Honolulu Bars Archives - Side Bar

Curious to know what’s about to hit your glass? Keeping up with trends can be fun, but also time-consuming — especially in the ever-changing world of wine.

We did the work, so you don’t have to. Sit back, pop open a bottle of your favorite vino, and see what’s happening in the wonderful world of wine.

Wine is changing—fast. Once driven by tradition, the industry is now shaped by curiosity, culture shifts, and a new wave of drinkers who want more than just what’s in the bottle. They want meaning. They want connection. They want to know why a wine tastes the way it does. Every bottle carries a story—of place, people, passion, and the hands that crafted it all. For today’s emerging wine lovers, that story is becoming as influential as the varietal itself. It’s no longer enough for a wine to taste good; it needs to resonate.

While traditional drinkers still love their Cabernet and Chardonnay, a new generation of consumers are reshaping what—and how—the industry pours. Wine volumes are softening in many markets, forcing winemakers to take notice. Now, innovation, exploration, and a renewed focus on experience are breathing fresh energy into the category.

One of the biggest shifts is demographic. Younger drinkers—Millennials and Gen Z—approach wine with curiosity rather than loyalty. They’re not stocking cellars; they’re chasing stories. They want origin transparency, sustainability credentials, and wines that feel connected to real people and places. For them, narrative is currency. A wine with a compelling backstory captures their attention and influences their preferences in powerful ways.

Stylistically, the momentum is moving toward lighter, fresher wines. Whites, rosés, and sparkling styles are claiming more menu space. Alongside them, lower-alcohol wines and zero-proof alternatives are gaining traction as consumers embrace more mindful drinking. The “drink less but drink better” mindset is steering people toward premium options—even as overall consumption declines.

Sustainability isn’t a trend anymore; it’s a mandate. Regenerative farming, minimal-intervention winemaking, water-saving vineyard tech, and carbon-smart packaging are no longer niche—they’re expectations. Technology is stepping deeper into the vineyard. Precision agriculture and climate-adaptive tools are helping growers maintain quality under increasingly unpredictable conditions.

Formats are evolving too. Cans, half-bottles, eco-friendly packaging, and direct-to-consumer wine clubs are expanding access and convenience. Digital culture has also made virtual tastings, curated subscriptions, and online wine communities a lasting part of the landscape.

Looking ahead, the future of wine belongs to exploration. Indigenous grapes, lesser-known regions, and small-production bottlings with distinct identities are on the rise.

For today’s drinker, this moment offers more options—and more meaning—than ever. And for producers willing to innovate, the horizon looks brighter and more exciting with every vintage.

The post Let’s Get Trendy: Shaping What’s in your Wine Glass in ‘26 appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

With Stranger Things coming to an emotional end after nearly a decade, Miami liquor lounge The Bend leaned all the way in this holiday season, debuting a full Stranger Things-themed cocktail menu inspired by Hawkins, the Upside Down, and everything in between.

Lucky for you, we got our hands on the recipes. Shake these up for your next D&D night and we can’t promise much… but we can say Vecna just might spare you.

Gin, Liqueur

Upside Down Martini

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Gin
• ¾ oz. Pomegranate Liqueur (Pama)
• ¾ oz. Lemon Juice
• ½ oz. Simple Syrup
• ½ oz. Egg White
• Glassware: Coupe
• Garnish: 2-3 Sage Leaves

Preparation

1. Add gin, pomegranate liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a cocktail shaker.
2. Dry shake (no ice) for about 10-15 seconds to fully emulsify the egg white and build a thick foam.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well chilled.
4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass, letting the foam rise evenly to the top.
5. Garnish with 2-3 fresh sage leaves (you can lightly clap them first to release aroma).

