Article by Nanette Wiser
SPORTS BARS
Take me out to the ball game, or better yet, to a bar where I can enjoy my Rays and a brewski. For a home game, Dr. BBQ and Ferg’s downtown are THE place to hang, but don’t forget Yard of Ale, Park & Rec, Thirsty First, The Crafty Squirrel, Urban Stillhouse and all the craft breweries. Miller’s Ale House, Whiskey Wings and Hooters offer lots of TVs and specials. Cheer for your team at Sea Dog Brewing Company in Treasure Island and Gulfport and Sea Hags in Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach and Seminole.
MARGARITA MADNESS
During the pandemic, we turned to comfort cocktails that are easy to make. Nothing says happy like a margarita, shaken, stirred or frozen in tropical flavors like strawberry, mango and peach. I just had a Desert Rose Milagro margarita at the Getaway, far superior to my humble concoctions. The popularity is not just local. During the last year, sales of tequila have grown 66.5 percent according to Nielsen data. Of all spirits on Drizly, tequila brands Casamigos and Don Julio have become the third and ninth selling brand.
At home, you can experiment with small batch tequilas and agave and new pre-mixes. If you love your Keurig, you will love Drinkworks’ boozy cocktail pods for at-home preparations. A big controversy is Cointreau or triple sec, similar to the gin vs. vodka in a martini debate. Made from sweet and bitter orange skins, I prefer Cointreau, stronger at 40%. I prefer silver and agave, but tequila choice is very, very personal. Fresh lime is a must and a good simple syrup.
Cinco de Mayo is coming up, so you owe it to yourself to tipple a margarita in preparation at our local bars. Red Mesa Cantina is my fave for sublime margaritas, especially their strawberry mint and cucumber margarita. Their Hot Carlos features Hornitos Reposado, fresh muddled jalapeno, lime juice, agave nectar and a chili salt rim. VIP Mexican (with a second location in Indian Rocks Beach) whips up outstanding and very strong margies.
Since Mother’s Day is coming up, why not make these pink margaritas in honor of Mom? You can make a mix of Kosher Salt and flavored sugar for the rim, to let her know you’ve been naughty, but now you’re nice.
Pink Lemonade Margarita
- 1 can frozen pink lemonade
- 3 cans water (use lemonade can)
- 1 can tequlia
- 1/2 can Grand Marnier
Pour everything into a pitcher and stir well. Chill for one hour. Salt the glass rim and garnish with a lime wedge.
Pink Grapefruit Margarita
- 1 cup ruby red grapefruit juice
- ½ cup fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 cup Triple Sec
- 2 cups ice
- 1 cup white tequila
Combine the grapefruit juice, lime juice, orange liqueur, and ice in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into a large pitcher and stir in the tequila. Salt the glass rim and garnish with a lime wedge.