Auburn Courtesan

Before we head into another round of the Around America series, let's end the summer with an original creation with a bit of sweet sophistication, yet still easy on the pocketbook and made from spirits that you can get at rural Wisconsin liquor stores. We had to use up a crate of Idaho peaches left over from a school function, so here at the Firewater Lounge, there is no hesitation to whip up a batch of peach cocktail syrup. Mostly, this peach syrup will go into bourbon and rum old fashioneds, but this time I thought I'd class it up and elevate an old college shooter: The Red Headed Slut.

Chicago, River North, Part 2

In our last post, we left you at the Green Door Tavern in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Normally, in an Around America multi-post, we take you to three different bars in a city. But this time, we never left the Green Door. You see, the Green Door has a little secret. In the basement, there's a nondescript door with a rack of little knickknacks.  Behind that door, is an authentic speakeasy known as The Drifter.

Holly's Originals, Gold Star

Essential Liquor #29

29) Jägermeister - While not on the original idea list for the 30 Essentials that I drew up last spring, I had to add it given the strength of demand for Jägerbombs in today's bars. A real bar simply cannot have a party with energy drink mixers and not have Jäger on hand to complement. Besides, Jägermeister is a flexible ingredient, adding a light spicy touch to three liquor blends and pleasant anise backing to iced-down shots. Those interested in developing a taste for the anise-dominant liqueurs of Europe but do not yet enjoy black licorice would do best to start their herbal taste immersions with Jäger.