Kara Newman

Contributing Editor:Spirits

Latest

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There’s Never Been a Better Time to Invest in Rare Bourbon

Tariffs and overproduction have created a big opportunity in American whiskey. Here’s what to invest in now.

April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

There’s Never Been a Better Time to Invest in Rare Bourbon

Tariffs and overproduction have created a big opportunity in American whiskey. Here’s what to invest in now.

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April 2, 2026

April 2, 2026

Why This Agave Expert Says to Avoid Smoky Mezcal

Don’t like mezcal? There’s a good chance what you’ve been drinking has just been bad. Plus: a decadent amaro and bourbon cocktail recipe for spring

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March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

The Making of an All-American Rum

The Caribbean may have a lock on the popular conception of rum, but new distillers are aiming to craft Louisiana sugarcane into a mainland style all its own. Plus: A new Hendrick’s gin and a Manhattan recipe.

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February 5, 2026

February 5, 2026

Why Vodka Should Be a Sipping Spirit

There’s a lot more nuance and variety to vodka than most drinkers realize. Plus: a top-notch walnut liquor and an espresso martini alternative

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December 22, 2025

December 22, 2025

The 12 Best New Spirits of 2025

A year of cocktailing reveals trends with staying power — and a changing world order.

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December 17, 2025

December 17, 2025

Last-Minute Gift Guide for Wine and Spirits Lovers

Forgot to plan ahead? Here are 15 options for the thirsty bon vivant in your life.

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October 31, 2025

October 31, 2025

A Cocktail Legend’s Tips to Drinking Better Wherever You Go

Life according to Mr Lyan. Plus: mezcal for Thanksgiving and a Pepper Vesper recipe

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October 3, 2025

October 3, 2025

Kenya Is Ready to Be Your Next Drinking Adventure

A dispatch from Nairobi’s bubbling bar scene. Plus: American brandy and a Cynar Mojito recipe perfect for the transition to fall.

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September 4, 2025

September 4, 2025

Don’t Be Afraid of the Pizza-Flavored Vodka

Plus: a ridiculously tasty rambutan martini recipe and new wood-aged NA spirits distilled from trees

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August 7, 2025

August 7, 2025

The World’s Biggest Tequila Collector Shares the Best Bottles to Buy

Plus, a true rum lover’s tasting experience and a delicious mezcal cocktail to make at home.

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July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The Cocktail of the Summer Is All About the Fizz

And, no, it’s not just the Hugo spritz. Plus: Five new bottles from the booze world’s front lines to follow the biggest drink trends at home.

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June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

American Sake Is Having a Major Moment

A small but growing cadre of producers are brewing inventive bottles with cult followings—and they’re even exporting to Japan.

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June 12, 2025

June 12, 2025

Incredible Jamaican Rums That Truly Bring the Fruity Funk

Plus: A new bottle from Cruzan and a killer rum punch cocktail recipe from Outlander’s Sam Heughan.

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May 1, 2025

May 1, 2025

Under-the-Radar Value ‘Mezcals’ Are New Option Amid Tariff Chaos

What’s in a name when the spirit tastes incredible? Plus: A Cheers memorabilia auction and a Cadillac margarita recipe.

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April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Can Low-Alcohol Gin and Tequila Actually Be Good?

A top bartender has cracked the code. Plus: “Refrosting” martinis and a watermelon mint caipirinha recipe

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March 20, 2025

March 20, 2025

Harvesting Ice From a Frozen Lake Is the Ultimate Cocktail Flex

Your drink probably isn’t cold enough—let’s fix that. Plus: Pandan liqueur and the recipe for a perfect passionfruit margarita.

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March 19, 2025

March 19, 2025

Shots Are Making a Comeback in New York’s Buzziest Bars

There’s a big boom in tiny drinks.

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February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Recapture the Lost Art of Being a Barfly

It’s time to put down your phone and remember why we went to bars in the first place.

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January 16, 2025

January 16, 2025

Forget ‘Dry’ or ‘Damp,’ Just Upgrade Your Home Bar

Drink smarter and better with these bottles of gin, vodka, tequila, whiskey and rum. Plus some excellent spirits festivals to attend in the year ahead.

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December 5, 2024

December 5, 2024

The Best Cocktails and Bar Experiences of 2024

Where and what had Top Shelf’s spirits expert ordering a second round.

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