Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Proof.
How I Recognized I'm an Alcoholic
I was flirting with functional alcoholism from the age of 18 when I graduated high school. My family imposes their problems with alcohol on each other, with nobody really recognizing their problem. I was drinking port in my twenties. Somehow I could make it home at night without anybody noticing. I’m 36 now, and I have maintained my sobriety from 2010 until now. This is 8 years of sobriety. I get antsy in bars. I recognized my alcoholism for years but I kept it going as my own best enabler. The ex and I were drinking buddies.
By Iria Vasquez-Paez8 years ago in Proof
Great Rums to Stay the Winter Blues. Top Story - January 2018.
Winter libations revolve around warmth. Sweet, spiced Toddies, decadent Blueberry Teas, whipped cream-topped Alpines—all designed to coax drinkers through the cold and wet winter season. But only one spirit can inspire the thought of a warm, tropical respite through the frigidity: Rum.
By 8 years ago in Proof
Best Beer Gardens in America You Must Visit
From New York to San Fransisco to Nashville, the top beer gardens can be found all around the United States. With beautiful outdoor patios and extensive beer menus, you can't go wrong with visiting one of these for a Sunday afternoon.
By Adrian Scott8 years ago in Proof
Best Cocktail Shaker Sets for the Mixologist in You
Every single person who has their own inner mixologist come out from time to time loves to have a fully stocked home bar. Yes, we all have the friend who has a killer bar collection including the best craft beers for the season, the best red wines, and maybe some of the top shelf vodkas they enjoy as well.
By Skunk Uzeki8 years ago in Proof
Thirst Quenching Drinks You Can Make With Beer. Top Story - January 2018.
Whenever most of us head out to lunch, to the beach, to a football game, a concert, or any outing with our friends, we grab a pack of beer. Beer is among the best alcoholic beverages that comes in a wide range of tastes and brands. Whether you love Corona, Heineken, Coors Light, Guinness, or even canned craft beers—many people settle on their favorite type. What's also great about beer is that they have so many beer and food pairings. If you're grabbing pizza, grab a beer. Or you're craving wings, beer goes hand-in-hand with wings, too.
By Jennifer Violet8 years ago in Proof
What I've Learned Working at a University Campus Bar
Bartending on your university campus can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your university career. However, it can also be one of the most physically draining aspects as well. If there's anyone out there interested in applying to a local university bar. Here's a few things I've learned throughout my experience and some tips to get you through balancing both your studies and your job.
By Josh Pogue8 years ago in Proof
Best St-Germain Cocktails You Can Make for Any Occasion
St-Germain is one of the finest liqueurs out there that’s flavored with elderflowers. If you aren’t familiar what elderflowers are, they’re small, white starry flowers that only bloom through the spring and summer seasons. And while the flower is used in many foods and drinks in Europe, the U.S. finds the flower to be the best in the form of St-Germain. That’s why this liqueur has a delectable taste of floral notes from the elderflower. And St-Germain can be made into numerous delicious and appealing cocktails and drinks that can be enjoyed anytime of the year.
By C.C. Curtis8 years ago in Proof
How Hard Is It to Become a Bartender?. Top Story - January 2018.
Believe it or not, there's a lot of work to do in order to actually become a certified bartender. Yes, this means attending bartending school to become an amazing bartender who studied in mixology and the art of liquor and spirits. But getting your bartending certification doesn't entirely take a year to get — it's only a couple of weeks of learning and training. And once you've received that certification, it's time for you to go out there into the real world.
By James Fangs8 years ago in Proof
Best Snifters for Cognac You Need for Your Collection
Right now you might be asking: What's a "snifter"? While most cognac or heavy alcohol connoisseurs may know right of the bat, not everyone can understand the differentiated meanings behind drinking glasses. In this case, a snifter would be a glass dedicated to the drinking of either cognac or brandy, but that's not to say that's all they're good for. In fact, snifters' very name derives from their how they are used: fermenting aroma.
By Gerald Oppugne8 years ago in Proof
How To Make Your Own Bitters
The best cocktails and drinks include bitters to enhance aroma and flavor. Bartenders are very creative when it comes to putting the right bitters in the right alcohol. And their top signature drinks feature amazing in taste, full in flavors, and sweet in aroma—we can't help but order another one.
By George Nekilan8 years ago in Proof
