Recipes 341

It seems like king cake gets all the attention this time of year, but Carnival-inspired cocktails are an equally delicious delight — for those 21 and older — and nearly as ubiquitous across New Orleans. Carnival is about excess, and our Mardi Gras forefathers encouraged festivity through both feasting and imbibing.

From daiquiris sold by the half-gallon to sophisticated concoctions crafted by expert mixologists, New Orleans offers a vibrant array of purple, green, and gold options. Neal Bodenheimer, founder of the award-winning Cure cocktail bar, reflects on the uniqueness of this season’s offerings: "It’s a short Carnival season this year, and it seems like everyone has a Mardi Gras cocktail, and the fun thing is they are all different."

Here’s a list of some standout Mardi Gras cocktails for the season:

Cure

Cure continues its tradition of crafting classic cocktails with an innovative seasonal menu. The standout is the Ojen Cocktail, featuring the sweet Spanish liqueur with Peychaud’s bitters, a favorite among Rex parade-goers — known for its supposed good luck.

Four Seasons

Downtown at the Four Seasons Hotel, guests can indulge in a special Krewe of Cocktails menu. Notable options include the purple Mardi Gras Mambo at Chemin à la Mer, the Ojen at the Chandelier Bar, and the refreshing Masquerade at Miss River. Patrons who sample all three are rewarded with a miniature king cake.

Gris-Gris

At Gris-Gris, the bar’s King Cake Daiquiri channels Carnival spirit into a vibrant drink, boasting flavors of brioche-infused spiced rum and a blend of cream liqueurs. Guests can even order larger half-gallon versions for gatherings.

Cane & Table

A tiki-inspired bar, Cane & Table offers a playful Parade Tracker cocktail menu, including creative options like horchata-infused whiskey jello shots and a turmeric gin drink dubbed Ash Wednesday, aimed at preventing hangovers.

Avegno

This elegant spot presents two visually appealing cocktails: Madame X Mambo, blending king cake flavors with vodka and lime, and the Sidewalk Side Espresso Martini with rum and espresso, perfect for late-night festivities.

The Bower

With a robust Mardi Gras menu, The Bower features drinks like Dancing in the Street, a combination of vodka, tequila, apple, and lemon, as well as the Knife in the Box, a frozen concoction with spiced rum and vegan soft-serve.

Elysian Bar/Hotel Peter and Paul

In the Marigny, Elysian Bar’s Fais Do Do pays tribute to Mardi Gras with a mix of green chili vodka, chamomile grappa, and colorfully sugared edges.

Morrow Steak

Featuring four dedicated Carnival cocktails, highlights include the King Cake Baby topped with a classic king cake figure and the tropical Zulu Coconut combining coconut rum and Midori.

The Eliza Jane

Located on the parade route, the Press Room at The Eliza Jane serves cheeky cocktails like It’s Pronounced “Praw-Leen,” which mixes bourbon, praline liqueur, and orange bitters.

Suzie Q’s Sherry Pop-Up

Local mixologist Alex Utter offers a take on parade cocktails with her portable bar, featuring vibrant drinks like Emerald Queen and Purple Pearl”. Orders can be placed through her Instagram for delivery in easy-to-carry flasks.

This Mardi Gras season, be sure to celebrate with these creative cocktails, bringing additional joy to the vibrant festivities in New Orleans.

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Consider stepping beyond the usual bottle of wine and impressing your special someone with some delightful cocktails. A selection of romantic cocktail recipes can elevate your date night and create a memorable experience.

Imagine handing over a delicious chocolate martini or a refreshing frozen hot chocolate martini—these cocktails can make anyone feel cherished. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity mimosa, a rich after-dinner drink, or a fizzy Champagne cocktail, there’s something on the list for every vibe.

For a refreshing twist, you can try a classic cocktail with a romantic spin, like the chocolate-covered cherry Old Fashioned or a cherry espresso martini. If you want to celebrate the love for friends, Galentine’s Day, with fun drinks such as the frozen cosmo slush or giggle juice, is always a welcome option.

And don’t forget to pair your cocktails with a delicious meal! Check out favorite dinner recipes and desserts to enhance your Valentine’s Day experience.

