If you’ve ever stood in the whiskey aisle staring down a wall of bottles and wondering if that $28 bourbon will make you feel refined or just regretful, you’re not alone. Fortunately, good bourbon doesn’t have to cost as much as a steak dinner. Some bottles under $50 are not just passable—they’re genuinely fantastic, whether you’re sipping neat, mixing a Manhattan or just trying to impress someone without showing them your receipt. I asked bartenders, beverage directors and bourbon buffs...

There are two types of people in this world: those who think of mimosas as a bottomless brunch afterthought, and those who know they deserve better. Sure, we’ve all knocked back a flute or three of something vaguely fizzy drowned in OJ while pretending to care about the waitlist at that new café. But a well-made mimosa? That’s something worth celebrating. It’s not just a hangover Band-Aid or a placeholder while you wait for your eggs Benedict—it’s a cocktail. One that, when made with...

For a lot of drinkers, tequila still conjures up memories of rushed shots, salt, and a regrettable night. But here’s the truth: good tequila deserves better. The best tequilas — the ones crafted carefully, without additives, and made from fully mature agave — aren’t made for shooting. They’re made for sipping. Like a fine Scotch or bourbon, a great tequila deserves to be savored: slow, thoughtful, and full of layered, evolving flavors. Whether you prefer a pure, clean blanco or a rich,...

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, which means it’s officially margarita season. But while it’s tempting to grab any bottle off the shelf and start shaking, the truth is: not all tequilas are created equal—and the right bottle can turn a good Margarita into a great one. If you want a drink that’s fresh, balanced, and worth celebrating, choosing the right tequila matters just as much as the lime juice or orange liqueur. I spoke to bartenders and beverage directors across the country to...

Each bottle of scotch has a story, shaped by the landscape where it’s distilled. In fact, where it’s distilled has a ton to do with how it tastes. Ask any bartender about their favorite scotch, and you’ll likely see a spark of enthusiasm. These professionals pour countless drams, chat with curious guests, and keep track of which labels make people pause and say, “That’s really good.” Over time, they develop their own short list of go-to bottles—whiskies they’d happily recommend to both...