Beer Cocktails | Nik Snacks
Beer Cocktails.
That's right. Beer. And cocktails. Together. In a glass (or a coffee mug, whatever. I'm not judging).
Now that the weather is really warming up and people are spending more time outside, cocktails with fresh fruit and light beers are on the menu. A beer cocktail can be something as simple as a shandy (beer kissed with equal parts lemonade) or complex as a Black Velvet (a stout with a shot of Chambord dropped into it) but BOY, do I have a heck of a cadre of beer cocktails for YOU today!
I've partnered with NC Beer Month, Lowes Foods and Visit Winston-Salem for the second year in a row, to bring you a series of content AND events throughout the month of April to educate, promote and entice you about the craft beer scene in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Today I'm bringing a bit of new-age culture and history-making from Winston-Salem to you in the form of couple of original recipes using NC Beer Month as inspiration.
Winston-Salem is the City of Arts and Innovation. World-famous Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Texas Pete Hot Sauces both originated here. Innovation in culinary artistry is not lost on my favorite city in the world. Launched in 2013, Buck O'Hairen's Sunshine energy drink hit the shelves in Winston-Salem and it's definitely making waves as a part of the city's history. It's touted as "the antidote to moonshine" but now that I've got my hands on some, it's going to be a part of the NC beer equation that never has to be solved.
Sunshine is a lightly carbonated beverage that “Clears the Clouds” with caffeine (only 50mg) and it's only 60 calories. Electrolytes perk you up to keep you hydrated, added vitamins help fight fatigue and the signature flavor—Ginger Berry—has real ginger in it! Blackberries gives the original drink the berry flavor and it’s sweetened with Stevia. Sunshine just released two new flavors, Blueberry Lemonade and Zesty Clementine, both of which can easily be made into beer cocktails on-the-fly as well.
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| As seen in Twin City Hive |
Sunshine is available at dozens of retail outlets (and by mail!!!) in the city, but my favorite place to purchase it is Twin City Hive where history and innovation have been meeting since 2014.
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| One of Twin City Hive's owners, Joey Burdette |
Last year I profiled Twin City Hive during NC Beer Month to highlight the nitro-infused cold brew coffee they sell that pours like a beer but drinks like a smooth, creamy coffee.
These beer cocktails are smooth, too. They are easy to recreate, go down easy and the carbonation is the perfect palate cleanser. Try one tonight!
Beer Cocktails with Buck O'Hairen's Legendary Sunshine Energy Drink
Yield: 4
Prep time: 5 MinTotal time: 5 Min
Beer Cocktails. That's right. Beer. And cocktails. Together. In a glass (or a coffee mug, whatever. I'm not judging).
Now that the weather is really warming up and people are spending more time outside, cocktails with fresh fruit and light beers are on the menu. A beer cocktail can be something as simple as a shandy (beer kissed with equal parts lemonade) or complex as a Black Velvet (a stout with a shot of Chambord dropped into it) but BOY, do I have a heck of a cadre of beer cocktails for YOU today!
Ingredients
The Blackberry Business
- Foothills Carolina Blonde (or Light Cream Ale)
- Ginger Berry Sunshine, to taste
- 6 Frozen Blackberries
The Apple Cart
- Foothills Hoppyum IPA (or India Pale Ale)
- Ginger Berry Sunshine, to taste
- Apple Cider
Blueberry Sunshine Shandy
- Blueberry Lemonade Sunshine
- Foothills Torch Pilsner
- Frozen Blueberries for garnish
Blue Sunshine
- 6 oz. of Brown Ale
- Zesty Clementine, to taste
- Splash of Orange Juice
Instructions
Blue Sunshine
- Mix all ingredients, pour and enjoy over ice.
- Garnish with fresh or frozen fruit
For Apple Cart, Blackberry Business, Blueberry Shandy
- Measure 1-to-1 ratio of each ingredient
- Mix, pour and enjoy over ice
- Garnish with fresh or frozen fruit
Calories
160.72Fat (grams)
0.40Sat. Fat (grams)
0.04Carbs (grams)
26.86Fiber (grams)
2.55Net carbs
24.31Sugar (grams)
16.29Protein (grams)
1.38Sodium (milligrams)
11.14Cholesterol (grams)
0.00Please consult a healthcare professional or dietician about nutritional needs for your diet. I am a communications professional, not a physician.
The Blackberry Business
The Apple Cart
Blueberry Sunshine Shandy
Blue Sunshine
Don't forget to enter the NC Beer Month Getaway package to Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Scroll down a little bit and get the details on how to enter the contest!
During the month of April, Nik Snacks will be traveling to Lowes Foods around the state bringing Winston-Salem beer to you in the form of excellent original recipes using beer while promoting a fantastic NC Beer Month Getaway package!
Find Nik Snacks at one last live demonstration at the Lowes Foods location below alongside recipes that will be showcased:
12-2 PM April 27: Knightdale, Knightdale Commons, 3001 Widewaters Parkway (Store #189)
5 Minute Stout Hot Fudge
Beer, Shrimp And Grits
Don't forget to enter to win the Getaway package and stay tuned for more details about each recipe and more fun facts about NC Beer Month!
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About the author
Nikki Miller-Ka
Ms. Miller-Ka is a classically trained chef with a BA in English from East Carolina University and a Culinary Arts Associate Degree from Le Cordon Bleu-Miami.
Formerly, she’s worked as a researcher, an editorial assistant, reporter and guest blogger for various publications and outlets in the Southeast. She has also worked as a catering chef, a pastry chef, a butcher, a baker, and a biscuit-maker. Presently, she is a food editor, freelance food writer, and a tour guide for Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours.
Slurp. These are sound so tempting. Thanks for sharing.
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