8 Seasonal Releases to Sip Under the Sun
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While technically it’s not *officially* summer, semesters are ending, summer plans are being made, the sun is shining brighter, and the days are getting longer. Oh, and our local craft beverage makers are starting to brew those light, juicy, refreshing, sip-able drinks! Skim the list below to find your next porch-, patio-, deck-, James River-, bike trail-, or wherever your weekend (or weekday) adventure takes you- beverage. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
by Samantha Kanipe
Garden Grove: Piña
This cider is made with Virginia-grown Black Twig Apples and features fermented pineapple. It’s so cool and refreshing, it’s the perfect patio-sipping beverage you need when the clock strikes 3 PM…er…I mean 5 PM.
Location: 3445 W Cary St, Carytown
Taproom hours: Monday through Thursday 4 - 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - 12 am, Sunday 12 pm - 8 pm
Happy hour: Monday through Thursday 4 - 9 pm // $1 off drafts
Image Source: @deirdresaulet
Buskey Cider: Watermelon Rosemary
This annual release is one of Buskey’s most popular! The Watermelon Rosemary explodes with sweet fruit and fresh herbs to keep you cool wherever summer takes you.
PS: If you’re into the piña colada vibes from above, Buskey is also dropping their piña colada cider today!
Location: 2910 W Leigh St, Scott’s Addition
Taproom hours: Monday through Thursday 3 - 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - 10 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm
Cirrus Vodka: Watermelon Slushee
We can’t think of a more iconic, thirst-quenching drink for summer than a watermelon slushee. It’s sweet, juicy, and bright pink which is just so fun!
Location: 1603 Ownby Ln, Scott’s Addition East
Taproom hours: Thursday and Friday 5 - 8:30 pm, Saturday 1 - 9pm, Sunday 1 - 6 pm
Happy hour: Thursday 5:30 - 8:30 pm // $2 off all drinks
Blue Bee Cider: Peach Madness Frosé
Cold, dry, and tart, this little number is totally crushable under the sun. Want to turn it up a notch? Add a sidecar of Firecracker for added sweetness and zing!
Location: 2910 W Leigh St, Scott’s Addition
Taproom hours: Monday through Thursday 3 - 9 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm - 10 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm
Final Gravity Brewing: My Shangri-La Hazy Double IPA
It’s time to turn up! “Cashmere and citra hops shine through with melon, tangerine, grapefruit and tropical flavors up front with very little bitterness and a smooth body clocking in at 8% ABV” reads the tasting notes on this release — sounds like a delicious doozy, right! When it’s already been a long week and it’s not even Friday, this should help.
Location: 6118 W Lakeside Ave, Lakeside
Taproom hours: Tuesday through Thursday 2 - 8 pm, Friday 2 - 9 pm, Saturday 12 - 9 pm, Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm
Happy hour: Tuesday through Saturday 3 - 6 pm, plus all day Sunday // $1 off draft beers and wines by the glass
Starr Hill: Say It Ain’t Sour
Love a good sour? How about four of them!? This fruit-forward pack from Starr Hill features their Bella Blended Fruit Sour, Mariah Passion Fruit Gose, Rio Margarita Gose, and the Roxanne Raspberry Sour. Buy a 12-pack of cans here, or if you’re headed to the taproom, you can snag the sour flight which serves a 5 oz serving of each.
Location: 3406 W Leigh St, Scott’s Addition
Taproom hours: Monday through Wednesday 4 - 9 pm, Thursday and Friday 4 - 10 pm, Saturday 1 - 10 pm, Sunday 12 - 7 pm
Image Source: @ninjakombucha
Ninja Kombucha: Juniper & Sage
If you want to skip the alcohol, and savory is more your jam, this new release from Ninja Kombucha will be sure to hit the spot. Finished with dried ginger, this beverage has a light herbal profile while still light enough for summer sippin’.
Location: 126 W Brookland Park Blvd, North Side
Taproom hours: Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 3:30 - 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 3 pm
Triple Crossing: West Coast Falcon Smash
A little twist on their flagship beer, Triple Crossing has released their West Coast Falcon Smash again this year! It’s super clean, crisp, and dry with notes of crushed orange and grapefruit. If you’re a big fan of their Falcon Smash, don’t miss this limited-time release.
Location: Downtown & Fulton Hill
Taproom hours: Monday through Saturday 12 - 10 pm, Sunday 12 - 8 pm
Cheers to that!
Thanks to Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop for sponsoring this City Guide!