The buzz on bug-infused craft cocktails 🕷️

Plus, 10 butcher shops that made the cut Advertisement [10best logo]( [Read in Browser]( Let us raise a glass (or two!) to innovative mixologists and craft spirit makers who are blazing trails in their industry. Plus, look who landed at the top of the list in the 2024 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for all things grocery. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Noted Chicago mixologist serves up bug-infused cocktails you can try at home]( [Noted Chicago mixologist serves up bug-infused cocktails you can try at home]( Perhaps if you found a bug in your drink, your first reaction would be to look for the prankster or call a lawyer — that is, until you get hip to the complex and interesting flavors that insects can add to your cocktail. Not to mention that bug-infused drinks make perfectly spooky (and delicious) Halloween cocktails. Mixologist Aneka Saxon reaches beyond the traditional martini olive and lime wedge to liven up her cocktails at Chicago’s Dearly Beloved, an artful cocktail bar and restaurant. Her insect-infused cocktails possess a subtle earthy, woodsy, nutty, and sometimes smoky flavor. It's true that each bug has its own bouquet! Beyond flavor, though, Saxon is keen to highlight insects as a sustainable food source and forward the global conversation about how our food choices affect the environment. Here, she shares why grasshoppers are her go-to ingredient, as well as a few recipes to try at home. [Read More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Vote now: Best craft spirits This week we kick off our Readers' Choice Awards in the craft spirits category. Check out who has been nominated for a national accolade and weigh in on your favorites! You can vote once per day, per category until voting closes on October 14 at noon ET. We'll reveal the winners on October 23. [Best Canned Cocktail Company]( [Best Canned Cocktail Company]( [Vote Now]( [Best Craft Distillery Tour]( [Best Craft Distillery Tour]( [Vote Now]( [Best Craft Gin]( [Best Craft Gin]( [Vote Now]( [Best Craft Mixer Brand]( [Best Craft Mixer Brand]( [Vote Now]( [Best Craft Rum]( [Best Craft Rum]( [Vote Now]( [Best Craft Specialty Spirits]( [Best Craft Specialty Spirits]( [Vote Now]( [Best Craft Vodka]( [Best Craft Vodka]( [Vote Now]( [Best Craft Whiskey]( [Best Craft Whiskey]( [Vote Now]( [Best Spirits Tasting Room]( [Best Spirits Tasting Room]( [Vote Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Top spots to shop: Best grocery stores and butcher shops in the US]( [Top spots to shop: Best grocery stores and butcher shops in the US]( When it comes to shopping for food, consumers in the United States have plenty of stores to choose from, whether you're perusing the meat case at your local butcher shop or browsing the aisles at one of many grocery store chains. Since there is a staggering number of grocery stores and butcher shops across the country, we assembled an expert panel to narrow the field and nominate the markets that they think stand out the most. They selected nominees — across each of six categories — that are worthy of recognition for their diverse selections of goods, friendly customer service, and quality items. Then, our readers voted for their favorites to determine the winners. [Read More]( [Indulge in the best ciders of the year: 10 must-taste picks]( [Indulge in the best ciders of the year: 10 must-taste picks]( Versatile and tasty, cider is made from fermented apples, imbuing it with a sweet and fruity flavor. [Read More]( [Enjoy a cozy getaway at the 10 best bed-and-breakfasts in the US]( [Enjoy a cozy getaway at the 10 best bed-and-breakfasts in the US]( If you're looking to experience the charm and hospitality of a destination, staying at a bed-and-breakfast can be a great idea. [Read More]( Current standings: Best of sports [Hey, sports fans! Which stadiums, colleges, and attractions are the best?]( We're at the midway mark for voting in the sports-themed Readers' Choice Awards. Click on the links below to see who's ranking in the top 10 so far! You can vote once per day, per category until voting closes on September 30 at noon ET. The winners will be announced on October 9. - [Best Attraction for Sports Fans]( - [Best College for Sports Fans]( - [Best College Sports Tradition]( - [Best NFL Stadium]( - [Best NFL Stadium Food]( Advertisement [10best logo]( Trusted Travel + Lifestyle Advice [visit us on facebook]( [visit us on twitter]( [visit us on instagram]( [Terms of Service](  •  [Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights]( [Privacy Notice](  •  [Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy](  •  [Feedback]( Need to unsubscribe? [Click Here](