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happy hour

22 Kansas Breweries & Taprooms Worth Visiting

January 5, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

In Kansas, there is no shortage of breweries to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a taproom to relax with a craft beer in hand or searching for a brewery serving a delicious meal, let my round-up list of breweries serve as a guide.

TALL TRELLIS BREW CO. – OLATHE

Tall Trellis Brew Co. (25600 W. Valley Parkway) is a welcoming and beautifully designed space. The family-run business originated as a hop farm and has since grown into a brewery that also features a coffee shop, event location, and lunch or dinner destination. The owners, who are brothers-in-law, did an incredible job creating both an indoor and outdoor patio space with you can sit back and be yourself, plus dogs are allowed on the patio.

Indoors, white tiling and wood textures contrast with green accents. A photograph of their hop farm guides the eye down a hallway. Nearby, an event space is separated by an interior glass door. The vibes are unpretentious and comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you just want to hang out all afternoon.

Tall Trellis Brew Co.The brewery quickly expanded from one barrel to five barrels since its opening in Spring of 2022. Although they don’t off traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale. Each one tasted true to character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.

Beer FlightThey invite breweries who use their hops to join the tap wall. Patrons can choose from guest taps from makers like Fields and Ivy Brewery, Free State Brewing Company, and Kansas Territory Brewing Company. Non-beer drinkers will appreciate their selection of wine and coffee bar selections.

RED CROW BREWING COMPANY – OLATHE

Red Crow Brewing Company (1062 W. Santa Fe) is not just another Kansas brewery. The beer is just as pleasantly unique as the names they give it. Each beer is given a woman’s name chosen by the owners, a husband and wife duo. I created a beer flight of five 2 oz pours with names like Eleanor, Isabelle, and Sybil. I appreciated a Kansas Bock, Hattie, for its balanced taste and mouthfeel. 

Red Crow BreweryI was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game. Couples chatted over beer and dinner entrees from the on-site food truck, Casual Foodie.

Although I arrived a few minutes late for Happy Hour (3 pm-6 pm), it did not bother me. The drink and food menu prices were on par with what you’d pay at any brewery. Casual Foodie’s two-page menu included meal choices for every kind of eater. I ordered a soft taco trio with pork bulgogi, jerk chicken, and sweet potato. 

WILCOTT BREWING COMPANY & TAPROOM – HOLTON

I entered Willcott Brewing Company & Taproom (219 W. 4th St.) with my pizza box in hand. I ordered a $10 beer flight with four craft beers to quench my thirst.

Like most home brewers, owner Sean Willcott’s passion for making craft beer grew. After three years working at Anheuser-Busch, his family renovated an aging building and opened the brewery and taproom. His beer and the taproom are stellar examples of his hard work.

Willcott Brewing Company Five TVs adorn brick-exposed walls providing patrons with a view of the game no matter where they sit. Tables are inlayed with nostalgic board games. The hallway to the bathrooms is illuminated with dangling fixtures resembling hops.

So, how’s the beer? I’m happy to report that I loved them all. That’s rare. Willcott Brewing Company & Taproom’s brews are top-notch, and my favorite brew was 1874, a Red Turkey Whit. It perfectly complements my savory pizza, which I also wholeheartedly recommend.

15-24 BREW HOUSE – CLAY CENTER

15-24 Brew House is kicking out some of the area’s best beers. I ordered a four-pour beer flight to sample several brews. As a travel writer, I’ve drank quite a bit of craft beer, and I’m pleased to say that I enjoyed all Brew House’s selections. Peel Out, comparable to Blue Moon, lived up to the hype. The two-time National Grand Champ Belgian Wit was my favorite, followed by 1 Eye Open Tropical IPA.

Voted “Best Burgers in Clay County,” I wasn’t going to miss my opportunity to order the stacked and smothered Gouda Mac burger. The sandwich is a feast for the eyes. Gouda bites drip with chipotle aioli atop a burger with bacon. You won’t leave a single bite on the plate – so leave room for crispy waffle fries! Other menu options include steaks, pizzas, salads, and appetizers.

15-24 Brew House I was fortunate enough to get a private tour of the backroom brewing facility by Brew Master & General Manager Clint Armstrong. A few questions in, and I realized that Clint was the real deal. He cut his teeth on beer brewing like most beginners and then sought the mentorship of the pros while living in Colorado.

Brewery Fast forward years later, Clay Center is lucky to have him cranking out award-winning craft beer that easily rivals some of the best Kansas beer on the market. As we entered the tank room, he said, “Welcome to my happy place.” We’re all smiling now.

