The Kitchn | Inspiring cooks, nourishing homes

Summery Pitcher Cocktail Recipe: Peruvian Pisco Punch — 10-Minute Happy Hour

Maureen Petrosky — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Pisco Punch made with a traditional Peruvian Pisco is the ideal big batch drink to celebrate a warm-weather happy hour. The key ingredient in the classic recipe is gum syrup (an emulsifier using gum arabic that may be difficult to source). When made from scratch, this ingredient wouldn't exactly work for our 10-minute happy hour, but I easily fixed the problem.

My Favorite Beer to Pair with Any Meal, Any Occasion — Beer Sessions

Emma Christensen — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

Whether I'm at a trendy restaurant or bringing beer to a backyard party, there is one beer that never lets me down — or rather, one beer style. And that would be the Belgians.

From Spritzers to Sodas: 10 Non-Alcoholic, Warm-Weather Beverages

Megan Gordon — Thu, 16 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

On warm weekend afternoons you'll often me in the backyard, gardening, reading or catching up with friends on the phone. Because it feels just a bit too early to pour a drink for myself, I've rounded up a few good non-alcoholic drinks that refresh — all without the booze.

Mildly Tart, Non-Alcoholic Grape Juice? That's Verjus! — Ingredient Spotlight

Emma Christensen — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 GMT

Not quite wine and not quite vinegar, verjus settles Goldilocks-style somewhere in between. It's made from the pressings of young, unripe grapes cut at the beginning of the grape season to allow other vines more room to grow. Verjus isn't fermented, so there's no alcohol, and the flavor is a gentler, sweeter version of vinegar — though definitely still tart. So, do you drink it? Do you cook with it? Let's discuss.

3 Rules for Pairing Wines with Spicy Foods

Mary Gorman-McAdams — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Do you ever wonder why so many people automatically reach for a beer to go with African, Asian, or Caribbean foods? Answer: Beer is refreshing, and it does not clash with the many feisty, fiery flavors of chilies, herbs, spices and sauces that are the signature of these many and varied cuisines. But don't put away your wine glasses just yet!

Wine With Artichokes & Asparagus? Wine Pairings for 6 Difficult Foods

Mary Gorman-McAdams — Tue, 14 May 2013 19:30:00 GMT

While I am a big advocate of how most foods and wines are pretty flexible when it comes to wine pairing, there are a number of foods that are known to be challenging in this domain. However, do not give up! Read on to find out what wines work well with salad vinaigrette, hot and spicy foods, dessert, asparagus, artichokes and even Brussels sprouts.

Questions About Pairing Food & Wine? 6 Helpful Starting Tips

Mary Gorman-McAdams — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wine Pairing is a more of a wine term or a concept than a wine word. It is also a term that can be controversial, ambiguous and even cause anxiety. I am not one for imposing rigid rules when it comes to wine pairing, so what I offer are tips and guidelines rather than hard and fast rules.

Wine with Chicken Fingers or Fish Sticks: Tips on Choosing the Right Wine When You're Eating a Kid-Friendly Meal

Anne Postic — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:30:00 GMT

While you might not drink wine with every meal (or maybe you do!), there are times when a glass or two hits the spot, even if the menu includes chicken fingers. No matter how low-key the fare, wine advice from an expert brings it up a notch. With mac and cheese on the menu recently, I got in touch with one of my favorite wine pros for a recommendation.

A Toast to Gatsby: Champagne Mint Julep — 10-Minute Happy Hour

Maureen Petrosky — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

This week's end gives us lots to toast. Tonight, the alluring Jay Gatsby and his dazzling Daisy hit the box office in Hollywood's latest version of The Great Gatsby. On Sunday, moms everywhere get to celebrate. If that weren't enough, it's Friday, people! That means a delicious 10-Minute Happy Hour just for you.

Beer Review: Gluten-Free Pale Ale from Omission Beer — Beer Sessions

Emma Christensen — Thu, 09 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

I have been insanely curious to try this gluten-free pale ale from Omission Beer ever since I first heard about it. Gluten-free beers are notoriously mediocre, but this one has been making waves of the omgwow! sort in the beer community. Until very recently, Omission's beers were only available in Oregon and a few select bars outside the state, so when I saw a bottle at my favorite local brew shop, I snatched it up and headed straight home.

Make Your Own Soda by Anton Nocito — New Cookbook

Emily Ho — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Soda gets a bad rap these days, but that's largely because of all the corn syrup, artificial flavors, and other junk that goes into commercially produced beverages. Homemade soda is a different story. Grab some fresh produce, a bottle of seltzer water, and a copy of Anton Nocito's Make Your Own Soda, and you'll be mixing your own vibrantly flavored, natural sodas in no time.

2011 Nerocapitano Frappato — Wine of the Week

Mary Gorman-McAdams — Wed, 08 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wine of the Week: 2011 Nerocapitano Frappato
Region: IGT Sicilia, Italy
Price: $25

If you have not yet discovered Frappato, a Sicilian red grape, which makes the most deliciously refreshing light bodied red wines, now is your chance.

Wine Words: Icewine

Mary Gorman-McAdams — Mon, 06 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Icewine, also known as Ice Wine or Eiswein, is a very special, very sweet wine. Do you know how Icewine is made?

Celebrating Warmer Weather with a Proper Punch: 7 Pretty Recipes

Megan Gordon — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

While it's steadily getting warmer in Seattle, it does take awhile yet for it to feel warm enough in the evenings to truly congregate outdoors and comfortably hang out well into the evening. But there's nothing stopping indoor parties with the back door wide open — and a full and festive punch bowl at the center of the table. Here are seven punch recipes that make an evening gathering more festive (and easy)...

Cinco de Mayo Brunch Cocktail Recipe: The Bloody Maria — The 10-Minute Happy Hour

Maureen Petrosky — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:00:00 GMT

Where there's brunch, there are Bloody Marys. So at this Sunday's Cinco de Mayo brunch celebration, it just makes sense that we'll be happily sipping Mary's Mexican cousin: the Bloody Maria.

How To Make Real Lemonade from Scratch — Cooking Lessons from The Kitchn

Dana Velden — Fri, 03 May 2013 14:00:00 GMT

There's nothing more refreshing than a glass of cool lemonade on a warm day. Sure there are those cartons of pre-made stuff and cans of concentrate, but if you'd like to avoid preservatives and flavor enhancers, then there's nothing easier than making your own. It's really not that hard, and if you keep a supply of simple syrup in the refrigerator, it's actually quite fast. Read on for our classic lemonade recipe, plus five easy and delicious variations.

Beer Review: Evil Twin Red Ale from Heretic Brewing Company — Beer Sessions

Emma Christensen — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:30:00 GMT

Get ready for a sneak attack. This one looks all warm and malty, but with a name like Evil Twin and from a West Coast brewery like Heretic, you know you're going to be in for a tour of Hop Town. My suggestion: just sit back and enjoy the ride.

M Côté Mas St. Hilaire Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV Brut — Wine of the Week

Mary Gorman-McAdams — Wed, 01 May 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Wine: M Côté Mas St. Hilaire Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV Brut
Region: Languedoc, France
Price: $17.95

Spring has arrived, so what better way to relax than with a glass of something bubbly, like this delicious and refreshing sparkling wine from Limoux in France’s Languedoc region.

Can a Cocktail Make You More Creative?

Megan Gordon — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 GMT

My boyfriend Sam and I have a constant disagreement about what time of day is an okay time to pour a glass of wine or mix a cocktail. This is largely because we both work for ourselves from home and we often end up working in the evenings which makes the typical 5 p.m. happy hour not that great of an idea, I suppose. But what if a drink could actually help with creativity and productivity?

Fruit Infusion Pitchers — Product Roundup

Cambria Bold — Wed, 01 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

How do you take your water? Straight up? With a lemon twist? Maybe strawberries are your thing. Yes, water is always refreshing on its own, but it enters ahhhh-inducing territory when you throw in some fruit or herbs. These pitchers make it easy. They all have a special compartment to hold the fruit, which means you just lift it up and out when you're done infusing. Say hello to summer sipping on the porch!

Handy Infographic: Brewing Coffee Without a Coffee Maker

Emily Ho — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:00:00 GMT

No coffee maker? No problem! You don't even need a grinder or a means of heating water according to the methods in this fun and helpful infographic from Tonx. MacGyver would be proud.

Yes, Smoked Cocktails Involve Real Smoke. Here's How to Make One at Home.

Faith Durand — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:00:00 GMT

Do you have a thing for smoky drinks? Have you sipped a trendy smoky cocktail lately, one that goes way beyond the smoke of Scotch and into new territory? Smoky cocktails are a lot of fun to make at home, I discovered recently, and yes, they involve real smoke, and yes, they're just about the best party trick ever. Here's what it looks like to make a smoked cocktail...

Coffee, Booze and Benzedrine: A Look at the Daily Rituals of Great Artists — Slate

Anjali Prasertong — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:30:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what drove acclaimed writers, philosophers and musicians like Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre and Glenn Gould? After reading Slate's excellent series on the daily rituals of great artists, I suspect it might be coffee — although a comprehensive list would also need to include alcohol, amphetamines and very little food.

Wine Words: Barrique

Mary Gorman-McAdams — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:00:00 GMT

Barrique is a wine word that most of you will probably already be familiar with. The word 'barrique' means barrel, but not just any type of barrel. Do you know specifically what a barrique is?

Cocktail Recipe: Ginger-Mint Juleps with Fresh Pineapple — Recipes from The Kitchn

Nealey Dozier — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:00:00 GMT

I have never been to the Kentucky Derby, but every year my family and friends celebrate it as if we were racing heirs from Lexington. Our standard menu includes everything from ham biscuits, hot browns, and homemade Derby pie. A few rounds of Mint Juleps, of course, are a must. This fresh take on the classic, with pineapple chunks, spicy ginger syrup, and a sprinkle of black peppercorns, will be your go-to from now until summer meets its final days.