Author: Randy Hanson

Death in the Gulf Stream

Something we often admire about classic cocktails is their simplicity. We suppose early recipes had the advantage of being first to attempt basic combinations. Such is the case, for instance, with the

The Lowlands

We’ve been itching to construct a drink that uses Brancamenta. It’s not the easiest liqueur to mix—think Fernet-Branca with a little more sugar and a refreshing blast of peppermint. If you

Portland Bar Review: Imperial

What can we say but the facts. This is a great downtown spot on SW Broadway that always has delicious food and a terrific cocktail menu. Being one of chef Vitaly Paley’s

Kojo

Grab your grapefruit for this one—but all you will need is the peel. If you don’t have a grapefruit for cutting the garnish—shame on you, you will have to use lemon—but

Portland Bar Review: Hamlet

We visited Hamlet, a small but unique spot in the Pearl District of NW Portland during their opening week (note: Hamlet has since closed). Apparently a project to complement the success of Oven

Chestnut Cup

Whether you enjoyed a Margarita on Cinco de Mayo or a Mint Julep for Derby Day, the first weekend in May has plenty of reasons to celebrate craft cocktails. Classics are always

The Getaway

Five years ago, back when we were knocking bottles around in Minnesota, Derek Brown was mixing his way toward multiple accolades in Washington DC. A two time James Beard Foundation Award

Transform Bottom Shelf Booze into Premium Liquor

Many of our readers come to expect great things at this time of the year from Summit Sips. Year after year we share innovative recipes and unusual techniques, saving at least one special idea

Bicycles & Baskets

This could be the perfect, simplest blend of your best-tasting ingredients. The floral/citrus Bicycles & Baskets is a whiskey-based original from Kask located here in Portland, Oregon. The menu describes

Portland Bar Review: Kask

It’s easy to think of Kask as a drinker’s waiting room for Grüner or even the Multnomah Whiskey Library, but if you make that mistake you are likely to skip

Turn Signal

Here’s a fun cocktail that is easy to make and tastes great. It’s an easy-drinking whiskey concoction that is reminiscent of a sour, but instead of the acidic tang, you get

Portland Bar Review: St. Jack

What can we say? It’s on our list, so you should assume St. Jack has great cocktails, because they do. The bar has a slick vibe with huge drippy wax candles.