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Tequila

Blinking Lights

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Tequila
• 1 oz. Lime
• ¾ oz. Cranberry
• ½ oz. Spiced Agave
• Glassware: Collins
• Garnish: Rosemary Sprig, Dehydrated Lime, Cranberries

Preparation

1. Rim a Collins glass with salt and set aside.
2. Fill the glass with fresh ice.
3. Add tequila, lime juice, cranberry juice, and spiced agave to a cocktail shaker with ice.
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain into the prepared Collins glass over fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary, dehydrated lime wheel, and a few fresh cranberries.

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Liqueur, Vodka

Hawkins Christmas

Ingredients

• ½ oz. Rumplemintz
• 1 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Chocolate Liqueur
• ½ oz. Heavy Cream
• Glassware: Coupe
• Garnish: Candy Cane

Preparation

1. Chill a coupe glass and set aside.
2. Add Rumplemintz, vodka, chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream to a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Shake well until fully chilled and silky smooth.
4. Strain into the chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a candy cane hooked on the rim or resting inside the glass.

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The post The Bend’s Stranger Things-Inspired Holiday Cocktails appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

For its first global sports partnership, Bombay Sapphire has teamed up with UIM E1 Racing as official gin partner in conjunction with its new Step Into the Blue campaign.

From Lake Como to Monaco to Miami, E1 Racing has quickly become a global player thanks to exciting powerboat races from star-powered teams owned by renowned athletes like Tom Brady, Rafael Nadal, and LeBron James.

Surprisingly for a brand with such a storied history, the partnership marks a first for Bombay Sapphire.

“It’s not always easy for brands to find authentic matches to forge these types of connections,” says Bombay Sapphire National Brand Director Jamie Keller, “so it took us a long time to identify who that right partner would be.”

As they explored the partnership, three core practices aligned for the two sides, a shared pioneering spirit, an emphasis on sustainability, and the desire to create fan experiences that are truly immersive and unmissable. Sustainability proved key. The all-electric E1 powerboats are more sustainable and much less disruptive to marine life. Bombay Sapphire was the first global gin brand to have its botanicals 100% sustainably sourced and uses 100% recycled glass in its bottles.

The partnership coincides with the launch of Bombay Sapphire’s new global Step Into The Blue campaign inspired by the brand’s distinctive blue bottle. Few brands feature a bottle as iconic and instantly recognizable as Bombay Sapphire. Step Into The Blue encourages people to appreciate the blue skies and blue waterways of the world.
Miami served as another point of synergy as not only host city for the first American E1 race, but as the headquarters of Bacardi USA.

“We’ve got a really strong community there,” Keller says. “It meant a lot to share Bombay Sapphire’s spirit in a new and exciting way with some of the best bars in Miami and restaurants and other partners in the area.”

From an activation at Miami International Airport to partnerships with top bars and hotels, Bombay Sapphire truly seemed to be everywhere. The events kicked off on Thursday November 6th at the Satay Hotel, where Bombay Sapphire partnered with Team Brady for a leaders’ summit panel discussing sustainability in sports featuring Bacardi USA President Tony Latham.

The two days of racing led to victory for Team Brady piloted by Sam Coleman and Emma Kimiläinen. “Seeing them win the championship and capture first place a few days later was icing on the cake,” says Keller, “along with them getting behind the bar to make some Sparkling Lemons to toast to their win.”

Sparkling Lemon serves as the official cocktail of E1 Series, a bright, effervescent cocktail that also appeals to those who are not traditional gin drinkers. The drink features Bombay Sapphire and sparkling lemonade, either as lemonade and club soda or a favorite premium sparkling lemonade mixer.

As the partnership with E1 grows, Keller sees opportunities for some of the top bartenders in the country to get behind the bar at the VIP viewing area, The Ocean Club, and serve drinks to some of the celebrity E1 team owners and their guests. An exciting opportunity to take part in this electric new partnership between E1 and Bombay Sapphire.

Sparkling Lemon

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. Bombay Sapphire
• 5 oz. Sparkling Lemonade (like San Pellegrino Limonata)

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in your favorite balloon glass or wine glass full of ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel.

