Spirits Archives - France 44

Let Whiskey Season Begin

Bennett Porter

Bennett (he/him) is is our Spirits Buyer, is a Certified Cicerone® and holds his WSET Level 3 Certification in Wines. You’ll often see him lurking about the German pilsner and kölsch sections. He also enjoys Steel Toe, Odell, and La Croix and chocolate milk on occasion. If he wasn’t at France 44, he’d be trying to make it work as a full-time snowboard bum. He and his wife share a great Anatolian Shepherd named Bear.

With the anticipation building for our Pop-Up Whiskey Bar this Saturday 10/26 from 5-8pm, we’re celebrating the unofficial return of whiskey season.

The distinct scent of fall is in the air; a bouquet of decaying foliage, manure and fertilizer from rural farms, tinges of smoke from neighborhood bonfires, and the earthy smell of gravel and concrete from construction (hopefully) wrapping up outside our doors. It’s the time of year that I most associate with whiskey; a spirit whose oaky, fruity, baking spice-like flavors assuage the soul as daylight hours dwindle and temperatures drop. If summer is the main course, fall is the after-dinner dram.

Enjoying a pour of a fine whiskey, sipped at leisure, offers a moment of reflection and a reminder that it’s okay to slow down in a world that only seems to move faster. The intricate balance of flavors reveal more nuance as the whiskey takes in the air, and as the ice slowly adds dilution, if you prefer a cube or two. Comparing drams from around the world reveals a broad spectrum of flavors and experiences that keeps us, and other whiskey enthusiasts, coming back for more. We love to share our delight for this spirit, and cordially invite you to join us in celebrating it this weekend.

If you’re curious about what gets us most excited in the whiskey world, it’s our single barrels! These special programs allow us to hand-pick a single barrel—often bourbon or rye—that’s bottled exclusively for our store. It’s a right of passage for any whiskey lover, and we take pride in selecting barrels that we truly believe are exceptional. Right now, we have three unique store picks available, with two more arriving this November. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss them!

From France with Love: Discovering Armagnac

Bennett Porter

Bennett (he/him) is is our Spirits Buyer, is a Certified Cicerone® and holds his WSET Level 3 Certification in Wines. You’ll often see him lurking about the German pilsner and kölsch sections. He also enjoys Steel Toe, Odell, and La Croix and chocolate milk on occasion. If he wasn’t at France 44, he’d be trying to make it work as a full-time snowboard bum. He and his wife share a great Anatolian Shepherd named Bear.

This coming Tuesday, we are thrilled to welcome Steffen Spinks of Heavenly Spirits Imports, our leading supplier of fine Armagnacs, to the France 44 Event Space for our very first Armagnac class! In anticipation of the fun evening, we will be offering 10% off all Armagnacs this weekend through Tuesday night.

Nestled into rolling hills and valleys equidistant from the Pyrénées to the south, and Bordeaux to the north, lies the world’s oldest brandy producing region, Armagnac AOC. If you’re new to brandy, it’s a large, encompassing category of spirits distilled from fruit-based wine. In Armagnac, hundreds of small to medium-sized producers, many of them multigenerational families, make this oak-aged eau-de-vie, or “water of life”, from up to ten local white grape varieties. The French eaux-des-vie distilled here tally a mere one to two percent of production when compared to its younger, more famous, and luxury-branded sibling – Cognac.

France’s two principal brandy producing regions are indeed like siblings, sharing inherently inseparable qualities while each treading their own paths. Cognac, a globally-recognized symbol of prosperity, whose finest specimen display the smooth and masterful nuance of barrel-aging.

Armagnac, the earthier sibling, sparked with an authenticity and expressiveness that is softened with age.

The key differences that separate Armagnac from its sibling are derived from its viticulture and production methods. For a brief rundown, Cognac is made solely from Ugni blanc grapes and is double-distilled, resulting in a more neutral and higher proof eau-de-vie, a sort of blank canvas on which oak flavor can be imparted. On the other hand, Armagnac undergoes one continuous distillation from a wine of up to ten grape varieties. The resulting spirit is lower-proof and retains more aromatic compounds from the base wine, a discernible fruity and floral expression, that can take years of oak age to be tamed.

