Thirsty Thursday: Drink Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 
The month of October affords us an opportunity to focus increased attention on the challenge of breast cancer and finding a cure.  So, in honor of all those who are battling this insidious illness now, those who have survived and those who lost their battle, and finally, those who will be diagnosed in the future, we’re devoting this Thirsty Thursday to drinking pink. 

• Rosé wine – Don’t feel like you have to drink white zinfandel (not that there’s anything wrong with that) to drink pink.  Today’s rosé wines are not the saccharinely  sweet versions of years past.   For great dry and fruity taste, usually at inexpensive prices, try a Spanish rose (rosado) made from the Grenache grape.  

Barb also swears by La Ferme Julien, a rose from Rhone Valley Vineyards available at Trader Joes for a very modest price.

• Pink Tickle – I first had this tasty cocktail at Table Three, a restaurant in West St. Louis County.  Just mix 2/3 champagne with 1/3 X-Rated Fusion Liquor and you’ve got a fabulously pink and tasty concoction!  
• Pink Squirrel – Flash back to our parents’ cocktail generation!  The pink squirrel is a frozen cocktail made of equal parts of Crème de Noyaux, Crème de Cacao, and half and half.  Blend with ice and serve.  Yum!
• Cosmopolitan – While not technically true pink, we think this one is close enough and it tastes good.

Thirsty Thursday: Fall is Here, Bring on the Pumpkin Beer!

courtesy of Zach Fowle

 

For most of us, October brings a cool breeze, leaves changing, and thoughts of Oktoberfest gatherings and Halloween. For me? Pumpkin Beer.

I started drinking pumpkin beer back in September in my attempt to feel "fallish" as it's rather challenging to feel that way here in Phoenix when it's still 103 degrees. 

Back when I was in St. Louis last month I tried Schlafly Pumpkin Ale.

According to their website, "pounds of pumpkin form a malty foundation that supports the fall flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove." It was a pretty tasty brew and I was sad to have to leave four of the six bottles in Sharon's refrigerator when I left. 

I came back to Phoenix and bought a six-pack of Uinta Punk'n. Tasty and refreshing, but VERY light on pumpkin flavor. 

Next up...headed to Four Peaks Brewery later this week to get some of their infamous Pumpkin Porter. 

For more suggestions on pumpkin beers from around the country, visit Chow Bella's Guide to Pumpkin Beer 2012.