Author: syrup

As the winter chill settles in, many are embarking on the journey of a Dry January, taking a well-deserved break from alcoholic indulgence. But who says you have to compromise on the fun and flavor? Enter Finn & Rye Ginger Beer, a locally crafted gem that not only warms up your spirits but adds a punch of excitement to your mocktail game, making Dry January an enjoyable adventure in itself.

Meet Finn & Rye

Finn & Rye Ginger Beer is more than just a beverage; it's an experience. Crafted with care and flair, this ginger beer brings together the boldness of ginger with a touch of sweetness, leaving a delightful bite that sets it apart from the rest.

What makes Finn & Rye truly special is not just the flavor but the story behind the brand. Founded by Tammy, a proud member of the Milton, GA community since 2005, Finn & Rye originated from her vision to create a premium non-alcoholic ginger beer. The brand is a family affair, with Tammy's husband, Damir, owning Beverage Solutions Inc (BSI), the local manufacturing facility in Marietta, GA, where Finn & Rye comes to life. Having worked extensively with Coca-Cola nationally and internationally, Damir decided to venture out and support the growth of unique beverage brands, making Finn & Rye a true labor of love.

Finn & Rye, the family dogs and faces of the brand, embody the essence of family and tradition. Their vibrant personalities shine through, representing the commitment to keeping the entire process within the family – from creation to your glass.

The Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail

Now that you're acquainted with the stars of the show, let's dive into a mocktail recipe that will elevate your January evenings – the Grapefruit Ginger Beer Mocktail.

Ingredients:

1 bottle Finn & Rye Ginger Beer

1 cup fresh grapefruit juice

1/2 lime, juiced

1/2 cup tonic water

Ice cubes

Grapefruit slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a glass, combine the Finn & Rye Ginger Beer, fresh grapefruit juice, lime juice, and tonic water.
2. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
3. Add ice cubes to the glass.
4. Garnish with grapefruit slices if desired.

Indulgence has a new name this holiday season, and it's spelled O-L-E S-M-O-K-Y. As the winter chill settles in, Ole Smoky has mastered the art of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories with their mouthwatering creations. From the creamy enchantment of Cookies & Cream Whiskey to the dreamy winter wonderland of Mint Chocolate Chip Cream Whiskey, Ole Smoky has redefined the art of celebration. And it doesn't stop there – they've concocted a Banana Pudding Cream Moonshine and a White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Moonshine that'll have you raising your glass to the sheer joy of life. Join us as we explore these delectable concoctions and learn how to craft your own unforgettable moments with Ole Smoky. Cheers to the holiday season – Ole Smoky style!

Ole Smoky Cookies and Cream Whiskey

In the cozy embrace of December, there's almost nothing Cookies & Cream can't turn around, right? We're big fans of that philosophy, and Ole Smoky has taken it up a notch by infusing their 35-proof whiskey with the irresistible flavors of cookies, creating a luxuriously creamy liqueur. Whether we're pouring it over a mound of ice cream or sipping it on the rocks, it's a guaranteed way to add a touch of enchantment to our holiday get-togethers. Cheers to that!

Cookies N Cream Martini

Ingredients:

2oz Ole Smoky Cookies N' Cream

1oz Vanilla Liqueur

2oz Half n Half

Directions:

1. Shake, chill, and strain. 
2. Garnish: White chocolate shavings and Oreo crumbles. 

 

Ole Smoky Mint Chocolate Chip Cream Whiskey 

Get ready for a winter wonderland of flavor with Ole Smoky Mint Chocolate Chip Cream Whiskey! Ole Smoky combined the heavenly essence of mint ice cream and those delightful chocolate chips with their signature whiskey, creating a velvety, dreamy sip perfect for those chilly nights. It's a "drink your dessert" kind of experience, best enjoyed over ice while you cozy up by the fire. Cheers to warming up your winter with this sweet and spirited treat!

Coconut Mint Chip

Ingredients:

3 oz. Ole Smoky Mint Chocolate Chip Cream Whiskey

.5 oz. Cream of Coconut

Chocolate Cookie Crumbles for Garnish

Directions:

1. Shake Well, Strain Over Ice
2. Garnish with chocolate cookie crumbles. 

 

Ole Smoky Banana Pudding Cream Moonshine

Get ready to indulge in some pure fun with Ole Smoky Banana Pudding Cream Moonshine! We're talking about banana pudding, folks – it's right up there with life's greatest pleasures. That's why Ole Smoky went all out and mixed the scrumptious flavors of vanilla wafers, fluffy whipped cream, and those glorious bananas with their moonshine. The result? A smooth sipping experience that's going to sweeten up your world even more! So, raise your glass to turning life's moments into a banana pudding-flavored adventure – it's the fun way to do things!

