It's satisfying to make things in your own kitchen for several reasons, but often just knowing that you can is all the satisfaction you need — gaining that new cooking merit badge for your sash is enough on its own. Recently, I had the chance to make the hibiscus-laden drink jamaica, and even though it ultimately cost more to make than to buy, when the zombie apocolypse comes, I'll be sipping pretty. 

Do you have a thing for smoky drinks? Have you sipped a trendy smoky cocktail lately, one that goes way beyond the smoke of Scotch and into new territory? Smoky cocktails are a lot of fun to make at home, I discovered recently, and yes, they involve real smoke, and yes, they're just about the best party trick ever. Here's what it looks like to make a smoked cocktail...

Have you ever wondered what drove acclaimed writers, philosophers and musicians like Ernest Hemingway, Jean-Paul Sartre and Glenn Gould? After reading Slate's excellent series on the daily rituals of great artists, I suspect it might be coffee — although a comprehensive list would also need to include alcohol, amphetamines and very little food. 

Barrique is a wine word that most of you will probably already be familiar with. The word 'barrique' means barrel, but not just any type of barrel. Do you know specifically what a barrique is?

I have never been to the Kentucky Derby, but every year my family and friends celebrate it as if we were racing heirs from Lexington. Our standard menu includes everything from ham biscuits, hot browns, and homemade Derby pie. A few rounds of Mint Juleps, of course, are a must. This fresh take on the classic, with pineapple chunks, spicy ginger syrup, and a sprinkle of black peppercorns, will be your go-to from now until summer meets its final days.

Need a pick-me-up this Monday morning? Check out this imaginative and adorable latte art being made by baristas in Japan.

At our house we entertain — a lot. Asian-inspired dishes like Thai curry, Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches, and sushi are often on the menu.  Sriracha is our condiment of choice, and while we enjoy cold beer to tame its heat, the search for the perfect cocktail to pair with it has finally come to a very happy ending with this week's drink.

Don't be scared off by the word "bitter" here. This ESB is a seductive, honey-sweet brew with just enough of a bitter edge to keep things interesting. It's a classic British ale and for a good reason: it's just that good. 

There are cocktails. And there's green juice. Ne'er the twain shall meet... or so we thought. From what we're reading, the latest wave in cocktails could be a move to using greens in lieu of the traditional herbs. 

Q: My husband and I got a bottle of port late in the winter. We haven't used much, and now the weather is quickly warming up. Neither of us likes to drink port in warmer weather. What else can I do with it? Are there any cocktails with port? What about food recipes for the spring and summer?

Sent by Alison