Feliz Dia de los Muertos!
By Smashley on Nov 2 Filed In Activities, Austin, Texas, Food & Beverage, arts & crafts Add a Comment
Today is El Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration to celebrate, remember and prepare special foods in honor of those who have departed. On this day in Mexico, the streets near the cemeteries are filled with decorations of papel picado, flowers, sugar skulls, and parades.
It is believed that the spirit of the dead visit their families on October 31 and leave on November 2. In order to celebrate, the families make altars and place ofrendas (offerings) of food such as pan de muertos baked in shapes of skulls and figures, candles, incense, yellow marigolds and a photo of the departed soul is placed on the altar. This Mexican tradition might seem a bit strange to Americans, as we are used to just dressing up for Halloween and trick-or-treating, but many cultures around the world celebrate and honor the dead in a similar way. This respectable holiday is quite beautiful not just in thought but in decoration.
This year, in the cultural melting pot of Austin, Texas, we celebrated both. Party-goers dressed in their Halloween costumes enjoyed a pinata (see photos below), homemade pozole (a delicious Mexican soup), pan de muertos, devotional candles, handmade altars, and plenty of Sweet Leaf Tea.
Today’s the day- November 2- when no matter where you are, you’re sure to come across some part of the festivities. Keep your eyes peeled for parades, sugar skulls, and pan de muertos. They’re out there!
Mandy’s Lolla Picks and Tips
By Smashley on Aug 2 Filed In Chicago, Events, Food & Beverage, Live Music, Lollapalooza, Uncategorized 1 Comment
Lollapalooza Round 2!
I can’t believe it is less than a week until I will be in lovely Chi-town slingin’ some Sweet Leaf Tea with my awesome tea’mates. This will be my second year attending Lolla and I couldn’t be more excited.
Last year was my practice round…this year I’m gonna be a Lolla pro!
When I’m not passing out the best tea on the planet, you can find me jamming to my favorite bands. This year, I have a huge dilemma- Coldplay or Muse? Gwyneth Paltrow’s handsome hubby or Kate Hudson’s baby daddy? Of course they are both playing at the same time Friday night! I love them both and I can’t decide! Might just come to the toss of a coin!
Lollapalooza tip: Bring a poncho! We’ve got a 50% chance of scattered T-storms on Friday in Chicago, folks!
And believe me- I am not letting anything rain on my parade! (pun intended)
Mixers & Fixers – Part VII
By Count Blogula on Mar 16 Filed In Austin, Texas, Cocktail Recipes, Food & Beverage, Organic, Uncategorized Add a Comment
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.
-Craig
Mixers & Fixers – Part VI
By Count Blogula on Feb 23 Filed In Cocktail Recipes, Food & Beverage, Uncategorized Add a Comment
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
MIxers & Fixers – Part V
By Count Blogula on Jan 8 Filed In Austin, Texas, Cocktail Recipes, Food & Beverage, Los Angeles, Uncategorized Add a Comment
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
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