Chocolate Cafe Archives - Page 16 of 29

Columbia’s Peak Drift Brewing starts production on drinks

Posted on17/03/202307/12/2022Author

A large-scale brewery project in north Columbia has up production and running on some of its drinks.

Peak Drift Brewing Company, which is developing a multi-faceted production brewery and entertainment facility at 3452 North Main St. in Columbia, has launched its inaugural run of beer and hard seltzers, which will start popping up in select Midlands bars, restaurants and stores as soon as this week.

“Peak Drift is committed to celebrating everything that makes the Southeast special — the mountains, the oceans, the rivers, and most of all, the people,” Peak Drift co-owner Sara Middleton Styles said in a release. “Through our innovative production facility, award-winning products and new brewery coming to the North Main area, we are dedicated to industrial collaboration and strengthening our local communities.”

The Peak Drift Brewing project is a nearly $50 million deal that is still under development on North Main. The building at 3452 North Main was originally built in the 1940s and was operated for years by Stone Manufacturing. It was a garment factory for decades. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

Aside from the now up and running production side, the Peak Drift site on North Main will also eventually include restaurant space with indoor and outdoor dining options, a members-only gym, an entertainment stage, a duckpin bowling alley, a merchandise shop and much more. The larger complex is expected to open in 2023.

There are a number of launch events for Peak Drift drinks at local bars scheduled for this week. Those include events at 5 pm Dec. 6 at WECO Bottle and Biergarten, 5 pm Dec. 8 at Craft and Draft Irmo, 5 pm Dec. 8 at Green’s Beverage Warehouse on Fernandina Road, and 6 pm Dec. 9 at The Grand on Main. For a full list of launch events, visit www.peakdriftbrewing.com/events.

Some of the Peak Drift drinks debuted in area restaurants and stores, per a release, including NEIPA, Golden Ale, a rotating series of Red IPAs, Berry Crumble Fruited Sour Ale and a rotating series of Fire Pit Dark Ales. A number of hard seltzers are also part of the initial run.

Peak Drift is being developed by siblings Greg Middleton and Sara Middleton Styles, whose family has been a key player in the Columbia hospitality scene in recent years, particularly in the area of the 1600 block of Main Street, where the family owns the tony Smoked restaurant and Grand on Main restaurant and bowling alley. The family also runs The Venue dueling piano bar, which this month has been transformed into a Christmas pop-up bar for the holiday season.

Ashley Kinart-Short is the master brewer at Peak Drift, and is one of the few female head brewmasters in the nation.

“Between the support and collaboration from others in the industry, as well as the cutting-edge technology, this has truly been a special project. We can’t wait for the public to enjoy the great products we’ve been brewing,” said Kinart-Short.

Peak Drift keg — Peak Drift Brewing Company, at 3452 North Main St. in Columbia, recently launched production on its inaugural offerings of beer and hard seltzer. The overall Peak Drift project is still under development. Photo provided.

Peak Drift production — Production of the drink is up and running at Peak Drift Brewing Company on North Main Street in Columbia, with some beers and hard seltzers hitting shelves this week. Provided photo by Lynn Luc

Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 18 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of numerous South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, election coverage, social media and more.

The Type of Smoothie You Should Drink, Based on Your Zodiac Sign

Posted on15/03/202307/12/2022Author

Looking for a little morning pick-me-up that you can take on the go? Whether you wake up early or hit snooze a few times, nothing beats a delicious, healthy smoothie to start your day off on the right foot. But unlike more simple things like eggs or toast, there are seemingly endless smoothie combinations, including everything from fruits and veggies to healthy add-ins like chia seeds and protein powder. That’s why we consulted Best Life’s resident astrologer to find out what type of smoothie each zodiac sign should drink. Keep reading to see if you’ll be more green matcha or strawberry banana.

READ THIS NEXT: The Fruit You Should Eat, Based on Your Zodiac Sign.

Lauren Ash is a celebrity astrologer and lifestyle writer. She writes weekly columns for Best Life and Glam, and hosts the weekly astrology and pop culture podcast Birth Chart Pls. Follow Lauren on Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to her blog for monthly horoscopes.

