Category Archives: Guides

Where to Get Your Adult Milkshake Fix in Dallas/Fort Worth

Originally written by Lauryn Bodden, edited and updated by Susie O.

Ice cream, desserts, and booze:
these are a few of my favorite things.

With national ice cream month upon us, it appears there is no better time than now to enjoy this match made in heaven. Pick your favorite frozen pint of dairy, blend it with a splash (okay, splash is a little naïve) of Kahlua or booze of choice and top with desired toppings like whipped cream, peanut butter cups, and fudge.

But then again, Dallas has its fair share of adult milkshakes floating around town and something of this measure should really be left to the experts. After all, they have the blenders, PowerWhip chargers, and knowledge required to make the perfect milkshakes. That being said here is a roundup of some of my favorite places to get that boozy shake fix.

Grub Burger Bar | Photo credit: Susie O

Grub Burger Bar
grubburgerbar.com | multiple locations

– Bourbon & Caramel
– Mint Chocolate Chip: Vodka, crème de cacao, crème de menthe and Andes mints
– Birthday Cakefetti: Cake vodka and sprinkles
– Moonshine American Pie: Apple pie moonshine, applie pie filling, bakes pie crust, maple syrup, vodka and kosher salt, grated cinnamon and granola crumble
– Dirty Kitchen Sink: Chocolate vodka, pretzels, peanut butter, salt, butterscotch sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, coffee grounds and potato chips
– Tipsy Worms & Dirt: Vodka, crushed Oreos and gummy worms

Royale - adult milkshake

The Royale’s Adult Milkshake | Picture by Susie O

The Royale Magnificent Burger
royaleburgers.com | 3310 Dallas Parkway, Suite 121 (Plano)

These overdressed shakes are boohoozy. Options include some tamer options like their Salted Caramel Shake spiked with Nassau Royale Liqueur (pictured above) and their Banana Shake “jolted” with Maker’s Mark, then get a little crazy. Their Magnificent S’mores Shake (pictured as the header) has chocolate ice cream, fudge, toasted marshmallow, and a graham cracker rim … then they add marshmallow vodka. It’ll set you back $13.50, though! (Other options include vanilla with Myer’s Dark Rum, chocolate with Godiva Liqueur, and strawberry with Ford’s Gin.)

Kenny’s Burger Join’s Chocolate Grasshopper | Picture by Rachel Farrar

Kenny’s Burger Joint
kennysburgerjoint.com | Frisco & Plano

– Insomniac: Espresso vodka, Kahlua, Baileys and chocolate syrup
– Attitude Changer: Stoli vanil, Godiva dark chocolate liquor and Oreos
– Easy Rider: Maker’s Mark and caramel
– Chocolate Grasshopper: Crème de menthe, white crème de cocoa and Oreos

Twisted Root Adult Milkshake (Big Fat Elvis)

Twisted Root Adult Milkshake, the Big Fat Elvis | Picture courtesy of Twisted Root

Twisted Root Burger Co.
twistedrootburgerco.com | multiple locations

– Cookies & Cream: Amaretto and Oreo cookies
– Bailey’s & Banana: Bailey’s Irish Cream and 99 Bananas Liquor
– Chocolate Cake: Vanilla vodka, Frangelico and chocolate vodka
– Fruit Loops: Strawberries and 99 Bananas Liquor
– PB & Chocolate: Chocolate vodka and peanut butter
– German Chocolate Cake: Malibu rum, chocolate vodka and pecans
– Grandpa’s Favorite: Butterscotch schnapps and vanilla
– Rocky Road: Amaretto, chocolate vodka, pecans and marshmallows
– Chocolate Bananas: 99 Bananas Liqueur, chocolate vodka and chocolate chips

Snuffer’s Burgers
snuffers.com | multiple locations

They actually don’t offer them on the menu, but it’s a Snuffer’s secret that you can ask for them!

Hopdoddy’s Strawberry Buttermilk Milkshake Special | Picture courtesy of Hopdoddy

Hopdoddy Burger Bar
hopdoddy.com | multiple locations

You can add any booze you want to the shakes listed on the menu!

