Sam Slaughter
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 800 articles
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for the better part of the last decade. His literary fiction and nonfiction work have appeared in over 40 publications while his food and spirits writing has been featured in the likes of ‘Maxim,’ ‘Bloomberg,’ The Bitter Southerner, InsideHook, Tales of the Cocktail, Supercall, Thirsty, Southern Kitchen, Chilled, and more.
Sam is Wine and Spirits Education Trust Certified in Spirits (awarded with high honors) and an honest-to-goodness Kentucky Colonel. He has been the judge of four national cocktail competitions, served on the World’s Best Bars 2017 voting panel, and had a cocktail he created featured at the Lincoln Center Theatre for the 2016 season. Sam gets around, having visited over 500 breweries, wineries, and distilleries on four continents.
Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments about Sam’s work.
The whiskey sour cocktail: History, evolution, and different takes on the classic
The whiskey sour officially dates back to the 1860s, but sailors in the British Navy had been drinking something very similar long before that.
Master the vodka martini: Tips for a heavenly cocktail
The vodka martini is perhaps the most classic of classic cocktails. Find out its origins as well as how to make a home bar-worthy vodka martini here.
How to make a Bee’s Knees cocktail, a drink that fits its name perfectly
The Bee's Knees cocktail truly epitomizes its name, which was used during the time of its creation to mean the best of the best.
Beer can chicken: A fun and easy recipe to try this weekend
Beer can chicken is fun, easy, and a marvel of modern cookery. Impress your friends with this easy-to-follow recipe.
This May Be the Most Simple (and Delicious) Burger Recipe Ever
Nothing beats a classic grilled cheeseburger. The folks at Char-Broil grills share a simple burger recipe that's easy to make at home. It’s pretty amazing how something so effortless can be so delicious, isn’t it?
Spice Up Your Grill Game With This Chorizo Burger Recipe (and Some Malbec)
This flavorful beef and chorizo burger recipe by chef Aarón Sánchez features adobo seasoning, red chimichurri sauce, and pickled onion salad.
Grilling year-round: 10 incredible tips for winter barbecues
Summer isn't the only season for barbecues. If you love to grill, dust off that pit and heed these cold weather grilling tips from the experts at Char-Broil.
6 essential Scotch cocktails that you need to know
Scotch whisky is great on its own, but with the right ingredients, it makes an excellent mixed drink. Here you'll find the essential cocktails with spirit.
What is orange wine? This trendy wine has a long history
The practice of orange wine — a hot trend of the last few years — dates back millennia. Here's a breakdown of the fascinating wine style.
How to make a mojito: The ultimate cocktail recipe
A step-by-step guide for how to make the perfect mojito. Make sure to save this cocktail recipe for later.
This is how to make a proper Moscow Mule
On the surface, there's nothing complicated about a Moscow Mule. But you should be privy to a few pro tips if you want to make the best version of the classic.
A beginner’s guide on how to read a topographic map
We spoke with an expedition expert to learn some key tips on how to read a topographic map. It's not too complicated, but does require a bit of knowledge.
The 11 best rums for mixing to turn any night into island night
If you want to make the cocktail of your dreams, perhaps a mojito or daiquiri, a high-quality bottle of rum is the key ingredient.
Here are the best cocktails to drink during the upcoming solar eclipse
The solar eclipse might only last a few minutes, but the fun doesn’t have to. Here are the best cocktails to enjoy during this spectacle.
The 9 best whiskey quotes of all time
Planning your gravestone prematurely and want the world to know that, even in death, you really love whiskey? Check out the best whiskey quotes of all time.
What is port wine? All the different types and how to drink it
It’s time to give port a chance. We’ve put together a crash course on Portugal’s most famous beverage.
How to smoke meat like a pro: Everything you need to know
Prepare to be the next pitmaster with our comprehensive guide on smoking — a traditional cooking method that rewards you with tasty, flavorful slabs of meat.
Aprés ski and more: A drinker’s guide to Aspen
Hitting the slopes in Aspen sometime soon? Check out where you need to drink when you're done on the slopes for the day.
How to make the best gumbo, according to Chef Isaac Toups
There is nothing more emblematic of Cajun cooking than gumbo. Chef Isaac Toups teaches us how to make gumbo and shares one of his favorite recipes.
How to make wild goose pastrami according to the ‘MeatEater’
Steven Rinella, author of multiple books, shows us how to use various types of meats. He is also the host of the "MeatEater" podcast and Netflix series.
Our White Russian recipe is a simple, timeless staple every at-home bartender should know
Dude, you don't need a ton of skill to learn how to make a White Russian. Our step-by-step video will break down the recipe for this classic cocktail.
Bourbon, rye whiskey, Scotch whisky, and more: These are the best whiskeys under $35
Not all of us want to break open our wallets for a bottle, which is why we created a list of the best inexpensive whiskeys (and whiskies).
My Favorite Murder, Son of a Hitman, American Scandal, and more: The best true crime podcasts to obsess over
True crime is one of the most popular podcast genres out there, and these are the best pods to start with.
Tepache is the pineapple mixer you need this spring
Take a look at tepache and learn how to work with this refreshing tropical drink from Mexico. It's approved for spring cocktails and crisp beers.
Not a Morning Person? You Should Really Get a Coffee Massage
A coffee massage is the perfect way to become both relaxed and invigorated. We tried the The Espresso Scrub, Rub, and Chug at The Godfrey hotel in Chicago.