Armagnac, with its interplay between grape and oak characteristics, makes for a fantastic after-dinner drink, or as an enticing twist on your favorite cocktail! Check out a few of our favorites:

armagnac autumn heavenly spirits spirits

France 44 Education Update!

Karina Roe

Karina (she/her) is a wine educator and our Events General Manager. She has her Diploma in WSET Wines & Spirits, and finds that her fridge is constantly occupied by bubbles, Riesling, and non-alcoholic beer. She and her partner share an adorable dog named Ziggy who loves eating sticks as much as she likes drinking bubbles.

Even though September marks the end of a glorious summer, it always seems to kick-start things anew, too. Schools are back in session, sports seasons start up again, and sweaters get put back into clothing rotations.

There’s no shortage of new things at France 44 either—we’re debuting several new public classes, a new cycle of WSET courses, and fresh pop-up events coming down the pipeline. Here are a few events and classes we’re particularly excited about:

Casual Classes & Pop-up Events

Deep-Dive Classes

Certification Courses

Exploring Blended Whiskey

Jake Rollin

Jake (he/him) can be found primarily working in the Beer and Spirits departments, though he occasionally dabbles in Wine. He loves helping customers brainstorm ideas for new and interesting cocktails (ask him about his Caprese Sour cocktail), and talking all things whiskey. His fridge is stocked with a healthy combination of local hazy IPAs, Belgian beers, and Riesling, and he has an ever-growing whiskey collection.

Blended Whiskey: The Art of Harmony

When most people think of whiskey, images of single malts or bourbons often come to mind. However, there’s a world of complexity and artistry in blended whiskey that often gets overlooked. This versatile spirit has a rich history and offers a diverse range of flavors that can appeal to both seasoned whiskey connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

A Brief History of Blended Whiskey

The origins of blended whiskey can be traced back to Scotland in the 19th century. As the demand for whiskey grew, distillers realized that combining different whiskies from various regions and ages could create a more consistent and approachable product. This practice became increasingly popular as it allowed for the balancing of flavors and the creation of new and unique flavor profiles.

Initially, the primary goal of blending was to mask the harsher qualities of young whiskies. However, as the craft of blending evolved, it became clear that this process could be used to create extraordinary and complex spirits. The ability to combine different grains, distillation methods, and aging techniques opened up endless possibilities for experimentation and innovation.

The Art of Blending

Crafting a great blended whiskey is truly an art form. It requires a deep understanding of the individual components and a skilled palate to harmonize them into a cohesive whole. Blending typically involves combining two primary types of whiskey:

Malt whiskey: Made from malted barley, distilled in pot stills, and often aged in oak barrels.

Grain whiskey: Produced from a variety of grains, such as corn, wheat, or rye, and distilled in column stills.

The master blender’s role is to select the right whiskies from different distilleries, determine the proportions, and then marry them together to create the desired flavor profile. This process can involve hundreds of different whiskies, each contributing its own unique characteristics.

Blending techniques vary widely, but some common practices include:

Marrying: Combining whiskies of different ages to create a smoother and more complex flavor.

Finishing: Aging whiskey in a different type of barrel to impart additional flavors, such as sweetness or spice. These finishing barrels often include ex- port, bourbon, or sherry casks.

Chill-filtering: Removing particles that can cause cloudiness at low temperatures, but potentially affecting flavor.

Coloring: Adding caramel coloring to adjust the color of the whiskey.

Popular Styles of Blended Whiskey

Today, blended whiskey is enjoyed worldwide, and there are numerous styles to explore. Here are a few popular examples:

Scotch Whisky: This is arguably the most famous type of blended whiskey. It typically combines malt and grain whiskies from different regions of Scotland, resulting in a wide range of flavors, from smoky and peaty to smooth and fruity. Try Monkey Shoulder, The Famous Grouse, or Johnnie Walker 18yr!

