The Lost Art of the Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy Tray – Columbia Distributing

When cold and flu season rears its head, many people turn to cough syrup and other over-the-counter remedies to find relief. However, did you know there’s a traditional drink that’s been consumed for over two centuries and is said to help alleviate cold symptoms? It’s called the hot toddy. Continue reading…


Pairing BBQ And Craft Beer For A Meal To Remember!

barbecue-party

Americans have a love of barbecue that is legendary. Whether it’s brats or burgers, Memphis style ribs, or pork shoulder mopped with traditional Eastern North Carolina vinegar sauce, there’s a cooking style to meet every taste.

Like barbecue, craft beers aren’t pigeon-holed into any one style or location. Craft beers pair with a variety of foods from grilled meats to desserts. Choosing the right beer for barbecue is an art. Eating delicious barbecue while sipping the perfect beer can make any meal memorable.

Let’s look at four outstanding craft beer and barbecue pairings that can take your next barbecue to a new level of deliciousness! Continue reading…


Craft Beer Ingredients by Season

seasonal craft beer by Columbia Distributing

 

In the past few years, the rise of craft beer has been startling — in fact, the total number of breweries in the States rose by almost 20% from 2013 to 2014; signaling the growing popularity of the many types of flavor profiles. The market has been trying to meet the demand, and so marketing your craft brew has been easier if you do it by season. Continue reading…


Need an Energy Boost? Try These Energy Drinks

Columbia Dist Energy Drinks

 

A lot of people depend on their morning fix of caffeine to get the day started. For most, this comes in the form of a cup of coffee. In fact, many people may drink coffee throughout the day or even at night as a way to maintain their energy levels so that they can stay productive while at work.

However, coffee isn’t your only option. You can get the energy boost you need by enjoying wellness drinks or energy drinks, many of which also contain caffeine, the essential ingredient to an energy boost. The following are a few examples of wellness drinks and energy drinks that will have the same effect as coffee: Continue reading…


Understanding The Origin of Tea and Tea Benefits

Green Tea in a Cup.

Nothing refreshes and soothes like tea — the second most popular beverage in the world, after water. From organic, to ready-to-drink varieties — tea’s benefits are far-reaching. All tea, except the herbal varieties, are derived from the camellia sinensis plant. Its five categories include white, green, oolong, herbal and black tea. Its history is intermingled with different cultures and global leaders. A look at tea’s history and benefits: Continue reading…


The Best Alcoholic Ice Cream Treats

alcoholic ice cream treat

We all know that an ice cold beer is one of the best ways to cool down on a hot summer day (or night). However, sometimes you might be in the mood for a delicious ice cream treat as well. If this is the case, why not combine the two and enjoy an alcoholic ice cream treat?

Alcoholic ice cream treats have become all the rage in recent years, especially following the sudden burst of interest in craft beer and artisanal ice creams over the past decade. The following are just a few of the alcoholic ice cream treats that are available all over the country that you should try out this summer if given the chance: Continue reading…


Five Great Craft Brews with Outstanding Flavor – Columbia Distributing

Glasses of beer and ale barrel on the wooden table. Craft brewery.

Over the past decade or so, there has been a surge in the numbers of craft beer created by smaller independent breweries. Located in almost every corner of the United States, they have created a veritable paradise of beer flavors for the discerning connoisseur. While we hesitate at Columbia Distributing to name any one particular brand as the very best, we do recognize true quality when we see – and taste – it. Here are five of our favorites: Continue reading…


Stay Cool With a Summer Ale

Summer Ale-Columbia Distributing

Different types of beers are better suited to different times of the year. For example, a thick stout beer is much better suited to the winter than it is to the summer. So what should you drink to stay cool now that the summer is here? Summer ales, of course!

What is a Summer Ale?

The fact that a summer ale is perfect for the summer weather is kind of a no-brainer. It’s all in the name, after all. But what exactly makes a summer ale a “summer” ale? The main characteristic of a summer ale is a light and crisp taste. Breweries will get this taste by combining wheat and barley together. Every year, some of the best breweries in the world prepare new summer ales for the summer season. Continue reading…


Mimosa recipes for the Morning

A mimosa in the morning is that little bit of heaven that gives you an energy boost and a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Mimosas are a must-have for any brunch, but if you are a frequent brunch goer or mimosa drinker it can be easy to get a little bored with a classic mimosa. The great thing about mimosas is that they are easy to elevate, that classic orange flavor is easy to work with and compliments many other flavors.

Here’s our ideas for a mimosa for every taste: Continue reading…


Ale and More: Ginger in Drinks

A glass mug full of hot ginger tea. Isolated on white.

While many tend to imagine plain ginger ale like Canada Dry, or typical mixed drinks with ginger beer when they think of ginger drinks, there are plenty of recipes that can bring out the nuances of this familiar spice.

Here are some unique alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages that can help expand your palate and give you some ideas about how to use ginger when you’re in the mood to throw it into the mix. Continue reading…