The post Step Into the Blue as Bombay Sapphire teams up with UIM E1 Powerboat Racing appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Dry January looks a little different these days — it’s less about cutting everything out and more about resetting, sipping intentionally, and discovering drinks that feel just as fun, flavorful, and elevated as your usual go-tos.

Whether you’re going all in or just sneaking a few NA nights into your busy week, stocking the right zero-proof tools makes the whole month way easier (and way more delicious).

Here are the 10 essentials that deserve a spot on your bar cart during Dry January and beyond, featuring some standout non-alc picks from Chilled’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.

1. A Zero-Proof Spirit That Actually Tastes Like Something

If you want a convincing Margarita, Paloma, or tequila soda without the ABV, Ritual Agave Spirit Alternative is the move. It brings bright citrus, peppery bite, and enough backbone to hold up in cocktails. No flat “flavored water” vibes here!

2. A Botanical Spirit With Real Depth

Seedlip Spice 94 delivers warming allspice, citrus peel, and aromatic herbs that feel tailor-made for winter. Add tonic or ginger beer and you have an instantly grown-up, zero-proof cocktail.

3. A Zero-Proof Negroni for Easy Weeknight Sips

If you’re a Negroni person, Dry January can feel… sad. Until now. The Perfect Buzz Negroni Bundle gives you everything you need to make a rich, bitter, spirit-free Negroni that tastes like a real drink, not a watered-down imitation.

It layers non-alc “gin,” zero-proof bitter aperitivo, and a spirit-free sweet vermouth to recreate the classic’s depth, bite, and warmth. Stir it over a big ice cube, add an orange twist, and you get that perfect Negroni snap with none of the ABV!

4. A Relaxing Non-Alc Beverage for Wind-Down Mode

For the nights when you want to feel something — just not drunk — Leilo, the kava-and-l-theanine infused beverage, brings a calming, chill vibe sans alcohol. The lineup (Moscow Mule, Lime Marg, Piña Colada, Raspberry Hibiscus, Tangerine Mango, Blackberry Orange) makes Dry January feel like a drink adventure, not a punishment.

5. A Premium Mixer Kit for Zero-Proof Cocktails

The Twisted Alchemy Holiday Party Kit (six bottles of cold-pressed mixers) is an easy upgrade for NA cocktails. Think fresh lime juice, citrus, pomegranate, watermelon, passion fruit— all cold-pressed, no weird aftertaste. Your mocktails suddenly taste like they came off a real cocktail menu.

6. Flavor-Boosting Syrups to Elevate NA Serves

Zero-proof cocktails get way more exciting when you add a little seasonal flavor, and Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Sugar Cookie Syrup is the easiest upgrade of all. It brings cozy vanilla-cookie sweetness without heavy calories or cloying artificial vibes, and it blends perfectly into NA lattes, hot toddies, espresso “martinis,” or simple sparkling mocktails.

It’s the kind of syrup that makes Dry January feel indulgent instead of restrictive — a little treat without the hangover!

7. Bar Tools That Make Zero-Proof Cocktails Feel Legit

Just because you’re skipping the alcohol doesn’t mean you should skip the craft. The Barfly Black Out Basic Set is the easiest way to give your zero-proof cocktails the same polish and precision as the real thing.

The sleek matte-black finish looks gorgeous on any bar cart, and the set has everything you need for proper shaking, stirring, straining, and measuring. When your tools feel premium, your NA drinks suddenly feel intentional and not like a “substitute.”

8. A NA Bloody Mary Mix for Lazy Weekends

Longbottom & Co. Bloody Mary Mix is bold, smoky, savory, and totally booze-optional. Add lemon, cracked pepper, pickles, olives… whatever your brunch personality demands. It’s one of the easiest and most satisfying zero-proof cocktails you can make.

9. A THC-Friendly Option for a Different Kind of Buzz

Dry January doesn’t have to mean skipping the ritual; sometimes you just want a different lane entirely. Highpour offers a smooth, mixable THC alternative that works beautifully in zero-proof cocktails when you want relaxation without the alcohol.

