I’m in a bathroom in Highland Park at 11 p.m. on a Friday night. The walls are painted deep red, and the room is lit almost exclusively by prayer candles. Pictures of Jesus line the walls, including one shadowbox image backlit by a single bulb. A black toilet looms in the corner, directly opposite a […]
Classic Cocktails
Posted inFood & Drink
LV Recommends: The Bartender’s Handshake, an intimate place for a cozy cocktail in Des Moines
For 2024, “stale, cheesy cocktail bars” are out and “vibey, modern cocktail bars” are in. The Bartender’s Handshake located on Ingersoll in Des Moines is no stranger to the latter. Walking in, you’re greeted with moody lighting and the soft murmur of both conversation and music that elicits speakeasy vibes. The bartender behind the beautifully […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Boozehound 101: The old fashioned
In this edition of Boozehound 101, we’re taking a look at yet another one of David Embury’s six basic drinks: the Old Fashioned. There’s a lot of history behind the Old Fashioned, as it may well be the progenitor of the word ‘cocktail’ itself and dates to the early 19th century. The inherent appeal of […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Boozehound 101: Jack Rose
Of the essential cocktails listed in David Embury’s The Fine Art of Mixing Drinks, the Jack Rose is probably the one that people are least familiar with — yet it might be one of the most authentic American cocktails in the author’s six pack. The American roots of the Jack Rose stem from its base […]
