Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

When is the last time you visited Pappas Bros. Steakhouse? I stopped into the Dallas location of the Texas institution recently, and was reminded why it’s one of my absolute favorite places to dine in Dallas, and not just for a special occasion … but even to watch a Mavs game at the bar after work.

This may SEEM like a man’s paradise thanks to the thick-cut steaks and cigar and rare spirits collections, but it’s also mine.

This Texas institution with locations in Dallas and Houston is best known for its award-winning wine program and premium dry-aged steaks, but we went to revisit their famous holiday cocktail feature, the Christmas in Kentucky Manhattan. This beauty was created by GM Rick Turner and has returned year after year because, well, it’s delicious. Beautifully combining Buffalo Trace, Giffard Vanille, Cointreau, and St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, this cocktail warms you from the inside-out.

We also tried out the new chef’s newest appetizer offerings, and each was better than the last. My favorite was the Hudson Valley Foie Gras served with a fermented blueberry reduction. I’ll be returning soon for that alone.

The Dallas wine program boasts more than 3,900 selections and an inventory of 35,000+ bottles. If you’re not having at least one glass of wine at this institution, you’re doing it wrong.

They’re all spiffed up for the holidays right now, so stop in for a tummy-warming Christmas in Kentucky Manhattan and stay for a steak and a song!

The Beer Spa | Denver, CO

Have you ever wanted to take a bath in beer? Now you can at The Beer Spa in Denver!

When you visit, you’ll pour yourself a local brew (they partner with different local breweries throughout the year) then relax in one of the zero gravity massage chairs or book a private room.

Private room bookings are an hour and a half, and have the run of a private room for two, complete with an infrared sauna, shower, and, of course, a hot tub. Sweat it out in the sauna and then enjoy the 95º tub with water infused with hops, malt, and other herbs often found in beer. The “brew” is meant to be great for your skin and hair thanks to the vitamin and antioxidant-packed beer ingredients … and hops are apparently a natural sedative and have anti-aging benefits.

They send you into your private room with full beers in insulated mugs and a couple complimentary snacks. They offer a box of local chocolates and a charcuterie plate if you want to have something to snack on while you soak. And you can ring a bell for room service if you need a refill or want to re-up on snacks.

Visit the shop on the way out for a couple beer-infused beauty products. I loved the rich hair mask and my boyfriend took home some of their nicely scented beard oil.

If you’re planning a trip to Denver soon, make your reservation now because they do fill up!

The Beer Spa
thebeerspa.com
3004 N Downing Street, Denver CO
(720) 810-1484 (text or call)

Pictures courtesy of Olly Laseinde

A Wandering Wino’s Flight Must-Haves

With a name like The Tipple Tourist, I better know how to both drink and travel But doing them at the same time shows true proficiency … and I’ve demonstrated said proficiency with my #30000ftcocktails series. So here are my absolute can’t-takeoff-without-them items  … cheers, and happy trails!

Picture c/o Bevledge

Bevledge

Gone are the days of relying on the small, unstable tray table that’s subject to the whims of the passenger in front of you! This genius contraption, the Bevledge, gives the window seat occupant two extra cup holders, a place to store your phone and some other accoutrement, and even folds flat so it’s easy to throw into your travel bag.

Amazon, ~$22 (currently sold out, but it will be back in stock soon!)

Picture c/o Sip n’ Clip

Sip n’ Clip Airplane Drink Holder

For those not in the window seat, this simple, yet genius cup holder that hangs from your tray table allows you a little more leg room and frees up your hands. You can also use it as a phone prop!

Amazon, $12.95

Puritan’s Pride Milk Thistle

If I could make y’all try one product in this roundup, it would be milk thistle, a natural supplement that supports healthy liver function. I started taking this seemingly miracle pill about nine months ago, and haven’t had a hangover since (as long as I remember to take it)!! If it was a rough night, I pop one more before heading to bed. And I always ALWAYS am sure to drink plenty of water before turning in. Because water is the real hero.
Want to read the science behind it? Go nuts.

