THE POUR

Cocktails aren’t just about the spirits and liqueurs. Especially in the colder months when a little boost of richness or sweetness can help you slide through the less than ideal days, maple syrup cocktails and other mix-ins might be just the kind of treat to satisfy your desire for a drink with something different.

What’s even better than using an array of many options from cocktail mix-ins highly regarded around the world? How about local Minnesota-made ingredients that elevate a drink to just the right degree?

Check out these cocktail recipes with local Minnesota syrup and jams. Plan to pick up some fine honey, preserves, syrups, and other products from our fine state to add an extra burst of flavor to these cocktails.

It’s hard to believe we’re in the throes of winter, isn’t it? Well, since we’re here and all trying to survive the cold together, it might help to cozy up with something tasty in your cup. Classic winter cocktails for snow days provide the warming feelings and flavors that turn the bitterness of winter into a special time with friends or family — or sometimes just enjoying some time by yourself to slow down.

The key to classic winter cocktails are knowing a few quintessential ingredients. Let’s dig into a few recipes for these cold-weather drinks.

You might be planning to reach for peppermint schnapps, Kahlua, or other common cocktail ingredients with the arrival of colder weather, but maybe this is the year you reach for Louisa's Liqueur.

Cocktail Recipes with Louisa’s Liqueur

Good news: Louisa’s Liqueur is ready for your home bartending practice. Start easy with the liqueur neat or over ice in a rocks glass, providing a sweet and smooth way to ease into the evening after dinner. Or go for a decadent dessert by pouring it over vanilla bean ice cream or adding a shot of it to your cup of afternoon coffee.

Louisa’s Manhattan cocktail recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Bourbon
• 1 oz. Sweet vermouth
• 1/2 oz. Louisa's Liqueur
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• Luxardo cherry
• Ice

How to make a Louisa’s Manhattan cocktail:

1. Place all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice.
2. Stir the mixture, then strain it into a chilled cocktail glass.
3. Add a free-floating or speared Luxardo cherry as garnish.

After a summer filled with Bombas and Wonderwall, the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota United Football Club are both going to the playoffs this fall. Better yet, the Twins clinched their division title and the Loons clinched their playoff berth within hours of each other.

In a state that hasn't had all that much playoff success in recent years (with the notable exception of the amazing Minnesota Lynx), cracking the bubbly for two teams on one night was something to celebrate! In fact, it inspired us to create some special Minnesota team-themed cocktails to enjoy throughout their playoff runs.

Do you know about the "Spirit of Spain?"

“Spain has a spirit?” you ask. “I thought it was only superb Rioja reds and Albariño white wines, with the occasional vermouth.”

All great Spanish choices, but there’s more: Ponche Caballero.

If you haven’t yet discovered the glory that is Caballero liqueur, don’t fret. Many of us here in Minnesota and around the United States are late to the Caballero party, so we're here to invite you.

You don’t have to wait for Cinco de Mayo or National Margarita Day (February 22) to celebrate in true margarita fashion.

While margarita-making is the obvious choice for celebrating May 5th and the anniversary of the Mexican Army’s victory over the French, this quintessential Mexican drink is too good to leave to only a couple occasions per year. And there are many options beyond the traditional margarita recipe.

A Word About Tequila

One of the reasons margaritas are so good is that this cocktail is built on simplicity, good ingredients, and balance. To authentically enjoy a margarita, one must appreciate tequila – a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant in the Mexican city of and near Tequila (yes, it’s a place).

There are 200 types of agaves found in Mexico, and they are classified much like fine wines. Tequila that is labeled 100% de Agave can only be bottled in Mexico. It refers to being made from the blue agave plant and does not have added sugars. Mix to refers to tequila that is made with blue agave plus non-agave sugars such as sugar cane. These are usually simply labeled Tequila.

It’s time to up your Mojito-making skills. The classic Cuban highball cocktail is a summer favorite for a reason. It's refreshing and it's pretty simple to make. You don't need to tell your guests that part, but there are a few tips we'd like to share to help you impress your friends and let you kick back with these easy Mojito recipes.

There are four main Mojito ingredients to keep in mind when creating this magic. It's all about quality ingredients from the start.

What You Need to Know About the 4 Key Mojito Ingredients

What comes in sets of four hooves, goes in circles, wears big hats, and has its own special drink? (No, this is not a joke about your awkward relatives.) It’s one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country: the Kentucky Derby!

Since 1875, the Kentucky Derby has fascinated horse racing enthusiasts. Affectionately called the “Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May and is celebrated at “Derby Parties” from coast to coast. Tradition is key here, and one of the most celebrated traditions is the official drink of the Derby: the mighty Mint Julep.

In fact, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. That’s a lot of mint and bourbon.

One tournament. Fourteen locations. Sixty-eight teams. Eighteen game days. One winner. 

The madness is back, and if this year's NCAA basketball tournament is anything like last year's bracket-busting excitement, we're in for some entertaining games. This year, we're especially excited because the tournament ends in our own backyard, at U.S. Bank Stadium. That's right! The nation's top four Division 1 teams will battle it out for a chance at the title right here in Minneapolis, April 5–8. 

Whether you're watching from your sofa, the local bar, or want to grab a drink after the game here in town, here are some cocktails based on the No. 1 seeded teams and some Minnesota craft beers to get you in the spirit.

What happens if you’ve had your fill of green beer and busy nightlife for a while, but you still want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this week? What better way to celebrate than to settle into a quiet corner of an Irish-inspired dark bar or, even more relaxing, in your favorite chair at home with a glass of Irish whiskey.

Of course, not everyone chooses whiskey for the occasion. Is it because they’re confused whether to spell it whiskey or whisky (and is there a difference beyond the spelling)? Drink it neat or mixed in a cocktail. Whatever you prefer! Here are three ways to enjoy the straightforward spirit and three ways to mix Irish whiskey in a cocktail.