Exploring the Tradition and Allure of Ming River Baijiu

A deep dive into the history, process and delights that surround the Chinese spirit

We’re sitting around a large table in central Chengdu, the fog-drenched capital of China‘s Sichuan province. Between bites of diced rabbit buried in a mountain of red chilies, guests empty thimble-sized glasses of a sweet clear liquid called baijiu with shouts of “Ganbei!” This is a traditional celebratory feast: each individual at the table will methodically, one by one, toast to everybody else and then …

Hella Cocktail Co. Launches Bitters and Soda

Crisp, bubbly and zesty flavors with or without the addition of alcohol

Hoping to appeal to teetotalers and drinkers equally, Hella Cocktail Co. launched Bitters and Soda, a canned cocktail flavor made with gentian tincture and zero alcohol. Whether sipped directly from the can or mixed with a spirit, they are bubbly and zesty drinks. The “Spritz” iteration is fruited and slightly bitter, reminiscent of a Negroni or Old Fashioned, but it boasts plenty of effervescence—unlike either …

East Imperial + Jim Meehan’s Delicious Grapefruit Soda

With real fruit, a gently effervescent mixer that's flavorful enough to sip on its own

Made in collaboration with Jim Meehan, East Imperial‘s new grapefruit soda was inspired by a cocktail Meehan made for a rum brand—one that called for a grapefruit mixer. He was unhappy with the market’s selection and felt he had to choose between a natural grapefruit juice or a soda with an artificial additive. After a conversation with Kevin Law-Smith (founder of East Imperial), the opportunity …