Wine, Beer & Cocktails

Tuscan royalty

Meet Marcello Aquino, the King of Brunello

The wine room at Aquino's Marcello Ristorante Italiano must be seen to be believed.

02/17/2021 By Bob McGinn

Pour amour

Looking for a Special Valentine's Day Wine? Try Pink Champagne

Pink Champagne's unique flavor and appearance can make its expense worthwhile, but there are plenty of more affordable options for a great Valentine's Day bottle, too.

02/03/2021 By Bob McGinn

Bowling

Five Destinations for Outdoor Super Bowl Fun

These party destinations will feature outdoor seating and game-watching fun.

02/02/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Things to Do

What to Do in Sarasota: Jan. 21-27

A burger and beer bash, an open-air art show, outdoor concerts, provocative panel discussions and much more.

01/21/2021 By Kay Kipling

Beer and Bagels

Sarasota Pub Turns Into a Bagel Shop During Pandemic

Cock & Bull has been a happening craft beer spot for decades. To get through the Covid-19 pandemic, it's now baking bagels, too.

01/20/2021 By Allison Forsyth

Tasting notes

A New Generation of Argentinian Winemakers Is Challenging the Wine World

Often overlooked, Argentina is producing a number of exciting bottles. Here are some of our favorites.

01/20/2021 By Bob McGinn

Wine

Sarasota Wine Shop Hosts Monthly 'Social Drinking' Get-Togethers

Discover new wine and enjoy it with a grilled cheese sandwich at Seagrape Wine Co. this Thursday.

01/19/2021 By Kim Doleatto

Taste test

Making Sense of Natural, Organic, Biodynamic and Sustainable Wines

Interested in exploring the world of "green" and "clean" wines? We've got some recommendations.

01/06/2021 By Bob McGinn

Making Spirits Bright

Take Off the Chill with a Seasonal Cocktail from Sage

Master mixologist Cliseria Padilla-Flores shares what inspires her and a recipe for boozy champurrado, a Mexican hot chocolate.

12/22/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Recipe

'Tis the Season: Tips for Making Great Eggnog

Even if you think you don't like eggnog, we have a feeling you'll enjoy this version.

12/21/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Cuckoo for coquito

This Christmas, Try Coquito, a Puerto Rican Drink Similar to Eggnog

Coquito, or 'small coconut' in English, is made with rum and coconut flavors.

12/18/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Curbside concoctions

Sage Is Now Selling Bottled Take-Home Cocktails

The restaurant's beverage director says the flavors are meant to "capture the distinct spirit of the holiday season in southwest Florida."

12/08/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Holiday shopping tips

The Gifts That a Wine Lover Really Wants

Our wine blogger gives you the scoop on what will really please the wine lover in your life.

12/08/2020 By Bob McGinn

What to drink

How to Pick the Right Wine for a Thanksgiving Dinner Unlike Any Other

Whether you're hosting a small gathering or getting together via Zoom, here are some tips on what wines to pour this Thanksgiving.

11/17/2020 By Bob McGinn

It's a hit

First Watch Rolling Out Alcohol Menu Around the Country

The Manatee County-based chain is planning to bring its drinks menu to half of its 400-plus locations by the end of 2020.

11/11/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Burning question

Asking for a Friend: Am I Supposed to Be Drinking in Public?

A hang session in Bayfront Park made me curious about the City of Sarasota's rules for drinking in public. Here's what I found out.

11/05/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Election Elixirs

Three Comforting Cocktails to Make While You Wait for Election Results

Your ballot has been cast and there's nothing to do but wait for the results to come in. Make one of these drinks to mellow out in the meantime.

11/03/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Oops!

Wine Mix-Ups: More Common Than You Might Think

Local restaurateurs share stories of serving the wrong wines and other expensive mistakes.

11/03/2020 By Bob McGinn

Time Machine

The Best Seasonal Cocktails Take You Down Memory Lane

“Nostalgia is amazing if you can portray that through a cocktail,” says Made beverage director Spencer Taliaferro.

10/31/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

🍴🍷🍴🍷🍴🍷

Next Year's Forks & Corks Scheduled for April 29-May 3

Details of how next year's festival might function have not yet been worked out, but organizers say it is happening.

10/26/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker