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.

Explore More…

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 WHISKEY SOUR DAY

Each year on August 25th, people across the United States observe National Whiskey Sour Day.

Traditionally garnished with half an orange and a maraschino cherry, a whiskey sour is a mixed drink containing whiskey (often bourbon), lemon juice and sugar. Whiskey sours are shaken then either served straight or over ice.

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” – Mark Twain

KANARS Whiskey Glasses Set of 6 with Elegant Gift Box,10 Oz Premium Old Fashioned Crystal Glass Tumbler for Liquor, Scotch, Cocktail or Bourbon Drinking Tasting

by KANARS
KANARS Whiskey Glasses Set of 6 with Elegant Gift Box,10 Oz Premium Old Fashioned Crystal Glass Tumbler for Liquor, Scotch, Cocktail or Bourbon Drinking Tasting

by KANARS

An alternative to the traditional whiskey sour is the Boston sour which is made by adding a dash of egg white to the recipe. Another variation is the Ward 8. This beverage has a base of either Bourbon or rye whiskey with both lemon and orange juices and grenadine syrup added for sweetness.

The first mention of a whiskey sour was in an 1870 Wisconsin newspaper.

  • After opening, a bottle of whiskey will remain good for five years.
  • An unopened bottle of whiskey can be kept for over 100 years and will still be fit to drink.
  • Both “Whisky” and “Whiskey” spellings are correct. Whisky is specific to Scotch Whisky, and Whiskey is Irish.
  • Whiskey is the official state beverage of Alabama.
  • Legend has it that Jack Daniels ran away at the age of 6 and learned to make whiskey from a Lutheran minister.
Craftmix Cocktail Mix Variety Pack Mojito, Mango Margarita, Whiskey Sour Flavors, Skinny, Natural, Keto, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Low Sugar Mixer For Liquor and Non Alcoholic Mocktails, 10 Drink Packets

by Craftmix
Craftmix Cocktail Mix Variety Pack Mojito, Mango Margarita, Whiskey Sour Flavors, Skinny, Natural, Keto, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Low Sugar Mixer For Liquor and Non Alcoholic Mocktails, 10 Drink Packets

by Craftmix

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWhiskeySourDay

Have a whiskey sour with a friend this evening. While you enjoy your cocktail, explore the history of whiskey, its production, and trade. The documentaries Straight Up and Scotch: The Golden Dram will give you a look inside both Bourbon and Scotch. 

(Remember always to drink responsibly and never drink and drive.) Use #NationalWhiskeySourDay to post on social media.

Prime Benefit Spotlight: exclusive deals and discounts
Prime Benefit Spotlight: exclusive deals and discounts

NATIONAL GRAND MARNIER DAY

National Grand Marnier Day on July 14th recognizes a liquor that brings citrus notes to cocktails and desserts. Since the 1880s, we’ve been enjoying the fruits of Grand Marnier’s exquisite flavor. 

Alexander Marnier-Lapostolle invented the orange liquor in the 1880s. His grand experiment pairing fruit liquors with cognac took 10 years to find success. When it did, Lapostolle gave birth to one very expensive liquor. The cognac concoction blended one of the most costly fruits of the time with a very strong spirit, too. The result was truly grand.  Not only does it add a splash of citrus when mixed into drinks and desserts, but Grand Marnier can be enjoyed neat. 

Whiskey Stones and Whiskey Glass Gift Boxed Set, 8 Granite Chilling Whisky Rocks, 2 Glasses in Wooden Box, Great Gift for Father's Day, Dad's Birthday or Anytime For Dad, Plus 2 Free Coasters  by Cool Stones
Whiskey Stones and Whiskey Glass Gift Boxed Set, 8 Granite Chilling Whisky Rocks, 2 Glasses in Wooden Box, Great Gift for Father’s Day, Dad’s Birthday or Anytime For Dad, Plus 2 Free Coasters

by Cool Stones

Grand Marnier is used in a long list of desserts including liquor cream buns, Yule log, cranberry sauce, Crepes Suzette, and Grand Marnier souffle creme bruleé. Grand Marnier is also used in the sauce of the roasted duck dish, Canard a l’Orange.

Grand Marnier Sherbert
Orange Marscapone Dip
Grand Marnier Cake

Albanese Specialty Chocolate Covered Pecans (Milk Chocolate Grand Marnier)  by Albanese Co.
Albanese Specialty Chocolate Covered Pecans (Milk Chocolate Grand Marnier)

by Albanese Co.

Some examples of the mixed drinks including Grand Marnier are Cosmopolitan, Margarita, Sidecar, Dirty Harry, Grand Mimosa, B-52, the Grand Marnier Smash, Grand Smash, Smash Marnier, Bloody Smash, Maced Marnier, Ace Marnier Smash,  Frosty Smash, Smace, Grand Hound, Blood Pug, Clarke, Nogley and the Grand Marnier Fireball. Find some recipes here.

