Cocktail Corner: Movie-Inspired Sips and Savories

Posted on January 30, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

The Lark is one of many restaurants offering specials to honor the 30th anniversary of SBIFF. Photo courtesy of The Lark.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s easy to get the star treatment during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF). As part of a special Film Feast promotion, all sorts of local watering holes and restaurants are offering movie-themed specials during the Film Festival (January 27 – February 7).

Here are a few of my faves:

Get in the mood for a sweep at the Oscars (my prediction) with a Birdman Martini at Ty Lounge at Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara (1260 Channel Dr.). Made with 10 Cane Rum, Galliano, Gran Gala and lime, I recommend trying this one outside on the patio at sunset. Other specials include an Outstanding Carell Collins and a Cousteau Margarita. All come with an excellent view of Butterfly Beach.

The Lark (131 Anacapa St.) also has a special SBIFF Fizz Cocktail made with Cutler’s Gin, Santa Barbara Blood Oranges and Pimm’s.

Margerum M5

If you prefer wine to cocktails, one of the newer tasting rooms in the Wine Collection of El Paseo, Jamie Slone Wines (23 E. De La Guerra St.) is doing a salute to As Good as it Gets. They’ve partnered with C’est Cheese (Hello? Wine and cheese pretty much are as good as it gets!) to offer $20 wine and cheese pairings, along with screenings of the Jack Nicholson film daily at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. (pairings are available from noon – 6 p.m. daily).

Another great movie—Vino Veritas (“In Wine, the Truth”) —is screening at Margerum Wine Company Tasting Room (813 Anacapa St.), which is in the Wine Collection of El Paseo as well. Also in that same charming paseo is Happy Canyon Vineyard‘s “A Good Year” Tasting Flight One, featuring a Staffords Chocolate Truffle paired with 2013 Happy Canyon Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, 2011 Happy Canyon Vineyard Barrack Blanc, 2010 Piocho, 2009 Barrack Brand and 2010 Barrack Ten-Goal.

The other Wine Collection of El Paseo tasting rooms—Au Bon Climat and Grassini—also have special film fest deals going on, so feel free to make a double- or triple-feature of it.

Also down the street at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant (1129-A State St.) is the James Bond Globe Trotter Flight, where you can sample three wines from around the globe, as a tribute to the festival of course!

The food side of the film feast also has some fun options. Here are some highlights:

The Pasta Shoppe, in Santa Barbara Public Market (38 W. Victoria St.) has a special $30 prix fixe menu in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. The special Italian-film-themed menu includes “Under the Tuscan Sun” Insalata dell casa with arugula, shaved red onion, teardrop tomatoes and house made grapefruit vinegrette; plus a choice of: “The Big Night” spinach, Ricotta Gnudi, pomodoro, pecorino; “Lady & the Tramp” bucatini with beef and pork bolognese, fresh herbs and parmigano; or “American in Rome” wild mshroom gnocchi, with herbed white wine sauce truffle oil. I tried the gnocchi recently and it was amazing! Don’t miss out on this one.

The Pasta Shoppe’s “American in Rome” wild mushroom gnocchi, with herbed white wine sauce and truffle oil. Photo by Leslie Dinaberg.

Also saluting the festival is “I Am Prawns!” at Crocodile Restaurant and Bar at the Lemon Tree Inn (2819 State St.). This prix fixe menu is inspired by the 2009 Italian film I Am Love. Take 1: Bacon wrapped prawns, paired with Rusack Sauvignon Blanc. Take 2: Filet mignon with portobello mushroom demi glaze, garnished with blue cheese, served with grilled vegetables and truffled mac n’ cheese; paired with Qupe Syrah. Take 3: Triple layer chocolate mousse cake paired with Robert Hall Vintage Port. This is well-priced at $35 per person or $50 per person with wine pairings. Give them a call, as reservations are recommended.

Enjoy the fest and the feast! Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 30, 2015.

When she’s not busy working as the editor of Santa Barbara SEASONS, Cocktail Corner author Leslie Dinaberg writes magazine articles, newspaper columns and grocery lists. When it comes to cocktails, Leslie considers herself a “goal-oriented drinker.”

Cocktail Corner: A Toast to Downton Abbey

Posted on January 23, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

One of my favorite television shows recently had a wonderful plot twist: Downton Abbey, the wonderful British period drama which returned this month to PBS, now has its own wine label, believe it or not!

