Digestopia Blog

Recipes for Making Your Own Homebrew Beer
Homemade or home-brewed beer can be a rewarding experience with the right tools and the right recipe. A search of the Internet will bring up everything from recipes for Moose Milk Stout to Lawnmower Special. Here is a collection of homebrew beers from around the world.

Homemade Beer: Get Started With This Simple Guide
Get Started With This Simple Guide.

Beer Brewing 101: How To Make Cheap (But Great Tasting) Beer
If you enjoy drinking beer, but don’t enjoy the high prices of going to a bar or restaurant for a decent brew, you can brew your own beer in your kitchen. If you are tired of paying a lot of money for beer that you think tastes like cat piss, you should consider brewing it yourself.

Art of the Drink: St. Patrick’s Day Irish Coffee
Anthony delves into the art and science of making the perfect Irish Coffee!

Art of the Drink: Bourbon Tasting Class
Join Anthony in a Bourbon Tasting Class hosted by Master Distiller David Pickerell!

Art of the Drink: Espresso Martini
Anthony visits Bean Traders in search of the perfect espresso and transforms it into a martini.

Art of the Drink: Easter Ascension
Anthony brings back Melissa for an original Easter cocktail!

Art of the Drink: Classic Caipirinha
As the weather warms up, Anthony and Melissa show you the secrets behind Brazil’s national drink, the Caipirinha.

Art of the Drink: The Samuels
Anthony and Melissa wrap up AOTD’s first year with an original cocktail honoring the First Family of Bourbon.

Wine Library TV, Episode 61: Restaurant wines and funny sounds
Today Gary explores 4 wines that are often found on Restaurant lists and you get a look at some of the behind the scenes things going on at Wine Library. Gary tastes Cakebread, Far Niente, Stag’s Leap and Duckhorn. Enjoy and please leave Gary comments!

Wine Library TV, Episode 62: 3 Highly rated Reds
With his apartment move completed Gary returns today with a new episode of WLTV. Today Gary tastes and reviews three red wines. See how these three highly rated wines stack up. Also Gary has a new question for our viewers today.

Wine Library TV, Episode 63: California Red Zinfandel
Today Gary Vaynerchuk attacks California Red Zinfandel, their Alcohol’s, flavors and finishes. Gary V loves Zinfandel so it will be fun to see what he thinks of these 4 wines. Please join in and leave a comment.

Become a Private Bartender
Are you a bartender and are you sick of getting bad shifts at your job? Do you want to control your work schedule and get paid top dollar for your bartending skills? You can become a private bartender with the tips I am about to give you. Even if you are not a bartender you can get the training you need and become a private bartender.

Bartending for Dummy: 5 Keys to Success Behind a Bar
Have you always wondered how it would be to make an extra few hundred dollars behind a bar each week? I have spent the last 5 years living as a bartender as I attend and finish college, and I must say it is going to be hard to give up the money. I am here to help you get behind a bar and make a generous CASH salary like I have, and may continue to do.

The Complete Bartender: How to Become a Better Bartender
The complete bartender has specific qualities that his or her customers benefit from. I am sorry to say, but not a single one of these qualities includes anything physical. Yes, it is nice to have a decent looking person serving you from behind the bar, but that is not the most important thing and most customers will gladly trade in a hot bartender for one that will take care of them the right way.

Art of the Drink: Maker’s Mark Distillery Tour
Anthony takes you on a guided tour and shows you how Bourbon is made by the masters!

Art of the Drink: Season 2 Outtakes
A compilation of the funniest moments from our second season (so far)!

Wine Library TV, Episode 58: I’m Not Pissed
Today Gary takes Wine Library TV to the next level, creating a forum for honest discussion about wines. Gary loves sharing his passion for wine with you and now he needs your help. Gary needs input from you the viewer proving that Wine Library TV is not a one-way street. Oh yes, he also reviews a hot Pinot Noir from New Zealand and lets you know who it stacks up against traditional Burgandy. Follow Gary into this brave new world.

Wine Library TV, Episode 59: Argentine Malbecs
In today’s episode Gary tastes and reviews four Malbecs from Argentina. Gary also responds to the overwhelming response from our viewers. Keep those comments and the emails coming!

