Lynne Shumaker
Bio
Wannabe bartender and whiskey connoisseur. Enjoys exploring new food pairings for any type of drink. Sometimes I travel to different countries with my friends... :)
Stories (19/0)
- Top Story - July 2017
Tips for Making Classic Drinks
Pick up any bartender's guide and you'll find recipes for more than 1,000 drinks, and that doesn't include the latest cocktails created to promote a product or commemorate an event. Despite this proliferation of concoctions, an increasing number of people are rediscovering the classic cocktails of another era. The return of the Martini has been well documented; other popular drinks include the Bloody Mary, the Daiquiri, the Margarita, and the Old Fashioned. All of these can be given a contemporary twist with the addition or substitution of an ingredient or two.
By Lynne Shumaker7 years ago in Proof
After 500 Years, Rum Makes A Comeback
Rum's present popularity in America dates back to 1493, when Columbus returned to the new world with cuttings of sugarcane, which were planted in what are now Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, and Haiti. When the technique of distillation was introduced to the Caribbean islands in the 17th century, the thick, syrupy molasses that is the by-product of converting cane into crystallized sugar was fermented to produce alcohol, and the resulting mash was distilled into rum.
By Lynne Shumaker7 years ago in Proof
Infamous Bill Clinton Scandals
Bill Clinton is by all accounts something of a political Houdini; it seems the politician, philanthropist, and almost first First Gentleman has more or less managed to escape punishment over the decades, no matter what controversy befalls him. Sure, each scandal leaves him with some scarring—a tarnished reputation here, an investigation there—but no amount of salacious or questionable activity seems to be quite enough to ensure total destruction. Should you want to know how to spot one of these Clinton-Gates for yourself, the hallmarks of the many Bill Clinton scandals typically feature a questionable detail to start, which leads to an investigation, that ultimately concludes the detail is innocuous while also uncovering a tangential questionable detail in the process–And so the cycle continues...
By Lynne Shumaker7 years ago in The Swamp
Whiskey: A Guide and History
Long before the Bloody Mary, the Screwdriver, the Martini, the Margarita, and the Daiquiri appeared on the scene, alcohol lovers were drinking Mint Juleps, Sazeracs, Old Fashioneds, and Manhattans—all of which shared one common ingredient: whiskey. Even today, when so many new cocktails are based on vodka, rum, or tequila, such classics as the Whiskey Sour are shaken and poured from coast to coast. Whiskey remains a constant favorite.
By Lynne Shumaker7 years ago in Proof
Is Your Bartender Actually Into You?
Pull up your barstool if you’ve ever been stumped by that age-old question: is the girl or guy tending the bar actually flirting with me, or simply trying to lock in a good tip? Maybe she is just being nice and polite. Maybe those looks he’s giving me aren’t suggestive and I’m totally imagining things. Maybe I should stop smiling so much before I get caught by my wife/partner/best friend who I secretly quite like but haven’t found the perfect moment to say so yet. We feel your pain. And the good news for all those who joined us at the bar is we are here to help. Take a few hearty gulps of our free advice and you’ll soon know for sure if your bartender is actually into you.
By Lynne Shumaker7 years ago in Proof
Vodka, the Versatile
Although true connoisseurs of vodka can distinguish between different brands by their aroma, weight and texture, most consumers merely enjoy it for its clean taste and smooth, silky character. Vodka is also noted for its refreshing bite, which makes it a good partner to oily and smoked foods, like caviar and smoked salmon.
By Lynne Shumaker7 years ago in Proof
