his issues.
The court was informed that Cote had stolen a bottle of Smirnoff vodka, valued at $40, by concealing it in his pants while leaving a BC Liquor Store in Cache Creek on April 27, 2024. The store manager became aware of the theft through surveillance footage.
In an unrelated incident on June 30, 2024, Cote was involved in an altercation where he verbally abused a woman, physically assaulted her by throwing her to the ground, and damaged her cell phone.
In addition to probation, Judge Malfair imposed several conditions on Cote, including completing 50 hours of community service, refraining from contact with specific individuals, avoiding weapons, and staying away from any BC Liquor Store locations.
Collin Harmon: Mastering the Art of Pairing Classic Cocktails with Food for a Perfect Home Run
Pairing food with cocktails can elevate the dining experience significantly. While wine and food pairings are traditional, matching dishes with classic cocktails offers a new level of delight for the palate. In Santa Barbara and Montecito, several restaurants curate menus specifically designed for cocktail pairings, featuring flavors that complement each other seamlessly.
Here are six iconic cocktails, their ideal dish pairings, and recipes for you to recreate these classic combinations at home:
1. Old Fashioned & Steak from Lucky’s
An Old Fashioned, with its bourbon base and depth, pairs excellently with a well-marbled steak, like the bone-in ribeye or filet mignon from Lucky’s. The rich flavors of the steak enhance the caramel and oak notes from the whiskey.
Old Fashioned Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 2 ounces bourbon or rye whisky
- 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- 1 orange peel
- Ice cubes
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Instructions:
- Place the sugar cube in a glass and soak it with bitters.
- Add a splash of water and muddle until dissolved.
- Fill with ice, pour in the whiskey, stir gently, and garnish with an orange peel.
2. Classic Martini & Oysters from the Raw Bar
The crispness of a classic martini enhances the briny freshness of oysters. The herbal notes from the gin combined with dry vermouth make for an ideal complement.
Classic Martini Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 2½ ounces gin
- ½ ounce dry vermouth
- Ice
- Lemon twist or olives for garnish
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Instructions:
- Stir gin and vermouth with ice until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist or olives.
3. Negroni & Cicchetti at Pane e Vino Trattoria
Pairing small bites, like crostini with prosciutto, with a Negroni creates a wonderful synthesis of salty and savory flavors.
Negroni Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 1 ounce gin
- 1 ounce Campari
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- Ice
- Orange peel for garnish
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Instructions:
- Stir all ingredients with ice until well mixed.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange peel.
4. Manhattan & Roast Chicken
The robust flavors of a Manhattan stand up to the crispy skin and juicy meat of a roast chicken, making it a perfect pairing.
Manhattan Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 2 ounces rye whisky
- 1 ounce sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Cherry for garnish
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Instructions:
- Stir whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a cherry.
5. Tom Collins & Caesar Salad
The refreshing effervescence of a Tom Collins makes it a fantastic match for a Caesar salad, balancing the acidity of the dressing with its citrusy profile.
Tom Collins Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 2 ounces gin
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- Club soda
- Ice
- Lemon wheel for garnish
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Instructions:
- Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
- Strain into a tall glass filled with ice, top with club soda, and garnish with a lemon wheel.
6. Sazerac & Gumbo from The Palace Grill
A Sazerac, with its blend of rye whisky and absinthe, pairs beautifully with the rich, smoky flavors of gumbo, creating a bold dining experience.
Sazerac Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 2 ounces rye whisky
- ¼ ounce absinthe
- 1 sugar cube
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- Ice
- Lemon peel for garnish
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Instructions:
- Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
- Muddle the sugar cube with bitters in a separate glass.
- Add rye whisky and stir with ice.
- Strain into the prepared glass and garnish with lemon peel.
Final Thoughts
The art of pairing cocktails with food is centered around balancing flavors to enhance both the drink and the dish. Whether you’re dining out or hosting a gathering at home, consider these pairings to elevate your meals. Cheers!
Vodka Thief Sentenced to 18 Months Probation After Assaulting Ex-Girlfriend
A provincial court in Prince George has sentenced 22-year-old Jordon Zachery Roland Cote to 18 months of probation for stealing liquor and assaulting his ex-girlfriend. On March 12, after pleading guilty to charges of theft under $5,000 and domestic assault, Cote received a conditional discharge, meaning he will not have a criminal record if he successfully completes his sentence.
