July 2025 – Blue Choker

Le Train Bleu Cocktail: Parisian Glam with a Vibrant Hue

Named for the legendary, luxurious train that carried travelers from Paris to the Riviera, the Le Train Bleu cocktail channels French elegance and early 20th-century romance in every sip. Famous for its striking blue color and subtle floral undertones, this stylish drink is guaranteed to steal the show at any soirée, brunch, or midnight rendezvous.

The Blue Train Race: How a Wild Gamble Changed Automotive History

The legend of the Blue Train race begins with a mix of charisma, daring, and a fair amount of whisky. In the late 1920s, the reputation of the railway as the swiftest way to travel across Europe seemed untouchable. Yet it only took a spirited bet made in the bar of a stylish Cannes hotel for that certainty to be shaken forever. At the heart of this story is Woolf Barnato, a wealthy entrepreneur, Le Mans champion, and then-chairman of Bentley Motors. His wager: he could drive his Bentley Speed Six faster from the French Riviera to London than the celebrated Train Bleu could carry passengers from Cannes to Calais.

The Essential Guide to Cocktail Glasses: Styles Every Home Bar Needs

Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist or simply enjoy the occasional craft drink at home, knowing your cocktail glassware is key to elevating presentation and flavor. The right glass doesn’t just look elegant—it complements the unique character, aroma, and temperature of each cocktail. Here’s a guide to the most popular types of cocktail glasses and the drinks they’re designed for.

Angel Face Cocktail: Timeless Elegance with a Fruity Twist

Sleek, intriguing, and flawlessly balanced, the Angel Face is a classic cocktail that exudes old-school glamour. First recorded in the 1930s Savoy Cocktail Book, this equal-parts blend of gin, apricot brandy, and calvados (apple brandy) delivers a divine combination of orchard fruit, botanicals, and warmth in a single sip.

Americano Cocktail: The Sparkling Italian Classic

A timeless staple of Italian aperitivo culture, the Americano cocktail is proof that simplicity can be wonderful. Combining bittersweet Campari, lush sweet vermouth, and a crown of sparkling club soda, the Americano is refreshing, low in alcohol, and endlessly sippable—perfect for leisurely afternoons, pre-dinner gatherings, or anytime you want a taste of la dolce vita.

Alexander Cocktail: Velvet Smoothness in a Glass

Silky, gently boozy, and kissed with chocolate, the Alexander cocktail is a timeless after-dinner treat. Made with three simple ingredients—cognac, crème de cacao, and cream—this classic sipper brings old-school elegance to any occasion, from cozy evenings by the fire to decadent dessert pairings.

Vieux Carré Cocktail: New Orleans in a Glass

Step into the golden age of cocktail culture with the Vieux Carré, a drink as intricate and storied as the French Quarter itself. Created at the whimsical Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone—where the revolving bar lets the room spin as slowly as the stories flow—this cocktail captures the heart and history of New Orleans.

Ramos Gin Fizz: The Legendary New Orleans Fizz

Few cocktails carry the mystique—or demand—the Ramos Gin Fizz does. Born in the roaring heart of New Orleans during the 1880s, this silky, citrusy classic became so famous that thirty-five “shaker boys” once worked the bar to meet demand during Mardi Gras. It’s no wonder, considering Louisiana’s bold governor Huey Long even flew his preferred bartender cross-country just to get it shaken right.

Between the Sheets: A Spirited, Sultry Classic

Seductive in name and lively on the palate, the Between the Sheets cocktail is a timeless blend that delivers zest, smoothness, and a touch of intrigue. Perfect for sultry evenings or sophisticated celebrations, this riff on the Sidecar layers the brightness of citrus over double-barreled spirits for a result that’s both bold and balanced.

The Life and Death of Oliver Reed: A Legend at Full Tilt

Oliver Reed’s life was a story written in bold, unruly script—one inked with performances of ferocious power, scars of hard living, and the legends that shadowed both his stardom and his downfall. In the pantheon of British actors notorious for their drinking, Reed belongs to a triumvirate alongside Peter O’Toole and Richard Burton, men as celebrated for their screen presence as for the chaos they sowed off it. Reed’s death—collapsed in a Maltese bar, halfway through shooting his final great film, Gladiator—was perhaps the only finale that could have suited a man who lived entirely without moderation.