Sangria is a punch made from red wine.  The essentials ingredients in this punch include a red wine, some type of fruit, a sweet juice or syrup, carbonated water and a small amount of an alcoholic spirit. The fruits may range from orange, apples, kiwi or banana.

The sweet syrup can be honey or some type of sweet juice (e.g. orange juice).

Because there are so many variations of sangria, the alcohol content is quite variable. While red wine has traditionally been used to make sangria, one can even use white wine. And even the fruits can be varied from peaches, nectarines and even tangerines.

Today, a tinge of cinnamon is almost always added to the punch to give it a sharp taste.
Sangria is best served cold and thus is a common summer drink.

Sangria is available in most wine and grocery stores in bottled containers. However, to add variety and taste, one can easily make their own sangria using a variety of fruits and syrups.

Popularity: 10% [?]

Brandy is an alcoholic drink produced by boiling wines which has been made from grapes, apples, olives or any other fruit. The amount of alcohol in a brandy is variable and ranges from 40-60%. Brandy is typically and after meal drink at social events. The majority of brandy available is dark colored- the dark signifies that the drink has been aged. In most cases, only the brandy made from grapes is aged. When one uses the term brandy, the drink usually has been derived from grapes.

Brandy is made in many parts of the world including the USA, France, Portugal, South Africa. Germany, Mexico, Greece, Italy, Cyprus and Spain.

The most well known of all the brandy is that made in France called Cognac. It is the gold standard and all other brands are compared to it. Some of the best grapes in France are used to make cognac. The grapes are not always great for eating but still make a superb brandy. The brandy is aged in special casks made from limousine oak. The majority of cognac is aged for several years before use

When one buys a bottle of cognac, there is a label which indicates how old the drink is. Most people prefer to buy Cognac which is more than 2-4 years old

Popularity: 5% [?]

A martini is a cocktail made with a combination of gin and dry white vermouth. Some people may choose vodka instead of the gin. Martini is a favorite drink for many social gatherings. Once upon a time, when people drank martini it signified higher education, social status and power.

Martinis are simple to make. The 1:5 ratio includes using half an ounce of sweet or dry vermouth and 2.5 ounces of gin or vodka.  The drink is usually served cold and may be garnished with an olive or a slice of lemon.

Today, martinis have undergone a few changes. Flavored martinis are commonly available for a new breed of drinkers. Bartenders constantly add juices, fruits, various creams and chocolates to the martini.

Even the garnishes have also been changed lately. Instead of the traditional olive and lemon, now one can add stuffed olives, anchovies, sun dried tomatoes and marinated capers. In some parts of the USA, the cocktail is made of margarita on the rocks with olive juice. Martini is a drink usually enjoyed at the same time as having dinner.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Kefir is a milk based drink from Eastern Europe and Russia which is fast catching on in North America. The drink is prepared by fermenting cow’s or goat’s milk with kefir grains. Kefir grains are a mixture of yeast, bacteria and various other nutrients and minerals.

Once the milk is fermented with the kefir, a sour alcoholic beverage is produced which resembles yogurt in consistency. The longer the milk is fermented, the higher the alcohol amount. The amount of alcohol is usually about 1-2%.

While many people can make the kefir drink at home, there is commercially available kefir in most grocery and health food stores.

One reason why kefir has caught on as a favorite drink among athletes, is that it is postulated to have a lot of health benefits. There are claims that unlike milk, kefir is better tolerated and does not produce any symptoms of lactose intolerance. There is also some evidence that it can decrease blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels.

Kefir is best consumed by adding a variety of fruits, juices or sweet syrup to it. one can blend the drink with ice cream, frozen yogurt and a variety of fruits. One can even drink kefir with cereals and add a variety of nuts, cashews and granola to it. Russians have used kefir as an ingredient in soups (borscht and okroshka).

Popularity: 2% [?]

A mojito is a rum based minty drink which has always been popular in Cuba. However, the drink has now become a favorite in many parts of the Southern and Eastern USA. The classic ingredients of this great drink include white rum, sugar, lime, carbonated soda and mint. The drink is a combination of a sweet taste with minty flavor and the rum adds a kick to it. Mojito, unfortunately is not the bartenders favorite drink to make.

The lime juice is usually added to the sugar cane syrup and mint leaves- this is the sticky part. The rum is added next and the drink is served with ice and sparkling water. Lime slices are always used as garnish.

Over the years, several different versions of this Cuban drink have emerged. The mojito is definitely a refreshing drink for a hot summer day, the freshness of the juice quenches the thirst and the rum immediately soothes the mind.

Popularity: 5% [?]