#colonial spirits

[nprbooks]

When spirits entrepreneur Steven Grasse considered writing a book about early American cocktails, he already knew it was a subject that had been, in his own words, "done to death."

Ultimately, the book he did write, Colonial Spirits: A Toast to Our Drunken History, tells the story of a time when water was full of deadly bacteria, making alcohol the safest liquid to consume. With witty illustrations, Colonial Spirits thumbs its nose, ever so slightly, at the American obsession with mixology and fussily precise 12-ingredient cocktails. It does so by providing just one simple premise outlined on Page 3: "In relating these recipes to you, and updating them for modern times, it was of the utmost importance to us that you — yes, you — would not die or even be hospitalized should you choose to make or imbibe them."

A Survival Guide To Colonial Cocktails (So You Don't Die Drinking Them)

Image: Reverend Michael Alan /Courtesy of Abrams Image

[colonialspirits]

Fall Beer at Colonial Spirits, Your Local Liquor Store!

Colonial Spirits has the best fall seasonal beer selection in your local area! Whether you're looking for a malty amber ale, your favorite German Oktoberfest from Munich or even something that might resemble liquid pumpkin pie, Colonial Spirits has you covered for fall seasonal beers!  We have these and so much more to choose from, don't be shy to ask one of our personable store associates!   Continue Reading...

[kellysthoughtsonthings]

Colonial Spirits - A Toast to Our Drunken History

Colonial Spirits – A Toast to Our Drunken History

    I have the perfect holiday gift idea for the ale, wine or any libation lover on your shopping list. The book, Colonial Spirits – A Toast to Our Drunken History,  by Steven Grasse, will make their holiday! Read on to learn why.

Colonial Spirits

    So, when I first read the title, I immediately thought of ghosts. My family loves the paranormal, so I guess that’s why my brain went there first.…

View On WordPress

[abramsbooks]

RECIPE: 1775 Punch (from Colonial Spirits by Steven Grasse)

With all due respect to today’s jarheads, many contemporary recipes for 1775 Punch favor a sickly sweet pineapple juice as the dominant flavor. How this happened we can’t say, exactly—the original called for grenadine instead. But in the interest of compromise, here we present an alternate route, taking cues from the East and incorporating make your-own spiced tea with lime and ginger as well. And yes, pineapple juice, too.

Serves 18 to 24

2 limes, thinly sliced

4¼ cups (1 L) gold rum

2½ cups (600 ml) pineapple juice

1¼ cups (300 ml) fresh lime juice

6 cups (1.4 L) Spiced Black Tea (see recipe, below)

Arrange the lime slices on the bottom of a Bundt pan. Fill the pan with water to cover the slices and freeze until solid.

In a 1-gallon (3.8-L) container, combine the rum, pineapple juice, lime juice, and tea. Cover and chill until cold.

Transfer the chilled mixture to a punch bowl and add the frozen lime ice ring.

Serve the rum punch in glasses full of ice.

Spiced Black Tea

Makes 6 cups (1.4 L)

½ cup (110 g) packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons loose black tea

1 piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

In a medium saucepan, combine 6 cups (1.4 L) water and the brown sugar and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, add the tea and ginger, cover, and steep for 20 minutes. Strain and cool.

For more information on Colonial Spirits, click here. 

[colonialspirits]

Lagunitas

West Coast has some great breweries, and Lagunitas is becoming a powerhouse in the market.  Having just released a new sour, Aunt Sally, what better way to explore their collection than coming in for a tasting.  Friday April 8th from 4-6. Continue Reading...