The Hot Box takes a breather today to make room for a new occasional segment with the good folks from MIX magazine. MIX is the Oregonian's glossy food & drink magazine, and if there's one thing Live @ 7 hasn't had enough of in our first two weeks, it's drinking.

Tonight, MIX and FoodDay editor Martha Holmberg stops by to talk holiday bartending. The November issue features a photo spread of great home bars (sorry, can't find a link) and ideas for how to make your home liquor collection stand out.

The idea that caught our eye: Go local. Portland's gaining a national reputation for our burgeoning "distillery row," so Martha's here to talk about some of the best local liquor to serve at your holiday party.

Products that may get mentioned:

• Aviation Gin
• Clear Creek's Doug Fir Eau de Vie (bottom of the page)
• Highball Distillery's Elemental Vodka
• Trillium Absinthe from Integrity Spirits
• Ransom Spirits' Muscat Grappa
• Hot Monkey pepper-infused vodka from New Deal Distillery

Have any favorite local drinks? Leave 'em in the comments.

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