Alamo Drafthouse
drafthouse.com | multiple locations

– Breckenridge Vanilla Porter Shake: Breckenridge Porter (nitro)
– Grasshopper Shake: Crème de cacao, crème de menthe, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream
– Irish Coffee Shake: Bailey’s Irish Cream, vanilla ice cream, coffee and whipped cream
– Maker’s Mark Milk Punch Shake: Maker’s Mark, vanilla ice cream, nutmeg and whipped cream
– Reposado Chocolate Shake: Reposado tequila, chocolate, cinnamon and whipped cream
– The Temptress Shake: Lakewood Milk Stout (nitro)

Del Frisco’s Grill’s Vanilla Adult Milkshake | Picture courtesy of DFG

Del Frisco’s Grill
delfriscosgrille.com | D/FW locations only

Their more adult-seeming Vanilla Adult Milkshake is a blend of Nocello Walnut Liqueur, Crème de Cacao, chocolate liqueur, and vanilla ice cream.

Header image courtesy of The Royale Magnificent Burger.

Kaboom Town 2014: Where To Watch Fireworks in Addison

written by Ben Shae

No holiday is more American than the 4th of July, and nothing says summer like fireworks.  Seriously – fireworks, friends & family, grilled food and cold beers? What’s not to love!?! It should come as no surprise that Addison’s Kaboom Town (on July 3 this year) is near the top of my favorite Addison events of the entire year.

Deciding where to go requires a bit of thought and planning (ahem: parking), especially now that you need tickets to watch the show from Addison Circle Park (which were free to reserve but are no longer unavailable).

Fear not! I can recommend a few places to enjoy Kaboom Town 2014 and induce the summer nostalgia:

BEST VIEW: Addison Point – This 20+ year old bar has what many consider to be the best view of the air and firework show. Not to mention they have 35 beers on draft (most of them are crafts under $5), their famous hamburgers, live band and complimentary valet.

BEST PARTY SPOTS:
McFadden’s –  The celebration at this lively bar starts outdoors at 2pm with food, music and more.  Reserve a wristband online to receive $3 Miller Light, Coors Light, PBR drafts and $5 calls all night.  Other drinks specials include Samuel Adams Tap TakeOver $10 beer flights and $6 pints and packaged tables and drink specials.

Whole Foods – Looking for a family-friendly place to go?  The Red, White, and Brew party will be going strong on the patio from 5pm – 10pm with kegs, grilled burgers and a DJ.

BJ’s Brewhouse – Nothing says summer like ice cold beers, and they’ll have $4 craft beers and $5 mojitos from 3pm to 7pm.

Chuy’s Addison – Chuy’s large patio is ideal for kicking back, enjoying a margarita and watching some fireworks.  The popular Mexican food restaurant will be serving up $3.95 margaritas, $7.95 house Texas martinis and $2.75 domestic beers from 4pm to 7pm.

The Hub – Hair of the dog? The Hub will have drinks specials all day including $2.50 shots (Tuaca, Jäger, Fireball, Goldschlager, & Rumple Minze), $3 wells, $ 3 domestics and $4 mixed drinks.  Parking lot party kicks off at 5pm with BBQ and DJ.

Lion & The Crown – Take a break from the 2014 World Cup and enjoy $1.50 off all Texas beers and Tito’s Vodka at this English-style pub in the heart of Addison Circle.

Social House Addison – Interested more in atmosphere and people than being able to see the  the fireworks? Check out some of Social House’s specials with $3 select house specials, $3 wells, $3 Tito’s and $3 domestics from 4pm to 7pm.

TGI Fridays Addison – Pre-game it at TGI Fridays with $3 mojitos, long islands and margaritas before heading down the street to see the show.  Friday’s will also have a live band out on their patio.

The Addison Airport Air show starts at 7:15pm with the firework display starting at 9:30pm.

For information on road closures, parking information and more, visit the Kaboom Town website.

 

 

Father’s Day Gift & Activity Ideas

EVENT/MEAL IDEAS:

MEDIEVAL TIMES – Dad’s are free … just sayin’.

BOURBON CLASS & ENGRAVING EVENT | June 12, 8700 Preston Rd. #113, Plano, TX (4-6pm)
Attendees will taste Angel’s Envy bourbon, Rye, Cask Strength and the Total Wine & More Special Angel’s Envy Blend. Free.

TAKE HIM ON A PICNIC HE’LL ACTUALLY LIKE
Pick up a picnic “bag” from The Grill on the Alley (in The Galleria) and head to one of Dallas’ many outdoor concerts, movies, etc. with Dad! It’s fancy, but not too shmancy. A picnic bag includes: table cloth, napkins & cutlery, corkscrew & two plastic wine glasses, mixed nuts, their famous sourdough, bread & butter
Starting at $32.95, feeds 3-4 (pricing can be found on their website)
Order at least 24 hours in advance

Pops, Pints and a Picture Show | Flying Saucer, Fort Worth | June 15, 9pm
Bring your pop in, drink a pint and enjoy the picture show: “National Lampoon’s Vacation”! An oldie, but goodie and dad will sure enjoy the flick outside on our patio with a craft beer this Father’s Day.
BONUS: if Dad brings in a tie, he can trade it for a pint.

