International Beer Day
Today is International Beer Day, and we are celebrating the international drink of getting the weekend started. And it’s Friday, how fitting! Let’s highlight some of the breweries that bless our Northeast region with quality, refreshing beverages for every and all seasons. Not all heroes wear capes, some of them concoct awesome brewskis.
Brooklyn Brewery – Brooklyn, NY
When good beer is hard to find, sometimes you have to make it yourself. That’s exactly the story of Brooklyn Brewery. In 1988, Steve Hindy took his homebrewing knowledge from his days as a foreign war correspondent and started the business with his friend Tom Potter. Together they hand-delivered the first batches of Brooklyn Lager to a handful of local bars.
Today Brooklyn’s beers now travel to more than half the U.S. and over 30 countries. Brewmaster Garrett Oliver, a James Beard Award winner, and his team brew everything from classic styles to bold experiments, collaborating with their peers across the globe to keep pushing the boundaries of beer.
Popular Brews: Brooklyn Lager, Brooklyn East IPA, Brooklyn Summer Ale
Saranac Brewery – Utica, NY
In 1985, Saranac 1888, named after the iconic Saranac Railroad, was the first concoction to don the brewery name. The Saranac Railroad line connected Utica to the Adirondacks. Similarly, Saranac’s Utica location connects with the Adirondacks through the tastes and experiences provided by their brews.
In fact, back in 1991, Saranac’s Adirondack Lager was awarded the top premium lager at the Great American Beer Festival, chalking the Lager up as Saranac’s first brewing home run. Naturally, the brewery focused in on making this beer their main priority for the time being.
Today, Saranac Brewery has a plethora of beverages showcasing their name. Blueberry Blonde Ale and S’more Lager are perfect for the essence of summertime. While Pale Ale and Adirondack Lager are two of the company’s year-round staples.
Popular Brews: Saranac Pale Ale, Blueberry Blonde Ale, Adirondack Lager
Stony Creek Brewery – Branford, CT
The pride of Branford, CT, Stony Creek Brewery was rebranded by co-founder Ed Crowley in 2015. Prior to the rebranding, Stony Creek was a small-scale contract-produced craft brand, mainly known for their IPAs named after Connecticut’s two area codes, 203 and 860. Stony Creek became much bigger after their rebrand, and they opened up their first brewery right along the Branford River.
The brewery’s 30,000 square foot size makes it the second largest brewing facility and taproom in the state of Connecticut. One of its unique features is a 2,500 square foot tasting room with 23-ounce glass mugs hanging on the wall behind the bar as part of the brewery’s Mug Club. The “Mug Club” is a way of giving back to devoted customers by giving them “their own little piece of the creek,” according to Ed Crowley Jr!
Popular Brews: Big Cranky Double IPA, Cranky IPA, Stony Joe Mocha Stout
Magic Hat Brewing Company – Burlington, Vermont
Stirring up some mysterious concoctions in the heart of South Burlington, Vermont, Magic Hat is a well-known local brewer. They refer to their brews as elixirs, and their most popular potion is #9. It’s not quite a pale ale, but it runs across your tongue with notes of fruit and floral hop bitterness, bringing an unusual and curious palate. As they say at Magic Hat, #9 asks more questions than it answers. You’ll just have to see for yourself.
Popular Brews: #9, Elder Betty, Circus Boy
Frog Alley Brewing – Schenectady, NY
Frog Alley Brewing is just a short trip down the road from our Schenectady headquarters. As the city’s newest brewing powerhouse, Frog Alley is the key piece of the new Mill Artisan District. This downtown revitalization effort through intriguing new, hip food and drink spots hopes to bring more craft beer lovers and foodies back to the area.
Frog Alley founder JT Pollard put together two of the best brewing minds he could find in Rich Michaels and Drew Schmidt. Michaels and Schmidt used their expertise and years of experience to build Frog Alley’s refreshing, star-powered roster of brews. Included in this list is Mohop #5, a tasty New England IPA with Mosaic hops, featuring notes of mango, stone fruit, and a concoction of more earthy and tropical tones. They also provide Skull Frog, a loud DIPA that is certainly not shy with the Chinook, Columbus, and Simcoe hops.
