alcohol
All about the effects of alcohol on the mind and body, and what a drinker should expect from a sip, or ten, of the hard stuff.
How to Taste a Cocktail Like a Pro
Drinking a cocktail is easy. Tasting it? That’s where the real magic happens. Behind every well-made drink is a carefully balanced equation of flavors — spirit, acid, sugar, bitterness, texture, aroma. To truly appreciate a cocktail, whether you're a curious guest or a budding mixologist, it's worth learning how to slow down and taste like a pro.
By Aisha Patel7 months ago in Proof
From Guest to Regular: Building a Relationship with Your Favorite Bar
We’ve all seen it in movies: someone walks into a bar, and the bartender greets them by name, pouring their usual with a nod and a smile. It seems effortless, cool — like they belong. But becoming a regular at your favorite bar isn’t just about showing up often. It’s about showing up well — with curiosity, respect, and a genuine appreciation for the place and the people behind it.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
Drink Like a Local: How to Explore Regional Cocktails When You Travel
Food tourism is everywhere — but drink tourism? It’s finally getting the spotlight it deserves. When you travel, tasting the local cocktail culture can unlock a deeper understanding of the place you’re visiting. A city’s flavors aren’t just on plates — they’re in highballs, coupes, and clay cups, shaped by history, climate, and community. Whether you’re in Tokyo or Tbilisi, drinking like a local offers a sensory map of tradition, innovation, and identity.
By Sofia Mertinezz7 months ago in Proof
Beyond the Menu: How to Order Like a Cocktail Insider
Walking into a bar and scanning the cocktail menu is a familiar ritual. But if you want to go deeper — to taste something truly unique, tailored to your preferences — you’ll need to think beyond the printed page. Ordering like a cocktail insider isn’t about being flashy or pretentious. It’s about understanding the dynamics behind the bar, communicating clearly, and showing curiosity and respect for the craft.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
The Unspoken Rules of Sitting at the Bar
There’s something special about sitting at the bar. It’s intimate, social, and gives you a front-row seat to the craft of cocktail making. But the bar isn’t just another table — it’s a shared space with its own rhythm, culture, and unspoken etiquette. And while bartenders are trained to welcome everyone, those who understand how to be a great bar guest tend to get better service, better drinks, and a more memorable experience.
By Aisha Patel7 months ago in Proof
5 Questions You Should Ask Your Bartender
A night out at a cocktail bar isn’t just about what’s in the glass — it’s also about the people behind it. Bartenders aren’t just there to pour drinks; they’re curators, creators, and often the best guides to help you discover flavors you didn’t know you loved. And yet, most guests stick to the same few phrases: “Can I get a gin and tonic?” or “What’s good?”
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
What Does “Balance” Really Mean in a Cocktail?
Ask any experienced bartender or mixologist what makes a great cocktail, and you’ll likely hear one word over and over again: balance. But what exactly does that mean? Is it about equal parts? Perfect ratios? Or something more subtle — a feeling, even?
By Sofia Mertinezz7 months ago in Proof
How Bartenders Create Signature Drinks
Walk into any great bar, and chances are you’ll spot a list of “signature cocktails” — drinks you won’t find anywhere else, crafted specifically to reflect the bartender’s style, the venue’s vibe, or a seasonal theme. But what exactly goes into creating a signature drink? It’s not just a matter of mixing random ingredients and giving it a clever name. It’s a careful process that blends creativity, technique, storytelling, and a deep understanding of flavor.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
10 Bartender Phrases to Sound Like a Pro
Whether you're hosting friends at home or stepping behind a real bar for the first time, knowing the right lingo can instantly make you sound more confident and competent. Bartenders have their own language — part efficiency, part flair, and part secret code — that sets the tone for how drinks are made, served, and enjoyed.
By Aisha Patel7 months ago in Proof
Why You Shouldn’t Mix Citrus and Soda Without Thinking
On the surface, citrus and soda feel like a perfect pair. A splash of lime in sparkling water? Refreshing. Lemon in cola? Classic. But when it comes to crafting balanced, elevated cocktails, mixing citrus and soda blindly can lead to flat flavors, imbalanced acidity, or even ruined textures. It’s a common home-bar misstep — and one that’s easy to avoid once you understand the science behind the sparkle.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
Your First Home Bar on a $50 Budget
Setting up a home bar doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With just $50, you can create a surprisingly versatile setup that allows you to mix dozens of classic and creative cocktails. The key is choosing smart essentials that do double duty, deliver big flavor, and give you flexibility.
By Sofia Mertinezz7 months ago in Proof
Turning Everyday Juice into a Cocktail Base
You don’t need exotic mixers or rare liqueurs to make a great cocktail. Sometimes, the most surprising and delicious drinks come from the everyday juice in your fridge. From apple to carrot, pomegranate to pineapple, common juices can be the perfect foundation for easy, flavorful cocktails — if you know how to work with them.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
