Lifestyle/Art

Published on April 22nd, 2021 | by Darren Paltrowitz

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25 Recommended Brands To Add To Your Home Bar In April 2021

Spring 2021 is now upon us. No matter whether you are still quarantining or regularly socializing in small groups, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy your home bar and imbibe. As someone regularly following trends within the food and beverage worlds, I can tell you that there is no shortage of interesting new offerings from top producers of wine, spirits and even non-alcoholic beverages.

In turn, below are 25 recommendations for readers of The Hype Magazine seeking some possible, quality-oriented — yet all of which cost-effective — additions to their home bar.

Zignum Mezcal

Regarded by many as “the modern face of mezcal,” Zignum’s facilities are animal-cruelty-free, clean energy-based, equal opportunity, and non-smokey. Its Mexican, family-owned, female-run parent company has 2 foundations: 1 that supports Oaxacans most in need, and the other which supports the arts; the arts-related foundation including an alegrife studio, on which the movie Coco was based.

The first offering from Zignum I tried was its Reposado, which is aged for 9 months in American oak barrels. The agave used in this mezcal is not smoked, thus you should not expect a smoky flavor from this particular mezcal. Overall, it carries a light body with notes of raisins, banana, and vanilla. I will be featuring cocktail recipes from this brand in an upcoming round-up for The Hype, so stay tuned.

Magic Bullet

Magic Bullet is an 8.4-ounce nutritional recovery drink, made for people who want — and need — to get things done. By incorporating this all-natural, caffeine-free, superfoods infused drink into your fun, you ought to feel clear, energized, and recharged. Magic Bullet is made from natural ingredients, a proprietary mix of Milk Thistle Extract, N-Acetyl Cysteine, Lipoic Acid, Turmeric, Schisandra Berry, Grape Seed Extract and Yellow Dock Root. The drink is sweetened with zero-calorie Stevia and only 40 Calories of organic Cane Sugar.

But what you may not realize based on that description is that Magic Bullet also works great as a tasty cocktail mixer. Founders Joe and Didi Edwards recently hosted a virtual event for members of the media, showing how to make a “Vodka Bullet,” a “Tequila Bullet” and other fun cocktails. Some of those drink recipes can be found here.

Honcho Spiked Agua Fresca

Honcho Spiked Agua Fresca is a a boozy, low-calorie twist on the traditional Latin American drink, which make for ideal ready-to-drink cocktails to serve for any celebration. Made with all-natural fruit wine, spring water and fruit nectar, Honcho Spiked Agua Frescas pair perfectly with chips and salsa, guacamole and/or tacos. So whether sipping out of the can or mixing in with your favorite cocktail or margarita, these refreshing canned cocktails are sure to elevate any celebratory occasion.

I have had the pleasure of experiencing 3 flavors from the brand: Mango, Prickly Pear and Blueberry Lemon. All 3 offerings carry 4 percent ABV per 12-ounce can. My favorite of the 3 is the Mango, which accurately bills itself as “dry and tropical.”

The Finnish Long Drink

Long Drink is a citrus cocktail with a premium liquor kick that is canned and ready-to-drink. The “long drink” category dates back to the 1952 Summer Games in Finland, where it is still reportedly the country’s most popular drink today. Here in the States, the Long Drink brand has become one of the fastest-growing alcohol companies across the U.S., as officially launched in 2018 by friends (and Finns) Ere Partanen, Mikael Taipale Sakari Manninen and Evan Burns. Long Drink quickly grabbed the attention of VIPs across multiple industries including actor Miles Teller, world-renowned DJ Kygo and professional golfer Rickie Fowler, all of whom have since joined the company as co-owners.

Providing a subtle, refreshing kick, this cocktail is ideal for enjoying life at the golf course, picnicking in the sun, and/or around a card table with good company. Long Drink is gluten-free and keto-friendly made with gin, and is available in 4 unique flavors: Traditional, Zero (no carbs or sugar), Strong (8.5 percent ABV) and Cranberry (switching the drink’s classic citrus flavoring for cranberry).

Salcombe Distilling Co.

