Recipes 375

A new trend is emerging in the cocktail scene, blurring the lines between wine and long-held perceptions of traditional mixed drinks. Wine cocktails, which combine various wines with other ingredients, have seen significant growth, with sales soaring over 30% to reach $1.1 billion as of late 2025. This places wine cocktails solidly in third place behind table wine and sparkling wine in terms of industry sales.

While the concept of mixing cocktails with wine isn’t brand new, the current focus is on using wines—be they sparkling, white, or red—as the main component of these drinks rather than as mere accents. This newfound approach is appealing to consumers due to its flavor profile and lower alcohol content compared to traditional cocktails.

Thomas Stevens, beverage director at Fearless Restaurants, points out that the rising demand for lower-ABV cocktails and a more relaxed attitude towards wine consumption are influencing this trend. Wine cocktails provide an approachable option that complements social settings like brunch while pairing well with various foods.

Many establishments are creatively crafting these drinks to ensure a sense of celebration and sophistication. For instance, the Shou Sugi Ban House in Water Mill, New York, features a signature cocktail called Summer Rain, made with Albariño and fresh ingredients like aloe vera juice and green tea syrup. This focus on freshness and intentionality resonates with consumers looking for delightful yet mindful drinking experiences.

Historically, wine has played a role in cocktails, with classics like the New York sour and the French 75 showcasing wine as a fundamental ingredient. The practice traces back to ancient Greek and Roman times, evolving significantly in the 19th century to mask poorly made spirits. Today, wine cocktails have matured into sophisticated drinks highlighting the grape’s essence and offering unique takes across different venues.

The key to making successful wine cocktails lies in creating the perfect balance of flavors from wine and complementary ingredients. Successful combinations enhance the natural qualities of the wine, providing a full-bodied drink without overpowering it. For those looking to craft wine cocktails at home, simplicity and balance are crucial. It’s essential to choose a wine you enjoy, and build the drink around its acidity, dryness, and flavors.

In summary, wine cocktails are not just a fleeting trend but a sophisticated addition to the cocktail culture that appeals to a wide audience. As they continue to rise in popularity, they highlight the versatility of wine in social drinking spaces, undoubtedly securing a place for wine cocktails in contemporary beverage enjoyment.

Applebee’s has launched a new lineup of cocktails called "Still Together Sips," created in collaboration with hip-hop legends Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. This partnership features the duo’s premium spirit, Still G.I.N., and makes its debut at Applebee’s locations across the country for a limited time.

The cocktail collection includes two drinks: the $7 "Young, Wild & Free Fruit Punch" and the $10 "Rollin’ on the Beach." The former is a sweet, fruity concoction made with grenadine, lemon sour, and pineapple, while the latter consists of peach schnapps, prickly pear, and a blend of orange and cranberry juices, served tableside in a chilled shaker tin for a unique experience. Each drink is garnished with collectible temporary tattoos, reinforcing the theme of celebrating real friendships.

Still G.I.N., the spirit used in these cocktails, was launched in late 2024 and is distinguished by its smoother flavor profile compared to traditional gins, featuring notes of tangerine, jasmine, and coriander. It has received accolades, including a Master medal at the 2025 Gin Masters Awards.

This collaboration highlights Applebee’s strategy of partnering with high-profile celebrities in the beverage industry, following previous partnerships with other celebrity spirits. The "Still Together Sips" are available for dine-in customers while supplies last, providing fans of celebrity drinks a fresh new cocktail choice at their favorite casual dining restaurant.

IOWA CITY — The newly opened French lounge, Claude, invites patrons to experience a blend of curated cocktails, distinctive French cuisine, and an ambiance of elegance that pays homage to nostalgia. Launched in the Northside neighborhood on January 10, Claude offers a refreshing addition to Iowa City’s dining scene, highlighted by its stylish atmosphere, reminiscent of early 20th-century French bars.

Designed by former Vogue fashion stylist Adélaïde Subtil and ear, nose, and throat surgeon Dr. Thomas Heineman, Claude aims to ignite a sense of conviviality, encouraging patrons to linger over conversation and small bites amid vintage decor and dim lighting. The intimate 28-seat lounge features plush velvet couches and an array of small tables, fostering a social environment where strangers can become friends.

