“Liquor.com has always strived to create a platform that showcases the incredible folks who power the drinks industry and the meaningful work that they do,” stated Vice President of Liquor.com, Alexis Doctolero. “The Liquor awards are a natural extension of this mission. We believe these winners and finalists represent the people and places that exemplify the best of the American drinks industry today, and we are honored to celebrate them.”

Amongst the 14 categories were Best Hotel Bar, Best Restaurant Bar, Best Neighborhood Bar, and Best New Bar. Awards were also given to bar workers who are building communities, creating inclusive spaces, and doing their bit for the planet. 

Hey Love in Portland, Oregon was recognized as the Best Hotel Bar. Found within the Jupiter NEXT Hotel, the menu features mango oolong mai-tais and gin and tonics with cardamom and chili. 

If you’re looking for a good new bar, Liquor.com recommends Happy Accidents. The Albuquerque establishment serves up Oreo negronis and alcoholic root beer floats.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ⓗⓔⓨ Ⓛⓞⓥⓔ (@heylovepdx)

The post These are the Bars to Check Out, According to the Liquor Awards appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Here are three Spanish liquors that you should seek out to taste if you get the chance to do so!

Licor Cafe

Originating in the northwestern region of Galicia, licor cafe is a drink that combines alcohol with coffee. A clear liquor called aguardiente is mixed with coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus peels and is then filtered to make this tasty treat. It’s great on the rocks for sipping as an after-dinner drink. 

Patxaran

Patxaran has a funny name and a unique flavor, but when you get used to it, this liquor will become one of your favorites. Sloe berries are soaked in anis liquor for months before this bright red liquor is finished, carrying a fresh and fruity flavor.

Orujo

Spain is well-known for making wine, and this liquor is made as a result of one of the by-products of wine production. Orujo, a clear liquor originating from the north of the country, is made with fermented grape skins that are made into a strong brandy. Yum!

The post You Have to Try These Spanish Liquors appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you haven’t traveled to the northwestern Spanish region of Galicia before, you probably haven’t. It’s a shame, though, because this coffee liquor is one of the most delicious alcoholic beverages that we’ve ever tried.

One of the main industries in Galicia is the production of wine, which is achieved by the process of the collection of millions of grapes from vineyards all over the area. The waste products from the wine-making process, such as grape skins and stems, are then used to make a local liquor which is known as orujo.

Orujo is the basis for the delicious coffee liquor which is so beloved in Galicia. The traditional preparation of this drink starts with a healthy dose of orujo, which is similar to brandy, which is left to sit in a glass container along with coffee beans, simple syrup, and spices such as cinnamon. Interestingly, orange and lemon skins are also added to this mixture, which is left to steep for around 2-3 weeks.

At the end of this period, the solid ingredients are strained out and licor cafe is left behind.

This delicious, pitch-black drink is rich and a great aperitif after a heavy dinner. It can also be combined with other alcoholic drinks such as Kahlua or cream spirits to make the alcoholic version of a coffee and milk drink.

Be sure to give coffee liquor a try if you ever find it!

The post Coffee Liquor is a Galician Treasure appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Made using artisanal methods and using small-batch, locally-sourced ingredients, craft vodka is a great way to appreciate vodka for what it is. Instead of having to hide it in cheap mixed drinks, vodka can be enjoyed on the rocks when you know which one to buy.

Here are some recommendations for craft vodkas you just have to try.

Reyka

This vodka comes from Iceland, where it is made with water drawn from one of the island’s lava fields. It’s made with wheat and barley and has an incredible smooth mouthfeel and pleasant taste.

Corbin Vodka

Corbin’s product is made using sweet potatoes, which makes it unique in and of itself. This California distillery uses the locally-grown tubers to make a vodka with a light sweetness.

Fair Quinoa Vodka

Following the theme of unique bases, this French vodka uses fair-trade quinoa grown in the high Andes of South America to make its product, giving it an intriguing blend of spiciness and subtle sweetness. Yum.

Snow Leopard

Want to feel good about your vodka purchase? This Polish company donates 15% of its profits to the Snow Leopard Trust, which helps to protect the endangered Asian animal. Its wheat and spelt-made vodka isn’t only environmentally conscious, it’s also delicious.

The post You Have to Try These Craft Vodkas appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you’ve ever visited the country of Portugal, the answer to this question is probably a “yes.” However, if you haven’t had the pleasure of spending time in this lovely Mediterranean country, this word might be totally foreign to you.

So, what is ginja?

Ginja is a liquor that is obtained by adding a mixture of sour cherries, water, sugar, and cinnamon into a liquor known as “aguardente.” The mix is left to sit for several months until the beverage is ready to be consumed.

This alcoholic beverage has a sweet and sour taste that is made even more intense by its alcoholic content. But while it might look intimidating, ginja only contains between 18-20% alcohol.

