With the overwhelming pressure of making sure everyone gets the right present, the holidays can be a little hectic. And the arctic chill of the winter season does not make this any easier. But, with a little bit of liquor and holiday joy poured into the glass, these holiday drinks can make the season bearable. BARWEST: 2724 J Street, Ste. A Sacramento, CA 95816 Mon – Fri: 11 am – 2 am Sat – Sun: 9 am – 2 am Klondike Bar $7 ½ oz. of Rumplemintz or any peppermint schnapps ½ oz. of Baileys ½ oz. of Godiva/ chocolate liqueur ½ oz. of cream Shake, strain over 6 oz. glass of ice, rim with chopped peppermint “It’s Christmas in a glass,” said Bartender Bobby Hodson. “If Santa let you down, th

For Sacramentans who have ever pondered the mystery of what makes a cocktail special and want to sample new, classic, exotic and experimental cocktails, then they will have the opportunity beginning Monday. Midtown Cocktail Week is coming back to Sacramento for the fourth year, and for seven nights, 15 designated Midtown or downtown bars and restaurants will be featuring specialty cocktail events. For more information and a full list of events, click here.  “It’s good for business, (but) not in the monetary sense,” said Jason Boggs, co-owner of Shady Lady Saloon. “It lets people in Sacramento know they can drink better, and that makes quality of life better for everyone.” Midtown Cockt

Ever wonder who's peer-recognized as the best bartender in Sacramento? Who makes the cocktails that scintillate the palate, dazzle the mind and always keep you guessing? Go no farther than 19th Street: we have a local treasure right here. For the second installment on the All-Star Bartender Series, I'm speaking of Chris Tucker. Tucker has been a Northern California local for much of his life, and after working in San Francisco for a period of time, and learning a great deal about his craft, he decided there was something special in Sacramento worth coming back for. So upon returning, Tucker has been working with L Wine Lounge and moonlighting at Shady Lady Saloon ever since. More than a

What's your favorite place to go get a drink? How do you like your cocktails made? When you order, are you really specific? There is a ridiculous amount of culinary talent in Sacramento, and it doesn't stop on the kitchen line. It makes its way to the speedrack and is being showcased all over downtown. In the next couple of weeks I want to give all those great drinksmiths their due, and highlight them in a series I’ve called: All-Star Bartenders in Sacramento. Check out the talent –you might be surprised the treasures that are right around the corner from you. The first in the series is a bartender that has a special place in my heart. He's a solid bartender who cares about his custome