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Rich, warming, and comforting, digging into a bowl of classic penne alla vodka is an especially cozy dinner option during the colder months. Aside from the booze in question, vodka sauce is essentially a pink sauce, meaning it contains both tomatoes and cream. But what separates this type from other pasta dishes is — of course — the alcohol, which intensifies the flavor of the other ingredients, creates a delicious aroma, and helps the tomatoes and cream blend together.

So with all these delicious qualities, why limit your vodka sauce usage to noodles? Another dish that will benefit just as much from this tasty topping is arguably the next-most popular meal where tomato sauce is used: pizza. Sure, pies with traditional tomato sauce are delicious, but this upgraded version will bring a cozy layer of creaminess. Plus, all the other ingredients in vodka sauce will give your pizza some additional flavor: diced onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. By making this sauce the star of the show, you won’t need many other ingredients to turn your pie into a tasty, next-level comfort food.

Read more: 44 Types Of Pasta And When You Should Be Using Them

Like we mentioned, pizza alla vodka doesn’t need much dressing up, so feel free to keep your toppings simple here. Mozzarella and basil are surefire winners, but stay away from covering the entire surface of the pizza with shredded cheese. Because this sauce is richer and creamier than most from the included cream and butter, smothering it with mozzarella may result in an overly greasy pie. Instead, dot your pizza with pieces of a ripped-apart mozzarella ball that have been patted dry with a paper towel, which will allow the sauce to shine through and remain the star of the show. In the same vein, you’ll want to use a little less sauce than you would with marinara to avoid an overly wet pizza — and to prevent excess liquid even more, strain your crushed tomatoes before you cook them with your vodka.

However, feel free to sprinkle on some parmesan once your dish emerges from the oven. And if you do want a little more substance on your pizza, sprinkle on sliced mushrooms, olives, or pepperoni, keeping in mind that the latter will add some extra oil. You can even add cooked penne noodles right into your vodka sauce before spooning the whole thing on your pie, if you want the best of both worlds. But whether you go light or heavy with your toppings, pizza alla vodka will give your classic pie a deliciously rich twist.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.

What makes a great whiskey bar? The selection of brown stuff behind the bar, certainly. But there’s a bit more to it than just that. Any whiskey lover will tell you how important it is to truly appreciate what you’re drinking—and everyone has their own drinking rituals. Whether you sip single malt Scotch neat or prefer bourbon or rye shaken up in an ice-cold cocktail, each whiskey needs to be taken on its own terms, and treated with care. A great whiskey bar isn’t defined by how many rare bottles it stocks, but by how expertly it makes its particular whiskeys shine.

These bars vary widely in terms of their atmosphere and specialties. Some are refined cocktail dens, others punk-blaring dives. There are classic bourbon-swilling spots, as well as one exceptional, of-the-moment Japanese whisky-focused establishment, and everything in between. In other words, there’s something for every type of whiskey fan, whatever their budget and wherever they happen to be located across the U.S. (There’s even an option for those who demand delicious pizza with their booze.) The one common ingredient here is that they all share an intense passion for showcasing just how great whiskey can taste.

Related: 20 Best Bourbons for an Old Fashioned, Tasted and Reviewed

With the help of whiskey experts, from bartenders to cocktail historians, we’ve selected the best whiskey bars in the country right now, below. But one stands out as the very best of the bunch: Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, DC, which should be on every whiskey drinker’s must-visit bucket list.

I’ve been writing about and editing coverage of spirits, cocktails, and drinking culture for over a decade. I’ve visited beloved bars, both high-end and hardcore dive, from New York City to Miami to Chicago to Portland, Oregon.

To assemble this list of the best whiskey bars, I consulted numerous experts from deep in the world of whiskey, including top bartenders, brand ambassadors, and historians. I researched bars, and relied on my own experiences in some venues to reach my judgments. Variety is the key here. There’s a mix of brand-new bars, long-running joints, places with food (and places for drinking and only drinking), and every major region is represented.

While selecting our top whiskey bars, we (myself and the Men’s Journal editors) and our experts first and foremost judged each bar by how fabulous a straight-up tipple of whiskey can be there. A certain ineffable appreciation for the whiskey being handled is also crucial. That means an astutely curated menu of available whiskeys, if not always a vast one—though a few have that. We also looked for top-notch service from meticulous and caring staff, creativity and execution in cocktails, smart design, and of course, all-important vibes.

If these are cocktail bars, they should be able to brilliantly execute both classic drinks (old fashioned, Manhattan, Sazerac) and devise their own ingenious creations. But whatever the genre, the best whiskey bars must be all about whiskey—tasting it, mixing it, learning about it—and what makes us enjoy it so much.

