Cocktail Consultant Archives - Page 3 of 412 - Side Bar

Bartenders this year have been taking drinks to the next level with bold, creative flavor boosters. Try them in your cocktails to elevate your at-home or bar experience!

1. Homemade Bitters

The options are endless. A few dashes can transform a cocktail, balancing sweetness, acidity, and spirit-forward flavors. From classic aromatic bitters to experimental DIY blends featuring coffee, cocoa, or tropical spices, crafting your own lets you tailor your drink exactly to your taste (DIY Bitters).

2. Exotic Citrus

Brighten cocktails instantly with fruits like yuzu, calamansi, or finger limes. Their vibrant acidity and unique aroma can turn a simple highball into a standout sipper. Try the Yuzu Pineapple Inferno, made with Monin Yuzu Syrup, or Double Down, which features a Kumquat-Calamansi Cordial for a tart, tropical punch.

3. Herbal Shrubs

Tart, layered, and visually striking, shrubs are making a serious comeback. Vinegar-based syrups infused with herbs, fruits, or spices create cocktails with depth and complexity. Learn more in The Secret to Making Killer Shrubs.

4. Infused Spirits

Take a base spirit and infuse it to add dimension and nuance! Hibiscus-infused reposado tequila shines in the Rosarito, bacon-infused bourbon brings smoky richness to the Yardbird Old Fashioned, and fig leaf-infused gin adds a subtle herbal complexity to The Wasp.

5. Fermented Mixers

Kombucha, tepache, and lightly sour ferments are making waves for their tang, effervescence, and digestive benefits. The Yuzu Tepache combines pineapple and spice, while kombucha cocktails introduce funk and fizz without the heaviness of soda.

6. Spiced Syrups

Warm spices like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom are back in a big way. Whether it’s a cinnamon spiced simple syrup in a fall-inspired martini or a bright, floral cardamom syrup in a gin cocktail, these syrups add aromatic depth and seasonal warmth.

7. Micro Herbs

Tiny but mighty, micro herbs add aromatic lift and visual appeal. Muddled cilantro provides a fresh, bright note that elevates every sip, showing how a small garnish can make a big impact.

The post 7 Game-Changing Ingredients That Make Cocktails Pop appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Some bottles are meant to be shared. A single cask spirit isn’t just a pour, it’s proof that rarity, character, and craftsmanship can turn a winter evening into a moment people never forget.

When the air turns cold and the holidays draw family and friends closer, few drinks are more comforting than the rich depth of a quality spirit, well-aged in wooden barrels, whether Cognac, Armagnac, Calvados, or single malt whisky. A one-of-a-kind bottle has the power to elevate any gathering. It doesn’t whisper special, it announces it.

For hosts, collectors, or anyone who loves sharing meaningful experiences, imported single cask spirits offer something a standard bottle simply cannot: a singular expression of time and territory, never to be repeated. Whether toasting a new year, celebrating a milestone, or settling into a quiet evening by the fireside, a single cask selection says, I brought something rare, and I brought it for us.

Why Single Cask Spirits Impress

Unlike blended or batched releases, which are crafted for consistency and volume, single cask spirits are drawn from one remarkable barrel, hand-selected for its personality and bottled in extremely limited quantities. No blending. No masking. No second chance. What’s in the glass is unique, shaped by wood, climate, cellar, and time.
From Barrel to Bottle

Single cask spirits are those that stand alone—like original artwork, they are rare, extraordinary, and impossible to duplicate. Heavenly Spirits curates just such selections—each cask chosen by Christine and Dan Cooney alongside the artisans they represent. These independent French producers craft small-lot expressions that showcase regional identity, family tradition, and deep respect for time.

“The process starts when we ask a producer to share several unique barrel samples with us. After a series of tastings, usually on-site, we will narrow the selection down to two or three outstanding options,” says Christine Cooney, Co-Owner of Heavenly Spirits.

Some single casks stand out for their unique barrel aging. Armorik Whisky finished in Dartiaglongue Armagnac barrels creates a whisky with overtones of rich fruit, nuttiness, and spice. Claque-Pépin Calvados finished in Distillerie du Peyrat Cognac casks meld two fruit spirits profiles, apples and grapes, into an exceptional spirit. “Starting with a seductively appealing fruit and vanilla nose, the first sip is packed with deep and flavorful complexities, unlike any calvados we had previously tasted, with baked apple, marzipan and toasted spices,” says Daniel Cooney, Co-Owner of Heavenly Spirits.

“We knew right away this was a rare and exceptional spirit that needed to be bottled and shared as a solo act.”

Tasting More than Just Drinking

Savoring spirits like these provides the opportunity to slow life down and appreciate the art of living. You’re not just quaffing a cocktail, or downing a shot, you’re pouring from a barrel that existed only once, influenced by the soil where the fruit or grain grew, the cooper who crafted the hand-selected oak into a barrel, the master distiller operating the still, and the patient years it rested in a quiet cellar. For enthusiasts, that uniqueness is thrilling. For newcomers, it feels like being let in on a secret. Tasting a single cask spirit can help cultivate a deep appreciation for the nuances of fruit and grain, barrel aging techniques, and the craftsmanship behind the spirit.

