booze

Gadgets that are bringing sexy back: Blender Edition

A sexy blender doesn't have the same shock value as, say, a sexy air filter, but they still have a bit of a kick to them. Like this hourglass-shaped beauty from Breville, the Moda bar blender. It sure looks like it could make one heck of a margarita.

Unfortunately, at the same time it doesn't look all that functional. The stainless steel is sexy, yes, but I'm skeptical of the fact that it's not see-through and you consequently won't know exactly how well that frozen daiquiri's been blended. Plus, there are only two settings. … Read more

Free Guinness, Cuervo, and Johnnie Walker! The catch: Only in Second Life

Hey, I heard about a new advertising campaign that's giving away free Guinness, Jose Cuervo, Captain Morgan, and more...to your Second Life avatar. There are a lot of companies turning to the Linden Labs virtual world as a new means of marketing, and most of them seem a little bit gimmicky. The one that TheBar.com has just launched seems to have a bit more promise, though. Basically, they've worked with Second Life gurus Millions Of Us (who, by the way, also constructed CNET Networks' virtual office space) to develop a virtual "bar kit" for … Read more

If only our soda dispensers in college had served wine, too

This gadget made me do a total double take. It looks just like the machines we had in the dining hall in college that dispensed soda, Powerade, and iced tea. (A mix of Sprite and lemon-lime Powerade was my favorite.) But it's actually the "Vin au Verre," a European device designed for serving wine at parties. It has electronic temperature control to keep both reds and whites at the perfect temperature. The contraption can also control oxidation levels, serve up to eight varieties at a time, and keep the stuff fresh for three weeks.

Eh, I still … Read more

Please don't pop the light-up inflatable bar

The idea of a "light-up inflatable bar" might evoke corny 1970s kitsch, but this one is going for the swank factor. Made by a company called Bubble Miami, these bars are designed to set up easily and quickly, support a considerable amount of weight, and then deflate and when it's time to make everybody go home. Plus, they light up. How cool is that?

Unfortunately, you really have to be careful with anything inflatable at any kind of occasion that involves alcohol. There are all kinds of serious threats lurking around--you know, stiletto heels, or broken glass, … Read more

Wine stopper keeps your libations fresh

Uncork that champagne, because it's booze gadgetry time! In this latest installment of our unofficial series of toys for people who are obsessed with both digital gadgets and alcoholic beverages (but not too obsessed with either, we hope), we take a look at the Epicurean Wine & Champagne Saver, as seen on Gizmodo. This gadget is great for people who like a good glass of wine but simply don't drink a whole lot: using precisely the right amount of pressure, it can keep a corked bottle of wine or champagne fresh for up to two weeks.

No price … Read more

So much wine, so little time...keep track of it with this

OK, so, you guys all seem to like the booze gadgetry. Here on Crave we've featured solutions for measuring wine temperature, making sure you don't drink too much, and even making one's own wine, but we've never addressed the oenophile's true problem. How do you keep track of all your pinots, shirazes, chardonnays, and what-have-yous? I mean, you really need to maintain a close watch on that stuff. You never know when the neighbors' kids will sneak in and nab a few bottles.

That's what the eSommelier is for. For just $8,000--I mean, … Read more

Attention wine snobs: Check out the Nuvo Vino.

A certain other Craver, who may or may not espouse symptoms of sanriophobia, is slightly disturbed by the fact that I write a lot about booze gadgetry. (See Exhibit A, Exhibit B, Exhibit C, Exhibit D.) Consequently, when I pointed that Craver in the direction of Uncrate's coverage of a little product known as the "Nuvo Vino," he was a little bit concerned.

But here's my take on it. The presence of alcoholic beverages in human history stretches back for thousands of years, and it's legitimately interesting to see how new technology is shaping one … Read more

How to make an 'Apple iMartini'

DISCLAIMER: This beverage is in no way sanctioned by Steve Jobs or Apple Computer. But we're sure he'd drink one if we made him one.

Well, it's over. The Jobs keynote, that is--Macworld itself is still going on strong. But many of those who were photographing, blogging, or just rabidly following the event are probably now thinking, "Man, I could use a drink." So we at Crave put our heads together to come up with the recipe for the perfect drink to follow a Steve Jobs' keynote. So here, ladies and gentlemen, is how to … Read more

Swanky speakers deserve better than Johnnie Walker Red Label

A bunch of the blogs (Gizmodo, BornRich) have been featuring the Aussie audio company VAF's latest endeavor, which looks like a piece of wall decor out of a Design Within Reach catalog but is actually a very impressive set of speakers. Each side is about two feet long, and they protrude barely five inches from the wall. When they're released in March, they will apparently come in a variety of colors. Neat, huh?

But I've got a bone to pick with VAF's presentation of their cool new product. I mean, come on. We're sharp-eyed here … Read more