NATIONAL GUACAMOLE DAY

National Guacamole Day on September 16 brings fresh flavors together for the perfect celebration. What a great way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month!

Avocados shine as the star of this dip! Lime juice, tomatoes, onion, and seasonings make guacamole a guilt-free addition to any snack or meal.

Since avocados fall under the superfood category, feel free to indulge. Packed full of good fats and nutrients, along with the fresh taste of lime and hint of spice, the dip is flavorful. It’s easy to make, too. Take it to work or use it for a party dish.

Guacamole is versatile, too. For example, add it as a topping on a quesadilla or even add it to a salad. Of course, the simplest way to enjoy is by dipping your favorite tortilla chip.

Originating with the Aztecs in Mexico, guacamole is an avocado-based sauce that has become popular in American cuisine as a dip, condiment, and salad ingredient. 

Using a mortar and pestle, mash ripe avocados and then mixing in sea salt.  Beyond the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and lemon juice, hot sauce, yogurt or other seasonings can be added.  If a celebration calls for spicier guacamole, add jalapenos, chilis, cumin, or red pepper. 

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGuacamoleDay

Mix up your favorite recipe for guacamole. Go to your favorite restaurant and order some fresh guacamole. While there, give a shout out to the restaurants with the best guacamole around.  Be sure to invite friends. As we say around here, why #CelebrateEveryDay if you don’t do it with friends? Share your recipes and find the best combination. Use #NationalGuacamoleDay to share on social media.

NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY

National Crème de Menthe Day on September 15th recognizes the creamy peppermint-flavored liqueur used in cocktails and desserts. Enjoy your favorite combination to celebrate!

Many of the liqueurs we enjoy today started as tonics and cure-alls. And we thank pharmacists for bringing them into existence. Crème de menthe (mint cream) is one of those liqueurs. French pharmacist, Emile Giffard, studied the cooling and digestive properties of mint. His research led him to a recipe for crème de menthe.

Crème de menthe is sweet and mint leaves (usually Corsican mint) give crème de menthe its green color. However, when extracted, the liqueur is colorless. This form of the liqueur is called white crème de menthe. Unless color is essential, both varieties have similar flavors and are interchangeable in recipes.

The traditional formula involves steeping dried peppermint or Corsican mint leaves in grain alcohol for several weeks. This method creates a natural green color.  The following steps include filtration and the addition of sugar.

Several cocktails include crème de menthe as an ingredient. Two popular cocktails include Grasshopper and Stinger. Because of mint’s digestive qualities, crème de menthe makes an excellent after-dinner drink.  Also popular in the kitchen, it is used in many recipes as a flavoring. To make a chilly adult milkshake mix crème de menthe with ice cream.  Add chopped pecans or shaved chocolate as a garnish.

Creme de Menthe Squares
Grasshopper Pudding

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HOW TO OBSERVE #CremeDeMentheDay

Try crème de menthe for the first time or the hundredth. Add it to a dessert or mix up a cocktail. Stir in some chocolate for a mint chocolate flair. Encourage your favorite restaurant or dessert shop to celebrate the day, too. Give them a shout out for their amazing creations, too. If you don’t have a recipe to try at home, check these out:

Share your crème de menthe recipes. Use #CremeDeMentheDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY

On August 28th, National Red Wine Day ushers in the flavors of fall. As the grapes ripen and signal a time for warmer sips, wine drinkers know reds mean tailgating and spicy foods.

Throughout the year, wine days afford us the opportunity to taste and learn about the differences between wines. Earlier this month National Prosecco Day gave us the last bubbly rays of summer. Now we savor the best of the season with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Port, and Syrah.

Red Wine Glasses - Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware - For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3

Visit the RÖD Wine Store
Red Wine Glasses – Lead Free Titanium Crystal Glass, 22 oz. Large Bowl, Long Stemmed Glassware – For Wine Tasting, Birthday, Anniversary or Wedding Gifts – Set of 3

Visit the RÖD Wine Store

Red wine varietals produce deep ruby reds as well as subtle ambers and browns. Their beautiful colors hint at the coming change in the season. With that, we can look for delicious menu changes, too. Besides, what better way to enjoy a great bottle of wine than by pairing it with excellent company and food. Restaurants around the country will be happy to oblige throughout the celebration. Be sure to check out the latest menus from appetizers to desserts.

Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition

by Madeline Puckette  (Author)
Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine Kindle Edition

by Madeline Puckette  (Author)

Don’t fear the red, either. Even if you prefer a sweeter wine, there’s a red for you. Also, blends offer a way to enjoy the best of both wine worlds. And don’t fret. Red, red wine pairs well with salad, steak, dessert and so much more.

If you’re hesitant, attend a wine tasting. There you will learn more each time and find the wine that fits not only your palate but your cooking style, too.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRedWineDay

Pour a glass or two of delicious red wine. Not sure what kind to try? Ask sommelier and enjoy a wine tasting with friends. Use #NationalRedWineDay to share your favorites.

NATIONAL RED WINE DAY HISTORY

In 2014, Jace Shoemaker-Galloway created National Red Wine Day. 

NATIONAL SCOTCH DAY

Nothing like a good glass of scotch on a chilly evening.

On July 27th, we recognize an aged whisky distilled from malted barley. Make a toast on National Scotch Day and share a drink with a friend.

