Sipping on a budget means your cocktail might occasionally taste like paint thinner—but hey, it's all part of the adventure! Imbibing low-budget cocktails is an art form perfected by thrifty tipplers and college students worldwide. Picture this: a dimly lit kitchen, a motley crew of friends gathered around, each clutching a plastic cup filled with something vaguely alcoholic. The ingredients? Whatever's on sale—off-brand cola, no-name rum, and if you're feeling fancy, a splash of fruit punch from a carton that's definitely been in the fridge too long. It's not about the taste; it's about the memories. Or perhaps, it's about forgetting. Cheers to budget-friendly bad decisions!

On this episode, Dan waxes nostalgic about Zima, which was for one brief shining moment in the 1990s, a sparkling sensation on the adult beverage scene. For those of you too young to remember, or who may have repressed the memory due to trauma, Zima was a clear, lightly carbonated alcoholic beverage that the Coors Brewing Company burped out in 1993. Basically, Zima was training wheels for people who thought beer was too, y’know, beer-y. Also, Dan chats with one of the world’s most revered master blenders, Rachel Barrie, who oversees the whisky-making for three iconic Scotch brands- Benriach, GlenGlassaugh and Glendronach. And finally, a special "Drinks of the Week" segment for those who love a good, ready-to-drink espresso martini.

It's Springtime, friends! That enchanting spell when Mother Nature peels off her chilly garb and dons a more revealing ensemble. It's that golden slice of the calendar when the globe stretches out, groggily murmurs, "How about we uncork a bottle?", and honestly, who are we to decline? As flowers burst into a riot of hues and trees deck themselves out in lush finery, there’s simply no grander stage for a delightful pour of wine. The air’s balmy, the days stretch lazily longer, and the wine? It’s as if a spring zephyr turned liquid—crisp, invigorating, and with a playful whisper of "let’s revel."

In this second installment of our two-part Spring Wine Celebration, Dan is thrilled to welcome back fan-favorite and vino virtuoso, Claire Coppi. On today’s tasting menu are some exquisite picks: Hampton Water 2022 Rose, Rodney Strong 2023 Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir, Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Babich Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, The Better Half 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, and 2021 Waypoint Fort Ross Pinot Noir. So, lift your glass and let's toast to the splendors of spring. Cheers!