Use it as a base for stirred “spirit-style” drinks, herbal spritzes, citrus highballs, or even alcohol-free espresso martini riffs. It blends cleanly with syrups, fresh herbs, tea concentrates, and citrus, letting you build drinks that feel grown-up, intentional, and totally customizable.

10. Better Glassware (Because Presentation Makes the Drink)

Even the best zero-proof cocktail falls flat in a sad glass. The Mountain Whiskey Glasses from the Gift Guide add weight, clarity, and that cool “snowy peak” effect in the bottom. Serve an NA Old-Fashioned in these and nobody will even care it’s booze-free.

The post 10 Zero-Proof Essentials for Your Dry January appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

With Mi Campo encouraging consumers to be bold and “shoot your shot” this cuffing season, their Sweet Intentions cocktail delivers bright, smooth flavor that’s perfect for keeping the chemistry brewing.

Blood orange liqueur, tart cherry, and salted honey give it just the right balance of sweet and tangy, while the egg white adds a silky texture that makes this feel extra special for a night in or a confident first move. Check out the recipe below.

Liqueur, Tequila

Sweet Intentions

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Mi Campo Blanco
• 1 oz. Blood Orange Liqueur
• ¾ oz. Tart Cherry Juice
• ½ oz. Salted Honey Syrup*
• 1 Egg White
• ½ oz. Lemon Juice

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake without ice (dry shake).
2. Add ice and shake again.
3. Double strain into a coupe glass garnish with cherry on top.

*Salted Honey Syrup

---

Ingredients

• Equal parts water to honey
• pinch of sea salt

Preparation

1. Equal parts water and honey, pinch of sea salt on medium heat until syrupy texture.
2. Cooled.

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The post Sweet Intentions appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Some bottles are just meant to be shown off, and this year’s holiday picks make it easy. From shimmering sequins and sculptural glass to jewel-toned creams and hand-painted Italian ceramics, these designs bring serious personality to any bar cart.

Whether you’re wrapping them up or keeping them out on display, these are the bottles that make the holidays feel a little brighter before you even pour a drink! Find these standouts and more in Chilled’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide.

Absolut Wicked Limited Edition Bottle

Absolut teamed up with Wicked: For Good for a limited-edition release celebrating individuality, creativity, and reinvention. The reversible sequin sleeve flips between emerald green and pink, a shimmering nod to the Emerald City. It’s playful, bold, and a total scene-stealer on a bar cart, bringing color and a little imagination before the cocktails even start.

Crystal Head Vodka

Crystal Head remains one of the most recognizable bottles in spirits. The translucent, sculpted glass skull catches light beautifully and feels more like a design object than standard vodka packaging. With no label to distract, the silhouette takes center stage. Even empty, it’s the kind of bottle that stays on the bar because it’s simply too striking to toss.

Monkey 47 Distiller’s Cut 2025

The 2025 Distiller’s Cut keeps Monkey 47’s signature apothecary bottle but adds a fresh twist with pink and blue tones inspired by the Camargue salt marshes, where the rare sea salt used in this year’s release was harvested. The soft iridescence brings new dimension to the brand’s usually understated look, while the gold neck ring and limited-edition details make it feel special without being flashy. It’s a quiet standout that rewards a closer look.

The Botanist Islay Cask Rested Gin

The Botanist Cask Rested Gin blends minimalism with texture. The frosted bottle embossed with botanical names feels tactile and refined, while a soft golden tint from Islay cask aging warms up the clean design. It’s elegant, modern, and always photographs beautifully.

Quattro Gatti Gin

Quattro Gatti Gin delivers a sleek, modern Italian aesthetic. The short rounded bottle with a heavy base feels premium, and the wooden cap adds an organic touch. The muted green label with embossed botanical detailing and gold typography keeps the design sophisticated and understated — giving quiet luxury for the bar cart.