The Salcombe Distilling Co.’s Rosé Sainte Marie was a Double Gold Medal Winner at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and reportedly the world’s only dry pink gin to be awarded this accolade. Also the winner of a Double Gold at the 2020 SIP Awards, Rosé Sainte Marie is an “all-natural” pink gin that is delicate, fresh and truly exquisite. Inspired by the aromas, flavours and lifestyle of the Mediterranean, it is intended to be reminiscent of a balmy summer’s evening sat outside on the terrace of your favourite restaurant, watching the world go by.

Rosé Sainte Marie can be enjoyed from the beginning to the end of a meal, as an aperitif or digestif, on the beach or beside the pool… just about anywhere celebratory. Its natural pink hue is derived from unsweetened red fruits and has no added sugar, artificial colorings or flavurings. Keep an eye out for some Salcombe-friendly recipes in my next cocktail round-up for The Hype.

BON V!V Raspberry Dragonfruit

BON V!V Spiked Seltzer has brewed up an exciting new release alongside Creative Advisor Priyanka Chopra Jonas. The duo is celebrating the bold and unexpected this season with a first of its kind premium botanical flavor: BON V!V Raspberry Dragonfruit. The new flavor is exclusively available out west in Los Angeles, San Diego, Salt Lake City and surrounding areas to start, with its national U.S. roll-out starting in May 2021.

With 0 grams of sugar and great taste, BON V!V Raspberry Dragonfruit features a perfectly-balanced ripe raspberry flavor along with delicate notes of exotic, juicy dragonfruit. The flavor ought to perfectly-complement beach days and al fresco dinner parties alike.

Estrella Jalisco Tropical Chamoy Michelada

With more than 100 years of Mexican brewing tradition, Estrella Jalisco is a refreshing, authentic Mexican Lager beer from Guadalajara, Jalisco. Estrella Jalisco was launched in the U.S. in 2015 and it quickly became a Mexican favorite among cerveza aficionados.

The brand’s Tropical Chamoy Michelada is the latest addition to the brand’s portfolio, as featuring a 3.5 percent ABV and a flavorful blend of clamato, chamoy and pineapple. Chamoy, for those unfamiliar, is a distinctly-Mexican flavor that is widely beloved, but hard to describe. In turn, this traditional lager is a fruity spin on the classic beer cocktail just in time for Cinco De Mayo 2021.

Stone Brewing’s Guest Artist IPA Pack

One can always expect an interesting cast of characters at any great craft beer bar, and it is with that truth in mind that Stone Brewing sought out and brought together 4 guest artists to design collectible labels for a special limited release of its most popular IPAs. For the Stone Guest Artist IPA Mixed Pack, the artists — both amateur and pro — brought their own personal expression to each of the labels, which can now be found nationwide.

The Stone IPA Mixed Pack is a year-round offering with beer selection and packaging changing continuously throughout the year. Stone includes one-off special releases only found in the Mixed Pack, or in this case, best-sellers with unique packaging and guest participation. The Stone Guest Artist IPA Mixed Pack will be available through May 2021.

DELOCE

The Espresso Martini was created back in the late 1980’s in London. The naturally-caffeinated cocktail eventually found its way to California. Ultimately, Espresso Martinis always enhance experiences with their full-bodied taste and uplifting effects. In 2021, DELOCE unveiled its own take on the Espresso Martini. In turn, co-founders CEO Sean Zoka and CMO Keaton Moody created a delicious, on-the-go canned cocktail that can be taken anywhere.

DELOCE’s Espresso Martini is 11 percent ABV, as made with 100 percent Arabica coffee beans sourced from the Narino and Huila regions of Colombia. The brand’s offering is free of dairy, made with gluten-free vodka, and contains exclusive natural ingredients. Any questions about DELOCE? You can text them to +1-310-582-5609.

Recuerdo Mezcal

Recuerdo Mezcal is reportedly the top-selling Mezcal available in duty-free airport stores, and 1 of the leading Mezcals in Mexico. Recuerdo Mezcal announced its U.S. launch of 2varietals in January of 2020: with (priced at $34.99) and without Gusano (priced at $37.99), alongside partner and UFC “BMF” Titleholder Jorge Masvidal. Recuerdo Mezcal is cooked with only certified wood over river rocks and distilled with traditional Mezcal production techniques that are honored and proven to produce the finest final spirit.

