5 of the Best Iced Teas Around

iced tea from Columbia Distributing

 

Iced teas are, perhaps surprisingly, a relatively new thing in the American consciousness. It’s only been a bit over a hundred years, after all, since the World’s Fair in St. Louis when Englishman Richard Blechynden served it up cold to the public. Today, the overwhelming majority of tea consumed by Americans is served iced.  Here is a selection of some of the better options for iced tea on the market.

  1. Kombucha Teas – The New Rage

You might have heard about this by now – especially if you frequent the gym or watch fitness programs. Kombucha is a type of tea-inspired beverage that has quite a few superstar qualities. Composed of probiotics, fungi, fermented tea and natural sugars, it is advertised as being able to stave off certain cancers, supply your body with loads of natural energy without the impending crash, weight loss, and immune system fortification. It’s a non-alcoholic beverage for the most part, although the fermentation process can give it a slight alcoholic kick.

  1. Snapple Tea

A true success story, Snapple was once a much smaller brand that found tremendous favor with the public; it is one of the most well-received cold ice teas on the market – ever. After just nine years of being out in the open, they were bought out and now form an essential part of the Dr. Pepper soft drink empire. A cool, refreshing sweet tea that comes in many delicious flavors such as Mango tea, Diet Peach, Snapple Apple, Green Tea and Orange Carrot.

  1. Numi Organic Tea

Another brand that started small and flourished explosively in the past decade, Numi Organic Tea comes from all the regions of the world. The herbs that comprise this delectable beverage are grown in India, Africa, China, South America and other places. The brother and sister team are also very artistic, and design the packaging on the brand. You can find green teas, bottled teas, herbal teas, chocolate teas, turmeric teas and more – all carried by Columbia Distributing. An ice tea made of orange spice or white rose makes for an amazing summer day.

 

  1. Yerbae Sparkling Water

Although marketed as sparkling water, Yerbae is enhanced with white tea extract; you can just catch the fleeting scent of the water that’s also mixed with guarana seed and a bit of natural caffeine from the tea. It is a calorie-less drink that has all the qualities of spring water. Try the Lemon, Pomegranate Berry and Strawberry Kiwi flavors to avoid missing out. For best results, make sure they’re chilled.

For more than eight decades, the people at Columbia Distributing have believed that when it comes to beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic represent the best of both worlds. Our humble roots in the Pacific Northwest stretch back to the mid 1930s, which proves our long-time commitment to providing our cherished customers throughout Northern California, Oregon and Washington with their choice of successful brands of ice tea and other drinks.


Staying Cool This Summer: 10 Hydration Tips

Summer Hydration by Columbia Distributing

The summer months these past few years have seemingly been hotter than usual, and the current one is shaping up to be the same. As connoisseurs of iced tea and cold draft beer, the people at Columbia Distributing know a thing or two about hydration in summer. With that said, we’ve compiled a list that should help you stay cool as the mercury rises.

  1. Wear cotton clothing as often as you can. Materials such as polyester, rayon and the various sweat-wicking sportswear actually retain heat better than cotton – and you don’t want that.
  2. Keep a flask of iced tea or cold water with you throughout the day. If you can manage one of those 40 oz cold-preserving flasks, then hydration in summer will be no problem for you. Many of these flasks can keep a beverage cold for a full day — especially if you put ice inside. Remember; by the time you’re actually thirsty — your body’s already been a bit dehydrated.
  3. Ditch the tight-fitting slacks and tops. Not only should your clothing be looser — it should also be light in color unless you live in the Sahara desert.
  4. Watch what you eat. Eschew those large, hot portions that benefit your body during the winter time in favor of cooler fruits and dairy products.
  5. No air conditioner? Head to your local Starbucks or shopping center for the afternoon and cool way down inside. As early evening rolls around, it will start to get a lot more manageable inside your own home.
  6. Exercise cannot wait for the cooler months to roll around; however, you shouldn’t go on a run at high noon this summer. Either start very early, or wait until late. And even then, make sure you carry a bottle of electrolyte-replenishing sports drink or iced tea for hydration.
  7. Take cool or cold showers if you’re in the house and the heat becomes close to unbearable. It will do wonders, as the effects can last for an hour. Do this before bed, in fact, and the heat will be unlikely to keep you from falling asleep.
  8. Although we mentioned fruits earlier, this one deserves its own place because of how essential it is on hot summer days: watermelon. You would be hard-pressed to find a better fruit to eat for hydration and fulfillment — without the excess calories, as 90%-plus of the fruit is actually water.
  9. Buy a fan if you cannot get an air conditioner. It will make a difference on those particularly warm days. In fact, even if you use AC, a fan will circulate the cold air and make it feel cooler at less of an overall cost to you.
  10. Hydration in summer does NOT mean you can drink anything cold. Caffeine-laden drinks and alcohol should be imbibed in moderation, as too much will dehydrate you.

