7 of the Best Local Beverages to Pack Your Cooler With
The goal: A cooler that is filled to the brim with delicious beverages.
From refreshing boozy cocktails to caffeinated chilled coffee and yummy (and surprisingly healthy!) kombucha, these Richmond brewed beverages are a must for any activity.
By Alex Smith-Scales - Contributor Writer
Cirrus Vodka, Crescent Simples & Navy Hill Soda
You’ve never had a smoother vodka than this one before! Cirrus Vodka is made with potatoes, triple distilled, and then blended with charcoal-filtered water to craft a vodka like no other. The result is a vodka that is equally as good on it’s own as it is mixed with any other flavor. I opted to pair it with Crescent Simples Strawberry Basil syrup and was delighted at how easy to drink it was. This is levels above your college roommate’s cocktail!
Or if you'd rather not play mixologist, opt for one of Cirrus Vodka's pre-made cocktails on the go! Both are equally refreshing with the Cherry Limeade packing a punch and the Lavender Lemonade being their subtle yet powerful cousin. Topping it off with Navy Hill soda water to add the perfect amount of fizz is the perfect way to finish it off.
Location: 1603 Ownby Ln (Carver)
Hours: Thursday, 5 - 9 pm; Friday, 5 - 10 pm; Saturday, 3 - 10 pm; Sunday, 1 - 6 pm; Closed Monday - Wednesday
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Richmond Lager
This American-style lager boasts a clean profile and classic taste, thanks to the brewers at Hardywood. Some even say that the Richmond Lager was the catalyst in launching RVA into the brewery scene and inspiring the collection of craft breweries that we’ve come to love today. The best part? This brew supports Virginia agriculture utilizing Virginia-grown hops and barleys.
Location: 2410 Ownby Ln (Carver)
Hours: Tuesday - Thursday, 2 - 9 pm; Friday, 2 - 10 pm; Saturday, 12 - 10 pm; Sunday, 12 - 9 pm; Closed Mondays
Blanchard’s, Cold Coffee
Who says coffee has to be hot and consumed in the morning? Beloved coffee-roasting company Blanchard’s has perfected on-the-go coffee with a bold, accessible taste and smooth finish. Because this coffee is “snapchilled,” the taste remains as good as when it was packaged, allowing you to drink it at any time of the day!
Location: 3121 W Broad St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 7 am - 5 pm; Saturday, 8 am - 5 pm; Sundays, 8 am - 2 pm
Brambly Park, Viognier
Maybe you’ve spent a day at their popular and fun space in Scott’s Addition, but did you know Brambly Park also offers wine to take home that is just as stellar? The Viognier couldn’t be more perfect to take along and enjoy on a sunny day, with subtly exciting aromas and a crisp taste. Made with Virginia grapes and aged in French oak barrels for 12 months, this wine offers classic flavors with modern approaches.
Location: 1708 Belleville Ave (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 4 - 10 pm; Friday, 3 - 11 pm; Saturday, 11 am - 11 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 10 pm
Ninja Kombucha, Blackberry Hibiscus
Kombucha is the tasty, fizzy probiotic beverage that has been making a splash for the past few years. With the Blackberry Hibiscus flavor, Ninja Kombucha has crafted a new Richmond staple. Not too sweet, not too sour, complete with a rich flavor and floral finish — not only will your taste buds be happy, but your tummy will be too, as probiotics support gut health.
Location: 126 W Brookland Park Blvd (Brookland Park)
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30 - 7:30 pm; Friday, 4 - 9 pm; Saturday, 11 am - 9 pm; Sunday, 11 am - 6 pm; Closed Mondays and Wednesdays
Union Market & Trapezium Brewing, Union Hill Sour
The Union Hill Sour is all about dynamic duos: lemongrass and blackberries, Union Market and Trapezium Brewing. Creating an exciting collaboration between this beloved Church Hill Market Cafe and Petersburg brewery (which will soon open a taproom in Church Hill!), you’ll be supporting, not one, but two local businesses. This tasty sour also displays funky, fun can art featuring the Virginia State Capitol.
Location: 2306 Jefferson Ave (Church Hill)
Hours: Sunday - Thursday, 9 am - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 9 am - 10 pm
Buskey Cider, RVA Cider
Honestly, the best way to transition from summer to fall is with cider. Luckily, Buskey Cider has hard-pressed a beverage equally refreshing and tasty. Using 100% Virginia apples and drinkable enough to be appleling to anyone, this beverage will be a fan favorite for everyone 21 and up.
Location: 2910 W Leigh St (Scott’s Addition)
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 3 - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday, 12 - 10 pm; Sundays, 12 - 9 pm
Cheers!
Thank you to Cirrus Vodka for powering this City Guide!
Thanks to Alex Smith-Scales for contributing this guide!