OliveNation Grand Marnier Extract, 8 Ounce  by OLIVENATION
OliveNation Grand Marnier Extract, 8 Ounce

by OLIVENATION

However, don’t stop at beverages and desserts. Add Grand Marnier for extra zest in your sauces and marinades. Your meat dishes will take center stage.

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrandMarnierDay

Enjoy a mixed drink with Grand Marnier. Then, invite some friends over to celebrate the day with you.

Share it with your friends by posting #NationalGrandMarnierDay on social media. 

NATIONAL MINT JULEP DAY

National Mint Julep Day on May 30th each year sets up a refreshing toast to summer. Each year, people around the country gather for a glass of mint julep! This refreshing southern classic is a traditional drink of the Kentucky Derby.

The Kentucky Derby: 101 Reasons to Love America's Favorite Horse Race Hardcover – April 1, 2010  by Mary Tiegreen (Author), Sheri Seggerman  (Author)
The Kentucky Derby: 101 Reasons to Love America’s Favorite Horse Race

by Mary Tiegreen (Author), Sheri Seggerman  (Author)

A classic mint julep is made with a mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water. In the Southern states, where mint julep is more associated with the cuisine, spearmint is the mint of choice. Preparation of the drink may vary from one bartender to another.

The Kentucky Mint Julep Hardcover – April 11, 2003  by Joe Nickell  (Author)
The Kentucky Mint Julep

by Joe Nickell  (Author)
  • Some believe the mint julep originated in the southern United States sometime during the 18th century.
  • The term “julep” is generally defined as a sweet drink, particularly one used as a vehicle for medicine.
  • During the 19th century, Americans also enjoyed a gin-based julep.
  • Each year, Churchill Downs serves almost 120,000 mint juleps over the two-day period of the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby.
  • May 2008 – Churchill Downs unveiled the world’s largest mint julep glass (6-foot  tall).
Evan Williams Mint Julep Mix (12.5 oz)  by Evan Williams
Evan Williams Mint Julep Mix (12.5 oz)

by Evan Williams

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #MintJulepDay

Enjoy a mint julep on this nice spring day! Try out a delicious Mint Julep recipe. Use #MintJulepDay to post on social media.

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Amazon Fresh

INTERNATIONAL WHISK(E)Y DAY

Every year on March 27th, whiskey fans from around the world come together to celebrate their favorite distilled alcoholic beverage. International Whisk(e)y Day uses the parenthesis to indicate support of the Scots, Canadians, and Japanese who spell it without an e. The Irish and Americans include the letter e when writing out the word whiskey.

Whiskey is made from fermented grain mash. Corn, wheat, rye, and barley are the most common grains used to make whiskey. Besides drinking whiskey for pleasure, many people drink it for their health. Whiskey contains a powerful antioxidant called ellagic acid, which helps prevent cancer. Some people mix whisky with warm water and honey to soothe their sore throats. Others claim that drinking whiskey will prolong their life.

Whiskeys are broken down by the following nationalities:

  • American whiskey – tends to be sweeter than other whiskeys and includes bourbon, rye, and Tennessee
  • Scotch whisky – tends to have an earthy flavor and includes blended Scotch and single malt Scotch. Try Sassanach Whisky, made by Sam Heugen, known for starring role in Outlander.
  • Irish whiskey – tends to be light-bodied but more robust than Canadian whisky and includes Irish blend, single malt Irish, and single grain Irish.
  • Canadian whisky – tends to be light-bodied and fruity and includes Canadian rye whisky.

These whiskeys get distilled in their respective country. The Irish are credited for being the first whiskey distillers. The word whiskey comes from the Irish phrase, uisce beatha, or “water of life.” Each kind of whiskey has a specific alcohol content, which is indicated by proof. If a whiskey is 100 proof, it means it contains 50% alcohol by volume.

INTERNATIONAL WHISK(E)Y DAY HISTORY

International Whisk(e)y Day was launched in 2009 during the Whiskey Day Festival in the northern Netherlands. The date of March 27th commemorates the birthday of Michael Jackson, a famous British writer. Jackson has written many influential books about whiskey and beer. Whiskey fans around the world organize and run this fun day.

Looking for something else try one of these celebrations too.

HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalWhiskeyDay

People around the world are encouraged to drink whiskey on this day. There are a variety of whiskey brands from which to choose. Some of the most popular include:

If you don’t enjoy straight whiskey, you can try a whiskey cocktail. Some favorites include mint julep, whiskey sour, or a Manhattan. You can either make your own concoction at home or go to a bar, where they will most likely have drink specials to celebrate the day. Don’t forget to share your favorite whiskey brand or cocktail on social media with #InternationalWhiskeyDay.