Irish Whiskey: Known for its smoothness and balance, Irish whiskey is often triple-distilled and blended with both malt and grain whiskies. It tends to have a lighter, more delicate character compared to Scotch. Try the Keeper’s Heart lineup!

American Whiskey: While the focus in the United States is often on bourbon and rye, there are also excellent blended American whiskeys available. These blends can incorporate a variety of grains and aging techniques, offering a diverse range of flavors. Try Four Roses Small Batch or Four Roses Small Batch Select!

Japanese Whisky: Gaining significant global recognition, Japanese whisky blends often showcase exceptional smoothness, complexity, and a delicate balance of flavors. Influenced by both Scottish and American styles, Japanese whisky has developed its own unique character. Try Ichiro’s Malt & Grain 111 Proof or Akashi White Oak!

Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just starting your exploration, blended whiskey offers a world of possibilities. With its rich history, complex flavors, and versatility, it’s a category well worth discovering.

blended whiskey whiskey

The Rich History of Amaro: A Journey Through Time

Aaron Strom

Aaron (he/him) is a proud member of our Spirits and Beer staff. As a non-drinker, you can find him perusing our N.A. and THC sections! Outside of France 44 he spends most of his time watching hos partner crochet and playing with his cat, Suki! At least, when he’s not on his Xbox.

The Rich History of Amaro: From Medieval Monks to Modern Mixology

Amaro, the bittersweet herbal liqueur, has a fascinating history that stretches back to the Middle Ages. Originally crafted by medieval monks and pharmacists, these herbal concoctions were used for their medicinal properties. The monks believed that the blend of various herbs, roots, flowers, and citrus peels could aid digestion and promote overall health.

Medieval Origins: Monks and Herbal Remedies

The tradition of creating amaro began in the cloisters of medieval Europe. Monks, who were among the few literate and scientifically-minded individuals of their time, developed recipes that combined a base spirit with locally sourced herbs and botanicals. These early amari were used as medicinal tinctures, prescribed for everything from digestive issues to general malaise. The precise recipes were closely guarded secrets, passed down through generations of monastic brewers.

The Renaissance and the Birth of Commercial Amaro

As Europe transitioned into the Renaissance, the knowledge and techniques for creating herbal liqueurs spread beyond the monasteries. Apothecaries and pharmacists began to experiment with their own versions of amaro, often marketing them as health tonics. By the 1800s, these herbal concoctions had evolved from medicinal remedies to popular beverages enjoyed by the general public.

One of the earliest commercial producers was Salvatore Averna, who in 1868, began selling his family’s secret recipe in Sicily. Averna’s success inspired others, and soon a variety of amari were being produced across Italy, each with its own unique blend of herbs and botanicals.

The Golden Age of Amaro: 19th and 20th Centuries

The 19th century saw a boom in the production and popularity of amaro. Brands like Amaro Ramazzotti (founded in 1815) and Amaro Montenegro (founded in 1885) emerged, each offering distinctive flavors and formulations. These amari were often enjoyed as digestifs, sipped slowly after meals to aid in digestion.

During this time, the recipes became more sophisticated, incorporating a wider range of ingredients. Producers experimented with different base spirits, such as grape brandy and neutral grain alcohol, and a diverse array of bittering agents, including gentian root, wormwood, and cinchona bark. The flavor profiles ranged from sweet and citrusy to intensely bitter and herbaceous.

Modern Revival: Amaro in the 21st Century

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in amaro, both in Italy and internationally. Modern mixologists and bartenders have embraced these complex liqueurs, incorporating them into innovative cocktails and classic drinks alike. The versatility of amaro, with its wide range of flavors and styles, makes it a favorite ingredient in contemporary mixology.

New producers have entered the market, and many traditional brands have experienced a renaissance. Enthusiasts appreciate the artisanal nature of amaro production and the deep connection to Italian cultural and culinary traditions. Amaro’s role has expanded beyond the digestif; it is now a key component in cocktails like the Negroni, the Boulevardier, and various modern creations.

Exemplary Modern Amari

Two amari that have come to offer a refreshing twist in the category are Heirloom Pineapple Amaro and Song Cai May Amaro. These products exemplify the rich, complex, vastly unique flavors and meticulous craftsmanship that characterize the best amari different parts of the world have to offer.