Crime and Wine: Discovery ID Launches Its Own ID Wine Club
Love true crime but can’t find a way to truly enjoy it? Well, the new Discovery ID Wine Club is here to solve that problem.
Bartenders love using Suze in cocktails, and so should you
Bartenders are fawning over Suze, a Swiss apertif that gained popularity in France during the turn of the 20th century. You should be doing the same.
Maestro Dobel Humito, the World’s First Smoked Tequila
Maestro Dobel has unveiled Humito, the world's first smoked tequila—and we tried it! Check out our review of Humito here.
Shacksbury Cider Launches Special Release Honoring Paul Newman
The Shacksbury cider company released a one-of-a-kind cider that, like the late Paul Newman himself, gives back to charity.
What You Need to Know about American Gin
American Gin is the newest style of the spirit to pop onto the scene. Check out what makes it truly American, along with a few great bottles to try.
The Macallan Launches $10,000 Scotch Whisky
The Macallan's newest release in their Fine & Rare collection is their 1991 vintage. This $10,000 Scotch whisky will make you the envy of all your friends.
Food and Sake Pairings that aren’t Traditional Japanese Dishes
Sake and sushi were made for each other, but Japanese rice wine goes with a lot more than traditional dishes. These other sake pairings will blow your mind.
Opening A Bottle of Sake Knowledge with Brooklyn Kura’s Brandon Doughan
For this week’s episode of The Manual Podcast, Greg and Sam sit down with co-founder and head brewer of Brooklyn Kura sake brewery, Brandon Doughan.
Party Like a Lannister for the Game of Thrones Season 7 Premiere
We're ready for Game of Thrones Season 7, are you? Learn to drink, eat, and groom like the royalty you know you truly are.
How to Make the Marty McRye, Barbecue’s Perfect Cocktail Pairing
Made with rye whiskey, chicory liqueur, and chocolate bitters, the Marty McRye cocktail compliments and enhances a great Southern-style barbecue. This video and accompanying recipe will show you how to make it.
Giveaway: 3 Elegant Glass Decanter Sets from Royal Decanters
A decanter is an essential item in a home bar. Not only does it have a functional purpose, but the right decanter can really bring the whole aesthetic together. For this reason, The Manual is teaming up with Royal Decanters to give away one decanter set to three lucky winners!
Learn to Make Your Own Jerusalem Hummus With Michael Solomonov
James Beard award-winning chef Michael Solomonov, owner of Zahav and author of the restaurant's namesake cookbook, shares his delicious and savory recipe for Jerusalem hummus. Hint: It involves a lot of beef and tehina.
Bright and Bitter: A Brief History of Campari
With Negroni Week in full swing, it’s time to learn about one of the three key ingredients —Campari -- that mysterious red substance.
The Boozy Bookshelf Part 2: Electric Booz-a-loo
You've made your way through the first set of boozy bookshelf basics, now check out the next set of books you need.
This Cookbook Will Teach You to Cook Better Funeral Food
You don't want to be the jerk who doesn't bring a dish to the wake, do you? "The Southern Sympathy Cookbook" by Perre Coleman Magness is full of delicious recipes and insights into cuisine and culture in the South.
This Book Will Teach You Literally Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Log Cabins
Wood you believe that the log cabin is more American than apple pie? All puns aside, it's the truth. And "The Log Cabin: An Illustrated History" by Andrew Belonsky will tell you why.
Twenty Boat Cape Cod Spiced Rum Review
Twenty Boat Cape Cod Spiced Rum is a delicious liquor made by South Hollow Spirits at the first legal distillery on Cape Cod since Prohibition. Our review shows that spiced rum can actually be done right and Twenty Boat proves that.
The Leverage Bottle Opener: Your New Favorite Bottle Opener
Geometric and sleek, the wall-mounted Leverage Bottle Opener is going to be the must-have beer gear accessory of the year's busy drinking season.
How to Grill Oysters in 2 Tasty Recipes (Video)
Learn how to grill oysters with Toadfish Outfitters and Charleston's The Macintosh, who also shared two delicious recipes for compound butter, one of the best pairings for grilled oysters.
A.1.’s Meat Scented Candles Are the Father’s Day Gift that Will Melt His Heart
This year, A.1., the steak sauce that has been sold since 1831 (yeah, it’s that old), has unveiled a new product just in time for Father’s Day: meat scented candles. Does your father love meat? Does he get antsy when it’s time to grill and the storm clouds won’t move on? Then these may be for him.
You’re Going to Want this Waffle Grilled Cheese For Waffle Day
Waffle you waiting for? It's Waffle Day! Time to celebrate with a delicious, savory waffle grilled cheese sandwich. Here's there perfect recipe.
Can’t Go Out? Make Your Own Teriyaki Chicken
Chicken teriyaki is a simple and delicious dish that you can whip up in less than a half-hour.
Kick Back with these 5 Killer Cucumber Vodka Cocktails
Flavored vodka doesn't have to be ridiculous, just delicious. Learn to use Prairie Organic Cucumber Vodka in these five refreshing cocktails.
The Tastiest (and Easiest) Poke Recipe to Make at Home
The great thing about a poke bowl, the Hawaiian fish salad made from raw tuna, is that it's as delicious as it is easy to make. Here's the best poke recipe courtesy of Takanori Akiyama of Young Street Poke.