Scottsdale will soon unveil the ‘Shiv Supper Club,’ a new high-end dining destination positioned to enhance the local culinary scene. This will mark the 15th establishment for the Riot Hospitality Group, emphasizing their commitment to developing upscale dining options in the Valley.

Lissa Druss, a spokesperson for Riot Hospitality Group, described Shiv as a unique supper club that features a high-end steakhouse experience, complete with extravagant cocktails, a dessert room, and engaging entertainment. Druss elaborated, saying, "This is the first supper club in Scottsdale, and we’re proud to bring it to everyone."

The name ‘supper club’ conveys the idea of a delightful, immersive experience, influenced by the need to create a vibrant dining environment. The venue will welcome families, couples, and those seeking a memorable night out. Reservations are recommended, as membership will not be required.

The menu is set to include exceptional offerings such as a ‘truffle bread service,’ designed by their culinary director with assistance from Michelin star chef Jeff Mahin. The establishment will also boast a dedicated dessert room, appealing to sweet-toothed patrons who may wish to indulge solely in desserts.

Cocktails will feature prominently at Shiv, promising unique mixes and a selection of fine wines and spirits. Druss mentioned that items like the signature ‘Well Dressed’ and ‘Burst & Bloom’ cocktails will be highlights of the drink menu.

The opening is slated for early 2025 at 7373 E Camelback Rd, Scottsdale. As the launch date approaches, visitors can stay updated through the Shiv Supper Club’s social media channels and official website.

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.

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

• Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces bourbon or rye whisky
  • 1 sugar cube (or ½ teaspoon simple syrup)
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • 1 orange peel
  • Ice cubes

• Instructions:

  1. Place the sugar cube in a glass and soak it with bitters.
  2. Add a splash of water and muddle until dissolved.
  3. 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

• Ingredients:

  • 2½ ounces gin
  • ½ ounce dry vermouth
  • Ice
  • Lemon twist or olives for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Stir gin and vermouth with ice until well chilled.
  2. 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

• Ingredients:

  • 1 ounce gin
  • 1 ounce Campari
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • Ice
  • Orange peel for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Stir all ingredients with ice until well mixed.
  2. 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

• Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces rye whisky
  • 1 ounce sweet vermouth
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Ice
  • Cherry for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Stir whiskey, vermouth, and bitters with ice until chilled.
  2. 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

• Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces gin
  • ¾ ounce lemon juice
  • ¾ ounce simple syrup
  • Club soda
  • Ice
  • Lemon wheel for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice.
  2. 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

• Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces rye whisky
  • ¼ ounce absinthe
  • 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • Ice
  • Lemon peel for garnish

• Instructions:

  1. Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe and discard the excess.
  2. Muddle the sugar cube with bitters in a separate glass.
  3. Add rye whisky and stir with ice.
  4. 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!

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.

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!

March Madness is an exhilarating time for basketball fans, filled with teams, brackets, and tournaments that can be daunting for newcomers. For enthusiasts, the season is about excitement, camaraderie, and of course, cocktails. Here are seven cocktail suggestions for the March Madness season:

Slam Dunk

At Pier 5 in Miami, the Slam Dunk combines Don Q Cristal rum, Triple Sec, lime, orange juice, and mint, topped with a splash of Starry. Garnished with an orange wheel and a sugarcane stick, it’s described as refreshing and bold, perfect for celebrating March Madness.

Final Fourange

Served at Sweetwater Tavern & Grille in Chicago and Old Town Pour House in Oak Brook and Naperville, the Final Fourange features Ketel One Oranje, triple sec, orange juice, grenadine, and lemon-lime soda. Senior Beverage Manager Doug Wise highlights the balance of flavors and the fun name that embodies the spirit of the tournament.

Madness Mule

A twist on the classic Kentucky Mule, the Madness Mule at Recreation in New York City mixes bourbon with ginger beer and citrus. Chef Julieta Vera emphasizes that this drink encapsulates the high-energy moments of March Madness, making it a perfect companion for fans.

Big-Blue Buzzer Beater and Cardinal Slam

At Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. in Louisville, these cocktails cater to fans of both the Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals. The Big-Blue Buzzer Beater features pea flower syrup for a blue hue, while the Cardinal Slam combines bourbon with strawberry basil syrup and blueberry tea. Bartender Jessi Mosqueda mentions that these drinks are crafted to appeal to both rival fan bases.

The Hooper

At J. Rieger & Co in Kansas City, The Hooper is a tribute to basketball fans, using Rieger’s Straight Rye Whiskey, fino sherry, banana liqueur, fresh lemon juice, orgeat, and orange bitters. Garnished with mint and an orange wheel, it reflects the local basketball culture.

The Espress-Go Martini

Found at Bar Stilwell at the Loews Kansas City Hotel, this cocktail features espresso, Rieger Cafe Amaro, and Madagascar vanilla. Rob Edgington notes it’s a favorite among fans, especially during the Big 12 Tournament.