LADYBIRD BREWING COMPANY – WINFIELD

I discovered a new stop on the Kansas craft beer trail at Ladybird Brewing Company (523 Main St). Located in a converted gas station, the brewery serves a rotation of ales typically featuring regionally sourced ingredients.

People drive from out of town to visit the brewery open on Fridays and Saturdays. The shaded patio and indoor seating areas were filled with craft beer drinkers. Inside, you can select from 6-8 beers on tap. The patio is a party space. Look for the cornhole boards to enjoy a friendly game while you sip on suds.

Ladybird Brewing CompanyI couldn’t decide which beer I wanted, so I created a flight of 3 oz pours. Cool Mom Pomegranate Saison was a winner. But if I’m honest, I enjoyed all of the beer in the flight. The brewery doesn’t serve food, but snacks were available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.

RADIUS BREWING COMPANY – EMPORIA

Local. Unfiltered. This is how Radius Brewing Company (610 Merchant St.) describes itself, and it fits, considering the uber-friendly vibe and delicious menu. The full-service restaurant is open seven days a week, serving artisan-style menu items ranging from wood-fired pizza to sandwiches. How good is the beer? It’s award-winning.

Radius Brewing Company You can expect to find at least a half dozen craft beers on tap at any time. After ordering a flight (6, 5oz pours $12), I can attest to the quality of the selection. When it comes to craft beer, I typically like IPAs, but today, I fell hard for Chile Margarita Gose and Mojito Hard Seltzer. Each was uniquely flavored and refreshing.

After working up an appetite, I ordered the Chicken Bacon Avocado sandwich with a broccoli salad. Seated at the bar, 90s rock music played while I chatted off and on with the friendly bartenders. The food was freshly prepared by Chef Bays, and it showed in its flavor and presentation. Before leaving, I ordered a Meat Eater 12″ pizza and a side of homemade dill ranch for the road. It sounded too delicious to resist, and it met my expectations.

TRANSPORT BREWING COMPANY – SHAWNEE

Transport Brewery (1113 Johnson Dr.) was opened in 2019 after two friends decided they wanted to share a beer with the community they loved. Once they settled on the location, a historic building, they went to work renovating the space. A labor of love, they added a tasting room and designed a converted alleyway with couches for extra lounge space. It’s a cool space – ask about the hidden cellar.

Transport Brewing CompanyDuring my private tour, I learned that the owners always wanted to serve a variety of beers. Nearly a dozen taps line the wall behind the bar of flagship beers and collaborations with other breweries. I enjoyed a flight featuring five beers ranging in flavors and ABV strengths. Top Traveler, a New Zealand IPA, was awarded the best beer in the line-up.

One of the coolest things I noticed while sipping on suds at Transport Brewery was the chalkboard near the bar with tally marks scribbled on it. Each mark represented a beer bought for an active military service person or veteran. You can buy them a beer to be redeemed later.

SERVAES BREWING COMPANY – SHAWNEE

Pronounced like “service,” Servaes Brewing Company (109201 Johnson Dr.) attracts craft beer drinkers who hunt down non-traditional flavors like Purple Sweet Potato Pineapple, Like Butterflies Banana Cream Pie, or JOCO Loco Cucumber Lime Gose. They’re not afraid to push the envelope. Saevaes Brewing Company is the first Kansas brewery owned and operated by a female head brewer. They earned my respect for the process, unapologetic beer flavors, and inviting tasting room.

Tasting Room Individual tasters are $3, but a flight of tasters is the way to go. Most patrons seemed to agree, as nearly everyone had a board and a flight card at their table. A continuous rotation of beer keeps regulars coming back for more. Open Tuesday-Sunday, the brewery hosts pop-up shop events, trivia nights, and the like. Visit on Wednesday nights to build a mixed four-pack or to enjoy a $5 full pour during Music Bingo.

FREE STATE BREWING CO. – LAWRENCE

There is no better place on Mass Street in downtown Lawrence to enjoy a meal and a craft beer than Free State Brewing Co.(636 Massachusetts St). Kansas’ original craft brewery has been serving flagship beers, rotating seasonal selections, and limited selections for decades. I requested the John Brown Ale, but it wasn’t available during my visit. Instead, I happily settled for Free State Lager. I was happy to be back at Free State, a place I frequented on Monday $1-pint night during my college years.

Free State Brewing Co.Their menu has always included items made from fresh ingredients with flair. You won’t find standard pub grub at Free State. The menu options appeal to foodies who appreciate unique flavor combinations and the freshest ingredients. We enjoyed the Filipino Egg Rolls with Sesame Chile Soy Dipping Sauce as an appetizer. We shared the Nashville Chicken Mac, Free State Fish, and Chips for dinner. Both entrees exceeded our expectations.

