On a midweek night, Ronald Flores is running around Art and Soul Restaurant’s packed Art Bar serving up artisan drinks for a thirsty post-work crowd. As Art Bar’s mixologist, Flores has been a fan favorite and critic’s choice winner at Corcoran Gallery of Art’s ARTINI event for two years in a row. It’s no surprise. Flores has a knack for crafting unique and artistic cocktails, with tinctures and syrups only his imaginative mixology mind could concoct.

Figs are known to be sexy fruits and often thought to have psychoactive properties. The ancient Greeks associated figs with love and fertility. Of course, everyone knows these aphrodisiac elements can make cocktail mixing extra fun.

Flores’ fig and whiskey cocktail is sure to satisfy two very different palates. Not too sweet and not too bitter, the finish is smooth and warming. Allspice Dram complements smooth white whiskey, and a dash of lemon and ginger marries it all together.

1/4 Cup Van Gogh Dutch Caramel Vodka

1 can (14 oz) Pumpkin, chilled

3 oz. Reduced-fat cream cheese

6 oz. Low fat vanilla yogurt

1 Cup low fat milk

1/2 Teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 Teaspoon nutmeg

6 Teaspoons graham cracker crumbs, optional

2012 is the Year of the Dragon so there is no better way to celebrate National Rum Day (August 16) than with creative dragon inspired cocktails created by some of the nation’s most imaginative mixologists.  Using Ron Abuelo 12 Años, Panama’s finest, rich, dark and full-bodied rum, as the base spirit mix-up the delicious recipes below on August 16!

Below you’ll find an array of creative cocktails from across the nation.  

This Holiday Season, give a gift  that will get even your Grinchiest guests in the spirit – sophisticated table wine. VOGA Italia hails from Italy, the country best known for producing some of the world’s best wine as well as its’ keen sense of style. VOGA Italia encompasses all aspects offering a collection of crisp delicious wine thoughtfully packaged in a revolutionary re-designed bottle featuring a unique resealable cap. 

Since the company’s inception, VOGA has earned numerous awards and accolades for their sleek and sexy glass cylindrical bottle, presentation and most importantly taste.  The collection retails from $10.99 to $15.99 and includes Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Moscato, Quattro, Sparkling Pinot Grigio and Sparkling Pinot Grigio Chardonnay. VOGA is available in over 62 countries, hundreds of major cities, and can be found in thousands of the world’s trendiest bars, restaurants and shops. Wherever, whenever, if you are drinking VOGA you are drinking IN Style.

This Thanksgiving, shake up some wine cocktails with a holiday twist that will get even your Grinchiest guests in the spirit. VOGA’s Thanksgiving Sangria is sure to spice up your Thanksgiving dinner and kick start the holiday season.