Featured Cocktail Recipes:

• Cherry Espresso Martini: Muddled Luxardo cherries mixed with espresso create a sweet yet bold flavor.
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Jell-O Shots: Fun and perfect for a sweet twist on tradition.
• An Americano In Paris: This classic cocktail transports you to the romantic streets of Paris.
• Sour Cherry Paloma: A zesty take on the beloved paloma cocktail, ideal for lovers of tequila.
• Chocolate-Covered Cherry Old Fashioned: A slow-sipping cocktail that’s rich and comforting.

Explore these options and more for a Valentine’s Day filled with love, laughter, and great drinks. Whether you’re celebrating romance or friendship, these cocktails can help set the mood. Cheers to a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

For more cocktail inspirations, check out the full list of recipes and ideas!

The U.S. State Department is taking significant steps to remove all posts from its social media accounts on X (formerly known as Twitter) dating from before Donald Trump’s second term. Reports indicate that from now on, the only way to officially access the archived posts will be through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, effectively making those earlier communications less accessible to the public.

This decision aligns with broader efforts to manage the department’s digital footprint and potentially reshape its online presence as a response to evolving political climates. The implications of such a move are considerable, as it raises questions about transparency and the public’s right to access historical government communications.

For more details, refer to the article on Engadget.

In the evolving landscape of the cocktail scene, 2026 is set to embrace a wave of nostalgia with a resurgence of vintage drinks and spirits, as predicted by expert mixologist Molly Horn from Total Wine & More. As people seek comfort in simpler times, classic cocktails such as the appletini, French martini, and Amaretto Sour are making a comeback in bars. Meanwhile, at home, cocktail enthusiasts are expected to experiment with slightly more complex drinks that have traditionally been overlooked, like an authentic mai tai or cosmopolitan.

Horn emphasizes the importance of adaptability in cocktail culture. She notes how there is a growing trend of high-quality Ready-To-Drink cocktails that illustrate the potential of classic recipes, encouraging consumers to replicate these at home. This revival is driven by the joy of reimagining old favorites in new, sustainable ways.

Several spirits are poised for a notable comeback in 2026, with vodka leading the charge. Once sidelined in craft cocktails, vodka is reclaiming its place due to its affordability and versatility in mixing. Additionally, classic liqueurs, including amaretto and peach schnapps, are set to reappear as bartenders and home mixologists explore playful flavors that deliver enjoyable cocktails.

For those eager to indulge in the vintage trend, visiting a retro-themed bar could provide the perfect opportunity to order classic drinks, while trying your hand at making a classic French martini at home could be a fun way to embrace this nostalgic wave.

Few spirits have captured the imagination of cocktail enthusiasts quite like Campari. Its origins trace back over 150 years to the bustling cafes of 1860s Milan, where it was created by Gaspare Campari. Known for its striking red color and unique bittersweet profile, Campari is essential to various classic drinks, from the iconic Negroni to the refreshing Americano.

Despite its evolution over the decades, including changes in ingredients and production methods, Campari’s appeal remains strong, grossing over $3.3 billion in annual sales globally. It’s no longer just a bar staple; many home mixologists also make it a key ingredient.

Campari Cocktails to Try

1. Negroni

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz gin
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange twist

Directions:Stir all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube and garnish with an orange twist.

2. Boulevardier

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz rye whiskey
• Lemon peel

Directions:Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

3. Café Negroni

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
• 1 oz Campari
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• Orange peel

Directions:Combine in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20 seconds and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.

4. Americano

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz Campari
• 1 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
• Club soda to top
• Orange slice

Directions:Fill a highball glass with ice and add Campari and sweet vermouth. Top with club soda and stir gently. Garnish with an orange slice.

5. Garibaldi

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Campari
• 4 oz fresh orange juice

Directions:Add Campari to a rocks glass filled with ice and pour fresh orange juice on top. Stir gently to mix.

6. Campari Spritz

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Campari
• 3 oz dry Prosecco
• 1 oz club soda
• Ice
• Orange slice

Directions:Fill a large wine glass with ice, add Campari, top with Prosecco and soda, and gently stir. Garnish with an orange slice.

These cocktails highlight the versatility of Campari and can cater to any setting, whether you are hosting a gathering at home or enjoying a night out. Its combination of bittersweet flavor and visual appeal continues to make it a favorite among cocktail lovers.

