fact or fiction
Is it a fact or is it merely fiction? Exploring the myths surrounding the effects of alcohol beyond the classic 'beer before liquor, never been sicker'.
Why Your Bartender’s Mood Affects Your Drink (and What You Can Do About It)
We often talk about cocktails as formulas: 2 oz of this, ¾ oz of that, shake with ice, strain into glass. But anyone who’s spent time around a bar knows something deeper is at play. The same drink made by two different bartenders can taste — and feel — completely different. Why? Because bartending isn’t just technique. It’s mood. It’s presence. It’s human.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
The Rise of the “Cocktail Geek”: Hobbyist Mixology Goes Mainstream
Not long ago, mixology was a term reserved for elite bartenders working behind sleek counters in dimly lit speakeasies. The average person might know how to pour a rum and Coke or shake up a basic Margarita, but the real alchemy of cocktails was left to the pros.
By Sofia Mertinezz7 months ago in Proof
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
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
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
Deadly Worlds in Universe
Imagine a planet where taking a single breath doesn't fill your lungs with air—but with acid. Initially, scientists believed Gliese 581c might be similar to Earth and capable of supporting life, based on its location in the so-called "habitable zone" around its star. However, that hope came only from observing it from afar.
By Faizan Khan7 months ago in Proof
90s Party Cocktails to Bring the Vibe Back
If you’re throwing a 90s-themed party, you’ll need more than flannel shirts, chokers, and a playlist full of TLC and Nirvana. You need cocktails that capture the spirit of the decade — bold, fun, and unapologetically colorful. The 1990s were a wild time for drinks, filled with bright hues, fruity flavors, and over-the-top garnishes. It was an era of experimentation and, yes, a little sugar overload.
By Sofia Mertinezz7 months ago in Proof
The Courage to Speak the Truth
Riya sat on the edge of her bed, her hands trembling as they clutched the edges of a letter she had rewritten three times that week. The room was dim, the fading evening sun casting long shadows on the walls. Outside, the world moved on — horns honked, children laughed, birds fluttered home — but inside her, a storm raged. It had been six months since the incident, and the weight of silence was beginning to crush her.
By MIne Story Nest7 months ago in Proof
Acidity in Cocktails: Not Just About Lemons and Limes
Acidity is the sharp, refreshing backbone of most great cocktails. It lifts the sweetness, cuts through richness, and brings balance to the glass. Most of us associate acidity with lemon or lime juice — and with good reason. These citrus fruits are bar staples for a reason: they’re bright, accessible, and incredibly versatile.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
The Rise of Soju Cocktails from Korea
For years, soju has been a staple of Korean dining culture — poured generously at barbecues, shared between friends, and often accompanied by laughter, clinking shot glasses, and late-night karaoke. But lately, this clear, subtle spirit has stepped out of its traditional setting and into the hands of mixologists around the world.
By Ava Mitchell7 months ago in Proof
Balkan Spirits in the Glass: Rakija, Slivovitz & More
The Balkans are known for their rich traditions, vibrant cultures, and hearty hospitality — but one of the region’s most enduring treasures is its array of distinctive fruit brandies and spirits. From Serbia to Bulgaria, Croatia to North Macedonia, local distillates like rakija, slivovitz, komovica, and loza have long been a symbol of celebration, community, and family legacy.
By Ethan Chen7 months ago in Proof