Pallini Limoncello Holiday Gift Pack

Speaking of Italian standouts… this year’s Pallini Limoncello Holiday Gift Pack feels instantly cheerful and beautifully put together. The bright yellow bottle is framed by festive illustrations of lemons, blossoms, and ornaments, creating a sunny, Italian holiday moment right on the box. A bold red bow adds to the ready-to-gift feel, and the set includes a hand-crafted ceramic cup made in Deruta, Italy, which gives the package an elevated, collectible touch. It’s vibrant, thoughtful, and looks impressive right out of the box.

Don Julio 1942

Don Julio 1942 is iconic for a reason. Its tall, sculptural bottle has a sleek silhouette that immediately signals luxury. The warm amber tequila inside glows through the glass, while the gold detailing gives it that high-end finish. It is the type of bottle that stays on display long after it’s been opened — equal parts status symbol and design piece.

Clear Creek Pear Brandy

Clear Creek’s Pear Brandy has a clean, classic look that highlights craftsmanship. The rounded bottle and cream label feel warm and traditional, while the illustrated pear adds a fresh, natural touch. Understated and elegant, it fits seamlessly into a curated bar setup.

The Glenlivet 12 Year Old Jamaica Edition

This Jamaica Edition brings a lively twist to The Glenlivet’s classic bottle. A vibrant teal-and-gold palette immediately hints at its tropical influence, while Caribbean-inspired artwork adds a playful contrast to the traditional silhouette. It’s eye-catching without straying too far from the brand’s heritage, adding a pop of color to the whiskey-lover’s lineup.

Stella Rosa Cream Liqueurs

The Stella Rosa Cream Liqueurs look like dessert in bottle form. Each flavor comes in a wide, jewel-toned bottle embossed with a crown and star motifs that give it a luxe glow. Pistachio shines bright green, Salted Caramel in warm amber, and Chocolate Hazelnut in a rich bronze. With bold labels and wooden caps, they’re decadent, giftable, and as indulgent to display as they are to sip.

The post Top 10 Coolest Bottles In Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Shop Johnnie Walker in our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide!

Hong Kong–born, London-based fashion designer Robert Wun, known for his surreal and avant-garde couture, has partnered with Johnnie Walker Blue Label to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Johnnie Walker, the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand, has unveiled a new Johnnie Walker Blue Label Lunar New Year Limited Edition designed by Robert Wun for the Year of the Horse.

The collaboration brings together two forms of craftsmanship — couture and whisky — and reflects Johnnie Walker’s ongoing commitment to working with visionary cultural creators who push boundaries and redefine modern luxury.

“I think there’s beauty in everything, if you put your heart, your soul and your craftsmanship and commitment into it,” says Robert Wun. “Being able to work with Johnnie Walker – a brand with such legacy and a strong identity – has been incredibly rewarding. Pushing boundaries is integral to storytelling, and that’s how I approach my work: How can I go further? How can I bring magic to the collaboration? Where will the chemistry take us? For the Year of the Horse, this connection felt especially meaningful – the horse charges forward, symbolizing optimism and a relentless drive to push boundaries.”

Recognized by Vogue Business 100, Business of Fashion 500, and Tatler Asia as one of fashion’s most influential voices, Wun made history as the first Hong Kong–born designer to join the prestigious Haute Couture Calendar in Paris. Known for bold silhouettes, sculptural forms, and a fearless avant-garde approach, he channels the Horse’s spirit of strength, freedom, and optimism — a celebration of movement, resilience, and forward momentum.

Building on that inspiration, Wun reimagines Lunar New Year through a modern, artistic lens. His limited-edition design honors craftsmanship and rare whisky making, appealing to longtime Blue Label collectors as well as a new generation of luxury consumers drawn to contemporary cultural expression.

“Robert Wun is a true pioneer – an artist whose craftsmanship, imagination, and cultural influence mirror the values at the heart of Johnnie Walker,” says Mariana Assis, Global Head of Johnnie Walker Luxury Innovation.