Below is a selection of winter-worthy single casks curated by Heavenly Spirits; each one bold, memorable, and ideal for holiday sharing.

Single Cask Winter Selections

Jean Fillioux Single Cask 212 — Cognac Grande Champagne

Style: Candied, elegant, and aromatic

Why It Stands Out: Single cru, no sugar, no chill filtration, only 450 bottles, 128 remaining

From a five-generation estate in the heart of the Grande Champagne’s “Golden Triangle,” this cask offers notes of candied orange, vanilla, honeysuckle, and rancio. Naturally sweet wood tones carry through a lively palate of pear, marmalade, and spice. It’s a graceful fireside Cognac; refined enough to impress a connoisseur, welcoming enough to share with a curious guest.

Chairman’s Trophy, 97 points, Top 100 Spirits 2021

“A wonderfully complex nose bends flavors of stained sandalwood, toasted almond, orange pastry, and white chocolate. The palate is equally exemplary and provides a strong impact before a long and undulating finish.” (Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 2021)

Jean Fillioux Single Cask 96-1 — 26-Year Cognac Grande Champagne

Style: Mature, complex, contemplative

Why It Stands Out: 26 years in oak, only 504 bottles, 416 remaining

Distilled in 1996 and aged in second-fill Limousin oak, this is a Cognac for long conversations and slow evenings. Expect madeleine pastry, candied citrus, beeswax, prune, and tobacco, finishing with candied orange and hints of black cherry. This is the kind of bottle you open with people who will savor its depth and complexity.

Claque-Pépin XO Single Cask #077 — Organic Calvados

Style: Spiced, powerful, orchard-driven

Why It Stands Out: 100% organic, Cognac-cask finish, 61% ABV cask strength, only 432 bottles, remaining

This cask marries Normandy apples with the richness of an organic Cognac barrel from Distillerie du Peyrat. Bold spice, fruit compote, vanilla, and dried orchard fruit make it a perfect après-ski or post-dinner pour, especially for whisky drinkers who want to discover Calvados. Don’t be fooled by the ABV, this Calvados sips smooth and will leave you wanting more.

Hontambère Armagnac Ténarèze 1992 — Rare Armagnac Collection

Style: Earthy, fruity, and deeply traditional

Why It Stands Out: Cask strength, 31 years in oak, only 200 bottles, 111 remaining

From the rural heart of Gascony, this 1992 Ténarèze vintage brings prunes, vanilla, licorice, forest floor, ripe banana, and lemony lift. A true “time capsule” bottle, it represents Armagnac at its most authentic and age-worthy, ideal for those who love heritage spirits with real soul.

Bastille 1789 Single Cask 096 — French Single Malt

Style: Round, fruit-forward, and warming

Why It Stands Out: Bordeaux wine cask maturity, bottled at 56.7% ABV, only 240 bottles, 172 remaining

Malted grains, ripe berries, cocoa, almond, and subtle peat make this a superb winter whisky. Finished in prestigious Bordeaux wine barrels, it’s powerful yet elegant, a great choice for whisky drinkers who want something French, independent, and distinct from Scotch tradition.

Armorik Pineau des Charentes Finish — Breton Single Malt

Style: Lush, fruit-forward, honeyed

Why It Stands Out: Limited to 438 bottles, 79 bottles remaining, unique Pineau des Charentes finishing

This US-exclusive Breton single malt bursts with red grapes, figs, peaches, and raisins, supported by caramel, spice, and a long wine-influenced finish influenced by the Pineau des Charentes cask. A “crowd-pleaser for connoisseurs,” it’s an ideal bottle to open after a holiday meal.

93 points

“This French single malt finished in a Pineau des Charentes wine cask is a US-exclusive bottling for Armorik. The nose is fruity and complex with hints of red grapes, blueberries, and peaches balanced by touches of raisins and figs underneath. The taste is thick, oily, and rich with a spicy burst of clove on top of fresh fruits, figs, and raisin bread. The finish is long with subtle spices and hints of fruits. Very nice!” (WhiskyCast May, 2019)

Armorik Armagnac Finish — Breton Single Malt

Style: Bright, citrusy, and aromatic

Why It Stands Out: Finished in Bas Armagnac casks from historic Dartigalongue, only 624 bottles, 127 bottles remaining

Citrus, vanilla, mirabelle plum, almonds, pepper, and pastry notes make this finish-driven whisky both elegant and surprising. It’s a conversation-starter and an excellent bridge between brandy lovers and whisky lovers at the same table.

