Lemonade Cocktails

Lemonade Cocktails

The feeling of a crisp, cool lemonade on a hot summer day is as timeless as it is refreshing, and most everyone can appreciate the relaxation that comes with a glass of lemonade in hand. With National Lemonade Day right around the corner, there couldn’t be a better time to plan a get-together after work. Here are a few lemonade cocktail recipes from Columbia Distributing that are sure to help you wind down and cool off during this noteworthy occasion and other hot summer days in August.

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How to Sip/Taste Tequila

Tequila Glass With Lime

Most Americans’ experience with tequila is limited to margaritas and shots, but neither gives a full picture of the alcohol’s complexity. Tequila used in margaritas typically comes from a blended product that contains a 50-50 mix of distilled agave and another source, while shot glasses don’t allow drinkers to taste the alcohol in its entirety. Understanding how to properly taste tequila, from what glass to use to how to properly sip it, is crucial to truly enjoy it. Here, Columbia Distributing offers a variety of tequila tips so you can fully experience the popular spirit.

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Benefits of Cold Brew Coffee

Bottle of cold brew coffee and two glasses on wooden tabletop

Looking for a caffeinated beverage but not in the mood for piping-hot coffee? Delicious cold brew coffee is the perfect answer. While it takes a lot longer to make, cold brew is often more flavorful and gives a slightly bigger boost of energy. However, these aren’t the only benefits of the cold brew method.

In most cases, hot drip and cold brew coffees share many of the same perks. Both boost your energy and are low-calorie drinks (unless you take lots of cream or sugar). The beans are roasted in the same ways and to the same temperature levels. The biggest difference is the method of brewing. Columbia Distributing looks at how cold brew coffee is made and the benefits of drinking this type of beverage.

How to Make Cold Brew Coffee

In order for coffee to be cold brewed, the coffee beans must be steeped in cold or room temperature water for at least eight hours. Ground beans are best and should be in a filter within the pitcher – or whatever you are steeping them in – so that residue does not transfer to your drink. If you like your coffee strong, 12 hours is the optimal amount of time to steep the beans.

Although it’s delicious without additives, cold brew is still a great base for lattes and coffee-based cocktails since these types of beverages aren’t bitter and have bolder and smoother flavors. You can also steep ingredients like coconut shavings or cinnamon with the ground beans to infuse your coffee with different flavors. It’s easy to get creative with recipes to find some awesome flavor pairings with cold brew coffee.

The necessary time to brew coffee this way can be a drawback for some people. Iced coffees can be a good alternative in a pinch. Additionally, caffeine lovers who are not the best at time management can enjoy a pre-made cold brew.

Advantages of Drinking Cold Brew

While hot drip coffee may still be king in most cases, there are many advantages to the cold brew method, including how this type of coffee affects your physical and mental health as well as the characteristics of the coffee itself.

Less Acidity Than Drip Coffee

Since there is no heat in the cold brewing method, less acidity is formed in the coffee. This in turn makes the flavor of the coffee smoother and less bitter. Drinkers will require little to no additives like milk, creamers, or sugars, which lowers the calorie count of the beverage, too. Coffee that is cold brewed is great for those who love bold flavors as well as those looking to eat and drink healthier.

Furthermore, cold brews are good for those who tend to get an upset stomach or acid reflux from hot or drip coffee. It contains more crude polysaccharides, which boost digestive immunity, and the lower levels of acids decrease gut irritation and inflammation.

Cold Brews Stay Fresher Longer

Drip or hot coffees tend to go stale faster. Once it cools off, it’s no longer fresh, and reheating it only diminishes the flavor. Because of the way it’s made, cold brew coffee can stay fresh for over a day, especially if you refrigerate it.

Cold Brews Boost Mental and Physical Health

Aside from promoting healthier consumption of your actual cup of coffee, cold brew coffee has higher levels of antioxidants, crude saccharides, and chlorogenic acid. These are known for boosting immunity, digestive health, and mental health.

The caffeine heightens your body’s dopamine absorption, which puts you in a better mood. It’s also an antioxidant, which helps your body to rid itself of free radicals that can cause cancer. Caffeine also promotes a faster metabolism, which can help you to lose or maintain weight by helping you burn more calories at rest.

Explore Cold Brew Coffee with Columbia Distributing

Cold brew coffee is easy to make. If you have busy mornings, steep your coffee overnight so your perfect cup is ready by the time you leave the house. Pre-made cold brew coffees make for perfect midday treats that will give you the boost you need to get through the rest of the workday. Contact us at Columbia Distributing today to find a great cold brew or other beverage option that meets your needs and preferences.


Fourth of July: Brews, BBQ, and Basic Safety

Beer And Hot Dogs With American Flag

Independence Day is the occasion for some of the biggest celebrations of the year. From backyard barbecues to larger gatherings at local eateries and special events, there are many ways to make the most of the holiday with friends and family. Here, Columbia Distributing offers tips for toasting to America while staying safe on the Fourth of July and beyond.

