The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
24 results across all types
- news
World’s Best Infused Spirits According to the 2026 High Spirits Awards
By Mike Gorman, The Best Drink Ever Presented by L.A. Spirits Awards Published June 07, 2026 These Infused Beverages Cut Through the Noise. Here’s What Made the List. The infused beverage category is growing fast. Faster than consumers and retailers can keep up with. Every month brings another wave of THC seltzers, infused cocktails, cannabis sodas, spirit alternatives, and functional drinks all promising a better buzz, cleaner experience, or smarter way to unwind. Some deliver. A lot don’t. That’s where blind judging matters. At the High Spirits Awards, products are evaluated without branding, packaging, marketing copy, or hype entering the equation. Our judges — including beverage buyers, bartenders, operators, educators, and industry professionals — focus on what actually matters: balance, flavor, aroma, structure, drinkability, and overall execution. No marketing. No politics. Just what’s in the glass…or can. This year’s High Spirits Awards showed how quickly this category is evolv
- news
Everything You Need to Win the 2026 MONIN Cup
By Tara Founger Presented by MONIN Published June 03, 2026 The 2026 MONIN Cup is back to giving the next generation of emerging visionary bartenders a platform to take their talent, artistry, technique, creativity and storytelling to the global stage. If you want a chance at winning cash prizes, global media recognition and an all expenses paid trip to Paris, France AND you are an emerging Bartender (27 or under) in the US, Canada & Mexico keep reading as the MONIN Cup might be the ultimate career launchpad you’ve been waiting for and your ticket to the global stage. Here is everything you need to know … and if you want to skip ahead and enter now - ENTER HERE. Paris is waiting! Submission deadlines are June 15th for Canada & Mexico and June 30th for the US & Puerto Rico. The 2026 MONIN Cup Challenge & Theme - Timeless Twists. This year’s theme invites bartenders to play with concept of time and classics to bridge the past and the future of cocktails by: Drawing
- news
Inside One of the Industry’s Most Important Rooms
By Mike Gorman, The Best Drink Ever Published May 25, 2026 Beverage Forum 2026: Retail Trends, Brand Strategy & Industry Insights Most conferences give you access. Very few give you access to people who have actually done the thing everyone else is still talking about. That’s what Beverage Forum 2026 got right. The speakers weren’t there to fill time. They were there because they’re actively shaping how this industry moves—at retail, online, and everywhere in between. Operators, founders, buyers, and marketers still in it every day, speaking less like panelists and more like people comparing notes in real time. And honestly, that’s probably why the room stayed engaged. The morning opened with The State of the Industry featuring Sally Lyons Wyatt, who skipped the usual trend buzzwords and focused on what’s actually happening in the market. Consumers are still spending, but they’re spending more intentionally now, forcing brands to justify premium pricing in ways they maybe didn’t have t
- news
World’s Best Spirits According to the 2026 L.A. Spirits Awards
By Mike Gorman, The Best Drink Ever Presented by L.A. Spirits Awards Published May 05, 2026 These Spirits Cut Through the Noise. Here’s What Made the List. Walk into any liquor store or scroll through an endless online aisle. Bottles stack up fast, each one asking for your attention. Most get lost. A few rise above. That’s where a medal matters. But not all medals carry the same weight. The L.A. Spirits Awards does, because of who’s behind it. A panel of industry professionals including bartenders, buyers, educators, and operators. Real-world perspective. Sharp, trained palates. No politics. No back-label bias. Just what’s in the glass. When something wins here, it’s earned. The 2026 competition raised the bar. Bigger categories, tighter competition, and stronger entries across the board. From precise, additive-free tequilas to layered, boundary-pushing whiskeys and standout ready-to-drink cocktails, the field left little room for error. Medals were awarded across Bronze, Silver, Gold,
- news
How to Batch Margaritas for a Party (Easy Recipe for a Crowd)