4 stars, Highly Recommended

“Entry is delicately sweet and maple-like — the sweetness comes from an irrepressibly fruity ripeness that reminds me most of blackberry jam…in all, a well-knit flavor profile that extends into the satisfying finish as the taste turns drier, leaner, and nutty. In my view, the best Armorik I’ve had to date. Lovely.” (Paul Pacult, Spirit Journal 2017)

The Final Toast

Winter invites us to slow down, gather close, and savor. A single cask spirit fits that rhythm perfectly. It’s intimate. It’s memorable. And it turns a shared moment into something unforgettable. This holiday season don’t just raise a glass. Raise a glass that could only have come from a single barrel, in a single place, at a single moment in time. After all, the best winter warmers don’t just fight the cold—they create warmth worth sharing.

Check out these spirits and more at Chilled’s Holiday Gift Guide.

For more information on Heavenly Spirits Single Cask Selections or any of their other fine spirits, please contact Daniel Cooney at Heavenly Spirits

address: 59 Main Street – Lakeville, MA 02347 USA

phone: (508) 947-9973

website: www.heavenlyspirits.com

The post More Than a Standard Pour: The Case for Single Cask Spirits This Winter appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Lorenzo Rocci began his career making coffee, but his curiosity soon led him into the world of mixed drinks and cocktails.

Early on, he was fortunate to have two mentors who deeply influenced his craft during those formative years. With their guidance, and through his own exploration, Rocci developed a passion not only for creating cocktails, but also for uncovering the stories behind them and sharing those narratives with guests and colleagues alike. Below, Rocci shares insights into his journey, his creative process, and his perspective on where cocktail culture is headed.

Where do you tend bar now? What makes it unique?

I am currently the Beverage manager for the resort at The Pelican Hill, a beautiful property on the Newport Coast. I oversee three exceptional bars and two exquisite restaurants. With breathtaking views of the ocean and golf course, our guests can indulge in carefully crafted cocktails and extensive wine selection by the glass and bottle. Having three bars adds variety and excitement to the resort by offering different themes and spirits selections in each location.

This creates a vibrant and engaging environment for guests -resort guests and locals – to explore and discover new experiences. Whether it’s relaxing with a tropical drink by the pool, enjoying a craft cocktail in the main bar, or sipping on a fine wine at the elegant, elevated bar and restaurant next to the golf club, the options are endless. Having multiple bar options provides a dynamic atmosphere that keeps guests entertained throughout their stay.

Who has been most influential in your development as a bartender?

My family has played an integral role in shaping my life, providing unwavering support for my decisions. In addition, my early mentors Domenico Maura and Arterio Fortuna ignited a passion within me for the hospitality industry by sharing anecdotes of the Italian drinking culture and La Dolce Vita from the 1900s to present. Their storytelling inspired me to pursue my dreams in this field. Throughout my career, I found inspiration besides multiple bartenders of our generation, from chefs and team members I met and that during our daily meetings truly inspired me.

Their creativity, dedication, and passion for their craft motivated me to strive for excellence and never settle for an “ok” outcome. I learned that good teamwork and a supportive environment can make all the difference in achieving great results. Hence, I constantly strive to bring these values into my work as a bartender, aiming to create a positive and dynamic atmosphere for my colleagues and customers alike.

Do you have any advice for novice/ at home bartenders?

To become a professional bartender, one should start with mastering the classics, establishing foundations, and continuously seeking to learn and grow. However, the most crucial aspect of being a great bartender is to prioritize being a great person, whether it be through delivering excellent customer service, fostering a welcoming environment, or simply being kind and respectful to those around you. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize both craft and character to succeed in the industry.

For home bartender, I would say, have fun! buy some books like “gentleman’s companion of C. Baker or Savoy cocktail book” there’s a lot of 3/4 ingredients cocktails… a lot of fun making and rediscovering them.

What is your favorite ingredient right now and why?

Lately, I’ve been enjoying working with mushrooms and licorice barks in different ways, not just as strong flavors in a drink. Mushrooms bring fantastic umami qualities and a plethora of flavors, while licorice bark adds a unique touch. By using these ingredients as small components in my creations, they play a unique role in the final drink.

How do you go about creating a cocktail? Is there a specific process or simply a moment of inspiration?

I get inspiration constantly from everything that surrounds me, in and out of work. I surely start with writing a specific flavor or image or anything that inspired me in the first place and then I let my emotion start guiding the first thought. If it’s images or color, then I will translate them into flavors and then eventually income measure/method/glassware and I will start the test phase

Do you have a special technique you use or a tip for making a particular drink?

I love using the throwing technique for several drinks that are suggested sometimes instead as shaking or stirred as I feel that with the throwing you can get the best of both technique, cooling and dilution without the shock of the shaking.

Where do you see the bartending/cocktail culture headed?

We will continue to do better, be more inclusive as a category from any point of view.
Offering better condition for managers, bartenders and waiting staff in order to create a real possibility of growth is definitely a step that will have to be implemented from individual companies and also as a collective movement.

From a cocktail angle instead, paraphrasing what Ian McPherson (Panda and Sons, UK) said, “bartenders have been learning from chefs and we will continue to do so but it’s also time we develop our own techniques.”