7 Totally Underrated Domestics

Underrated Domestic Beers - Columbia Distributing

 

According to the Brewers Association, domestic breweries produced over 139 million barrels of beer in 2016 alone – completely dominating the U.S. beer marketplace. As craft beer sales continue to grow, it’s common to find Americans underestimating the value, taste and importance of domestic brews. Here’s our list of seven totally underrated domestic beers you need to try this season.

#1: Miller High Life 

Often referred to as the “champagne of beers,” Miller High Life offers a crisp, smooth taste at an affordable value. As an American adjunct lager, this light golden brew complements roast chicken, grilled salmon burgers and other richly flavored main courses.

#2: Coors Banquet

Another underrated American adjunct lager, Coors Banquet is a traditional, straw-colored beer that has been brewed in Golden, Colorado since 1873. Uniquely crisp and refreshing, Coors Banquet pairs well with virtually any meal, making it a staple at summer barbecues and picnics.

#3: Old Milwaukee Light

A refreshing beer, Old Milwaukee Light delivers a creamy feel, slight malt flavor and a clean finish with fewer calories than that of the classic Old Milwaukee Lager. Food pairings are virtually endless with this light lager.

#4: Icehouse

As America’s first domestic ice beer, Icehouse is brewed traditionally and fermented before its temperature gets lowered to below freezing. Bold, yet smooth, this American adjunct lager boasts an enjoyable malt character that complements various dishes, from barbecue to Indian to Thai.

#5: George Killian’s Irish Red

Available year-round, George Killian’s Irish Red features a toasted/roasted caramel malt aroma and taste. This well-balanced American amber/red lager contains a subtle sweetness that pairs well with beef and poultry.

#6: Henry Weinhard’s Private Reserve

Brewed with 100% Cascade hops, Henry Weinhard’s Private Reserve is an American Pale Lager with a crisp, clean flavor. For food pairings, this lager goes well with grilled chicken, seafood, steak and everything in between.

#7: Olde English 800

Smooth, yet rich, Olde English 800 offers a slightly fruity aroma indicative of its malt liquor style. As one of the leading malt liquor brands, Olde English 800, otherwise referred to as OE800, complements Indian, Latin American, Pan Asian and other cuisines.

At Columbia Distributing, we distribute a wide range of domestics as well as import and craft beers. Get in touch with a member of our team to learn more about the brands we supply.

 


The 10 Craziest Soda Flavors Across The Globe

Crazy Soda Flavors - Columbia Distributing

Do you consider yourself a soda aficionado? Are you feeling adventurous? Outside the parameters of your local grocery store or corner gas station, there’s a world brimming with unusual soft drinks just waiting to be explored. From international favorites to fizzy drinks that taste just like your favorite meal, here are the 10 craziest soda flavors from around the globe.

#1: Bacon

As bacon mania continues to sweep the United States and Canada, it’s no wonder bacon-flavored soda has made its way onto store shelves. Perfect for lovers of this crispy comfort food, bacon soft drinks are unsurprisingly available from several different brands.

#2: Candy Corn

Have you always wondered how to bottle the spirit of Halloween? Just one sip of this limited-edition candy corn soda will have you reminiscing about ghastly ghouls, spooky skeletons and plenty of tricks and treats.

#3: Turkey and Gravy

Another crazy soda invented as a limited-edition holiday flavor, the turkey and gravy soft drink tastes just like Thanksgiving dinner.

#4: Curry

Spicy, sweet and certainly unique, curry soda is a bold, fizzy beverage made in Japan that offers an authentic curry flavor.

#5: Cucumber

Cool and refreshing, cucumber-flavored soda combines the taste of crisp cucumber with invigorating sparkling water, making it great for a summer spritzer.

#6: Black Garlic

Hailing from Switzerland, this distinctive soft drink contains a slight hint of black garlic – a type of garlic that tastes sweet and syrupy.

#7: Onion

Manufactured in South Korea, onion soda tastes just like its name implies. However, this unique beverage is said to offer various health benefits, which makes up for the tear-provoking flavor.

#8: Grass

Soapy and bright green in color, grass-flavored soft drinks are definitely not for the faint of heart – or for those with weak stomachs.