The sour cherries in the drink are sometimes poured into the cup as well! People are asked if they want the drink “com ou sem elas,” meaning with or without them. Those that order ginja with the cherries in the cup often eat them and then spit the pit onto the street.

These days, you can even order a ginja shot inside of a chocolate “cup.” After drinking the ginja, eat the chocolate cup and enjoy the delicious harmony between the dark chocolate and the sweetness of the drink.

Be sure to try ginja if you find yourself in Lisbon or any other Portuguese city.

The post In Portugal? You Have to Try This Liquor! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

This liquor originates from Mexico, but it is different from tequila. It is actually made from the same plant, but the process of making mezcal is quite different from that of making tequila. This produces a drink that has a distinct flavor and character.

Although mezcal has been popular in Mexico for quite some time, it’s finally starting to gain popularity outside of its home country. You can make tons of delicious drinks and cocktails with mezcal, or even sip it alone.

Mezcal is made from the agave plant, just like tequila. However, the type of agave plant used to make tequila is the blue agave variety of the plant, which typically isn’t used for mezcal.

Mezcal is made by smoking the “fruit” part of the agave plant underground and then using it to make a distilled beverage. The smoking of the fruit gives mezcal a distinct “smoky” flavor that almost gives it a scotch-like character.

After being smoked and distilled, mezcal is aged in oak barrels for several months. Once this process is finished, it’s ready to drink.

If you can find mezcal in your country, be sure to give it a try. Even if you don’t like tequila, you might end up enjoying this unique beverage.

The post Mezcal is Trending, and Here’s Why appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Gin and Tonic

A classic gin and tonic is both refreshing and delicious, especially on a hot day. To make this into a frozen treat you don’t have to do anything different than if you were making the cocktail! Combine gin, tonic water, and lime juice. Pour into a popsicle mold, add a slice of cucumber and a mint leaf and wait for it to set!

Tequila and Grapefruit Juice

This popsicle is a little bitter, a little sweet, and perfect for any summer day. First, make a simple syrup. Then, combine with grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, and a pinch of salt.

Margarita

For this margarita popsicle, combine sugar, lime, lemon, and orange juice in a pot. Heat until the sugar dissolves, let cool, then combine with Grand Marnier and Tequila.

The post Check these Cocktail Inspired Popsicles appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

“Liquor.com has always strived to create a platform that showcases the incredible folks who power the drinks industry and the meaningful work that they do,” stated Vice President of Liquor.com, Alexis Doctolero. “The Liquor awards are a natural extension of this mission. We believe these winners and finalists represent the people and places that exemplify the best of the American drinks industry today, and we are honored to celebrate them.”

Amongst the 14 categories were Best Hotel Bar, Best Restaurant Bar, Best Neighborhood Bar, and Best New Bar. Awards were also given to bar workers who are building communities, creating inclusive spaces, and doing their bit for the planet. 

Hey Love in Portland, Oregon was recognized as the Best Hotel Bar. Found within the Jupiter NEXT Hotel, the menu features mango oolong mai-tais and gin and tonics with cardamom and chili. 

If you’re looking for a good new bar, Liquor.com recommends Happy Accidents. The Albuquerque establishment serves up Oreo negronis and alcoholic root beer floats.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ⓗⓔⓨ Ⓛⓞⓥⓔ (@heylovepdx)

The post These are the Bars to Check Out, According to the Liquor Awards appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Here are three Spanish liquors that you should seek out to taste if you get the chance to do so!

Licor Cafe

Originating in the northwestern region of Galicia, licor cafe is a drink that combines alcohol with coffee. A clear liquor called aguardiente is mixed with coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus peels and is then filtered to make this tasty treat. It’s great on the rocks for sipping as an after-dinner drink. 

Patxaran

Patxaran has a funny name and a unique flavor, but when you get used to it, this liquor will become one of your favorites. Sloe berries are soaked in anis liquor for months before this bright red liquor is finished, carrying a fresh and fruity flavor.

Orujo

Spain is well-known for making wine, and this liquor is made as a result of one of the by-products of wine production. Orujo, a clear liquor originating from the north of the country, is made with fermented grape skins that are made into a strong brandy. Yum!

The post You Have to Try These Spanish Liquors appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you haven’t traveled to the northwestern Spanish region of Galicia before, you probably haven’t. It’s a shame, though, because this coffee liquor is one of the most delicious alcoholic beverages that we’ve ever tried.

One of the main industries in Galicia is the production of wine, which is achieved by the process of the collection of millions of grapes from vineyards all over the area. The waste products from the wine-making process, such as grape skins and stems, are then used to make a local liquor which is known as orujo.

