Summer Sips Recommendations from Grape & Grain

The “Favorite” Question

I have a lot of people come into Grape & Grain and ask what my favorite wine or whisk(e)y is, which to me is like asking me who my favorite kid is. And spoiler alert for the rest of the article, even may favorite kid is different depending on the day, and I am certainly not going put that in writing 😉

Truth is, there are so many factors that goes into what I’m feeling in the moment – almost like music. A drink can match a mood, bring back a memory, or just feel right because of the weather, the food, or the people around you.

Drinks have a soundtrack

There are some songs, and yes, some beverages, that takes me back to a memory. Some are easy and familiar. Some are tied to a memory. Some only make sense in a very specific season of life, and some surprise you by becoming a favorite when you least expect it.

Every chance I have Pat Nat, I think of the first time I had it – with Chris Gaither, one of my favorite Master Somm’s I’ve had the privilege of meeting. The smell of “Ninja Rita” margaritas (named by Josh because they sneak up on you) takes me to a summer day hanging out on the back porch while watching my kids play in the yard. Probably my oldest favorite would be a vodka cranberry with a splash of peach schnapps… it was even my signature drink at my wedding (Josh’s was a Jack and Coke if you were wondering).

So on any given day, my favorite summer sip is going to be different. When asked, my most honest answer would be: it depends. Factors like weather, my mood, company I’m with, food – all of these impact what I’m wanting to partake in.

But since I get this question so often, I will attempt to generalize some of my general favorites.

My Summer Sip Shortlist

Rosé on the rocks. Call the drink police – ice in wine!! But honestly, there is nothing wrong on a delicious bright strawberry forward crispy cold drink when it’s hot outside. Not every glass needs to be serious, enjoy what tastes good to you. Some rules are less important than enjoyment.

Fruited ales and lagers – something I have really been exploring the past few months. And there are so many options: apricot, blood orange or grapefruit? Yes please! Did someone say Radler? I’m in. To me, these taste like playing in the sunshine. My favorites are light and refreshing while still being interesting. And they just happen to be ridiculously easy to sip.

Rye Whiskey. This favorite is an evolution of my tastes over the years… and by sipping everything Josh ever orders (Wifey perk)! Not traditionally a summer-ish drink, but on a summer evening by a fire, an Old Fashioned made with rye and an extra cherry will have do a happy dance.

And because not every day is bright and breezy my ultimate indulgence on a hard day would be a glass (or two) of red wine while hanging out with my hubby and sending him funny reels instead of what I said I would watch.

Your Favorites are allowed to change

I’m not expecting y’all to change your familiar favorites. But I do want you to know that your favorites are allowed to change. Summer is a great time to try something new and outside your comfort zone. The next time you’re out and about, ask for something crisp, or fruity, or smokey, or refreshing, or my personal favorite, “whatever you recommend”.
Find your new favorite with one curious sip at a time.

I hope you try something new. Order something different. If you looking for a low-pressure way to explore, don’t forget that we do super casual, free, tastings in the store every week. We even do our best to let you know what it’ll be ahead of time on our Facebook or Instagram page. Trying something new is exactly what our tastings are for.

Cheers,
Cassandra

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