#9: White Fungus 

Only for the adventurous, white fungus soda hails from Vietnam. Presenting a chunky texture, this soft drink is made from white fungus and the nests of cave-dwelling birds.

#10: Brussels Sprouts

If you just can’t get enough of these leafy greens, then Brussels sprout soda may be the right soft drink flavor for you.

Whether you’re looking for a well-known soda brand or a soft drink that’s truly one of a kind, Columbia Distributing supplies a variety of non-alcoholic beverages to suit every palette. Contact us to learn more about the premium soda brands we distribute.

 


Four Creative Ways To Use Kombucha

Creative Kombucha Uses - Columbia Distributing

Columbia Distributing is proud to provide Townshend’s Brew Dr. Kombucha. Earthy and tart with a slightly sour aroma, kombucha, or mushroom tea, is a health beverage that packs a serious punch. Made with black or green tea, sugar, bacteria and yeast, this fermented beverage brews over the course of approximately 7 to 14 days and contains nourishing probiotics. Whether you have extra kombucha on hand that you need to use up or you’ve let a batch ferment for too long, you’ll be able to put the surplus tea to good use with these four creative elixirs.

#1: Dressings, Condiments And Marinades

With a sour tang that closely resembles the taste of apple cider vinegar – especially if it’s brewed for an extended period of time – kombucha makes a great replacement for vinegar in salad dressings, condiments and marinades. Swap out the white vinegar in an Italian dressing recipe or in condiments, such as ketchup or barbecue sauce. Due to its acidity, you can also use kombucha to create marinades for seafood, poultry and other types of meat.

#2: Smoothies And Frozen Treats

From granitas to popsicles to smoothies, give your kombucha a second life with delicious and nutritious frozen treats. Simply blend kombucha with fresh fruits or juices and then freeze the mixture in molds or ice cube trays to produce refreshing popsicles. Alternatively, you can toss a teaspoon of kombucha into your favorite smoothie recipe for a simple immunity booster.

#3: DIY Household Cleaner

Is it time for spring cleaning? Step your routine up a notch with a simple do-it-yourself household cleaner made with kombucha. Take one part water, one part kombucha and a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, lemon or tea tree, and shake all the ingredients together in a spray bottle. And voilà – now you have an all-natural cleaner that can be used around the house.

#4: Mixed Drinks

Did you know kombucha can be used in both cocktails and mocktails? Exchange sweet and sour mix or club soda with kombucha in virtually any cocktail recipe for a healthy twist on your favorite mixed drinks. You can even ferment the kombucha for a second time with juice for a sweeter, more carbonated concoction.

From Townshend’s Brew Dr. Kombucha to soda to beer and more, Columbia Distributing supplies a diverse range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to suit your personal taste. Contact us today to learn more about the brands we distribute.

 


What’s The Deal With Sour Ales? (And Which Ones Should I Try?)

Fruity, tart and complex, the flavor profile of sour beer is sure to leave a lasting impression on your palette. And as the craft beer market continues its upward trend with sour ales by its side, you may be wondering how this distinct beverage gets its tartness or which style you should try next. Continue reading to learn more about this one-of-a-kind brew. The Deal with Sour Ales - Columbia Distributing

How Sour Beers Are Made

Where does sour beer get its trademark tartness from? The answer – bacteria and wild yeasts. Introduced into the brewing process, these two ingredients are responsible for the majority of sour beers. The most common agents used to deliberately sour beer are:

  • Brettanomyces – Brett is a strain of yeast used to slowly ferment beer and produces funky brews, a subset of sour beer.
  • Lactobacillus – Used to convert sugars into lactic acid, lacto is a bacterium that creates sour styles with crisp, clean sourness in a short amount of time. Lacto is often found in Gose and Berliner Weisse brews.
  • Pediococcus – Like lacto, pedio is a bacterium that lowers the pH level of the beer by creating lactic acid. However, pedio is known for its funkier flavors and aromas.

Some brews, like Lambic, are made by leaving coolships, or big open vats, of wort exposed to the outside air, letting wild yeast and bacteria ferment the beer naturally. Then, they are aged in barrels and later blended for consistency.

What Sour Beers Should I Try?

As you peruse the beer selection of your local grocery or liquor store, you may notice the sheer variety of sour ales, from Lambic to Berliner Weisse to Gueuze to Gose. Consult the following flavor profiles, and choose the sour beer that best suits your personal taste.

Flanders red ales – These are a great choice for those new to the world of sour beer. Generally light-bodied and reddish-brown in color, they are characterized by sharp, fruity, sour and tart notes.