Heirloom Pineapple Amaro - $38.99

Heirloom Pineapple Amaro, crafted right here in Minneapolis, offers a refreshing twist on the classic digestif by blending traditional amaro bitterness with the vibrant sweetness of pineapple. This innovative liqueur features a harmonious balance between rich herbal notes and tropical fruitiness, creating a uniquely complex profile. Ideal for enhancing cocktails or enjoyed neat, it represents a modern take on amaro, bringing a distinctive American flair to a time-honored tradition.

Song Cai May Amaro - $39.99

Song Cai Mẩy Amaro, hailing from Vietnam, offers a sophisticated twist on traditional amaro by incorporating Asian herbal traditions. Crafted with botanicals like star anise, ginger, and various spices, it presents a rich, aromatic profile that blends spiced complexity with herbal depth. This unique amaro provides a distinct departure from classic Italian styles, making it an intriguing choice for both sipping neat and enhancing cocktails with its exotic, multi-layered flavors.

Cocktail Recipes

The Black Manhattan

The Black Manhattan is my personal favorite twist on the classic Manhattan, substituting amaro for the traditional sweet vermouth to add depth and complexity. This is a great cocktail for a classic amaro, like Amaro Montenegro or Fernet-Branca.

Ingredients:

2 oz Rye Whiskey
1 oz Amaro
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 dash Orange Bitters
Cherry or Orange Twist for Garnish

Instructions:

Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add the rye whiskey, amaro, Angostura bitters, and orange bitters.
Stir until well chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
Garnish with a cherry or an orange twist.

Kingston Negroni

This recipe is perfect for the Heirloom Pineapple Amaro, combining tropical flavors from the Amaro and the rum with the rich Vermouth and bitter Campari. The resulting cocktail is beautifully balanced and perfect for a hot summer day.

Ingredients:

1.5 oz Smith and Cross Rum
0.5 oz Carpano Antica Vermouth
0.5 oz Heirloom Pineapple Amaro
0.5 oz Campari

Instructions:

Fill a mixing glass with ice.
Add the Smith and Cross Rum, Carpano Antica Vermouth, Heirloom Pineapple Amaro, and Campari.
Stir well until the mixture is chilled and properly diluted.
Strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
Garnish with an orange twist.

From its origins in the herbal remedies of medieval monks to its current status as a beloved component of modern cocktails, amaro has a rich and storied history. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining a deep connection to tradition. Whether enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, amaro continues to captivate and delight, offering a taste of history in every sip.

amaro

Shaking Up Your Home Bar

Jake Rollin

Jake (he/him) can be found primarily working in the Beer and Spirits departments, though he occasionally dabbles in Wine. He loves helping customers brainstorm ideas for new and interesting cocktails (ask him about his Caprese Sour cocktail), and talking all things whiskey. His fridge is stocked with a healthy combination of local hazy IPAs, Belgian beers, and Riesling, and he has an ever-growing whiskey collection.

Summer is in full swing! With spring cleaning behind us, leases ending, and new adventures beginning, it’s the perfect time to make this the summer of cocktails (or mocktails!). Starting a home bar can be intimidating, but this blog is here to guide you through everything you need to start making fantastic drinks at home.

Take it one step at a time, start small with just the basics. We’ve laid them out for you below.

The Equipment

First, let’s get the equipment covered. With so many different styles of bar tools out there, it can be daunting to buy equipment. However, for a basic set up, you really only need three pieces of equipment:

cocktail shaker
strainer
jigger

2-Part Boston Shaker with Hawthorn Strainer

Cocktail shakers come in a few different formats. The two most common are a two-piece Boston shaker and a three-piece cobbler shaker. Both have pros and cons, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. Boston shakers tend to be more widely used in bars and restaurants because of their ease of use. A firm strike on the side of the shaker will release the two halves easily. The drawback is that you will need to buy a strainer (more on that later) to use with a Boston shaker.

On the other hand, cobbler shakers have a built-in strainer, meaning you have one less item to buy. Due to their design however, cobbler shakers can sometimes be very difficult to open.

