The Chopping Block Cooking Blog

Food Comics: Liquor Infusions

We are pleased to introduce Food Comics from The Chopping Block where our resident Cartoonist Tom O'Brien illustrates his cooking adventures. Here, he shows us how to improve your summer cocktails ...

Intelligent Imbibing: How to Drink with Weight Loss in Mind

Managing alcohol intake with a fat loss goal is often looked at as an all or nothing decision, but it doesn't have to be. At the end of the day, all that needs to occur for fat loss to happen is to ...

Talking Tequila

While last week may have brought us the official “National Tequila Day”, if you’re like me, everyday - er, I mean, every other weekend in a responsible, adult manner - is national tequila day. Those ...

Science Says Drink 8 Cups of Water(Melon) a Day, Right?

I’ve been in full-on summer mode for weeks now and between boozy popsicles, frozés and too many barbecues, I’m feeling a little parched. That’s why I was delighted to find that I could have my ...

Blending the Perfect Cocktail for Summer

There are lots of things to take into consideration when you host a party. There are the appetizers, music, games, and of course, the beverages. For me, this is one of the hardest parts to put ...

What to Sip on This Summer: Palomas

It's finally summer and that means it's time for refreshing summer drinks! What do you like to sip on in the heat? This summer, break away from the typical margaritas and mimosas and try a Paloma.

Your Guide to The Perfect Cocktail

A good cocktail isn't hard to find these days. Just step into any trendy bar or restaurant in Chicago, and they'll present you with a healthy list of cocktails that are available for $13 or ...

Bar Basics

Have you ever tried to make a cocktail only to discover that it is way too strong, too watery, or too sweet and have no idea how to fix it? Knowing a few ratios and bar basics will help. Making a ...

Forget Plain Sugar, Sweeten with Simple Syrup

You have a $20 bag of coffee and your new French press. Now, it's time to put away your granulated sugar and elevate your coffee with simple syrup. Simple syrup is easy to make and has multiple ...

The Comeback of The Old Fashioned Cocktail

Ten years ago when I started bartending, Old Fashioneds weren’t a “thing”… at least not one that you wanted to drink. This was a time when bitters were scarce, misused and misunderstood, bar spoons ...