NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY

September 14, 2026August 19, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

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 Me nthe 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.

The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions

NATIONAL TAILGATING DAY

September 5, 2026August 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

On the first Saturday in September National Tailgating Day reminds us what the autumn colors and scents already do. Those colors signal grilling time and a season of cheering on our favorite teams!

Tailgating is the custom of gathering outside the stadium before the game with fans of the same team for food, beverages and socializing. Gatherings often take place at the tailgate of a pickup truck or the trunk of a car. However, neither are required. Staples of a tailgate party include grilling and beer, though chili competitions and recipe challenges encourage friendly competition before the game. Come hungry!

The original tailgate is unknown. Many teams take pride in claiming this title, as they should. Some writers even suggest the many observers in attendance at the Battle of Bull Run in 1861 to be the very first tailgaters, with their picnic baskets and bottles of claret prepared to watch opposing teams. Perhaps this can be considered tailgating.

Today, tailgating centers around the sport of football. While football has its roots in the game of rugby, it is generally accepted that the first football game in United States history was on November 6, 1869. The match took place between Rutgers and Princeton Universities. On that day fans arrived early to enjoy each others company and some food.

Much like building a community, tailgating hearkens back to a time when pioneering villages would come together to raise the framework of a building. Often followed by a large meal and perhaps a sporting competition of sorts, communities looked forward to these harvest traditions year after year.

Those who tailgate come back every year, weekend after weekend. Couples meet. Families grow. Bonds are forged – all
through the community of tailgating.

NATIONAL TAILGATING DAY HISTORY

Luke Lorick, president of Tailgating Challenge, founded National Tailgating Day as a way to share his passion for the sport of tailgating.

Tailgating Challenge is one of the largest tailgating companies in the world, and Lorick sees the joy and friendships tailgating brings to many Americans every day. To learn more about Tailgating Challenge visit the website at www.tailgating-challenge.com.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalTailgatingDay

Put on your team colors. Bring your game face. Whip up your best batch of jalapeno poppers and get outside to watch your favorite team play this weekend! Use #NationalTailgatingDay to post on social media.

Post your tailgating pics on one of Tailgating Challenge’s social media pages:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tailgatingchallenge
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tailgatingchall
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tailgatingchallenge

CROWN SHADES 8x8 Pop Up Canopy - Beach Tent with One Push Setup - Outdoor Sun Shade for Events, Parties, Camping - Gazebo with STO-N-Go Cover Bag, Silver Coated Top, 3 Height& 4 Sand Bags, Blue#tailgating#tailgate#nationaltionaltaigaiting#n ationaltailgaitingday — CROWN SHADES 8×8 Pop Up Canopy – Beach Tent with One Push Setup – Outdoor Sun Shade for Events, Parties, Camping – Gazebo with STO-N-Go Cover Bag, Silver Coated Top, 3 Height& 4 Sand Bags, Blue

CROWN SHADES 8×8 Pop Up Canopy – Beach Tent with One Push Setup – Outdoor Sun Shade for Events, Parties, Camping – Gazebo with STO-N-Go Cover Bag, Silver Coated Top, 3 Height& 4 Sand Bags, Blue

NATIONAL RUM DAY

August 15, 2026August 13, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Join National Rum Day on August 16th as blended beverages and cocktails create a delicious celebration. Rum is a distilled clear alcoholic beverage which is a byproduct of sugar production. It can also be made directly from sugar cane juice. After the fermentation and distillation process, most rum ages in wooden oak barrels.

Rum The Manual Kindle Edition

by Dave Broom (Author) — Rum The Manual

by Dave Broom (Author)

RUM FACT: In 1764, the British Crown placed a tax on sugar, molasses and rum on the American colonies. This tax was called The Sugar Act of 1764. It was instrumental in the unrest that finally became the American Revolution.

Rum is the third most popular spirit in the United States. Only vodka and all the whiskeys combined beat it for first and second-rankings. The spirit finds its way into citrusy mixed drinks, and cool blended summer cocktails. So much so, that rum stirs up images of sandy beaches and brightly colored umbrellas in fruity drinks.

Try these popular mixes…

Rum Runner
Mai Tai
Pina Colada
Mojito
Dark & Stormy
Blue Hawaiian
Hurricane
Hemmingway
Zombie
Hakuna Matata
Cuba Libre

And a Bottle of Rum, Revised and Updated: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails Paperback – June 5, 2018

by Wayne Curtis (Author) — And a Bottle of Rum, Revised and Updated: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails

by Wayne Curtis (Author)

However, rum also conjures up sailors and pirates. The reason for that is how rum came to be. In the West Indies during the 1600s, large plantations grew sugar cane. When they extracted the sugar, they created a by-product called molasses. For years, the molasses was a waste product until it was discovered it could be distilled – into rum. Then, rum became not only a commodity for trade but also a ration on the ships delivering the product. Even in the modern Royal Navy, British sailors received an allotment of rum until 1970.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalRumDay

There are many ways to enjoy rum. On a hot summer day, a great way to celebrate is with this recipe for a Strawberry Pineapple Cooler. Use #NationalRumDay to post on social media. Remember always to drink responsibly and never to drink and drive

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National IPA Day

July 31, 2026August 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National IPA Day celebrates the beer known as India Pale Ale Beer.

While the IPA is one of the most popular types of craft beers, it’s also making a resurgence with local microbreweries. Many are experiencing success as their brew finds its way into local restaurants and pubs.

Northern Brewer - Kama Citra Session IPA India Pale Ale Extract Beer Recipe Kit - Makes 5 Gallons

by Northern Brewer — Northern Brewer – Kama Citra Session IPA India Pale Ale Extract Beer Recipe Kit – Makes 5 Gallons

by Northern Brewer

The IPA seems to have developed out of an idea from the 1700s. When shipping ale to India, adding hops to the beer increased the longevity of the brew. Brewers thought that hops preserved the beer for long voyages to hot climates. One London brewer gained attention for his ability to brew this particular style of beer. George Hodgson shipped many casks of pale ales to India from London. However, no one knows for sure when or who coined the name India Pale Ale.

IPA Indian Pale Ale - Amazing Gifts - Pint Beer Glasses - 4pcs

by Amazing Gifts — IPA Indian Pale Ale – Amazing Gifts – Pint Beer Glasses – 4pcs

by Amazing Gifts

Brewers ferment barley to make India Pale Ales. Depending on the length of fermentation, the tannins may cause some bitterness in the beer, even after adding the hops. While IPAs have a reputation of being bitter and hoppy, not all are. They also tend to be crisper than other beers.

IPA Indian Pale Ale - Amazing Gifts - Beer Mug Glasses - 4pcs

by Amazing Gifts — IPA Indian Pale Ale – Amazing Gifts – Beer Mug Glasses – 4pcs

by Amazing Gifts

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalIPADay

Raise your glass on National IPA Day and enjoy this day with friends. The beauty of participating in a National Day such as this one is the support you provide for local craft brewers…Cheers! Post on social media using #NationalIPADay

NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY

July 23, 2026June 30, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

On July 24th, commemorate National Tequila Day with a little lime and salt. Mix up a Margarita, Paloma, 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.

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NATIONAL CREME DE MENTHE DAY