Strainers also come in a few formats. The most common type is a Hawthorne strainer. Hawthorne strainers prevent large pieces of ice and citrus pulp from getting into your finished cocktail. Finer ice chips and pulp can sometimes make it through however, which is where something like a fine mesh strainer can come in handy. By double straining through a mesh strainer, you can catch those fine pieces of ice and pulp, leaving you with a silky smooth cocktail. Fine mesh strainers are not necessarily a required piece of equipment, but they can be very useful.

Jigger, used to measure ingredients in cocktails

Finally, you’ll need a jigger (or a 2oz liquid measuring cup). Jiggers come in different styles and sizes. Some of the most common sizes have a 1oz side and a 2oz side, often with lines for 0.5oz, 0.75oz, and 1.5oz measurements on the inside.

I cannot stress this enough: measure your ingredients. We measure so that cocktails are well balanced and consistent every time. If you eyeball ingredients, you might make a really fantastic cocktail one time and never be able to replicate it. So, for the sake of consistency and quality, measure.

The Ingredients

So, now that you have all this fancy bar equipment, you’re going to need ingredients that you can use to make some fantastic cocktails.

Spirits

There are literally thousands of products out there, so choosing spirits can be tough. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t always need expensive liquor to make good cocktails. There are many budget brands that are fantastic for cocktails.

As far as base spirits go, you’ll want three to start. These can be anything you prefer, but my choices would be bourbon, gin, and tequila. These three spirits will allow you to make classic drinks like an Old Fashioned, a Gin and Tonic, and a Margarita, but also give you the opportunity to make slightly more advanced cocktails like a Mint Julep, a Bee’s Knee’s, or a Paloma.

Citrus

Citrus juice is an essential element of many cocktails, providing both flavor and balancing acidity. While the stuff from the bottle works in a pinch, your cocktails will almost always turn out better with fresh squeezed juice. The flavor is more vibrant and will help take your cocktails to bar quality.

Syrups

Where citrus provides acidity, simple syrup or liqueur provide sweetness, another important element in a balanced cocktail. Basic simple syrup is made with just water and sugar, but flavored syrups can be made using fruits and extracts. Syrups also add more than just sweetness. The viscosity of the syrup adds essential body to a cocktail that gives it a rich mouthfeel. Feel free to experiment with making your own syrups, or buy them in the store! Liber & Co makes some of our favorites, and locally too!

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring advanced techniques like split bases, infusing liquors, and fat washing, though we’ll save those for another blog. While this guide isn’t an exhaustive list of all the equipment or ingredients available, we hope it makes setting up a home bar a little less intimidating. For specific recommendations on spirits, mixers, or equipment, feel free to ask our exceptionally knowledgeable staff!

bar cart classic cocktails cocktail cocktail inspiration

From Scotland to Japan: How Masataka Taketsuru Crafted Japanese Whisky’s Future

Dylan Hager

Dylan (he/him) is a manager and part of our spirits staff. He finds Kentucky Bourbon and Rye Whiskey particularly riveting, and also keeps a decent amount of beer and too much vermouth in his fridge. He once tore his MCL doing the limbo, and has been to Bonnaroo 29 times.

Japanese whisky traces its origins to the early 20th century, with Masataka Taketsuru playing a pivotal role in its development. Often referred to as the “father of Japanese whisky,” Taketsuru studied organic chemistry at the University of Glasgow and apprenticed at several Scottish distilleries. In 1920, he returned to Japan, armed with extensive knowledge and experience, and was instrumental in establishing the country’s first whisky distillery.

Then in 1923, Shinjiro Torii, the founder of Suntory, established the Yamazaki distillery near Kyoto, and hired Taketsuru as his first distillery manager. This event marked the official birth of Japanese whisky. Inspired by the techniques and styles of Scotch whisky, Yamazaki aimed to create a product tailored to Japanese tastes.

