February, 2025

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The Ajabu Cocktail Festival Celebrates African Drinks Culture and Community

Imbibe Magazine

In 2002, while he was working at LAB Bar in London, the late Ghanaian mixologist Douglas Ankrah invented a modern cocktail classic: the Pornstar Martini. More than two decades later, the drink remains a global sensation, inspiring countless riffs and internet searches (it was the most Googled cocktail of 2024). Unfortunately, Ankrahs native Ghana isnt always prominent in conversations about trending drinks or influential recipes.

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Review: Buckner’s Bourbon 15 and 17 Years Old

Drinkhacker

Augusta Distillery was founded in 2018 and has largely functioned as a bottler of exceptional sourced bourbon. Since that time, Augusta has transitioned into a fully functional distillery with Alex Castle appointed as the first master distiller in May 2024. As Augusta waits for in-house whiskey to come of age, the distillery continues to bottle Old Route 8 and Buckner’s, sourced from various origins.

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professionals

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3-Ingredient Cocktails: Quick & Easy Weeknight Drinks

Mixologists

Introduction: The Magic of Minimalist Mixology - Why 3-Ingredient Cocktails? In our whirlwind lives, the thought of crafting intricate cocktails after a long day can feel like a Herculean task. Yet, the art of mixology doesn't necessitate complexity. Enter the realm of 3-ingredient cocktails, a sanctuary where simplicity reigns, and flavor bursts with minimal effort.

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Top 5 Essential Beginner Bourbons to Try

Chilled Magazine

Bourbon is a uniquely American spirit. Its as entrenched in our countrys history as apple pie, free soda refills, ranch dressing, and oversized pickup trucks. If youre a drinker, theres a pretty good chance youve imbibed your fair share of bourbon over the years. If not, what exactly are you waiting for? Well, theres no time like the present. If youre new to bourbon whiskey, you should know a little background before you dive right in.

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Food & Beverage Industry Report 2024

Driven by a diverse and exciting ecosystem of passionate, ambitious, and often young entrepreneurs, the Food & Beverage (F&B) sector is a highly competitive environment full of immense challenges and exciting opportunities. Expert Market’s 2024 industry report, sponsored by Toast, is informed by a survey of 522 U.S. food and beverage professionals, from restaurant owners to food service managers, providing insights into the real-time challenges and opportunities within the industry.

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How to Create a High-End Beverage Program Without Breaking the Bank

A Bar Above

Copyright A Bar Above, generated with AI [*This post is sponsored by The Bar & Restaurant Expo 2025 in Las Vegas. For more info on how to join us at the event, jump to the bottom of this article. Chris, Julia, the team, and I all hope to see you there!] Hey, hospitality folx! Did you know that offering luxury to your customers doesnt have to come with a hefty price tag to you?

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Natalie Ng: A beacon of our industry, finally crowned the country’s ā€˜Most Influential’ in 2024.

Australian Bartender

Interview by Amy Spanton Natalie Ng is no stranger to these pages. She was working at Caf Pacifico back in the days before tequila was even cool. She has opened bars, launched spirits brands, trained hundreds of up-and-comers, and shown everyone that even when your backs to the wall, its possible to give back. On a personal note, its always been a pleasure to be around Nat, and as we pass the reins of the magazine over to the amazing team at Yaffa, its a real treat that this final interview is w

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Why Cask-Strength Spirits Require Distinct Bottle Designs

VinePair

Every spirits brand wants its packaging to look attractive and stand out on the shelf, but when the time comes to design a new bottle, aesthetics are only a fraction of the equation. Theres ensuring the bottle is sturdy enough to withstand minor bumps and mishandling, while not making it too clunky or awkward to hold, especially if its targeted at bars and for mixing in cocktails.

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Bar Cart Essentials: Create a Stylish Home Bar Setup

Mixologists

Introduction: The Art of the Home Bar - Why a Stylish Bar Cart Matters In the theater of home entertaining, the bar cart is the star, a mobile stage for your mixology prowess. It transcends mere furniture; it's a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a reflection of your personal style. Imagine a gathering where guests are greeted not just with drinks, but with an experience – a beautifully arranged bar cart, brimming with curated spirits and gleaming tools.