Various Retailers, ~$19 (180 count)

TRUE Citrus Packets

Making cocktails on a plane can get really messy, so when I need citrus for my #30000ftcocktails, I reach for True Citrus packets, which are cold-pressed, crystallized fruit. The packets are wildly convenient, and taste fresh enough to pass! (And actually, Southwest has started offering these on some flights!)

Amazon, $15 (3-32 count boxes)

Picture c/o Crosskey

Crossky Luggage Drink Holder

This cute bottle holder clips on to your luggage and even has a pocket for your phone. They also offer some cute options for the shoulder strap!  … because who wants to carry their water bottle?

Amazon, $14,99 – $22.99

Picture c/o Flight Flap

The Flight Flap

After you make the perfect drink (using booze provided by the airline, of course!), it’s nice to relax with your favorite show. So free up your knees and rig this brilliant, yet simple, “flight flap”. It is slightly rigid and holds its shape, so you can mold it to the shape you need to hold your phone. And it stores flat for easy transport!

Amazon, $11.95

BUZZ BUZZ featuring Aberfeldy Scotch

BUZZ BUZZ
2 oz Aberfeldy 12 Year Scotch Whisky
1 oz lemon juice
.75 oz cinnamon-honey syrup*

Combine Aberfeldy, lemon, and syrup in a shaker and shake with ice until well chilled. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with a lemon.

*cinnamon-honey syrup: boil 1/2 cup water with two cinnamon sticks. Let sit for 10 minutes, then stir in 1/2 cup honey until incorporated. Allow to cool before using in your cocktail. (Best if cinnamon sticks are kept in overnight.) Store in the fridge and it’ll be good for a week.

Best Breweries in Breckenridge, CO

I’ve been lucky enough to spend some extended time in Breckenridge, Colorado the last five years or so, and have seen the town’s beer and bar scene change greatly in that time. When it comes to breweries in Breckenridge, Breckenridge Brewery was always a stalwart in town (visit their tasting room on Main Street), but we’ve seen some new, intriguing breweries pop up in the county.

While I do love a good drink, I love a brand that supports its community even more. A couple of my friends work for the Summit Historical Society, and I was delighted to hear that a few local breweries I’ve enjoyed are supporters of their annual fundraiser, the Vintage Baseball Game*, which made me enjoy my brews at these spots even more!

Angry James

This small Silverthorne brewery that opened in 2018 is putting out some really nice brews, and the space itself serves as a community hub to the locals. Grab a seat and get settled for the afternoon to enjoy the live music on the pet-friendly patio, and order some food from the kitchen window. Make sure to get at least a sip of their Coffee Stout that’s dry hopped with coffee beans from Red Buffalo Coffee & Tea across the street, and don’t forget to purchase some of their awesome swag to show your support!

NOT TO MISS: Two Tone Footer Coffee Stout  (5.6%), Wild Ruby Cherry Sour (6.3%), Citra Lager Hoppy IPL (5.7%, 35 IBU)

421 Adams Ave, Silverthorne, CO 80498
(970) 455-8800
angryjamesbrewing.com

Broken Compass Brewing

A Breckenridge local favorite, this brewery boasts cravable brews and friendly staff, pups, and regulars who make grabbing some suds here a really memorable experience.  (We ended up there THREE TIMES during my last visit to town.) The brewery’s footprint has expanded since it opened in May 2014, but the feeling of camaraderie at the community tables hasn’t gone anywhere. While you’re enjoying your crisp beers, make sure to check out local artisans’ wares and art, all available for sale. … make sure to take in your growler so you can enjoy their beers at home.