Jack Rose Dining Saloon/Greg Powers

When discussing their favorite American whiskey spots, it’s not uncommon for aficionados to mention

Jack Rose Dining Saloon. This establishment is often spoken of with high regard, as it won the World’s Best Spirits Selection at

Tales of the Cocktail’s 2022 Spirited Awards. Located in the nation’s capital, Jack Rose Restaurants boasts a spectacular whiskey selection, with their website currently showing an impressive 2,687 bottles.

The expansive venue located in Dupont Circle neighborhood was established in 2011 by owner Bill Thomas. The main dining saloon features a concise, southern-inspired

food menu that complements their whiskey offerings. The diverse spaces in the restaurant like the open-air terrace, the balcony room, the cellar, and even a tiki bar caters to any mood. So whether you’re cozying up in the saloon by the extensive bottle display or opting for the rotating Only at Jack Rose three-whiskey flight, you’re ensured an unforgettable experience.

Courtesy Bourbons Bistro

Any conversation about the premier bourbon bar inevitably begins and concludes within the confines of Kentucky. Louisville, situated a stone’s throw away from Bourbon County, is home to countless excellent bourbon-focused establishments, notable among them is Bourbons Bistro, founded in 2005 alongside the resurgence of America’s modern appreciation for whiskey, is uniquely appealing. This distinguished winner of the 2023 Whisky Magazine Awards boasts a comprehensive list of bottles, ranging from the readily available Evan Williams Black Label to the highly sought-after Pappy Van Winkle 20-year, served alongside superior Southern cuisine like sumptuously spicy fried oysters with Parmesan grits.

For those who desire the combination of indulging in their choice whiskey with the convenience of carrying a bottle to enjoy later, Neat is the place to be. Having made its debut in 2021, Neat presents a sophisticated, modern take on the traditional bourbon bar. The cozy, warmly illuminated establishment features classic red leather stools, wooden-paneled walls, and a pressed-tin ceiling invoking a sense of nostalgia. Their collection of bourbons focuses on the unique and elusive, including offerings from out-of-operation distilleries. Enjoy a coveted pour of the National Distillers 1972 Old Grand Dad Swing, and then swing by the shop to secure a bottle of the Wild Turkey 12 Year for personal consumption or as a keepsake.

John Grondorf, owner of Los Angeles’s buzzy Tiny’s Hi-Dive, calls Johnny’s Saloon in nearby Orange County “a twisted Cheers with hundreds of bottles of whiskey and awesome pizza in a punk-rock-haunted-house environment.” Score a Michter’s Small Batch bourbon, along with the I Wanna Be Sedated pie (pepperoni, sausage, bell pepper, ricotta and pecorino romano cheese, garlic dust), and you will also find bliss.

There’s no shortage of Guinness-pouring taverns dotting the U.S., but if you’re after Ireland’s prime whiskeys, it doesn’t get more tantalizing than Traghaven, nestled in the quiet Hudson Valley town of Tivoli. The unassuming but lively pub happens to have the largest Irish whiskey selection stateside. Choose a pour from the 150-odd bottles, then dig into a “killer cottage pie,” says Cody Goldstein, founder of Muddling Memories, a hospitality group based in Brooklyn. “If that wasn’t enough to entice you to go, they do a live hootenanny on Fridays.”

Japanese whisky is currently in high demand due to its innovative, complex, and exciting flavors. Opened in 2022, Shinji’s is a cozy 26-seat bar adjacent to the Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Noda located in New York’s Flatiron district. If getting a reservation proves tricky, this bar offers the perfect opportunity to sample the city’s largest Japanese whisky selection while savoring a snack from the renowned kitchen. Options include tableside hand roll service, chips with Royal Osetra caviar, or a “sando” consisting of Wagyu beef sandwiched between decadent milk bread slices.

As Gardner Dunn, Suntory’s brand ambassador, notes, “Their commitment to omotenashi, a Japanese concept embodying anticipatory, high level hospitality, is one of the best in the country.” Dunn enjoys savoring the new seasonal offerings and recommends the Jackie Treehorn, a cocktail made with Hibiki Harmony.

The rock ‘n’ roll bar, Delilah’s, has been a beloved mainstay in Chicago since its establishment in 1993, well before whisky arrived on the connoisseurs’ radar. It remains the city’s most cheerfully unassuming location for tasting the prized Highland Park 18-year Scotch. The whiskey menu boasts over 1,000 bottles, and the jukebox often plays tracks from the Clash and the Replacements, perfect to enjoy while playing a game of Godzilla pinball.

The 2018 winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program, CURE has done a lot to put today’s leading-edge New Orleans cocktail scene on the map. This is the place to order an unexpectedly head-spinning contemporary concoction (put yourself in the hands of the next-level bartenders) or an elegant riff on a comforting classic like the Fancy Sazerac (Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, Peychaud’s bitters, Nouvelle Orleans absinthe, lemon peel) in the handsome, minimalist space.