Taketsuru left Suntory in 1934 to establish his own company, which would become Nikka Whisky. He founded the Yoichi distillery in Hokkaido, a location chosen for its climate and environmental similarities to Scotland. Nikka’s first whisky, released in 1940, helped cement Japanese whisky’s reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky - $69.99

Today, Suntory and Nikka remain the two powerhouses of Japanese whisky. Both produce a wide variety of whiskies that are popular not only in Japan but also in the US. Nikka's use of the Coffey still, a continuous column still originally invented by Aeneas Coffey in the 19th century, stands as a hallmark of their whiskey-making artistry. This technique infuses their expressions with a unique character and unparalleled smoothness, showcasing a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. Nikka Coffey Grain Whisky is a great example of what the Coffey still can bring to the table. Distilled mainly from corn, it’s exotic, fruity and rich. A great Japanese Whisky for a bourbon drinker and a great Father’s Day gift.

japanese whiskey suntory whiskey

It Doesn’t Add(itive) Up

Jake Rollin

Jake (he/him) can be found primarily working in the Beer and Spirits departments, though he occasionally dabbles in Wine. He loves helping customers brainstorm ideas for new and interesting cocktails (ask him about his Caprese Sour cocktail), and talking all things whiskey. His fridge is stocked with a healthy combination of local hazy IPAs, Belgian beers, and Riesling, and he has an ever-growing whiskey collection.

100% Agave: a term we often see on tequila bottles boasting a product made using only Blue Weber Agave. Here’s the issue: 100% agave tequila can still contain additives. In fact, tequila can contain up to 1% by weight in various additives and still boast 100% agave on the label.

These additives come in the form of sweeteners, flavorings, and colorings, all to create a product that is more easily marketable to consumers, and ultimately, more profitable.

Additives don’t necessarily make a product good or bad, but do raise the question of “why?” In this blog we’ll dive briefly into what additives are, why they’re used, and what additive free options are available.

Additives have been used in tequila since the mid 1800’s when agave plants suffered a blight that was producing faulted tequila.

Today, only four types of additives can be used, though the concentration of these additives is unregulated. The four types include caramel coloring, oak extract, glycerin, and flavored sugar syrups that are made with both agave nectar and artificial sweeteners like aspartame.

As tequila sits and ages in a barrel, it extracts color (and flavor) from the wood. Caramel coloring is used to make aged tequila appear older than it is. Caramel color allows producers to make their 3-month aged tequila look more like a 12-month aged tequila.

Oak extract can also contribute to color, but mostly helps to contribute flavors that are generally added to the tequila through the barreling process. If you’re drinking a blanco tequila, which can only be left in oak for a maximum of 60 days, and you get strong vanilla notes, that’s usually a good sign that oak extract is present.

Glycerin is a chemical with a syrup-like consistency and mild sweet taste. It’s used in tequila as a way to add body to the final product. Glycerin can also dull tastebuds by temporarily coating them, thereby hiding harsher flavors, and creating a smoother drinking experience.

Finally, flavored sugar syrups known as “jarabes” can be used to sweeten the final product, as well as add fruit and herb flavors.

I want to stress this again, the use of these additives does not inherently make one product better or worse than any other, it’s just something to note when choosing between products.

So, what are some additive free options?

Tequila producers can apply to be certified as an additive free product. This means that those tequilas are 100% Blue Weber Agave, and that’s it. We at France 44 have tried to make it as easy as possible for you to find additive free tequila by putting all of the certified brands next to each other.

Staff favorite brands include Siete Leguas, Mijenta, Arette, G4, and Cimarron. These producers let the agave, terroir, and their own distilling practices speak for themselves. So, next time you’re looking to grab a bottle of tequila, consider grabbing one that’s certified additive free, and see what 100% agave tequila is truly all about.

additive free agave blanco blue weber agave Glycerin oak tequila

The Best Summer Spritz – A Mother’s Day Reflection by Melissa & Tom

Melissa Waskiewicz

Melissa (she/her) is our Systems Manager, Curbside Program Manager, and our resident Cider Pro. She is a Certified Cider Professional, and is particularly interested in ciders that are made with a lot of crab apples. In her spare time, Melissa is an avid reader who is always looking for good book recommendations.