NOT TO MISS: Coconut Porter Porter (4.28%), Imperial FDFH Brown Ale (4.33%), Slope Sipper Kölsch (3.88%), Tropical Sour (~4%)

68 Continental Ct Unit B-12, Breckenridge, CO 80424
(970) 368-2772
brokencompassbrewing.com

Pug Ryan’s Brewery

Pug Ryan’s, named for a Colorado outlaw, sits in Downtown  (new) Dillon at the top of a hill overlooking the lake, and has since 1997. This cozy brewery and restaurant recently changed hands, and is the home to many delicious brews and a cute little fish that oversees the dining room. Stop in for a family-friendly brewery experience and enjoy a little bit of local lure and a bite to eat. (Make sure to look in on their “tiki bar” outside, and grab a sixer on the way out!

NOT TO MISS: Pug’s Pilsner, Morning Wood American Pale Wheat (5.9%), Outlaw Vanilla Stout Stout (5.5%)

104 Village Pl, Dillon, CO 80435
pugryans.com
(970) 468-2145

Summit Historical Society’s Annual Vintage Baseball Game

*As I mentioned, all three of these breweries support the Summit Historical Society’s Annual Vintage Baseball Game, the third of which is coming up on August 27, 2022. This event is a tent pole for the community’s historical society where members of the society and community don their vintage (looking) baseball garb and play some innings by traditional 1864 rules.

It’s truly a sight to be seen, and a meaningful way to support the historical society in their efforts to preserve the history of their town.

Burns Night Cocktail – The Robert Burns Cocktail

Each year since 1801, fans of Scottish poet Robert Burns have remembered the lyricist on his birthday, January 25, with Burns Suppers. They gather to recite poetry and drink scotch over a meal as a celebration of art, the dram, and the man himself.

Many don’t realize that they start and end each year with Robert Burns. He is the author of the poem “Auld Lang Syne”, a poem that’s been put to music, and the song is traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve.

I enjoy scotch on its own, especially Bruichladdich’s Classic Laddie, which has been a staple at my home during quarantine. But sometimes it’s nice to try your hand at a scotch cocktail, and I discovered this cocktail that I’m preparing to celebrate with my own mini Burns Night celebration tomorrow, appropriately named the Robert Burns Cocktail.

ROBERT BURNS COCKTAIL
2 oz Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Scotch whisky
.75 oz sweet vermouth
1 dash orange bitters
1 dash absinthe

Combine all ingredients except orange peel in a vessel with ice and stir until well chilled. Pour into a coupe and express the orange peel over the cocktail.

I took some time to prep for my mini Burns Night celebration this evening, which included writing my own toast … which was tougher than I thought it would be. So after about twelve versions of a worked, Burns-wanna-be poem, I decided good ol’ Bobby Burns did it better and to leave it to the master.

I love this excerpt from his poem “A Bottle and a Friend”, and it’ll be the toast for my Burns night this week. I’ll be toasting all the amazing friends I’ve gotten to see the last two years through the pandemic, and those who I haven’t.

“Here’s a bottle and an honest friend! 

What wad ye wish for mair, man? 

Wha kens, before his life may end, 

What his share may be o’ care, man?”

So plan to find a bottle and a friend or two to share a dram and toast to the Laddies and Lassies tonight. I’ll be reading through some Burns poems with a dram (or two) of Bruichladdich’s The Classic Laddie with a couple friends.

Cheers to Bobby Burns, and cheers to a great scotch cocktail to celebrate!

SusieDrinks’s Holiday Gift Guide

Yes, this is last minute, but I checked, and most of these can still be sent by Christmas! So, put your drink down (for just a little while) and get to ordering!

1. COCKTAIL BOOKS BY MY FRIENDS

Who doesn’t love a cocktail book? They look great on your bar cart or shelf and help you learn new cocktails. Both of these options offer delicious cocktails and just drop dead gorgeous photography … and both were written and photographed by friends of mine!

Cocktails, Mocktails, and Garnishes from the Garden: Recipes for Beautiful Beverages with a Botanical Twist by my booze friend Garnish Girl has intriguing cocktail recipes and tips on growing your own cocktail ingredients and garnish!

Amazon.com
$18.99
Delivery by Christmas? Amazon has your back …

Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home by my other booze friends behind the Beautiful Booze team, Natalie Migliarini and James Stevenson, has stunning photography and unique yet approachable cocktails you can make at home. They have some great punch options for your holiday parties, too!

