The Manhattan Cocktail Classic is in full swing this weekend as the city of New York hosts the annual celebration of spirited culture.

The Windy City. Be here now. The weather is fantastic, spirits are bright, craft beer is flowing freely and Abe Froman is still the Sausage King. But you should be more concerned about the Alpha King this week–the flagship pale ale from Three Floyds Brewing Company. Let’s get this party started.

The sunny hills of Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley are known for full-bodied Cabs and rich, earth-laden Merlots. One glass of Alexander Valley Vineyards’ 2011 Chardonnay might make you reconsider your regional expectations.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Beer Festival Season! Everywhere you turn, every weekend seems to bring about another sud-soaked celebration. I love this time of year…

Beer and baseball. What a classic combination. Ever since we started watching men swing for the fences over a hundred years ago, barley and hops have been there every step along the way. In fact, if baseball hadn’t claimed it first, beer drinking might very well be our national pastime. There will be plenty of room for both at Skybox on Sheffield (3627 N. Sheffield) in Wrigleyville this Sunday, May 19th.

Did you know that today, May 9th, is National Moscato Day? Produced from the muscat grape–one of the oldest known varietals–this sweeter wine is typically enjoyed at meal’s end but has more versatility than you think.

The Big Apple is always providing access to the excess; the biggest skyline, the best bars, the most delicious food. When visiting La Birreria (200 5th Avenue), a rooftop beer garden in the middle of Manhattan, you get it all. Drink it in.

Derby Day is almost upon us and while that means Mint Juleps for many of us, remember that there are still plenty of other classic Bourbon cocktails to enjoy. But before you can get to building your masterpiece, you need to sort out the foundation. One of my all-time favorite Kentucky whiskeys, both for sipping and mixing, remains Bulleit Bourbon Frontier Whiskey. From the color, to the finish, right down to the old-time packaging, it is a gem. Their green labeled Rye is also worthy of admiration. I’ve been sipping on them both for quite some time, but as of late I’ve decided to tinker with a few mixed concoctions. Allow me to share some of my favorites… The Kentucky Cutter Ideal for Derby Day, this Bluegrass beauty combines an ounce of Bulleit Bourbon, 1/2oz. of triple sec, 1/2oz. of lemon juice and 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters. Shake it all [...]