Posts tagged ‘drinking’

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March 21, 2012

No, Really, You Can Drink More Water

I’m a huge proponent of drinking more water. I write about it all the time, perhaps ad nauseum. But there’s no reason not to, as water has billions of health benefits, beauty benefits, skin benefits, athletic performance benefits, diet/satiety benefits … the list goes on!

I’m usually pretty good about getting my 64 ounces in each day, but after my most recent Drink More Water article for DailyHap, one of the companies we featured, Reduce, offered to send me their WaterWeek bottle set to try.

water week water bottles

The idea is that the 16-ounce BPA-free plastic bottles are similar to throwaway bottles in size and convenience, but you “Just fill, chill & go!™” with the five bottles. So they’re already cold and ready in the fridge, in their nice little fridge tray. You could take one bottle and refill it all day at work, running errands, at school whatever. Each person in the family can have their own color.

Or, perhaps what happened to me will happen to you. Once I had the bottles filled, chilled, and ready to go in my fridge, I found that I drank them. All five bottles (I work at home, so there’s no water cooler). Yeah, I peed more than usual, but I adjusted. That’s 80 ounces a day! I, someone who thought she was great about her water intake, was drinking EVEN MORE water!

empty waterweek bottles

Empties! I’m not sure what it is about the WaterWeek reduce bottles. Could be the size. Could be the colors. Could be the fridge tray. Could be that they’re dishwasher safe (a must!). Whatever the cause, this water bottle has single-handedly upped my water intake!

Of course, you could do this with any water bottles. The Vapur anti-bottle is still my fave for travel, skiing, and so on, since you can easily store it in your pocket once it is empty (we’re giving away two on DailyHap’s facebook page, Like the page to be entered to win!). But the WaterWeek set is a steal at $17.99 for five bottles and the tray!

Are you upping your water intake? I wanna hear any and all tricks for drinking more water! I want to get up to 100 ounces every day! :-)

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December 3, 2011

Christmas Idea! $25 Off CBTL’s One-Cup This Weekend

CBTL austin one cup

I have one of the fabulous Kaldi one-cup coffee and tea makers from Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, review coming soon. But if someone you know (like, you know, yourself) wants one of the $179.95 babies for Christmas, this weekend is a great time to pop into one of six Austin locations, get a sample, and get $25 off. Sweet!

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October 12, 2011

Austin: Put the Rumors to Rest on 219West

We’ve all seen the marquee outside the former Union Park (RIP BoomBoomRoom) announcing that 219West will be moving there sometime, but up until now details have been scarce. Until now. The Warehouse District location closes its doors for good after regular Saturday night service from 5p to 2a October 15.

219West’s new home at 612 W. Sixth St.—despite rumor, it is NOT the same address—will open mid-November.

219West’s new 8,600-square-foot location (2x the 4th Street location!) has been entirely gutted and refurbished. A new patio has been erected along the front side of the building, the massive rooftop deck is still there, and the inside will feature more private party dining rooms. 219West is perhaps most known for its six award-winning menus of tapas and fresh entrees with booze pairings of cocktails, beer, and wine, and these will remain staples at the new location. The new 219West location will feature a new signature 219Tini cocktail: a combination of cucumber vodka, fresh lime juice, a splash each of sour mix and 7UP or soda, and a dash of simple syrup.

More info: 219West.com

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July 27, 2011

[UPDATED] Drink Me: Mercy Mercy

UPDATE: Thanks to commenter Brian, MERCY has given us a promo code for free shipping! WAHOO! Use discount code “Austin” to get free shipping on ANY order. Try a MERCYRITA and let me know how it goes!

The other day, I accidentally ended up having a small gathering at my apartment. Luckily, we always have tequila and triple sec on hand, so margaritas were easily in store. Then we ran out of lime juice. Though I live above a grocery store, it was past ten pm. Luckily, I remembered that the folks at MERCY, a hangover prevention beverage, were kind enough to send over a few samples. Does this mean I have a problem? No matter, back to my initial problem: Mercyritas?

MERCYRITAS!

Mercy hangover drink

MERCY is a non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage that contains nutritional supplements proven to protect your body as it processes alcohol. It flushes your system of acetaldehyde, the toxin that causes your hangover, and pumps up your natural defenses with some vitamins. MERCY contains a blend of amino acids, vitamins, minerals and herbs to prevent hangovers. You must drink it BEFORE you have a hangover, which is why a MERCYRITA is a perfect way to enjoy the beverage.

I will admit, I indulged a little that night. And woke hangover-free! (I also made a point of hydrating throughout the night … Belly Up in Aspen has several hydration stations that I was very excited about … more so than usual. MERCY influence?) My friend declared the MERCYRITA “tastes like summer!”

With a kitschy marketing campaign and pleasantly fruity, lightly carbonated taste, MERCY is a nice way to remain hangover free if you’re determined to indulge. They recommend 1 can for every 5 drinks, not to exceed 3 in 24 hours. For now, you can get MERCY mixed into cocktails at The W Austin or order online at drinkmercy.com ($28.50 for 12 cans).