It doesn’t get much cooler than Canon, the heavily awarded self-described “whiskey and bitter emporium,” which boasts America’s largest spirit collection at 4,000-plus in a tiny, gorgeously appointed space in the Capitol Hill area. You’d do well to honor its design, equal parts colonial and contemporary, with something old and extraordinary like William Heavenhill Small Batch neat (nurse it ever so slowly) or thoughtfully remixed, like one of the house old fashioned riffs (sans ice, as originally intended). Definitely check out the adventurous food menu (e.g. tea-smoked duck breast, confit rabbit taquito) to round out the indulgence.

There’s pretty much no wrong way to enjoy whiskey (except, say, mixed with warm Sprite—please don’t do that). Most whiskey aficionados and bartenders will tell you to taste a whiskey neat in order to get its full flavor profile and complexity, and that’s a good way to start. After sniffing the whiskey in your glass, then taking a sip (a Glencairn glass is preferred but not necessary), you can always add a drop of water or a few cubes as you like. No judgment here.

Related: The Best Cheap Whiskey of 2023 for a Great Time on a Budget

Ordering an old fashioned will reliably test a bar’s cocktail-making abilities. A bad one is terrible, but an excellent one is sublime, revealing the nuances of the whiskey in it. From there, any amount of experimentation is fair game—this is drinking, after all, not heart surgery—as long as the results do the booze justice.

Noel Distillery owners Natalie Noel and her father Chip Noel look over a vat of sugar cane mash and yeast as it starts the fermenting process on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

Step inside the Noel Distillery in Donaldsonville and you’ll smell the sweet, funky scent of cane juice fermenting and see Natalie Noel, her father Frank, sister, and aunt hard at work checking temperatures on the still, bottling rum and attaching labels.

This is a small but growing family operation, and one of only a handful of rum distilleries in Louisiana.

“We live in one of the largest sugar cane producing areas of the world. Why are we not making more rum?” said 68-year-old Frank “Chip” Noel.

Frank, a retired pilot who developed a passion for cigars and rum during his frequent trips to the Caribbean, eventually took up distilling as a post-retirement hobby.

According to Natalie Noel, Frank’s daughter and business partner, her father’s whole life has revolved around new hobbies. She mentioned taxidermy, woodworking, and golf as some of his special interests. True to form, he didn’t just stop at enjoying rum, he wanted to take it a step further.

Natalie had a well-rounded education; she played basketball at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette where she obtained a degree in marketing. She later pursued her MBA at LSU. When she saw her father’s growing interest in rum, she believed it held potential for a more serious business venture.

Frank constructed his own still while Natalie and the rest of the family carried out the necessary paperwork to incorporate a business; this was their Christmas gift to him. It’s six years later now, and the Noel Distillery is officially open for business.

Natalie expresses her passion for creating a space where people can enjoy a fine cocktail. In establishing the distillery, she saw an opportunity to create a legacy for her children while working closely with her father. They enjoy a close friendship besides their business partnership.

In spite of Louisiana being one of the world’s leading sugar cane producers, only a few local distilleries produce rum. The initial costs for setting up a distillery are burdensome. Expensive fermenters and bottling machinery are necessary for operation, and the Noels have moved up from their handmade still. Besides, a substantial amount of regulatory paperwork is needed.

The Noel Distillery’s still was pictured on Friday, December 1, 2023, situated in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

According to Natalie Noel, the hurdles preventing entry into this industry are extremely high.

While Louisiana boasts a strong affinity for daiquiris, rum doesn’t necessarily take the top spot as the spirit of choice for most people. Instead, Vodka enjoys the title of the most sought-after spirit in the U.S, with tequila marginally closing this gap in the recent past, reports the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S.

The Noels intend to overturn this preference. The prevalent perception of rum among Americans is that of a sweet or spiced beverage. This is because a large percentage of rum sales in the U.S. involves rum produced using molasses or those that are mixed into sweet beverages.

However, “rhum agricole”, a French phrase referring to rum directly crafted from sugar cane juice, evokes a grassy, and herbal palate. Furthermore, aged rum, a variant that the Noels are currently crafting, can deliver an experience akin to drinking whiskey.

“We want to be synonymous with flavor and fun,” declared Natalie Noel. “Louisiana is brimming with spirit, culture, diversity, and flair. Tito’s has cemented its place across all festivals in Louisiana, but I want to highlight that local offerings can stand out and be exceptional,” she exclaimed.

Gas bubbles subtly appear in a container filled with sugar cane pulp and yeast, signalling the commencement of the fermentation process at the Noel Distillery, observed on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, located in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

The Noels are diligently crafting an agricole rum that they optimistically plan to launch in the summer of 2024. With deep-seated roots in farming, Frank was raised on a sugar cane farm and his cousin stands as one of the largest sugar cane producers within the state, establishing a solid connection with the mill that is the source for their juice.

“The entire process of fermenting this muddy juice is quite involved,” he discloses.

In producing first-rate rum, sweet, fresh juice proves integral. Being a raw element, sugar cane juice commences fermentation without delay. Frank Noel employs a method of ensuring it remains cool for a slower fermentation, which he believes is vital for drawing out the ultimate flavor.

That, along with his unique mixture of yeast.

After the fermentation process, the liquid is shifted into a distillation apparatus and reduced down to an alcoholic content of 45%. Ten gallons of the initial juice yields roughly 75 to 80 rum bottles.

The next step could either be its direct consumption or aging. The Noels are currently producing a rum variant which is aged for three years, apart from their regular agricole rum.

As there was a delay in the production of rum from Louisiana cane, the distillery this year is marketing a version produced from Central American molasses. It is given a final touch in barrels that previously stored tequila, infusing it with a distinctive agave flavor. Natalie Noel suggests it tastes excellent in mixed drinks containing banana, mint, and other tropical elements.

Noel Distillery also has a vodka made from corn twice distilled, a pickle vodka, and a tequila.

Several different spirits from the Noel Distillery line a shelve on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, in Donaldsonville, Louisiana.

The tequila recently won a gold medal at the New York International Spirits Competition.

The hardest part of the business so far, Natalie Noel said, has been trying to change human drinking behavior.

“To escape the bustling marketplace and proclaim ‘we are here!’” she stated. “Individuals are often reluctant to experiment with new things or doubt the goodness of quality.”

Karen Kliebert affixes the seal to a bottle of Noel Distillery vodka on the very Friday, 1st of December, 2023, in the charming town of Donaldsonville, Louisiana. Kliebert takes pride as one of the Noel family matriarchs, with the Donaldsonville distillery being a family endeavour.

As for the present time, the spirits can be purchased at Calandro’s, Hocus Pocus, and various other retailers, alongside Bengal Tap, Mother’s, Uncle Earl’s and a handful of other Baton Rouge bars. The Noels have recently entered into a contract with the substantial Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, a widespread distribution firm they hold hopes for in terms of broadcasting their Louisiana rum.

Those who are intrigued and considering a journey to Donaldsonville have the option to explore the distillery from the morning hours of 9 a.m. to the afternoon of 3 p.m. from Monday to Friday, embark on a tour with a fee of $12 and try out all the four spirits at the cost of $8. Tours can be organised on Saturdays upon request, and the distillery is also available for hosting Christmas bashes and other festive events.

Email Rebecca Holland at rebecca.holland@theadvocate.com or follow her on Twitter, @_rebeccaholland.

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If you put wine or beer in a freezer, it will be frozen solid in just a few hours.

But if you put vodka in your home freezer, it won’t freeze, even after weeks — or months.

So whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver, crafting a vodka martini or mixing up a trendy Moscow Mule, having the beverage ice-cold — but not frozen — elevates the taste of the cocktail for sure.

DO HEALING CRYSTALS HAVE ANY SCIENTIFIC BACKING? SOME CITE REMARKABLE BENEFITS

It’s very common to store vodka in the freezer so that you have chilled vodka ready at a moment’s notice. 

Still, you may have pondered why vodka never freezes in your home freezer. 

Whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver or crafting a vodka martini, having ice-cold vodka elevates the taste of the cocktail. But ever wonder why this spirit doesn’t freeze in a home freezer? 

A specialist in science has shared the plain truth regarding the reason this alcoholic beverage doesn’t freeze in an ordinary household freezer.

The alcohol present in a spirit drink is ethanol.

“The proof of vodka is typically around 80, which indicates it has about 40% ethanol by volume,” stated Tara S. Carpenter, PhD, a primary teacher in the field of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Maryland Baltimore County in Baltimore.

SHAUN WHITE, OLYMPIC SNOWBOARDER, TEAMS WITH UTAH’S HIGH WEST DISTILLERY TO PROTECT WESTERN US

“The other 60% is mostly water, although there can be added flavorings, sugar or dissolved impurities,” she said.

The freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water.

The freezing point of water is 0°C or 32°F, she said, while the freezing point of ethanol is -114.1°C or -173.5°F.

Since the freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water — vodka won’t freeze in an everyday home freezer.

Bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages. While putting vodka “in the freezer will affect it somewhat, it won’t freeze solid in your traditional freezer.” (iStock)

“At around 40% alcohol (80-proof), vodka has a freezing point that hovers at around -16 degrees Fahrenheit. And while putting it in the freezer will affect it somewhat, it won’t freeze solid in your traditional freezer,” noted Reader’s Digest.

It’s a nifty science lesson, for sure.

“When we mix ethanol and water together, the mixture has its own unique freezing point that is lower than that of water, due to something called freezing point depression,” said Carpenter.

6 BREWERIES ACROSS AMERICA THAT OFFER GREAT BREWS AND STUNNING VIEWS, TOO

That being said, if you are the type who likes your vodka unmixed and served over ice, or if vodka shots are your preferred choice of drink, keeping it in your freezer is a wise idea.

According to VinePair.com, for most vodka brands, freezer storage is recommended and it most certainly makes the shot much more tolerable.

A lot of Americans have a bottle or two kept in their freezer at home, but is that really the optimal spot to keep it?

A variety of Smirnoff vodka liquors. Don’t fret about not storing vodka in your freezer — as that leaves more room for frozen pizza and ice cream. (Rick Kern/Getty Images)

If your vodka of choice is top-tier, skip the freezer, Grey Goose vodka creator Francois Thibault told Business Insider. 

If you prefer a more budget-friendly vodka, he said it’s not a bad idea to keep it in the freezer, since cold temperatures may mask the vodka’s notes or properties, which could be “aggressive” and “burning,” according to Thibault. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

So, deciding to store vodka in your home freezer is a personal decision. 

Cold temperatures may mask a vodka’s notes or properties.

It won’t freeze, but the quality of vodka could impact your decision about whether to store it in your fridge or your freezer. 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Still, if you choose not to store vodka in the freezer, don’t fret — as that leaves more room for frozen pizza and ice cream.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Erica Lamberg is a contributing reporter for Fox News Digital.

Fun stories about food, relationships, the great outdoors and more.

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If you put wine or beer in a freezer, it will be frozen solid in just a few hours.

But if you put vodka in your home freezer, it won’t freeze, even after weeks — or months.

So whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver, crafting a vodka martini or mixing up a trendy Moscow Mule, having the beverage ice-cold — but not frozen — elevates the taste of the cocktail for sure.

DO HEALING CRYSTALS HAVE ANY SCIENTIFIC BACKING? SOME CITE REMARKABLE BENEFITS

It’s very common to store vodka in the freezer so that you have chilled vodka ready at a moment’s notice. 

Still, you may have pondered why vodka never freezes in your home freezer. 

Whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver or crafting a vodka martini, having ice-cold vodka elevates the taste of the cocktail. But ever wonder why this spirit doesn’t freeze in a home freezer? 

A science expert unveiled the chilling fact about why this alcohol-based beverage does not freeze in an average household freezer.

The constituent alcohol in liquor is essentially ethanol.

“The standard proof of Vodka is 80, implying that it comprises 40% of ethanol by volume,” stated Tara S. Carpenter, PhD, an authoritative lecturer at the University of Maryland Baltimore County’s department of chemistry and biochemistry in Baltimore.

SHAUN WHITE, OLYMPIC SNOWBOARDER, PARTNERS WITH UTAH’S HIGH WEST DISTILLERY TO CONSERVE WESTERN US 

“The other 60% is mostly water, although there can be added flavorings, sugar or dissolved impurities,” she said.

The freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water.

The freezing point of water is 0°C or 32°F, she said, while the freezing point of ethanol is -114.1°C or -173.5°F.

Since the freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water — vodka won’t freeze in an everyday home freezer.

Bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages. Although placing vodka in the freezer will slightly impact it, it won’t freeze completely in a standard freezer.

At roughly 40% alcohol (80-proof), vodka has a freezing point that hovers around -16 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if it’s stored in the freezer, it won’t completely solidify, as noted by Reader’s Digest.

Indeed, this is a valuable scientific lesson.

When we mix ethanol and water together, the resulting mixture has its own unique freezing point which is lower than that of pure water. This phenomenon is due to what’s known as freezing point depression, as explained by Carpenter.

6 BREWERIES ACROSS AMERICA THAT OFFER GREAT BREWS AND STUNNING VIEWS, TOO

That said, if you prefer your vodka without a mixer and on the rocks, or if shots of vodka are your go-to drink, storing it in your freezer is a sound strategy.

For most vodka, storing it in the freezer is the way to go, and it will probably make the shot much easier to handle, according to the VinePair.com.

Many Americans keep a bottle or two stored in their home freezer, but is that truly the best place to store it?

A variety of Smirnoff vodka liquors. Don’t fret about not storing vodka in your freezer — as that leaves more room for frozen pizza and ice cream. (Rick Kern/Getty Images)

If your vodka of choice is top-tier, skip the freezer, Grey Goose vodka creator Francois Thibault told Business Insider. 

If you prefer a more budget-friendly vodka, he said it’s not a bad idea to keep it in the freezer, since cold temperatures may mask the vodka’s notes or properties, which could be “aggressive” and “burning,” according to Thibault. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

So, deciding to store vodka in your home freezer is a personal decision.

Cold temperatures may mask a vodka’s notes or properties.

