It comes as no surprise that with the ever-growing concern over the economy, businesses nationwide have been forced to scale back on employee benefits; one major casualty of this has been the company holiday party. A recent survey showed that roughly one-fifth of businesses are trimming holiday festivities, marking the lowest percentage of office parties the U.S. has seen in 20 years.
“Kahlúa has been a welcome guest at many a holiday party and, given the current state of the economy, we thought it the perfect time to return the favor,” says Melissa Frank, Global Brand Director for Kahlúa. “This is a great opportunity to save a seasonal staple and help employees and their companies plan fun, festive events that promote curiosity and discovery, which is really what Kahlúa is all about.”
If your company company has canceled it’s holiday festivities, you may be eligible for a “bailout” grant from Kahlua. One business in each of the five eligible states (Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts, Georgia and Illinois) will receive $10,000 and a Kahlua Party in A Box to throw a wild holiday party. No idea why only five states are eligible, but ya know. So tell Kahlua why your company deserves a holiday bailout.
Get your application here: kahluasavestheholidayparty.com
Do it quick all entries must be in by Dec, 7 2008
R3ecently arrived from the folks at Campari, a perfect end to any Holiday party. 
On a recent trip to New York City I visited Tailor, a restaurant and bar with some of the most amazing cocktails I have seen. The bartenders at Tailor practice the new trend of 
This is a once every 4 years event, so cocktails are in order. 
This ghostly cauldron of licorice-melon flavors was conceived by Scott Gemmell of award-winning LA Bartenders. A delicate balance of black sambuca and green Midori, spooky indeed! 
Trick or Treat (layered cocktail shot)
Sleepy Hollow Fizz
Pumpkin’s Passion
This spooky cocktail is a blend of the rich, smooth Reposado tequila and fruity Pumpkin Spice syrup. Served in a martini glass garnished with cinnamon, what a great way to toast to a ghouly All Hallows’ Eve.
Jason’s been reviewing beers over at 
This month’s 
Dan Aykroyd’s new Crystal Head Vodka is making it’s rounds on the Internets. Why shouldn’t it. Even if the vodka is no good, the bottle is a glass skull! Who would want to have few glass skulls around the house. The vodka comes complete with the story of the 13 Crystal Heads.
We recently got our hands on a bottle of Sobieski Vodka, a premium Vodka from Poland. Made from Golden Dankowski Rye and named after a Polish King, this is real deal. In fact, Sobieski is the best selling premium vodka in Poland. 
The guys at 
I’m often asked how to make glow in the dark cocktails. This can’t really be done, but you can make blacklight reactive drinks and use glow in the dark accessories for some neat effects
The folks at Asylum asked, “now that Absinthe is legal and no longer so dangerous, what drinks are most dangerous?”
See an entire meal made with Limoncello, and afterward you can top it off with, you guessed it, ice cold limoncello. 
The makers of my beloved 
Dry Ice turns an ordinary party punch into a spooky Halloween brew.
So, who cares. Let’s celebrate! 
As we ease into Fall, this easy drink from Caravella Limoncello fit the bill. Soda Limon is the perfect cocktail for a lazy fall weekend.
September 16th is the day in 1810 when Mexico declared independence from Spain. It is cause for great celebration in town squares all over Mexico. To help you celebrate at home, 
The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America have teamed with others in the industry and pro-football hall-of-famer, Joe Thiesmann to create TURF - Tailgaters Urging Responsibility and Fun. The group will hold a number of events promoting responsible tailgating through out the football season. In addition, the group the group is offering tips for responsible & fun tailgating on it’s website along with some tasty recipes to keep everyone from going hungry. 
The Slow Food Nation Conference in San Francisco recently and spirits were nicely represented. The 
The NFL and College Football are back in full swing. Here’s a few cocktails to celebrate. 
Ever have trouble getting a drink in a busy bar? If you look like me, the answer is yes. Good for us average folks, the guys at 
I just got my hands on a bottle of the newest flavor from Kahlua, Mocha. How did they not think of this until now? 
Barack’s Rocks
Bols, the makers of over 30 flavored liqueurs including Blueberry, Mango & Pomegranate want to send you to the city of your choice to tend bar in the hottest spots. All you need to do is create an original video showing off your bartending skills. Of course, they want you to at least one flavor of Bols Liqueur in your original creation. So get mixing, entries must be in by August 31 2008.
Scooby Snack
With hundreds of hours Olympic coverage to watch over the next two weeks, we figured a drinking game was in order. Of course, we ask that you drink responsibly. There aren’t any Gold Medals for finishing this one first. 
Olympic
Finally recovering after having my Appendix explode a week ago, I am finally able to get back to sharing the wonderful world of cocktails with you all. Writing this from my hospital bed, I thought it would be fun to see what I could find in the way of Medical or Hospital themed bars and drinks. Good thing themed bars are all the rage. 
I know we really don’t cover tech news, but this is to good to pass up. This iphone app, available at iTunes for $2.99, turns your handset into a virtual beer mug. 