By Mike Gorman, The Best Drink Ever Presented by Tromba Tequila Published March 05, 2026 Pre-batching for your party just got easier with Tequila Tromba Extra Grande. The bartender’s secret to better cocktails for your next party: pre-batching with Tequila Tromba Extra Grande At The Best Drink Ever , we spend a lot of time obsessing about what actually makes a great party. The truth is, it’s rarely complicated. Good people. Good music. A table that slowly fills with empty glasses and stories. And a bottle everyone loves… that never seems to run out. Most parties start strong…then somewhere around the second round, the rhythm changes. The host disappears behind the bar, the line for drinks starts forming, and cocktails slow to a crawl. While everyone else is out on the patio arguing about music and telling stories, someone’s inside squeezing limes and measuring tequila like it’s a second job. Smart hosts know a better move. They make the cocktails before the party star
- news
Why Engaging Bartenders Is One of the Smartest Moves a Spirits Brand Can Make
In a category crowded with great liquid, bold packaging, and clever campaigns, spirits brands often overlook the most powerful lever they have in the on-premise world: Bartenders . Not as “accounts.” Not as “gatekeepers.” But as the people who turn awareness into loyalty—one recommendation at a time. Bartenders influence what Americans drink—at scale Multiple studies and industry reports point to the same reality: More than half of U.S. consumers are likely to order a drink based on a bartender’s recommendation. Over 80% of guests say they trust bar and restaurant staff to recommend alcohol , particularly when discovering new brands. For emerging and premium spirits, the bar is often where first trial happens—long before retail loyalty forms. In practice, this means one bartender isn’t influencing one decision. They’re influencing dozens—sometimes hundreds—of purchase decisions every week . A single shift can include: Recommending a brand in cocktails Steering a guest toward a specific
- news
A Practical Guide for Emerging and Established Spirit Brands
How spirits actually move, and how smart brands move with them. Launching a spirits brand in the U.S. isn’t romantic. It’s regulated, relationship-driven, and full of rules written by people who never poured a drink in their life. But that’s not a bad thing. It’s the terrain. And if you learn how it really works, it can be navigated. Whether you’re a new brand still tightening the bolts or a seasoned distillery looking to sharpen its edge, one truth stays constant: understanding how liquor moves in this country matters just as much as what’s in the bottle. This guide isn’t theory. It’s the working knowledge—how the system is built, where the leverage points are, and how brands that last actually operate. The Three-Tier System: The Road You’re On Every spirits brand in the U.S. plays the same game, whether they like it or not. Alcohol moves through a legally mandated three-tier system designed to regulate production, distribution, and sales. Producers. Distilleries, wineries, breweries,
- news
A Better Way to Drink: An Evening with Holistic Spirits at Wally’s Beverly Hills
There are liquor events that feel like trade shows—logo overload, forced smiles, and cocktails with all the charm of an open bar at a low-budget wedding. And then there are nights like this one: relaxed, thoughtful, and quietly confident, where the spirits speak for themselves and nobody’s trying too hard. That was the energy at Wally's Beverly Hills for the Holistic Spirits cocktail pop-up—an intimate evening built around good drinks, good conversation, and a simple question: what if drinking better didn’t mean giving anything up? It’s the same question that sparked the brand in the first place. “We never intended to start a spirits company, but we couldn’t stop thinking about why no one was making alcohol that aligned with wellness values,” says Amy Holmwood, Founder and CEO. The Brand: Clean, Thoughtful, No Preaching Holistic Spirits doesn’t position itself as a rebellion against alcohol—or a lecture about wellness. It’s more of an invitation. Their philosophy is straightforw
- news
6 Must-Try Fall Cocktails Featuring 1921
Fall isn’t about slowing down — it’s about turning up the volume on flavor. The nights get cooler, the drinks get bolder, and somewhere between smoke and citrus, something wakes up inside you. This season, we’re doing it our way — teaming up with 1921 , a tequila born of craft, culture, and a healthy disregard for the ordinary. These cocktails aren’t for sipping politely; they’re for tasting, feeling, remembering. Each one tells a story — of fire meeting fruit, of agave taking unexpected turns, of fall refusing to play it safe. 1. CASA Negroni 1921 Tequila Blanco · Campari · Byrrh Quinquina · Rhubarb Liqueur · Luciano Amaro · Toasted Coconut Foam Classic? Not quite. Reinvented? Absolutely. Mixed. up by Nathan McCullough , this Negroni goes rogue and came back with stories. Bitter, sweet, strange, and beautiful—like most good things in life. The toasted coconut foam adds an almost sinful softness, the kind that makes you question what else you’ve been doing wrong all these
- news
