For some, winter sports means whooshing down a powdery mountain, leaving a feathery flurry of snow fluttering behind, tickling the whiskers of El Niño as he visits our neck of the woods. Others work up a sweat by shouting at the television and tallying fantasy football payoffs and losses, declaring their luck or misfortune. A bubbly brew is a handsome reward for such exertion, and who says that fun has to stop with beer alone? Score a touchdown with friends at upcoming Super Bowl parties with beer “cocktails.” No matter who wins the game, you’ll rack up points as “Most Valuable Entertainer of the Year.”
Snakebite
This drink combines beer and hard cider, and the creative combinations are practically endless. My favorite mixtures include lager with apple cider, amber beer and pear cider, and a rich, dark brew with cherry cider.
Black Fog
I love flavorful ambers and dark beers, and most often, I default to Guinness on tap, where available. Add an ounce of Chambord raspberry liqueur, and it's like sipping a raspberry chocolate truffle with a bit of a boozy kick.
Sake Bomb
Sushi would be my “death row meal” of choice, and it’s hard to imagine not washing it down with a scintillating sake and icy Japanese beer. Although I’m intrigued with learning about (and drinking) the higher levels of that elixir, I’m also n
Bourbon Baby Shandy
Brandishing a bottle of bourbon, this is my twist on the English Shandy (a mixture of beer and lemon soda). Mix with an ounce of bourbon, and top with a few dashes of aromatic bitters to enhance the rich caramel whiskey notes.
Cajun Michelada
Adding tomato juice to beer originates in Mexico, but the refreshing drink has taken on its own personality all over the US. I created this hangover-killing version, which celebrates the oh-so-nice spice of New Orleans. (Keep this one in mind for the day after Mardi Gras, too, y'all!)
- 3 dashes Tabasco Chipotle
- 3 dashes Tabasco Original
- 2 ounces tomato juice
- ½ ounce lime juice (½ freshly squeezed lime)
- salt, pepper, ground Cajun spice mix (to taste)
- 1 8-ounce bottle Mexican beer
- red chile-salt rim
Garnish: Grind the red chile flakes and sea salt in a coffee grinder to make chile-salt rim. Rub a cut lime around the rim of a tall glass to moisten, then dip it into the chile-salt mixture. Pour all ingredients into a tall, chilled glass. Add Cajun-spice rubbed grilled shrimp on a skewer (optional).
Santa Fe Reporter