The holidays can be a stressful time of year, so it’s no coincidence National Sangria Day, December 20, 2017, falls right in the middle of them. Forget shopping, forgetting complicated cooking recipes, forget awkward family functions. Put some relaxation back into your month with a little sangria. A little splash of history The name sangria comes from the word sangre, or blood, and refers to the drink’s often dark color. The first sangrias were likely dark wine, watered down with mixes of water, wine, herbs and spices. Since water was often unfit for consumption because of bacteria, the ancient Romans probably added anything they could to help kill off the germs and disguise the taste of mediocre table wine. Thus, sangria was born. Though Spain and Portugal can claim its origins, today sangria is enjoyed all over the world. Whether you drink it on a patio in the summer to cool off, or…
Why you shouldn’t drink champagne out of plastic cups
‘Tis the season for toasting with bubbly. Glasses of champagne get passed around this month so often that it can be tempting to use casual plastic cups when hosting less formal affairs. But in doing so you’re not only being less environmentally friendly, but you’re not getting the champagne’s full, glorious flavor. A new study on the popular holiday drink proves that its taste is, in fact, affected by the drinking vessel it’s served in. If you’re thinking that bottle of prosecco you cracked open before the office Christmas party didn’t taste as good out of the water cooler cup as it does at home out of your fancy champagne flutes, you would be correct. Plastic vessels such as Solo cups, water bottles, Tervis glasses, styrofoam or any other type of plasticware you may have on hand, will make the bubbles behave differently. The reason is that the bubbles stick to…
Starbucks holiday cups celebrate 20 years
It’s been 20 years since special Starbucks cups first began to grace our holiday season. It’s a ritual for many, that’s as beloved as trimming the tree or baking sugar cookies. The first Starbucks holiday cups made their debut in 1997, though it would be a miracle to find one today. Few were saved and the digital design files were lost in an earthquake in 2001. Even searching online poses few results, as the cups came before the ubiquitous time of selfies and cell phone cameras. One company designer, Sandy Nelson, having had the honor of designing the first cup, stashed away a full set of subsequent cups. “It was August, and I had just started with the company,” Nelson said. “We were working on holiday creative for the season to come. We had what felt like a hundred cup designs pinned up on the wall. Then Howard [Schultz] came by,…
Where to get free coffee on National Coffee Day
National Coffee Day falls on a Friday this year, which mean you can guzzle as much free caffeine as you want without having to worry about falling asleep anytime soon. Here is a list of coffee deals and freebies you can score to celebrate on Sept. 29, 2017. Some national chains are serving up BOGO, while others are offering freebies in exchange for app downloads. Still, a few more are offering free coffee to anyone who wants it: No gimmicks — bless their hearts. 7-Eleven 7-Eleven stores are celebrating by giving a free cup of coffee to 7Rewards members who show the bar code located in their 7Rewards smartphone app. Offer good one time between Friday, Sept. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 1. Cinnabon Get a free 12 oz. coffee on Friday. Dunkin’ Donuts DD is having a BOGO free medium hot coffee with purchase of medium or large hot coffee. Krispy Kreme From Friday,…
15 Festive fall cocktails to make with apple cider
Apple cider is everywhere this time of year, so why not pick up some extra and enjoy it in a cocktail? Apples easily pair well with just about any alcohol, so whatever your vice, there’s probably a festive fall version. Here are 15 fall apple cider cocktails you’ll have to try this season. Apple Cider Moscow Mule Here’s an adult way to enjoy that apple cider. Just add citron vodka, ginger beer, lime juice and a touch of cinnamon. Bonus points for having the trendy cups, but any container will do. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/493847915372994041/ Apple Cider Sangria This is the perfect “make-ahead” drink when you have a bunch of friends coming over and want to share — or maybe not. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/417920040400628178/ Apple Cider Mimosas This “recipe” is as simple as it gets. Champagne and apple cider — but why mess with a good thing? https://www.pinterest.com/pin/176273772894955021/ Spiked Apple Cider Apple cider with an adult twist. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56787645279754913/ Apple Cider Whiskey Cocktail…
