If You Like Vodka Then You Will Love These Facts

From straight up shots to cocktails like vodka sodas, screwdrivers, Long Island iced teas, dirty martinis, and more, vodka is one of the most popular liquors ordered among bar patrons every year. If you are a vodka drinker, continue below to review some of the most interesting facts about vodka, including its noted health benefits, how to use it to clean your house, and some quick recipes that always hit the spot. Even if you don’t like vodka, these fascinating vodka facts might change your mind about keeping some on hand!

Vodka Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070
Vodka Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070

Facts About Vodka That Will Enhance Your Appreciation for the Spirit

Vodka is made by the distillation of plant matter that is rich in starch or sugar. Plant matter commonly includes various types of grains, such as corn, rye, and wheat, or other foodstuffs, like potatoes, grapes, and soybeans. Since its origin, it has been used in many applications other than beverages, including several health remedies, antiseptics, anesthetics, beauty aids, and even cleaning! That’s right; you can use vodka to clean around the house!

Vodka Can Be Used as a Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Vodka has a high alcohol content, usually between 30% and 40% by volume. This high alcohol content is what makes it an effective cleaning agent. Vodka can be used to clean all kinds of surfaces, such as countertops, plumbing, metal décor, art fixtures, windows, floors, mirrors, and even clothing. It effectively eliminates dirt, grime, mold, mildew, adhesives, grease, odors, and more.

To make your vodka cleaner, all you need is a clean plastic spray bottle and of course, some vodka. Any brand will do, even the cheap stuff! You will also need your conventional cleaning supplies, like rags, sponges, and rubber gloves. Fill the spray bottle up with your vodka of choice and get ready to clean!

Vodka Can Be Good For Your Health

Vodka can be used therapeutically or to treat minor ailments, from bad breath and dandruff, to headaches, toothaches, stress, and even fevers. If you look at its chemical makeup, you might better understand why it can be applied to certain health remedies and uses. Not only does its ethanol composition give vodka several useful properties, but it is also carbohydrate-free and sugar-free, which helps to support nutrition.

It is Simple to Make Your Own Flavored Vodka

You can take any vodka, top shelf or not, and infuse it with your own combination of flavors and essences. The process is so simple, it can be compared to making homemade lemonade! To get started, all you need is 750 ml of vodka (3 cups), your choice of produce, a strainer, and some mason jars. Just be sure to stay under 80 proof vodka so that the taste isn’t too strong or bitter. Use anything to infuse your vodka creation, from cucumbers and mint to ginger, lemon, fruits, honey, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The general rule of thumb, 2 cups of chopped fruit to every 3 cups of vodka.

Are you looking for a delicious and local vodka cocktail at a great price? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery to enjoy our Friday night drink specials in Downtown Indianapolis, including $4 Effen cocktails, $5 Kettle One cocktails, and $3 glasses of wine. Be sure to indulge in our daily food and drink specials too!

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Best Bar Drinks to Order When Watching Your Calories

Just because you have responsible health and fitness goals doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good buzz! There are plenty of cocktails and beers you can order without feeling any guilt about ruining your diet! Continue below for some top recommended, low calorie and low carb bar drinks, plus where to get the best drink specials in Downtown Indy this weekend!

Best Drink Specials in Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Best Drink Specials in Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Low Calorie Cocktails For Any Occasion

Here are some common bar drinks that run in a very low calorie range. Keep in mind that these caloric values can differ slightly depending on brand, flavor, mixer, garnishes, and more.

Cocktails (1.5 Ounces)

Rum and Diet – 97 Calories

Vodka and Soda w/Lime – 96 Calories

Wine Spritzer – 100 to 125 Calories

Classic Martini – 128 Calories

Wine (5 Ounces)

Champagne or Prosecco – 96 Calories

Rosé – 130 Calories

White Wine – 127 Calories

Red Wine – 125 Calories

Riesling – 128 Calories

Beer

White Claw – 100 Calories

Light Beer – 90 to 105 Calories

Corona Light – 99 Calories

Miller Lite – 96 Calories

Michelob ULTRA – 95 Calories

Yuengling Light Lager – 99 Calories

Tonic Water Versus Soda Water

Tonic water is a type of soda water, but it contains sugar; although just a smidge, it makes a big difference in taste. Tonic water can contain up to 30 grams of sugar in a 12 ounce serving. Seltzer water is simply plain soda water. Club soda, on the other hand, is soda water that contains a bit of sodium, usually salt, and sometimes a few other additives. But it does not contain any sugar.

