Gettin’ Fruity
Ah, summer fruits. There are few things more representative of summer than fresh local produce. However, you know what goes great with fruit? Alcohol.
Sure you can create your own fruity concoctions, but if you’re lazy (me), or not a gifted mixologist, here is a great solution. Rancho La Gloria’s Agave Wine Cocktail.
I was actually served this last summer at one of my favorite hangouts (TRiO: Wine, Beer, Cheese, in Kitty Hawk, NC) but didn’t discover what it was until it appeared at our local specialty wine store. Pre-chilled or over ice, this ready to drink agave wine comes in lime, strawberry and mango. Refreshing and tangy, I’ve been sticking with lime this summer as I haven’t been able to get my hands on a bottle of the mango. Also one of my drinking buddies is allergic to strawberries so we try very hard every summer not to kill her.
The flavor is pretty strong and may be sour to some with a more sensitive palate. It is still great diluted with water (still or sparkling) or a citrus soda. Rancho La Gloria is available at wine and grocery stores throughout the US.
Getin’ Spicy
I discovered Journey To Thailand Thai Peanut Sauce in my local Aldi grocery store and now I absolutely crave it. There are other Journey To… sauces, but most contain onions which I’m allergic to. Obviously if you’re allergic to nuts, do not eat this sauce.
It’s actually spicier than what I would usually go for. About half way through the meal my head starts to feel like it’s on fire.
Totally worth it! Bonus, it’s a delicious way to clear your sinuses if you have seasonal allergies. Cayenne pepper gives this sauce its fire and goes surprisingly well with the peanuts. It’s great on chicken, asian noodles, other pastas and even veggies.
It’s “Hard” to Refuse Dessert
Hardscoop Distillery, located in Charleston, SC, makes premium ice cream combined with grain neutral spirits to make a dessert for adults only. This 21+ ice cream is 16 proof and comes in a variety of flavors. I attended a tasting where I tried vanilla, chocolate, coffee and their non dairy, gluten free, peach sorbet. They make seasonal limited addition flavors as well, like pumpkin spice, eggnog and chocolate peppermint. Flavor news and recipes are posted on their blog. The alcohol flavor definitely comes through but doesn’t overpower the ice cream. It’s a nice little kick to the taste. One serving is like drinking a glass of wine in terms of alcohol content.
The company is fairly young and currently only has distribution in North and South Carolina. Keep an eye out if you are in a neighboring state and maybe one day soon you’ll be lucky enough to spot this freezer in your local wine or grocery store.
It’s actually amazing it’s come to my small town where the evils of liquor and rock music are still sternly warned against. Oh look, it’s my neighbors.
Well there you have it, my three part taste extravaganza.