Aries: Ginger Orange Smoothie

Rise and shine! As the first sign of the zodiac, Aries is the bright-eyed, adventurous go-getter. You have a cool confidence and competitive spirit, so you give everything your very best effort—which is why you need a smoothie that matches your level of intensity and passion.

Starting your morning (which will undoubtedly occur before the sun rises) with a drink made of fresh-squeezed orange juice and zingy ginger will have you wide awake and ready to conquer the day. This bright and spicy blend also helps boost your immune system, so you won’t miss a beat.

Taurus: Banana Oat Smoothie

Grounded and practical, Taurus likes to keep things simple. Sure, you enjoy life’s little luxuries, but you’re more concerned with the big picture and getting things done. You’re not looking to make your morning more stressful with a complicated breakfast, so a simple smoothie is perfect for you.

With just three ingredients—banana, oats, and milk of your choice—this recipe will have you out the door in no time. But, for those days when you need a little something extra, you can add fun extras like cinnamon, honey or peanut butter.

READ THIS NEXT: The Breakfast You Should Order, Based on Your Zodiac Sign.

Gemini: Mocha Protein Smoothie

You’re not a morning person, Gemini, but you do get a second wind that keeps you going all night. As the social butterfly of the zodiac, it’s easy for you to lose track of time while you’re out making new friends. So, your ideal smoothie is easy to throw together when you finally roll out of bed.

This rich breakfast does double duty after a long night—the coffee and cocoa will perk you up, while the protein powder, almond butter, chia seeds, and banana will keep you full and supply you with the antioxidants needed to do it all over again .

Cancer: Piña Colada Smoothie

Though Cancers are known for being sensitive and sweet, you don’t always wake up on the right side of the bed. You have a crabby side that shows up if you haven’t had enough sleep (or food), so you need to prioritize self-care as part of your morning routine.

And what better way to give yourself a little vacation from the day-to-day than with a piña colada smoothie? This refreshing combination of pineapple, coconut milk and banana comes together for a creamy treat that feels like a tropical island getaway (without ever booking a flight).

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Leo: Chocolate-Peanut Butter-Banana Smoothie

Leos like to make a statement, which also means you hate the idea of being boring. This applies to everything from where you shop to what you eat. Since you enjoy putting on a performance more than anything, you’re likely to skip the fruits and veggies and choose a smoothie packed with bold, rich flavors instead.

To achieve this show-stopping recipe, blend creamy peanut butter, cacao powder, banana and almond milk. For an encore, add dates, maple syrup, or even some dark chocolate pieces. It’ll feel more like dessert than breakfast.

Virgo: Green Matcha Smoothie

As the perfectionist of the zodiac, your morning routine is sacred. You like to spend the first few hours of the day doing something productive, so you don’t have time to waste on anything that isn’t already on your to-do list. Ideally, you’d prepare your breakfast the night before.

A delicious and nutritious matcha smoothie can be assembled ahead of time, so all you have to do is blend it in the morning. Matcha is packed with antioxidants and has a healthy level of caffeine. Plus, it tastes great with any leafy greens you might throw in for an added health boost.

READ THIS NEXT: The Salad You Should Order, Based on Your

Miracle, Sippin’ Santa and more

Posted on12/03/202307/12/2022Author

The holidays are officially here and what better way to make your spirits bright than by sipping festive beverages at a themed pop-up bar?

In recent years, a growing number of bars have gone the way of Clark Griswold, decking the halls with an almost unfathomable number of holiday lights, endless strands of garland and ornaments that glitter. All the while the bartender shakes and stirs up a plethora of seasonal beverages — both hot and cold — for revelers looking to indulge on holiday cheer.

There are now so many in and around Denver, we broke this year’s down by theme. Here’s where to drink and be merry, whether you’re looking for classic Christmas vibes, a winter getaway or a holiday haunting that would give Scrooge nightmares.

Quintessentially Christmas

miracle, perhaps the best-known holiday pop-up bar, returns to Colorado this season with five locations along the Front Range. Staff at the Terminal Bar at Union Station (1701 Wynkoop St., Denver), The Eddy Taproom & Hotel (1640 8th St., Golden), Rouge Wine Bar & Patio (7939 E Arapahoe Rd., Suite 190, Greenwood Village), Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill (451 S St. Vrain Ave., Estes Park), and /pôr/ Wine House (701 Main St., Louisville) have decked the halls and stocked the bar for all your holiday needs. In addition to buying festive libations, like the Christmas policy and Snowball Old-Fashioned, guests can purchase thematic glassware they come in. Trust us, these shot-sized Santa mugs are the gifts that keep on giving.