State liquor officials, along with support from the hospitality industry and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, are advocating for a new measure in New Hampshire that would permit restaurants and bars to provide customers with "to-go" cocktails or deliver them to homes. This comes as a response to the ongoing changes in the liquor laws, a topic that gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw temporary allowances for beer and wine deliveries.

State Senator Tim McGough, the sponsor of Senate Bill 524, believes this initiative could enhance revenue for communities while improving safety. Currently, 37 states have similar laws, illustrating a growing trend towards more flexible alcohol service regulations.

Initially, there were reservations about this proposal. Mark Armaganian, chief of law enforcement for the New Hampshire Liquor Commission, expressed concerns regarding possible violations of open container laws. However, over time, the lack of significant issues associated with deliveries shifted opinions towards supporting the bill.

In a survey carried out by a public health advocacy group, it was revealed that six out of the 27 establishments involved at the time had illegally delivered alcohol to minors. This prompted the commission to implement mandatory training for those who violated the regulations, resulting in improved compliance when businesses were checked thereafter.

The latest version of the bill mandates that any cocktails taken out must have a secure seal and include ingredient listings, alcohol content, and health warnings. However, questions arose regarding the exclusion of third-party delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats, which McGough pointed out handle a significant volume of food deliveries.

Armaganian noted that states facing challenges with underage sales have struggled when allowing these non-licensee delivery services to transport alcohol, complicating enforcement efforts. Supporters from various political backgrounds, including the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy, argue that states with "to-go" cocktail laws have seen a decrease in drunk driving fatalities, suggesting that such laws could be beneficial overall.

Looking ahead, the Senate Commerce Committee needs to review the bill by early March, and with the House also advancing similar legislation, there’s a strong possibility this initiative will be finalized in the 2026 session.

AI Barmen has introduced an innovative AI-powered robotic bartender capable of mixing custom cocktails and remembering individual customer preferences. This advanced system is designed to address prevalent issues in the hospitality industry, such as labor shortages, inconsistent drink quality, and long wait times.

Unlike traditional automated dispensers, the AI Barmen system integrates robotics with an AI-driven recommendation engine that personalizes drink selections based on user history. Customers have the option to remain anonymous or allow the system to track their preferences across various venues, ensuring consistency and quality whenever they order their favorite drinks.

The robotic setup features a precise mixing arm, capable of creating a wide variety of cocktails while managing inventory autonomously, thus minimizing waste and improving stock accuracy. Its design permits operation from a standard electrical outlet, requiring no continuous water supply, which makes it suitable for bars, hotels, restaurants, airports, and events.

The founders of AI Barmen aimed to create a functional tool rather than just a spectacle, allowing human staff to focus on customer interaction instead of repetitive tasks. Co-founder Dmitry Dima Puriaev highlighted the integration of technology to optimize complex processes in cocktail crafting, making the drinking experience not only efficient but entertaining.

The system can generate thousands of cocktail variations, including custom recipes saved by users, with the ability to reproduce them identically across different AI Barmen units. This technology is intended to be a cost-effective solution, expanding accessibility to smaller operators in the hospitality industry.

User engagement has exceeded expectations, with customers returning for more drinks due to their positive experiences. Co-founder Alex Snesarev noted the unique appeal of their product lies in its practical application rather than mere entertainment, engaging customers through features like gamification, achievements, and cocktail exploration.

AI Barmen plans to manufacture 90 units in the upcoming six months, targeting various deployment opportunities across bars, hotels, and events, as the company envisions a future where functional robotics plays a pivotal role in hospitality automation.

Applebee’s is celebrating the start of the new year with the return of its popular $6 Mucho Smoocho Sips cocktails and the introduction of a new cheese-drenched burger, the O-M-Cheese Burger.

The Mucho Smoocho Sips are back for a limited time, featuring the vibrant Tipsy Cupid cocktail, which combines vodka, orange liqueur, and strawberry flavors with a sweet-tart twist. Joining it is the Prickly Ever After Rita, a new margarita blending tequila, citrus, and prickly pear flavors, making it both sweet and tangy. These cocktails come adorned with fun gummy candies and will be available for just $6, with an option to upgrade to premium spirits.

For non-drinkers, Applebee’s introduces the Prickly Melon Rush Mocktail, a refreshing combination of watermelon-flavored Red Bull and citrus ingredients.