Wine Library TV, Episode 60: 90 point wines 2 reds 2 whites
Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes 4 different wines all scored 90 points or higher. This is a great episode and one that we think will drive a lot of comments. Enjoy the Chardonnay’s and Barolo.

101 Bartending Basics: Mixology for the Beginning Bartender
Bartending is becoming a great way to make extra money or to make a great living. There are new bars and restaurants popping up all over the place. In order to become a bartender you need to know some of the basics. I am going to lead you through some of the 101-bartending basics of mixology.

Girl Bartender: Does Male or Female Make a Difference
There is an ongoing debate in the world of bartending on whether being male or female makes a difference behind the bar. It does, but mainly for the bar owner more than the actual bartender. For the bartender the only thing that really matters is their skill level.

Mixology School: The Bartender’s Recipe Guide
Mixology is basically the art of mixing a good drink behind a bar. There are many different definitions to what a good drink is. Some of us like it strong enough to put hair on our chest, and others like it fruity and tasty. It just depends on what your taste is. Every bartender should go through Mixology School, and I am going to tell you why.

Sangria Summer Nights
For years now a staple to my summertime diet has been to have a glass or two of sangria while sitting out on my patio on those warm summer evenings with friends. Sangria is a wine based punch that originates from Portugal and Spain. The word sangria is derived from the Spanish word sangre, which means blood. Sangria is usually made from red wine, sliced citrus fruit, sugar, and a sprit such as brandy or triple sec.

A Great Sangria Recipe
Read all about Sangria, including the different kinds and get a great true Sangria recipe.

Creating a Traditional Sangria Recipe from Spain
Besides the beautiful weather and beaches of Spain, you’ll not want to miss out on one of the great sangria recipes at the local bars and restaurants. Sangria is a drink that’s traditional to Spain, and nearly any restaurant establishment will serve it.

Art of the Drink: Mardi Gras Sazerac
Anthony and Krysta get ready for Mardi Gras with a traditional New Orleans Sazerac!

Art of the Drink: Negroni
The Negroni, another addition to the Classic Cocktails Series, stuns in both looks and taste.

Wine Library TV, Episode 55: More today with Philippe Melka
In today’s episode Gary continues with Philippe Melka. Gary and Philippe taste four wines including two wines from Melka Wines.

Wine Library TV, Episode 56: Gary welcomes his guest Robert Mondovi Jr.
Today Gary and his special guest Robert Mondavi Jr. talk about his return to the world of wine and wine making. Watch as Gary tastes and reviews four of Roberts wines.

Wine Library TV, Episode 57: We’re Back! Gary rates 4 Australian Wines
Watch today as Wine Library TV returns after it’s hiatus. Gary talks about TV deals and the future direction of Wine Library TV. Then Gary reviews four Australian wines and reviews them in a unique way. This is one episode you can’t miss!

Wine Terms for the Scared
For whatever reason, wine has become a drink that some people fear. Some people are simply too scared to approach it, looking at a bottle the same way they used to look at the popular girl or boy they had a crush on in high school. No one is really sure when wine got this reputation, but it did: wine is the most intimidating of alcohol.

Seven Essential Wines: What to Always Have on Hand
You’re not quite ready to fill your entire wine cellar, but you need to have at least some wines on hand. Here’s a guide to selecting and maintaining seven essential wines so you are prepared for any situation.

Wine 101
Have you wondered what the differences are between the red and white wine or how to taste wine? Wine 101 navigates you through some of nuances and gets you on track to becoming aficionado.

How to Make a Manhattan Cocktail
Are you tired of drinking the same thing every time you want a cocktail? Are you looking to try a great drink with some history attached to it? Why not try a Manhattan cocktail? This guide to the Manhattan cocktail will show you everything you need to know to make them at home.

Espresso Martini
The espresso martini is a delicious way to satisfy both your craving for alcohol and your caffeine fix. Learn some of the most popular ways to make this up and coming new drink in this article.

Art of the Drink: His-n-Hers
Anthony introduces February DrinkArt Girl Krysta and shows you the perfect new libation for Valentine’s Day!

