Hangovers Cost the US Economy $250 Billion

According to a new study conducted by the Center of Disease Control, headaches are not the only negative after effect of heavy drinking sessions. In 2010, the US economy lost roughly $250 billion in revenue due to alcohol-related incidents, including court fees ($15 billion), missed work days ($90 billion), car crash expenses and medical bills ($13 billion). The study’s authors note that tracking lost revenue …

A Raicilla Worth Drinking

The bootleg cousin of tequila and mezcal gets an upgrade

There’s nothing new about raicilla as a product category. The agave spirit has long maintained a cult following in Mexico, for locals and visitors alike. Of late, it’s also been coveted by bartenders with an eye for hard-to-get spirits. The only issue has been consistency. Last year, one raicilla entered the United States by way of legal distribution after years of trickling in through a …

Wood-Fired Cocktails from Portland’s Trifecta Tavern

A combination of old and new kitchen technology infuses spirits with smoked flavors and charred ingredients

by Adrienne So Barrel-aged cocktails have quickly become a staple at higher-end cocktail bars. The practice rounds off the hot edge of the alcohol, enriches the cocktail’s flavor and infuses it with the aroma of charred wood. However, it’s difficult to keep adequate supplies of each cocktail on hand and coordinate with seasonal menus, especially when most have to be aged so far in advance. …