I feel we are eager to develop more in flavor and technique, and we will see it in the forthcoming years.

Lorenzo Rocci’s Original Cocktail

Anarchic Garibaldi

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Roasted Mango-infused Select Aperitivo
• 1 ½ oz. Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
• 2 ½ oz. Cedrata (Tassoni preferably)

Garnish: Orange Foam

Glassware: Highball

Method: Built directly in a highball glass

The post Meet Chilled 100 Bartender Lorenzo Rocci appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Lorenzo Rocci began his career making coffee, but his curiosity soon led him into the world of mixed drinks and cocktails.

Early on, he was fortunate to have two mentors who deeply influenced his craft during those formative years. With their guidance, and through his own exploration, Rocci developed a passion not only for creating cocktails, but also for uncovering the stories behind them and sharing those narratives with guests and colleagues alike. Below, Rocci shares insights into his journey, his creative process, and his perspective on where cocktail culture is headed.

Where do you tend bar now? What makes it unique?

I am currently the Beverage manager for the resort at The Pelican Hill, a beautiful property on the Newport Coast. I oversee three exceptional bars and two exquisite restaurants. With breathtaking views of the ocean and golf course, our guests can indulge in carefully crafted cocktails and extensive wine selection by the glass and bottle. Having three bars adds variety and excitement to the resort by offering different themes and spirits selections in each location.

This creates a vibrant and engaging environment for guests -resort guests and locals – to explore and discover new experiences. Whether it’s relaxing with a tropical drink by the pool, enjoying a craft cocktail in the main bar, or sipping on a fine wine at the elegant, elevated bar and restaurant next to the golf club, the options are endless. Having multiple bar options provides a dynamic atmosphere that keeps guests entertained throughout their stay.

Who has been most influential in your development as a bartender?

My family has played an integral role in shaping my life, providing unwavering support for my decisions. In addition, my early mentors Domenico Maura and Arterio Fortuna ignited a passion within me for the hospitality industry by sharing anecdotes of the Italian drinking culture and La Dolce Vita from the 1900s to present. Their storytelling inspired me to pursue my dreams in this field. Throughout my career, I found inspiration besides multiple bartenders of our generation, from chefs and team members I met and that during our daily meetings truly inspired me.

Their creativity, dedication, and passion for their craft motivated me to strive for excellence and never settle for an “ok” outcome. I learned that good teamwork and a supportive environment can make all the difference in achieving great results. Hence, I constantly strive to bring these values into my work as a bartender, aiming to create a positive and dynamic atmosphere for my colleagues and customers alike.

Do you have any advice for novice/ at home bartenders?

To become a professional bartender, one should start with mastering the classics, establishing foundations, and continuously seeking to learn and grow. However, the most crucial aspect of being a great bartender is to prioritize being a great person, whether it be through delivering excellent customer service, fostering a welcoming environment, or simply being kind and respectful to those around you. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize both craft and character to succeed in the industry.

For home bartender, I would say, have fun! buy some books like “gentleman’s companion of C. Baker or Savoy cocktail book” there’s a lot of 3/4 ingredients cocktails… a lot of fun making and rediscovering them.

What is your favorite ingredient right now and why?

Lately, I’ve been enjoying working with mushrooms and licorice barks in different ways, not just as strong flavors in a drink. Mushrooms bring fantastic umami qualities and a plethora of flavors, while licorice bark adds a unique touch. By using these ingredients as small components in my creations, they play a unique role in the final drink.

How do you go about creating a cocktail? Is there a specific process or simply a moment of inspiration?

I get inspiration constantly from everything that surrounds me, in and out of work. I surely start with writing a specific flavor or image or anything that inspired me in the first place and then I let my emotion start guiding the first thought. If it’s images or color, then I will translate them into flavors and then eventually income measure/method/glassware and I will start the test phase

Do you have a special technique you use or a tip for making a particular drink?

I love using the throwing technique for several drinks that are suggested sometimes instead as shaking or stirred as I feel that with the throwing you can get the best of both technique, cooling and dilution without the shock of the shaking.

Where do you see the bartending/cocktail culture headed?

We will continue to do better, be more inclusive as a category from any point of view.
Offering better condition for managers, bartenders and waiting staff in order to create a real possibility of growth is definitely a step that will have to be implemented from individual companies and also as a collective movement.

From a cocktail angle instead, paraphrasing what Ian McPherson (Panda and Sons, UK) said, “bartenders have been learning from chefs and we will continue to do so but it’s also time we develop our own techniques.”

I feel we are eager to develop more in flavor and technique, and we will see it in the forthcoming years.

Lorenzo Rocci’s Original Cocktail

Anarchic Garibaldi

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Roasted Mango-infused Select Aperitivo
• 1 ½ oz. Cocchi Vermouth di Torino
• 2 ½ oz. Cedrata (Tassoni preferably)

Garnish: Orange Foam

Glassware: Highball

Method: Built directly in a highball glass

The post Meet Chilled Ambassador Lorenzo Rocci appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

SommCon San Diego 2025 was held this year at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. The event brought together wine, beer, and spirits professionals from across the globe for three immersive days of education, tasting, and industry networking.