PERRY’S STEAKHOUSE (Uptown) | June 15
BRUNCH, opening at 11am
DINNER MEAL OFFERING, 4-9pm | Get any salad, Perry’s Famous Pork Chop & Dessert Trio for $24.95
SOCIAL HOUR, 4-9pm | Step inside Bar 79 for specially-priced bar menu items

POLLO TROPICAL (Addison) | June 15 only
Buy 1 Get 1 FREE 1/4 Chicken meal with 2 sides for customers who text “DAD” to 52198 (they’ll get a code to show at the register to receive the special deal)

GIFT IDEAS:

Alright, so, it’s no secret that dads are a pain to buy for. Despite there being a host of customized gifts on the market these days, like to Design Your Own Mugs for him, we’ve put together some awesome gift ideas that your old man will love.

Angel’s Envy Award-Winning Bourbon is offering free engraving with each bottle purchased. Bonus? You’ll get to meet the Angel’s Envy COO, Wes Henderson.
  • June 11, 407pm | Total Wine Dallas (9350 N. Central Expy)
  • June 12, 1-3pm | Total Wine Plano (Collin Creek Village, 721 N. Central Expressway #200)
TICKETS TO THE BEST LITTLE BREWFEST IN TEXAS
Treat dad to an extra day of fun, beer, music, and food in Lewisville!

  • $35/person (includes a souvenir tasting cup and 12 2-ounce tastings)
  • $45/person (VIP, includes the above and early access
Purchase tickets at www.blbfit.com
BOURBON (because what dad doesn’t like bourbon?)
FOR THE CHEF– KNOB CREEK®: For more than 20 years Knob Creek – the #1 selling super premium bourbon in the world – has set the standard for bourbon, creating a big, full flavored spirit that is made in small batches to pre-prohibition standards. Its rich and hearty flavor lends itself to craft cocktails and the most delicious food dishes, which is why Knob Creek has partnered with Celebrity Chef Michael Symon (The Chew) to create full flavored dishes that are perfect for grilling and tailgating.
FOR THE BOURBON AFICIONADO – BOOKER’S® 25th ANNIVERSARY BATCH: Booker Noe’s 25th Anniversary is bottled uncut and unfiltered and is extra aged to bring out the true flavor profile of the bourbon.
FOR THE CIGAR BUFF- BAKER’S®: If your dad prefers a little smoke with his bourbon, Baker’s makes the perfect drink to pair with your favorite cigar. With a flavor that is reminiscent of cognac, it is aged seven years in new oak barrels, giving it a silky smooth flavor. For a unique Father’s Day gift, pair a bottle of Baker’s Bourbon with dad’s favorite cigar. You might even want to treat your dad to a cigar humidifier to keep his cigars fresher for longer. Consequently, you can see here different cigar humidifier packs for some inspiration. So, which bourbon goes best with a cigar? Well, the warm vanilla and caramel overtones of Baker’s bourbon can be enjoyed over ice or with a splash of water. Add a little extra gift with a personalized lighter. You can find a site that can print your photos on the lighter, making your Cigar Buff Father’s day gift complete. You can print your face on any item essentially! Take a pair of socks for example. I was speaking to my friend who has recently moved to Spain, and he decided to print his photo on a pair of socks for her father, over there they call it calcetines personalizados con foto! A bit of a joke between father and son. So you could stick with the cigar idea, or you could choose another item to personalise.
FOR THE MIXOLOGIST AT HEART – BASIL HAYDEN’S BOURBON: The perfect choice for a Father’s Day gift, made with twice as much rye as traditional bourbons, Basil Hayden’s spicy trademark finish makes it the perfect addition to any bourbon cocktail.

RECIPES:

Basil Hayden’s® Dad’s Day Off | Created by Zachary Brian Taylor, San Francisco

  • 1 ½ parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
  • ¾ parts Lemon Juice
  • ½ part Brown Sugar Syrup*
  • 1 sprig of Rosemary
  • Ginger Beer

Preparation:
1. Combine Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, lemon juice and brown sugar syrup into a cocktail shaker.
2. Remove rosemary needles from the bottom 3/4 of the sprig and add to the shaker. Save the top of the sprig for use as a garnish.
3. Add ice to shaker and shake.
4. Double strain into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with ginger beer.
6. Garnish with the remaining rosemary sprig.