Distillation aside, Recuerdo Mezcal’s agave is sustainably harvested in Oaxaca, in a manner that ensures the preservation of the agave plant and the environment. In turn, Recuerdo Mezcal is intended to be savored not rushed.

Twisted Tea’s Countdown To Summer Pack

Twisted Tea’s Countdown To Summer bundle begins with a limited-edition, Countdown To Summer 40-pack in partnership with GiveThemBeer.com. Featuring a custom, drinkable countdown-style box design and 40 12-ounce cans of Twisted Tea, it is reportedly the brand’s largest pack ever, so drinkers can begin celebrations early by countdowning the days to the unofficial start to summer, also known as Memorial Day.

Twisted Tea is serving up the first-ever Twisted Tea-infused Mighty Quinn’s BBQ Sauce. Available via Goldbelly, this collaboration sauce will help you kickstart your countdown to summer so you can run the grill all season long. And after working up a sweat manning the grill, you can throw on the brand’s Twisted Tea x Shinesty Bathing Suits, novelty, colorful and twisted apparel — as available via the brand’s online store — as ideal for repping its tea all summer long.

Blue Point Spirits

Blue Point Spirits is the latest venture by Anheuser Busch’s cult-favorite brand Blue Point Brewing. Long story short, Blue Point Spirits is a line of ready-to-drink, gluten-free cocktails, and each beverage combines all-natural fruit with vodka for a refreshing and balanced imbibing experience. As of May 1st, the brand will roll out 3 varieties: Grapefruit Zinger, Razzle Dazzle, and Electric Lemonade. Each of those 3 offerings carries 9.1 percent ABV, which ought to keep things fun for those enjoying Blue Point Spirits. Beer more your thing? Back in March, Blue Point announced a Beer Of The Month Club for New Yorkers. It kicked off with Illusion and Imperial Series offerings. Shipments are sent out by the 15th of each shipping month.

And speaking of warmer weather and Anheuser Busch, Anheuser-Busch is celebrating the start of summer with Reventón de Verano, a virtual livestream event airing Sunday, May 2, 2021 as some of the hottest global superstars unite for a can’t-miss celebration which mixes Hispanic music, culture, art and flavor with some of your favorite beers, seltzers and cocktails. This feel-good event will be hosted by Venezuelan-American global entertainer Lele Pons and Culture Power Player AJ Ramos and will feature a personal art showcase with global superstar Maluma, a cooking session with Eva Longoria, and special performances from Becky G., Myke Towers, Prince Royce, and Sofia Reyes. The live event will begin streaming at 6:00 PM EST at ReventonLive.com and on Anheuser-Busch social channels including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

10 Barrel Brewing Co.

The theme of Earth Day 2021, as designated by Earthday.org, was “Restore Our Earth.” 10 Barrel walks the “restore” talk all year long with a trio of beers that donate a portion of their proceeds to protect and preserve important outdoor initiatives, including the Outdoor Alliance, The Conservation Alliance and The Surfrider Foundation. All are part of 10 Barrel’s #drinkitforward campaign.

10 Barrel Brewing’s Hazy Trail IPA hits at 6.2 percent ABV with 50 IBU’s featuring a soft malt profile and a burst of tropical hops. Its Profuse Juice was launched in 2019 and promptly won a gold medal North American Beer Awards. 10 Barrel Brewing has a great canned margarita. Sounds like there is something for everyone on the canned spectrum via 10 Barrel Brewing.

Gin XII

A rich and flavorful dry gin produced in the South of France at Distilleries et Domaines de Provence, Gin XII — 86 proof — is a new and distinguished addition to the American spirits landscape. Distilled from 12 plants and spices, hence the symbol XII, the majority of these ingredients are harvested in Provence, making the gin a true and authentic expression of this top-notch region.

