Local Libations
Planning a summer potluck? Consider creating a booze bar where only locally made or sold spirits are served. Here’s a few to get you started.
By Mimi Towle • Photo by Lori Eanes
HANSON VODKA The Hanson family of Tiburon has been distilling award-winning organic fruit-infused vodka since 2013; its original vodka was just awarded 96 points by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge of New York. This certified gluten-free spirit is distilled in Sonoma, comes in five different flavors and is sold at most specialty retailers in Marin. hansonofsonoma.com
LAUGHING GLASS No mixing needed for these low-calorie margaritas concocted by two Marin moms, Carey Clahan and Sydney Rainin-Smith, who also made sure the drinks were all-natural, vegan and gluten-free. Available in regular or pomegranate flavor, throughout California. laughingglasscocktails.com
SALT POINT A Moscow mule in a can? This great idea was hatched right here in Mill Valley by Marin native Heather Wyatt. You’ll find the fun-filled four-packs at most Bay Area Whole Foods and Mollie Stone’s stores. saltpoint.co
SAMMY’S BEACH BAR RUM We’re willing to bet very few people know how to emulate the taste of the islands better than Sammy Hagar, and his eponymous Beach Bar Rum is, ahem, proof. This cane rum sourced from the fields of Hawaii will add a bit of aloha to any gathering. sammysbeachbarrum.com
SANTO This unique black bottle is also the brainchild of Hagar: bonding over a love of tequila with buddy Adam Levine, he found a team to create the world’s first “mezquila,” a blend of tequila and mescal. santomezquila.com
Amazing, refreshing and mouth watering! The key here is a little product we found called Little Waisted glitter sugars and cocktail salts. We have added their lime flavored cocktail salt to these watermelon slices, and we are obsessed with their other fun, sparkly products!
Method:
Slice melon, pour LGC original margarita onto pieces, keep chilled in fridge, dip into fancy salt or sugar, enjoy.
Make this before your guests arrive and then relax!
Ingredients:
1 bottle Laughing Glass Pomegranate Margarita
Fresh grapefruit juice
Ginger Liquor (optional)
Very dry ginger beer
Grapefruit and lime for garnish
Method:
In a pitcher filled with ice, add bottle of LGC Pomegranate margaritas, 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice, 1 cup Ginger Liquor. Stir gently, add floater of 1 cup ginger beer and fresh fruit as garnish.
“Have yourself a Berry Little Christmas….” Stir up this light, bright drink with the tang of pomegranate and the sparkle of Champagne to add a festive fizz to your holiday bash.
The Pomegranate Sparkler
½ chilled Dry Champagne, Prosecco, or sparkling wine,
½ chilled Laughing Glass Pomegranate Margarita,
Garnish with an orange twist.
This easy 2 ingredient sparkler, has convenience at its core, and deliciousness at heart!
The “Mule” cocktail continues to be one of the most popular and exciting cocktails in America, and this simple 2 ingredient version takes convenience to a new level!
Easy Mexicali Mule
5 oz Laughing Glass Classic Margarita,
2 oz Ginger Beer (we love Fever Tree!),
Pour over ice in a copper mug and garnish with lime.
Making it easier was the only way we could improve on this classic cocktail. Feeling extra festive? Add a floater of your favorite tequila for extra punch!
May your days be merry and bright, may your festivities be relaxed and fun-filled, and may all your cocktails be awesome! Cheers!
