Author: Randy Hanson

The Ferrari: a Bartender’s Handshake

Often regarded as the “bartender’s handshake”, a shot of Fernet-Branca has become a modern fixture for bartenders visiting one another at their respective craft cocktail establishments. It is as much

Portland Bar Review: Victoria

Have you ever wished for a friendly, neighborhood bar with a good tap beer selection, fantastic craft cocktails with a nostalgic flair, and delicious food where you can eat, drink, and

Final Say

There are a handful of cocktails in our experience that anyone reading this should recognize, or at the very least, drinks you should try. One example is the Last Word—a

Seattle Bar Review: Zig Zag Cafe

One of the most important cocktail bars in the Pacific Northwest, Zig Zag Cafe is situated along the staircase above the Seattle Aquarium near the the famous Pike Place Market.

Cold Brew & Tonic

Normally, we don’t reach for tonic when we want a cocktail. The old G&T may be a popular choice, but we think it’s because people don’t know what else to

Otoño Cocktail

Some years ago, we received a gift from a family member living in Spain. Pacharán (or Patxaran) is a sloe berry and anise flavored liqueur from the Navarre community of northern

Practical Glassware

Nothing showcases a unique cocktail like a unique cocktail glass. But, sometimes practicality is more important—we are talking function over form. Not everyone wants or needs the kind of variety

Peach Pit

On Saturdays here in Portland, Oregon, the Farmers Market is nothing short of amazing this time of year. It’s easy to get lost among the exciting sights, sounds and smells of everything nature

Portland Bar Review: Bible Club

Remember back in college when you used to tell your parents you were going to meet some friends at “The Library”, but instead of studying, that was the name of a local

How To Make Nocino from Unripe Walnuts

The Italians seem to know a thing or two about making great drinks. Whether you fancy a bitter amaro, sweet vermouth or liqueurs like maraschino—it’s hard to imagine cocktails without these

Coffee Cocktails

Coffee flavor in cocktails is nothing new. Classic recipes like Mexican and Irish Coffee are legendary. You also have coffee liqueur which shows up occasionally in recipes (one of our favorites

Knickerbocker

Here’s a delicious drink to help you start thinking about summer. It’s relatively easy to make and it’s a classic, first published in The Bar-Tender’s Guide by “Professor” Jerry Thomas way back