Liquor-articles 1933

Adding vodka to shortbread cookie dough can elevate its texture and taste without an alcoholic flavor. According to Lisa Lotts from the food blog Garlic & Zest, incorporating just 1 to 2 tablespoons of vodka into the dough makes it more manageable and enhances the final baked good.

The science behind this clever trick lies in vodka’s unique properties. Unlike water, vodka hydrates the dough without developing gluten, which is what can make baked goods tough. As a result, the cookies end up being light, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. During baking, most of the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind only moisture and steam, which also contributes to their light texture.

For best results, use a moderately priced vodka, as quality isn’t crucial for baking. You could even use a less expensive brand, considering the small amount needed. If you’re following a shortbread recipe, simply replace half the required liquid with vodka, capped at 1 to 2 tablespoons, to ensure optimum softness and flavor.

In summary, using vodka in shortbread cookies is a simple yet effective method for achieving a bakery-quality treat right at home.

As America readies for its 250th anniversary, the prestigious American Whiskey Commission has declared Bhakta 1868 America250 Edition – Barrel 1 Washington the “Best In Show” bourbon. Scoring an impressive 19 out of 20 points during a blind tasting, this bourbon boasts complex flavors including notes of marmalade, pepper, quince, and apple pie.

Priced at $250, this unique offering is an "American Blended Bourbon," made up of 60% 21-year-old bourbon complemented by 40% 19th-century French Armagnac. Founder Raj Bhakta emphasizes that this blend reflects the Franco-American collaboration critical to securing independence. With only five barrels produced, this limited-edition release is available exclusively online, promising enthusiasts a rare taste of history as the country approaches its semiquincentennial celebrations.

In anticipation of this milestone, a panel of experts from the American Whiskey Commission evaluated various bourbons to ensure that the finest spirits grace celebratory events. Their assessment culminated in the recognition of Bhakta 1868, which showcases not just bourbon but a blend that also incorporates historic French brandy.

This release marks a departure from conventional bourbon offerings, illustrating Bhakta’s innovative approach to whiskey production. His portfolio demonstrates a flair for blending distinctive spirits, resulting in award-winning concoctions that fuse American heritage with French craftsmanship. The America250 Edition is emblematic of this endeavor, embodying a collaboration that Bhakta asserts is reflective of the historic bonds that helped secure American independence.

The select limited edition is available for purchase directly from the brand’s website, presenting a chance to own a piece of bourbon history as the nation prepares for its anniversary celebrations.

For the past six years, cocktails have been a focal point, guided by bartender Jason O’Bryan, now the lead mixologist at Michelin three-star Addison. Through this journey, an extensive library of cocktail recipes has been assembled, tracing the history and evolution of classic drinks. A prime example is the Daiquiri, a simple blend of rum, lime, and sugar, considered both a benchmark for aspiring bartenders and the foundation for many variations.

Classic Daiquiri

The true Daiquiri stands apart from the common misconception of a neon, slushy drink. A proper Daiquiri is a harmonious blend of the following:

• 2 oz. Plantation 3-Star White Rum
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• 0.75 oz. simple syrup

Method: Add ingredients to a shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 10 to 12 seconds, strain into a stemmed coupe glass, and garnish with a lime wheel.

Brooklynite

Originating from the Stork Club in New York, this cocktail is a blend of cultural prestige and creativity. It’s a simple yet satisfying cocktail that showcases:

• 2 oz. Jamaican rum
• 0.75 oz. lime juice
• 0.75 oz. honey syrup
• 1 dash bitters

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice for 8 to 10 seconds, then strain into a cocktail glass.

Captain’s Blood

Differing from a classic Daiquiri, this drink employs Jamaican rum and a generous dash of bitters, creating a rich and complex taste. Required ingredients include:

• 2 oz. Jamaican rum
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 0.75 oz. simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters

Method: Shake all ingredients on ice and strain into a coupe glass.

Old Cuban

Often described as a cross between a French 75 and a Mojito, the Old Cuban incorporates:

• 1.5 oz. aged rum
• 0.75 oz. lime juice
• 0.75 oz. simple syrup
• 6-8 mint leaves
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 2 oz. sparkling wine

Method: Shake ingredients (excluding wine) with ice, strain into a flute glass, top with sparkling wine, and garnish with mint.

