Wine, Beer & Cocktails

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

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

That's the Spirit

What’s Brewing at Pangea Alchemy Lab This Halloween?

Pangea owner Brad Coburn's goal is to "make spirits that lift spirits"—and he's sharing a Halloween-themed cocktail you can make at home, too.

10/21/2020 By Sarafina Murphy-Gibson

Wine City

Sarasota's Wine Bar Renaissance

Our area is home to a number of bars with big selections of wines and friendly, knowledgeable staffers.

10/20/2020 By Bob McGinn