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3 Gin Cocktails Every Bartender Must Master

Chilled Magazine

If you didnt know it already, the cocktail world is booming. Ever since the cocktail renaissance of the early 2000s, mixology has been a big deal. From Tacoma to Tampa, there are cocktails and bars littered throughout the country where talented, creative bartenders are mixing up classic and contemporary drinks. If you want to be known as a bartender worth your salt, many classic drinks should be perfected first.

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Johnnie Walker Colors Explained: The Complete Guide to All Six Whiskies

The Whiskey Wash

Johnnie Walker Colors For Beginners: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Each Label Johnnie Walker’s famous colored labels have been walking across whisky shelves for over a century, but there’s more to these bottles than just fancy packaging. From their $20 Red Label to the legendary $180 Blue Label, here’s what actually makes each expression unique.

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Top 5 Ways to Optimize Your Loyalty Strategy

Speaker: Lauren Barash, Vice President, Brand Marketing

In an ever-evolving industry, building and retaining loyal customers is critical to the success of any restaurant business. Join Lauren Barash, VP of Brand Marketing at Full Course, as she delves into the world of restaurant loyalty programs, and reveals the top five essential strategies to optimize your approach! This webinar will explore: Loyalty trends and what you should be focusing on 📊 Actionable insights and ideas to help you develop the most powerful and effective loyalty program

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Tilaknagar Industries show strong profit growth

Spiritz

Leading IMFL manufacturer Tilaknagar Industries Ltd. has reported a 23.2 percent year-on-year jump in profit after tax (PAT) at 54 crore (excluding exceptional items) for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. The company had recorded a net profit of 44 crore in the same period a year ago. The company demonstrated a strong ability to manage its interest payments, as reflected in its strong operating profit to interest ratio, which stands at 25.57 times, marking the highest level in the last five q

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Barfection and Sugar & Lime Join Forces to Support the Future of Hospitality

Bar Magazine

Liverpools hospitality industry is getting a much-needed boost thanks to an exciting partnership between local training and recruitment company Barfection and well-known hospitality supplier Sugar & Lime. Together, they are tackling two of the industrys biggest challenges: bringing in skilled staff and providing opportunities for those who may have struggled to enter the sector.

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We Asked 12 Bartenders: What’s the Most Overrated Whiskey? (2025)

VinePair

You probably have lukewarm feelings for something that the masses adore. Theres the wildly popular movie that left you cold. The hit song that makes you punch your presets at supersonic speed. The perpetually busy coffee shop that you think pours subpar lattes. The whiskey world is like that. Whether youre talking about bourbon , Irish whiskey , or single malt Scotch , you can probably name a bottle that makes you utter meh, even though the public loves it or the taters doggedly chase it down.

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Coffee Cocktails Unleashed: Espresso Martinis, Cold Brew, & Beyond

Mixologists

Introduction: The Rise of Coffee Cocktails - A Caffeinated Revolution (Visual Storytelling) The alchemical fusion of coffee and spirits has sparked a caffeinated renaissance, redefining our approach to after-dinner libations and brunchtime delights. No longer confined to morning rituals, coffee has boldly entered the realm of mixology, orchestrating a symphony of flavors that electrify the senses.

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What to Expect at WSWA, 2025

Chilled Magazine

Access LIVE 2025, taking place February 3-5 in Denver, CO, promises to be the premier event for the beverage alcohol industry. Bringing together professionals from all sectors, it offers a dynamic platform for collaboration, learning, and exploration of the latest industry trends. In a time of uncertaintyamid evolving regulations, tariffs, and shifting consumer preferencesthis event serves as a central hub for industry leaders to connect and innovate.

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The Best Bourbons According To The Whiskey Wash Awards 2025

The Whiskey Wash

Our reviews team sampled countless bourbons in 2024. Ranging from Bottled-in-Bond expressions to experimental cask finishes, there was no shortage of profiles to explore and review. The no-fee nature of our competition ensures that our reviewers are open and honest about what they consider to be the best bourbons that the United States has to offer.

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Review: Planteray Mister Fogg Navy Rum and Jamaica 1984 – 40 Years Old

Drinkhacker

It’s been a year (January 2024) since Plantation Rum formally rebranded as Planteray as a move to get away from the slavery connotations of its original name. This is actually ourfirst formal coverage of the brand under the new name, including a look at a new mainline product, Mister Fogg, and an extremely rare limited edition. Mister Fogg is a particularly fun rum to review, because we got to see it in its early stages of vatting in the flesh during our visit to Maison Ferrand in Cognac a

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ZLB23-Kyoto speakeasy bar turns two

Spiritz

In the two years since its inception, ZLB23-Kyoto speakeasy bar at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru, has firmly established itself as a leader in the world of masterful mixology. As it marks its second anniversary this February, the award-winning bar continues not only to redefine India’s cocktail culture but also marks the global cocktail scene by bringing international acclaim with a series of some of the world’s best bar takeovers.

