Munchies Magazine

Dmytro Kovalenko

Contributing Editor, Drinks

As the Contributing Editor for Drinks at Munchies Magazine, Dmytro Kovalenko explores the vibrant world of spirits, wine, and bar culture. His writing delves into the history of classic beverages, the science of spirit distillation, and the modern techniques of mixology to give readers a comprehensive guide to drinks. By combining cocktail theory with cultural storytelling, he helps readers understand both the craft and the heritage behind their favorite pours. Whether analyzing viticulture or detailing cocktail recipes, his goal is to make the complex world of beverages accessible and engaging.

Expertise

MixologySpirit DistillationBeverage HistoryCocktail TheoryViticulture

Coverage Areas

Drinks
Cocktails
Spirits & Wine
Bar Culture

Latest Articles

A trendy bar combining 1980s arcade games and a cafe atmosphere, with patrons enjoying drinks and playing vintage games under neon lights.
Drinks

Nostalgic Bars Blend With Cafe Concepts, Reshaping Nightlife in 2026

In a bustling downtown, a 1980s-themed arcade bar now generates 25% higher average customer spend than its generic counterparts, according to Nightlife Analytics.

Sep 12, 2026 · 5 min read

Guests enjoying innovative cocktails and mixology performances at the new themed bars on MSC World Asia.
Drinks

MSC World Asia Unveils Five New Bar & Lounge Experiences

Onboard MSC World Asia, set to debut in December 2026, guests can craft personalized sodas in an 80s-inspired 'Clubhouse' or savor Futurism-themed cocktails with mixology theater at the 'Sky Box Bar'.

Sep 9, 2026 · 2 min read

New Jersey bar patrons celebrating with cocktails as delivery becomes a permanent option for off-premises consumption.
Drinks

New Jersey Makes Permanent Cocktails To-Go Sales and Delivery Legal

New Jersey, in 2026, became the 33rd state to permanently legalize cocktails to-go, transforming a pandemic-era lifeline for businesses into a lasting consumer convenience.

Aug 29, 2026 · 4 min read

A stylish bar in 2026 showcasing a variety of colorful and artfully prepared non-alcoholic cocktails, with diverse patrons enjoying the atmosphere.
Drinks

Non-alcoholic beverage trends in 2026 show reduced alcohol consumption is here to stay

The percentage of U.S. adults who report consuming alcohol has fallen to a record low of 54% in 2025, according to Forbes . This means a substantial 46% of U.S. adults already abstain. This signifies

Aug 21, 2026 · 6 min read

A close-up of a premium ready-to-drink cocktail on a bar counter, symbolizing the growth and changing preferences in the prepared cocktails market.
Drinks

Prepared Cocktails Market Sees Nuanced Growth Amid Shifting Tastes

In the US off-trade, 'prepared cocktails' reported an 8.

Aug 13, 2026 · 3 min read

A sophisticated cruise ship bar scene with bartenders crafting colorful zero-alcohol cocktails for happy guests against a sunset ocean backdrop.
Drinks

Marella Cruises adds 18 zero-alcohol cocktails fleet-wide

Starting in August 2026, Marella Cruises will significantly expand its zero-alcohol menu, offering 18 new alcohol-free cocktails, six 0% ABV spirits, and four 0% wines across its entire fleet, accordi

Aug 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Portrait of Emidio Pepe, the pioneering Abruzzo winemaker, in a traditional wine cellar, symbolizing his dedication to long-aging wines.
Drinks

Emidio Pepe, Abruzzo Winemaking Pioneer, Dies at 94

Just one day after his 94th birthday, Emidio Pepe, the winemaker who famously held back 80% of his 2010 vintage for decades of aging, passed away on July 28, 2026, according to Wine-searcher .

Aug 4, 2026 · 4 min read

A stylish bar showcasing a variety of premium non-alcoholic drinks, illustrating the evolving beverage market and increased consumer interest.
Drinks

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Market Strategies Reshape Categories, Leaving Some Brands Behind

Crazy Mountain, a non-alcoholic beer brand, recently secured an impressive $15 million in seed financing, a sum that underscores a significant shift in investor confidence towards sophisticated alcoho

Jul 11, 2026 · 4 min read

Gen Z patrons at a modern bar, split between enjoying complex alcoholic cocktails and visually appealing non-alcoholic drinks.
Drinks

Gen Z's Anxious World Reshapes Bar Culture Trends for 2026

In 2025, the percentage of teenage Americans who had tried alcohol was lower than at any time since data collection began, yet almost seven in 10 23-year-olds reported binge drinking in the past year.

