LYRA MAG.

Craft(y) cocktails that don't require special equipment (or engineering skills)-may not be Instagram bait -but refreshed classics, made easily enough with a holiday twist-are ideal drinks to serve with or without party nibbles. Think RUM One of five-Pensacola Florida's ' signature' cocktails =local Sandshaker's "The Bushwacker" aka a grown-up milkshake ... a tasty SWEET swirl of rum, crème de cacao, cream of coconut and vanilla ice cream. This worthy Eggnog sub- egg free- screams party on . THREESOMES: The foundation of any excellent cocktail...stirred or shaken...should be worthy of sipping solo too. Gift-able - Mad River Distillers 'trio -passes that test-with a splash, over a cube-or mixed with the extras. Retro Look-Modern Tastes Ever since we saw BITTERMILK 's retro packaged cocktail mixers-at a Fancy Food show a few years-back-we knew this privately owned company would DO REALLY WELL Try a hand crafted-real ingredient...

NYC Coffee Festival  Mix It With : A 90's redux- 'retro' and new alcohol brands- serve it up to a new generation (or two). remember when Red Bull and vodka dominated the two buzz drinks' category? MR. BLACK -updates that combo w/ cold brew and vodka (roasted + distilled in Australia) FYI vegan, vegetarian and gluten free. Cocktail moue Even the thought of pouring a dram of Scottish whiskey over an ice cube -was scandalous. Now that Bourbon has replaced Scotland's aromatic export as a fav of 35 and under-one of the premier brands  imported single malt whiskey- Oban  ( Diageo owned)- is targeting that demographic-with cocktail suggestions. It reminded us of how Sherry is gaining traction-as an alcoholic ingredient in craft sips. For a sweetish  take on winter's staple Irish Coffee-add Coole Swan 's combo of Irish whiskey, Madagascar vanilla,  Belgian white chocolate + double creme into a steaming mug half filled with java. Good over ice c...

Craft cocktails are trendy-and brings out the arty craftiness of bartenders-both amateur and pros. Yet-since we live in a world of there's an app for everything-so  of course there is a gadget for everything too. Going the K-cup world way of sips-the shiny new machine  Drinksworks ™ drinkmaker (by the same company, Keuring) -has a similar drop in pod system-embedded with alcohol +flavors needed-for fav cocktails like Margaritas (Paradise collection), Gin and Tonic (Simply Refreshing Collection + Old Fashioned (Classic collection), wine (Wandering Vine collection), ciders- and even a collab with name brand brewery-for insta-beer too-Becks,  Stella Artois etc. (Brews collection). With a touch of the button ease-mastering making booze goes automatic. Note-the water tank-is chilled to 37F degrees but is automatically adjusted- chilled correctly- depending on the pod recipe chosen-as is the drinks' size. Because there is alcohol involved-the bemusing/confu...

Personal wellsprings of self care are popping up  -for populations focusing on a life lived, well . Subjectively interpreted of course. 21st century attributes and expectations- in a connected world constantly measured/monitored by metrics...often needs  to also include just how to slow down and enjoy the moment, no numerical feedback required. Part One: WELCOME: A VIP Movie Going Leisure pursuits outside of the home are in competition with...screen time inside...like Netflix and video games. Hence the re-think of  cinema experiences...which we got to check out recently in the Big Apple, at the latest CMX cinemas venue-CMX CinéBistro. Manhattan, and NYC in general does not lack for fun pursuits-day or night...so any new venture better deliver unique options to succeed. Question-therefore...does this outlet-one of 37 dine-in movie theaters-accomplish its 'mission'? Answer -yes, PLUS a perfect date night destination, escape from a winter hibernation, an...

Beer in classic cocktail flavors are a "thing "....we say-stick with the beer you drink (already)- and trick it out. via GIPHY From the Sapporo Beer team ...some tasty ideas that might help you re-think your drink:

A lcoholic liquids... the opposite of some of the new better for you  functional fluids hitting the market can be the perfect pairing of dress-upped, mixed drinks. Ideas on how to update the last decades fav Red Bull and Vodka-include  now 'cleaner' carbonated alternatives-plus fluids boasting health benefits. via GIPHY The new behind the bar staples??? Lifeway's slightly sparkling organic Elixir-fresh tasting-in fruity tangerine, elderberry, hibiscus and our fav, warm spicy ginger-delivers active culture probiotics. Served chilled -with clear alcohol-like gin or vodka-or 'straight up'- over ice ...naturally low in calories-and gluten/caffein free, vegan +kosher.  Apple Cider vinegar is the old/new remedy for human ailments-including diminishing detoxifying inflammation,  sore throats, help in weight loss, support heart health, improve blood sugar/insulin levels etc. That abrasive tartness though-on its own-or swoished in water-isn't for most. ...

  Starting a new year usually ushers in vows of better fitness, health and nutrition-particularly in the eats and drinks category.  A worthy resolution-get a better buzz on-our top pick USDA ORGANIC Chameleon Cold-Brew . Since our first sip of refrigerated ready coffee from vending machines in Japan-decades ago(!!!) the buzz in a bottle/can has deliciously evolved to satisfy more sophisticated palettes -with a smooth less acid drinks. Stop choice -Chameleon Cold-Brew made from small batch, air roasted rich coffee beans slooowly processed (drip by drip for 12 hours)- with filtered Texas Hill country water. CHAMELEON COLD-BREW comes in 10oz RTD sizes of original USDA Organic Black Coffee, Vanilla-sweetened with cane sugar, and the complex Mexican flavor-has a rich blend flavors-almost almond-y...when we added unsweetened almond milk-the results were as tasty as a milk shake but with a lot less calories. Other flavors not pictured: Caramel, Mocha and Texas P...