Summer is all about being outside, friends and family (social distancing of course), activities and of course, some cold beverages! I’ve been a beer connoisseur for a good while now. I actually really like to study all things beer! The techniques of tasting beer, what makes a beer an ale or a stout, what type of glass a certain beer should go in, I’ve got you covered! I seriously think I should work at JL Beers or hey, maybe start my own brewery! I may be a so-called “craft beer snob,” but I’ll take that title and wear it proudly because honestly, I’m just a fan of beer in every shape and form! So… whether you’re at the lake or enjoying an evening on your deck, I have some wonderful drinks for you to try this season!
THE BREWING PROJEKT: RESIST PINA COLADA MILKSHAKE IPA
Type: Milkshake IPA | ABV (Alcohol by volume): 7.0% | Location: Eau Claire, WI | Purchased @ Bridgeview Liquors, Moorhead
This beer is SWEET, Literally and figuratively. If you’re a fan of the classic pina colada, this is a beer for you! It tastes just like it’s supposed to. Lot’s of pineapple and coconut! The milkshake term comes from the amount of lactose sugar (milk sugar) and vanilla added to the beer to give it a more smooth and creamy taste. It’s super delicious and refreshing on a hot day! Very good drinkability! Preferably served in a tulip glass (I didn’t have one available at the time). The Brewing Projekt’s lineup of beers is good all around as well. I’ve had their Puff Tart sours before too. Delish!
DREKKER: SLANG DU JOUR SOUR SERIES
Type: Fruited Sour | ABV (Alcohol by volume): 4.6% | Location: Fargo, ND | Purchased @ Drekker Brewhalla
If you’re a fan of Fargo-Moorhead breweries, I’m guessing that one of your faves is Drekker. Their beer concoctions are some of the best and most consistent ones in the upper Midwest! Plus, Brewhalla is the perfect place to hang out and sip on some cold ones! With the fire outside and plenty of space to keep socially distanced. Now back to beer! Drekker’s Slang du Jour series is top notch! Based off of various crustable desserts like raspberry cobbler or banana coconut cream pie, these sours have that lovely combo of tartness from the fruit with the awesome graham cracker/cinnamon/vanilla from the added “gimmicks” they throw in during the brewing process. They’re also a thicker beer, which I enjoy in this sort of style beverage. Truly a dessert in a can!
TWO CHICKS: VODKA FIZZ PEAR & ELDERFLOWER COCKTAIL
Type: Vodka Spritzer | ABV (Alcohol by volume): 5.0% | Location: California | Purchased @ Bottle Barn, Moorhead
Wait a minute Shannon, this isn’t BEER?! Yes, it’s not, and honestly I would have NEVER thought I’d even get on the whole seltzer/spritzer train but MAN do these chicks know how to make an amazingly refreshing and delicious cocktail! My sister had actually picked these up a while back and I was like, “Okay Michelle, what the heck did you buy?” Tried one sip and I was in heaven. They have just the right amount of sweetness, and the unique combos of hard alcohol, fruit and herbs make this drink truly unique! DEFINITELY give it a try!
HONORABLE MENTION – HIGH NOON SUN SIPS
Type: Hard Seltzer | ABV (Alcohol by volume): 4.5% | Location: Memphis, TN | Purchased @ Ottertail Liquors, MN
Have to mention another fantastic seltzer from the guys at High Noon. Much like Two Chicks, these aren’t gassy and off tasting (to me) like a lot of popular seltzer’s are. I had the Pineapple version and wow, delicious! Not too sweet, not too overpowering! A little more of that traditional seltzer feel. Try them! 🙂
For the hard alcohol fans…
OL’ SMOKY MANGO HABANERO WHISKEY – TENNESSEE MULE
Type: Whiskey | ABV (Alcohol by volume): 70 Proof | Location: Gatlinburg, TN | Purchased @ Ottertail Liquors, MN
- 2 oz. whiskey
- 4-6 ounces ginger beer, chilled
- Garnish: lime twist or wedge
Spicy, sweet and oh so neat! You can’t even taste the whiskey in this beautiful drink of drinks! I am also interested in their Peanut Butter Whiskey. If any of you have tried it, let me know!
So cheers to the weekend and enjoy a cocktail, mocktail in your home on your patio or deck this weekend! Let us know of any local brews or new cocktails you’ve tried!
