New Year’s Eve Cocktails to Match Your New Year’s Resolution

Posted on December 28, 2020 by englishivys

Other than the fantastic parties and festive indulgences we get to partake in at the end of each year, the best part about celebrating on New Year’s Eve is deciding what you want to make your New Year’s resolution. After all, a new year is like a fresh, clean slate for a brand new you! So, what will your New Year’s resolution be for 2021? Do you wish to be more audacious? Do you want to embrace some healthier habits? Whatever your New Year resolve might be, have some fun by matching it to your New Year’s Cocktail! That’s right; there are some great, classic cocktails that you can order this New Year’s Eve while celebrating the commencing of the New Year!

Scroll down to see which New Year’s Eve cocktails match your New Year’s Resolution for 2021!

New Year's Eve Specials Downtown Indianapolis — Professional bartender pouring margarita cocktail with strainer and cocktail tools

What’s in a New Year’s Resolution?

Before you can decide what’s in your New Year’s Eve cocktail, you must first understand what is in your New Year’s resolution. Traditionally, a New Year’s resolution is a personal determination made on the very brink of the coming year, either to better oneself, continue in good practices, or change an objectionable behavior or habit. Do you have any bad habits or undesirable behaviors you would like to modify? Do you have health or nutrition goals that are important to you this coming year? Or perhaps you want to explore the bounds of your personality and become a more open version of yourself? Whatever your resolve might be, there is a guaranteed good cocktail to go with it!

Match Your New Year’s Drink With Your New Year’s Resolve!

Once you resolve for the New Year, you can match a classic, well-known, and delicious cocktail to compliment your night of New Year’s Eve celebrating! Here are some fun, traditional New Year’s drinks that are pleasing, delicious, and will perfectly compliment your New Year’s resolution:

Wish to Meet New Health and Nutrition Goals?
🍈 Your Drink is a Vodka Soda With Lime

If you are looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve in traditional style, but wish to support your New Year’s resolution to be healthier or fitter, you will want to aim for some good, old-fashioned vodka cocktails. Vodka is a low-calorie liquor with a mild taste, making it perfect for creating a wide array of drinks. The healthiest vodka cocktails are those without sugary mixes, heavy syrups, or preservatives found in canned beverages. The best low calorie, low carb cocktail to drink this New Year’s Eve is the classic vodka and soda with a fresh lime wedge. With only 100 Calories, you can feel good about your cocktail choices on New Year’s Day!

Want to Be More Daring and Adventurous?
🍹 Your Drink is a Bloody Mary

To be more adventurous and daring is a great aspiration. So, if your 2021 New Year’s resolution is to add a little more spice to your life, then your New Year’s Eve cocktail is a Bloody Mary! Bloody Mary’s are fantastic cocktails that have a rich history and come in a wide scope of variations. Made with spicy ingredients like hot sauce, pepper, and chili’s, you can order a Bloody Mary in endless combinations of garnishes, from the usual suspects like celery, lemon wedges, and pickles, to the more progressive culinary alternatives like candied bacon, banana peppers, cornbread, shrimp, and even an entire bottle of beer! Best of all, they are suitable for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, which is great news for anyone who needs a little more hair of the dog that bit you on New Year’s Day!

Determined to Simplify Your Life a Bit?
🍸 Your Drink is a Daiquiri

If you want to keep things simple in 2021, or perhaps simplify your life a bit more, then the classic daiquiri is your New Year’s Eve cocktail! Made with just a few, simple ingredients (the key word here is simple), a daiquiri delivers layered flavor in a melding fashion that pleases even the testiest of taste buds. Simply put, a daiquiri keeps it real; real simple and real clean. They are made with white rum, simple syrup, and fresh lime juice, so any bartender can make you one on the fly! You can add some fruit puree to make a strawberry or pineapple daiquiri, and even order them frozen for an exotic cocktail experience!

Wish to Finally Solve Your Digestion Issues?
🥃 Your Drink is Tequila

If you suffer from chronic digestion issues like heartburn, indigestion, and similar digestive conditions, it is no surprise that your New Year’s resolution to finally get some professional help! When you go visit your doctor, he may not be pleased to know that you drank the night away on New Year’s Eve, but he can at least appreciate that you chose tequila as your cocktail of choice! That is because tequila is a source of natural probiotics, similar to those found in yogurt and fermented cabbage. Probiotics help restore good bacteria in the gut. Also, tequila is good for digestion. Drink it before a meal to stimulate your appetite this New Year’s Eve, and then drink it after to aid in your meal’s digestion!