Corralejo & Bärenjäger Host Honey-Inspired Evening
In the middle of Hollywood, under the neon buzz and palm-lined streets, Corralejo Tequila and Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur hosted a honey-inspired takeover at La Nena Cantina with entertaining expert Paul Zahn leading the charge. Zahn curated the evening like a playlist — cocktails, food, and conversation all riffing on tequila, honey, and coastal Mexican rhythm. From first sip to last bite, spirits set the tone, cocktails carried the mood, and food fell perfectly into place. The Cocktail That Stole the Night Every good night out needs a signature drink, and here it came in a salt-rimmed glass: the Pomegranate Honey Margarita . Built on the backbone of Corralejo Reposado Tequila, layered with fresh lime juice, pomegranate syrup, and the golden sweetness of Bärenjäger, it was both vibrant and grounded. Sweet, tart, balanced — a reminder that tequila doesn’t need to shout to make an impression. It can whisper, sing, and still steal the room. Available only through No
- news
Your Favorite Bartender’s Favorite Bar—Kitsch
The Best Drink Ever recently dropped into Kitsch Bar and found the whole place reborn. What was once a dimly lit hideout has been completely transformed. The new Kitsch Bar isn’t just open—it’s alive. Over the past year, the team stripped everything down to the studs and built it back with purpose. From the reimagined layout to the fresh design details, every corner hums with intention. And right in the center? A one-of-a-kind walk-around bar that feels less like a counter and more like a stage. This isn’t just a facelift. It’s a full-blown reinvention. A New Era of Kitsch The new Kitsch isn’t shy about what it wants to be: a bar that blends craft, chaos, and community in a way only Santa Ana can pull off. Entertainment on weekends? Locked in. Neighborhood crowd? Count on it. Cocktails that demand your attention? Always. Kitsch now hits that rare sweet spot—it’s the place you start your night, the place you end your night, and maybe the place you never leave. Cocktails, Theater,
- news
Tribute Hollywood: Old School Vibes, New School Drinks
Hollywood is a circus—bright lights, tour buses, costumed hustlers hustling harder than ever. Tourists shuffle from one star on the Walk of Fame to the next, clinging to false hopes of catching a glimpse of a celebrity. But among all that noise, there’s one bar that doesn’t cater to the madness. It belongs to the locals. Tribute Hollywood . This place doesn’t pander, it remembers. The bones are heavy with history. The Silent Film Era flickered here. Later, Shelly’s Manne-Hole turned the space into a jazz sanctuary. Then Studio 3, where some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century laid down tracks that still live in your headphones. You feel it the moment you step in—the hum under your feet, the ghosts in the air. When The Best Drink Ever stopped in , we weren’t just here for a cocktail—we came to drink the story. And to do it right, we teamed up with 1921 Tequila Cream and Maria Bonita Mezcal , giving Raul Pool free rein to do what he does best: turn history into flavor. T
- news
Cali Craft Concoctions. Same Bar. Different Consequences.
THE STORY OF CALI CRAFT CONCOCTIONS Born in Perth, Western Australia, Sarah Lawrence landed in California with a fierce work ethic and an eye for detail that would redefine the mobile bar experience. In 2015, she launched Cali Craft Cocktails , a mobile bartending service created to raise the standard of event bars with efficiency, elegance, and drinks worth remembering. The business took off—fast. For nearly a decade, Sarah and her team were averaging 100+ events a year. Not because they were the cheapest option, but because they were the most thoughtful. Guests left raving, and hosts slept easier knowing everything behind the bar was handled. But here’s the twist: somewhere along the way, Sarah stopped feeling aligned with alcohol. Most people would’ve walked away, called it a day. Instead, she doubled down on what she does best—caring about the details. That’s when Cali Craft Concoctions was born. Same setup. Same energy. Same flawless service. Only this time, the drinks are
- news
RED O Westlake Village: A Boho-Luxe Escape with Bold Flavors and Baja Soul
You don’t just walk into RED O Taste of Mexico—you surrender to it. First, a glowing tunnel of tequila. Then the air changes. Warmer. Louder. Full of Energy. The new Westlake Village spot takes its cues from Tulum’s bohemian edge, where dinner is a slow seduction and every plate dares you to stay for one more round. Opening August 18 at The Promenade , it’s not a restaurant. It’s a destination. Teaming up again with our friends from 1921 Tequila , The Best Drink Ever stopped by ahead of the soft opening, drawn in by the lure of tequila cocktails, tomahawk steaks, and a tree growing in the middle of the patio. The moment you enter, you know RED O plays a different game. The space, designed by the one and only Martyn Lawrence Bullard, is textured, moody, and seductive—ropes, rattan, antique Oaxacan textiles, and a plaster tree lit by hanging lanterns. It’s the kind of place that feels like a vacation even before the first sip. And then the drinks hit. Head Bartender Greg Gr
