Experiencing an authentic New Orleans Mardi Gras is a spectacle unlike anything else—a true lesson in all-out revelry that spans weeks—not just a single day. Far from the tourist flooded streets of Bourbon, Mardi Gras season means neighborhoods are lined with families, new friends and old, tailgating evening parades while dressed in purple, green, and gold… and undoubtedly boozing hard. Think you can booze like a New Orleanian on February 27th? Show Seattle how it’s done by indulging in the true spirit of Mardi Gras with one (or five) of these historic New Orleans cocktails. Sazerac According to lore, the Haitian born New Orleans transplant, Antoine Amédée Peychaud, set up his own drugstore in the early 19th century slangin’ the cognac Sazerac de Forge et Fils and Peychaud’s bitters to his ailing customers. The concoction was later popularized at the...

The rain is beating down on your frozen Seattle soul and you’re one of the people that refuses to carry an umbrella. The bus is late or full. This winter feels colder than last year. Your heating bill has skyrocketed even though you swear you’ve barely touched the thermostat. If these aren’t reasons to hide in a dark bar and sip a cocktail while waiting out the storm, I don’t know what is. Forget it's winter with these dimly lit places for boozy concoctions. The Octopus Bar Ahoy, it’s a pirate ship turned shadowy booze paradise laden with treasure from breakfast flatbreads to Swedish fish cocktail garnishes. Set sail for this neighborhood oasis and be prepared to drink too many Shipwreck Molly (vodka, pineapple, orange, Blue Curaco, and soda) then return to cure your hangover with their acclaimed Bloody Marys....

Winter is coming. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is here. But don’t fret because the weather is changing. It’s time to get happy with some of the best happy hours in Seattle. Elevate your mood, social life, and bank account with these top of the chart menus. Palomino Happy Hour: 3 pm – close Long hours and cheap eats from $1.95 sprinkled with truffle oil. What’s not to be happy about? Brave the Bellevue bustle and wind down in the dimly lit Palomino lounge. Wine from $5.50 and cocktails from $5.95. Get the Gluten Free Wild Mushroom Ravioli with gorgonzola cream, roasted mushrooms, toasted hazelnuts, and truffle oil for $6.95. Ballard Pizza Company SLU Happy Hour: 4 – 8 pm Pizza lovers rejoice because Ethan Stowell does fast casual right. Hit the courtyard patio for a fat slice of pie and...

The iconic Washington apple gets a turn in the limelight this week as the Cider Summit Seattle kicks off the sixth annual Washington Cider Week in South Lake Union on September 8th. With fall fast approaching, there are plenty of reasons to soak up the last rays with a crisp cider. Cider festivities affiliated with Seattle Cider Week will be held around the Seattle area from September 8 – 18th. Beneficiaries of the event include the Institute for Myeloma & Bone Cancer Research. , Northwest Cider Association , and Seattle Humane . Be on the look-out for some of the local favorites and whether you try them in your backyard, in the tap room, or at the Washington Cider Week make sure to enjoy with company that is just as refreshing as this orchard elixir. Locust No additives – just...

Fresh juices, infused brews, and a hefty squeeze of a fresh-off-the-branch citrus; summer almost demands these must-have additions to your cocktail regime. Even though I am loyal to the plain and simple vodka with fresh squeezed lemonade, sometimes that combo can leave something to be desired. Don’t risk basic bitch status and quench your thirst for the flavors of summer with these citrus brews, cocktails, and spirits that elevate beyond your normal go-to. Orange Rosemary Sidecar Ciudad Georgetown strikes again with the newly opened Ciudad featuring a Mediterranean influenced that highlights grilled meat. The cocktail menu is equally as juicy as the cuts of marinated lamb and the fresh citrus pairs perfectly with whatever is hot off the grill. Try the Orange Rosemary Sidecar with brandy, citrus liqueur, made in-house orange juice and rosemary. So Fresh and So Clean Elysian...

You don’t have to go to be a mad man to enjoy a good old fashioned whiskey cocktail. Get Southern with a mint julep or Sazerac. Jet set to the East coast with a Manhattan. Do you like it sweet with a smash or sour with lemon? As I learned from my interview with Women Who Love Whiskey, Washington has more whiskey distilleries per capita than any other state, city, or county which is one of the reasons why you can be sure Seattle is well-versed in the language whiskey cocktails. Fado You don’t have to fly across the pond to experience Ireland. Fado is your portal to the Dublin pub scene situated conveniently in Pioneer Square. Kick start the day or night with an Irish Breakfast Shot: Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and butterscotch schnapps, an OJ chaser, plus smoky...

We live in a part of the country where it’s easy to feel like the pine trees, the Sound, and mountain trifecta are just a stationary backdrop of the grueling, monotonous nine to five commute. It might take an out-of-towner’s mid-viaduct exclamation that “this is the most beautiful part of the country” to remember that… This IS the most beautiful part of the country. When was the last time you ventured toward the vibrancy of the local vendors at Pikes Place to taste flavors of the Pacific Northwest? I recently found myself down on Pike for what seemed like the first time – don’t miss the secret perks of your own backyard. Here’s how: 1. Rise and grind Take a journey through the abundance of places cultivating quality, locally roasted, artisan brew. From the pioneers of fair trade; Café Vita...

Hot, steamy, creamy, strong, deep, and dark… yes, you guessed it, I’m talking about hot buttered rum. The centerfold of the unofficial national holiday “Hot Buttered Rum Day,” this boozy holiday tradition was celebrated on January 17th, but we decided to expand this delicious holiday. It is a perfect excuse to dodge another day of grey skies and engage in a thirsty love affair with rum. Want to make a Hot Buttered Rum extra steamy? Turn up Steve Raible and get down on these locally devoted tips: 1. Mix it up at home with Harvey’s Mix up your hot buttered rum in the plush comforts of your own kitchen. You can find plenty of recipes online, by my personal recommendation for a quick fix is Harvey’s Hot Buttered Rum Batter . Harvey Hudson first created his special butter rum batter...