Panera’s new cups to show added sugar, calories in drinks
Panera is rolling out new fountain cups this week that list how much added sugar is in its beverages. After customers pay the cashier, they are handed a cup to take to the drink station. The idea goes, that customers will look down at the cup and have the information, literally on hand, that they need to make smart decisions in regards to sugar intake. “We believe it’s up to companies to take the lead on transparency (and) not wait for legislation,” CEO Ron Shaich said in a statement. The company commissioned a nationwide survey, conducted by KRC Research, that found 99 percent of 1,092 respondents didn’t know the amount of added sugar in soft drink, and 83 percent underestimated the amount. The new “sweet facts” fountain cups will hit stores this week. They list the calorie and sugar content of a “regular cola” (250 calories, 17.25 teaspoons of added sugar) alongside…
Study finds a few alcoholic beverages could actually boost your memory
Social drinkers probably wouldn’t consider memory recall one of the benefits to their Friday night habit, but a new study shows that a few drinks may actually strengthen your ability to learn new information. Researchers at the University of Exeter conducted a study by giving 88 participants a word-learning task. Participants were then divided at random into two groups. One group was told to drink as much as they want, while the other was told not to drink at all. The next day, participants were asked to complete the same task. Surprisingly, those who had drank alcohol did better when remembering what they learned the previous day. “The theory is that the hippocampus – the brain area really important in memory – switches to ‘consolidating’ memories, transferring from short into longer-term memory,” said Professor Celia Morgan of Exeter. The researchers stressed that this limited positive effect should be taken in stride…
Fruit flavored beer on the rise in North America
If you’re a fan of hoppy, bitter beers, hold on to your IPAs — the next trend in beer is not for you. According to a report from Mintel, fruit-flavored beer launches have increased worldwide in response to people seeking more flavorful drink options. Since 2012, one in ten beer launches have contained either fruit juice concentrate, fruit extracts or fruit peels. The trend began to accelerate in Europe about five years ago with the growing popularity of radlers, or shandies — a half beer and half fruit juice or lemonade blend. Seeking to offset a decline in mainstream beer sales, global brewers like Heineken, Carlsberg and Anheuser-Busch InBev began brewing fruit beers as well. But for years it had been craft brewers who have been leading the market with releases of fruity styles such as sours, cherry beers and saisons. Now, we’re also seeing fruit juice being added to their pale ales and…
The sneaky calories you’re slipping into your diet
It’s time to rethink your drink. Unless you are a natural water lover, chances are you’re consuming unnecessary calories through ice teas, coffee, juices or sugary smoothies and sodas. According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the average American consumes 400 calories a day from beverages — that’s about 37 percent of our total daily diet. Research suggests that drinking calories isn’t as satisfying to us a eating the same amount of calories in solid food form, so if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight, you should start to pay attention to what you’re pouring down the hatch. Here’s how to make the switch to healthy drinks that still taste great, but won’t have you pushing your calorie limits. Know what you’re drinking: Read those nutrition labels. Beverages like energy drinks and iced teas can be deceiving because they advertise their health benefits while hiding…
Try these wines at your next backyard barbecue
Barbecue season is in full swing, but there’s no reason why beer should be the only alcohol available to guests in your backyard. July and August are the perfect time for wine-soaked weekend cookouts. Since these late summer days can be scorchers, it’s important to find wines that will keep you feel refreshed and not contribute to your heatstroke (be careful out there!). BBQ wines also need not be expensive — chill summer nights don’t sit well with anything too stuffy. The search can be difficult, but wines ready for grill days are out there. Here are a few of my favs — whites, rosé, and reds, too! Clos Beylesse Cotes De Provence Rosé 2016 You’ll find nothing more refreshing at a backyard summer soiree than a glass of chilled rosé. Readily available in most wine stores throughout American and Europe, this soft yet zesty wine is extremely light and delicious. $26 Bieler Family Daisy Pinot…