Judge Cassandra Malfair emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence but noted that her decision took into account the joint nature of the submission, Cote’s Indigenous background, and the inclusion of a counseling term aimed at addressing underlying issues.
The court heard that Cote had stolen a bottle of Smirnoff vodka, valued at $40, from a BC Liquor Store in Cache Creek on April 27, 2024, concealing it in his pants. The store manager discovered the theft after reviewing surveillance footage. Additionally, on June 30, 2024, Cote was involved in another incident where he verbally assaulted a woman, physically attacked her, and damaged her cell phone.
As part of his probation conditions, Cote must complete 50 hours of community service, refrain from contacting specific individuals, avoid possessing weapons, and is prohibited from entering any BC Liquor Store.
Mixing History and Flavor: A Dive into ‘Chicago Cocktails’ and Its Windy City Drink Recipes
Chicago’s cocktail scene has become a vibrant tapestry, intertwining the city’s neighborhoods with creative, history-infused drinks. "Chicago Cocktails," a new book by Nicole Schnitzler, offers an insightful exploration of this culture, featuring 100 recipes organized by neighborhood. With contributions from numerous bartenders and industry insiders, the book captures the essence of the city’s evolving beverage landscape.
Schnitzler aims to celebrate Chicago’s unique cocktail creativity and hospitality. Her research highlights the transformation from a city known mainly for beer and shots to one where cocktails are crafted with intention and artistry. “My hope is that it is really an ode to Chicago and the ways in which the industry is showing up for its city,” she says.
The book also delves into the history of Chicago’s cocktail culture, tracing its roots back to the late 1800s. Notable drinks from that era include the Old Fashioned, documented in the 1888 “Bartenders Manual” by Theodore Proulx, and others like the "Cohasset Punch" and "South Side" cocktail, reportedly favored by Al Capone.
Modern Chicago bars reflect this renaissance, where places like The Violet Hour and The Whistler have cultivated an environment for thoughtful drinking experiences. As Schnitzler notes, today’s bars provide an opportunity for patrons to linger, enhancing both community and creativity.
Among the featured cocktails is the "Parallelogram," a unique twist on the Aperol margarita, created by Ryan Rezvani at The Long Room. Inspired by his background as a teacher, Rezvani enriched the drink with homemade bitters and a Mexican spice rub. "It got them thinking about language arts… it also helped them develop vocabulary," he explains, demonstrating how bartending and teaching share a fundamental connection.
Another standout is the "Amaro Daiquiri" from Billy Sunday, where Corban Kell substitutes rum with amaro, crafting a cocktail that balances herbaceousness, bitterness, and sweetness—a testament to innovation in drink making. Kell expresses pride in the bar’s reputation as an incubator for new ideas, which has led to some staff opening their own successful establishments.
“Chicago Cocktails” doesn’t just share recipes; it tells the stories behind the creations. Through interviews and historical anecdotes, it paints a picture of the influential figures who have shaped the city’s bar scene, allowing readers to craft not just drinks, but also connections to Chicago’s rich beverage heritage.
For cocktail enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Chicago’s unique flavors, this book serves as a guide to not only the recipes but also the communal spirit that defines the city’s drinking culture.
24 Irresistibly Green Cocktails to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Good Fortune
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to embrace all things green, from outfits to cocktails. Celebrating the holiday is incomplete without a good drink, so we’ve compiled a list of green cocktails perfect for March 17.
Popular Drinks for St. Patrick’s Day
Green beer, Guinness, and cocktails made with crème de menthe and Irish cream reign supreme during St. Patrick’s celebrations. Enjoying a green spirit is a festive and fun way to join in the festivities.
Irish Favorites
Though Americans enjoy themed drinks, Irish locals typically celebrate with pints of Guinness, local ciders, Dublin Mules, Irish whiskey shots, and Black and Blacks.
Cocktails to Try
- Green Beer: A classic American-Irish drink that’s simple to make.
- Cucumber Gin Slushie: A refreshing slushy made with just six ingredients, perfect for warmer weather.