- news
The Best Bourbons of 2025, According to the Prestigious L.A. Spirits Awards
There’s something timeless about bourbon. It’s bold yet nuanced, steeped in tradition but constantly evolving . Whether you prefer it neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a classic cocktail, a great bourbon delivers more than flavor—it delivers a story. And in 2025, that story is richer than ever. Distillers are pushing boundaries with heritage grains, experimental finishes, and age statements that speak to patience and purpose. From wheated expressions to rum cask finishes, today’s bourbons are more diverse, daring, and downright delicious than ever before. At the center of this renaissance stands the L.A. Spirits Awards , where some of the country’s top tasters blind-judge the best of the best. The result? A list of standout bottles that represent the pinnacle of the craft. These are all Platinum Medal Winners , recognized for their excellence in aroma, flavor, balance, and complexity. If you’re looking to discover a new favorite—or just want to see who’s setting the bar—th
- news
This Costa Mesa Market Serves Up Drinks and Street‑Market Energy
The Best Drink Ever recently rolled into Mercado González with 1921 Tequila in tow, ready to drink in the whole scene—literally. This place isn’t just a market; it’s a living, breathing slice of Mexico dropped in the heart of Costa Mesa. The air is thick with the scent of roasting meat and simmering stews. Fresh tortillas stack high like edible currency. Families fill their carts with produce for Sunday dinner, while friends lean against counters inhaling street‑style tacos. Somewhere, a cumbia beat drifts through the markets. Mercado González is flavor, tradition, and community all crammed under one roof—and the kind of place that makes you hungry for everything at once. And tucked into one corner of this bustling mercado is Entre Nos , a craft cocktail bar that doesn’t feel like any other bar in Orange County. Mexa vibes. Good times. ✔️ Margaritas and Micheladas. ✔️ Grab a cocktail while your esposa is shopping. ✔️✔️ Entre Nos is all about flavor, ritual and just the right amo
- news
Forget the Beach House. This Summer, Drink Long Island at Portrait Bar
Long Island, But Make It a Cocktail — Portrait Bar’s New Summer Menu HAS ArriveD If you're headed to New York this summer, make time for a detour that doesn't require a MetroCard or a rental car. Hidden inside the five-star Fifth Avenue Hotel—luxury without the attitude, all polished brass and velvet hush—is The Portrait Bar . It’s got the kind of character you’d expect from a library where the books drink Negronis. And for a limited time, it’s offering a summer menu inspired by that most unglamorous but deeply nostalgic New York tradition: the Long Island Rail Road. Yes, that LIRR. Turns out, the clackety old line that shuttles beach-bound city dwellers to Montauk, Oyster Bay, and beyond is now the muse behind one of the most imaginative cocktail menus in Manhattan. Bar Director Darryl Chan—equal parts alchemist and local historian—has crafted five drinks that nod to the train lines and the destinations at the end of them. They’re playful, potent, and made with ingredients sourced fro
- news
101 Ways to Drink Cafeto, According to Bartenders Who Actually Use It
We asked 101 bartenders—dives, hotel bars, rooftops, you name it—how they like to use Tromba’s Cafeto . No PR fluff. No syrupy shortcuts. Just the real ways it shows up in their drinks: shaken, stirred, topped with foam, or dumped into a cold brew when the shift runs long. The only rule? No repeating recipes. That’s when things got interesting. What we got back was a love letter to bold flavors, strong opinions, and a liqueur that plays nice with other spirits, but can hold its own in a glass. Some recipes are wild. Some are dead simple. All are worth trying. Let’s get into it. 1. Cafeto Old Fashioned No cherries. No drama. Just Cafeto, Tromba Añejo, a splash of bitters, and a cold rock in a lowball. Stir it like you mean it. Twist of orange if you’re feeling fancy. 2. Spiked Cold Brew Cafeto, real cold brew, a touch of vanilla, and maybe a splash of oat milk if you’ve got company. Serve over ice. Stay sharp. 3. Rogue Espresso Tonic Cafeto, a double shot of espresso, and tonic w
- news
Why Art Beyond the Glass Is THE Most Original Event in L.A.
