Last month we celebrated the 82nd anniversary of the repeal of prohibition. Prohibition was in effect for 13 years in the US, during which time the Speakeasy came into a brief, but necessary vogue. While there are entire bars and cocktail books based around the drinks that were supposedly thought up during this 13 year “noble experiment,” most cocktail historians agree that few unique drinks were born during a time when people simply wanted to get the illegal booze into their system as quickly as possible before the cops showed up.
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Say Hello to Ruby Red
Cocktails, Process5 CommentsMuch like the Honey Habanero, the Ruby Red is designed to be sipped alone or mixed into a delicious cocktail. Here at Belle Isle, our team prefers it topped with soda and a squeeze of lime. In fact, Ruby Red herself was inspired by the Honey Habanero infusion, which we all enjoy mixed with fresh grapefruit juice. It was a logical, and delicious, next step.
Behind the Bar: Colin King of Savory Grain
Cocktails, Conversation, Richmond22 CommentsKnown for creative dishes, an awesome happy hour (the Painless1099 guys cited it as a favorite) and tons of draft beer, Savory Grain is fast becoming a Broad Street staple. This week, bar manager Colin King gave us a behind the scenes look at the cocktail menu and leaves sage advice for new bartenders.
Behind the Bar: Michael Hanbury of comfort
Conversation, Richmond, CocktailsCommentMichael Hanbury recently returned to his hometown of Richmond, Virginia after an extended stay in Greensboro & Raleigh which left him an expert in Southern-style food & hospitality. Now bar manager of comfort, Hanbury's 16 years of bartending experience brings a fresh flavor to the cocktail menu (some of which include yours truly).
Two Perfect Cocktails for New Year's Eve
CocktailsCommentBartenders Will Witherow of Copperwood Tavern and Gregg Brooks of Comfort designed their big batch cocktails in equal parts delicious and simple to get the party moving with minimal stress.
5 Must-Try Holiday Moonshine Cocktails
Cocktails1 CommentThanksgiving Cocktail: Pecan Pie Old Fashioned
CocktailsCommentThe third week in November officially kicks off the hectic holiday season. But have no fear! This week we stopped by Belle & James where one of Richmond's most beloved bartenders, Sean Rapoza, mixed up a boozy treat to help take the edge off.
Cocktail Classics: The Sour
CocktailsCommentParty Cocktail: Richmond 2015
CocktailsCommentAs the UCI Road World Championship Races enters into it’s final weekend, all eyes turn with anticipation to the hometown of our premium spirit, Richmond. Whether you are heading out to cheer on the cyclists along the 10 mile course or gathering at home to watch with friends, the appropriate beverage will help make the experience next-level.