Hush & Wonder

This cocktail combines the simplicity of a Daiquiri with a floral touch, achieved by mixing:

• 2 oz. rum
• 0.75 oz. lime juice
• 0.75 oz. simple syrup
• 0.25 oz. crème de violette
• 2 dashes grapefruit bitters

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice, rinse a glass with crème de violette, strain the cocktail in, and garnish with a lime wheel.

Hemingway Daiquiri

Named after the famed author who loved it during his time in Havana, this variation features:

• 2 oz. white rum
• 0.5 oz. lime juice
• 0.5 oz. grapefruit juice
• 0.25 oz. Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

Method: Combine ingredients over ice or blend, serving in a stemmed glass.

Daisy de Santiago

This vibrant cocktail includes:

• 1.5 oz. aged rum
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup
• 0.5 oz. Yellow Chartreuse
• 1 oz. soda water

Method: Mix ingredients in a tall glass, chill with crushed ice, stir lightly, and garnish with mint.

Royal Bermuda Yacht Club

A blend of rum with a few surprises:

• 1.5 oz. aged rum
• 0.25 oz. Cointreau
• 0.25 oz. falernum
• 0.25 oz. demerara syrup
• 0.75 oz. lime juice

Method: Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

Reviving an old favorite, this drink is crafted with:

• 2 oz. rum
• 0.75 oz. lime juice
• 1 tbsp. sugar
• 60 g frozen strawberries
• Pinch of salt
• 0.25 tsp. xanthan gum

Method: Blend all ingredients until smooth and serve in a chilled glass, garnished as desired.

The diverse cocktails stemming from the classic Daiquiri provide endless opportunities for enjoyment and creativity, ensuring this drink remains a favorite in bars and homes alike.

One of the most captivating stories about Freddie Mercury, the iconic frontman of Queen, involves his relationship with vodka during the recording of the band’s last single, "The Show Must Go On," in 1990. At that time, Mercury was gravely ill, and as Brian May expressed concern about Mercury’s ability to hit the song’s high notes, Mercury famously responded, "I’ll f**king do it, darling." After taking a shot of vodka, he delivered one of his most powerful and defiant performances.

Posthumously, Peter "Phoebe" Freestone, Mercury’s long-time assistant, has shared various insights into the singer’s life, including his dietary preferences and drinking habits on freddiemercury.com. Among the details, Freestone mentioned in 2018 that Mercury favored vodka and tonic. His preferred vodka was Stolichnaya, known informally as "Stoli," outside of Russia. This detail ties into a tribute from 2014 when the SPI Group, the company behind Stoli, released a special vodka named after "Killer Queen" to celebrate the song’s 40th anniversary—a nod that Mercury would have surely appreciated.

The choice of Stoli was not arbitrary; the vodka’s quality and flavor have long been celebrated in the culinary world. Its neutral profile allows it to blend seamlessly with mixers, thanks to an extensive production process that includes triple distillation and multiple filtrations. This meticulous preparation results in a smooth and premium spirit that enhances cocktails without overwhelming them.

While Stoli’s production date goes back to 1938, the brand evolved to pioneer flavored vodkas in the 1960s, showing its versatility in mixing. Unfortunately, the Stoli Group USA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2024 and transitioned to a Chapter 7 liquidation in 2026, although they assert their ability to meet consumer needs remains intact.

For those wishing to emulate Freddie Mercury’s famous cocktail, the classic combination of Stoli and Schweppes Tonic Water is ideal. This simple drink allows true aficionados to appreciate the vodka’s subtle flavors while encouraging exploration of varied cocktails through suggested recipes found in easy vodka cocktail options.

Shares of Rumble Inc. (RUM), a platform for video and cloud services, attracted significant investor interest following the announcement of a $270 million agreement with an undisclosed third-party cloud customer. This deal marks Rumble’s largest customer commitment to date, as the company aims to enhance its cloud capabilities with GPU cloud capacity utilizing Nvidia’s innovative Blackwell B300 systems. If the agreement proves commercially viable, it could be adjusted for a larger scale and extended duration.

The news prompted a sharp rise in RUM’s stock price, which surged nearly 25% at market open. However, shortly thereafter, the stock experienced a downward correction. As of the latest updates, it was one of the top-trending tickers on Stocktwits.

In a strategic maneuver, Rumble is also in the process of acquiring Northern Data, a Germany-based AI and cloud infrastructure provider. This acquisition is part of Rumble’s efforts to establish an independent ecosystem free from the dominance of major U.S. tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. The deal is anticipated to close soon, significantly boosting Rumble’s cloud capacity with an addition of over 22,000 Nvidia GPUs.