“We are always seeking collaborators who, like us, honor tradition while boldly reimagining it for a new era. Robert’s vision for the Year of the Horse defines both this Lunar New Year and our own more than 200-year journey. Together, we’ve created something that celebrates heritage while inspiring new possibilities.”

To celebrate the partnership, Johnnie Walker will also unveil exclusive content offering an intimate look into Wun’s creative process and his imaginative vision for the Year of the Horse.

Released just ahead of Lunar New Year, Wun’s limited-edition design will roll out globally across selected markets, including the U.S., Greater China, Southeast Asia, Canada, Australia, Europe, and the U.K.

Inside the bottle is the rare Johnnie Walker Blue Label, crafted from some of the most exceptional whiskies in the brand’s reserves. Only one in 10,000 casks makes the cut. Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of iced water, the whisky reveals layers of rich spice, vanilla, honey, caramel, hazelnut, dark chocolate, and a luxuriously long, smoky finish — a fitting pour for marking renewal and new beginnings.

Wun has also created a striking Year of the Horse limited edition for John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year Old. Crafted from whiskies aged at least 21 years and produced using a rare three-stage process, XR 21 delivers smooth, indulgent layers of honey, spice, tropical fruit, and a warm, lingering finish.

Both the Johnnie Walker Blue Label and John Walker & Sons XR 21 Year Old Lunar New Year Limited Editions will be available in selected global markets beginning October 2025, ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations in February 2026.

1 IWSR 2023

About Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch Whisky brand* by volume (IWSR 2024), enjoyed by people in over 160 countries. Since the time of its founder, John Walker, those who craft its whiskies have pursued flavor and quality above all else.

Today’s range of award-winning whiskies includes Johnnie Walker Red Label, Blonde, Black Label, Double Black, Green Label, Gold Label Reserve, Aged 18 Years, and Blue Label. Together they account for over 22 million cases sold annually (IWSR, 2023). Johnnie Walker is also the number one bestselling Scotch Whisky (Drinks International, 2025).

*According to IWSR Global Database 2025 volume for 2024   

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).

For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About Robert Wun

Born in Hong Kong, Robert was discovered by Joyce Boutique for his graduate collection at London College of Fashion in 2012. After working 2 years as a freelancer in the industry, Robert then launched his label in 2014, focused on custom order only collections, also with a fresh take on shoes and accessories, alongside his unique tailoring and inspirations drawn from movies and the world of nature.

The brand debuted their first runway show in Paris, January 2023, with the support of Bruno Pavlovsky at CHANEL. Robert became the first designer from Hong Kong to join the Haute Couture Calendar in its history, as a guest member of The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. It was also the closing show of the official Haute Couture Week with their Spring Summer 2023 Couture collection.

Robert was the Special Prix Winner of the ANDAM Fashion Awards 2022. He was also named one of the most influential individual in the fashion industry by Vogue Business 100 and Tatler Asia in 2023. Having dressed artists like Beyoncé, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Adele, Cardi B, Florence Pugh and Billy Porter. The designer was also commissioned and have worked with The Royal Ballet, Hunger Games Movie Series and Director Wong Kar Wai.

The post Johnnie Walker and Robert Won Collaborate on Limited Edition Design for The Year of the Horse appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Okay, so Christmas flew by and you still have gifts to give… it happens to the best of us.

Luckily, New Year’s is prime bottle-gifting time. Whether you’re heading to a party, thanking a host, or redeeming yourself for a missed holiday exchange, these picks from Chilled’s 2025 Holiday Gift Guide are festive, impressive, and perfect for toasting your way into 2026.

Cheers to fresh starts, great cocktails, and gifts that look like you definitely did not wait until the last minute!

Código 1530 Cowboy Coffee Cocktail Kit

A fun, ready-to-go cocktail experience that feels more thoughtful than just handing over a bottle. It’s stylish, unique, and perfect for anyone who loves coffee, cocktails, or cowboy-core energy. Great for New Year’s brunch, too.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

The ultimate luxury “I’m sorry I missed Christmas” bottle. And this year’s limited 2026 Year of the Horse design takes it up a notch with gorgeous collectible packaging. It’s a showstopper before you even open the box.