Popular Brews: Mohop #5, Skull Frog Double IPA, Re4resh IPA
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Food Ideas for the Perfect Mother's Day
Mothers, grandmothers, and even aunts are the backbone of every family. They keep things together and are always there when you need them. That’s why we are excited for Mother’s Day, to show a little bit of appreciation to the amazing moms in our lives. This year we’re showing that love the only way we truly know how, with some quality food. Check out our ideas!
Breakfast in Bed: On Mother’s Day, the food gifts start early. Make sure to let mom sleep in and surprise her with a delightful breakfast in bed. It’s the best way to wake up and a great way to start a day of celebrating her!
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Brunch: If breakfast in bed is a no go, brunch is another great option! A good brunch makes a morning that much brighter. Mom will love it! When it comes to brunch, beverages play a big role. Mimosas are always a winner. How about some Melon Sangria? If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, this Polynesian Cooler or Citrus-Basil Spritzer are great. For food, scones like these Cheddar-Rosemary Scones or Maple-Brown Butter & Thyme Cream Scones hit the spot.
More breakfast / brunch recipes mom will love…
Surf & Turf: For dinner, surf and turf is an excellent option. Choose from our selection of Certified Angus Beef Strip Steak, Chiappetti Australian Lamb Loin, Market 32 Lobster Tail and Raw Shrimp, and more.
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Sweet Treats: Finish it off with some sweet treats! We offer a variety of shortcakes, cheesecakes, or chocolate dipped fruits that mom will love. Or choose from a handful of dessert recipes!
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Happy Mother’s Day!
Cozy Cocktails & Beverages for the Holidays
Good drinks and beverages are key to a good celebration. As you continue to celebrate into the New Year, let’s get you set up with some fun drink recipes to keep the party going. Check out some of our favorite at-home drink recipes.
Cucumber Mint Mock-Jitos: This refreshing mock-jitos are perfect for sipping on during the holidays. Especially, if you’re not looking for an alcoholic beverage. These mock-jitos bring the same essence, alcohol free.
Slushy Punch: This slushy punch features frozen lemonade and orange juice mixed with vodka or gin, with red gelatin for festive coloring. (21+)
Citurs-Basil Spritzer: This Citrus-Basil Spritzer uses sparkling water for a bubbly, refreshing, easy-to-sip on concoction.
Spiced Pomegranate Mulled Cider with Cinnamon Ginger Stirring Spoons: This Spiced Mulled Cider is super tasty and very comforting. The Cinnamon Ginger Stirring Spoons are a fantastic touch.
Bourbon-Cherry Smash: Featuring bourbon, your favorite orange-flavored liqueur and some flavorful additions this Bourbon-Cherry drink will be a smash hit all holidays long! (21+)
Also, make sure to check out this wonderful Blackberry Gin Fizz (21+) recipe below…
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Checking Out - Creative Roots Coconut Beverages
Ellie Wilson
MS, RDN Senior Nutrionist
It can be challenging to ensure children are drinking enough – they get busy, are easily distracted, and can also be chronically fussy about what they will drink. Busy parents have a lot going on right now, especially concerning in a time when everyone is working harder to choose well and provide choices that support good health habits. Drinking water and staying hydrated is essential, and for families on the go, there is a new option on the shelves to explore and enjoy.
The Creative Roots Coconut Water plant-based beverage line starts with coconut water, and is then flavor enhanced with 15 % juice and natural sweetener stevia. Simple ingredient lists and exciting flavors, like Watermelon Lemonade and Peach Mango may be enough to tickle their taste buds and get them to finish up the right-sized 8.5 oz bottle every time they take one. Younger children may also like the fruity characters, The Sploots, decorating the label and sharing smart hydration messages. They feel good when they are hydrated, and you feel good knowing they are improving hydration without added sugars – one gram of sugar in each bottle.
How does this fit into your busy family routine? The Creative Roots Coconut Waters are perfect for grab and go when you are late for the game, headed out on the summer road trip, or playing in the backyard sandbox. It may be a great addition to a child or teen backpack as a handy hydrator in the middle of the day. More than 50% of children may be under-hydrated per a study published in the American Journal of Public Health ¹ – and with new policies in schools likely limiting access to water fountains, the Creative Roots line may be a good back up plan. Families can be confident in their risk management and supporting positive immune system biochemistry with hydration. Kids and adults love the flavor, and some seniors are packing these for their busy days as well. Explore all four flavors to find your favorites. Enjoy!