With these vibrant cocktail options, fans can enjoy the excitement of March Madness to the fullest!

The Eras Pour: For This Mixologist, All’s Fair In Love And Cocktails

Vivian Hsiung, known as the creator behind the Instagram account @cocktailheartremedy, is channeling her romantic escapades into a series of cocktails that narrate her love life in a uniquely creative manner. Dubbed the "Taylor Swift of cocktails," Hsiung’s emotional storytelling through mixology is resonating with her audience of over 9,000 followers and reflects her personal journey of healing and self-discovery.

The onset of Hsiung’s cocktail journey coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, during which she experienced a breakup that compelled her to craft drinks at home. She discovered that the different flavor profiles in mixology—bitter, sweet, sour—mirrored her emotions, leading to a significant realization: transforming her feelings into visual and flavorful experiences. This passion project not only became therapeutic but also evolved into an artistic endeavor.

Though Hsiung has no formal background in mixology, she has quickly become adept in the field, previously working in tech before fully committing to her cocktail creating. Her concoctions are not just simple drinks; they often reflect specific personal experiences, as seen in cocktails like “But You Said You Loved Me” and “Whoremones Gone Wrong”. Each drink is meticulously crafted with layers of meaning, humor, and personal anecdotes, inviting her followers into her journey through the ups and downs of love.

Hsiung’s relationship with her muses extends to the men she dates, some of whom find it flattering when their romantic mishaps inspire new cocktails. Her drink “Flabbergasted” is an example of this approach, conceived after a humorous incident during a date that left an indelible mark on her couch.

As she takes a break from dating in 2025, Hsiung continues to innovate with her cocktail creations, now focusing on simpler recipes to help her followers easily replicate her drinks at home. Ultimately, she dreams of launching a new cocktail menu coinciding with the release of Taylor Swift’s next album, inspired by shared artistic sensibilities.

For her fans and budding mixologists, Vivian Hsiung represents a blend of authenticity and artistry, in which the heartache of love transforms into the joy of creating something beautiful—one cocktail at a time. You can explore her creations on her website.

St. Patrick’s Day is a vibrant celebration of Irish culture that traditionally features Irish whiskey, alongside iconic elements like the color green and Guinness beer. In the U.S., whiskey sales see a notable spike around this holiday, with about 61% of Americans planning to spend an average of $43.64 to commemorate the occasion, according to the National Retail Federation.

The number of Irish distilleries has expanded significantly, having grown from just four in 2010 to over 40 today. Bartenders and distillers credit the smooth and approachable flavor of Irish whiskey for its rising popularity. Classic cocktails like Irish Coffee, highballs, and whiskey sours are often enhanced with it.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year, here’s a curated list of 15 cocktails that incorporate Irish whiskey and other festive spirits:

Teeling’s Iced Irish Coffee

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey
  • 2 oz Cold Brew
  • ½ oz Demerara Syrup
  • Bar spoon of heavy cream
• Instructions: Shake the whiskey, syrup, and cold brew over ice. Strain into a chilled mug filled with ice. Top with cream and garnish with grated nutmeg.

Shamrock & Roll

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ oz Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey
  • ¾ oz White Chocolate Liqueur
  • ¾ oz Creme De Menthe
  • ½ oz Half and Half
  • Chocolate Syrup and Cocoa Powder for garnish
• Instructions: Rim the glass with chocolate syrup and cocoa powder. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the prepared glass.

Slane Irish Coffee

• Ingredients:
  • 1 part Slane Irish Whiskey
  • ⅔ parts vanilla-infused demerara syrup
  • Freshly brewed double espresso
  • Boiling water
  • Lightly whisked double cream
  • Dark chocolate orange shavings
• Instructions: Preheat your glass, brew a double espresso, and add boiling water. Stir in the syrup, espresso, and whiskey, then top with cream and shavings.

White Chocolate Shamrock Shake

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Mozart White Chocolate Liqueur
  • 2 oz vodka
  • 2 pints vanilla ice cream
  • 2 oz milk
  • ¼ tsp peppermint extract
• Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth, then serve with whipped cream and mint garnishes.

Jameson Ginger & Lime

• Ingredients:
  • 1 part Jameson Original
  • 3 parts Ginger Ale
  • 1 Lime Wedge
• Instructions: Fill a highball glass with ice, add Jameson, and top with ginger ale. Squeeze lime into the drink.

Redbreast Irish Whiskey’s Robin Manhattan

• Ingredients:
  • 50ml Redbreast 18-Year-Old
  • 25ml Antica Formula
• Instructions: Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice, stir, then strain into a chilled coupette and garnish with a Maraschino cherry.

Tullamore D.E.W. Honey Lemonade

• Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ parts Tullamore D.E.W. Honey
  • 3 parts lemonade
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon
  • Top with club soda
• Instructions: Stir all ingredients and pour.