Ready to enjoy some low calorie beer and cocktails this weekend? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and order from our full bar and cocktail menu! We offer beer, wine, and liquor drink specials in Downtown Indianapolis every day of the week!

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Top 4 Vodka Cocktails That Pair Well With Steak

Top 4 Vodka Cocktails That Pair Well With Steak

Are you tired of the same old Manhattan or glass of red wine with your steak dinners? Vodka-based cocktails are the perfect pairing for beef entrees because they are light, refreshing, and full of flavor. But if you want to pair a vodka cocktail with your filet Mignon or prime rib, it is important to order the right concoction.

Continue below for the top 4 vodka cocktails that pair best with steak and beef, plus a bonus tip on where you can get a decadent prime rib special tonight in Downtown Indy!

Vodka Cocktail Special Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070
Vodka Cocktail Special Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070

The Best Vodka Drinks to Have With Steak or Beef

Although it is arguably true that virtually any drink pairs well with steak, because let’s face it, steak is just that delicious, when you are aiming for a true compatible pairing, some cocktails complement the flavor and consistency profiles of mistake better than others. As for vodka cocktails, you should choose your cocktail that work well with the richness, beefiness, and fattiness of your average cut of steak.

Here are 4 Vodka Cocktails that Work Well With Steak or Beef:

Dry Martini

A classic dry martini made with vodka is an excellent pairing for a steak or beef dinner. Crisp and light, vodka martinis are an enjoyable complement to your steak and an effective palate cleanser. Order with regular queen olives or some salty blue cheese stuffed olives. Or take it up a notch and request something a little more, like capers and cocktail onions.

Bloody Mary

Tangy and bright, Bloody Mary’s aren’t just for breakfast; they have been a traditional steak dinner pairing for generations. The mix of tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish, Tabasco, seasonings, and creative or classic garnishes bring out the best flavor profiles in a cut of beef. For more expensive cuts of beef, it’s recommended to cut back on the heat. Ask your bartender to go light on the Tabasco or horseradish.

Ginger Mule

Ginger beer is crisp and refreshing on its own. Plus, ginger is excellent for digestion. When you’re eating a big cut of beef, improved digestion is a must. With factors like these, it is no surprise that the ginger mule is the perfect vodka cocktail for any steak dinner. Made from a combination of ginger beer and vodka, with a splash and garnish of lime, you just can’t go wrong with this order, no matter what you’re eating.

Vodka Soda

For those who really like a large glass of water with their meals, a vodka soda could be the perfect cocktail for your steak dinner. Vodka sodas can be garnished with your choice of citrus, traditionally lime, but you can also choose lemon or orange. They are crisp, icy, refreshing, and certainly hydrating considering they are 50% carbonated water. Not only are you abating dehydration from drinking alcohol, but you are aiding in digestion and complementing the flavor profiles within your cut of steak.

Are you craving a delicious and decadent steak dinner and a cool vodka cocktail now? You should be! Come into English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery tonight for our mouth-watering prime rib dinner special in Downtown Indianapolis! Enjoy your steak dinner with a selection from our Friday drink specials, including $5 Kettle One and $4 Effen vodka drinks!

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6 Delicious Mule Cocktails and Where to Try Them in Downtown Indy

There’s just something about ginger beer and lime combo that really makes the traditional Mule cocktail so tempting. Well, they just got even better! There is more than one way to build a delicious Mule cocktail aside from the classic vodka ginger beer recipe.

Scroll down to learn 6 new Mule cocktails to add to your cock-tailing routine, plus where to get the best bar specials on Mules and more in Downtown Indianapolis!

Best Drink Specials  Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Best Drink Specials in Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Appreciate a Copper Mug

Most admirers of Mule cocktails insist that they taste crisper and more aromatic when served in a copper mug. This is likely due to the fact that the copper decreases the temperature of the drink, thus delivering consistent, chill-worthy sips from start to finish. It is also said that copper mugs create extra fizz and carbonation, which in turn enhances the core flavor of the ginger, citrus, and mint inside.