Bottoms up!

Posted in Eating | 4 Comments »

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July 19, 2011

Austin: Day ‘o the Week Breakdown

I love nothing more than a theme party, so you can imagine how excited I was to hear that two Austin standbys, old and new, are hosting themed events every day of the work week throughout the summer! Check out the Day ‘o the Week Breakdown for West Sixth’s Star Bar and South Lamar’s Gibson—almost everything includes FREE food!!

Monday

Gibson: Mustache Mondays—$3 Maker’s special all night for everyone with a mustache. All guests receive a free mustache and prizes are awarded to the most impressive ‘stache.

Star Bar: Crock-Pot Creations—complimentary homemade soups or queso bar, all night happy hour and $4 Makers Mark.

Tuesday

Gibson: Trivia Tuesdays—free pub quiz starting at 8p complete with special prizes and bragging rights.

Star Bar: Texas Tuesdays—complimentary Frito pie, $3 local drafts (Live Oak, Independence and 512 brewing),  $3 Deep Eddy regular and sweet tea vodka served in mason jars.

Wednesday

Gibson: Wine Wednesday & Steak Night— complimentary cheese plate from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop (so hot right now!) with each purchase of a half or full bottle of wine beginning at 4p until the plates run out. Half bottle pricing starts at $10 and full bottles start at $15. Luke’s Inside Out also offers a grilled steak paired with two sides for $12 on Wednesdays.

Star Bar: Wine and Cheese Wednesdays–complimentary cheese plate from Antonelli’s Cheese Shop with each purchase of a half or full bottle of wine. Plate includes a variety of cheeses, Italian meats, grapes and flatbread. Half bottle pricing starts at $7 and full bottles start at $19.

Thursday

Gibson: Bubbles n Bitches (and Bingo)—Gibson has added Bingo to their popular Bubbles n Bitches night … In addition to complimentary variety plate of chocolates and strawberries with every order of bubbles, free Bingo begins at 8p with host Trevin from 101x and a chance to win great prizes.

Star Bar: Star Barrio(haha!)—happy hour complete with complimentary homemade salsas and an enchilada bar featuring Ranch 616 enchiladas, rice and beans. Drink specials include Palomas and buckets of iced Mini Sols.

Sunday

Gibson: Sinner Sunday– service industry happy hour all night.

Star Bar: Doublewide Sundays—complimentary chicken and waffles, Pop-Tarts and a variety of cereals. All day happy hour and drink specials include vodka Capri Suns, SunnyD Mimosas, Strawberry Quik White Russians, and $2 Lone Stars.

BONUS! Free Smoothie Fridays from McDonald’s: Try the new Mango Pineapple Real Fruit Smoothie at local participating McDonalds with free samples every Friday in July from 7am – 7pm.

I’m not endorsing your Mickey D’s stops, just letting you know about free stuff. The new Mango Pineapple Real Fruit Smoothie combines mango and pineapple with low-fat yogurt. It’s all about choices—visit this site for McDonald’s nutritional info.

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June 23, 2011

Austin: Cincominder App

Surely you remember CINCO Vodka, the “Austin’s Neighbor”-based, limestone-filtered, “martini-drinker’s” vodka I wrote about here? In one of the most ridiculously awesome ideas ever, CINCO has introduced a Cincominder app for the iphone. What does this app do?

Why, the app reminds fans when it’s five o’clock—the perfect time to enjoy a great martini!—with the signature sound of five shakes from a martini shaker. The app also will provide GPS information to let you know the nearest Cinco provider, whether it’s a bar, restaurant, hotel, nightclub, country club, or liquor store.

Cincominder drinking app

That’s right. The Cincominder app will help you get drunk at precisely 5pm. It also offers vodka enthusiasts a number of original recipes from Cinco’s Director of Cincology, such as the Cincotini, Love Potion #5, Mild Sedative, Yellow Submarine, Shiatzu and Excalibur.

Luckily, Cincominder also offers a “call a taxi” feature designed to assist you in calling the nearest Taxi to your location.

They’ve thought of everything. Download the free app from the iTunes app store immediately.

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May 24, 2011

Austin & Aspen: Top Ten Party Towns

USA Today names 10 destinations for bar-hopping all over the world. I’m not saying I agree or not (Ohio instead of Monaco??), but it is important to note that, naturally, my two homes are in the top ten:

Aspen, Colorado 

“As far as mountain towns go, Aspen is one of the few that holds up in summer and winter,” Cockrell says. “Of course it has the usual ski-bum haunts, but it also has places like 39 Degrees Lounge, an urban-style oasis with a pool frequented by a chic crowd. In Aspen, you can have any type of night out you want within its few main streets.”

True, Aspen is hoppin’ summer and winter, and there are bars for all types.