Free State Brewing Co. Ad AstraI highly recommend stopping at Free State Brewing Co. for lunch or dinner during your visit to Lawrence. Although they are not hosting brewery tours, you can check their Facebook events page for upcoming trivia nights or festival celebrations. Locals and visitors alike love the brewery’s vibe. Limited patio seating allows patrons to watch Mass Street happenings with a beer in hand.

TALLGRASS TAP HOUSE – MANHATTAN

Tallgrass Tap House (320 Poyntz Ave.) is massive and draws a busy lunchtime crowd. They rotate the lineup of beers to accompany their flagship favorites. My flight came with four 5oz pours. I’d recommend trying a variety of styles but make sure to ask about their seasonals.

I appreciated Skeleton Crew and loved the sample of Tropical Golden Ale. Visit during Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3 pm-6 pm for discounts and enjoy $3 Tap House exclusives all day on Sundays. Sit on the rooftop deck during warm weather days for drinks with friends.

Beer Flight

MANHATTAN BREWING CO. – MANHATTAN

Stopping into Manhattan Brewery Co. (406 Poyntz Ave.) always promises a good time and a lot of beer drinking. There is just something about the friendly staff and the beers, which go down far too quickly that keeps me coming back.

Before my first beer was even finished, I was asked by Jake, the brewery’s sales and marketing guru, if I wanted to tour the facility. My beer education began in the brewing area and ended in the basement cooler. I tasted the grain. I perused the rows of kegs. I peered into the tanks. What did I learn? As much as the owners joke around, they take brewing and selling craft beer seriously. The quality shows.

Manhattan Brewing Company Keep your eyes peeled while visiting the brewery for tiny plastic dinosaurs. The mural on the back wall makes for a selfie backdrop. As I sat at the bar and finished a Bodacious Blackberry Milkshake IPA, I learned that one of the top-selling drinks behind the bar wasn’t even a beer. It’s their house-made sangria.

For the owners of Manhattan Brewing Co., running a business is more than about slinging suds. Customer service is a priority.

WALNUT RIVER BREWING COMPANY – EL DORADO

Brewing beer is an art form, and Walnut River Brewing Company (111 W. Locust) is skilled at its craft. They make beer you want to drink. It is located at 111 W. Locust Avenue, a hidden gem in south El Dorado. Their beer is approachable, and if you’re a craft beer fan, this microbrewery is worthy of a visit.

Founded by B.J. Hunt of Wichita and Rick Goehring of El Dorado, the microbrewery began with a passion for creating quality beer. What’s unique about the brewery’s early story is that the owners knew they were on to something unique that would require real hustle to get it off the ground. They stayed patient as they scaled their business. The end result is a successful brewery business that serves quality products.

Walnut River Brewing CompanyWhy open a brewery in El Dorado? The water! Brewing beer in El Dorado promised to be naturally better since the water in the area is of superior quality compared to nearby Wichita. Eventually, Walnut River Brewery Company expanded its initial physical space and added a tasting room and small kitchen. (Don’t forget to order lunch!) The brewery also operates a cannery allowing its beer to be accessible in liquor stores and area grocery stores.

Warbeard Irish Red remains one of their most requested flagship beers. I would also recommend the HighBeam IPA. Drinkers who prefer a lighter brew will appreciate the Falconer’s Wheat, and Teter Rock Kölsch. Also, they often collaborate with area breweries like Norton’s or Norseman, so you never know what new creations may be added to their lineup.

BLUE SKYE BREWERY & EATS – SALINA

We were excited to revisit Blue Skye Brewery & Eats (116 N. Sante Fe Ave.). The restaurant consistently offers tasty food, and its craft beers are second to none. They serve wood-fired pizza, burgers, salads, and sandwiches using fun combinations of ingredients. Our Mac Daddy pizza was prepared with garlic butter, Mac N Cheese, and Little Smokies, a shareable meal for two. Expect the unexpected from the kitchen. The pizzas are seriously good.

The family-owned restaurant is always bustling with locals and tourists enjoying the sports bar-like atmosphere. The in-house craft beers on tap include standards you would want to see, plus specialty beers like Hatch Green Chili Cream Ale or Watermelon Crawl.

Blue Skye Brewing & EatsDuring our visit, we quickly became friends with a brother-and-sister duo from the area. Whitty, fun, and super knowledgeable about Salina, we compared travel stories and talked about our love of craft beer. They told us about Blue Skye’s award-winning Bloody Mary bar and brunch menu. So, of course, we returned the following day to try it. The server brings you a glass of ice with a shot of vodka. Your task is to craft your own Bloody Mary recipe using a variety of tomato-based juices, hot sauces, and add-ins. As you can see in the photo below, we had a blast using the skewers to make a bouquet of tasty treats.

THREE RINGS BREWERY – MCPHERSON

You know you’re in the right place when you see the food truck chef delivering a hot pizza to customers seated inside a brewery. Three Rings Brewery (536 Old U.S. 81) is known for serving tasty craft beer and having a visiting food truck on-site. Stop by to enjoy a beer on the patio or belly up to the bar inside the taproom.

Three Rings BrewingDuring our visit, we swapped stories and learned more about the great people that make McPherson what it is while sipping on a Vertigo IPA and their latest recipe, Summer Breeze Lime Gosé. Already a fan of one of their flagship beers, Wanderlust, a Scottish Red, I had always wanted to visit the taproom. Just as we suspected, we left with a full growler and great memories of our time there. It’s easy to see why the brewery has a regular following of craft beer fans after five years of business. I recommend visiting Thursday-Saturday to experience it first-hand. View the taproom hours and food truck schedule here.

SANDHILLS BREWING – HUTCHINSON

Sandhills Brewing’s (111 W. 2nd St.) taproom is decorated with photos, murals, and references to Kansas birds — the beers are named after them! You can place your order online and pick it up or at the counter. The rotating tap list included in-house beers as well as guest taps. Hungry? They serve personal-size pizzas by LMNO Pizza, a pizzeria in Mount Hope.

The small microbrewery and tasting room are family-friendly, with some overflow seating in the adjacent private event room. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the building’s magnificent mural by Brady Scott, a Hutchinson artist.

Sandhills Brewing Company

SALT CITY BREWING – HUTCHINSON

Celebrating the history of Hutchinson’s salt mines, Salt City Brewing (514 N. Main) was founded in 2015. The brewery serves beer with “straightforward flavor” using quality ingredients. Visitors to the taproom can expect a spacious setting with numerous taps behind the bar. Four flagship beers, including amber, blonde, IPA, and stout, are available as a rotating seasonal beer selection.

The brewery is a great place to watch the game indoors or enjoy a beautiful Kansas weather day on the patio. Visit on Fridays to enjoy $1 off pints until 6 pm, and you won’t leave hungry. The food menu consists of hearty meals, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers.

Salt City Brewing

DROP THE BREWING COMPANY – PITTSBURG

Some breweries are only great a beer-making and fail at food. Drop the H Brewing Company (107 E. Rose St.) nails both. The one-of-a-kind brewery’s restaurant owners, Mark and Cathy, have provided Pittsburg with a go-to spot for delicious craft beer and pizza. Originally named after Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the town of Pittsburg, Kansas, dropped the H in the late 1800s.

Drop the H Brewing Company’s rotating taps, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizza keeps patrons craving more. The staff is willing to provide a few beer samples so you can try the likes of Dorada Pampeana or Rose Street Red Ale. Another plus? If you’re not a beer drinker, they usually have a cocktail drink extraordinary worth asking about.

Drop the H Brewing Company We sipped on Langdon’s Lager and the Belgian Wit during the lunch hour. With the kitchen in sight, it was time to order pizza. Our server told us that the most popular specialty pizza on the menu (they serve nine varieties) is the Drop The Piggy! The homemade crust and sauce were surprisingly good, reminiscent of the pies we dine on in New York. The large pizza was covered in Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and traditional bacon. Loving every bite and not wanting to leave a morsel behind, we asked for a to-go box.

GELLA’S DINER + LB BREWING CO. – HAYS

chose a seat at the bar so I could have a clear view of the brewers at work behind the glass wall. My bartender was friendly and happy to provide a few beer samples until I eventually decided on a pint of the unfiltered Grapefruit Radler. Undecided between two lunch options, she persuaded me to order a local’s favorite, a Smothered Bierock covered in creamy cheese sauce with a side of homemade chips. She also ensured my meal came with creamy bacon horseradish and sweet onion dip to eat with the chips. Lunch never tasted so good! And the beer? It was crisp and aromatic. I’d definitely order it again. Maybe a growler of it.

Gella's Diner I’d recommend stopping at Gella’s for lunch or dinner any time you’re in Hays. The restaurant is large enough that it can easily accommodate groups. Menu prices were reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. If you drink craft beer, you can expect 12 taps, with two rotating on a regular basis.

DEFIANCE BREWING COMPANY – HAYS

Defiance Brewing Co. opened its second location (111 W. 7th St.) in Hays in 2021. I’ve been a fan of their beer for a couple of years, so I stocked up my cooler before heading for home to Wichita one summer afternoon. My lunch, a large house salad with champagne vinaigrette, hit the spot as I was in need of something fresh and light. Radio hits from my college years blasted in the background, and I whispered the lyrics between bites.

Defiance Brewing Co.If you’re a craft beer fan, I suggest visiting their downtown location. They offer 12 beer selections and a quarter of the menu are IPAs. Rumor has it they are aging beer in barrels in the side room. Craving lunch or dinner? Ask for a menu that features wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.

THIRD PLACE BREWERY – WICHITA

Continue the craft beer tour by heading to another independently owned and operated business, Third Place Brewing (630 E Douglas Ave #150). A cozy space to gather with friends or make new ones, we appreciate that locals and tourists alike love the laid-back atmosphere. Although we’ve always enjoyed drinking a pint indoors, they also have an outdoor seating area east of the building where local bands often play.

The beer selection of Red Headed Stranger is popular among locals, but I’d encourage you to try one or more of their rotating taps. I appreciated drinking Danke Schön (Berliner Weisse) as well. Note: If you visit before July 21 and mention #CelebrateWichita150, you’ll get $2 off your second pint (per person).

Third Place Brewing Company

CENTRAL STANDARD BREWING – WICHITA

Central Standard Brewing (156 Greenwood) is known for its large outdoor patio (that often has a food truck parked nearby!) and its laid-back vibes. They serve flavorful, popular craft beer. My personal favorites include Girlfriend (wheat beer), Wizard of Hops (IPA), and Bling Blau (Sour).

The interior space is also pet‑friendly, and it’s common to see strangers becoming friends over conversations about their dogs. A stack of board games keeps the fun atmosphere feeling cozy and familiar.

Central Standard Brewing Co.During warm weather days, the brewing hosts events outdoors that spill over into Hyde Park across the street. Their anniversary block party in August features live music, food trucks, and games for the kids. You may enjoy patio vibes and jam to reggae music when you show up on Sundays.

HOPPING GNOME BREWING COMPANY – WICHITA

One of Wichita’s downtown driving establishments, Hopping Gnome Brewing Company (1710 E. Douglas) is where regular patrons arrive with ceramic mugs ready to drink craft beer. They’ve earned “gnomie” status, many of which belong to the Mug Club.  Like the folklore creatures who love to partake, gnomies are devoted fans of the brewery’s flagship beers and rotating taps. When the owners announced they were expanding the microbrewery to include a larger taproom, gnomies showed up in droves to the 7th Anniversary party to support the business. 

Hopping Gnome Brewing Co.You can expect a long tap beer list and rotating seasonal beers. HBIC Sour, Salty Gnome Nose, ICT IPA, and Earl of ESB are likely on the menu any given day. The brewery is known for collaborating with other breweries and community members to formulate one-off beer selections. Hungry? Order pizza at the neighboring pizzeria, and they will deliver it to you in the taproom.

This brewery list does not include all Kansas taprooms I’ve visited, but I consider it a resource of must-stop experiences. A fellow author, Michael J. Travis, wrote “Celebrating Kansas Breweries: People, Places & Stories,” an excellent guide to breweries across the Sunflower State. Each entry in the book explains the backstory of the brewery’s creation.

Kansas Breweries

Filed Under: Drinks, Kansas, Travel Tagged With: beer, brew, brewery, craft beer, dog-friendly, drinking, happy hour, hops, Kansas, Midwest, patio, road trip, taproom

5 Craft Beers You Need to Try

August 28, 2018 by Vanessa 2 Comments

I can’t say when it happened, but there’s not debating it now. I’ve clearly switched over from my former life as a red wine drinker to a true craft beer fan. Cheers to that!

According to the Brewer’s Association, there were over 6,300 craft breweries in the United States as of 2017. The largest segment of growth in that count came from the opening of new brewpubs starting in 2012, a number that has exponentially grown since the report. So, it’s no surprise that my love of the suds is also growing exponentially!

A fan of unfiltered and fruit-forward brews, I’ve narrowed down my list to five must-have beers. I don’t like hoppy beers so you won’t find those on my list. However, my go-to selection includes a few shining stars you should be sipping on! Without further a do, I give you 5 Craft Beers You Need to Try!

  1. Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat 4.4% – Described as an “ale with natural citrusy flavor,” it’s Kansas City’s Boulevard Brewing Company’s best selling beer for its drinkability. Why do I love it? It’s smooth, full of flavor, and drinks like a slightly  sweetened ballpark light beer. I’ve yet to find a type of food that I can’t drink it with OR a friend who doesn’t want to drink one with me. If you have the opportunity to visit the brewery, I highly recommend making a reservation for a tour of the facility. Having visited on my birthday a few years back, I have fond memories of toasting to another great year in their tasting room!

    Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat
  2. Free State Brewery’s Guavatas Sour 4.65% – A graduate of the University of Kansas, I spent Mondays at Free State Brewery drinking ales shoulder-to-shoulder with townies and college students alike on $1 Pint Night. The “sour” craze wasn’t popular back in the day (boy did I just sound old!) so I drank their Wheat State Golden or Ad Astra Ale. Today, I’m a big fan of sours so I can’t recommend their small batch Guavatas Sour enough! Don’t be alarmed to see pulpy bits of guava in your glass after the pour – that’s normal! Why do I love it? It’s tropical notes beckon thoughts of summer and it’s mild tartness finishes nicely. The brewery’s slogan “Because Without Beer Things Don’t Seem To Go As Well” basically sums up my college experience and I’m still drinking their beer two decades later. That says something about their beer’s consistency and quality.
    Free State Guavatas Sour

    3. Uinta Crisp Apple Ale 4.0% – Clearly I’m a fan of beers with fruity notes. I grabbed a six back of Uinta’s Crisp Apple Ale on a whim and I’ve purchased it many times since then. The Uinta Brewery, located in Salt Lake City, was founded by a guy who transitioned from a home brewer to a professional set-up in a leased mechanic’s garage. They brew all types of craft beer, but I’m partial to their brews featuring fruit including grapefruit, mango, and apple. Why do I love it? It’s a light beer with a slight apple after-taste, which is always refreshing on the palette. Craving apple pie, now?

    Uinta Apple Ale

    4. Boulevard Jam Band Berry Ale 5.9% – Unlike any beer I’ve ever tasted, Boulevard’s Jam Band Berry Ale is like a dessert in a glass. This ale’s bold taste includes blueberries, raspberries, and tart cherries. I assumed this beer would be one Boulevard would make only for awhile due to the cost of using loads of fruit. I assumed it would be one of those one-offs that wouldn’t stay on liquor store shelves. I’m glad they proved me wrong. Lucky us! If you don’t like sweet beers or ciders, steer clear of this one. Why do I love it? Loaded with berry and citrus flavor, this beer balances malt with real fruit flavor. It’s my jam! 5. Roadie Grapefruit Radler 4.2% – So I need to apologize. This beer isn’t one that you can try today because it is a seasonal that is only available April-August, but it is worth the wait! Brewed in 5 gallon barrels to be heavy in citrus flavor using grapefruit puree, it’s an tangy, crisp beer perfect for drinking on a hot summer day. Why do I love it? I love all things grapefruit. Denver’s Great Divide Brewing Company’s seasonal beer is one of my must-haves. It even smells good (ha!). Although it has a tart finish, you can drink more than one in a drinking session.

    It’s not easy to narrow my list to five craft beers, but this compilation represents my current faves. I might just have to write another post for my go-to seasonal picks this fall! What are you drinking right now? I’m eager to hear which craft beer you think I should try next – remember I like ales and sours more than any other kind! Leave your recommendation in the comments section below.

 

 

Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks Tagged With: alcohol, ale, apple, apple ale, beer, berry, Boulevard Brewing Company, brew, brewery, citrus, craft beer, Denver, faves, fruit, grapefruit, Great Divide, guava, happy hour, Jam Band, Kansas, Kansas City, Lawrence, Roadie, Salt Lake City, sour, tart, Uinta, unfiltered wheat, Utah

Crisp Fall Day Cocktail

October 18, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Am I the only one who craves apples during the fall season?

Fuji, Pink Lady, and Gala are my go-to favs but there are so many more varieties that continue to be show stoppers in my fall recipes. If you know me at all, then you know I’m going to mix a delightful happy hour concoction like this Crisp Fall Day Cocktail made with delicious apple pie liqueur and chilled cider. Who’s ready to clang a glass with me and say “Cheers my dears?”

Okay, apple fans. This one is for you. Simply pour the liqueur, cider, and juice in a glass. Add ice and garnish with a straw and you’ve made yourself the easiest “it-must-be-fall-now” cocktail.

Fancy straws make happy hour that much…happier.