Ole Smoky Butter Pecan Moonshine Cream

Dessert in a bottle. Creamy, cozy, and ridiculously sippable, this moonshine cream tastes like melted butter pecan ice cream with a kick. Perfect for winter gatherings or spiking your New Year’s nightcap.

Vermut Lustau Rojo

Vermouth is officially having a resurgence, and Lustau makes a strong case for why. The labels are beautiful, the flavors are classic yet elevated, and together they make the perfect set for any martini, Manhattan, or spritz lover.

Tanqueray London Dry Gin

The martini lover’s essential. Crisp, clean, and timeless, Tanqueray is the type of bottle everyone is happy to see on a bar cart. Bonus: it fits any budget and still feels like a smart, intentional gift.

BeTini Spirits

Pretty, fun, and no-mixing-required; ideal for the friend who loves cocktails but not the bartending part. These bottles look chic in photos and taste party-ready straight from the bottle to the glass.

Crown Royal Salted Caramel Flavored Whisky

A returning cold-weather favorite, perfect for hot toddies, dessert cocktails, or sipping over ice. It’s cozy, festive, and a flavor that everyone ends up loving once they try it.

Noces Royales, Cognac & Poire Williams Liqueur

This duo-style liqueur brings together rich Cognac depth and juicy pear (Poire Williams) sweetness in an elegant, beautifully labeled bottle that feels both festive and sophisticated. The warm amber hues read celebratory on a bar cart, while the fruit notes make it versatile for sipping neat or in sparkling cocktails. It’s the kind of bottle someone will actually use (and remember) long after the holiday rush.

Jean Fillioux Cognac Grande Champagne Très Vieux

A truly elevated option for someone special. Aged over 25 years, this Cognac layers honey, spice, and fruit in a beautifully refined sip. It’s the kind of bottle you show up with when you really want to impress.

Tequila Zarpado Reaper

Handcrafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave and infused with Carolina Reaper heat, this tequila is a fiery choice for the adventurous drinker. It’s bold, fun, and perfect for the friend who always wants the spicy option!

The post 10 Gifts That Look Anything But Last-Minute appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Classic cocktails stick around for a reason; they’re simple, balanced, and basically impossible to beat.

But one of the best parts about the drinks world right now is seeing how bartenders take those familiar formulas and turn them into something totally fresh.

From savory heat to nostalgic infusions, these riffs keep the spirit of the original while bringing new energy (and flavors) to the glass. Here are a few of our favorite twists on timeless cocktails!

MARGARITA — Oaxacan Margarita

A smoky switch-up thanks to mezcal! The combo of lime, lemon, and agave keeps the Margarita vibe classic, but the mezcal adds this earthy richness that makes it feel a little more grown-up and layered.

Liqueur, Mezcal

Oaxacan Margarita

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Gracias a Dios Espadín Mezcal
• ½ oz. Bauchant Orange Liqueur
• ¾ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
• ¼ oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
• ½ oz. Agave Syrup

Preparation

1. Rim a glass with Tajín (optional).
2. Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice & shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a lime edge.

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NEGRONI — Strawberry Negroni Spritz

A lighter, fruitier take that still keeps the Negroni’s backbone. Fresh strawberries and a splash of soda bring a subtle sweetness and lift, turning the classic into something light, sparkling, and super refreshing.

Gin, Vermouth

Strawberry Negroni Spritz

Ingredients

• 1 oz. NOLET’S Silver Gin
• 1 oz. Sweet Vermouth
• 1 oz. Campari
• 3 Fresh Strawberries
• 1 tsp Sugar
• Club Soda or Seltzer, to top
• Garnish: Half Strawberry, Fresh Pepper

Preparation

1. Muddle 2 and a half strawberries with sugar in a cocktail shaker (reserving the prettiest 1/2 strawberry for garnish).
2. Add the NOLET’S Gin, vermouth and Campari to the shaker with ice and shake until well-chilled (when the shaker begins to sweat).
3. Strain into an ice-filled Spritz glass, top with soda water and garnish with the reserved strawberry sprinkled with a grind of fresh black pepper.

