Wine, Beer & Cocktails

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

Brews and Bites

Five Tips on How to Pair Beer and Food

We asked 99 Bottles owners Mark and Christine Tuchman for some general tips on how to pick the right beer for the right meal.

10/14/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Drink Up

Set the Bar Event Celebrates Great Local Cocktails

Every day this week, participating bars and restaurants are serving special new drinks, offering discounts and more.

10/12/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Sip Trip

Sarasota’s Best Wine Stores

Here's a list of full-service stores in our region to try when you're on the hunt for your next bottle.

10/08/2020 By Bob McGinn

Best beers

The Best Breweries in Sarasota-Manatee

With a dozen breweries to choose from, our region’s craft beer scene has never been better. Here's what's on tap.

10/07/2020 By Cooper Levey-Baker

Fizz Frenzy

Looking For a New Cocktail Mix-In? Try a Shrub

Shrub, a fermented drink like kombucha that dates back to the 17th century, will be sold by Port Charlotte company Rock Creek Shrubs at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market.

10/06/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Best beers

Celebrate Oktoberfest With These Fun Events

Oktoberfest is a German celebration filled with food, beer and good company. Here's what locals are doing to celebrate.

10/01/2020 By Allison Forsyth

Burning

Crisis in Wine Country

2020 is shaping up to be the worst year for American wineries since Prohibition.

09/23/2020 By Bob McGinn