Not sure where to find apple pie liqueur? I’ve been to a couple of liquor stores and Dr. McGillicuddy’s and Travis Hasse’s each make an affordable liqueur to try in the occasional recipe around $9-$15. Partial to Louisburg Apple Cider since it’s located in my beautiful home state, Kansas, you could use any brand. (Shop local!) Finally, I add Old Orchard’s Black Cherry Cranberry Juice but if you can’t locate it, you could easily use any cranberry or cran-apple store-bought juice.

Has someone seen my flannel blanket?

If it’s not cocktail hour at your home right now, pin this recipe for later. You’ll thank me. Cheers my dears!

Craving more fall drink recipes? Try making my uber spooky cocktails for your upcoming boo bash or this Salted Caramel Apple Martini rimmed in dripping warm caramel!

*no affiliates mentioned in this post.

One Delightful Life

1 cocktail

Crisp Fall Day Cocktail

3 simple ingredients make for 1 amazing fall cocktail

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz. apple pie liqueur
  • 1/2 c. apple cider
  • 1/2 c. black cherry cranberry juice (or cranberry juice)
  • ice
  • apple slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pour liquid ingredients into a cocktail glass.
  2. Add ice.
  3. Stir with a straw.
  4. Garnish with apple slices.

Notes

Wanna to get really fancy? Rim the glass in apple juice and crushed graham crackers.

7.8.1.2
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https://onedelightfullife.com/crisp-fall-day-cocktail/
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Nutrition

Calories

356 cal

Fat

14 g

Carbs

54 g

Protein

4 g
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Filed Under: Cocktails, Taste Tagged With: adult beverage, apple, apple cider, apple pie, autumn, booze, caramel, cheers, cocktail, drink, fall cocktail, happy hour, ice, juice, Kansas, liqueur, Old Orchard, party drink, spooky

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

July 5, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Some of the best tasting recipes are simply made and cocktails are no different.

Made with Bacardi Limon Rum this boozy Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash cocktail uses fruit that is in season and doesn’t require you to make fresh lemonade. Simply add citrus flavored rum over ice, fill the glass 3/4 of the way full with store bought pink lemonade, top with lemon seltzer water, a squeeze of lemon wedge and stir. I prefer to cut the citrus sour flavor with a teaspoon of sugar or Splenda. Then, garnish with a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon and you’re on your way to happy hour!

Here’s the recipe rundown quick list:

  • 1 travel sized bottle of Bacardi Limon Rum
  • 1 small bottle of store bought pink lemonade
  • 1 can of lemon seltzer water
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp sugar or Splenda
  • ice
  • garnishes = sprig of mint, slice of lemon

Don’t forget to add a fancy Nancy straw. Now that’s one pretty drink. Pretty delightful that is…;-) Cheers!

If you’re not interested in adding alcohol and want to drink a poolside mocktail instead, simply add more lemonade or seltzer water in place of the rum.

Pink Lemonade Blueberry Splash

A big fan of seasonal blueberries? Try my take on a warm Vanilla Blueberry Sauce that goes great over lemon bars or ice cream. Still craving blueberries? Add them to fresh fruit to create a last minute picnic side Watermelon Blueberry Salad with Feta and Mint. 

Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks Tagged With: Barcardi, Barcardi Limon, Barcardi Rum, blue, blueberries, blueberry, booze, boozy, citrus, cocktail, drink, fresh fruit, fruit, garnish, happy hour, juice, lemon slice, lemon-lime, lemonade, mint, mocktail, pink, pink lemonade, poolside, rum, seasonal fruit, seltzer, sip, splash, summer, water, yellow

Cantaloupe Margaritas

May 4, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Read about the 7 health benefits of eating cantaloupe by clicking on the photo.

In honor of Cinco de Mayo and my love affair with margaritas, I created a refreshing cocktail recipe – Cantaloupe Margaritas! I was equally inspired to try a new version of the standard lime Mexican cocktail by using up a ripe cantaloupe that was sitting on my kitchen counter and some leftover silver tequila. You’re going to love this recipe!

Read about the 7 health benefits of eating cantaloupe by clicking on the photo.

This cocktail reminds me of the fresh cantaloupe smoothie that I ordered once at an authentic Mexican restaurant in our city. Imagine a backdrop of festive music, multi-colored decorations, and authentic food with a fresh drink to go with it. It was like a time warp right back to our fabulous visit to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. You can read my travel tips from that vacation here.

We’ve also spent time in Playa del Carmen, my favorite spot in Mexico thanks to the beautiful turquoise color of the water and soft sand beaches.