It won’t freeze, but the quality of vodka could impact your decision about whether to store it in your fridge or your freezer.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Still, if you decide not to stash vodka in the freezer, there’s no need for alarm — this simply means more space for your frozen pizza and ice cream.

For additional Lifestyle pieces, check out www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Erica Lamberg is a reporter contributing to Fox News Digital.

Delightful narratives about food, relationships, the immense outdoors, and much more.

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This week, the online order and food delivery platform DoorDash publicized its 2023 trend report, pointing out two new dominant spirits that have emerged this past year.

In 2023, DoorDash recorded a 648% surge in whiskey orders and a 317% rise in rum. “We saw a resurgence of old classics,” Alanna Shipley, a Consumer Insights Expert at DoorDash mentioned, revealing that cinnamon whiskey, Tennessee whiskey, and bourbon, as well as white rum, spiced rum, and coconut rum, were the top orders in their respective categories.

Shipley informed me that these spirits were not ordered by themselves. “We saw a variety of food pairings for these popular drinks,” she stated. “Those who love whiskey leaned into sweets, pairing their drink with candy such as sweet tarts, while those ordering rum paired their spirit with savory items like sour cream and onion chips.”

Even though whiskey and rum demonstrated a significant increase this past year, vodka remains on top of the list as the most ordered alcohol since DoorDash began delivering alcohol in 2021.

The second most popular after vodka is cabernet sauvignon, then comes prosecco, Irish whiskey, cinnamon whiskey, pinot grigio, pinot noir, hard seltzer, which according to DoorDash saw an 83% increase in orders year-over-year, tequila and moscato.

When it comes to America’s preferred alcohol orders for 2023, vodka still remains at the top, followed by hard seltzer, then tequila, sauvignon blanc, prosecco, whiskey, pinot grigio, lager beer, pinot noir and rum.

DoorDash also identified other popular alcohol-related trends like requests for the day after drinking. The company disclosed popular occasions referred as “holiday hangovers,” where they observed a surge in orders for necessities like ibuprofen the day following events like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and New Year’s Eve. The increase in orders for ibuprofen was over 400% after Halloween.

Among the top items ordered along with ibuprofen were cognac, cheesesteaks, nacho fries, bacon egg and cheese, and cold brew coffee.

DoorDash’s annual report highlighted geography-based trends beyond wine and spirits. It discovered that Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston were the cities with the highest number of coffee orders in the year. Notable mentions from the report include 2023’s high-demand desserts, top grocery items, and intriguing food pairings.

The report also offers predictions for 2024, among which is an anticipated surge in the use of on-demand delivery services during holidays and festive periods. Also, the year is expected to witness a boom in late-night snacks with a 36% year-on-year increase in orders from midnight to 5 a.m., a trend predicted to continue upwards.

This week, online ordering and food delivery platform DoorDash released its 2023 trends report, noting two new spirits of choice that emerged in the past year.

In 2023, DoorDash witnessed a 648% increase in whiskey orders and a 317% increase in rum. “We saw old classics make a comeback,” said Alanna Shipley, Consumer Insights Expert at DoorDash, who shared that cinnamon whiskey, Tennessee whiskey and bourbon versus white rum, spiced rum and coconut rum were the top orders within their respective categories.

Shipley told me that both spirits weren’t ordered alone, however. “We saw an array of different food pairings for these popular sips,” she said. “Whiskey lovers leaned into sweets, pairing the drink with candy like sweet tarts, [and] we saw those ordering rum pair the spirit with savory eats like sour cream and onion chips.”

Though whiskey and rum achieved a surprising increase this past year, since DoorDash expanded into alcohol delivery in 2021, they’ve been tracking the most popular orders. Here, vodka tops the list of most-ordered alcohol.

The second most popular after vodka is cabernet sauvignon, then prosecco, Irish whiskey, cinnamon whiskey, pinot grigio, pinot noir, hard seltzer which according to DoorDash experienced an 83% increase in orders year-over-year, followed by tequila and moscato.

When analyzing the top favored alcohol orders specifically for the year 2023, vodka maintains its premier position with hard seltzer closely tailing it, then comes tequila, sauvignon blanc, prosecco, whiskey, pinot grigio, lager beer, pinot noir, and rum.

DoorDash identified some other alcoholic trends that were in high demand the day after consumption. They highlighted what they refer as “holiday hangovers”, where the morning following events like St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve saw a large increase in orders for ibuprofen, experiencing more than a 400% surge after Halloween, and other remedies for a hangover.

Along with ibuprofen, a top ordered item was cognac, with additional orders for items like cheesesteaks, nacho fries, bacon egg and cheese, and cold brew coffee.

DoorDash’s yearly report revealed regional trends outside of wine and spirits. Cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston were highlighted for their high number of coffee orders. Plus, insights about the most unique food combinations, favorite desserts, and top grocery lists for 2023 were identified.

