‘in the Mix’ magazine found lighthearted inspiration from the states for cocktail recipes such as Kansas’s ‘Wicked Witch,’ Georgia’s ‘Scarlet O’Hara’ and Wyoming’s ‘Boilermaker.’

On this day in 1814, Francis Scott Key pens a poem which is later set to music and in 1931 becomes America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Enjoy the following recipes from these young American spirits – Tito’s Vodka (Texas), Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey and Bluecoat American Dry Gin (Pennsylvania). Also get your patriot facts and test your knowledge.

Flavor your summer! The Midori Colada and the history of the Piña Colada. Bols Sweet Tea Swizzle by Charlotte Voisey and the House of Bols Museum, Amsterdam. Bacardi Rock Coconut is the first to introduce the unique ingredients rock melon and coconut water to the clear flavored spirits market.

The summer diet season may be in full swing…but never fear! A fleet of calorie-conscious cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, seasonal fruit and natural-ingredient based mixers can nicely fatten up your seasonal cocktail menu offerings and profits.

Wine & Spirits Brands 2011. Smirnoff may still be the world’s leading alcoholic drinks brand, but its dominance is under threat, according to The Power 100 2011.

Minor refinements to the familiar Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 bottle to accentuate the bottle’s square shoulders and also to simplify the front and side labels.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! The Burning Bush with Bushmills Original Irish Whiskey.

Jeff Bartfield, a veteran national accounts personality, has been an industry presence for some time. Starting in the Seagram days, as his father did, he’s been in the national account business for 29 of his 33 years on the job. He is a board member of the charity CORE™ (Children of Restaurant Employees) and supports the ABI (American Beverage Institute).

Today is the 270th birthday of John Jameson.

The spirited journey of aqua vitae — or the “Water of Life”

A look at some American distilleries and their whiskey.