Wine Library TV, Episode 52: 05 Bordeaux Update, Where is the Market Going?
Today Gary Vaynerchuk updates the world where the 2005 Bordeaux Market has gone. What will happen with Pape Clement, Pavie, Haut Brion, Mouton, Petrus, Latour, Troplong Mondot, Clinet, Branon and others go? Gary is also tasting 4 great Bordeaux, lets see his reaction to them.

Wine Library TV, Episode 53: Today Gary Tastes the Wines of Chateau St Jean
Today Gary welcomes his special guest Margo Van Staavern, Winemaker from Chateau St Jean of California to taste and talk about her wines.

Wine Library TV, Episode 54: Today Gary Tastes 2 New Wines from Melka Wines
Watch today as Gary welcomes his special guest Philippe Melka of Melka Wines. One of Gary’s favorite California wine makers, Gary tastes two of Philippe Melkas newest wines.

I Love Italian Wine and Food: The Marche Region
If you are looking for fine Italian wine and food, consider The Marche region of central Italy. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour.

I Love Italian Wine and Food: Liguria Region, Tuscany Wine
I love Italian wine and food so much that I am doing a series on the typical and special wines and foods of Italy’s twenty regions. This article explores the Liguria region of northern Italy. Bargains abound. I’ll make specific recommendations, and won’t be silent if I’m unhappy with a wine.

I Love Italian Wine and Food: Riserva Wines
I love Italian wine and food so much that I am doing a series on the typical and special wines and foods of Italy’s twenty regions. What does the word Riserva on the label mean? Can you still get a bargain?

Bar Tool Time
No matter what task is before an individual, you must have the proper tools to accomplish the job. If you want to tend bar, whether in the home or professionally, to make quality drinks which everyone will enjoy, you will need your box of bar tools, which will allow you to turn out delicious concoctions. Having the correct tools will ease the job of making good drinks. Let’s take a look at the most essential tools.

5 Things To Remember While Serving A Cocktail
Cocktails are a great way of enjoying your favorite spirits and liqueurs. Here are some tips to help you serve them the right way.

Restaurant Cocktail Menu: World’s Best Food and Wine Combo
Don’t bother mentally processing the infinite pairings possible with food and wine, in any consideration of the world’s best. I must also leave out my personal childhood favorite of Tom’s Peanut Butter Crackers and Coca Cola (a treat I still indulge on road trips). There is no doubt that a well made Sazerac cocktail with freshly opened oysters stands astride the epicurean world like The Colossus of Rhodes as the best possible combination of food and drink.

The Origin of the Cocktail
The cocktail has the distinction of being an original American drink. Its origins are murky, but the most common account names one Antoine Amedee Peychaud, a young Creole from a distinguished French family, as the originator of the drink.

Art of the Drink: Bill Samuels Jr. Interview
Anthony visits Loretto, KY, and talks with Maker’s Mark president Bill Samuels Jr.

Art of the Drink: Season 1 Highlights
Watch clips from the first season of Art of the Drink.

Wine Library TV, Episode 49: Today Gary Goes to South Africa
Watch today as Gary Vaynerchuck tastes an up and coming South African white wine.

Wine Library TV, Episode 50: Spain and Spanish Wines
Watch today as Gary tastes 3 wines from Spain and takes you along on his trip through Spain.

Wine Library TV, Episode 51: Gary Vaynerchuk Tastes the Wines of Raymond
Gary welcomes Walter Raymond from Raymond vineyards. One of the great California wineries makes it’s latest reserve selections available for Gary to comment on. Watch as there is a huge surprise at the end of the show.

Mixing It Up: A New Era of Sherry Cocktails
Everybody is looking for the next big drink: Sherry cocktails could be the future.

A Cocktail of Cultures: The Growth of Asian Influence in the London Bar Scene
Read about the explosion of Asian influence in the London bar scene.

Tequila: Beauty and Brutality, Bottled
Wine snobs, eat your heart out. The pop culture icon and poor man’s drink, tequila, has somehow reinvented itself yet again. Embracing its feminine side through centuries of violence, religion, sex and beauty, it has landed, to everyone’s surprise, on the top shelf of the beverage world, ready to spark another rebellion.