Whiskey Stones Gift Set w/ 8 Granite Whiskey Rocks,2 Crystal Whiskey Glasses & Velvet Bag by EMcollection|Reusable Cooling Ice Cubes|Chill Your Scotch & Cold Drinks|Packed in Elegant Wooden Box  by EMCOLLECTION
Whiskey Stones Gift Set w/ 8 Granite Whiskey Rocks,2 Crystal Whiskey Glasses & Velvet Bag by EMcollection|Reusable Cooling Ice Cubes|Chill Your Scotch & Cold Drinks|Packed in Elegant Wooden Box

by EMCOLLECTION

Since Scotch is protected by law, specific guidelines must be followed when making it to be labeled as Scotch. Otherwise, it may be an ordinary whisky (or whiskey if it’s made in the United States). First and foremost, Scotch must be made in Scotland. Another requirement includes the grain used in the fermentation process. For Scotch, only malted barley may be used. The Scotch must also be aged in oak barrels for at least three years and have an ABV of less than 94.8%. While most Scotch is made with barley, water, and yeast, other grains can be included, but no fermentation additives, per law.

Beginner's Guide to Whiskey: Traditions, Types, and Tastes of the Ultimate Spirit Paperback – April 7, 2020  by Sam Green  (Author)
Beginner’s Guide to Whiskey: Traditions, Types, and Tastes of the Ultimate Spirit Paperback – April 7, 2020

by Sam Green  (Author)

Scotch whisky dates back to the 15th century where a Scottish taxman recorded the spirit in 1494. Since then, Scotch, barley, malt, and grain have been in and out of the shadows. The distilleries or the smugglers either dodged the king’s taxman or organized against him. Scotch was first protected by definition in law in 1933. It was further protected in 1988 with the Scotch Whisky Act.

Whiskey Decanter Globe Set with 2 Etched Globe Whisky Glasses - for Liquor, Scotch, Bourbon, Vodka - 850ml  by Godinger
Whiskey Decanter Globe Set with 2 Etched Globe Whisky Glasses – for Liquor, Scotch, Bourbon, Vodka – 850ml

by Godinger

There are five distinct categories of Scotch whisky including single malt Scotch, single grain Scotch, blended malt Scotch, blended grain Scotch, and blended Scotch.

For all the Outlander fans out there, Sam a.k.a. Jamie Frasier has embarked into the field with Sassanach Spirits.

Outlander, Jamie Frasier, Sam Heughan
Sam Heughan

a.k.a. Jamie Frasier

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalScotchDay

Enjoy some scotch with friends. (Remember always to drink responsibly and never to drink and drive.) Explore other beverages from around the world. Post on social media using #NationalScotchDay.

Season 7 airing now on Friday nights
In order to protect what they’ve built, the Frasers have to navigate the Revolutionary War. They learn that sometimes to defend what you love, you have to leave it behind.
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NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY

On July 24th, commemorate National Tequila Day with a little lime and salt. Mix up a MargaritaPaloma, or a Mamasita to celebrate the day! People have been making Tequila for centuries, and it was once known as mezcal wine.

In fact, Tequila is mezcal, but mezcal isn’t Tequila. That’s because Tequila is distilled from a specific type of agave plant. Also, the law protects its production. Take a sip, and we’ll travel into Tequila’s history.

Tequila History

It all started around the 16th century. Cortez arrived on the North American continent with his Spanish conquistadors. They didn’t care much for the fermented mezcal wine served to them. However, the Spanish introduced copper stills to the population. Enter the distilling process. 

Now, our story takes us to Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. Located in a valley west of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, the town made a name for themselves by distilling Blue Agave. Even though a variety of succulents in Mexico produce mezcal, only one delivers the nectar to distill Tequila. Blue Agave grows in the highland region. Indeed, the unique growing conditions contribute to a larger size and sweeter tasting agave. In contrast, agave grown in the lowland regions taste and smell more herbal.

Greater Than a Tourist – Guadalajara Mexico: 50 Travel Tips from a Local  by Juan Uribe (Author), & 2 more
Greater Than a Tourist – Guadalajara Mexico: 50 Travel Tips from a Local

by Juan Uribe (Author), & 2 more

In Mexico, the law protects the production of Tequila. The rule states Tequila is only Tequila if it is made within Jalisco. Additionally, the law limits production to regions in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. However, the same ingredients distilled anywhere else cannot be labeled Tequila. 

Interestingly, many names in the tequila business today were the very first commercial producers of Tequila. For example, José Antonio Cuervo held the first license for making the favored beverage. He kept a well-known company, too. Two other names include Don Cenobio Sauza and Félix López, whose businesses continue in some form today.

Equally enjoyed in cocktails such as the margarita or tequila sunrise, connoisseurs savor a good tequila like a good whiskey. As a result, savvy drinkers experience the smooth renaissance of Tequila. Surprisingly, it’s not the firewater they remember from their youth. 

Libbey Yucatan Margarita Glasses, Set of 4  by Libbey
Libbey Yucatan Margarita Glasses, Set of 4

by Libbey

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTequilaDay

While cooking up fajitas, mix a drink for you and your friends. Try margaritas or a new cocktail. Make a celebration out of your meal.  These are great to revisit on Cinco De Mayo too. (Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive). Join the conversation by posting on social media using #NationalTequilaDay.

Huray Rayho Tequila Shot Board Serving Tray Huray Rayho Shot Glass Holder Display and Storage Shot Glasses with Salt Rim Bar Wooden Tray for Liquor Birthday Party Wedding Housewarming Men Women Gifts
Huray Rayho Tequila Shot Board Serving Tray Huray Rayho Shot Glass Holder Display and Storage Shot Glasses with Salt Rim Bar Wooden Tray for Liquor Birthday Party Wedding Housewarming Men Women Gifts