Chocolate Covered Banana

Ingredients:

2 oz. Ole Smoky Banana Pudding Cream Moonshine

Chocolate Syrup

Directions:

1. Mix well. 
2. Drink up. 

 

Old Smoky White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Moonshine

Hold onto your hats and get ready to be delighted by Old Smoky White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Moonshine! Now, we all know that white chocolate-covered strawberries are pretty amazing, but Ole Smoky decided to raise the stakes with this one. They’ve blended the smooth, creamy essence of white chocolate and the lusciousness of fresh strawberries with their moonshine, creating a sipper that's downright irresistible. Once you taste it, you'll keep coming back for more - it's like an endless joyride for your taste buds!

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Strawberry

Ingredients:

2 oz. Ole Smoky White Chocolate Strawberry Cream Moonshine

1 oz. Ole Smoky Peanut Butter Whiskey

Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherry for Garnish

Directions: 

1. Mix well and serve on the rocks. 
2. Garnish with Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherry. 

In the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA, Knudsen Vineyards stands as a testament to both tradition and innovation. For over five decades, this iconic vineyard has been producing exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, making its mark on the Oregon wine scene.

A Legacy Rooted in Tradition

Knudsen Vineyard's journey began in 1971 when it was established by Cal and Julia Lee Knudsen. These visionaries laid the foundation for what would become a renowned vineyard in the heart of the Dundee Hills AVA. Over the years, Knudsen Vineyards has supplied grapes to some of Oregon's most prestigious wine producers, both for still and sparkling wines.

The Knudsen family's connection to the land and their love for sharing their grapes and wines with friends and family have been at the heart of their winemaking tradition. Today, as second-generation stewards of Knudsen Vineyards, the family continues to embrace their legacy, producing wines that reflect the unique attributes of their land.

Cultivating Excellence in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

At Knudsen Vineyards, the goal is simple: to produce exceptional quality, distinctive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. This pursuit of excellence is driven by sustainable viticulture practices that prioritize the health and productivity of the vineyard.

The vineyard comprises 228 total acres, with approximately 130 acres dedicated to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes across over 20 planting blocks. The vineyard's southeast-oriented slopes, ranging from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level, provide an ideal environment for these grape varieties.

One of the unique factors contributing to the vineyard's success is its 100% red clay-loam Jory soil, designated as Oregon's official state soil in 2011. This soil type offers exceptional minerality and drainage, resulting in grapes that showcase the true essence of the Dundee Hills terroir.

A Taste of Knudsen’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir 

Knudsen Vineyards' Chardonnay, with its pale yellow hue, offers refreshing aromas of cut grass, fresh linen, and lemon zest, marrying subtle citrus notes with crisp green apple and juicy fruit. Aged in 20% new oak barrels, it boasts a delicate, lasting finish. The Pinot Noir features aromas of red cherry, chocolate, cherry cola, and clove, leading to structured flavors of blackberry, tobacco, black pepper, and blackcurrant, with a complex, enduring finish. Whether enjoyed now or aged, it authentically reflects the vineyard's terroir.

What better way to celebrate this spooky season than by raising a glass in honor of National Vodka Day on October 4th! This year, we're inviting you to join us in commemorating this iconic spirit by taking a sip of Crystal Head Vodka and creating your very own mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Martini.

Get to Know Crystal Head Vodka

Crystal Head Vodka is all about creativity. The brand embodies the spirit of innovation and craftsmanship while making the purest, smoothest vodka available. Crystal Head uses only the finest ingredients to produce a range of ultra-premium vodkas that are completely additive-free.

Their offerings include Original, crafted from locally sourced Canadian corn, Aurora, made from English wheat, and Onyx, crafted from Blue Weber agave. Look at their iconic skull-shaped bottle, co-designed by Dan Aykroyd and John Alexander, and you'll understand that Crystal Head Vodka views the world differently. 

Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Martini

Now that we've explored the world of Crystal Head Vodka, let's celebrate National Vodka Day with a delightful and seasonal cocktail, the Pumpkin Spice Martini. This cocktail is perfect for sipping by the fire or enjoying with friends during a fall get-together. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

2 oz Crystal Head Vodka

1.5 oz RumChata

1 tbsp pumpkin puree

2 oz milk

Pumpkin pie spice

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine Crystal Head Vodka, RumChata, pumpkin puree, milk, and a little shake of pumpkin pie spice.
2. Shake well until all the ingredients are perfectly combined.
3. Strain the mixture into a martini glass.
4. Garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top.