California Zin

As a broke-ass boozehound, I rarely spend more than $15 on a bottle of wine. I had a rough day today, and decided to open one of the more expensive bottles I own. I bought the 2011 Zinfandel from Seghesio Vineyards (Sonoma) on the recommendation of a Blackstone Vineyards rep at work. He told me that "Blackstone is kind of a... cheap producer," in a voice full of honesty, and since he was honest about the quality of the wine he represented, I asked him which Sonoma wines he liked (telling him about my upcoming Napa/Sonoma honeymoon trip in June). He told me the one vineyard I had to go to in Sonoma is Seghesio, and after drinking this Zin, I believe him.

The bottle was $25 at Whole Foods, and it is probably one of the best values on a $20+ priced wines I've had. Slightly sweet lemony beginning, BIG fruity and dark juicy berries middle, lush acidity and just the right amount of dryness from tannins at the finish. Medium to full bodied. Tonight I am drinking it with a steak and mushroom wild rice pilaf dinner. Perfect with the savory flavors of the meal. So, my dear boozehounds, when you have a few extra shekels to spend on wine, you will not be wasting them on this wonderful Zinfadel.

Vieux Carré

Happy Mardi Gras! To celebrate, tonight I am drinking the most New Orleans-y drink I know of: the Vieux Carré. Complex and delicious, this cocktail is made with equal parts rye whiskey, Cognac (or brandy), and sweet vermouth. Add a teaspoon of Benedictine, and two dashes each of Angostura and Peychaud's bitters. Stir with ice, strain into an old fashioned glass with one giant ice square. Sip, and be transported to the "Old Square" in the French Quarter.

Disappointing Texas Wine

I was too worn out to make a cocktail this evening, so I opened a bottle of Fall Creek Chenin Blanc. I believe this is the first wine from Fall Creek that I have tasted - the vineyard is located in Tow, Texas. Low acidity, too heavy and apple-juice-y of a body, with an off-putting sweetness. Lacks a crispness I like in white wines. Luckily, I got it on sale for $7. Maybe I'll make that cocktail after all...

Pepper Smash

If you don't mind a crowded bar on a Saturday night with typical douchey Plano patrons, Pepper Smash is the best bar for craft cocktails I've found within 20 minutes of where I live. The head Mixologist, Sam Gillespie, is a bitters enthusiast and just told me about a spice shop (Penzeys - don't let me forget) to check out in Dallas. The bar specializes in drinks made with fresh herbs and produce, and the drinks menu changes often, featuring new combinations created by the mixologists, and inventive twists on old classics. This is a bar where you can order a Singapore Sling and not be met with a blank stare. A huge selection of liqueurs and bitters, as well as a cotton candy machine and smoker (for the smoked Makers Dublin Dr. Pepper).

Tonight I'm drinking the High Five - made with pisco, fresh basil, pineapple juice, grapefruit syrup, peychaud's bitters, and goslings ginger beer. Pisco is a very underrated Peruvian brandy of sorts, and it works very well with the grapefruit. I will have to experiment with that combination later. Another favorite is the signature Pepper Smash - Titos, basil, smashed and grilled bell peppers and onions, with agave nectar and lime, with a smoked sea salt and chili powder rim.

If you ever have the chance to visit Pepper Smash when they aren't slammed, ask one of the experienced mixologists for a bartenders choice, after telling them your preferred base spirit. Their creativity is extremely refreshing, and they have quite the selection to play around with. I am very jealous of their well-stocked bar.

The Smokestack

Enjoyed a delicious craft cocktail at the 2nd Floor Bar of the Westin Galleria - this bar has what I would estimate to be more than 100 whiskeys available, the majority of which are scotches. The Smokestack consists of The Famous Grouse as a base (a blended scotch), Benedictine (aromatic herbal liqueur), carpano antica (fancy pants sweet vermouth), Regan's orange bitters (the bartender let me try it by itself - spicier than the Fee Bros I have at home), and a Laphroaig 10 rinse. Buying all the ingredients would cost me more than $200, so the cocktail was a steal at $14. The 2nd floor has a nice atmosphere, and the bar staff is extremely knowledgeable and attentive. Not really an everyday bar, as the prices run rather high, but they have a lot of nice whiskey flights for about $20 each - really good for gaining whiskey experience without spending a fortune on bottles.