Author: Keet

Manhattan (Classic)

Like the martini, the MANHATTAN can be custom-mixed by preference or mood. Those who are constitutionally opposed to the sweeter version can choose a rye whiskey or a dry vermouth. The classic version allows your choice of bourbon, rye or...

Jean Harlow cocktail

If ever there’s a quick two-ingredient cocktail to make in two minutes, it’s the JEAN HARLOW. I didn’t think I’d like sweet vermouth mixed with white rum. I would have thought dark, aged rum would mix better. But this is...

Oktoberfest

2020 would have been the 210th anniversary of Oktoberfest in Munich, and the 187th Oktoberfest festival event. COVID-19 ruled it out this year, safety concerns eliminating almost $600-million in hotel income and 42,000 barrels of the normally consumed Hofbrau lager....

Martini (Dry)

The VODKA MARTINI gradually overtook the popular gin martini when vodka achieved worldwide popularity beginning in the 1940’s. It didn’t hurt that the “vodka martini, shaken-not-stirred” was ordered in every James Bond movie in the 60’s. It’s simple to make,...

Salty Bird

The SALTY BIRD is a nice transition drink into fall, or a last hurrah for summer, depending on your point of view. It’s a tropical-style drink that with black rum, or preferably a black-strap rum, has more of a smokey...

Boulevardier

When the Negroni switches out gin for whiskey, it becomes the Boulevardier (“boo- lah-var-dee-ay”). It’s 100-year anniversary can be traced back to an American writer and publisher for The Boulevardier magazine in 1920’s Paris, Erskine Gwynne. The cocktail has an...

Negroni

The NEGRONI has a powerful taste that may not be for everyone, but has its devoted following. It’s part bitter (Campari), part sweet (vermouth) and part astringent (gin). It recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. It’s believed to be named after...

Home Bartending Tools

Home bartending tools are widely available online and in stores. When they’re home and handy, the sky is the limit. I’ve listed above and shown my most important tools to have around as I journey through the maze of cocktails....