Culinary and Cocktail Offerings

Claude’s menu showcases French small plates, inspired by the concept of apéritif dinatoire — akin to Spanish tapas. Guests can delight in a range of offerings, from radish carpaccio and tapenade tartines to country pork terrine. The sophisticated yet approachable fare is served on vintage plates, enhancing the experience with a touch of authenticity.

Complementing the dining experience is an expertly crafted drink menu, designed by former Rodina staffer David Basinger. The menu features both classic cocktails and innovative new creations, with highlights including the Le Fizz Parfait and Grand-Dad’s Cardigan. Additionally, the lounge boasts one of Iowa’s most extensive champagne selections, showcasing bottles from esteemed French producers, including the notable Doyard, an established label with nearly 350 years of history.

The Lounge Experience

Claude occupies a historic building dating back to the 1870s, recognized for its original storefront, which adds a unique charm to the venue. With an aesthetic that merges vintage and modern influences, the lounge captures a relaxed yet vibrant energy. Accessories like framed D-Day newspaper clippings and a 1960s McIntosh sound system playing jazz create an atmosphere akin to attending a friend’s gathering in their elegantly decorated living room.

As the owners envision the lounge’s future, they plan to host special events featuring rotating chefs, aiming to deepen community engagement while introducing new flavors and perspectives into Iowa City’s gastronomic scene.

For those seeking a sophisticated yet convivial dining experience, Claude promises to deliver quality cocktails and memorable culinary experiences that invite patrons to explore the essence of French culture right in the heart of Iowa City.

Visit Claude:

• Address: 215 N. Linn St., Iowa City
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 3 PM – 12 AM
• Website: claudeic.com

Rich Marriott, King 5 Meteorologist, enjoys concocting cocktails inspired by countries participating in the Olympic Games. This segment features three delightful drinks hailing from Peru, Kenya, and Italy.

The first cocktail is the Pisco Sour, which Marriott first encountered during his graduate studies at the University of Washington. The cocktail carries a debated heritage, claimed by both Peru and Chile. Generally agreed to have originated in Lima, Peru, in the early 1900s, the Pisco Sour was crafted by an American bartender who replaced whiskey with Pisco, a local grape brandy. The modern recipe features pisco, lime juice, sugar, and egg white to create a frothy top, enhanced by a few drops of bitters.

Next up is the Dawa, meaning "medicine" in Swahili. Created in Nairobi in the early 1980s, this cocktail is often associated with safari culture, typically prepared fresh by a “Dawa Man.” It resembles the Brazilian Caipirinha, using honey instead of sugar and vodka instead of cachaça. A unique feature is its wooden “Dawa stick,” used to mix the honey and lime within the drink.

Lastly, Marriott presents the Negroni, a classic Italian cocktail believed to have been invented in Florence in 1919. County Camillo Negroni asked a bartender to strengthen his usual Americano, which led to the enduring Negroni made from equal parts gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari.

Cocktail Recipes

Pisco Sour

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 2 oz (60 ml) Pisco (preferably Peruvian)
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
• ¾–1 oz (22–30 ml) simple syrup (to taste)
• 1 fresh egg white
• Ice
• 2–3 drops aromatic bitters (such as Angostura)

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, combine pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white. Shake vigorously without ice for 10–15 seconds to build foam.
2. Add ice and shake again for another 10–15 seconds until chilled.
3. Double strain into a chilled glass and garnish with bitters.

Kenyan Style Dawa

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka
• 1 fresh lime
• 1–2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
• Crushed or cubed ice

Instructions:

1. Cut lime into wedges and place in a rocks glass.
2. Add honey and muddle gently to release lime juice and dissolve honey.
3. Fill glass with ice, pour vodka over, and mix with a wooden Dawa stick to blend.

Negroni

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 1 oz (30 ml) gin
• 1 oz (30 ml) sweet vermouth
• 1 oz (30 ml) Campari
• Ice
• Orange peel (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass filled with ice, stir together gin, sweet vermouth, and Campari for 20–25 seconds.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
3. Garnish with an orange peel, twisting over the glass to release oils.

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.