Berliner Weisse – On warmer days, go for a Berliner Weissbier. Pale-gold in complexion, Berliner Weisse beers are refreshing, tart, sour and acidic, and typically feature a lemony, citrus sharpness.

Lambic – Crisp, yet tart, Lambics are light-bodied beers with little to no hop flavor or distinctive bitterness. Lambic varieties are often blended with fruit to balance out the brew’s sour nature.

Gueuze – If you’re looking for a dryer, yet fruitier, flavor profile, seek out the traditional Belgian Gueuze, which is made by bottling both young and old Lambics together and aging them for about two to three years.

Gose – A German sour ale, Gose is slightly tart, yet highly refreshing. This brew features a signature spice and dryness attributed to the addition of salt and coriander.

Contact Columbia Distributing today to learn more about the sour ales and other alcoholic beverages we distribute.

 


H2O Decoded: Sparkling Vs. Still Water

You spent the past hour at the gym working out and are now on the road to recovery. As you go to grab a refreshing bottle of water from the cooler, two different options catch your eye – still and sparkling. Regular water has always been your lifeline, but sipping sparkling varieties is such an enjoyable experience. Then, the question hits you. Are there really any differences between the two? After all, they’re both just water, right? Before you replace your old standby with a bottle of sparkling water, consider the different processes and flavors and how they relate to your hydration needs.

Why Sparkling Water BubblesWater

A satisfying fizzle emerges from a just-opened bottle of sparkling water. Slightly above the water’s surface, tiny bubbles dance in harmony. As you enjoy your fizzy beverage, you wonder, “What makes sparkling water bubble?”

Made by adding carbon dioxide to water under pressure, sparkling water is produced by a process called carbonation. Known by many names, including club soda, seltzer water and mineral water, carbonated water is much the same as regular, still water, except that it contains bubbles and may also consist of other beneficial minerals and additives.

Pamper Your Taste Buds

Sparkling water is an enjoyable alternative to still water. Offering an immersive drinking experience, sparkling water can be found in a variety of thirst-quenching flavors, from lemon-lime to wild berry to coconut pineapple. Like regular water, you can also flavor sparkling varieties with natural ingredients found around your kitchen, such as mint leaves, cucumber, lemon and lime slices and other fresh fruit. With so many delicious and invigorating options to choose from, reaching your daily water intake requirement is both simple and enjoyable.

Meet Your Hydration Needs However You See Fit

Whether you’re cooling off after a long run or quenching your thirst throughout the day, both still and sparkling water serve the same basic purpose – hydration. So go ahead, indulge in your favorite bubbly beverage or stick to plain water. The choice is up to you.

Contact Columbia Distributing to learn more about our selection of still and sparkling water.

 


Mocktails To Add To Your Menu

6 Mocktails To Add To Your Menu

Although traditional cocktails will always have a special place on your menu, the growing trend of non-alcoholic mixed drinks, otherwise known as mocktails, might make you think twice about your restaurant’s beverage options. Accommodating non-drinkers, creating a more inclusive environment and ultimately boosting sales, mocktails help diversify your specialty drink list. In need of some inspiration? Sift through the recipes below to help craft your own mocktail menu.

Strawberry soda that tastes delicious and refreshing.

#1: Virgin Moscow Mule

An alcohol-free twist on a fan-favorite cocktail, the virgin Moscow mule combines lime juice, ginger beer, simple syrup and to create a refreshing, citrusy drink with a spicy edge. Serve in a copper mug and garnish with a slice of lime and ginger for a classic touch.

#2: Cran-Apple Cider

As the leaves turn to shades of deep burgundy, crimson and fiery orange, patrons may be in the mood for a delicious mocktail inspired by autumn. This cran-apple cider recipe consists of two basic ingredients – cranberry juice and apple cider. For an enticing look, rim the glass with sugar and add a seasonable apple slice.

#3: Roy Rogers

Although the Roy Rogers mocktail is named after Hollywood’s most famous cowboy, its flavor profile closely resembles that of a Shirley Temple. Simply fill a highball glass with cola, add a splash of grenadine and finish with a maraschino cherry.

#4: Shirley Temple

Speaking of Shirley Temple, this traditional non-alcoholic drink is a staple in the world of mocktails. The sugary sweet Shirley Temple contains lemon-lime soda and grenadine and is topped with a maraschino cherry for good measure.

#5: Mojito Mocktail

Marked by a distinct minty flavor, this mojito mocktail may just be the refreshing summer drink your regulars have been searching for. Combining fresh mint, lime juice, soda water and sugar, this alcohol-free mojito offers non-drinkers a thirst-quenching concoction for when the warmer weather moves in.