Where to Get These Cocktails and More This New Year’s Eve

English Ivy’s – Your Downtown Indianapolis Neighborhood Eatery and Pub!

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to ask about the New Year’s events and specials our downtown Indianapolis restaurant is offering this holiday. From classics like wings and burgers, to specialty entrees like prime rib and surf and turf, you will find exactly what your taste buds crave this New Year’s on our exclusive, custom-created menus! With neighborhood prices and the friendliest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!

The 3 Quickest Ways to Thaw a Frozen Chicken

Posted on December 15, 2020 by englishivys

There are several ways to defrost a full, frozen chicken, but only a few will do it the fastest. The amount of time each method ultimately takes will depend on the size of the bird, as well as the cooking method you choose or have available to you. Continue reading to get started!

Downtown Indianapolis Takeout and Carry Out 317-822-5070

How to Quickly Defrost Frozen Chicken

Nothing is more frustrating than getting home after a long day of whatever it is you had to do, only to discover that you forget to defrost the chicken that you are supposed to cook for dinner. Fortunately, there are ways around this dilemma aside from ordering take-out, which is never a bad idea if you ask the rest of the family! But when thawing chicken, it is important to ensure to avoid unhealthy bacteria growth, which chicken is prone to doing if thawed improperly.

So, if you are in a time crunch, rely on these 3 methods of thawing a whole chicken. They are the fastest, and will render the same quality results.

❶ Microwave Thawing

If you have a microwave, especially one from this century, take a closer look at the buttons. You will likely see a defrost button. This button will work for your whole chicken, so long as you do the math right. Read your microwave’s owners’ manual for instructions on how to use the defrost setting. Be sure to stop the process every few minutes to check on the chicken and move it around. For average size whole chickens, you can expect this to take around 45 minutes.

❷ Refrigerator Thawing

Arguably the best option, thawing chicken in the refrigerator works every time. However, you need a day or two to let the chicken fully thaw. So be sure to plan ahead when using this method! Also, it is recommended to place the chicken on a place, even it if is wrapped in plastic. They are prone to leaking as they thaw!

❸ Cold Water Thawing

You should never thaw chicken in a bowl of hot water, but a bowl of COLD water is perfectly effective. Place your chicken in a sealable plastic bag, then place the bag of chicken into a large bowl filled with crisp, cold water. Be sure the chicken is entirely submerged. Allow the thawing process to take anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. It is important, however, to change the cold water every 30 to 45 minutes.

You Can Cook it Frozen of You are Really in a Pinch!

Cooking frozen chicken is usually recommended for slow cooking or braising. Cooking frozen chicken comes out the most successful if you have a pressure cooker or slow cooker. Just be sure the pot is large enough for your chicken, and read the manual before getting started.

⚠ Never thaw chicken in room temperature, or in a bowl of hot water. ⚠

Don’t Have Time to Thaw a Chicken Tonight?

Order Takeout at English Ivy’s Eatery and Pub in Downtown Indianapolis!

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious dinner and drink specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. From classic wings and beer, to prime rib, cocktails, stage entertainment, and more, we have exactly what you are looking for in both flavor and fun! With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully-satisfied with every visit. We look forward to being friends!

Why Surf and Turf is a Good Choice for Any Dinner Occasion

Posted on November 23, 2020 by englishivys

When it comes to quickly choosing something off the dinner menu, you can never go wrong with a Surf n’ Turf selection. When in doubt, opt for this traditional meat and seafood combination for a sure-to-be-good meal to remember. Continue reading to learn more about this special culinary pairing, and where you can get the best Surf n’ Turf in Indianapolis.