Gin XII is imported into the U.S. by Crillon Importers, the New Jersey-based company founded by iconic spirits marketer Michel Roux, the “father” of Absolut Vodka and Bombay Sapphire Gin, who is also the man responsible for introducing Absente and Henri Bardouin Pastis to the American market. Currently, Crillon imports Rhum Barbancourt, Absente absinthe, and Pastis
Henri Bardouin. Gin XII is initially being distributed in a select number of states, including Florida, Texas, Louisiana, New York and Nevada, with a larger U.S. roll-out to be expected in the near-future; more on that expansion can be found via the brand’s Instagram page.

iichiko Silhouette

Founded in 1979, iichiko debuted as a shochu made from 100 percent barley, as distilled only once, forming a premium class of shochu known as “honkaku shochu.” A key ingredient in its distillation process is Koji, a rich ingredient found in traditional Japanese foods like miso and soy sauce, which gives the spirit its unique umami flavor.

iichiko Silhouette is the traditional expression of shochu and reportedly Japan’s #1 shochu brand. Lighter and eminently-drinkable, Silhouette pairs well with a wide range of cuisines and is traditionally-enjoyed with food, carrying an ABV of 25 perfect. Silhouette can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks, served with water (both cold and hot), in a chu-hi (or shochu highball), mixed with soda and fruit juice, and/or served with oolong tea or matcha tea. Silhouette can also be a versatile base for low-alcohol cocktails.

LALO Tequila

LALO Tequila was named after co-founder and maestro tequilero Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, the grandson of Don Julio González of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. Lalo continues the legacy of his father and grandfather with a bold new approach to perfecting blanco tequila. After nearly a decade in the industry seeing tequila follow many different trends, he and founding partner David R. Carballido sought to return tequila to its honest roots with a truly pure blanco tequila, without barrels or additives. In turn, each batch of LALO is 100 percent pure.

In turn, what began as a small, private batch for friends and family in Guadalajara has turned into a tequila high in-demand for its taste and purity. LALO is not intended as a special occasion tequila, rather, it is intended to make any occasion special. It is presently-available in select liquor stores, restaurants, bars and hotels throughout Texas, and can also be ordered online and shipped in 47 states.

Hornitos Tequila Seltzer

Last month Hornitos announced that it was joining the ever-growing “Ready-to-Drink” space with 2 premium hard seltzers available in natural flavors — Lime and Mango — as crafted without any artificial sweeteners. And unlike most hard seltzers, Hornitos combines real Plata Tequila with refreshing seltzer, aiming to create an ideal summer sip for those looking for a light, ready-made cocktail, wherever they may be imbibing.

Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is now available in select markets and is going nationwide this summer. Each can contains less than 115 calories and natural ingredients, as containing 5 percent ABV. A 4-pack of Hornitos Tequila Seltzer carries a suggested retail price of $11.99.

Hecho Tequila Soda

BODEGA is a family of brands owned and operated under the same roof, reportedly working together towards 1 mission: To provide best-in-class beverage products to the hospitality industry. BODEGA’s Hecho Tequila Soda is comprised of 3 simple ingredients: 100 percent tequila blanco, soda water and lime. 96 calories and gluten-free with no added sweeteners also makes Hecho one of the cleanest canned cocktails imaginable.

Hecho is extremely-versatile as it can be consumed right out of the can, or it can be mixed into your own custom cocktail like a margarita, paloma or mimosa. In turn, Hecho is made for tequila lovers by tequila lovers.

Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey

Inspired by a love of bourbon whiskey, a passion for chocolate and an abiding dedication to bringing people together, Ballotin Chocolate Whiskey is said to have been founded in 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky with a single focus: To produce elegant and delicious sipping whiskeys designed for flavor-craving friends. Ballotin was created by bringing some of the subtler bourbon flavors that everyone loves, the chocolates, nuts, caramels, mints, and vanillas, into greater prominence and balance with the complementary flavors of traditional whiskeys.

I have had the pleasure of trying both the Ballotin Peanut Butter Chocolate Whiskey and the Ballotin Original Chocolate Whiskey, and I insist that you should believed the hype on both. One of my top discoveries of 2021.

Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum

Kō Hana — which recently announced that it has leased an additional 220 acres of farmland in Hale‘iwa on O‘ahu’s North Shore — differs from most rum distilleries in 2 main ways. First, Kō Hana uses only fresh sugarcane juice as the fermentable ingredient rather than molasses, the byproduct of table sugar manufacturing. Second, Kō Hana harvests 1 of 34 unique Hawaiian cane varieties at a time, allowing the consumer to experience the essence of each cane variety..