Retail trader sentiment on Stocktwits has been overwhelmingly positive in the past day, with high volumes of transactions. By mid-morning, over 4.85 million shares of RUM had traded on NASDAQ, which is nearly double the average volume over the past three months. Despite a broader market trend, RUM has seen a 36% increase in value year-to-date, though it has faced a slight decline of just over 1% in the past year.

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Almost a decade after acquiring a distillery in Tennessee, Sazerac has announced the launch of its first Tennessee whiskey, AJ Bond. This whiskey, a blend of column and pot-distilled spirits bottled at 95 proof, signifies the debut of the AJ Bond Distillery in La Vergne, Tennessee.

The journey to AJ Bond began in 2016 when Sazerac purchased a distillery in Newport, Tennessee, formerly known for the Popcorn Sutton brand. The acquisition seemed more like an acquihire, as Sazerac retained the expertise of John Lunn, the master distiller, and Allisa Henley, the master blender, without acquiring existing brands. Their experience in the Tennessee whiskey industry, particularly from their previous endeavors at George Dickel, was crucial for this new venture.

Years later, Lunn and Henley orchestrated production under the radar, experimenting with a distinctive approach to creating Tennessee whiskey. In early 2026, it was revealed that the distillery would operate under the name "AJ Bond," symbolizing the partnership between Allisa and John. Tragically, John Lunn passed away in 2023, but both Henley and Sazerac aim to honor his legacy through the distillery and its offerings.

Consumers will soon be able to taste the fruits of their labor. The inaugural release of AJ Bond whiskey is set to appear on shelves in summer 2026. While specifics about the recipe remain undisclosed, it adheres to Tennessee regulations, containing at least 51% corn in its mashbill. The production involves a blend of two liquid streams, distilling one via pot stills and the other through column stills, followed by sugar maple charcoal filtering, known as the Lincoln County Process.

After aging separately, the whiskeys are combined at bottling at 95 proof. Tasting notes highlight aromas of wedding cake and caramel corn, complemented by flavors of baked apple, marzipan, and brandied cherry, with subtle hints of cream soda and baking chocolate.

In alignment with its Tennessee roots, AJ Bond sources corn from a family farm in Murfreesboro and utilizes barrels made from Tennessee oak. However, it’s yet to be confirmed if all corn and wood materials are sourced from within the state.

AJ Bond Tennessee Whiskey will launch in Tennessee in June 2026, with broader distribution anticipated later in the year. Priced at an MSRP of $39.99, this release marks Sazerac’s official entry into the Tennessee whiskey market, with plans for additional expressions from the AJ Bond Distillery in the future.

Vodka is not just a popular spirit for cocktails but also serves as a versatile ingredient in cooking. It enhances flavors in dishes like pasta sauces and soups, tenderizes meat, and contributes to the flakiness of baked goods. However, when selecting vodka for culinary purposes, the proof or strength of the vodka plays a crucial role.

In the United States, vodka must be at least 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume) to be labeled as such. While there are higher proof options available, using standard 80-proof vodka is typically sufficient for cooking needs. This is because its primary role is not to impart a significant alcoholic flavor but to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

While it’s acceptable to use 80-proof vodka, choosing a good quality brand is essential, regardless of proof. Lower-quality vodkas can negatively impact the taste of your food. Even though the alcohol may evaporate while cooking, the vodka’s flavor can linger, influencing the dish’s final taste, especially in recipes where vodka is a prominent ingredient, such as in homemade vanilla extract.

Moreover, be cautious of lower-proof beverages labeled as vodka. Many have significantly reduced alcohol content, which can affect both the chemistry of cooking and the flavor profile due to their higher water content. These should be reserved for light cocktails rather than culinary applications.

In summary, for most cooking needs, standard 80-proof vodka is your best choice, providing the necessary benefits without breaking the bank on premium brands. Remember to prioritize quality and avoid any low-proof alternatives to achieve the best results in your cooking.

For more culinary tips and advice, consider joining newsletters focused on cooking and recipes.

My liquor cabinet is in the den, but I often find myself rushing to it from the kitchen, especially now that summer is in full swing. Rum has a special place in my culinary routine, extending beyond its typical use in cocktails.

Not only is rum a beloved spirit for mixed drinks, but its versatility enhances various dishes, enriching flavors from sweet to savory. Its applications are vast: from macerating fruits for refreshing salads, infusing sorbets, soaking sponge cakes, to adding depth to pancake batter and traditional dishes like savarin and sabayon.