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Mata HariĀ 

Cheers

This Cognac-based cocktail from Employees Only in New York gets a flavor boost from chai-infused rosso vermouth. Print Mata Hari Course Drinks Keyword chai tea, Cognac, lemon, pomegranate juice, red vermouth, Simple syrup Ingredients 1 oz. Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac 1 oz. Chai-infused rosso vermouth oz. Pomegranate juice oz. Lemon oz. Simple syrup Instructions Combine ingredients and shake.

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Ultimate Cozy Fall Cocktails: Warm Spices & Seasonal Flavors Masterclass Unveiled

Mixologists

H2: Embracing the Essence of Autumn in Your Glass Imagine the crisp snap of a falling leaf, the comforting scent of woodsmoke, and the golden light of a late afternoon. That's autumn, a sensory symphony we can capture and savor in a well-crafted cocktail. This isn't just about mixing ingredients; it's about weaving the very spirit of the season into your glass.

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From Shaken to Smitten: 22 Valentine’s Day Cocktails to Try

Chilled Magazine

Valentines Day is all about love, and what better way to toast to romance than with a beautifully crafted cocktail? Whether youre toasting with your special someone, celebrating self-love, or clinking glasses with your besties, the right drink can elevate the moment. From floral-infused spritzes to decadent chocolate-kissed creations, these love-inspired libations are sure to make hearts flutter.

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Beer Events & Social Updates: A Busy Superb Owl Weekend

Guys Drinking Beer - Beer News

First up: After a brief soft open period (where they Mayor stopped by!), Diversey House had their official grand opening on Wednesday! Congrats mostly to the Moor’s Brewing team who finally has a space to call their own, but also congrats to Steep Ravine for coming through the other side of that whole trademark thing. moorsbeer A post shared by @moorsbeer They’ve been added to our Chicagoland Craft Beer Map.

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Review: Bulleit Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon (2025)

Drinkhacker

Established by U.S. law in 1897, the bottled-in-bond act is still a relevant and, to spirits aficionados, familiar signal of quality in American liquor. In a world of sourced whiskey and non-distilling producers (nothing wrong with that, to be clear!), it also a major signifier of a spirit’s provenance. Bonded whiskey needs to be made by a single distiller in a single season, aged for at least four years, proofed at 50% abv, and labeled with the corresponding Distilled Spirits Plant (DSP

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Beer & wine will be pouring in UP without full bar licence

Spiritz

Café hoppers in select cities of Uttar Pradesh will soon have the option of ordering a beer or wine with their meal. According to the new UP excise policy for 2025-26, low-alcohol bars — which serve only beer and wine — will pop up in Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra and Lucknow. The policy, which may introduce greater varieties to the state, will likely give Delhi residents an alternative to Gurugram, with Noida and Ghaziabad being the bordering cities.

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Michael Kill CEO NTIA Appointed as Official Representative to the United Nations as International Nightlife Association Gains Consultative Status

Bar Magazine

Michael Kill, VP of the International Nightlife Association (INA) and CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) UK has been appointed as United Nations Representative on behalf of the INA as it gains Consultative Status through the UNs Economic And Social Council. Following the recent Board meeting of the United Nations Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations in Consultative Relationship with the United Nations (CoNGO) held in Gothenburg, Sweden, the International Nightlife Associ

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Springtime Cocktails: Fresh Floral Drinks to Brighten Your Season

Mixologists

H2: Awakening Your Palate: The Essence of Spring Cocktails Imagine stepping into a garden in full bloom—the air alive with the sweet perfume of blossoms, the vibrant hues of new growth, and the gentle warmth of the spring sun. That's the feeling we aim to capture in a well-crafted spring cocktail. It's not merely about mixing ingredients; it's about bottling the very spirit of renewal, the joyous energy of a world reawakening.

