Are Beet Cocktails a Thing?

Stop beeting yourself up. Who would have guessed the humble root vegetable would become the little darling of the cocktail world? Sure, it's color-saturated and sweet, and lends itself well to punny drink names, but beets should probably stick to salad, right?

Not so, say mixologists. Read all about the beet cocktail trend here, and whip up one of your own. It's kind of like juicing, but with booze. What's not to like?

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Best-Of-Year-2012/The-Beet-Goes-On/

Mixologist of the Month: Abigail Gullo

Abigail Gullo is a sassy, brassy broad who makes mean drinks down in the city that care forgot, our new hometown, New Orleans. What more could a girl ask for? How about some great tales wielded from behind the bar? See why Gullo made our Mixologist of the Month column in Wine Enthusiast here:
http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Best-Of-Year-2012/Mixologist-of-the-Month-Abigail-Deirdre-Gullo/

The Year of the Cocktail: Chinese Herbal Tipples

Chinese New Year is February 10. How are you going to celebrate? We're thinking cocktails ('natch). And why not toss some authentic ingredients plucked from your local Chinatown into your tipples?

Mixologists around the country aren't waiting till February 10 to mix up Chinese herb-infused cocktails.
No really...and the results are more than exotic. (One even contains aphrodisiacs!)

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Best-Of-Year-2012/Big-Tipples-In-Little-China/

Mixologist of the Month: Marjan Simovics of B Bar SF

Marjan Simovics is a mixologist to watch.

Yes, he's got the de rigueur tight vest and nailed his cocktail shaking moves. But there's more: The San Fran-based bartender serves up unusual tipples, including a playful squid ink cocktail, at B Bar SF.

I profiled him recently for Wine Enthusiast as Mixologist of the Month, and scored his signature Bourbon & Berry recipe, which incorporates vinegar.

Feast your eyes here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2012/Bourbon-Berry/

How to: Make a Liqueur Foam

Ever wondered how bartenders and mixologists create pretty garnishes, set shots on fire and dream up other fancy finishes to your favorite cocktails? Each month Wine Enthusiast reveals a technique in our How To column.

This How To: Make a Liqueur Foam comes courtesy of Mr. Rain's Fun House in Baltimore, dreamed up by the talented mixologist Perez Klebahn.

In just 3 simple steps, you can create a liqueur-based foam to top a holiday cocktail. We'll drink to that. Read my story here:

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/Web-2012/How-to-Liquor-Foam/