Jul 5, 2026 · 3 min read

The premium Fellow Series 1 espresso machine, known for its high price, is now available with a significant $200 discount, making it more accessible.
Recipes

Fellow Series 1 Espresso Machine Sees Discount

For the first time since its launch, the premium Fellow Series 1 espresso machine, known for its $1,499.

Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read

A bottle of Grüns Superfood Gummies spilled on a kitchen counter, surrounded by healthy breakfast items, emphasizing natural ingredients and a healthy lifestyle.
Recipes

Gruns Superfood Gummies Review Reveals Mixed User Experiences

Grüns Superfood Gummies, despite rigorous manufacturing in NSF-certified facilities across the U.

Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read

A delicious and easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad featuring grilled chicken, pasta, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing.
Recipes

Bon Appétit Shares Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Bon Appétit just dropped a new recipe: a daring triple-hybrid of chicken, pasta, and Caesar salads.

Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read

A glass of red wine in a Mexican vineyard, with rolling hills and a modern winery in the background, symbolizing the rise of Mexican wine.
Drinks

Mexican wine breaks tradition, redefining global wine expectations

In Baja California's Valle de Guadalupe, a 30-year-old winemaker recently produced a Cabernet Franc that outscored a renowned Bordeaux in a blind tasting, signaling a seismic shift in the global wine

Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read

A close-up of a perfectly blended Malibu Frozen Piña Colada, garnished with pineapple and a cherry, on a table with tropical fruits, embodying effortless summer refreshment.
Drinks

Top 7 Refreshing Frozen Drinks for Summer

In just five minutes, you can blend a professional-grade Malibu Frozen Piña Colada, transforming your summer refreshment from complex to effortless.

Jun 21, 2026 · 5 min read

A focused barista performing an intricate pour during the 2026 US Barista Championship semi-finals, showcasing intense competition and skill.
Drinks

18 Baristas Advance to 2026 US Barista Championship Semi-Finals

Out of 30 elite baristas who competed in Round One of the 2026 US Barista Championship in Denver, 12 were eliminated, a brutal culling that immediately set a demanding standard for advancement, Sprudg

Jun 20, 2026 · 2 min read

A close-up of a hand swirling amber whiskey in a crystal glass in a dimly lit bar, with Speyside Scotch bottles blurred in the background.
Drinks

How to Taste Whiskey: A Beginner's Guide to Appreciation

Speyside malts, celebrated for their fruity profiles and rich mouthfeel, offer an approachable entry point for any budding whisky enthusiast.

Jun 19, 2026 · 3 min read

Two refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktails with mint and lime, presented on a sunny patio setting, perfect for summer sipping.
Drinks

Top 2 Summer Spritz Cocktail Recipes for 2026

Searches for 'Hugo Spritz' have quadrupled on the Waitrose website, signaling a profound shift in summer cocktail preferences for 2026.

Jun 17, 2026 · 5 min read

A half-full bottle of red wine resting on a wooden table, accompanied by a wine stopper and a glass, symbolizing wine preservation.
Drinks

Preserve leftover wine to savor later and reduce waste

After a vibrant gathering, a half-empty bottle of fine wine often faces the drain by morning.

Jun 15, 2026 · 2 min read

A dining table elegantly set with the Made In 20-piece flatware set, showcasing its mirror-polished finish and classic style.
Recipes

Made In's 20-Piece Set Leads Best Silverware for Classic Styles

For just $199, the Made In 20-Piece Flatware Set delivers professional-quality, mirror-polished cutlery from Italy.

Jun 13, 2026 · 2 min read

A vibrant, classic Caesar salad with homemade dressing, croutons, shaved Parmesan, and anchovy fillets, presented in a cinematic style.
Recipes

Make a Rich Classic Caesar Salad With Homemade Dressing

A single recipe for classic Caesar salad, demanding a full cup of mayonnaise and a generous teaspoon of anchovy paste, is gaining significant traction.

Jun 13, 2026 · 3 min read