SommCon serves as both a professional conference and a trade expo. Uniting a balanced mix of importers, producers, buyers, hospitality leaders and sommeliers who share the same goal of exploring wine, spirits, and the ever evolving landscape of the beverage world.

This year’s program was a balance of educational seminars, tasting panels, and sensory experiences. Additionally, pre-conference programs included a two-day Somm Intensive Course and a two-day Champagne Specialist Course that were offered at an added rate.

Attendees participated in masterclasses on topics such as volcanic terroirs, blind tasting like a Master of Wine, and Women in Whiskey. Global wine regions that deserve our attention, like Itata and Irpinia, were featured, as well as seminars on the growing influence of sustainable and regenerative viticulture—a movement that needs to be given as much attention as possible in the current climate. Sessions also explored many of the challenges the industry now faces, such as staffing shortages, shifting consumer preferences, and the rapidly growing category of low-to-no alcoholic beverages. All the sessions offered practical takeaways—skills, strategies, and knowledge that will have an immediate benefit in advancing attendees careers and businesses.

Also included at the conference, the Beverage Expo hosted a large professional trade tasting that showcased hundreds of brands of wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic options. Buyers from restaurants, hotels, and retail had the opportunity to interact directly with producers and importers to sample products and build new business relationships.

Sustainability, authenticity, and innovation were reflected throughout the three days. As both a marketplace and a classroom, SommCon is an influential gathering for anyone in the beverage profession to come and spend time with mentors and peers, while elevating your expertise and staying ahead of the curve.

The atmosphere was one of professional development mixed with shared interests and a large dose of fun! All in all, SommCon was a conference centered on the serious business of wine that didn’t take itself so seriously that it lost the true joy of what really matters in this industry—appreciating the love, hard work, and incredible passion that goes into crafting the exceptional liquid we all love! Cheers to the wonderful world of wine! Looking very forward to SommCon 2026!

The post What We Learned at SommCon, San Diego this Year appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

You wouldn’t run a bar without knowing your inventory, your costs, and your profit margins.

So why are you running your financial life without a plan? It’s time to stop winging it and start winning it. Here’s how to build a financial game plan that actually works with your hospitality lifestyle—not against it.

Step 1: Build Your Foundation Emergency Fund First.

Remember that $4,150 we found by cutting your post-shift spending in half? That’s your starting point. Aim for 3-6 months of expenses because in hospitality, slow seasons and unexpected closures happen.

Basic protection next. Get that simple life and disability insurance we talked about. You can’t build wealth if one injury wipes you out financially.

Step 2: Create Your Wealth-Building Strategy

Now the fun part—making your money multiply!

Immediate income replacement: That Roth IRA with index funds? Start with whatever you can afford monthly. Even $50 consistently beats $200 sporadically.

Long-term wealth protection: Consider that IUL for dual benefits—life insurance now, tax-free cash value later. Perfect for irregular income since you can adjust payments.

Conservative growth: Look into annuities once you’ve got the basics covered. Think of it as creating your own pension plan.

Step 3: Scale Your Income

Your wealth plan isn’t complete without growing your income. Use those side hustles we discussed—private bartending, event consulting, leveraging your hospitality skills into scalable businesses.

The Key: Reinvest profits from your side income back into your wealth-building accounts. Don’t lifestyle-inflate; wealth-inflate instead.

Step 4: Connect the Dots

Here’s how it all works together:

• Emergency fund protects your plan from derailing
• Insurance protects your earning ability
• Retirement accounts grow your wealth tax-efficiently
• Side income accelerates everything
• Conservative investments provide stability

The Wake-Up Call

Your coworkers are still living paycheck to paycheck at 45, complaining about their backs and wondering where the money went. Don’t be them. You’ve got something they don’t: a plan. While they’re hoping things get better, you’re making them better. While they’re waiting for the perfect moment to start, you’re already building. Your financial game plan isn’t just about money—it’s about freedom. Freedom to work because you want to, not because you have to. Freedom to say no to toxic managers, bad shifts, and places that don’t respect you.

Stop managing your money like amateur hour. Start building wealth like the professional you.

The Savvy Bartender

Turn your craft into career growth and a secure financial future with Jonathan Turner, our expert bartender in savings, side hustles, and smart strategies to help you plan your next pour.

Jonathan Turner spent over 20 years mastering the hospitality industry from the ground up. From washing dishes in the back to leading operations as GM and Food & Beverage Director, he’s experienced every level of the business. After building a successful career in hospitality, Jonathan made a strategic transition into financial services as an Independent Life Insurance Agent and hospitality consultant, discovering that his relationship-building and problem-solving skills translated perfectly into helping others build financial security.