Amazon.com
$27.99
Delivery by Christmas? You bet … Amazon has it handled.

Drinking with Chickens: Free-Range Cocktails for the Happiest Hour by Kate Richards

Amazon.com, Target
~$18

Texas Cocktails: An Elegant Collection of More Than 100 Recipes Inspired by the Lone Star State by Nico Martini

Amazon.com
~$16.50

Very Merry Cocktails: 50+ Festive Drinks for the Holiday Season by Jessica Strand

Amazon.com, Anthropologie, Target
~$20

2. Apotheke Bar Candles

Apotheke combined two of my big loves … booze and candles. They recently released three booze-inspired soy wax, made in the USA candles as an homage to three of the “World’s 50 Best Bars” bars. The partnerships resulted in three intoxicating scents to represent Maybe Sammy’s Espresso Martini (using Mr Black), The NoMad Bar’s Nod to Nothing (using Absolut Elyx), and Attaboy’s Penicillin.

apothekeco.com
$28
Delivery by Christmas? I’m not sure about shipping on this one, but if you live in Brooklyn, you can pick it up from their warehouse in 2 days!

3. Fred Minnick’s Single-Barrel Hot Sauce

The bourbon connoisseur is branching out to hot sauce as a partnership with Kentuxican! If you know the name, you know that this will be great. Order now and get the first-ever sauces. The Holiday Pack comes with a bottle of three different blends—hot, medium, and Kentuxican.

kentuxican.com
$39.90 for three 5oz bottles (use code “Fred” for 10% off your purchase)
Delivery by Christmas? Hot damn, yes! Preorder ASAP for delivery by Christmas

4. Order from Foxtrot

This little shop is well curated and it’s easy to find a nice gift for just about anyone. They have booze, food and goods from local artisans, CBD supplements, candles, sex aids (really), body care, and much more. Create your own gift or pick one of their curated boxes.

Foxtrotco.com
various prices
Delivery by Christmas? Easy … they can deliver in under 30 minutes if you’re within five miles of one of their stores. And they can wrap it. (Also available to ship.)

5. Pokey O’s (Hot) Cookie Delivery

Did you know my family has an ice cream and cookie shop in Dallas? Sure do. And the cookies are delicious. Order on your favorite delivery app for HOT cookie delivery, or order on our website for delivery after Christmas.

Order on DoorDash, UberEats, Postmates, or Grubhub
Delivery by Christmas? Yup … however fast your delivery guy can get there, they can have them ready. 

6. Bowen House // Las Palmas Signature Candle

If you live in Dallas and you’ve been to either of these restaurants, you know how amazing these candles smell. This partnership done with local candlemaker Sweetly Recycled made for the most noseable candles you can find. Stop into Las Palmas for a candle and grab a gift card while you’re at it.

Pickup at the restaurant
$29 each, two for $56
Delivery by Christmas? You bet your boots. You can pick up as soon as you’re told they’re in stock!Call the hostess stand to reserve your candles.

7. Gardenuity Cocktail Garden

This cocktail garden can be shipped and set up in less than an hour! You get 4-6 cocktail-inspired herbs matched to your location and season and a 5 gallon “grow bag” with everything you need to prep the perfect soil for your herbs. Mine has been used quite a bit since I got the delivery!

Gardenuity.com or pickup at their Dallas shop
$76 (free shipping or Dallas pickup)
Delivery by Christmas? Yes! Order by noon on 12/20 for holiday delivery, or pick up today at their Dallas Design District shop!

8. RBT Bar Accessories

This line from RBT (formerly Rabbit) is just gorgeous. These black and brass bar accessories will undoubtedly up your bar’s look. And coming from a well-loved brand like RBT, you know it’s quality. (I first saw the decanter when staying at the Thompson Dallas and loved it so much that I just had to track it down.)