Austin, Texas

“So many great bars here, just choose a street — South Congress, East Sixth Street, South Lamar — to get your fix, then end your night at one of the nation’s greatest food carts (download the AustinFoodCarts app to find out where they are),” Cockrell says. New bars on the east side include Yellow Jacket Social Club and Eastside Showroom. “South Lamar is a little more authentic Austin,” Cockrell says. “Don’t miss the laid-back Barton Springs Saloon, a repurposed gas station with a pool table and pinball machines, or the super divey Horseshoe Lounge.”

Also true. Pick a mood, pick a corresponding street, and then go.

The other 8? Listed below.
Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dublin, Ireland
Williamsburg neighborhood, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Ohio City neighborhood, Cleveland
Seville, Spain
Portland, Oregon
New Orleans, Louisiana

Yeah, I only see nine too… good work USA Today.

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May 16, 2011

Austin’s Neighbor’s CINCO Vodka

Austin has become a hotbed for craft booze. How many breweries have opened this year alone? Perhaps it started with Tito’s Vodka and Live Oak Brewery, but the local libations scene has expanded to include Treaty Oak Rum, Graham’s Texas Tea, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Balcones Baby Blue Whiskey, Dripping Springs Vodka, to name a few, and not to mention the breweries like the new Twisted X, (512) Brewing, Black Star, or Jester King …

Point is, we love our booze, we love local, and we LOVE local booze. Even if it’s from an hour down the road in San Antonio.

Cue Cinco Vodka.

Cinco vodka austin ad

Here it is on my shelf:

CINCO vodka Austin

This vodka is ridiculously smooth. Perhaps that’s why they bill it as “the martini lover’s vodka”??

Besides the fact that I simply love stars and you can pretty much get me to love any product featuring stars on its packaging, Cinco Vodka is made from amber wheat from Idaho and Edwards Aquifer water naturally filtered through the Cordova Creme limestone underneath San Antonio. A super-premium, totally stateside vodka? Europeans everywhere are turning up their noses, but they shouldn’t. This vodka is worthy of its five-star theme.

Produced at the Cinco Ranch, where they recycle all their wastewater, Cinco Vodka is available at Twin Liquors and costs $26.99 for 750 milliliters, $32.99 for 1 liter, and $44.99 for 1.75 liter.

Posted in Going Out | 3 Comments »

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April 26, 2011

Remember when they said Real World Austin was too drunk?

Yeah, remember that they cut the Real World Austin season short because all the housemates did was get drunk on 6th street, hook up, and start fights?

Does that bear any resemblance to any show you can think of on MTV right now? Perhaps one that’s spawned pop “legends,” who do such noble things as get dropped in new year’s eve balls, design lingerie swimsuits called trashy couture, and spin at Vegas clubs?

Austinites, bring Real World back with what’s being billed as “the new Jersey Shore,” a reality TV show casting and set in Austin called Lost in Austin.

“Do you rule the bar scene, rope in the hottest of the hot, drink anyone under the table? We want to hear from you!

Is everything really bigger in Texas? Prove it. Time to go big, because going home isn’t an option.

Let’s show the country how Texans do it. Are you ready to get Lost in Austin?”

Just fill out an easy online form that includes questions like, “BRAG?” and “How do you let loose?” and cross your fingers that the casting director contacts you. Not in Austin? No worries, you can submit a home video.

You could be the next pop legend, probably famous for bedazzling cowboy boots or rocking daisy dukes better than anyone we’ve seen. Just don’t start a fashion line called hillbilly couture, kay?

Click here to go to the Lost in Austin Casting form, and sign away your soul.

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December 6, 2010

Infinium Champagne Beer

“Would you like some of my champagne beer?” I asked guests at a recent party.

With a champagne-like effervescence, Infinium, a collaboration between Samuel Adams and Weihenstephan, is the new new wine, or the champagne, or the new whatever, it’s downright good. It’s a lot fun: a sort of bubbly, very smooth, beer champagne.

Infinium chilling

Thanks to a sample bottle, I got the chance to serve Infinium a recent apres-ski party before it’s available. My guests, a mix of beer lovers and wine-drinkers, loved the new Infinium.

Serving up Infinium

“It tastes like if you mixed champagne and beer.”

“It tastes better than beer but not sweet.”

Infinium is hard to describe. It’s made according to German beer purity law called Reinheitsgebot, meaning it can only contain malt, hops, water, and yeast. This is the first new beer under Reinheitsgebot in 100 years, and it’s made in partnership with the oldest brewery in the world, Weihenstephan Brewery, which was founded by monks in 1040.

Enough of the beer trivia, eh? Infinium is a dark gold color (beer!) with fine bubbles (champagne!) and a slightly fruity flavor but lots of malt body (beer!). It comes in a champagne-style bottle (champagne!) and is 10.3% alcohol by volume (both!).

The companies are heavily promoting Infinium as a champagne alternative for men to ring in the New year. They cite a Wakefield Research study that reveals that the majority of men would rather toast with beer than champagne. I love my chompers, but I wouldn’t mind toasting with a little Infinium either!

Available nationwide starting this week, you can hit the beer finder feature on SamuelAdams.com to find out where to buy your bottle of champagne beer champagne. Retail is $20 a bottle.

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