The report also shared future indicators for 2024. This includes an expected increase in reliance on on-demand delivery services during festive periods and holidays, and an emphasis on late-night snacking. According to their data, late-night orders from midnight to 5 a.m. have seen a 36% surge year-over-year and this trend is predicted to continue.

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

If you put wine or beer in a freezer, it will be frozen solid in just a few hours.

But if you put vodka in your home freezer, it won’t freeze, even after weeks — or months.

So whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver, crafting a vodka martini or mixing up a trendy Moscow Mule, having the beverage ice-cold — but not frozen — elevates the taste of the cocktail for sure.

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It’s very common to store vodka in the freezer so that you have chilled vodka ready at a moment’s notice. 

Still, you may have pondered why vodka never freezes in your home freezer. 

Whether you’re blending vodka with fruit juices to create favorites like a screwdriver or crafting a vodka martini, having ice-cold vodka elevates the taste of the cocktail. But ever wonder why this spirit doesn’t freeze in a home freezer? 

A science expert disclosed the undeniable reason why spirits do not freeze in the standard home freezers.

Ethanol is the alcohol in spirits.

“Spirits such as vodka are typically around 80 proof, implying they contain 40% ethanol by volume,” stated Tara S. Carpenter, PhD, a main lecturer in the chemistry and biochemistry department at the University of Maryland Baltimore County situated in Baltimore.

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“The other 60% is mostly water, although there can be added flavorings, sugar or dissolved impurities,” she said.

The freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water.

The freezing point of water is 0°C or 32°F, she said, while the freezing point of ethanol is -114.1°C or -173.5°F.

Since the freezing point of alcohol is much lower than the widely known freezing point for liquids such as water — vodka won’t freeze in an everyday home freezer.

Bottles of assorted alcoholic beverages. Although the chill from a freezer will have some effect on vodka, it won’t fully freeze in a regular household freezer.

“At around 40% alcohol (80-proof), vodka has a freezing point that hovers at around -16 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though the freezer’s cold will affect it somewhat, it’s not enough to freeze the vodka solid in your conventional freezer,” as explained by Reader’s Digest.

This is quite an insightful science lesson.

“When we combine ethanol and water, the mix has its personal unique freezing point that is lower than just water. This is caused by a phenomenon known as freezing point depression,” added Carpenter.

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That said, if you prefer your vodka without a mixer and on the rocks, or if shots of vodka are your go-to drink, storing it in your freezer is a sound strategy.

For most vodka, storing it in the freezer is the way to go, and it may make the shot much easier to handle, as per VinePair.com.

Many Americans keep one or two bottles stored in their home freezer, but is it really the best place to store it?

A variety of Smirnoff vodka liquors. Don’t fret about not storing vodka in your freezer — as that leaves more room for frozen pizza and ice cream.

If your vodka of choice is top-tier, skip the freezer, Grey Goose vodka creator Francois Thibault told Business Insider. 

If you prefer a more budget-friendly vodka, he said it’s not a bad idea to keep it in the freezer, since cold temperatures may mask the vodka’s notes or properties, which could be “aggressive” and “burning,” according to Thibault. 

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Storing vodka in your home freezer is fundamentally a personal choice. 

Cold temperatures might conceal some of a vodka’s characteristics or features.

Although it won’t freeze, the nature of vodka may influence your choice between storing it in your fridge or freezer. 

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Still, if you choose not to store vodka in the freezer, don’t fret — as that leaves more room for frozen pizza and ice cream.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle.

Erica Lamberg is a contributing reporter for Fox News Digital.

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Fans of Bob Dylan — and good whiskey — can now get their hands on a new release from the singer’s Heaven’s Door Spirits brand in time for the holidays.

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The company has unveiled an 18-year-old straight bourbon whiskey dubbed the “Bootleg Series Volume V” release. A new release for 2023, the bourbon is finished in Spanish vermouth rouge casks for a rich and complex aroma that features notes of dark fruit, caramel and spice, with subtle vanilla undertones. The ceramic bottle, meantime, features one of Dylan’s original paintings (itself inspired by his road trips across America) and everything is presented in a bespoke leather journal.

BUY: HEAVEN’S DOOR BOOTLEG SERIES VOLUME V $115

This is the fifth release in Heaven’s Door’s “Bootleg” series, which was first launched in 2019. The company’s inaugural “Decade Series,” meantime, was unveiled last year and is also available to order online via ReserveBar.com, making it a great Christmas gift idea.

The Decade Series is a limited-edition collection of ultra-premium American whiskeys, each aged for 10 years or more. The first release in the series is a high-rye 10-year-old straight bourbon whiskey, available at a suggested price of $95 online.

