I seem to have lost my phone number. Can I have yours?

St. Patrick’s Day is a magical time for those of us who like to indulge in fermented delights. A quick side note, always use a standard three-leaf clover (a.k.a. shamrock) for the holiday. St. Patrick used the three leaves to talk about the Trinity, which is all about three becoming one. None of this lucky four-leaf business – that’s a pet peeve of mine. As I was saying, it’s a drinker’s holiday, and that means it’s time for me to drop some new recipe knowledge on you. So, here’s how to make a St. Patty’s Shandy:

1 part Sweet Leaf Original Lemonade

1 part wheat beer or hefeweizen

2 drops of green food coloring
(optional)

garnish with a thick wedge of lemon and a shamrock

Nothing says “Top of the mornin’ to ye!” like a swig of green alcohol, and this recipe is so easy an Irishman could mix it. (Just kidding, folks. I’m not trying to instigate a donnybrook.)

Send me your recipe. I’ll post them here, and I’ll add them to our website.

Sláinte,

-Craig

You must be tired, because you’ve been running through my mind all day long…

This one comes to us from a fan named April Green. Thanks a million! If she’s anything like me, she’s had just about enough of this nasty, cold, winter weather. Maybe that’s why she sent me her take on one of my favorite summertime drinks. Here’s the how-to for April’s Mint Julep:

2 parts Mint & Honey Green Tea

1 part Maker’s Mark

Simple enough. You may want to throw a sprig of mint into the mix just for presentation. You could even add some muddled mint leaves into the drink if you want to go the extra mile, but don’t go crazy – the tea is pretty minty to begin with. Of course if you’re in a hurry to get to thee rocking chair on the warm and sunny porch in your day-dreaming mind, then you should probably just stick to April’s version.

Send me your recipe. This one is proof that I’ll post them here, and that I’ll add them to our website.

Cheers,

-Craig

Mind if I sit next to you for a drink? I’d rather not be alone right now...

If you’re not from Austin, then I need to explain that the University of Texas Longhorns are God’s gift to football fans around here. And, if you didn’t catch the BCS National Championship last night, then it will suffice to say that it didn’t go our way. So, if you’re a fellow Orange Blood like me, you’re probably ready to drown your sorrows. If not, show a little sympathy and join me for a toast to ‘almost.’

How to make a “Longhorn’s Lament” a.k.a. “Son of a Peach!”:

2 parts Peach Iced Tea
1 part bourbon whiskey
1 peach wedge
Serve over ice. Garnish with a peach wedge.

Whiskey is the best drink for mourning – that’s a scientific fact. So raise your glass to a season that just wasn’t meant to be. When you’re ready for seconds, have one for the injured star quarterback that got us as far as he did. And when you’re ready for thirds, toast the green freshman back-up quarterback who made a valiant stand against college football’s stiffest competition. After all, whiskey is also the best drink for toasting a new beginning.

Send me your mixology masterpieces. I promise to try them, and if they’re delicious I’ll share them here and post them on our website.

Cheers,

-Craig

Oh look! We’re standing under the mistletoe. How did that happen?

The holidays are here. We’ve got a funny way of changing our consumption habits during this time of year – something I don’t completely understand. It’s not just a weather thing either. Have you ever caught somebody drinking eggnog or baking a fruitcake in February? In any case, we’ve created some holiday specialties.
Holiday Delights
“The Snowplow”

2 parts Mango Green Tea
1 part Vodka
Pour into sugar-rimmed glass
Stir with sugar cane stick

“Naughty & Nice”

2 parts Half & Half Lemonade Tea
1 part Vodka
Add muddled strawberries
Garnish with strawberry slice

“The Nutcracker”

2 parts Pomegranate Green Tea
1 part Vodka
Garnish with sugared lime

“Sugar & Spice”

2 parts Mint & Honey Green Tea
1 part Vodka
Stir with peppermint candy cane

Invite your friends and family over to wet their whistles. Even your crazy uncle. It’s the holidays, after all, and the family that drinks together stays together.

Send me your drink ideas. I’ll try ‘em. If it’s any good, I’ll blog about it and put it on our website.

Ho ho ho,

-Craig

Your friend over there thought you could use some company. Mind if I join you?

It’s Black Friday, people. If you haven’t already hit the mall, chances are you or someone you know will be braving the crowded masses for a chance at deep retail discounts. Me? I don’t subscribe to the super-sale mentality. Too much pushing, shoving, and hackneyed secular holiday muzak. But to each his or her own. For those of you taking part in this proud capitalist ritual (and some like me who are not), you’re probably going to want to take a load off tonight.

This one is my personal favorite. My good friend Colby introduced me to this a couple years ago, and it’s been “my drink” ever since. It’s known as “The Ori-GIN-al,” the “Bi-Partisan,” and at my favorite watering hole, it’s sometimes called “The Craig Special”:

ori-gin-al1 part gin

1 part Original Sweet Leaf Tea

Mix with ice in shaker, do not strain.

Serve with a lemon wedge.

Shaking it up with ice is key, because melted water will cut the otherwise strong drink. Also, give a few different brands a chance. I’ve found that the quality of gin changes the flavor dramatically. I actually prefer some of the cheaper brands for this mix. If you’re not a gin drinker, I really suggest you try this before you make up your mind. I didn’t like gin until I got hooked on this.

Send me your drink ideas. Do it. I’ll post them here and on our website.

Cheers,

-Craig

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