Available at www.Wine.com and www.DowntonAbbeyWine.com as well as select retailers, the Downton Abbey Wine Collection features two blends from the Bordeaux region of France: a “Blanc” white wine and a “Claret” red wine. Downton Abbey Blanc is a light and crisp white blend, while Downton Abbey Claret is medium-bodied red with bright fruit and a silky finish.

Made in the finest Bordeaux winemaking tradition by the Grands Vins de Bordeaux, a family-owned winery with more than 130 years of winemaking experience in the prized Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, France, both blends are finely balanced, elegant wines that are eminently drinkable. According to the manufacturer, they’re even using the same vines, soil and region used to produce the wines from the Downton Era.

In addition, other offerings from the collection include a Chardonnay and a Cabernet Sauvignon. These new world bottlings take their inspiration from Lady Cora Crawley, the thoroughly modern, American-born wife of British aristocrat, Robert Crawley, Earl of Grantham. Bold-flavored and fruit forward, the new wines are a counterpoint to Downton Abbey Wines’ more classically restrained Bordeaux offerings.

Lady Mary would most certainly approve.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 23, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Everything You Need to Know About Molecular Mixology

Posted on January 16, 2015 by lesliedinaberg

Parks and Recreation, courtesy NBC.com

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg

Want to know about Molecular Mixology? Here’s the real lowdown from Parks & Recreation.

And by the way, this hilarious show just started its final season. (Pawnee drinking game, anyone?)

Cheers!

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Published in Santa Barbara Seasons on January 16, 2015.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Stocking Stuffers

Posted on December 22, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Wine Twirls, courtesy photo

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

Make your Christmas morning memorable by celebrating the art of celebrating with these fun, cocktail-themed stocking stuffers.

Wine Twirls

These pretty little “wine twirls” make sure your white wine stays chill right where it counts—in the glass. Just put them in the freezer ahead of time, then pop one into your glass and twirl, swirl and sip away to your heart’s content.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses

These pretty pink Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses are perfect for adding subtle saltiness to your favorite tequila. Not only that, they come from Salt Cave Santa Barbara, also known as North America’s Largest Himalayan Salt Cave right here at 740 State St., with a second location to purchase merchandise at 32 W. Anapamu St.

Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses, courtesy Salt Cave

Whiskey Stones

Your favorite whiskey drinker will savor the scotch even more when he/she adds these chilled whiskey stones to their next dram. Milled in Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the US, these cubes also come in cute, themed icons such as fishing, Paris, skull & crossbones and more.

Bubi Bottles

These versatile Bubi Bottles are portable, scrunchable and BPA free … need I say more! Not only will they hold your adult beverages, in a pinch they can be used as an ice pack or a hot pack, making them great gifts for everyone on your list.

Cocktails Galore Drink Coasters

Cocktail Coasters Courtesy After 5 Catalog

A collage of drink names artfully displayed—the Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Martini, Mojito, Mai Tai, Gin and Tonic, Pina Colada, Screwdriver and more —will set the cocktail mood at your next bash. Set of four coasters from the local After 5 Catalog comes with its own stand made from durable hardboard.

Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier

The most portable way to transport your vino without the weight of a breakable bottle, this Vapur Vintage Flexible Wine Carrier is outfitted with an easy screw cap and a peekaboo window. What better gift than portable way to let you keep the party going wherever your adventures take you.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 19, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Top Shelf Gifts

Posted on December 12, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Grassini Winery offers one of the many local wine clubs, a great gift idea for just about anyone! Photo courtesy Grassini.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! by Leslie Dinaberg |

It’s that most wonderful time of the year once again—from wine clubs to spirits, to gifts that give back and ideas that are sure to impress—here are some of our favorite holiday gift ideas for just about everyone on your list.

It’s Not a Gang; It’s a Club…

A wine club, that is, which is the perfect gift for all of the wine drinkers on your list. You can’t go wrong with so many great wineries in Santa Barbara County. One of our favorites is Carr Winery, which offers three different options, including the red wine only Luxury Club, which includes six bottles of new releases as well as one bottle made exclusively for club members. Members also get a free tastings at the totally cool Quonset hut tasting room, access to private events, a 20% discount on wine purchases, logo items and private parties, and when you refer your friends you receive a free bottle of wine.