BUY: HEAVEN’S DOOR DECADE SERIES 01, $95

The whiskey is bottled at 100 proof and features notes of maple, poached pear and banana on the nose, with a toffee and bitter chocolate palate. The finish is long and silky, with a hint of leather and earthiness.

The inaugural release of the Decade Series collection is not its inception. The creators of Heaven’s Door claim its genesis to be over a decade ago, marking the hand-selection of barrels from boutique producers nationwide.

Heaven’s Door releases a statement articulating their excitement for the release, which they assert brings an exclusive taste to the world of whiskey. According to them, their Tennessee bourbon brings a non-conventional mash bill, featuring 22% rye and devoid of charcoal mellowing. They describe its distillation as evoking more traditional Kentucky bourbon tastes.

The initial release of the Heaven’s Door Decade Series can be purchased online for home delivery via Reserve Bar. All bottles in the Heaven’s Door line encapsulate Dylan’s ironwork sculptures on their labels, a detail dating back to the brand’s introduction in 2015 by Dylan, a bootleg whiskey enthusiast.

New releases from Dylan’s whiskey brand are consistently being introduced, with recent additions including a Heaven’s Door Cask Strength Single Barrel 2021, and a collaboration with Heaven’s Door Whiskey and Redbreast Irish Whiskey which quickly sold out last May but is now . All the Heaven’s Door releases can be found online at ReserveBar.com.

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Rolling Stones fans? It’s all right now.

In fact, it’s a gas. Or rather a liquid.

One of the world’s greatest and most influential rock bands is introducing its first-ever spirit, Crossfire Hurricane Rum, a premium blend of rums from Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic named after the opening lyric of their iconic 1968 song, “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” And it’s being bottled in Florida.

“Take your tongue for a ride with Crossfire Hurricane,” the band says at crossfirehurricane.com. “This aged, blended rum is our tribute to the islands that have inspired us for decades. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks or in the cocktail of your choosing.

“But never in silence.”

The rum, part of a partnership with Universal Music Group and Socio Ventures, will be bottled and packed at The Point Distillery in New Port Richey, according to a release from the Pasco Economic Development Council.

The announcement came in November, just before the rock royalty band announced a new U.S. tour for 2024 (they’ll be in Orlando on June 3, here’s how to get tickets) and released its first new album since 2005, “Hackney Diamonds,” which debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. albums chart and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 album chart. That makes the seemingly immortal band the first act with a top 10 album in every decade since the 1960s.

What’s kept the band jumpin’ — and relevant — for over 60 years as Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, the late Charlie Watts, and past members like Brian Jones and Bill Wyman blended blues, rock, and rhythm and blues into a signature sound and changed the landscape of rock and roll?

"I want a real fine car, fly Miami too," Jagger sang on the song "Luxury." "All the rum I want to drink it, all the whiskey too."

"The Stones’ love affair with rum began in the ’70s while recording their album ‘Goats Head Soup’ in Kingston, Jamaica," according to a statement from Universal Music Group. "The Caribbean’s boisterous energy and music took hold of the group over the decades and Mick Jagger and Keith Richards often locate themselves on the islands when the band is off the road, it says."

"To us, the Caribbean is more than just a beautiful place. It’s a part of our story," the band said on the rum’s website.

Together with their legendary musical talent and Mick Jagger’s magnetic, frenzied front-man performances, the band has turned into the epitome of rock and roll excess and rebellion. Their site does advise caution, though.

“Always remember to Rock and Roll responsibly,” it says.

It’s described as “a thoughtfully blended rum perfectly aged in carefully selected oak barrels,” according to the release. “The liquid boasts flavors of caramelized bananas followed by a gentle hint of tropical fruit.”

The 700-ml, 40% ABV bottle can be pre-ordered now at crossfirehurricane.com or ReserveBar.com for $37 and should begin shipping early in December. Crossfire Hurricane should start showing up on store shelves in select states in early 2024, according to Beverage Industry.

Of course, they do. On the crossfirehurricane.com site, the band suggests:

Two Licks: 2 oz of Crossfire Hurricane Rum into an ice-filled old fashioned glass, garnish with two black cherries on a cocktail pick.

Gold and Stormy: 1.5 oz of Crossfire Hurricane Rum in an ice-filled Collins glass, with lime juice and ginger beer stirred in, then a dash of Angostura Bitters and garnish with a black cherry and lime wheel on a cocktail pick.

Crossfire Mojito: Crossfire Hurricane Rum, simple syrup and lime poured over pressed mint leaves, topped with beer and crushed ice, garnished with a mint bouquet.

Crossfire Espresso Martini: Crossfire Hurricane Rum, espresso, agave syrup and ice, shaken, strained into a chilled coupe, garnished with a fine dusting of espresso and swirled with a straw “to make a hurricane.”

USA TODAY’s Melissa Ruggieri contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal:

Rolling Stones rum Crossfire Hurricane Rum bottled in Pasco Florida