What to Drink at Your Next Virtual Happy Hour
Photo credit: Leigh Lehman, who also happens to be the birthday girl I toasted today.
With virtual happy hours on the rise in the coronavirus age, you might be wondering what you should be drinking the next time you’re unwinding with friends, co-workers, or even strangers on Zoom. How about something to take the edge off?
If Your Boss is on the Line
It’s been a long week. Your boss suggests a virtual toast. Since it’s a work thing, might I suggest something with a lower abv? I had the opportunity to try Haus, an aperitif made in Sonoma County, California, at the launch party for the Pineapple Collaborative equally chic and delicious women-made pantry staples. With four flavors, including Ginger Yuzu—so fresh it launched last week—I can personally vouch for Bitter Clove and Citrus Flower. Delicious in a cocktail or served on its own, the founders’ philosophy is “more hangouts and less hangovers.” What’s not to like about that?
Send More Wine
I don’t know about you, but when I ask my friends how they’re doing these days, most simply say, “send more wine.” There’s never been a better time to join a wine club. Not only will you be supporting a local business, but it ships right to your door. My favorite winery is another Sonoma County creation—DaVero in Healdsburg.
Life at DaVero Winery
In a quarantine-free world, members get to hang out with their pigs and chickens and pick flowers and vegetables from the garden while savoring delicious Italian varietals.
Food & Wine reports that many restaurants and sommeliers are unloading their wine collections in an effort to stay afloat. So help the restaurant industry out while stocking up your personal wine cellar (or rack) with deeply discounted, divine wines. Here in California, three-Michelin-star Manresa has opened up its entire wine list for retail purchases.
If You’re California Sober
Back when it was still ok to leave the house, I attended a culinary cannabis event hosted by NextGen Chef, a San Francisco-based incubator for food entrepreneurs. Moderated by Vertosa CEO, Ben Larson, the event featured one of his infused beverage clients, Viv & Oak.
Trendy Ros
é with a THC Twist
I got to try this trendy rosé with a THC twist, poured by fabulous female founder, Alana Burstein. Alana, a self-proclaimed, California sober mother of three, explained that the beverage features a blend of California grapes that have been stripped of alcohol and infused with CBD and THC.
Your New Favorite Pink Drink
The delightfully effervescent beverage makes you bubbly in less than 15 minutes (liquids absorb faster than, uh, gummies) and has a slight grapefruit flavor. While it’s a far cry from regular rosé, it’s more than palatable and contains a fraction of the calories and sugar found in wine. And good news—there’s home delivery.
Don’t Be Hungover
Might I suggest a mocktail?
Ok, got it. But I do have a recipe you can try sans spirits if you’re feeling brave.
If You Need Immunity
I must confess, I’ve been streaming a lot of courtroom dramas recently, but that’s not the kind of immunity I’m talking about. We all need to boost our immune systems right now. If you’re like me, you’re stocking up on citrus because it’s in season and available in bulk. High in vitamin C, it mixes well with other immune-boosting ingredients like ginger, jalapeños, turmeric, and—oh yeah—booze.
I happen to be partial to Mezcal. So much so that I’ve journeyed to Oaxaca and brought home bottles of it distilled by small farmers (shown here doing clay pot distillation) with a little help from Alvin and Randall of Mezcal Educational Tours.
Make My Recipe
While I prefer mezcal, this recipe would also work with vodka or gin. I know I put a moratorium on mocktails, but you can skip the liquor entirely and still be sipping in style. Or conserve your ingredients and enjoy some mezcal neat. Just don’t forget the sal de gusano.
