For years, ice wine has been a special treat sipped mostly by vino connoisseurs. Due to its risky production involving a meticulously timed frost, most bottles have sold for around $100, limiting who could actually afford them. Now, vineyards are using an artificial freezing process to drive down the price and bring ice wine to the masses.

“Brothers, come quickly! I’m drinking stars!" That’s what the monk screamed throughout the Benedictine abbey after he tasted his new discovery - Champagne. The monk’s name? Dom Pérignon.

And now: Dom’s bubbly secret is a beloved drink of celebration all over the world. This effervescent alcohol is the most popular refreshment for making merry, and it is easy to see why:

Sure, sangria is most often thought of as a warm-weather beverage. But there are two convincing reasons why this cocktail should warm your holiday guests' bellies this year... well, three. First, oranges are in season now! Second, this festive drink embodies one of the holiday's very own colors. And that last one? It's delicious. Who doesn't enjoy a tall glass of sangria? If done right that is...

Sure, we could all have plain old wine this holiday season. But aren't the holidays all about doing things a little differently? Well, that is, unless you go caroling, sit on old mens' laps and dress your dog in rain deer ears all the live long year. Adding this spiced-up mulled wine to the menu is a way to say, yes, this is a special time of year indeed! It’s warm, aromatic, and the ideal beverage to warm up to all that holiday spirit. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to eggnog.

Here in Spain, a lot of celebrating is about to take off: Christmas Eve is around the corner, often celebrated with family feasting; Christmas Day comes and we enjoy a large Spanish-style lunch; Sant Esteve in Catalonia which is held on the 26th involves another long lunch and usually canellonis. After this three-day marathon of indulgence, there is a minor break until New Year's Eve, New Year's Day and then King's Day on the 6th of January, all equally celebratory. What's the thread that ties it all together? Cava.

Double, double toil and trouble! While witches and goblins are cooking up their devilish brews, you can get your caldron bubbling with some fun concoctions of your own. I’ve collected a few spells-- er, I mean, recipes for some yummy beverages made with fresh ingredients that are perfect for a classy Halloween party or an evening in with your family.

Gamay Noir is one of Europe's great red wine grapes, but it hasn't made the same inroads in North America that its cousins, such as Merlot, have enjoyed – yet. One place it's breaking ground is in Oregon's Willamette Valley, which isn't as famous as Napa or Sonoma – yet. We think both the variety and the region need to be on your radar ASAP.

From ham radios to hot rods, Americans have yet to meet an innovation they won’t tinker with.

And while our hankering to hack has made the country a creative powerhouse, this same impulse doesn’t always lead to improvement.

Take limoncello.