Carr Winery barrel room, courtesy photo

Grassini Family Vineyards offers four different wine club options, all of which include discounts on shipments and purchases, complimentary tastings for you and your guests in their charming downtown tasting room in historic El Paseo, club exclusive events as well as complimentary or discounted tickets to other special events and priority access to limited-production bottlings. For more information on local wine clubs, visit Santa Barbara Vintners, sbcountywines.com.

Drink to Your Health

Bluecoat American Dry Gin, courtesy photo

Gin lovers will appreciate a prescription for Bluecoat American Dry Gin, a beautiful blue bottle that not only tastes delicious and looks impressive on your bar, but also is made from organic juniper berries, which have spicy, earthy notes instead of the pungent pine-tree flavors of regular berries. Juniper, found in all gin, is reputed to relieve bloating cramping and gas.

Give Back

Almost anyone will appreciate a gift of wine or spirits, but why not up the ante a bit with gifts that give back to worthy causes at the same time.

For example, Stemmari Wines is partnering with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). The Sicilian wine brand will donate part of their proceeds in support of the SOWF programs to benefit the military’s special operation forces and their families. This Stemmari lineup won’t break you bank, either, as all are less than $15. Wines include

Fonseca Bin 27 in Artist Series gift box, courtesy photo

Stemmari Nero d’Avola, Stemmari Pinot Grigio, Stemmari Pinot Noir, Stemmari Moscato, Stemmari Baci Vivaci (100% Grillo), Stemmari Dalila (80% Grillo, 20% Viognier) and Stemmari Contodoro (80% Nero d’Avola, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon).

Also worth checking out is Fonseca’s 2014 Limited Edition BIN 27 Erik Parker Artist Series, which showcases Parker’s creative water-inspired art and Fonseca BIN 27’s support for the Waterkeeper Alliance and their mission to advocate for environmental issues surrounding our waterways. This delicious ruby port is perfect for a cold winter’s night, and a purchase will support the needs of our environment.

Teeling Small Batch 750ml Whiskey, courtesy photo

A Twist on the Traditional

Since 1782 the Teeling family has been crafting Teeling Irish Whiskey, a small batch bottling that consists of hand selected casks, which are given further maturation in Flor de Cana Rum barrels, giving this whiskey an extra sweet and smooth rum-finished vanilla flavor.

For the Man or Woman Who Has Everything

Hall Wine’s Gift of Indulgence

If (lucky you) money is no object, for a mere $18,000 HALL Wines offers a “Gift of Indulgence,” pairing wine with experiences that are sure to impress. The package from owners Craig & Kathryn Hall (Kathryn is most known for being our United States Ambassador to Austria under the Clinton administration as well as being a lifelong vintner, and Craig is the author of business-focused books and owns HALL Financial) includes first class airfare for two to and from Napa; a three-night stay at the new luxury boutique SENZA in Napa Valley; private tours of multiple vineyards and a wine blending session with HALL’s award winning winemaking team, led by Steve Leveque, among other perks.

A Weekend in Wine Heaven

Courtesy World of PInot Noir

The World of Pinot Noir comes back to the Bacara Resort March 6-7, and is a must attend for pinot lovers. This fabulous annual event includes two days of in-depth tasting seminars and excursions, grand tastings, a Burgundy seminar and tasting and gourmet, locally influenced lunches and dinners. I had so much fun at last year’s event; I can’t wait for this one!

Santa, I hope you’re reading this.

Cheers!
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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 12, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Celebrate Prohibition Repeal Day

Posted on December 5, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Prohibition Repeal Day returns to Santa Barbara this week (Friday, December 5) to celebrate the end of Prohibition in 1933, more than 80 years ago! This year the event coincides with the annual Downtown Holiday Parade on State Street, which sounds like a winning combination to me.

Joe Andrieu and Ted Mills, two Santa Barbarians who both love cocktails and Constitutional history, turned this unsung moment in history into a lively gathering of history buffs and cocktail aficionados.

Here’s the scoop from the organizers:

This year, on Friday, December 5, Repeal Day Santa Barbara hosts a multiple location celebration in downtown Santa Barbara from 5 p.m. to late in the evening. Revelers in vintage garb can expect to find fellow celebrants at all locations, all of which will be offering deals to those dressed to the nines. Hosts Andrieu and Mills will be touring all locations to raise a glass and honor the passing of the 21st amendment to the Constitution, ending 13 years of Prohibiiton.