Dates vary by location. Reservations required. Find more information at miaclepopup.com/locations.

Sleigh Bar pops up at Denver's Mile Post Zero through Dec. 31, serving cocktails like The Gin-gle Bells, a festive blend of Beefeater gin, cranberry syrup, lemon, cava. (Provided by Sleigh Bar) — The Gin-gle Bells cocktail from Sleigh Bar features a festive blend of Beefeater gin, cranberry syrup, lemon, cava. (Provided by Sleigh Bar)

Forget coal. Denverites who make their way to The Naughty List (2400 W. 32nd Ave., Denver) this year are treated to festive cocktails like flaming eggnog and other revelry designed to celebrate the problem (adult) children.

Open through Dec. 31. Find more information at naughtylistdenver.com.

McGregor Square is adding a festive twist to the phrase “slay all day” with the pop-up Sleigh Bar, which has transformed Milepost Zero (1601 19th St., Suite 150, Denver) into a holiday destination. In addition to clever cocktails like Gin-gle Bells and The Polar Espresso, this pop-up features regular events, including drag shows, karaoke, Christmas movie trivia and screenings, ice skating and more.

Open through Dec. 31. Find more information at milepostzero.com/sleigh-bar.

So sugary seasonal cocktails aren’t your thing? Head to Calls to Arms Brewing Co. (4526 Tennyson St., Denver), which is serving holiday cheer and pints of beer under the moniker Big Holiday Energy. Expect to find stockings hung by a faux fireplace, a Hanukkah display, and tinsel dripping from nearly every corner of the taproom as you participate in daily scavenger hunts, advent calendar contests and celebratory events, such as drag shows, a Krampus costume party and an ugly sweater night.

Open through Dec. 31. Find more at facebook.com/events/858760131825181.

For the month of December, Call to Arms Brewing Co. in Denver will be known as Big Holiday Energy, serving up holiday vibes to beer drinkers craving something other than cocktails. (Provided by Call to Arms Brewing Co.)

Tropical escapes

Leave the chill of winter at the door when you step inside Sippin’ Santa, the tropical-themed holiday pop-up taking over The Arvada Tavern (5707 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada). Drinks here, like the Kris Kringle Colada and Island of Misfit Toys, aiming to transport visitors to sun-kissed days on sandy shores without the need for a plane ticket. Guests can also buy the glassware at this Miracle spinoff, so save room in your luggage for souvenirs.

Open through Dec. 31. Reservations required. Find more information at arvadatavern.com/sippin-santa; make reservations at exploretock.com/arvadatavern.

Adrift tiki bar in Denver got a fresh layer of fake snow this winter for a holiday-themed pop-up it’s calling SNOWDRIFT. Expect seasonal cocktails, like flaming punch bowls and the Cranberry Thyme, a mix of cranberry, thyme, bourbon, amaretto, absinthe, ginger, and cinnamon. (Provided by Harrison Warters Photography)
Adrift tiki bar in Denver got a fresh layer of fake snow this winter for a holiday-themed pop-up it’s calling SNOWDRIFT. ‘Tis the season for seasonal cocktails, ugly sweater parties and holiday drag shows through Dec. 31. (Provided by Harrison Warters Photography)
The Cranberry Thyme cocktail from SNOWDRIFT is a seasonal mix of cranberry, thyme, bourbon, amaretto, absinthe, ginger, and cinnamon. (Provided by Harrison Warters Photography)

Adorned with fake snow and holiday lights, Adrift, one of Denver’s best tiki bars, celebrates the season as SNOWDRIFT. When it’s cold outside, SNOWDRIFT warms up patrons with bowls of flaming punch and other boozy beverages featuring seasonal ingredients like cranberry, thyme, and cinnamon. Stop by during special events, including ugly sweater contests and drag shows, for an extra shot of celebration.