No. 94 November/December 2021

There’ll be parties and dinners to plan for this year, with guests in need of festive cocktails and glasses to be filled with wine. Which in a typical holiday season might not seem that notable, but these have been interesting times.

The simple fact that this year offers opportunities to safely gather together again makes the season seem all the more special. And in case you’re rusty at planning for a holiday gathering (I know I am), then let us help you out.

We could all use an indulgent cocktail this year, so turn to our holiday cocktail feature for ideas for your long-delayed gathering. Looking for an interesting direction in which to take your wine picks for a special dinner (or for just an average Thursday evening)? Then look into the world of field blends, with Jennifer Fiedler’s feature.

If your holiday party could use a tropical touch, then mix up some fun cocktails using cream of coconut—we’ve got a few recipes. And if you’re looking for fresh gift ideas this year, we’ve got you covered with our annual gift guide.

Elsewhere in this issue, Josh Bernstein digs into the grains and the specialty malters that make the beer world so wonderful, while Dan Dao delves into the history of Italy’s beloved stovetop coffee brewer, the moka pot. Nneka Okona shares a portrait of Atlanta bartender Thandi Walton, and we’ve got a special reader-created cocktail recipe for you, developed by an international team of research scientists based on their experiences in Antarctica.

Here’s to a safe, happy, and healthy holiday season.

—Paul Clarke