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

Repeal Day Santa Barbara is organized as a self-guided tour, with maps provided at each of the featured bars: Milk & Honey (30 W. Anapamu St.), Finch & Fork (31. W. Carrillo St.), Pickle Room (126 E. Canon Perdido St.), Blue Agave (20 E. Cota St.), Roy (7 W. Carrillo St.), La Arcada Bistro (1112 State St.) and Wildcat Lounge (15 W. Ortega St.). Each bar will offer deals for those in vintage costume, specialty cocktails, and more. Hat shop Goorin Bros. (802 State St.), the event’s sponsor, also will provide an evening of fun.

Other events this evening include an Prohibition-themed Art Show, curated by Michael Long, at Roy; a Romantic Rock fashion show at Wildcat; special tastings of Amaro at Milk & Honey and Irish Whiskey at La Arcada,

A ticketed afterparty will also be held at the latter location at 10 p.m.

Mills and Andrieu designed the event so anyone can join in at any time with real-time updates and special deals through Twitter and Facebook, and at repealdaysb.com.

Photo Courtesy Repeal Day SB Facebook Page

“Prohibition was a constitutional mistake that created thirteen years of widespread lawlessness,” explains Andrieu. “We celebrate the anniversary of its repeal to help us all remember both the errors and the corrections our country is capable of.” The two organizers believe that such an important event relating to our freedoms should be recognized and celebrated.

Nationwide prohibition began on January 16, 1920 with the 18th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which outlawed the manufacture, sale, transportation, import and export of intoxicating liquors. It lasted until its repeal with the ratification of the 21st amendment on December 5, 1933.

Santa Barbara played a special role during the dry years of Prohibition. Its long coastline and various inlets—plus numerous caves on the Channel Islands—made it one of the top areas on the West Coast for rum runners importing illegal spirits.

Tickets for all tastings and the after party are available online at repealdaysb.com.

Cheers!

Click here for more cocktail corner columns. Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on December 5, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer

Posted on October 31, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

A Tuscan Evening at Armada Wine & Beer Merchant will take place on Nov. 8. Courtesy photo.

Armada Wine & Beer Merchant is hosting a special evening in Tuscany next weekend and it sounds like it will be amazing.

Their resident sommelier Carlos Mascherin has selected a special flight of four Sangiovese wines, and they’ll be accompanied by delicious Italian appetizers from Via Maestra 42. Sangiovese wines are typically savory reds, which pair well with herbs, tomatoes, cured meats and cheeses. It should be a yummy evening.

The fun starts on Saturday, November 8 at 6 p.m. in the historic, charming San Marcos Courtyard of Armada Wine & Beer Merchant at 1129 State St., Suite A.

For more information or to purchase tickets click here or call 805/770-5912. Tickets are $60 per person.

Cheers!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 31, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Haunted Halloween Cocktails

Posted on October 24, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Grand Marnier Raspberry Jolly Rancher, courtesy Grand Marnier

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

It’s a spooky time of the year, and with Halloween on a Friday this time around, it’s a perfect time to imbibe in something haunted—and fun—to honor this holiday.

The folks at Grand Marnier have created a candy-inspired cocktail which is quite delicious. Here’s the recipe they’ve so generously shared:

Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach Jolly Rancher

Created by mixologist George Carney

2 oz Grand Marnier Raspberry Peach

1 oz peach liqueur

Splash of cranberry juice

Combine ingredients in a shaker and shake. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Carr Winery Halloween Bash Also in the candy-themed spirit is this Candy Corn Cordial recipe from cocktails.about.com, featuring Tequila and Butterscotch Schnapps.

For something a little more on the savory side, try Michael’s Bloody Maria, from Food Network Chef Michael Chiarello, or this Gin-based Vampire Ritual from DrinkoftheWeek.com.

Don’t feel like mixing your own drinks? Carr Winery‘s annual Halloween bash on Oct. 31 sounds like loads of fun. Featuring live music by the Rat Poison Pack (!), the festivities are from 7:30-11 p.m. at the tasting room at 414 N. Salsipuedes St. Costumes are required (but of course!) and tickets are just $15 in advance or $20 if available at the door.

There also the annual Voodoo Lounge Halloween Dance Party upstairs on the roof at the Canary (31 W. Carrillo St.), which is sure to be rocking. Here’s a video about what to expect:

Hope your weekend is sweet and spooky. Cheers to whatever gets you in the holiday spirit!

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Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 24, 2014.

Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: Figueroa Mountain’s Real Ale Invitational

Posted on October 17, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Cask beers take the spotlight next weekend when Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. hosts the Real Ale Invitational lunch and festival on Saturday, October 25 from 1–4 p.m. at Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s flagship brewery and taproom, 45 Industrial Way, Buellton.

