There is perhaps no cocktail as universally synonymous with the transition from spring to summer as the spicy Margarita. While the classic Margarita—a simple, balanced trinity of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur—has anchored bar menus for decades, the modern evolution of the drink has veered sharply toward the thermometer-testing territory…
By Penelope Bass July 10, 2026 The ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage sector has long been characterized by a deluge of carbonated hard seltzers, canned cocktails, and hyper-caffeinated energy boosters. In an era where a new SKU hits the virtual shelves of direct-to-consumer platforms and physical retail aisles with dizzying frequency, it…
The traditional morning coffee routine is undergoing a seismic shift. As specialty coffee culture permeates the home kitchen, the standard "drip-and-go" method is being replaced by a burgeoning interest in complex, café-quality beverages. Gone are the days when a simple splash of cream or a dash of sugar sufficed; today’s…
From the mid-century allure of Don the Beachcomber to the sophisticated, rum-focused craft movement of today, "tiki" has remained one of the most polarizing and persistent genres in the beverage world. In the July/August issue of Imbibe, columnist Wayne Curtis explores the complex evolution of the category—a journey that traverses…
It takes a specific breed of professional to willingly descend upon New Orleans during the sweltering, humid peak of July. Yet, for over two decades—save for a brief, pandemic-induced hiatus—the city has transformed into the epicenter of the global spirits industry. Tales of the Cocktail, an annual pilgrimage for bartenders,…
By Penelope Bass | July 01, 2026 Root beer occupies a singular, nostalgic place in the American cultural consciousness. It is the flavor of childhood summers, roadside diners, and the quintessential ice-cream float. Yet, beneath its frothy, carbonated surface lies a complex history deeply rooted in indigenous tradition and a…
As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the narrative of the nation is often told through its politics, its geography, and its monumental shifts in culture. Yet, there is a parallel history written in the fermenters and taprooms of the American craft beer movement. Standing at the center of…
