venice select
cocktailfriend / escapefriend

venice select

Was in Venice recently and learned about Select—described as something between bitter Campari and sweet orangey Aperol, but to me was extremely close to Campari. The slight differences: Select was created in 1920 in Venice (not Milan, where Campari is from), has 17.5% alcohol (not Campari’s 24.5%), and is a proprietary blend of 30 botanicals like juniper and rhubarb which … Continue reading

sparklers for the 4th!
free run juice

sparklers for the 4th!

It might be the 4th but we’re actually only recommending one American bubbly! Piper-Heidsieck: Forget canned wine, this is the coolest can of the summer. It’s a limited edition design by Josh McKenna that celebrates Pride. And you then get a fantastic bottle of Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut, with superfine bubbles, elegant brioche notes, and ample opp … Continue reading

perfect spring grapes
free run juice

perfect spring grapes

Winter is all about fuller reds and summer claims rosé, but what about spring? There’s an in-between time where a few grapes really satisfy.  Catarratto: White florals, lemon spritz and low acid — this might just be the most perfect spring wine. Prevalent in Sicily and a grapefriend fave for aperitivo, try the refreshing Donnafugata Anthìlia, $19.95. Viognier: This … Continue reading