- St. Patrick’s Day Green Shots: A fun dessert shot with a chocolate base, layered with boozy pudding.
- Pickleback: Made with green pickle juice and bacon bourbon in a salt-rimmed glass.
- Mezcalima Lime Cocktail: This citrusy margarita is invigorating and has ginger beer for a lighter option.
- Midori Lemonata: Tastes like melon-flavored lemonade with a boozy twist.
- Shamrock Sour Cocktail: A whiskey sour variant made with Irish whiskey.
- Luck of the Irish Sunrise: A colorful cocktail mixed with whiskey and blue curaçao.
More Unique Options
- Grasshopper Cocktail: A dessert-like drink made from green crème de menthe and crème de cacao.
- Mint Matcha Latte: Healthy and refreshing, this can be spiked with Irish cream if you prefer.
- Classic Mint Julep: A refreshing favorite that fits perfectly into the celebration.
Themed Mocktails
For those not drinking alcohol, a Bali Squeezed Mocktail made with nutrient-rich superfoods and coconut water can keep you festive without the booze.
With this array of cocktails, your St. Patrick’s Day celebration is sure to be a spirited affair! Enjoy the luck of the Irish!
Next Century Spirits Teams Up with Kenny Chesney Through Acquisition of Blue Chair Bay Rum®
Next Century Spirits (NCS) has officially acquired Blue Chair Bay Rum, a premium rum brand that was founded by country music star Kenny Chesney. This strategic move allows NCS to enhance its presence within the growing premium rum market, as Blue Chair Bay Rum has gained notoriety as the largest independently-owned rum brand globally and has sold millions of cases since its creation.
Kenny Chesney will remain heavily involved with the brand, holding a significant stake in NCS and continuing to influence its direction and growth. "Blue Chair Bay Rum has endless potential, and we’re excited to bring it into the NCS family," stated Anthony Moniello, Co-CEO of NCS. He emphasized the importance of building a "team of fast-moving entrepreneurs" and creating unique brands that resonate with modern spirits consumers.
Chesney expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, describing Blue Chair Bay Rum as a reflection of his life experiences and a spirit meant to be shared with friends. He believes NCS shares a similar vision, with a spirit of innovation and adventure that mirrors his brand ethos.
The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for Chesney, who is set to make history as the first country artist to headline at Las Vegas’ Sphere starting in May 2025. Rob Mason, Co-CEO of NCS, noted that this partnership marks an exciting step forward as they work to shape the future of spirits.
NCS, headquartered in Zebulon, North Carolina, is committed to redefining what is possible in spirits production through its patented Spiranova™ process. This innovative approach accelerates flavor transformation using only natural ingredients, resulting in a unique portfolio that includes Nue Vodka, Numbskull Whiskey, and now, Blue Chair Bay Rum.
For further details about Next Century Spirits, visit Next Century Spirits’ website.
About Blue Chair Bay Rum
Blue Chair Bay Rum is an authentic Caribbean rum crafted with premium natural ingredients and is offered in various flavors, including Spiced, Coconut, and Vanilla. Chesney collaborated with top master blenders to ensure each blend captures the essence of joyful memories shared with friends.
STS Capital Partners represented NCS in the acquisition, demonstrating their expertise in navigating complex negotiations to secure the deal.
Hulk Hogan Makes a Comeback in Wisconsin to Promote Real American Beer!
WWE legend Hulk Hogan is making a return to Wisconsin. This visit is not just a nostalgic trip; Hogan is promoting his new line of craft beer, aptly named "Real American Beer." Known for his iconic status in the wrestling world, Hogan’s foray into the brewing industry marks an exciting chapter in both his career and the local beer scene.
The promotion of the beer is part of a broader trend where celebrities step into the beverage industry, capitalizing on their fame to attract fans and consumers. Hogan’s initiative is expected to draw significant attention, given his long-lasting influence in wrestling and pop culture.
Fans can anticipate a firsthand encounter with Hogan as he engages with his audience through promotions and perhaps even personal appearances at select venues. This venture not only highlights Hogan’s branding skills but also brings an entertaining twist to Wisconsin’s craft beer market.
For updates about Hulk Hogan and "Real American Beer," stay tuned to local event listings and social media channels.