6 Tasty Mule Recipes to Try

All Mule recipes below call for 1.5 ounces of liquor and 4 ounces of ginger beer. Serve them on the rocks, over ice, in a copper mug. Finish them with a splash of lime juice, then garnish with fresh mint springs and a lime wedge!

Dutch Mule

The Dutch Mule is today’s Mule; a classic made better! In fact, the Dutch Mule is made specifically with Ketel One Vodka. Simply combine Ketel One vodka with ginger beer and a splash of lime juice to bring this cocktail to life!

Kentucky Mule

In Kentucky, Kentuckians love their bourbon, which is what this delicious Mule cocktail is built upon! The Kentucky Mule is made exclusively with Bulleit Bourbon, which hails from Lebanon, Kentucky! Follow the traditional recipe, combining Bulleit Bourbon with ginger beer and a splash of lime!

London Mule

If you are a lover of gin, the London Mule is for you. Featuring Bombay Sapphire Gin, the combination of the floral bouquets awakens all the senses! When you want elegance with a little kick, opt for the London Mule!

Irish Mule

When whiskey is what you want, go for the Irish Mule, made specifically with Jameson Irish Whiskey! This rich and crispy combination will delight your taste buds and have you craving more before the last sip! Pair your Irish Mule cocktail with some fish and chips!

Mexicali Mule

Want something that will deliver some instant arousal? Get your fiesta on with a Mexicali Mule, made exclusively with Espolòn Blanco Tequila! This is a delicious alternative to a margarita or Ranch water cocktail. Something magical happens when you combine Espolòn Blanco Tequila with ginger beer!

Dark & Stormy

Brooding? Or just bored? Perhaps you need to spice things up a bit with a Dark & Stormy Mule! This incredibly satisfying cocktail can only be made using Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, so you can see where it gets its name!

Craving a frosty copper mug filled with one of these exclusive and satisfying Mules? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery to enjoy our $6 Mule Mondays! We are also featuring ½ bottles of wine, $4 Effen vodka cocktails, and 50 cent wings! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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Easter Friendly Mocktails Everyone Can Enjoy This Holiday

Easter is a very special holiday for millions of people all around the world. Celebrated among loved ones and entire communities, Easter is the day of respect and appreciation, which is why most people reserve any spirituous imbibement for another time. In place of your usual celebratory or special occasion cocktails, wines, and beers, consider incorporating some delicious mocktail options into your Easter spread. Not only are virgin cocktails Easter-friendly, but they can be enjoyed by both children and adults!

Continue below for some Easter friendly mocktail recipes, plus a secret tip on where to go this Easter in Downtown Indianapolis. If you don’t have any dinner plans just yet!

Easter Ham Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Easter Ham Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Virgin Cocktail Recipes for Easter Dinner

Shirley Temple

You should have known that we were going to start with the famous Shirley Temple virgin cocktail. Made with carbonated lemon lime soda (or ginger ale) and a splash of grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry, and served over ice, this delicious Easter-friendly mocktail is always a hit among both kids and adults. Pregnant women especially appreciate the sweetness of this delightful drink!

Fun fact, the drink itself was named after the famous actress, Shirley Temple, but its creator is debated. Typically credited to a 1930’s bartender at Hollywood’s Chasen’s Restaurant, there is a hotel in Hawaii that also claims rights to the drink’s origin.

Roy Rogers

If a Shirley Temple mocktail is a little too childish for your taste, upgrade to a Roy Rogers. All you have to do is swap out the carbonated lemon lime soda for regular carbonated cola. Keep the grenadine and maraschino cherry garnish and serve it over ice. Now you have yourself a nonalcoholic classic mocktail known as a Roy Rogers. It tastes like cherry cola!

Virgin Bloody Mary

Upgrade that boring and bland tomato juice with Bloody Mary mix and some essential garnishes! Serving virgin Bloody Mary’s on Easter is a fantastic alternative to the traditional, vodka-based drink. Bloody Mary mix is a fantastic option, but you can season it classically with the proper Bloody Mary seasonings.

As for garnishes, details are important when it comes to mocktails, so be sure to dress up your virgin Bloody Mary’s with lemon wedges/wheels, celery stalks, queen olives, cornichons, gherkins, pickled radish, garlic cloves, banana peppers, jalapeños, red chili peppers, grilled shrimp skewers, candied bacon strips, celery salt, salt-and-pepper, dill, salted or seasoned rims, and any other fun garnishes you can think of.

