Odd Couple
John Berens John Berens

Odd Couple

I’ve tried a lot of split bases along the way. It might be a sickness, but if it is, I don’t want the cure. If nothing else, two primary spirits allow for more dots to connect to other flavors/ingredients. Sometimes, there is an amazing synergy— like here, for example, the grassy funk from the cachaça totally changes in the presence of the savory-leaning botanicals of the aquavit. Seriously, give this split a try. (I may also need to try with rhum agricole now too!).

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The Underground
John Berens John Berens

The Underground

Let me start off by saying that this drink is SO tasty. I love stirred agave drinks, in part because there just aren’t that many out there. Tequila is good for so much more than sour-style (re: marg/paloma) drinks! If you haven’t had many, then give this one a spin.

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Espresso Con Formaggio
John Berens John Berens

Espresso Con Formaggio

Yes, you translated that right: espresso with cheese. Parmesan to be exact. There has been a trend spreading around lately of grating parmesan cheese over an espresso martini (thanks @thebittergringo & @highproofpreacher). My first thought was “hmm… that’s so weird I have to try it”— I’m all on board with unusual (or downright strange) flavor combinations, and as I pointed out in my last post, I’m convinced coffee goes with about anything.

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Caf & daq
John Berens John Berens

Caf & daq

I’m keeping the tropical vibes going today with a tasty daiquiri riff. Is that redundant? I feel like most daiquiris are awesome (if made with good ingredients, I suppose). This one is a caffeinated riff, including a delicious coffee liqueur kindly sent to me from @misceoliqueurs.

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Cafecito Cocalero
John Berens John Berens

Cafecito Cocalero

Today’s post is featuring a new spirit for me— Cocalero Negro, a delicious South American-inspired liqueur. It is herbaceous, peppery, spiced, with slight floral and citrus notes with a touch of heat on the back-end without being overtly spicy. It has 29% ABV, so it holds up well in a cocktail, and while there's some sweetness, the bontaical profile reads almost like a light amaro to me. Needless to say, it's a versatile spirit.

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Blue & Brewed
John Berens John Berens

Blue & Brewed

If you’ve never had blueberry-flavored coffee, let me tell you, you’re missing out. I realize it sounds like an unusual flavor pairing but it works out beautifully. As with any good flavor combo, why not make it into a cocktail??

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Bubbles and Brew
John Berens John Berens

Bubbles and Brew

January is (finally) over, so for some of you that means a return to imbibing; for many, it never stopped. But others may choose not to drink for a variety of reasons, regardless of the month, so it is important to have some good mocktail options. Needless to say, I was excited when @drinkjoyus offered to send me a bottle of their alcohol-removed sparkling wine to try.

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Swan Song
Theresa Berens Theresa Berens

Swan Song

I’m not typically one to gift birds, even to my true love. A new cocktail is more my style, and my love does enjoy tequila. Thankfully, I have the chance to join some drinkstagram friends in celebrating the #12daysofelbandido (#ad), so a tequila drink it is.

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