Now Jonathan uses his insider knowledge to help hospitality workers overcome the unique financial challenges of irregular income, lack of traditional benefits, and industry lifestyle demands. His mission is simple: show hospitality workers that they don’t need corporate benefits or a 9-to-5 job to build real wealth. Having walked every step of the hospitality path himself, he speaks the language, understands the challenges, and knows exactly what it takes to build lasting financial freedom. He’s not your typical financial advisor—he’s someone who’s been where you are and successfully built the financial life you want

The post Bottles, Bills, and Benefits: Why You Need a Financial Game Plan appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Think dirty sodas, think smoothies and ice cream, think functional, think…Sugar Free Coconut!

Monin Americas’ Sugar Free Coconut Syrup is lush, tropical, creamy, and gives any beverage or dessert an island-inspired feel, delivering on decadence without the added sugar.

The Flavor Feed: Coconut ????

This versatile product simultaneously produces rich and sweet, yet light creations, allowing for all fans of coconut to enjoy. According to Datassential, 64% of consumers love or like coconut, while 20% enjoy sugar-free options. With wellness a priority for today’s consumer, just as much as enjoying life’s little treats and indulgences is, Sugar Free Coconut debuted at the perfect time—especially with dirty sodas popping up everywhere! 

Did You Know?

Coconuts are a fruit, a nut, and a seed—all at once!

Botanically speaking, the coconut is considered a drupe (a type of fruit with a hard shell surrounding a seed), which makes it a fruit. Because it has a hard shell and grows inside a fibrous husk, it’s also technically a nut. And since it contains the embryonic plant that can grow into a new coconut palm, it’s a seed too! So basically, every coconut you see is multitasking like a pro.

Rum

Skinny Frozen Piña Colada

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Frozen Pineapple Chunks
• 2 oz. Silver Rum
• 1 oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup
• 2 oz. Coconut Milk
• 2 oz. Water
• Glassware: 16 oz. Wine
• Garnish: Orange Slice, Pineapple Leaves

Preparation

1. Add ingredients into blender cup in order listed.
2. Cap and blend until smooth.
3. Pour into serving glass, add garnish and serve.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Recipe”,”name”:”Skinny Frozen Piu00f1a Colada”,”description”:”A delicious cocktail recipe for Skinny Frozen Piu00f1a Colada”,”image”:”https://chilledmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/monin-pina-colada-recipe.jpg”,”author”:{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:””},”prepTime”:”PT5M”,”cookTime”:”PT0M”,”totalTime”:”PT5M”,”recipeYield”:”1 serving”,”recipeIngredient”:[“1 u00bd cups Frozen Pineapple Chunks”,”2 oz. Silver Rum”,”1 oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup”,”2 oz. Coconut Milk”,”2 oz. Water”,”Glassware: 16 oz. Wine”,”Garnish: Orange Slice, Pineapple Leaves”],”recipeInstructions”:[{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Add ingredients into blender cup in order listed.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Cap and blend until smooth.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Pour into serving glass, add garnish and serve.”}],”recipeCategory”:”Cocktail”}

Sparkling Wine

Skinny Tropical Mimosa

Ingredients

• ½ oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup
• 1 pump Monin Pineapple Concentrated Flavor
• 2 oz. Fresh Orange Juice
• 4 oz. Champagne
• Glassware: 10 oz. Champagne/Flute
• Garnish: Dehydrated Orange Wheel, Edible Flower(s)

Preparation

1. Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
2. Stir gently to mix.
3. Add garnish and serve.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Recipe”,”name”:”Skinny Tropical Mimosa”,”description”:”A delicious cocktail recipe for Skinny Tropical Mimosa”,”image”:”https://chilledmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/monin-mimosa-recipe.jpg”,”author”:{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:””},”prepTime”:”PT5M”,”cookTime”:”PT0M”,”totalTime”:”PT5M”,”recipeYield”:”1 serving”,”recipeIngredient”:[“u00bd oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup”,”1 pump Monin Pineapple Concentrated Flavor”,”2 oz. Fresh Orange Juice”,”4 oz. Champagne”,”Glassware: 10 oz. Champagne/Flute”,”Garnish: Dehydrated Orange Wheel, Edible Flower(s)”],”recipeInstructions”:[{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Stir gently to mix.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Add garnish and serve.”}],”recipeCategory”:”Cocktail”}

Tequila

Skinny Coconut Margarita

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Tequila
• ¾ oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup
• 1 ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• Glassware: 12 oz. Double Old Fashioned
• Garnish: Black Lava Salt, Dehydrated Lime