Virgin Mimosa

Everybody loves orange juice, and even grapefruit juice and pineapple juice! These are all delicious juice bases for mimosas. But for Easter, consider making virgin mimosas by swapping out the champagne for nonalcoholic sparkling apple cider or nonalcoholic sparkling white grape juice! Dress up your mimosas with the selection of garnishes like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, frozen grapes, rosemary sprigs, basil sprigs, and even grenadine! Everybody will appreciate this delicious brunch and lunch staple on your special holiday.

Do you want to know where to go in Indy for the most delicious Easter dinner offering this Sunday? Visit English Ivy’s in Downtown Indianapolis for our famous Easter Ham Dinner! Be sure to check out our other weekly specials, too!

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Hooray for National Cocktail Day!

🎉🍹 March 24th is National Cocktail Day! 🍹🎉 Let’s celebrate with some trending drink recipes, pairings, ideas, and fun facts!

Cocktail Specials Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070
Cocktail Specials Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070

Happy National Cocktail Day! Thirsty Thursday will never be the same after this year! We hope you are prepared to celebrate this fun and silly holiday with your loved ones! Didn’t have any plans before you knew about National Cocktail Day? Well, now you have a good excuse to go out! When you do, visit English Ivy’s Eatery and Pub for $5 margaritas, $3.50 Corona bottles, $3 Fireball, $5.35 pitchers, $10 beer buckets, and all the You-Call-It cocktails you love so much!

In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at National Cocktail Day, like who came up with the idea and what is stands for. Then you can check out some related blogs about your favorite drinks, drink recipes, pairings, alcohol quizzes, fun facts, and more!

National Cocktail Day is Today!

We can all thank holidaymaker Jace Shoemaker-Galloway for creating National Cocktail Day. It is basically a day to appreciate and enjoy your favorite cocktails and alcoholic drinks! So go on, enjoy them! Fun Fact, the most popular cocktail drink in the United States is the Margarita!  

Origin of Cocktails in the United States

Before prohibition, the term cocktail wasn’t used a lot. There was mention of it in an 1803 edition magazine called The Famer’s Cabinet, and then again in a New York magazine in 1806. In 1917, a Missourian by the name of Clara Bell Walsh coined the phrase, cocktail party, after inviting over a large crowd of guests for drinks at noon and calling it so.

But once alcohol became illegal, cocktail concoctions were popping up all over the place. Back then, cocktails were traditionally made with a combination of spirits, sugar, bitters, and water. Today, the Manhattan, Sazerac, and Old Fashioned still carry on this traditional recipe base.

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Are you ready to get your cocktail on in Downtown Indianapolis? Come to English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery tonight for our Thursday drink specials, including $5 Margaritas, $3.50 Corona Bottles, $3 Fireball, $5.35 Pitchers, $10 Beer Buckets. We also have a full bar that can make any cocktail you request! We are located on N. Alabama Street and have both lot and street parking available. Place carryout orders at 317-822-5070, anytime!

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

3 Tasty Ways to Order a Patrón Tequila Cocktail

When you crave a premium tequila cocktail, Patrón is what you order. Tonight, while out with friends and loved ones, change up your go-to margarita-like drink and opt for one of these 3 tasty Patrón tequila cocktails!

Tequila Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070
Tequila Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis Indiana 317-822-5070

Patrón Tequila is a Top-Shelf Choice

You cannot go wrong with a Patrón tequila cocktail or margarita. Patrón is a highly-regarded, premium tequila available at almost every retailer or vendor that sells alcohol. It comes in different varieties, which includes Patrón Silver, Reposado, Añejo, Extra Añejo, and XO Café. Patrón also makes liqueurs like Patrón Citrónge Orange. If you are making cocktails, focus on Silver and Reposado. Añejo and Extra Añejo are best for sipping straight up. XO Café is great for martinis and coffee-based cocktails.

So, why is Patrón so great? It starts with zero additives and 100% agave. In between is a long and patient process of agave and piña harvesting, fermentation, distillation, and aging, which is still done in handmade barrels by the way. Without going into great detail, Patrón tequila is one of the finest of today. With each sip, you can expect to enjoy deep and complex flavors, followed by a smooth and balanced finishes.

