Sips & Synopsis - This Weeks Makings

• This Week in Cockatils

• Trivia Question

• Drink of the Week - The "Spicy Sidecar"

• Cocktails go Bubbly

Hey there, shaker slinger! 👋 Whether you’re pouring drinks for friends, perfecting your home bar, or just trying to figure out the difference between a Boston shaker and a cobbler, we’ve got you covered. This week, we’re diving into:

• A new trend mixing up cocktail culture (hint: think futuristic and fizzy).

• How to master a classic with a surprising twist.

• A TikTok trend that's challenging our faith in the espresso martini.

• Plus, the "spirit of the week" that'll keep your winter warm.

Grab your jigger and get ready to mix it up! 🍸

🧠 Mixology Trivia:

Q: Which classic cocktail was first mixed in 1919 and named after the last name of an Italian count?
(Hint: It’s a three-ingredient icon known for its bittersweet bite.)

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Drink of the Week

We love a classic, but sometimes it needs a little heat. Enter: the Spicy Sidecar. This riff on the 1920s favorite combines the original’s elegance with a fiery kick, perfect for winter nights. 🔥 Sip carefully—this one’s got bite. Find more variations here.

🥃 Spirit of the Week: Rye Whiskey

Rye whiskey is winter in a glass—warm, spicy, and oh-so-smooth. Whether you’re making a Manhattan, sipping it neat, or throwing together an old-school Sazerac, rye adds depth and boldness that’s perfect for colder weather.

Top Rye Picks:

1. Rittenhouse Rye – Affordable and versatile.

2. WhistlePig 10-Year – Complex and worth the splurge.

3. High West Double Rye – A blend that’s packed with personality.

Pair it with: Dark chocolate, sharp cheese, or… another glass of rye.

The Espresso Martini Debate: Too Much or Too Trendy?

TikTok’s at it again, y’all. A viral hack recently suggested swapping out vodka for cold brew in your espresso martini to make it "healthier." 🙄 The result? Coffee enthusiasts and bartenders alike are in an uproar, claiming it’s not even a cocktail anymore.

Here’s the deal:

• An espresso martini isn’t meant to be a morning drink. It’s a decadent, caffeinated way to end the night.

• Vodka plays a key role in balancing the sweetness of the coffee liqueur and espresso. Cold brew just makes it… a fancy iced coffee.

We’re all for innovation, but some things are sacred. What’s your take? Cold brew hack or leave it alone? Let us know on Instagram! @Mixologist_Mastery

🍾 Cocktails Go Bubbly (And Not Just Champagne)

Move over, seltzers—there’s a new fizzy trend in town. Cocktail carbonation is taking over bars around the world. From sparkling Negronis to effervescent Old Fashioneds, bartenders are infusing CO₂ into classic drinks, giving them a lighter, zestier twist. Think: the refreshing bubbles of soda water but without watering down the flavors.

Why is this happening? Because people are bored with plain drinks. (Okay, not really—but let’s face it, everyone loves a little sparkle.) Bars are now investing in carbonation machines to turn their cocktail menus into fizzy paradises. And hey, it’s a trend that’s easily brought home if you’ve got a SodaStream or iSi charger handy.

✨ Pro Tip: Make a Carbonated Margarita at Home!

1. Mix 2 oz tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, and a splash of agave syrup.

2. Pour into your SodaStream or carbonation tool.

3. Serve over ice, garnish with a lime wheel, and feel like a genius.