Preparation

1. Fill serving glass full of ice.
2. Pour ingredients into mixing glass with 2/3 ice in order listed.
3. Cap, shake and strain into serving glass with ice.
4. Add garnish and serve.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Recipe”,”name”:”Skinny Coconut Margarita”,”description”:”A delicious cocktail recipe for Skinny Coconut Margarita”,”image”:”https://chilledmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/monin-margarita-recipe.jpg”,”author”:{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:””},”prepTime”:”PT5M”,”cookTime”:”PT0M”,”totalTime”:”PT5M”,”recipeYield”:”1 serving”,”recipeIngredient”:[“1 u00bd oz. Tequila”,”u00be oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup”,”1 u00bd oz. Fresh Lime Juice”,”Glassware: 12 oz. Double Old Fashioned”,”Garnish: Black Lava Salt, Dehydrated Lime”],”recipeInstructions”:[{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Fill serving glass full of ice.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Pour ingredients into mixing glass with 2/3 ice in order listed.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Cap, shake and strain into serving glass with ice.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Add garnish and serve.”}],”recipeCategory”:”Cocktail”}

Rum

Sugar Free Coconut Mojito

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Silver Rum
• 8 Mint Leaves
• ¾ oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup
• 1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• Club Soda, to top
• Glassware: 16 oz. Glass
• Garnish: Coconut, Lime Wheel, Mint

Preparation

1. Combine ingredients in shaker in the order listed, except sparkling beverage.
2. Cap and shake vigorously.
3. Pour into serving glass and add any needed ice.
4. Top with sparkling beverage and garnish.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Recipe”,”name”:”Sugar Free Coconut Mojito”,”description”:”A delicious cocktail recipe for Sugar Free Coconut Mojito”,”image”:”https://chilledmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/monin-mojito-recipe.jpg”,”author”:{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:””},”prepTime”:”PT5M”,”cookTime”:”PT0M”,”totalTime”:”PT5M”,”recipeYield”:”1 serving”,”recipeIngredient”:[“1 u00bd oz. Silver Rum”,”8 Mint Leaves”,”u00be oz. Monin Sugar Free Coconut Syrup”,”1 oz. Fresh Lime Juice”,”Club Soda, to top”,”Glassware: 16 oz. Glass”,”Garnish: Coconut, Lime Wheel, Mint”],”recipeInstructions”:[{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Combine ingredients in shaker in the order listed, except sparkling beverage.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Cap and shake vigorously.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Pour into serving glass and add any needed ice.”},{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Top with sparkling beverage and garnish.”}],”recipeCategory”:”Cocktail”}

Welcome to The Flavor Feed, your go-to column for the latest buzz in the world of spirits, cocktails, and all things flavor-packed. Whether it’s uncovering bold new trends, spotlighting standout ingredients, or diving into expert tips, we’re here to keep your palate inspired and your creativity flowing. Let’s explore what’s shaking, stirring, and mixing in the industry this month!

The post The Flavor Feed: Coconut appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

The Alpine Nights is the perfect holiday cocktail — equally suited for slow sipping by the fire or serving to guests when you want to leave a lasting impression.

Featuring Crescent Simples’ Apple Spice Syrup, made with clean, all-natural ingredients and no preservatives, this drink delivers crisp apple flavor and warm, spicy notes that capture the spirit of winter in every sip.

Photo by Crescent Simples

Whiskey

Alpine Nights

by Crescent Simples

Ingredients

• 1 oz. Bourbon
• 1 oz. Bonal
• ½ oz. Sweet Vermouth
• ½ oz. Apple Spice Crescent Simples
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Preparation

1. Stir and serve over a big rock.

{“@context”:”https://schema.org/”,”@type”:”Recipe”,”name”:”Alpine Nights”,”description”:”A delicious cocktail recipe for Alpine Nights”,”image”:”https://chilledmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Crescent-Simples-Alpine-Nights-recipe.jpg”,”author”:{“@type”:”Person”,”name”:”Crescent Simples”},”prepTime”:”PT5M”,”cookTime”:”PT0M”,”totalTime”:”PT5M”,”recipeYield”:”1 serving”,”recipeIngredient”:[“1 oz. Bourbon”,”1 oz. Bonal”,”u00bd oz. Sweet Vermouth”,”u00bd oz.u00a0Apple Spice Crescent Simples”,”3 dashes Angostura Bitters”],”recipeInstructions”:[{“@type”:”HowToStep”,”text”:”Stir and serve over a big rock.”}],”recipeCategory”:”Cocktail”}

The post Crescent Simples’ Alpine Nights appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Each month Chilled presents you with five essential cocktails based on our National Drink DayCalendar.

Don’t forget to reference it so you can prepare for the upcoming holidays. November is a month that invites creativity behind the bar. Guests will be searching for drinks to carry them into the colder months and satisfy the want for autumn’s flavors. From bold concoctions to approachable sips, this month’s essential cocktails are going to help spark inspiration. Think seasonal flavors like apple, cinnamon, and citrus with warming spirits like whiskey, tequila, and brandy, to create cocktails that are both comforting and memorable for your guests.

These five essential cocktails combine technique, flavor, and presentation to create drinks that perfectly balance tradition and celebration. If your cocktail menu is feeling stale and inspiration is lacking, use these recipes as an opportunity to elevate your lineup this season.