So, the next time you are craving tequila, be sure to order yourself a Patrón cocktail! And if a margarita is not what you are in the mood for, try one (or all) of these 3 top-recommended Patrón-based cocktails, below!

3 Patrón Tequila Cocktails You Will Be Glad You Ordered

Palomita

You have surely heard of a Paloma, which is a grapefruit and tequila based cocktail that calls for a sugary lemon-lime soda. But if you are not interested in something to sweet, ask your bartender for a Palomita! Fresh and refreshing, this favored tequila cocktail is delicious and easy on the calories!

SERVE IN A HIGHBALL GLASS:
2 Ounces Patrón Silver
3 Ounces Grapefruit Juice
½ Ounce Lime Juice
Top With Soda Water
Garnish With a Citrus Wheel

Tequila Sunrise

No matter what time of day it is, you can enjoy yourself a delicious Tequila Sunrise! With only 3 simple and tasty ingredients, you can order this delightful tequila cocktail almost anywhere you go. You can easily make it at home too!

SERVE IN A HIGHBALL GLASS:
2 Ounces Patrón Silver
4 Ounces Orange Juice
¾ Ounces Grenadine Syrup (or maraschino cherry juice)
Garnish With an Orange Wedge and Maraschino Cherry

Patrón Silver Martini

When you want something with some pizazz and some class, a Patrón tequila martini might be in order. Shaken with ice and served up-style in a martini glass, this rare beauty of a tequila cocktail will have you feelings all the feels, and real fast!

SERVE IN A MARTINI GLASS:
2 Ounces Patrón Silver
½ Ounce Dry Vermouth
2 Tablespoons Grapefruit Juice
10 Dashes Orange Bitters (more if you like)
Garnish With a Sugar Rim or Citrus Twist

Like to Keep Things Simple?
Here are Some Recommended One-and-Done Mixers for Patrón Tequila:

▷ Coconut Water
▷ Pineapple Juice
▷ Orange Juice
▷ Cranberry Juice
▷ Mountain Dew
▷ Ginger Beer
▷ Ginger Ale
▷ Sprite
▷ Sparking Water
▷ Margarita Mix

If you aren’t craving a frothy Patrón cocktail by now, you might be made of stone! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery to enjoy our $7 Patron and $4 Margarita bar specials tonight! We are also featuring a Chef special and 50 cent wings!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Tips for Using Vodka as a Household Cleaner

What do Cosmopolitans, Dirty Martinis, Bloody Mary’s, Screwdrivers, Moscow Mules, Harvey Wallbangers, and White Russians all have in common? The answer we are looking for here is, VODKA! Vodka makes an excellent base liquor for many cocktails, as you may already know and admire, but have you ever thought about using it to clean?

Continue reading to learn how you can use an everyday, store-bought vodka to sterilize and clean several areas of your home!

Wednesday Vodka Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Wednesday Vodka Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Vodka Has Always Been More Than a Drink

Vodka is made by the distillation of plant matter that is rich in starch or sugar. Plant matter commonly includes various types of grains, such as corn, rye, and wheat, or other foodstuffs, like potatoes, grapes, and soybeans. Since its origin, it has been used in many applications other than beverages, including several health remedies, antiseptics, anesthetics, beauty aids, and of course, cleaning.

Vodka is a Suitable Cleaning Agent

Vodka has a high alcohol content; traditionally, 30 to 40% by volume. In fact, it is so high that it can be used as a cleaning agent for things like dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and more. The alcohol content works well as a sterilizer for all kinds of surfaces, such as countertops, fixtures, windows, floors, mirrors, and even clothing!

Cheap Vodka Works Just as Well

When it comes to choosing a vodka to clean your house with, there is no need to reach for the top shelf brands you prefer for your martinis and tonics. For cleaning and sterilization purposes, you can stick with a basic, generic brand of vodka. The quality of the liquor will not have any influence on its cleaning abilities, so reserve the good stuff for yourself. On the other hand, organic vodka comes highly recommended for the job.

How to Use Vodka to Clean and Sanitize:

What You Need – Get yourself a clean, plastic spray bottle and fill it with your choice of vodka.