This cocktail, made by first blending fresh cantaloupe, is a slight variation on the traditional lime cocktail thanks to the added honey, lemonade, and refined sugar. The sweet additions counter balance the acidic citrus taste of the fresh squeezed lime juice  and lemonade to give the margarita an easy finish.

After blending the cantaloupe until very smooth, pour it into a cocktail shaker and add the tequila, lime juice, lemonade, honey, and sugar. Shake and stain into ice-filled glasses rimmed pre-rimmed with lime juice and kosher salt. If you want to garnish each glass with more cantaloupe, use a melon baller to form several circular pieces of melon and skewer them on a toothpick. I added fresh mint and a wedge of lime for added color. One look at your finished cocktail and you’ll quickly take a sip – it’s refreshing and delicious!

As you know, I love to celebrate a holiday or host a party. My Cantaloupe Margarita inspired by the Cinco de Mayo holiday is the essential cocktail to accompany sizzling fajitas or savory tacos. Let me know in the comments section how to make your favorite party cocktail. I’m always ready to try a new recipe! Cheers.

onedelighfullife.com

4 small cocktails

Serves 1.5 cups

Cantaloupe Margaritas

This new take on the traditional margarita is refreshing and will wow your party guests on Cinco de Mayo.

15 minPrep Time

15 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups blended cantaloupe
  • 1/2 cup silver tequila (I used Camarena Tequila)
  • 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 2 T lemonade
  • 1 T honey
  • 1 T sugar
  • cubed ice
  • Garnish:
  • 1 T kosher or maragarita salt
  • lime wedge
  • sprig of mint
  • 2 cantaloupe melon balls
  • 1 toothpick

Instructions

  1. Rim the cocktail glass with a lime wedge and then salt.
  2. Blend cantaloupe in your blender on puree setting until very smooth. This may take a couple minutes.
  3. Pour blended cantaloupe in a large cocktail shaker.
  4. Add tequila, lime juice, lemonade, honey, and sugar.
  5. Shake vigourously.
  6. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish.

Notes

Tip: Spray your measuring spoon with a little cooking spray before measuring the honey. The spray helps the honey pour from the spoon leaving very little extra on the spoon.

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Nutrition

Calories

76 cal

Carbs

19 g

Protein

1 g
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Filed Under: Cocktails, Drinks, Taste Tagged With: agave, Camarena, cantaloupe, Cinco de Mayo, citrus, cocktail, drink, fajitas, fresh squeezed, happy hour, herb, honey, juice, lemonade, lime, margarita, martini shaker, melon, melon baller, mexican, mint, party, salt, shaker, silver tequila, sugar, tacos, tequila

Home for Christmas Cocktail

December 24, 2016 by Vanessa 2 Comments

This is my first Christmas home with my family in six years.

I know, right?! It seemed appropriate that the cocktail I created for our holiday dessert be named Home for Christmas Cocktail. Usually I travel to upstate New York with my boyfriend to visit his family and then celebrate with my parents when I return just before the new year, but this time I don’t have vacation days.

Nonetheless, we’ve vowed to make this Christmas fabulous with our families and this drink makes it all the more delightful. I love that its cinnamon flavor comes from the Rumchata which mixes well with the deep, rich flavors from coffee. The creme brulee latte coffee creamer smoothes it out so well. It’s easy to prepare and just the late night (or early morning;-) cocktail Santa needs!

Don’t forget to set out a bit of Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark to savor after the cocktail is gone. Cheers and Merry Christmas!

(No affiliate links in this post.)

Smooth, velvety and with a touch of cinnamon, this cold coffee cocktail is ideal for parents who are up late on Christmas Eve.
Smooth, velvety and with a touch of cinnamon, this cold coffee cocktail is ideal for parents who are up late on Christmas Eve.

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One Delightful Life

1 cocktail

Serves 10 oz

Home for Christmas Cocktail

Santa will love this coffee flavored cocktail when he stops by your home this Christmas Eve!

5 minPrep Time

5 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz. Rumchata
  • 6 oz. cold coffee (I prefer 8 O'Clock)
  • 1.5 oz Kroger Creme Brulee Latte Coffee Creamer
  • ice

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail glass with ice.
  2. Pour in the first three ingredients.
  3. Stir gently.

Notes

You could opt for another coffee creamer flavor such as hazelnut, vanilla or peppermint mocha.

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Filed Under: Drinks, Taste Tagged With: chocolate, Christmas, Christmas Eve, cocktail, coffee, cold coffee, creme brulee, Ghirardelli, happy hour, holiday, holiday cheer, holiday party, home, latte, Rumchata, Santa

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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