When the Oscars roll around, my husband and I usually shrug at the noms since we typically haven't seen any of the movies. This year, though, the mythical gods of "free-time" shone down on us and we were able to squeeze in a few of the films we usually only hear about. So it seems we will have a reason to actually watch the ceremony for more than the red carpet. Without hesitation, I grabbed the shaker to create an Oscar-worthy cocktail that we could sip while watching Hollywood's biggest night. More

A mid-day stop for flights of vodka and a caviar tasting with your mom isn't a typical day in the life. Well, at least not my life! But on a recent blustery cold New York afternoon, my mom showed me a little sunshine in the romantically lit, over-the-top glamorous dining room of The Russian Tea Room. Considering it was a work day, I wasn't able to fully partake in the vodka sipping, but I did find something just as indulgent, though less nap-inducing, on the cocktail menu. More

When it comes to pairing food and drinks, there are three basic elements: complementing, contrasting and bridging. In relationships you could say the same. It's the contrast, though, that can create the fireworks and often the passion. With the "Hallmark holiday" around the corner I set out to find a sexy cocktail suitable for toasting your sweetheart, but also one perfect for any happy hour in 10-minutes' time. More

This week I thought about pitting two cocktails against each other in honor of the Super Bowl. Then I realized this is the 10-Minute Happy Hour, emphasis on the minute, and two cocktails wouldn't quite fit our need for speed. Instead I chose one ultimate cocktail that will have you coming out the victor — no matter which team you're rooting for. More

It's that time of year again for little girls in green sashes to storm your grocery stores and go door to door to sell, sell, sell all sorts of wickedly tempting cookies. I have a ridiculous soft spot for Girl Scout cookies, almost every flavor. I'm not kidding. The first Girl Scout to hit me up, and without hesitation, I place an order. I know they are coming in a couple of days, but I just can't wait for the delivery, thus this week's Thin Mint Cocktail to hold me and you over. More

Once a year, usually late December or early January, we receive a case of the sweetest pink grapefruits delivered to our doorstep. At first we love them. For breakfast, in salads, in cake and juiced. Then our citrus enthusiasm slowly begins to wane. There's no avoiding the mound of softball- sized fruits each time I step into the kitchen. As with anything abundant in our culinary arsenal over to the bar they went. I decided it was time for them to have a go at the shaker. More

In my household we firmly believe a hot toddy will make you feel better than any cold or flu medicine you can buy. I've experimented with many versions and varieties and this simple soothing concoction always does the trick. It's also excellent alongside all sorts of holiday treats from cookies to cakes making it your perfect pick me up for this week's 10-Minute Happy Hour. More

If you're like me and have friends who celebrate Christmas, friends who celebrate Hanukkah and ambitious friends who celebrate both, this is the perfect cocktail to serve no matter what holiday is on hand. More

It's likely over the holidays you'll get together with old friends and perhaps more likely during this time of year you'll be offered a shot or shooter of some sort. Aside from being a college co-ed you typically aren't seeking Liquid Cocaine, a Redheaded Slut or a Prairie Fire as your drink of choice. So can shots be sophisticated? And what's the difference between a shot and shooter anyway? More

Thanksgiving is one of those gatherings where the drinks are often overshadowed by the mental and physical requirements of the menu. For this week's 10- Minute Happy Hour we're taste testing two simple — so as not to add to the already extensive to-do list — seasonally apropos pomegranate cocktails, in search of something perfect for you to serve up or share this Thanksgiving. More