Mold/Mildew – For mold and mildew, simply spray the vodka on the affected area and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Then use a cleaning brush or sponge to scrub the mold and mildew away. Then just rinse the surface with clean water.

Stainless Steel/Plumbing Fixtures – To clean plumbing fixtures like faucets, drains, doorknobs, and more, just spray vodka onto a cloth or paper towel and use some good old-fashioned elbow grease to polish them up.

Glass/Mirrors – For mirrors, windows, and other glass surfaces, spray the solution onto the surface and then buff away the blemishes with a paper towel or bunched up newspaper. Then finish by polishing with a microfiber cloth to reveal a beautiful shine.

Clothing/Fabric – To refresh clothing without tossing them into the washing machine, dilute your vodka with water, and then mist the fabric with your solution. As it dries, the alcohol eliminates any residual odors, like smoke and grease, without leaving behind the smell of vodka. This is a great trick to refresh smelly work uniforms or aprons. It is better than store-bought fabric refresher spray because there are no harsh chemicals damaging the integrity of your clothing!

Stickers/Price Tags – To remove stickers and adhesives, just spray a solution of pure vodka directly onto the sticky area. Allow it to sit for a few minutes and then wipe the surface clean with a rag or melamine sponge (i.e. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser). Price tags and labels will no longer be a bother!

With all that vodka talk and vodka aroma, you might be craving a Cosmo or Vodka Martini right about now! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery to enjoy our Wednesday drink specials, including $5 Absolut cocktails and martinis, as well as $3 Effen vodka drinks! Be sure to check out our daily food specials, too!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Top 4 Tips for a Responsible Night of Drinking

It’s a fact that many adults like to go out, let loose, and enjoy a selection of delicious cocktails with friends and loved ones. Whether it is the end of a long work week, special celebratory occasion, or just another fun weekend with your crew, if you are planning to go out for drinks, be sure to do so responsibly. With good knowledge and best practices, you can enjoy as much celebratory drinking as you like, while also being sensible and safe. This can also help to mitigate those nasty hangover symptoms that we all dread.

Continue reading to learn the top 4 tips for a responsible night of drinking, including a bonus tip on where to get the best drink specials and downtown Indianapolis.

Bar Near Me Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Bar and Restaurant Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Sensible and Healthy Ways to Enjoy Your Alcoholic Beverages

When you are preparing to grab drinks at your local bar or pub with your friends, these 4 tips will help you have a successful, fun, and safe experience:

Pay Attention to Alcohol Content

When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is important to understand that some cocktails and drinks have a lower alcohol content in them compared to others. For example, dark beers can have up to 12% alcohol in them, while light beers can have as low as 4 to 5% alcohol. This means drinking 4 pints of Guinness will have a higher effect on your blood alcohol level, then drinking for Miller Lights.

The same principle applies to liquor. Some liquors are lower proof than others, so it is important to pay attention to what you’re ordering and how much is being poured in that drink. For instance, 3 ounces of 190 proof Everclear, a pure grain alcohol, will have more of an effect on your blood alcohol level than 3 ounces of 40 proof vodka.

So, if you are drinking a cocktail or beverage that has a higher alcohol content in it, understand that you are basically drinking doubles, and the effect of alcohol will impact you much faster and stronger compared to a less-strong beverage.

Pace Yourself

Along with understanding the alcohol content in each beverage, it is important to take your time when drinking alcohol. Pace yourself by drinking glasses of water in between each alcoholic beverage, and by drinking slowly. Avoid taking shots if you can, although this is sometimes impossible. If you take shots, just be sure you are staying hydrated with plenty of water throughout the night.

Eat Something

Perhaps one of the most important tips for drinking responsibly is to ensure you are eating. Food plays an important role in keeping you satiated, while also giving your stomach something to absorb all the alcohol. If you have ever gone drinking without eating anything, you know that you wake up with a severe hangover and a lot of sickness. You also get drunk really fast, which can actually spoil the night because it can cause you to get sleepy or sick too soon. So, while you’re drinking with friends or loved ones, be sure to order appetizers and continue snacking, or eat a full meal at some point in the night.

Look Out for Others

Another critical tip for drinking with friends or loved ones is to look out for each other. If you notice that one of your friends is becoming too intoxicated to quickly, offer them some food or a glass of water. If someone does end up getting too intoxicated, be sure to help them home safely. It is also important to look out for each other in terms of being victimized. Keep your eyes on your drink at all times and keep an eye out for anyone trying to slip anything into your friends’ drinks.