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5 Chilled 100 Bartender Seal of Approval Agave Spirits You Need Behind Your Bar

Chilled Magazine

The Chilled 100 Spirits Awards are judged by working bartenders only. Our Bartenders Seal of Approval is awarded to spirits brands for outstanding quality and are backed by todays working bartender 100%. Here are 5 Agave Spirits that have earned The Chilled 100 Bartender Seal of Approval If you dont have these brands behind your bar you should. Los Magos Sotol 6 Year Reserva Bartenders like Sotol for its unique flavor profile.

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Even the Great Martini Revival Can’t Save Vermouth

VinePair

Is there any more maligned partner in the world of cocktails than the vermouth in a Martini ? The aromatized wine has been part of the makeup of the worlds most famous cocktail since the get-go back in the 1880s. It is one of the two necessary ingredients needed for a drink to be called Martini. And yet, it gets no respect. Like Garfunkel in Simon & Garfunkel and Oates in Hall & Oates, its role has been routinely undervalued, discounted, and just plain dismissed.

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Review: Mutiny Island Vodka

Drinkhacker

Mutiny Island Vodka debuted in 2017 on St. Croix. After living in the Caribbean for some time, founder Chef Todd Manley discovered the islands were not producing enough of their own food and were relying heavily on imports. After hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, Manley found himself on a mission to create a sustainable agricultural product that could also benefit the environment and create jobs and food security for the community.

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The Very Best Whiskey From The Whiskey Wash Awards 2025

The Whiskey Wash

At the inaugural Whiskey Wash Awards , our reviewers sampled a number of incredible whiskies (or whiskeys) worthy of Double Gold Medals in our no-fee competition. We have already written extensively about the winners of each category. So, today I decided to cherry-pick a few Double Gold Medal winners (10/10 scorers) and talk about what makes them so special.

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40 Under 40 Spotlight: Ashleigh McFadden

Cheers

Who: Ashleigh McFadden What: Sommelier Where: Nadair restaurant in Atlanta Age: 37 First Industry Job: Server at a steakhouse in Lithonia, GA Favorite Drink: Traditional-method sparkling wine Sommelier Ashleigh McFadden has elevated Ndairs reputation by aligning the Atlanta restaurants wine program with its sustainability mission. Her focus on organic wines and working with female winemakers has enabled her to bring a unique perspective to the table.

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Beyond Green Beer: Sophisticated Green Cocktails for St. Patrick's Day & Beyond

Mixologists

St. Patrick's Day often conjures images of vibrant green beer, a tradition that, while fun, can feel a bit… basic. For those seeking a more refined and flavorful experience, the world of sophisticated green cocktails offers a delightful alternative. This article delves into the art of crafting naturally green drinks, exploring the ingredients, techniques, and recipes that will elevate your celebrations beyond the standard dyed brew.

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In Honor of Black History Month, Chilled 100 Bartenders Craft Bespoke Cocktails Highlighting Edmond’s Honor Bourbon

Chilled Magazine

In Honor of Black History Month, The Chilled 100 Bartenders Craft Bespoke Cocktails Highlighting Edmonds Honor Bourbon. In partnership with Pronghorn , Chilled 100 Bartenders develop original cocktails that not only showcase their individual style, but also highlight the unique qualities of Edmonds Honor bourbon. The Vanilla Noir takes its inspiration from the art and etching on the bottle itself; a flower held by a dark figured hand, Born from botany, made for Bourbon The selection of Amaro con

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FOURTH ANNUAL GREAT HONKAKU SHOCHU & AWAMORI CONTEST FINAL TO BE HELD AT APPLES & PEARS, LONDON

Bar Magazine

Taking place on 10th March , the competition returns to showcase the creativity and passion of the UKs leading bartenders. The competition is held by the UK Bartenders Guild in partnership with the Japanese Sake & Shochu Makers Association (JSS) , and is the fourth annual event offering a trip of a lifetime to Japan as a prize. The competition kicked off with seminars in London, Manchester and Edinburgh led by Shochu educators and JSS Academy graduates (2024), Francesco Braun and Samuel Boul

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Review: Whiskies of Single Cask Nation, 2024 Releases

Drinkhacker

Indie bottler Single Cask Nation went about business as usual in 2024 despite their acquisition by Scotch Malt Whisky Society parent company Artisanal Spirits. Founders Joshua Hatton and Jason Johnstone-Yellin tell us to expect more of the same as they continue to do what theyve always done, deliver interesting and high-quality single cask spirits as conveniently and affordably as possible.

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