Kō Hana Hawaiian Agricole Rum is available for purchase online and from retailers, bars and restaurants throughout Hawai‘i and California. The premium spirit is served in some of the most notable restaurants and bars including Pacific Cocktail Haven, Bar Leather Apron and The Atlas Bar at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore. The Kō Hana Distillers Tasting Room is currently open on O‘ahu.

Fisher Island Lemonade

Fishers Island Lemonade — or FIL, for short — has been called “the original canned cocktail” by many folks within the spirits industry. Female-founded in 2014 by Bronya Shillo, the spiked lemonade cocktail originated at Shillo’s family’s bar on Fishers Island, New York, the Pequot Inn; the Inn is the only public bar on the island and has been open for 100 years.

FIL recently introduced 3 new lemonade-based flavors and an ice pop for summer enjoyment, its first product expansion since the company’s founding 7 years ago: Fishers Spiked Tea, Fishers Pink Flamingo, and Fishers Fizz. The 3 new flavors range between 7 and 9 percent ABV. In addition, FIL has Fishers Spirit Pops on the market, which are made with premium vodka, barrel-aged whiskey, lemon, and honey for a premium experience.

Stella Artois Solstice Lager

Stella Artois Solstice Lager is a premium golden lager, triple-filtered for refreshment and smoothness. It is beautifully-balanced with citrus essences, full-flavored and refreshing. To commemorate Solstice Lager’s debut as a permanent staple of the Stella Artois portfolio, the brand released the first ever campaign for its golden brew earlier this month, as titled Shadows. The new film shows that spending time with friends and family under the sun with a refreshing beer can make any moment exceptionally-golden.

Said Lara Krug, VP of Marketing for Stella Artois in a prepared statement about the first ever golden lager brewed by Stella Artois: “We’ve all had those perfect days — when the sun is out, there’s a cold beer in your hand and loved ones at your side — where you can get completely wrapped up in the blissful moment of togetherness. We want to inspire everyone to savor the fun, spontaneous, and social days of spring and summer ahead, with an exceptionally-golden pairing, Stella Artois Solstice Lager.”

Truly Watermelon Lemonade

Earlier this year Truly Hard Seltzer announced the launch of Truly Extra Hard Seltzer, a delicious and refreshing hard seltzer that clocks in at 8 percent ABV. After its 2020 test launch received overwhelmingly-positive drinker feedback, Truly Extra is now officially available nationwide in 2 flavors: Black Raspberry and Peach Mango. Unlike competitors’ hard seltzers that are packed with sugar and artificial ingredients, Truly Extra has only 1 gram of sugar and just 220 calories in each 16-ounce can.

More recent than that, Truly Watermelon Lemonade was announced, as now available nationwide in 12-pack and 24-pack offerings. Truly Watermelon Lemonade has just 1 gram of sugar and 100 calories per can, making it an ideal beverage for any occasion from beach days to backyard barbeques and beyond. Additionally, Truly fans can purchase the ultimate Taste of Summer koozie to keep their beverage cold all summer long.

Angry Orchard Hard Cider

Angry Orchard Hard Cider has already kicked off summer 2021 as the new official hard cider of The Concacaf Gold Cup. In turn, Angry Orchard has launched a limited-edition Gold Cup-inspired variety pack: the Kickin’ It Mix. Available nationwide through August 2021, each pack will include long-time fan favorites Crisp Apple and Unfiltered, as well as 2 new fruit ciders, Peach Mango and Strawberry. In addition to the Kickin’ It Mix, Angry Orchard and The Concacaf Gold Cup will celebrate the road to the Gold Cup through media integrations, experiential activations at games, and even a sweepstakes offering drinkers a chance to win a trip to the Gold Cup finals.

Beyond that, Teacher Appreciation Week starts up again on May 4, 2021, and for that Angry Orchard is partnering with NIPYATA to create limited-edition Teacher Appreciation Day cards, as complete with an ice cold Angry Orchard Crisp Apple. So while it has been a while since many of us have been been in school, Angry Orchard likes to think of it as a virtual cheers to the teacher in your life — your roommate, family member, friend, or mentor.


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About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."


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