January 31, 2017
One of the best parts about the winter season? All the flavors and spices that come with it.
Whether you’re a craft beer fan, looking for winter wines or into the clean juice trend—Cabarrus has the perfect seasonal sips!
Cabarrus Brewing Company
Cabarrus Brewing released a new winter stout on New Year’s Eve appropriately titled, “After Midnite.” According to their Instagram page, it comes in at 9% ABV with 46 IBU’s of hop bitterness, and has 14 types of malt to give it a robust, roasted flavor. Cacao nibs and milk sugar are added for sweetness and body.
Rocky River Coffee Co.
When you’re craving a winter drink, stop by Rocky River Coffee Co. in Harrisburg for hot spiced classic and caramel ciders or s’mores hot chocolate. For a flavor-packed pick-me-up, try seasonal coffees like the Cinnabon Mocha hot, iced, or as a frappé.
Southern Grace Distilleries
There’s nothing like a little white corn whiskey to warm you up during these cold winter months. But instead of drinking it straight, try one of these recipes from Southern Grace Distilleries featuring Sun Dog 130:
Hot Buttered Popcorn – Equal parts Sun Dog 130, Fireball™ and Butterscotch Schnapps make the perfect shot.
White Dog Shake – 1.5 oz. Sun Dog 130, 1.5 oz. coffee liqueur, 1.5 oz. half and half. Mix well and serve on the rocks.
Clean Juice
When you need to detox from all of the comfort food and sugar, head to Clean Juice. Located in Concord, Clean Juice prides itself on only using organic ingredients in juices, smoothies and acai bowls to reduce exposure to chemicals and pesticides, avoid GMOs and benefit from a higher nutrient content. Try featured flavors like Cherry Chocolate from the recently launched winter menu.
Cougar Run Winery
Concord’s Cougar Run Winery offers hand-crafted, small-batch wines. During the winter season, an impressive selection of dessert wines tempts the taste buds. Just listen to this menu: Falling Star orange chocolate port, Reminisce toasted caramel port, and Poetry chocolate hazelnut port. In January, Black Forest chocolate cherry port and Heartsong chocolate raspberry port join the already sip-worthy selection.
High Branch Brewing Co.
High Branch Brewing released Solstice dark Saison just in time for the shortest day of the year: December 21. It comes in at 6% ABV with 14 IBU’s of hop bitterness. Despite its dark color, this brew is light bodied and easy drinking with a touch of tartness and chocolate malty flavor. For an ever-changing tap list and laid back atmosphere, stop by this family-run artisanal brewery located inside historic Gibson Mill.
What’s your favorite seasonal drink? Find even more delicious craft beverage options at these breweries, wineries and bars.
