Mixing Something Warm for Colder Nights

Preparing Warm Mixed Drinks

Summer may be here, but chilly nights can always surprise us – even during the warmest months. When you don’t want to grab a sweater or turn up the heat, warm mixed drinks offer a fun way to chase away the cold with delicious alcoholic beverages. Find tasty ways to stay cozy when the temperatures drop with suggestions for hot mixed drinks from Columbia Distributing.

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The State of the 2021 Brewery Market

Woman Examining Beer Sample In Brewery

2020 was a challenging year for almost every industry, and the world of beer and other alcoholic beverages was no exception. As we surpass the mid-point of 2021, it’s easy to see how the events of the previous year and the first half of the present one have impacted breweries large and small. Here, Columbia Distributing takes a closer look at the state of the 2021 brewing market for brewers and beer lovers alike.

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Champagne: A New Year’s Eve Essential

Champagne flutes with New Year’s decorations

Ringing in the New Year isn’t quite complete without Champagne. Whether you celebrate with a traditional toast or get inventive with sparkling cocktails, Champagne for New Year’s Eve is essential. Columbia Distributing, the premier Northwest beverage distributor, offers a robust roster of Champagne and sparkling wine for you to bring the bubbly to a party however you like. Here, we provide a few suggestions that are sure to make your New Year’s Eve one for the record books. Continue reading…


Holiday Brandy Traditions

Glass of brandy on table next to Christmas tree

Time-honored traditions are one of the best parts of the holiday season. Whether singing carols, warming up by the fire, or enjoying time with family, all of these activities can be enhanced with brandy. For centuries, brandy traditions have been an essential part of the winter holidays. Here, you’ll find a few different ways to bring brandy to your table this holiday season from Columbia Distributing. Continue reading…


Tis the Season for Eggnog Recipes

Eggnog on tray with holiday lights in background

When you think of classic holiday cocktails, eggnog drinks are surely at the top of that list. For years, eggnog has been at the center of holiday traditions around the world. If you’re looking for some new ways to sip on eggnog this season, we have you covered. Here, Columbia Distributing, a premier Northwest beverage distributor, discusses both classic and inventive ways to enjoy eggnog with some of the alcoholic beverages we distribute across the West Coast. Continue reading…


Sweet Holiday Punch Ideas to Try This Season

Holiday punch bowl with cranberries and citrus

For many people, the holiday season is synonymous with party season. If you find yourself hosting a festive event this year, make life a little easier with these make-ahead cocktails. Communal bowls of cheer have been a holiday tradition for centuries, and Columbia Distributing’s holiday punch ideas will allow you to easily prepare recipes in advance so you can spend more time with your guests and family. Find some of our favorite recipes here. Continue reading…


What Does Your Craft Beer Say About You?

Group of people toasting with pints of beer

Whether you are relaxing on a boat or at a winter ski resort, there are few things more refreshing than cracking open a cold beer. No matter the season, we all enjoy relaxing with our favorite brews. Craft beer enthusiasts have more choices than ever, which means brewers need to go above and beyond consumer expectations to stand out in the crowd. Did you know the beer you produce tells customers a lot about your brewery’s personality? Here, Columbia Distributing reviews several different types of beer and what they might be telling your customers about you.

Pale Ale

Pale ale drinkers love trying new things and experimenting with different flavors. These adventuresome consumers enjoy discovering unique breweries and are often social butterflies. While the pale ale category is very unpredictable and encompasses a wide array of flavors and ingredients, the beer is known for its bitter taste and different combinations of hops. Fans of the category appreciate the robust flavors of pale ales, and if your brewery produces this type of beer, drinkers can safely assume they’re in for an enjoyable experience.  

Porter

For porter drinkers, fall is likely their favorite season, and flannel might be their favorite shirt of choice. Porters are at the darker end of the beer spectrum and often contain strong, earthy undertones of nuts, coffee, and caramel. There are few other types of beer better for enjoying a cool autumn evening. As a brewer of porters, don’t be surprised if you attract consumers who enjoy spending time outdoors and savor the little things in life, as they’re likely assuming your brand loves to do the same.  

Lager

Lagers are known for their easy drinkability and light color, and their fans are calm, collected, and have a level head on their shoulders. They are comfortable with not being the center of attention, and it doesn’t upset them to leave the party early. Lager drinkers are also extremely loyal to their brand of choice, so if they choose your brewery, you must be doing something right.

