Inspired Sips with The Liquid Muse

Gwydion Stone is a founder of the Wormwood Society and the owner and master distiller at Marteau Absinthe. His knowledge of absinthe history is second to none and he was glad to share some of that knowledge with us in this very special episode. For more on absinthe on Small Screen Network click here: ABSINTHE.

It's hot and sweaty down here in New Orleans and Tales of the Cocktail 2010 is in full swing! LUPEC ladies and scotch are the themes of our first episode from this must attend cocktail extravaganza. Join us as we sample the first few days of creations and indulge with master distiller for Dalmore Scotch, Richard Paterson. Cheers!

Who could resist a ride in a Morgan with two dashing young Scots? Natalie didn't need anyone to twist here arm! Andrew Weir and Nicholas Pollacchi of The Balvenie have been traveling the country in style. Natalie was lucky enough to grab a ride after a visit with the TOC Apprentices and a sip from the world's largest Negroni.

Natalie drops in on Kathy Casey at her food studios for the holidays. As America's first female executive chef, Kathy has been working in the restaurant world for years. She was deemed the original "bar chef" by Dale DeGroff and has been instrumental in bringing fresh ingredients behind the bar. In this episode Kathy mixes up her very festive, and very Northwest, Douglas Fir Sparkletini from her ninth book, "Sips and Apps".

The Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards showcase the best of the best in the world of cocktails and bartending each year. Thanks to Pernod Ricard USA, Small Screen Network and Inspired Sips had exclusive access to some of the nominees who graced the red carpet. Everyone from Brian Batt of Mad Men to Salvatore Calabrese, world renowned bartender, took a moment to chat with Natalie Bovis, The Liquid Muse and our illustrious bartender, Simon Ford.

Two weeks ago cocktail and spirit industry professionals and consumers descended upon Manhattan for the inaugural Manhattan Cocktail Classic. Founded by Lesley Townsend, the Classic is billed as, "New York City’s first ever multi-day event celebrating the history, contemporary culture, and artful craft of the cocktail." We can say first hand that MCC 2010 was firing on all cylinders. From the opening night gala to each individual seminar, cocktails were flying, business was being done and everyone was learning something new. Can't wait until next year! Special thanks to The Balvenie for bringing you this video.

Jim Romdall is a bartender and manager at Vessel in Seattle. In this episode, Jim demonstrates how to carbonate a cocktail by using the Perlini System. This unique system, designed to work like a cocktail shaker, utilizes two sealed chambers to allow carbon dioxide gas to mingle harmoniously with your cocktails, creating an entirely new drinking experience. The particular cocktail Jim mixes up is his own creation, the Captain Handsome.

Seattle's famous coffee culture inspired Natalie to create a coffee cocktail - perfect as a liquid dessert after the evening meal, or for a post-work pick-me-up.

Natalie heads into the tasting room at Old New Orleans Rum with general Manager Ben Gersh.

Tales of the Cocktail 2011 keeps rolling on as Natalie sips some rare 1982 vintage Lillet with brand ambassador Jackie Patterson. After milking a cow at the William Grant and Sons 1940's party for a fresh off the farm Ramos Gin Fizz, Natalie hits Spa Aria at the Hotel Monteleone for a manicure and some delicious Solerno cocktails! It's a tough life!

Serving up non-alcoholic drinks, such as the First Crush Cocktail made with Fre Alcohol Removed Merlot, is a great way to include everyone in your wedding celebration.

The curtain has closed here at Tales of the Cocktail 2010 and the revelers have departed for their cities of origin. To celebrate the final days here in New Orleans, Natalie invited Jaime Salas and Gaston Martinez up to the suite to mix up a Milagro Tequilacocktail.

The Swedish Flag cocktail is inspired by the colors of the Swedish flag. Muddled blueberries and a touch of limoncello help to balance the earthy, tangy notes of the Karlsson's Vodka that anchors the drink. Karlsson's is a unique vodka made from new potatoes native to the soils of Sweden and touted for their robust flavor.

Anyone looking to keep their New Year's resolutions will appreciate a healthful, nonalcoholic cocktail from time to time. The Apricot Gingerini is featured in Natalie's book "Preggatinis™: Mixology for the Mom-To-Be" but it is tasty enough for non-preggos to enjoy. Are you a proud papa-to-be in search of a little liquid R&R? The book includes "De-Virginize for Dad" directions for this drink: "Reduce the grape juice by 1 1/2 ounces, then add 1 ounce gin and 1/2 ounce ginger liqueur." Want to order a signed copy for the Preggie Party Girl in your life? Go to "Shop" at TheLiquidMuse.com. Enter "Inspired Sips" and get a 10% discount!

Natalie's new book "The Bubbly Bride™: Your Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Guide" features recipes for all stages of wedding planning... including the pre-wedding diets many brides take on before the Big Day. Natalie's Missy Mule is inspired by the classic Moscow Mule - and has only 78 calories. (Now that's something to toast!)

Natalie had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the inaugural Arizona Cocktail Week put on back in February. Among the participants in this years festivities were Kim Hassarud, Dale DeGroff, Charlotte Voisey and many more.

At Tales of the Cocktail 2011 the parties, seminars and tasting rooms can be outrageous! Swing dancing, dancing girls, flight suits, enchanted forests?! Par for the course as far as the ambassadors of Hendrick's Gin are concerned. What will they come up with for the 10th year anniversary of Tales of the Cocktail in 2012? Ann Tuennerman sure has some ideas up her sleeve. After all this, no wonder, Natalie needs a relaxing moment lounging by the Hotel Monteleone rooftop pool!

Tales of the Cocktail 2011 started off right with great seminars, punch and parties with fancy pants. For Natalie, the day could not have begun better than with a stop at Café Du Monde, accompanied by Rocky Yeh, for beignets and coffee. Where did she end her day of tastings and seminars? At the Hotel Monteleone Carousel Bar of course!