The company’s cask program is run by head brewer of Santa Barbara, Kevin C. Ashford. Each taproom boasts a cask engine for new releases every “Firkin Friday” featuring many of their standard ales. These casks contain high quality ingredients such as hops, spices, coffee, cacao, and even locally grown fruits. Real Ale, or cask beer, is “beer that is unfiltered which undergoes a secondary fermentation and conditioning process. This process naturally carbonates the beer to a softer texture. It is poured directly from the cask—essentially a 10.8 gallon stainless steel barrel—without additional Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide assistance,” Ashford explains.

At the Real Ale Invitational 20 breweries will be showcase their own styles of real ale. Participants include:

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Ballast Point Brewing Co.

Beachwood Brewing Co.

Belching Beaver Brewing Co.

Bottle Logic Brewing

Central Coast Brewing

Coronado Brewing Company

Eagle Rock Brewery

El Segundo Brewing Co.

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.

Golden Road Brewing

Ironfire Brewing Company

The Libertine Pub

MacLeod Ale Brewing Company

Courtesy Figueroa Mountain Brew Co.

Monkish Brewing

Noble Ale Works

Pizza Port Brewing Co.

Poseidon Brewing Company

Santa Barbara Brewing Co.

Smog City Brewing Company

Stone Brewing Company

Admission to the event is $40 and includes a souvenir glass, unlimited tastings and live music, plus a portion of the proceeds will benefit Los Padres Forest
Watch.

For those beer lovers that want a more intimate experience paired with food, a limited number of tickets will be sold for a Real Ale Lunch prior to the Invitational from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. There you will meet the cask masters who have perfected the skill of brewing real ale while enjoying a four-course meal prepared by Beto Huizar, executive chef of Beto’s Place, a new restaurant slated to open in Fig Mtn Brew’s Buellton taproom later this year. Tickets to the lunch are $75 and include admission to the Invitational.

For more information about Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company’s Real Ale Invitational, please visit www.FigMtnBrew.com/RealAle.

Cheers!

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FINAL-FMB_RealAle_Flyer_20Brewers

Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 17, 2014.

Cocktail Corner: Celebration of Harvest

Posted on October 3, 2014 by lesliedinaberg

Celebration of Harvest, photo by Gary Coon, courtesy SB Vintners

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Local winemakers have been hard at work amongst the vines for the last few weeks, but now it’s time for them to take a break for the annual celebration of the year’s bounty. Celebration of Harvest Weekend is a time to enjoy the fruits of those labors, when vintners pour their wines, relax a little bit, and if you’re lucky, share their harvest tales with the winehounds among us.

The Festival Grand Tasting is Saturday, October 11 from 1-4 p.m. at Old Mission Santa Ines in Solvang. All 100+ winery members of Santa Barbara Vintners will gather to present their wines, which are often poured by the winemakers themselves. A ticket gets you unlimited wine tastings from Santa Barbara County wineries, food samplings from local restaurants, caterers, and food creators, pop-up wine seminars and live music from the Occasional Mustache and Donna Green and the Roadhouse Daddies.

Everyone from Alma Rosa to Zotovich will be pouring, with food from a number of favorites, including The Willows, Trattoria Grappolo, Hitching Post II and Global Gardens.

Celebration of Harvest, photo by Tenley Fohl Photography, courtesy SB Vintners

There are also a number of special events throughout the weekend, everything from winemaker dinners, library tastings, new wine releases and barrel tastings. On Saturday night there’s a special concert at Solvang Festival Theatre starring Toad the Wet Sprocket with special guests Jonathan Kingham and Tommy & the High Pilots.

Also available just for the weekend are an all-inclusive tasting pass. You can purchase a Vintners Visa for unique and complimentary offerings at your choice of tasting rooms. For all the details on the Grand Tasting and special events, and to purchase tickets click here.

Cheers!

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Leslie Dinaberg

Originally published in Santa Barbara Seasons on October 3, 2014.

LeslieDinaberg.com

Leslie Dinaberg Editor & Writer

Tag Archives: cocktail corner

Cocktail Corner: Movie-Inspired Sips and Savories

A spirited toast to all things alcoholic! By Leslie Dinaberg

Cocktail Corner: A Toast to Downton Abbey

Cocktail Corner: Everything You Need to Know About Molecular Mixology