LYRA MAG.

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...

NYC COFFEE FESTIVAL The same humans that grew up with 'smart'screens- swiping ... are  becoming coffee (and tea) drinkers = born after Starbucks ubiquitously introduced caffeine consumers to better brews. Tastebuds have - evolved further (Starbucks now  'gets' that with its Reserve Roasteries) PREMIUM QUALITY-transparent chain supply-exceptional designs . Travelers sipping  un caffé  better tasting than the average American 'joe,  caring about sustainability+sourcing directly- and the specialty foodie culture- have all contributed to the wonderful world  of more coffee deliciousness. Part One: Single Origin=Small Batch : coffee beans (and chocolates) from a distinct region yield flavors-nuanced and bold. Similar to wine descriptions-(and what we wrote about recently -in coverage of the Fancy Food Show )-coffee beans have  distinct aromas and palate hints beyond dark-medium-light-courtesy of soil, altitude, climate and roasting techniq...