What Is Liquid Smoke?

Tastes more substantial than it sounds. (By Roxanne Webber)

You’ll like it, jerky. (By Jason Horn)

Mixto Is for Losers

With flavors that vary widely from bright and citrusy to aged and smoky, tequila is fun to taste-test, to discover which you like best. But there are a few things you should know before you get started. (By Amy Keyishian)

Bacon in a Glass

CHOW’s guide to smoked beers: rich, toasty-tasting ales that are made with malt smoked prior to brewing. (By Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic)

Smoke Rules

A Texas barbecue primer. (By Mick Vann and Jason Horn)

Whiskey Primer

Watch out for the revenuers. (By Jason Horn)

Greens Goddess

Cookbook author Deborah Madison spills the beans with CHOW. (By Helena Echlin)

Art of the Shock-tail

Bacon-infused vodka martinis, rum and steak sauce — has it really come to this? (By Brian Abrams)

Try Mezcal Again

It used to be that mezcal was thought of as a poor man’s tequila. No more. Great mezcal is now being imported into the United States. (By Elaine Glusac)

Cola, Now with Added Bull

This week’s mission: an herbal Pepsi-type drink and a hot, peppery spice mix from Oregon. (By James Norton)

True Agave Flavor

El Tesoro and 7 Leguas fight the good fight against bland tequila. (By Jordan Mackay)

Farm-to-Table Trend Hits Campbell's

This week’s mission: social-climbing canned soup and frozen burritos. (By James Norton)

A Real Summer Red

Lagrein is lively and peppery. (By Jordan Mackay)

Green Your Hangover

This week’s mission: An ecofriendly vodka gift pack and some meatless taco and burger mixes. (By James Norton)

Syrah from Somewhere in Between

Look for wine bargains next door to the big names. (By Jordan Mackay)