Historically, rum has been associated with warmer climates, being distilled in tropical regions where sugarcane is abundant. This spirit became a popular alternative to beer for sailors in those parts of the world. The roots of the word "rum" are believed to stem from multiple sources including the Latin "saccharum" for sugar, the Spanish "ron," or the English “rumbullion,” a term for strong liquor.

Once known for its potency and less palatable flavor, rum underwent significant refinement in the 1800s, leading to more consistent production techniques. It can be found in a spectrum of colors, with some bottled with caramel for a rich amber hue, while others remain clear.

Cooking with rum unlocks delightful pairings with tropical fruits like bananas and pineapples, and it elevates meat dishes, making it an excellent marinade or finishing sauce for pork and chicken. Remarkably, once opened, the flavor profile of rum remains stable; it doesn’t mature or improve in the bottle like red wine does.

For those looking to explore fresh culinary ideas, rum is a valuable ingredient to keep on hand in the kitchen, adding warmth and richness to both standard and innovative recipes.

Brown-Forman, the owner of the Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery, has announced a temporary halt in production at the facility located in County Meath, Ireland. This decision reflects a broader trend in the whiskey market, where even prominent brands are feeling the effects of declining sales and shifting consumer demand.

The announcement was initially reported by Robb Report, which noted that the company emphasized the need for demand planning and production adjustments in line with market conditions. Despite the temporary closure, a spokesperson assured that there is a robust supply of aging whiskey, ensuring that Slane products will remain available to customers around the globe. The visitor center at Slane will stay open for tours and trade visits.

This pause in production coincides with a turbulent period for Brown-Forman. The company has faced challenges, including layoffs and lower spirits sales across its portfolio, which includes the well-known Jack Daniel’s brand. There have also been acquisition rumors surrounding the company, which has recently reduced operations at other distilleries including Scotland’s Glenglassaugh.

Slane Irish Whiskey has been a significant player in the Irish whiskey surge. Acquired by Brown-Forman in 2015, the company invested around $50 million in constructing a state-of-the-art distillery at the historic Slane Castle Estate. This estate is famous for its large concert events featuring global artists.

While the company has indicated that the current shutdown is temporary, it has also raised speculation about the duration. An employee’s LinkedIn post suggested that the distillery could be closed for several years, creating uncertainty about its future.

The whiskey industry as a whole is experiencing a cooling trend after years of rapid expansion. Companies are recalibrating production strategies as consumer preferences shift, inflation impacts spending, and sales of premium spirits decline. Even as Slane whiskey remains available for now, its production halt signals a significant moment for the brand and the overall Irish whiskey market, which was once characterized by unprecedented growth.

For enthusiasts of Irish whiskey, the continuation of Slane bottles in the market offers some comfort, but the future availability will be influenced by how the market stabilizes in response to evolving consumer preferences.

The 2026 ADI International Spirits Competition recently crowned TAIL PIPE Jalapeño Flavored Vodka from Wohlfert Craft Distilling as the World’s Best Flavored Vodka. This small-batch, 80 proof vodka, priced at $28.99, hails from Snohomish, Washington.

The American Distilling Institute hosted the competition, which featured over 1,000 entries evaluated by expert judges. TAIL PIPE not only won Double Gold but also earned Best of Category, showcasing its superiority in a fiercely competitive market.

Judges praised the vodka for its vivid jalapeño aroma and balanced flavor, highlighting its “delicate and well-managed” spice and a smooth texture. The reviews noted the vodka’s versatility; it’s ideal for crafting cocktails like Bloody Marys and espresso martinis, as well as pairing with tropical fruits, which complement jalapeño’s heat.

John Wohlfert, the distiller and owner of the craft distillery, expressed pride in this recognition, indicating it solidifies their reputation for producing bold and distinct spirits. Wohlfert Craft Distilling operates from the family’s property, creating an intimate atmosphere that is rare in the industry.

The influence of family history is significant in their products. The signature cocktail, Helluva Cocktail, combines CLUTCH Coffee Liqueur with TAIL PIPE Jalapeño Vodka and espresso, creating a unique drink with roots in the family’s Prohibition-era traditions.

Wohlfert attributes their success to the care and precision in crafting flavorful vodkas that stand out in a crowded industry. Winning such a prestigious title marks a pivotal achievement for the small distillery, ensuring they gain the attention of spirit enthusiasts globally.

Related Links:

• Wohlfert Craft Distilling
• American Distilling Institute