Cocktails
Photo by Meda Kessler
Bloody good
Best Maid’s Bloody Mary Pickle Beer has been an overwhelming success. But what if you are rather fond of bloody marys but not beer? You’re in luck, but only if you visit the Best Maid Pickle Emporium in Fort Worth and have 7 dollars to spare. The 32-ounce bottles of bloody mary mix were introduced in mid-April, and the regular seemed to be more popular than the spicy version on our visit. (We admit that we like to administer our own blend of horseradish and hot sauce). But while you’re there, get a jar of the pickled okra, too. Every bloody mary calls for a little salad in the glass. Call ahead or watch for news of a wider release. 829 W. Vickery Blvd., 682-351-8286, Fort Worth, bestmaidpickles.com/emporium
Topo Chico goes hard, and we’re not OK with it
It’s quite possible that Topo Chico’s hard seltzers are this season’s White Claw. Introduced these past few months in major markets, they have apparently sold well. That’s no surprise given the number of TC fans, especially in Texas. While we understand the convenience of a can — and the slim design and packaging are attractive — we’re not thrilled with the flavors. Maybe we don’t have a seltzer palate, but almost every flavor makes us think someone has spiked our drink with soap. (And trust us, you definitely want to pour these over ice.) Give us a regular seltzer, liquor of our choice and a fresh wedge of citrus. Cheers.
Photo courtesy of Topo Chico
Grapefruit Punch
Serves 1
- 1½ ounces Blackland Vodka
- 1 ounce grapefruit cordial
(recipe follows) - 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 2 ounces water
Mix all ingredients directly over ice, give a quick stir and garnish with a grapefruit peel. Grapefruit Cordial Peel 3 washed grapefruits and muddle the peels in 3 cups white sugar in a bowl. Let sit at room temperature for up to 6 hours as the oil from the peels is extracted. When all sugar is moistened, add 24 ounces of fresh grapefruit juice and whisk until sugar is dissolved. Strain off peels. Store leftover cordial in refrigerator for up to a week. Blackland Distillery 2616 Weisenberger St., Fort Worth, 682-268-5333, blacklandfw.com
Photo courtesy of Blackland Distillery