Canada Day celebrates Canada's independence from Britain on July 1, 1867. Prior to 1867, Canada was a British North American Colony composed of present-day Ontario and Quebec. Consider: a Canadian-themed cocktail (think maple syrup infusions) or a throwback showing of the 1983 movie Strange Brew? Photo by Andre Furtado from Pexels

Anisette, or Anis, is an anise-flavored liqueur that is consumed in most Mediterranean countries. It is colorless, and because it contains sugar, is sweeter than dry anise flavored spirits (e.g. absinthe). Food Pairing: anisette cocktails or anise-flavored beverages pair well with goat’s cheese, seafood, lamb and oysters. Photo available from Keralashopy.com

#BeerRunDay | First observed in 2019 by the Brewers Association, Beer Run Day is meant to show support for all independent craft breweries by promoting beer purchase the day before Independence Day. Promotions: breweries should consider to-go specials and social promotion leading up to Beer Run Day. Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence of the United States, on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared that the thirteen American colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states. Consider: […]

When Sylvester Graham first invented the slightly sweetened cracker, he intended it as a health food. In the early 1800s, the Presbyterian minister developed the cracker as part of his “Graham Diet” program. They were made from whole wheat graham flour with added bran and wheat germs. He believed his snack would curb sinful cravings. […]

Sparkling wine is one with significant levels of carbon dioxide in it, making it fizzy. While the phrase commonly refers to champagne, EU countries legally reserve that term for products exclusively produced in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wine is usually either white or rosé, but there are examples of red sparkling wines such […]

#WorldChocolateDay | Not surprisingly, probably the best way to celebrate World Chocolate Day is a themed dessert-beverage pairing, like flourless chocolate cake with a Cigar Malt Scotch.

A dive bar is a disreputable bar or pub where local residents gather to drink and socialize. In an article in its August 2010 issue, Playboy magazine described a dive bar as “a church for down-and-outers and those who romanticize them, a rare place where high and low rub elbows—bums and poets, thieves and slumming […]

The piña colada is a sweet cocktail made with rum, cream of coconut or coconut milk, and pineapple juice, usually served either blended or shaken with ice. It may be garnished with either a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or both. Flavors: the piña colada flavor can be found in many beverages outside the traditional cocktail. […]

Rainier Cherry Day recognizes the cherry variety named after Mount Rainier. In 1952, Harry Fogle of Washington State University developed the Rainier cherry by cross-breeding the Bing and Van cherry varieties. The sweet Rainier cherries have a thin skin and a thin creamy-yellow flesh. Flavors: cherry flavor is quite common in alcoholic beverages.

Mojito is a traditional Cuban highball. Traditionally, a mojito is a cocktail that consists of five ingredients: white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. Its combination of sweetness, citrus, and herbaceous mint flavors is intended to complement the rum, and has made the mojito a popular summer drink. Did you know: there are […]

Rum is a liquor made by fermenting then distilling sugarcane molasses or sugarcane juice. The distillate, a clear liquid, is usually aged in oak barrels. Most rums are produced in Caribbean and American countries, but also in other sugar producing countries, such as the Philippines and India. Promotions: Rum has a wild history worth sharing […]

A Michelada is a cerveza preparada made with beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, tomato juice, and chile peppers. It is served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass. There are numerous variations of this beverage throughout Mexico. Consider: if your tasting room serves food on-site and you have a license that allows for brunch service, thematic, […]

Grand Marnier is a French brand of liqueurs. The brand's best-known product is Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, an orange-flavored liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of Cognac brandy, distilled essence of bitter orange, and sugar. Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge is 40% alcohol. Pairing: Grand Marnier has been the […]

Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France. The French National Day is the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people […]

Gummy worms are small, fruit gum candies, roughly 1-2 inches long and shaped in the form of a worm. Consider: your beer, wine or whiskey may pair perfectly with gummy flavors…perhaps a gummy worm pairing promotion as a surprise-and-delight for guests? Talked up on social with exaggerated/staged pairing photos? Could be fun…or not?