Ghost Margarita

Begin the month by celebrating the Mexican holiday, Día de Los Muertos, on November 1 and 2. The Ghost Margarita highlights the agave spirit and engages the senses in a way that is suited for the holiday. The addition of the baking spice syrup brings warmth from flavors like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, which are often used in seasonal treats like pan de muerto. It’s a delightful cocktail that will bring together those in conversation, perfect for raising a glass in remembrance and celebration.

Apple Pie Shot

Why dig into dessert when you can drink it instead? Celebrate National Shot Day on November 8 with a festive and cozy option, namely the Apple Pie Shot. It’s a warming combination of vodka and cinnamon schnapps topped off with fresh apple juice to highlight the seasonal flavors. The shot can be premade in large batches, so it’s ready to go when someone is looking to toast to the day.

Sorry Mrs. Jamson

If you’re looking for a non-traditional way to celebrate the Spanish red on International Tempranillo Day (11/13), look no further. Rather than being the base of the cocktail, the Tempranillo is what tops off the drink, so with each sip, you get to experience its fruity profile. This layered approach is not only pleasing to the eye, but it showcases the wine in a way that offers different ways to utilize the ingredients behind the bar.

Apple Cider Sangria

There is no better way to enjoy National Apple Cider Day on November 18 than with a drink that highlights the crisp sweetness of apples. The combination of cognac and brandy gives this cocktail the boozy kick it needs while still allowing the other flavors to shine through. It’s a fall lover’s dream cocktail that will be ordered again and again throughout the season. Garnish it off with freshly cubed apples and orange slices to bring the essence of autumn to the glass.

Espresso Ginger Martini

Go beyond the standard coffee cocktail and give this twist a try. On National Espresso Day (11/23), offer something that still highlights the deep and rich flavor of espresso while adding a modern flair to it. The Espresso Ginger Martini is an unexpected balance of warmth, spice, and richness. The addition of ginger brings a zesty spice that complements the bitterness beautifully and stays on theme with the fall cocktail scene. It may be questioned at first, but it quickly becomes a favorite with its bold, memorable flavor and seasonal appeal.

The post 5 Essential Cocktails for November 2025 appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

It’s that time of year again. The holiday season is upon us. Giving a spirited gift is always in good taste.

Check out our curated list of the best gifts in Chilled’s Holiday Gift Guide. Here are some of our favorites!

Slow & Low Holiday Wreath

This is a wreath worth hanging. The Slow and Low Wreath packs 10 high proof Old-Fashioneds into one eye-catching, ready-to-gift right or cheer.

Slow & Low Wreath $49.99

Bozal Mezcal Advent Calendar

For the ultimate agave enthusiast, we offer a one-of-a-kind advent calendar that includes twenty-four 200ml rare and limited edition mezcal offerings, two proprietary tasting copitas, and two tealight candles to be lit in reverence to mezcaleros and their craft of the final day of the calendar.

Bozal Mezcal Advent Calendar

Big Easy Whiskey

Made in New Orleans, Big Easy is bold and boozy, bitter and sweet. Big Easy is a 5-year aged whiskey made from traditional bourbon mas. Infused with Old Fashioned blend of herbs, spices, botanicals, fruit. Be the life of the party!

Big Easy Whiskey $34.99

Trovador Inspirado Silver Rum

Blended in Nashville from select Caribbean rums, Trovador Silver offers bright tropical notes and a velvety finish—crafted for effortless cocktails and elegant holiday entertaining.

Trovador Inspirado Silver Rum $33.32

Vermut Lustau Rojo

Lustau Rojo blends Oloroso sherry with select botanicals to create a rich, aromatic vermouth full of warm spice and holiday charm—perfect for Negronis and seasonal sipping.

Vermut Lustau Rojo

The Wee Glencairn Whiskey Flight Stave

A handcrafted tasting set featuring four mini Glencairn glasses and reclaimed oak stave tray—ideal for refined whiskey flights and perfect pour precision.

Flight Stave $79.95

Hand Blown Wine Decanter with Aerator

Crafted from lead-free crystal and stainless steel, this elegant decanter accelerates aeration with double-layer filter, unfolding wine full flavor in minutes and it looks cool while doing it.

Wine Decanter $25.99

Whiskey Chilling Stones

Hand-cut from premium granite, these reusable sipping stones chill whiskey without dilution—each uniquely patterned and presented in a hardwood tray for timeless elegance.

Whiskey Chilling Stones $25.90

Stanley Happy Hour Cocktail Shaker Set

Engineered for adventure. Stanley’s travel-ready shaker set includes every essential for crafting cocktails anywhere.

Stanley Cocktail Shaker Set $40,00

World’s Greatest Bartender Mug

Perfect gift for your favorite bartender packed in a stylish box.

Mug Gift $17.99

The post The Chilled Holiday Gift Guide Is Here! Accessories, Boozy Bartender Finds, Gift Sets, Stocking Stuffers and the Best Spirits for Gifting appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News