Tom Schneider

Tom (he/him) is on France 44's Spirits Team. He loves doing side-by-side comparisons of different wild agave mezcals. If he wasn’t working at France 44, he’d probably be a bouncer like Swayze in Roadhouse. He and his wife have a three-legged Pitty mix named Pickles. He’s also extremely colorblind.

Make Mom a Spritz this Mother’s Day!

“Mother’s Day is upon us and I’m sure you are looking for ways to celebrate the women in your life. As a Mom, I can assure you that we do not want cleaning supplies! A bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers are fine. Most of us, however, want to have a little fun and drink some cocktails! For a lively celebration and a cocktail that goes GREAT with a home-made Sunday brunch, consider a bubbly spritz! Spritzes come in every shape and size and can be classic, low-alcohol, and no-alcohol. Mothers make the world go ‘round and they should be celebrated accordingly. Below is your guide to spritzes to make sure you give that special person in your life the toast they deserve!” – Melissa

The Spritz is a quintessential celebratory cocktail. There is no one way to make this classic cocktail, but we do have some simple guidelines and ratios that will allow you to spruce up your Mother’s Day spritzes to help celebrate that special person in your life this weekend!

The Mimosa

1 Part Orange Juice

3 Parts Dry Sparkling Wine or Dry Sparkling Cider for a lower ABV option

The Mimosa is the most classic brunch cocktail. Traditionally made from orange juice and sparkling wine, it’s refreshing and light, perfect for a bottomless brunch. We love to switch up the sparkling wine for sparkling cider, and play around with the fruit juices. Switch to peach juice and you’ve got yourself a classic Bellini, or go with Melissa’s favorite: Chinola Mango Liqueur & Seattle Dry Cider!

The Aperol Spritz

1 Part Seltzer

2 Parts Aperol

3 Parts Sparkling Wine

The Aperol Spritz is perhaps among the most popular cocktails at the moment. It’s a refreshing balance of bitter and sweet and will transport you straight to a busy Italian piazza. The traditional recipe calls for a 1:2:3 ratio of seltzer : Aperol : Sparkling wine. The While Aperol is a fantastic product, we also like to substitute other aperitivos such as Cappelletti (similar flavor, but wine based), Cap Corse Blanc (a more citrus–forward alternative), or a lighter amaro such as Cardamaro to provide a more digestive punch.

Lastly, if you are looking for an alternative to alcohol, you can substitute club soda or tonic water for the sparkling wine base. Products such as Ghia (an NA Campari alternative) and Giffard Aperitif (an NA Aperol alternative) are also great substitutes!

brunch brunch cocktail classic cocktails cocktail cocktail inspiration cocktail recipe festive cocktails mother's day sparkling wine spritz

The Sláinte Buck

Cocktail in a highball glass sits on a coffee table

🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with a cocktail that pays homage to the Emerald Isle’s rich whiskey tradition: the Sláinte Buck. This delightful cocktail combines the smooth warmth of Irish whiskey with the crisp tang of an Apple Rosemary Shrub, topped off with a touch of ginger beer. The result? A refreshing, crushable cocktail that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, making it an ideal choice for toasting the occasion. So raise your glass and toast to the luck of the Irish! Sláinte!

2oz Irish Whiskey
1oz Sharab Shrubs Apple Rosemary Shrub
Ginger Beer to top
Rosemary sprig to garnish (optional)

Shake the whiskey and shrub in a cocktail shaker with ice until lightly chilled and diluted, about 5 seconds. Strain into a highball or Collins glass over fresh ice. Top with ginger beer and lightly stir. Optionally, garnish with a rosemary sprig.

With light notes of toffee and dried fruit, Irish whiskey pairs incredibly well with apple. The acidity from the Shrub provides bite, while the ginger beer rounds out this cocktail with a little sweetness and spice. Undertones of rosemary tie the whole drink together and will leave you wanting a second one. Sláinte!

classic cocktails cocktail cocktail inspiration cocktail recipe festive cocktails irish whiskey keeper's heart recipe slainte spirits st. paddy's day st. patrick's day