There are parties, and then there’s Art Beyond the Glass —a one-day fever dream where bartenders ditch the jiggers and pour their souls into something wilder. It’s the kind of L.A. event that feels like stumbling into a secret you weren’t supposed to know about. Equal parts cocktail-fueled creativity, underground art show, and reunion of the city's finest behind-the-bar talent. If you’re looking for something polished and polite, keep walking. But if you want to see bartenders recite poetry, sling world-class drinks, and paint with the same hands they shake cocktails with—this is it, so mark your canedars for Sunday, June 29 from 3pm to 7pm at the legendary Catch One ! Need convincing? Here are ten reasons to grab a ticket before your friends do. ABTG Class Photos by Eugene Lee 1. Your Friends WON’T Have a Good Time Without You. Let’s be honest—no one starts the party like you do. This year won’t be the same without. 2. Your Friends MIGHT Have a Good Time Without You. Wors
- news
The Wolves DTLA Is Quietly Redefining LA Cocktails
Step off the busy streets of Downtown LA, duck behind a carved wooden door, and you’ll find yourself inside The Wolves @thewolvesdtla — not just a bar, but a cathedral of cocktail craftsmanship. The kind of place where the drinks demand your attention, the bartenders move with purpose, and the room feels alive. We’ve been to The Wolves before. More than once. But this time, TBDE teamed up with our friends at 1921 Tequila @casa1921usa to take a closer look at one of the most inventive cocktail programs in LA. The menu is a fever dream curated by Nathan McCullough — aka @ supercreativereallyniceguy …yes, that’s his handle, and honestly, it tracks. Part artist, part technician, Nathan’s the kind of bartender who doesn’t just mix drinks—he engineers flavors with precision and a little mischief. The menu reads like a short story collection for the slightly unhinged and the deliciously curious. Here are a few of their Must-Try Cocktails. Agua Buena A cocktail that punches you in
- news
The 2025 L.A. Spirits Awards Winners Announced
These Spirits Stole the Show—Find Out What Made the Cut Walk into any liquor store or scroll through a never-ending online aisle—bottles stacked like a skyline, each one begging for your attention. Amid that kind of noise, a medal helps top products stand out. But not just any medal. The ones from L.A. Spirits Awards carry weight because the people behind them do, too. Twenty judges, all experts from across the industry—including bartenders, buyers, spirits consultants, and writers—brought their diverse perspectives and sharp palates to the table. They don’t hand out medals lightly. When they say a bottle’s worth drinking, you can believe it. The 2025 competition brought bold bourbons, refined tequilas, innovative non-alcoholic options, and everything in between. After careful and rigorous evaluation, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum medals were awarded deserving brands. And a select few rose above the rest to earn L.A. Spirits Awards’ highest distinction. These Best in
- news
The Best Margaritas in LA for Cinco
If you're in Los Angeles and looking for the best margaritas this Cinco, we’ve done the legwork for you. We hit the bars, asked the right questions, tasted countless cocktails, and tracked down the real deals — strong, balanced, made with care. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just great margaritas made with fresh ingredients and Tromba — an additive-free tequila bartenders actually trust to do the heavy lifting. Wabi on Rose - Venice Wabi on Rose is a sushi spot that nails both sides of the experience — strong drinks and a setting that actually makes you want to stick around. Tucked behind a leafy patio in Venice, it’s the kind of place that feels like a secret even when it’s packed. Grab a table outside if you can. Order the Spicy Marg and pretend you’re not already thinking about a second round. What to order: Spicy Margarita – Tromba Tequila Blanco, fresh lime juice, a hit of agave syrup, slices of serrano pepper, and just the smallest splash of sriracha. Salt the rim if you're fe
- news
HIGH SPIRITS AWARDS 2025 BEST IN SHOW
THE INFUSED DRINKS THAT DESERVE YOUR ATTENTION Los Angeles, CA – April 20, 2025 — What better day than 4/20 to raise a glass (or a can) to the trailblazers redefining the beverage landscape? L.A. Spirits Awards is proud to unveil the winners of the 2025 High Spirits Awards, a special set of honors dedicated to the most innovative, delicious, and elevated cannabis-infused drinks on the market today. As part of our annual spirits competition, High Spirits Awards celebrate excellence in formulation and flavor. This year’s entries brought bold creativity, boundary-pushing infusions, and flavors that deliver as much pleasure as they do function. From low-dose sessionables to potent punch-packing sips, these are the standouts that earned top marks from our expert panel. THE 2025 HIGH SPIRITS AWARD WINNERS Best Infused Soda and Best Infused Product Overall Goodland Extracts – Cherry Pie High Soda Take a sip and Get Lifted to grandma’s windowsill with the nostalgic taste of fresh baked
- news
Why Smart Liquor Brands Are Doubling Down on Marketing
Must read: The Glass is Half Full Deck , Now Is Not the Time to Go Quiet When things feel uncertain, the first reaction is usually to cut back. Cut spending. Cut inventory. Cut marketing. But if you’re a liquor brand that wants to grow—not just get by—this is not the time to be quiet. Right now, tariffs and trade talk are making things feel shaky in the alcohol world. The government is using these tariffs as a short-term tool. But here’s the truth: tariffs come and go. What sticks around is how people see your brand. What they remember. What they feel. When Everyone Whispers, You Shout During boom periods, everyone’s marketing. Your message gets buried in a sea of seasonal promotions, celebrity endorsements, and glittery campaigns. It’s loud. It's competitive. And the truth is, unless you’re outspending or out-innovating, you're not standing out. But right now? Your competitors are pulling back. They're freezing budgets. Hitting pause. They're whispering—if they're saying anythi