#6: Mock Champagne

Special occasions call for celebratory drinks. This mock champagne recipe can be enjoyed by expectant mothers, abstainers and children alike. Simply combine ginger ale, pineapple juice and white grape juice to craft a light, enchanting mocktail.

For every event, bar and restaurant, Columbia Distributing offers a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages. Browse the brands we distribute, or contact us to see how our selections can accommodate your mocktail menu.


Health Benefits of Coconut Water

Of the many wellness drinks available, coconut water has captured the attention of many people due to its numerous health benefits.

Coconut Water

Nutrient Content

Coconut water comes from young fruits, and if the fruits ripen, the water changes into solid coconut meat. The water is 94 percent liquid with just traces of fat. This beverage is also rich with minerals, as it contains magnesium, manganese, potassium, and vitamin C.

Weight Loss

The low fat content of coconut water makes it an ideal part of a weight loss regimen. It’s a low-calorie way to still feel full while dieting.

Digestion Aid

Just as many people swear by kombucha or other wellness drinks for digestion, the high fiber content of coconut water makes it useful as a digestion aid. It may also help with acid reflux and indigestion symptoms.

Hydration

A high potassium content and low sugar content make coconut water a natural energy drink that’s healthier than its artificial competitors. These hydrating properties also make coconut water a natural hangover remedy after consuming too many alcoholic beverages because it helps replenish lost fluids while settling the stomach.

Blood Pressure

When electrolyte levels are skewed, people may experience high blood pressure. The minerals present in coconut water can stabilize electrolyte levels and have a positive impact on blood pressure. kaszinó online film

Antioxidants

The antioxidants present in this beverage can have a beneficial impact on free radicals, which cause damage to cells and deplete collagen production. Several laboratory studies have shown a decrease in rats’ free radical activity when they were given coconut water. pinnacle fogadóiroda

Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have also shown a reduction in blood sugar levels among diabetic rats given this drink. The same rats also showed a reduced amount of hemoglobin A1c, which is a long-term measurement of blood sugar control. The magnesium present in coconut water can also have a positive impact on insulin sensitivity for people with type 2 Diabetes.

The low caloric content and high nutritional content of this beverage make it a worthy addition to a list of wellness drinks.

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Six Unique Kid-Friendly Beverages for Birthday Parties

A child’s birthday party is the perfect time to get creative. Many parents coordinate decorations, food, and tableware to match a theme, but they may overlook a fun opportunity—the drinks! Here are six unique beverages to serve at a kid-friendly party.

Homemade summer cold raspberry beverage with crushed iced and raspberries.

Shark Bite

This delicious drink is sure to make a splash at any summer-themed party. Mix some pineapple juice, Body Armor sports drink – Mixed Berry flavor, and 7-UP together. Pour into individual glasses, and just before serving, add a splash of grenadine (a thick cherry-flavored syrup). To truly sell the theme, drop in a gummy shark.

Kid-Friendly Sangria

Bring some class to the party with this age-appropriate twist on an adult favorite. Mix a juice of choice (cranberry juice works well for this), Canada Dry ginger ale, and sliced fruit and berries like oranges, limes, pineapple, strawberries, and cranberries. Just like sangria, the longer it sits, the fruitier the flavor it’ll punch.

Raspberry Sparkle

Fizzy beverages are always a hit with kids. Combine raspberry sorbet, raspberry juice, and carbonated water for a fruity twist on a classic party punch. As a bonus, this is easily adaptable to almost any other flavor for children who may not like raspberry.

Extra-Special Shirley Temple

Mixing grenadine and 7-UP is the easiest way to make this old-timey drink. Put a unique twist on it by freezing cherries and throwing them in. They’ll keep the beverages cool without watering them down!

Horchata

Having a piñata? Serve horchata along with it! This is a Mexican rice and cinnamon drink that the kids will love. Blend uncooked rice and water together and let it sit for several hours. Then, strain and throw away the rice. Add sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon sticks to the rice water, then chill and serve over ice.

Color-Changing Drinks

This is perfect for younger children who love a fun surprise. Put a few drops of food coloring in the bottom of a glass and let it dry. Before serving the drinks, fill the cups with ice. Let the kids pour their own beverages (a clear soda works best), and then watch in awe as the food coloring magically changes the color of the drink!

Be sure to follow @ColumbiaDistributing on Facebook for more seasonal drink recipes and the latest drink trends!

 

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