GuinnessNo, say it isn't so! Guinness is set to launch a new, lighter "Lager-style" beer for the U.S. market. Is this the end of an era?

Check it out here.

Ford Prefect Rocks!
Nightlifers! Where have you been all my life?? Well, I guess the better question is where have I been.... I'll tell you - Texas. Yep, Texas. That's a whole other story best told over several pints of beer, but to get to the point I'm back and have some titillating tips and updates for you for the coming weekend. (Which, I fervently hope, is freaking sunny for once....).

Yay for Cocktails and Cures!You know I love cocktails. And what's not to love about cocktails in addition to charity? If you're looking for some fun tomorrow evening, head to the PAC lobby and join "Cocktails for a Cause," put on by Anchorage Strides, to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Tickets and more information below - I just wanted to spread the word. ;) Enjoy, Anchorage!

Sangria-licious!Judging by the sweet weather we had last weekend, and the hopes for more, I'm dubbing the official start of summer by proposing we celebrate all things Sangria!

Yay Earth!Celebrate this April 22 for all things environmental with some top tips on keeping an eco-friendly home bar to entertain in the earth-friendliest of styles. Enjoy! (And for more information, visit the lovely and talented Colleen Graham's blog at about.com.)

Tip #1: Buy "Green" Spirits

BOB HALLINEN / Anchorage Daily News: Bartender Darcy Kniefel serves up a Habanero-infused Bloody Mary cocktail at the Spenard Roadhouse on Northern Lights Blvd. in Anchorage on Tuesday February 22, 2011.

Behold! My year-long masterpiece. Well, months-long anyway. I thought you'd all enjoy my recent story from 61 Degrees North, the magazine, as it relates to all things libatious and liquid. Enjoy!

Clover!I love it when one of my favorite holidays falls on a weekend - er, well at least a "close-to-the-weekend" weekday, anyway. ;) I myself will be partying it up in style at Mad Myrna's with some awesome karaoke belters, but if you're looking for some fun try some of the best local establishments for an Irish good time. Also, get some fun and funky Irish whiskey facts to disperse between pints and Bushmill backs. Whatever strikes your fancy. ;) Slainte, and remember - be safe!

The much-anticipated release of the Kenai River Brewing Company's Skilak Scottish Ale (in can form) happens this month, so get ready! Prepare to enjoy it in style with a paired meal at the Spenard Roadhouse on March 16, at a special release dinner.

Yeah, yeah, I know it's been awhile since my last post, but I have an excuse! I know this probably won't matter to many of you, but it's been cause for copious libations on my end - I recently became engaged! That's right, soon it's going to be "Mrs. Lush Life," and I'll have to do something domestic like wear pearls when I order martinis or something.

Agave Kiss (smooch!)

Ah, Valentine's Day. In recent years I haven't enjoyed celebrating the holiday as much as I would have liked, but I always, always enjoy the abundance of chocolate, hearts, and aphrodisiacs. ;)

This year my Valentine is out of town so I'll be consoling myself with a specialty cocktail - check ou the recipes below and see what strikes your (and the person you fancy's) fancy.

Wow.My friend Josh is a Scotch aficianado. Because of him, I've grown to learn that there are different kinds of Scotch from different regions, differences in how long they're kept in the barrels (10 year, 25 year, etc.), and vast differences in taste per specific brand.

I've never, however, thought about putting whiskey - of ANY kind - in an aluminum can. But that's just what Scottish Spirits, Ltd. is doing.

100 Days!Get ready, downtown-lovers and those of us who pretend we live there on the weekends -- the Anchorage Downtown Partnership's "100 Days of Downtown Dining" event starts today and will run through April 30.

At last night's book club, I realized that a significant number of my friends have either had a baby, are planning to have a baby, or are actually pregnant as we speak. In honor of them, all other impending family planning, and those of us who just prefer a non-alcoholic tasty beverage every once in awhile (and there's nothing wrong with that), I've decided to post some delicious "mocktail" recipes I found on cocktails.about.com.

Enjoy!

Apricot Gingerini

BBWF! (2010 Logo, but still...)Get ready for some liver-hurtin' fun, Anchorage! The 2011 Anchorage Beer & Barley Wine Festival begins tonight at 5 p.m. at the Egan Center downtown.

This just in - The Tap Root Cafe has a new website, AND they've actually firmly committed to half-price appetizers each day from 4 to 6 p.m. (I kind of feel like showing the waitress I had last time, who demanded I bring in a printed-out notice from the last e-newsletter. Seriously?).

Anyway, add that to your list of after-work haunts and enjoy! I myself am craving some Ahi Tuna Tacos from Kinley's (also half price....).

TGI Every Day!I'm all for bartending becoming huge on the main stage (I mean, if the Food Network would just open ONE of my letters suggesting a bartending or cocktail-based TV show.... They let Bobby Flay continue to rule the airwaves, but they won't showcase a bartender?) -- I'm not entirely sure the happy hour drinks at TGI Friday's are good enough (or interesting enough) to compete in global competition.

Humpy's - where else?What do you think, nightlifers? Good thing, or bad thing? With the New Year coming up and many party-going plans arising - remember to be safe, careful and smart about your nightlife decisions. Whatever the occasion. Salud!

Read all 40 U.S. Rankings on the Daily Beast.

Lush Life Top 5 for 2010
And the rundown....

Mmm, Christmasy

Ad Age recently posted an article on wine sales focusing toward the younger crowd (the "Millennials"), or those born between 1980 and 2000. According to Nielsen polls, wine consumers are getting younger and younger, and some companies are trying to get in on the ground floor.