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BLOODY MARY — Pickled Bloody Caesar

If you love anything briny, this one’s a win. Pickle brine and cucumber add a fresh snap, while the tomato-clam base keeps it savory. Loaded garnishes make it feel like a full brunch moment in a glass.

Tequila

Pickled Bloody Caesar

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Premium Silver Tequila
• ½ oz. Pickle Brine
• 1 pump Monin Cucumber Concentrated Flavor
• 1 pump Monin Oak Barrel Concentrated Flavor
• 5 oz. Tomato Clam Cocktail
• Garnish: Pickled Veggies, Lime wheel, Celery, Cucumber slice

Preparation

1. Fill serving glass full of ice.
2. Pour ingredients into serving glass in order listed.
3. Pour mixture into mixing tin and back into serving glass to mix.
4. Add garnish and serve.

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MARTINI — Kimchitini

This one goes bold. The kimchi-infused soju adds heat, funk, and a savory depth you’d never expect in a Martini, but it works. It’s clean, crisp, and a fun way to lean into fermented flavors.

Photo by Greyson Tarantino

Liqueur, Vermouth

Kimchitini

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Kimchi-infused Hello Soju Flagship Spirit
• ½ oz. Dry Vermouth
• Garnish: Fresh Kimchee, sliced long, on a skewer

Preparation

1. Shake vigorously and strain into a Nick & Nora glass.

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OLD FASHIONED — Cracker Jack Old Fashioned

Sweet, salty, nostalgic and somehow still balanced! The Cracker Jack–infused bourbon brings caramel-corn notes without overwhelming the drink, and the pinch of sea salt ties it all together. It’s playful, but still very much an Old Fashioned.

Whiskey

Cracker Jack Old Fashioned

by Scott Augsburger, New Riff Distilling Aquifer Supervisor – Newport, KY

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Cracker Jack infused New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon*
• 1 bar spoon Rich Demerara**
• 3 dashes Angostura Bitters

Preparation

1. Add all ingredients into a mixing glass, add ice, and stir.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over a large cube.
3. Garnish with a pinch of sea salt.

*Cracker Jack infused New Riff BIB Bourbon

---

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups Cracker Jacks
• 750 ml (1 bottle) New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Preparation

1. Using a measuring cup, measure 1-1/2 cups of cracker jacks, then blend them in a blender until they have turned into a fine powder.
2. Next, infuse the cracker jack powder in 750 ml (1 bottle) of New Riff Bottled in Bond Bourbon for 15-20 mins, stirring occasionally.
3. After infusing, strain the cracker jack bourbon through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter for a clearer infusion, and bottle. The mixture lasts for months.

**Rich Demerara

---

Ingredients

• Demerara Sugar
• Water

Preparation

1. Take a pot and add 2 parts Demerara sugar and 1 part water.
2. Heat on the stove over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Stir frequently to help dissolve the sugar fast.
4. When the sugar is dissolved, let cool.
5. Then, bottle for later use. Syrup lasts about 1 month.

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The post 5 Timeless Cocktails with Trendy Twists appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Our Drink of the Week is The Countdown made with 1800 Cristalino, Fino Sherry, Pear Brandy, a pinch of salt, an orange twist and a sage leaf for garnish.

Raise a glass to fresh beginnings with The Countdown—a perfect toast to ringing in the New Year with elegance and style.

Brandy, Sherry, Tequila

The Countdown

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. 1800 Cristalino
• 1 ½ oz. Fino Sherry
• ¾ oz. Pear Brandy
• Pinch of Salt
• Orange Twist and Sage Leaf (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass and stir with ice.
2. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with an orange twist and a sage leaf.

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The post The Countdown appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News