Bottle Opener, $45
Electric Corkscrew, $125
Manual Corkscrew, $40
Decanter, $110
Delivery by Christmas? A couple of these could get to you by Christmas … you can find these items on Amazon or at West Elm, Bloomingdale’s, and Pottery Barn, so see who offers fast enough shipping!

9. Gamechanger Hangover Patches

The name is accurate … these really are a game changer. I’ve used these a few times when I’ve had a couple more cocktails than intended, and they are effective. (They leave a little reside that can easily by scrubbed off, but it’s worth it.)

Amazon.com
~$3.50 per patch
Delivery by Christmas? You bet!

10. Absolut Elyx Tiny Tini Coupes

I LOVE everything that Absolut Elyx does, but their copper just delights me. I have a set of these and used them at a Friendsgiving to make everyone some Tiny ‘Tinis, and they may be small, but they were mighty.

AbsolutElyxBoutique.com
Delivery by Christmas?  Cross your fingers, but it’s worth a try!

11. ReserveBar Gift Card

Can’t figure out what to get? Just send them a gift card! I love the selection and unique offerings Reserve Bar has, and they give you the chance to engrave some bottles!

ReserveBar.com
Delivery by Christmas? Yup! You can send them electronically!

How to Drink Well at an All-Inclusive Resort

Whether it’s a quick getaway to relax or a friend’s destination wedding, we’ve all found ourselves standing at a swim-up bar trying to decide what drink will be the best balance of tasty, boozy, and non-hangover-inducing. My recent trip let me try out some of my theories, and here’s what I learned …

Take Care of Yourself First

As a general reminder: if you drink enough of anything—high end or well—you’re going to have a hangover. Water and food always help, but keep in mind that you’re (likely) in the pool/ocean, so you won’t notice dehydration creeping up on you. And the sun doesn’t help. These trips are a marathon, not a sprint, so be sure to eat all your meals. Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea.

How to Order

First, be respectful of the bartenders. They’re busy and deal with a LOT of people, so be prepared when you get to the bar. Make yourself memorable (in a good way) and tip well. (It may be all-inclusive, but it’s still good form to tip. Just a dollar or two each drink, or if you want to be boujie like my friends and I were, we did $10/round.) Tipping may get you the top shelf pours, and it’s nice to be remembered.

Most resort properties will have a “deal” with a specific spirits company to stock only their bottles, so it’s likely you may not find exactly what you drink at home, and that’s ok! Find a bottle you like and go from there.

Just like any other night out, it’s best to pick a direction and stick with it. Don’t have a beer, then a margarita, then a frozen daiquiri, then wine, then another margarita … that’s the fastest way to get to hangover city. (And I’ll kindly stay on the party train, thanks.)

At some resorts the well isn’t always the only option; you can just ASK for the higher-end bottles. Get the lay of the land early when it comes to options.

What to Order

My go-to this past trip was rum. Since they had Havana Club on the back bar, I asked for it every time—whether it was a shot, a classic daiquiri (on the rocks), a neat/OTR pour, or in a frozen piña colada.

While I can’t tell you what to like, I can tell you what to avoid. Those bartenders can make frozen drinks in their sleep so it’s a quick option, and sometimes they batch them out with less booze than you’d want/expect … and all that means you’re likely to have one (or five) frozen drinks during your trip. Just remember that those frozen drinks often have a lot of sugar, which doesn’t always mean good drinks for your hangover potential.

Learn how to ask for what you want specifically and in their language. (I asked for a classic daiquiri (not frozen). I knew how to ask for it in Spanish and 7/10 times it was perfect.)

PRO TIPS

Take your own reusable cup and straw. Many all-inclusives are in hotter climates, so your drink is likely to melt/warm up quickly. A Yeti-style cup will help with that, and may get you a bigger pour (if you’re going with beer), so you’ll spend less time at the bar.

And many resorts now don’t have any straws on-property, and not having straws makes that frozen drink a bit difficult to sip. Just don’t lose track of it, bc I love turtles.

TLDR

Drink plenty of water and eat.

Be nice. Tip well.

Ask for the higher-end bottles.

Ask for the drink you want.