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Cold Brews to Serve with Donuts

Donut and Coffee

For many people in America, breakfast is as simple as coffee and a donut, and while it might not sound like much, it’s exactly what they need to get their day started. Cold brew coffee is especially popular around National Donut Day, and with all of the available brands and possible combinations, there are some things to consider when picking the right donut to dunk in your coffee. To help you get the most out of your favorite cold brew coffee and donut pairing, Columbia Distributing offers a few tips.

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Grill-Side Beers & NAs

Grill-Side Beverage

Summertime is synonymous with grilling and barbecues. This is the perfect time to spend a quality afternoon with friends and family while enjoying delicious food. But all that grilling can make you thirsty, especially when the summer sun is beating down. It’s important to have an assortment of drinks for you and your guests nearby. There’s no official grilling beverage, so you can fill your cooler with some time-honored alcoholic and non-alcoholic favorites. From National Burger Day beers to options for the kids, here are a few beverage suggestions from Columbia Distributing.

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Rosé for Mom

Taking A Selfie With Wine

Mothers provide us with so much support and love that it can be difficult to find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day. Besides the usual bouquet of flowers, a bottle of wine can be a great choice – especially if it’s rosé. Not only is it delicious, but rosé also has abundant health benefits, so you can feel good giving Mom something that tastes good and is good for her. As a beverage distributor that serves customers across the Pacific Northwest, Columbia Distributing explains why rosé makes an amazing Mother’s Day alcohol gift.

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Spruce up Your Next Margarita with These Fun Recipes

Closeup of margarita with salt on rim and lime garnish

Margaritas don’t have to be limited to the traditional ingredients of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime. Fruits, such as strawberries, mangoes, and more, can be added for extra flavor. Or you can make a simple syrup with unique spices to add to your margarita. They can even be served frozen instead of on the rocks. Once you pick your preferred brand of tequila, Columbia Distributing has a few recipes for you to try the next time you’re looking to spruce up your margarita.

Strawberry Cucumber Margarita

This variation is incredibly refreshing, and the sweetness of the berry is complemented by the crisp, subtle flavor of the cucumber.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup reposado tequila
  • Splash orange liqueur, such as triple sec
  • 12 strawberries cut into quarters
  • 1/2 peeled and seeded cucumber to garnish
  • 2 cups ice, for blending
  • 1 lime, quartered

Instructions

  1. Make a simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
  2. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  3. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
  4. Mix the remaining salt and sugar in a bowl.
  5. Combine 3/4 cup of the simple syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, quartered strawberries, cucumber, and ice in a blender.
  6. Blend until smooth.
  7. Moisten the rim of a margarita glass with lime. 
  8. Coat the rim of the glass in the sugar/salt mixture.
  9. Pour your margarita and garnish with cucumber slices. 

Mango Lime Margarita

This margarita is excellent for a hot day, and the citrus from the limes gives it a zesty kick.

Ingredients

  • 2 limes
  • 2 tbsp. coarse sugar
  • Two 20-oz. jars of mango chunks, drained
  • Ice, for blending
  • 1 1/2 cup tequila
  • 1 1/2 cup triple sec
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Zest the limes and combine with coarse sugar in a bowl; set aside.
  2. Add the mangos, tequila, triple sec, granulated sugar, and ice to a blender.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge and dip in lime zest/sugar mix.
  5. Pour your margarita and enjoy.

The Harvest Margarita

This specialty margarita was created by Bobby Flay, and the unique simple syrup adds a depth of flavor thanks to a handful of pungent spices.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz reposado tequila
  • 1 1/2 oz. chilled spiced simple syrup, consisting of:
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 8 whole allspice berries
    • 8 whole cloves
    • 3 cinnamon sticks
    • 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
  • A few dashes of bitters
  • Lime wedge, for garnish
  • Ice, for blending

Instructions

  1. For the simple syrup, combine the sugar, 1 cup water, allspice, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger in a small saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar is completely melted.
  3. Remove from heat and let steep for one hour.
  4. Strain into a small bowl, cover, and chill in the refrigerator.
  5. In a blender, combine tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, bitters, and ice.
  6. Blend for 10 seconds.
  7. Serve over ice and garnish with a slice of lime.

For Recipes and Tequila, Contact Columbia Distributing

Whether you’re making a traditional margarita or mixing it up with unique ingredients, Columbia Distributing carries several brands of tequila that are perfect for margaritas. Contact us today to learn more about the brands we carry and distribute to businesses in Oregon, California, and Washington.


Star Wars-Themed Drinks

Rye Whiskey Cocktail

Star Wars is one of the most popular science fiction movie series in existence. Over the years, its fan base has grown so large it has earned its own holiday. People all over the world join together, put on costumes, and throw parties every May 4. You can enhance your next celebration with these Star Wars Day drink recipes from Columbia Distributing, which are sure to be a hit with your crowd.

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The Art of the Cocktail

Chilled Grapefruit Cocktail

Creating and making cocktails is considered by many as an art form, requiring many bartenders to spend years perfecting their craft. Whether they’re mastering the classics or creating a drink of their own, professional bartenders and home mixologists alike are always finding new ways to please the palate. But where did cocktails come from, and how did we end up with the thousands of recipes we have access to today? Columbia Distributing provides alcoholic and non-alcoholic products to bars and other businesses across the Pacific Northwest, and here’s what we know about the art of cocktail creation.

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