cocktail of the week

With the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics officially kicking off tonight, I figured this week's cocktail should support Team USA. Things don't get much more patriotic than Stars and Stripes.

This week we pay tribute to the multitude of parties goin down on Sunday. Whether you're rooting for the Seahawks or the Broncos in this year's game, we have a super cocktail for you!

Okay, so this isn't so much a cocktail of the week as a vino of the week, but regardless I intend to drink it as soon as I get home, and I suggest the same for you.

One of my favorite mixology ingredients is blackberry brandy. I love the flavor, the color, and the way it can be used in a great variety of ways. This week's cocktail will take you from 7 to Midnight.

Full disclosure: I will soon be in a tropical area where today's high temperature is 83. I figure since I can't take you all with me, you'll have to pretend. What better way to imagine yourself on a tropical vacation than with a frozen cocktail?

When it comes to New Year's Eve cocktails, one things comes to mind: champagne. This week we'll take on a popular bubbly drink and give it our own little twist!

One of my very favorite desserts is tiramisu (can you tell I'm Italian?), so this week, why not turn it into a cocktail?

With the list of the best local craft beers out earlier this week, I started to get a hankering for a nice beer-based cocktail. I wanted something easy-drinking, tasty, but not too filling as cold-weather cocktails can sometimes be.

Let's face it, nothing makes the holidays more bearable than a few cocktails. This fun, festive drink is perfect for Thanksgiving and beyond!

I was lucky enough to be among the judges for Jersey Shore Restaurant Week's Great Jersey Shore Martini Contest yesterday at The Mill in Spring Lake Heights. We got to sample got great creations, but two were crowned as winners.

Some snow this morning and chilly temps means we are all heading to the couch, blanket in hand, ready to cozy up with a warm drink. We all know nothing makes you feel warmer than a nice little buzz!

If you've spent a good portion of this week OD'ing on Halloween candy, you're not alone...but just in case you haven't gotten enough, how about a candy-inspired cocktail?