Light/Low-Calorie

A low-calorie beer is made by adding less of the high-calorie stuff and more water to the brew. Most beers have around 150 calories, but a light beer usually has well under 100 calories. Many low-calorie beer drinkers are highly self-disciplined, goal-oriented, and might be fitness junkies who love hiking, biking, and running. When they choose your brewery’s light or low-calorie beer, they know your brew will allow them to get out, have a good time with friends, and not get in the way of what they want to accomplish. 

Ready to Stand Out in the Crowd?

In today’s crowded craft beer industry, brewers need to do more than ever to distinguish themselves from the competition. Knowing your target audience and what their preferences are is a key step to the success of your business. And as you can see, the type of beer you brew can tell your customers a lot about who you are. At Columbia Distributing, the Northwest’s premier beverage distributor, we pride ourselves in connecting businesses and consumers. If you would like to learn more about how Columbia Distributing can help you, please contact us today and view our extensive online inventory of craft beers.


Giving Thanks for Cranberry Cocktails

Holiday cocktail on table

Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and pumpkin pie – we all love a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. But let’s face it: Thanksgiving wouldn’t be quite as memorable without a special holiday beverage. High in antioxidants and considered by many as superfoods, cranberries and cranberry juice are healthy additions to any cocktail. Here, Columbia Distributing reviews some of the most delicious cranberry cocktails for you to enjoy this Thanksgiving.

Cranberry Orange Mimosa

If you like to get the Thanksgiving Day festivities started before noon, this could be the drink for you. Mimosas are known for being light, refreshing, and containing high levels of vitamin C in the form of orange juice. It’s that high vitamin C that makes mimosas an acceptable choice for mid-morning consumption.

The traditional mimosa is made from just two ingredients: orange juice and champagne. For the Thanksgiving version, only three ingredients are needed: orange juice, cranberry juice, and champagne (or prosecco). Combining the ingredients at two parts orange juice, two parts cranberry juice, and one part champagne or prosecco is a good place to start.

Cranberry Apple Old Fashioned

The cranberry apple old fashioned should be on your Thanksgiving Day beverage menu if there are any fans of whiskey in your family. This holiday version of the timeless cocktail includes whiskey, cranberry juice, sugar, and apple aromatic bitters, and it’s the perfect cocktail to enjoy around the fire after Thanksgiving dinner. To prepare the cranberry apple old fashioned, follow these steps:

  1. Combine cranberry juice, one sugar cube, and apple aromatic bitters in a whiskey glass.
  2. Add several ice cubes.
  3. Pour whiskey over the ice.
  4. Add cranberries to garnish and enjoy!

Cranberry Sparkler

This Thanksgiving Day version of the popular vodka and club soda cocktail is both festive and easy to make. The cranberry sparkler is made using one part vodka, one part club soda, and one part cranberry juice. To prepare the cocktail, grab a glass and fill it with ice. Next, add the vodka, top with club soda, and splash some cranberry juice on top. Garnish with cranberries and a pinch of cinnamon for an extra holiday effect.

Thanksgiving Mule

The Thanksgiving mule is a fresh take on the famous Moscow Mule, which usually contains ginger beer, vodka, and lime juice. The Thanksgiving mule instead uses sparkling apple juice, cranberry juice, ginger beer, and vodka. This makes for a bubbly and festive cocktail that contains all the flavors of fall. The best part about the Thanksgiving mule is that it can be prepared ahead of time in pitchers for large parties.

Are You Ready to Make Thanksgiving Memorable?

While the Thanksgiving Day feast gets all the attention, we can all see why a special holiday-themed cocktail takes the pie. Why not make your Thanksgiving Day special this year by starting a new tradition with one of the above recipes? As the Northwest’s premier beverage distributor, Columbia Distributing has everything you need to make your Thanksgiving Day cocktails memorable. If you are interested in purchasing quality products at competitive prices, please contact us today and view our extensive online inventory.


A Closer Look at CBD-Infused Wines

Wine being poured into glass

For thousands of years, wine has been the beverage of choice for social gatherings and celebrations. Raising your glass and making a toast to the ones you love is one of our deepest traditions and the reason wine can be found just about anywhere beverages are sold. Despite its history as a celebratory indulgence, many people today are consuming wine for its health benefits, such as helping to lower blood pressure and combating chronic inflammation. Continue reading…


Around the World in 80 Hops: A Quick Sampler of Import Beer

Glasses of beer

The United States, especially the West Coast, is known for its wonderful and varied list of craft breweries, as well as its iconic international brands. However, there is just as much variety to try out from breweries abroad, too. There are thousands of unique brews to sample, and you can even get a taste of some of the original old-world recipes that your American favorites are based on. Here, Columbia Distributing brings you an eclectic list of imported beers from all around the globe to inspire you to try something new. Continue reading…