The X Factor: A New Generation of Discerning Drinkers is Turning to Sherry as the Drink of Choice
The growth of Sherry across the world is attributable to our fast maturing palates. We know our wines far better than 10 years ago, we are inundated with fine vodkas and a plethora of foreign beers and we constantly crave the next big thing.

Wine Library TV, Episode 46: I’m back and Washington State
Today Gary Vaynerchuk finally returns from Spain with 4 super wines from Washington State and a few stories!

Wine Library TV, Episode 47: Don’t Judge a Wine by it’s Vintage
Today Gary Vaynerchuk tries to educate the public about off vintage wines and why they maybe the best thing in the market today! With the 2000 Ristow as his tool Gary challenges the wine world!

Wine Library TV, Episode 48: Today Gary Meets the Meekers
In today’s episode Gary Vanerchuk welcomes Molly and Charlie Meeker of Meeker Vineyards.

Art of the Drink: Champagne Cocktail
Anthony shows you the correct way to open a bottle of bubbly for your New Year’s Eve celebration!

It’s New Years Eve…Do You Know Where Your Martinis Are?
Get ready for the party of the year! Make hosting your New Years Eve party a breeze by following a few simple steps and a few easy martini recipes!

All About Vodka
Vodka is the surprise package of the 20th Century. From an unknown Russian drink to the most widely used cocktail drink, it has been quite a journey.

Chocolate Martini
Just because you don’t like the taste of vodka doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a martini. Just be sure that it’s a chocolate martini. When you mix something with chocolate it’s sure to taste good.

Hangover: How To Prevent and Cure hangovers Quickly
It’s that time of year again we have hangovers and want to cure them. Of course, you should not drink to excess in the first place but if you do, here are some proven methods that will work to cure your hangover fast.

How To Cure a Hangover: Hangover Cure Tips
Get 7 tips and tricks to help you cure a hangover quickly and as painlessly as possible.

Art of the Drink: Candy Cane Martini
Anthony’s back behind the bar in December with a new DrinkArt Girl and a Candy Cane Martini to usher in the holiday month!

Art of the Drink: Ginger Green Tea Toddy
As cold weather settles in, Anthony and Tracy warm things up with a Ginger Green Tea Hot Toddy!

Art of the Drink: Anthony’s Syllabub
Art of the Drink wishes you a Merry Christmas with Anthony’s Syllabub!

Wine Library TV, Episode 43: Achaval Ferrer winery: Santiago Achaval
Today Gary welcomes the great Santiago Achaval. The wines of Achaval Ferrer maybe the best in all of Argentina!

Wine Library TV, Episode 44: Wines of the World: Spain, Australia and France
Gary explores wines from three areas: Spain, Australia and Bordeaux.

Wine Library TV, Episode 45: 4 Top Selling Value Priced Wines
Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes 4 of the top selling value priced wines under $12, in this best values episode.

Organic Wine: A Reprieve for the Allergic
For people who are allergic to sulfites, drinking a glass of wine can be a deadly experience. But, certain types of wine: such as organic wine: minimize the amounts of sulfites used, giving those allergic a chance to literally drink to their health.

The Cork Heard Around the World
Beaujolais nouveau is a special wine that comes out but once a year. Viewed by many as a holiday treat, this line of wine flies off the shelves as quick as Tickle Me Elmo in the toy store.

Cork Taint: Something to Wine About
Cork taint has the potential to come between you and your wine; it can take a good bottle and make it undrinkable. But, as we speak, researchers are looking for a way to put a cork in the tainting process.

Art of the Drink: Rose Petal
Anthony shows you a versatile virgin drink for holiday family outings or entertaining at home!

Wine Library TV, Episode 40: Passion for Wine and for Life and Even Football
Today Gary shows his passion for the NFL, the New York Jets and Cigarral Pago Del Ama 2001. This will be one of the most talked about episodes ever and will make you look at Gary in a different light. I hope people understand I love these guys, I have been a fan since I was 5 and I am not always that insane-Gary Vaynerchuk.

Wine Library TV, Episode 41: Special Guest Michael Havens
Today Gary Vaynerchuk welcomes Michael Havens of Havens winery in Napa. Gary has been a long time fan of Michael’s wines and these 4 look to be no different.