Bushmills Irish Coffee

• Ingredients:
  • 1 part Bushmills Black Bush
  • 0.5 part Demerara syrup
  • 4 parts Sumatra coffee
  • Lightly whipped fresh cream
• Instructions: Stir all ingredients in a glass and top with cream.

Glendalough Shamrock

• Ingredients:
  • 4 parts Glendalough Double Barrel Irish Whiskey
  • 1 part Chartreuse
  • 1.5 parts Simple Syrup
  • 2 parts Lemon Juice
  • 1 part Verbena Tea
  • Mint & Basil leaves
• Instructions: Muddle herbs, mix all ingredients, and strain over ice.

Gold Fashioned

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Taffer’s Browned Butter Bourbon
  • 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
• Instructions: Add ingredients over ice in a glass and garnish with orange peel.

Scotch Spring Matcha

• Ingredients:
  • 2 parts The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve
  • ¼ parts matcha
  • 2 parts Crème of Coconut
  • ½ parts lime juice
• Instructions: Shake and strain into a coupe glass, garnish with edible flowers.

The Botanist Green Gimlet

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz The Botanist Islay Dry Gin
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz cucumber honey*
• Instructions: Shake and strain into a chilled glass, garnish with cucumber ribbon.

Bear Fight Bourbon Margarita

• Ingredients:
  • 1 oz Bear Fight Kentucky Reserve Bourbon
  • 0.75 oz Cointreau
  • 1.5 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz agave syrup
• Instructions: Rim glass with salt, mix ingredients with ice, and pour into prepared glass.

Matchatini Crème Latte

• Ingredients:
  • Kin Euphorics Matchatini
  • Minor Figures Oat Milk
  • Coconut Whipped Cream
• Instructions: Shake together and pour into a glass, topping it with whipped cream and matcha.

Mine Hill’s Lucky Mule

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz Mine Hill Distillery’s Rye Whiskey
  • ½ oz Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Ginger Beer
• Instructions: Pour whiskey and lime into a glass with ice, then top with ginger beer and garnish.

This spirited assortment offers plenty of options to enjoy and toast to the luck of the Irish!

Perkins is set to open its flagship restaurant in Orlando, Florida, on March 19, 2025. This new location aims to modernize the brand with a revamped menu and contemporary decor, as Perkins President Toni Ronayne explained. The updated menu will include both classic Americana dishes and exciting new offerings such as boba drinks and cocktails, appealing to evolving consumer tastes.

Having previously undergone a rebranding, Perkins is keen on refreshing its image, including its restaurant layouts. The new flagship space, featuring 3,500 square feet, boasts contemporary aesthetics like bright lighting and an outdoor patio, which have been well-received by franchisees.

"This upscale design has resonated well with our target market," noted Ronayne in a message to Restaurant Dive, signaling strong interest among franchisees for similar enhancements.

The culinary revamp is led by Mindy Armstrong, vice president of menu innovation at Perkins. The restaurant will provide signature items like omelets and build-your-own breakfasts while introducing new categories like shareable appetizers and burgers. On the beverage side, the menu now features Boba Chillers, craft cocktails, and options for younger guests, aiming to cater to a broader demographic and enhance the dining experience during brunch and dinner hours.

The addition of alcoholic drinks reflects a growing demand from customers for enhanced beverage offerings. Ronayne mentioned that cocktails, including frozen margaritas and specialty blends, were a natural progression for the brand, which has previously offered limited alcohol selections.

In a challenging environment for casual and family dining chains, Perkins’ strategic overhaul focuses on modernizing its offerings and restaurant experience. This effort comes as competitors face struggles; for instance, Denny’s closed numerous locations, while other chains saw declines in same-store sales.

By embracing a blend of traditional and contemporary elements, Perkins seeks to recapture market share in a competitive landscape, positioning itself for growth as it navigates the changing dining preferences of its customers.

Related Links

• Perkins to open fast casual stores in Texas debut
• How Perkins’ multifaceted refresh aims to accelerate growth

A chance encounter more than two decades ago between Ilana Hoffer Skoff and a community leader led to the establishment of an organization that has positively influenced the lives of thousands in Northeast Ohio. This initiative, known for its commitment to supporting individuals in need, has made substantial strides in enhancing the community fabric.

Recently, the organization mourned the loss of Skoff, who passed away at the age of 58. Her legacy of compassion and advocacy continues to resonate, reflecting her significant impact on the lives she touched through her work.

In an unrelated event, the Solon Chamber of Commerce will hold its fourth annual Cocktails and Conversations on March 6 at the Solon Community Center. With over 150 professionals in attendance, the event aims to foster connections within the women’s health and wellness sector.

Speakers at the event include Judy Caine of Cetera discussing "Envisioning Women in Retirement," and Melissa Goldsmith addressing post-traumatic stress recovery strategies. Other topics cover the importance of recognizing biases in CPR training and achieving optimal health through functional medicine.

Tickets for this networking evening are available for $20, which includes two drink tickets and appetizers. For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit shorturl.at/OlGpR.