On the food front, the O-M-Cheese Burger offers a hearty experience. This all-beef burger is topped with American cheese, Applewood-smoked bacon, and spicy honey mustard. It’s served over warm queso and a blend of melted Cheddar cheeses, all in a sizzling skillet, making it perfect for dipping and sharing.

Both the cocktails and the O-M-Cheese Burger are part of Applebee’s 2 for $25 menu, which includes two entrees and an appetizer, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of offerings at a value price. Applebee’s new menu items are designed to enhance dining experiences with friends or loved ones, kicking off the year with indulgence and fun.

Hot Plate Brewing Company in Pittsfield has received approval from the Pittsfield Licensing Board to upgrade to an all-alcohol license, which will allow the establishment to serve spirits in addition to its current beer and wine offerings. This change comes on the heels of a new state law that enables businesses to convert their wine and malt licenses into nontransferable all-alcohol licenses.

Mike Dell’Aquila, co-founder and manager of Hot Plate Brewing, expressed excitement over the change, stating that they’ve received numerous requests for cocktails like vodka sodas. "This option helps us achieve our goal of being as inclusive as possible," he shared.

With the new all-alcohol license, Hot Plate Brewing plans to offer a wider variety of beverages, including hard seltzers, gluten-free options, and a selection of craft cocktails. They anticipate rolling out their own hard seltzer and a unique drink called Volke Spritz, crafted by owner Sarah Real, which is a modern take on a classic Mexican beverage.

The brewery aims to create a curated cocktail list that includes both traditional drinks and seasonal specials. While it will not function as a full bar, the expanded menu aims to cater to a broader audience, potentially increasing foot traffic in downtown Pittsfield.

Under the conditions of the new law, the all-alcohol license cannot be transferred; if the brewery ceases operations, it would revert to its previous wine and malt license. This legislation is part of a push to maintain the city’s overall liquor license quota while giving businesses like Hot Plate Brewing the opportunity to enhance their offerings.

Dell’Aquila reiterated the brewery’s commitment to being a welcoming space for community gatherings, emphasizing that this license upgrade aligns with their mission to create an inclusive environment. They also plan to continue collaborating with local food vendors as they move into their fourth year of operation.

The taproom anticipates implementing these new offerings early in 2026, pending final state approval. The initiative aligns perfectly with their aim to expand gluten-free selections and enhance the overall experience in their taproom beyond just the beer they brew on-site.

For more details about Hot Plate Brewing, visit Hot Plate Brewing Company.

As Californians prepare to celebrate the New Year, a recent study reveals the state’s top cocktail choices. The analysis by the online gambling and entertainment website, Winna, examined search data for nearly 50 cocktails, highlighting the most popular drinks among Californians as the clock approaches midnight.

According to Paul Mertens, CEO of Winna, cocktails often play a crucial role in holiday festivities, especially when alcohol consumption traditionally increases from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. The top five cocktails that Californians are searching for this holiday season are:

1. Aperol Spritz – 39,617 searches: A light, bubbly, and bittersweet aperitivo, perfect for warm California evenings.

   • How to make: Mix Aperol and prosecco over ice, top with soda, and garnish with an orange slice.

2. Margarita – 30,767 searches: A classic tequila cocktail that is bright and zesty, balanced with lime and a hint of orange sweetness.

   • How to make: Shake tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice; strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

3. Negroni – 30,100 searches: A strong, bitter, and aromatic drink with a gin-forward profile.

   • How to make: Stir gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth over ice; strain into a glass.

4. Moscow Mule – 28,492 searches: Crisp and gingery, served traditionally in a copper mug.

   • How to make: Combine vodka and lime juice over ice, finish with ginger beer, and stir gently.

5. Espresso Martini – 27,833 searches: A velvety, caffeinated cocktail with rich espresso foam.

   • How to make: Shake vodka, fresh espresso, and coffee liqueur hard with ice; strain into a chilled glass.

In addition to cocktails, beer enthusiasts are opting for Bud Light, cider drinkers favor Woodchuck, spirit lovers choose Hennessy, and wine drinkers lean towards Beringer.

The rankings were determined using monthly Google search volumes collected over the past year, providing insight into California’s cocktail preferences as we usher in the new year.