As promised, we are going to give you a bonus tip on where to get the best drink specials, freshest cocktails, and quality bar menu selections in downtown Indianapolis. Visit English Ivy’s in Downtown Indianapolis for daily food and drink specials and more! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Cozy Winter Cocktails to Keep You Warm All Season Long

Wintertime is the perfect season in Indiana to snuggle up with all of your cozy favorites, like over-sized sweaters, knitted socks, chunky throw blankets, and steaming cups of coffee. Speaking of coffee, why not mix a little tequila in to really give you a warm winter buzz? Seriously! Warm winter cocktails are trending this season, and there are plenty to choose, making it easy to find one you’ll love.

Continue reading to learn some of the top cozy winter cocktails to keep you comfy and warm all season long, plus where to go to get the best drink specials in Downtown Indianapolis!

Cocktail Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Cocktail Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Hot Cocktails for the Winter Season

Traditionally, hot cocktails are made with liquors like bourbon, tequila, whiskey, scotch, and liqueurs like coffee, berry, cream, and chocolate. As for the bases, you can expect a lot of recipes to include hot tea, cocoa, and coffee. But as you explore recipes for hot winter cocktails, you can begin to customize your drinks with your favorite flavors and alcohols.

Here are some of the top cozy winter cocktails to try out:

Hot Toddy

Hot Toddy’s are one of the more traditional winter cocktails. These have been enjoyed for generations, and never seem to disappoint. They are very easy to make and even recommended as a cold remedy for sore throats, coughing, congestion, and chills.

You will need a ceramic or stemmed mug, as well as bourbon, fresh lemon, honey, water, and a cinnamon stick if you so choose. If you don’t have a cinnamon stick, you can simply use ground cinnamon. You can be extra festive by adding a star anise floater or even half a baked pear!

1 CUP OF WATER, HEATED
3 OUNCES BOURBON WHISKEY
1 LEMON WEDGE
2 TABLESPOONS HONEY
1 THIN LEMON SLICE
CINNAMON STICK (OR GROUND CINNAMON)

Heat 1 cup of water in the microwave it for 2 minutes. Be sure to use a glove to remove the cup because it may be very hot. Add the honey to your mug, then pour your hot water and bourbon in. Stir the concoction until the honey has dissolved, then squeeze in the juice of one lemon wedge. Toss in a lemon slice and cinnamon stick, or sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Spiked Rosemary Tea

Now here’s a winter cocktail you may not have heard of before. Try out this delicious, sweet, and oh-so-soothing spiked Rosemary tea with a hint of lemon! It is special because it includes Fernet, a complex Italian spirit that is bitter and aromatic. You will also need some strong black tea, like Earl Gray, and of course a coffee mug.

1 CUP FERNET-BRANCA
6 BAGS OF BLACK TEA
4 OUNCES ROSEMARY SIMPLE SYRUP
4 OUNCES LEMON JUICE
4 OUNCES HONEY

How To Make Rosemary Simple Syrup: In a 2 quart pot, add 1 cup of water, 2 cups of sugar, and 6 rosemary sprigs. Then cut up a lemon into wedges and squeeze the juice of each wedge into the pot. Then toss the squeezed wedges into the pot with all the other ingredients. Keep this concoction on low heat until it creates a thick syrup.

To make your cocktail, first begin with your tea. Once your tea has been brewed, add all ingredients into your mug and stir until well dissolved.

Oaxacan Coffee

South of the border, they really know how to make a tasty cozy cocktail. We are talking about this delicious Oaxacan coffee! This recipe makes a whole pot, so gather up some friends or family! You will need some strong, black espresso to start. Then just mix all ingredients together and garnish with cinnamon sticks and cloves. For an extra treat, top off your cup with whipped cream!

4 CUPS OF ESPRESSO
4 OUNCES TEQUILA, RESPOSADA
1.5 OUNCES MEZCAL
4 OUNCES AGAVE (SWEETEN TO TASTE)
6 CINNAMON STICKS
6 CLOVES

Are you looking for a great place in Downtown Indy to enjoy some warm winter cocktails and delicious meals? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks! Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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