Wine Library TV, Episode 42: How To Taste Wine
In today’s episode Gary Vaynerchuk tackles the one question he gets e-mailed the most about. This may very well be the one episode that everyone will be talking about.

I Love Italian Wine and Food: Tasting A Noble Sicilian Wine
I love Italian wine and food so much that I am doing a series on the typical and special wines and foods of Italy’s twenty regions. This article records the results of tasting a noble Sicilian red wine, both on its own and with food. Was it a bargain?

I Love Italian Wine and Food: Vino Novello (New Wine)
I love Italian wine and food so much that I am doing a series on the typical and special wines and foods of Italy’s twenty regions. This article explores the Italian new wines of the 2006 harvest. I’ll make specific recommendations, and won’t be silent if I’m unhappy with a wine.

I Love Italian Wine and Food: The Molise Region
I love Italian wine and food so much that I am doing a series on the typical and special wines and foods of Italy’s twenty regions. This article explores the Molise region of central Italy. Bargains abound. I’ll make specific recommendations, and won’t be silent if I’m unhappy with a wine.

Art of the Drink: Hot Buttered Cider
This Thanksgiving, Anthony breaks out his special Bourbon-based Hot Buttered Cider!

Wine Library TV, Episode 37: Hogue Cellars from Washington State
Today Gary Vaynerchuk welcomes David Forsyth Director of Winemaking of Hogue. Gary finds the Cabernet and Riesling very exciting and ponders the Syrah.

Wine Library TV, Episode 38: Mixed Bag of California Red Wines
Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through 5 different red wines from California. Watch as Gary spits through 1 Pinot Noir, 2 Cabernets, 1 Peritage and a Petite Sirah.

Wine Library TV, Episode 39: Dessert Wine…Better Than You Think?
Today Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through 4 very different dessert wines. The wines from Australia, Hungary, California and Bordeaux (sauterne) are evaluated. This is a very serious episode today that will make you start thinking about sweet wines in a different way!

Sheepish Wine Labor
Some California wine-makers have hired a new kind of work force that is cost-effective and easy to please. Better still, they will never ask for a raise. John Blackstone visits one such wine-maker.

Champagne Prices
The price of champagne is a common consideration among buyers. Some branded champagnes are very expensive. This is why a number of people are looking for alternatives to such costly vintage.

Champagne Recipes
What is it to cook a meal or make a cocktail recipe with a dash of a little effervescence around to create that bubbly entertaining look around your glass, while your drink adding the ingredient Champagne needs to sense that strong affluent showoff attraction if you are a male and should be made sizzling sparkle if you are a female. For one and many need not make a guess that Champagne is just the right drink for your parties, celebrations and New Year blast. You can use this wine all year around to add to a drink or roll over drinking all nightlong Thanks to human hands and creation now you can create Mumma Mia champagne recipes in your Mama’s kitchen. You can train your cook or just ask the bartender to do the needful.

Champagne Reviews
With the large number of available champagnes, it is difficult to choose one that fits a person’s unique taste. To assist in making a selection, it is wise to read champagne reviews that are widely available on the Internet.

Champagne Toasts
A champagne toast is one good way of celebrating an important occasion. This is usually marked as one of the highlights of the celebration.

Wine Library TV, Episode 34: Amarone wines from Veneto
Gary Vaynerchuk explores some of his favorite wines today when he tastes through some amazing or not so amazing Amerone’s. Watch as Gary tastes through the Allegrini Amarone 2000, Bertani Amarone 1998 and the Cecilia Beretta Amarone Terre Di Cariano 2000. This is a wonderful episode and Gary even touches on the mid palate.
Wine Library TV, Episode 35: Guest Star Tony Coturri
We are very lucky to have Tony Coturri of the legendary Coturri wines here with us today. Gary Vaynerchuk tastes through these true wines and is stunned by them. Coturri winery is very famous for their farming and the approach to vineyards.

Wine Library TV, Episode 36: Chinon and Vacqueyras Tasting
Watch as Gary Vaynerchuk tastes three wines from the lesser known wine regions of Chinon and Vacqueyars. These are two of the lesser-known high-quality wine areas in France.