Orujo is the basis for the delicious coffee liquor which is so beloved in Galicia. The traditional preparation of this drink starts with a healthy dose of orujo, which is similar to brandy, which is left to sit in a glass container along with coffee beans, simple syrup, and spices such as cinnamon. Interestingly, orange and lemon skins are also added to this mixture, which is left to steep for around 2-3 weeks.

At the end of this period, the solid ingredients are strained out and licor cafe is left behind.

This delicious, pitch-black drink is rich and a great aperitif after a heavy dinner. It can also be combined with other alcoholic drinks such as Kahlua or cream spirits to make the alcoholic version of a coffee and milk drink.

Be sure to give coffee liquor a try if you ever find it!

The post Coffee Liquor is a Galician Treasure appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Made using artisanal methods and using small-batch, locally-sourced ingredients, craft vodka is a great way to appreciate vodka for what it is. Instead of having to hide it in cheap mixed drinks, vodka can be enjoyed on the rocks when you know which one to buy.

Here are some recommendations for craft vodkas you just have to try.

Reyka

This vodka comes from Iceland, where it is made with water drawn from one of the island’s lava fields. It’s made with wheat and barley and has an incredible smooth mouthfeel and pleasant taste.

Corbin Vodka

Corbin’s product is made using sweet potatoes, which makes it unique in and of itself. This California distillery uses the locally-grown tubers to make a vodka with a light sweetness.

Fair Quinoa Vodka

Following the theme of unique bases, this French vodka uses fair-trade quinoa grown in the high Andes of South America to make its product, giving it an intriguing blend of spiciness and subtle sweetness. Yum.

Snow Leopard

Want to feel good about your vodka purchase? This Polish company donates 15% of its profits to the Snow Leopard Trust, which helps to protect the endangered Asian animal. Its wheat and spelt-made vodka isn’t only environmentally conscious, it’s also delicious.

The post You Have to Try These Craft Vodkas appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

If you’ve ever visited the country of Portugal, the answer to this question is probably a “yes.” However, if you haven’t had the pleasure of spending time in this lovely Mediterranean country, this word might be totally foreign to you.

So, what is ginja?

Ginja is a liquor that is obtained by adding a mixture of sour cherries, water, sugar, and cinnamon into a liquor known as “aguardente.” The mix is left to sit for several months until the beverage is ready to be consumed.

This alcoholic beverage has a sweet and sour taste that is made even more intense by its alcoholic content. But while it might look intimidating, ginja only contains between 18-20% alcohol.

The sour cherries in the drink are sometimes poured into the cup as well! People are asked if they want the drink “com ou sem elas,” meaning with or without them. Those that order ginja with the cherries in the cup often eat them and then spit the pit onto the street.

These days, you can even order a ginja shot inside of a chocolate “cup.” After drinking the ginja, eat the chocolate cup and enjoy the delicious harmony between the dark chocolate and the sweetness of the drink.

Be sure to try ginja if you find yourself in Lisbon or any other Portuguese city.

The post In Portugal? You Have to Try This Liquor! appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

This liquor originates from Mexico, but it is different from tequila. It is actually made from the same plant, but the process of making mezcal is quite different from that of making tequila. This produces a drink that has a distinct flavor and character.

Although mezcal has been popular in Mexico for quite some time, it’s finally starting to gain popularity outside of its home country. You can make tons of delicious drinks and cocktails with mezcal, or even sip it alone.

Mezcal is made from the agave plant, just like tequila. However, the type of agave plant used to make tequila is the blue agave variety of the plant, which typically isn’t used for mezcal.

Mezcal is made by smoking the “fruit” part of the agave plant underground and then using it to make a distilled beverage. The smoking of the fruit gives mezcal a distinct “smoky” flavor that almost gives it a scotch-like character.

After being smoked and distilled, mezcal is aged in oak barrels for several months. Once this process is finished, it’s ready to drink.

If you can find mezcal in your country, be sure to give it a try. Even if you don’t like tequila, you might end up enjoying this unique beverage.

The post Mezcal is Trending, and Here’s Why appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.

Gin and Tonic

A classic gin and tonic is both refreshing and delicious, especially on a hot day. To make this into a frozen treat you don’t have to do anything different than if you were making the cocktail! Combine gin, tonic water, and lime juice. Pour into a popsicle mold, add a slice of cucumber and a mint leaf and wait for it to set!

Tequila and Grapefruit Juice

This popsicle is a little bitter, a little sweet, and perfect for any summer day. First, make a simple syrup. Then, combine with grapefruit juice, lime juice, tequila, and a pinch of salt.

Margarita

For this margarita popsicle, combine sugar, lime, lemon, and orange juice in a pot. Heat until the sugar dissolves, let cool, then combine with Grand Marnier and Tequila.

The post Check these Cocktail Inspired Popsicles appeared first on falafelandcaviar.com.