Tuesday Surf and Turf Dinner Special - Downtown Indianapolis - 317-822-5070 — Tuesday Surf and Turf Dinner Special – Downtown Indianapolis – 317-822-5070

Surf n’ Turf Meals

Surf n’ Turf dinners earned their popularity because they are simple, yet delicious. Land meeting sea makes an especially-good tasting duo, and the menu selection only continues to grow in innovation and creativity, making each dish unique to its chef. Although traditionally, surf and turf style meals are served with a red meat and a type of shellfish, primarily filet Mignon and lobster tail. However, new takes on Surf n’ Turf dinners are popping up all over the world every day, so you may find wildly different options at other restaurants, or choose your own combos at home!

Enhancing Your Surf n’ Turf Experience

Opt for the highest-quality beef. As mentioned, filet Mignon, is the usual selection. It is taken from the beef tenderloin portion of a cow, and is the tenderest cut. Because of its natural flavors, very little seasoning is required other than sea salt and cracked black pepper. Although, a nice helping of melted butter on top really brings a filet to life.

As for the shellfish portion of a Surf n’ Turf dinner, the traditional choice is lobster tail with a side of clarified butter. Main lobster tails are a popular choice, but here in Indiana, we really love shrimp. Shrimp can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a top-recommended choice for any Surf n’ Turf meal. Try your shrimp Cajun style, or in a garlic-chili sauce, all of which would complement a filet perfectly.

Surf n’ Turf Wine and Cocktail Pairing

To bring your Surf n’ Turf dinner experience to another level, add a complimentary beverage. Whether you are a wine drinker or more or a cocktail person, you can accompany your steak and shrimp with a drink that brings out the flavor of both. For wine options, consider red. Although white is just fine, selections like Cabernets, Malbecs, and even Zinfandels are the best pairings with steak. For cocktail lovers, consider an Old Fashioned, or perhaps a dirty martini.

Where to Get the Best Surf and Turf Meal in Downtown Indianapolis

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our fabulous weekly dinner specials, such as our Tuesday Surf n’ Turf! Our Surf n’ Turf comes with a succulent, dry-aged, 100% grass-fed filet mignon and sauteed shrimp, and your choice of side! Add an appetizer and salad to the mix, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate dinner experience! Don’t forget, we also have a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails for your added pleasure. Come in soon and enjoy some delicious Surf n’ Turf dinner special this Tuesday! Order takeout, delivery, or join us inside!

How to Make a Spontaneous Cocktail Using Whatever is in Your Fridge

Posted on November 9, 2020 by englishivys

Whether you didn’t expect to have company over, or suddenly have the urge for a stiff drink, don’t shy away from being creative when it comes to curating a cocktail for the occasion. There are several ways to concoct or create a delicious alcoholic beverage using whatever is in your fridge. Even the most sparse refrigerators might likely have something you can use to satisfy your need to imbibe.

Continue below to learn some ways you can make an impromptu cocktail with what you have in your kitchen right now!

Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Make the Best with What You Have on Hand

When it comes to creating a cocktail, your basic element will be your liquor of choice, or whatever alcohol you have on hand. From there, you can build upon your drink by combining your own personal creativity with the current options you have on hand. But don’t stop at your refrigerator either; the pantry and cabinets might also house ingredients that will improve or complete your concoction. Even your garden or landscape might provide a certain element for your desired cocktail.

Items to Look for in the Fridge:

▸ Soda
▸ Sparkling Water
▸ Juice
▸ Fruit Cups
▸ Jelly
▸ Olives
▸ Citrus Fruit
▸ Berries
▸ Fresh Herbs
▸ Jalapeños

Items to Look for in the Pantry or Cabinet:

▸ Sugar
▸ Agave
▸ Jams
▸ Honey
▸ Maple Syrup
▸ Cayenne
▸ Tajín
▸ Salt/Pepper

Some Ideas to Spark Your Ingenuity

🍯 Jam and Honey

Do you have a lemon and a jar of preserves? A tablespoon of jam can really enhance the flavor of a cocktail. Whiskey pairs well with fig jams, marmalades, and berry jams. All other common liquors can be paired well with any flavor jam, from grape and strawberry, to hot pepper jelly, pineapple compote, and much more. Add a slice of lemon to balance the flavor profile, and you’ve got yourself a great drink! If you like margaritas, choose a citrus-based jam and pair it with a lime. Sugar, honey, and agave work well as sweeteners or rimmed garnishes for any cocktail.

🌿 Herbs and Spices

Whether your herb and spice collection come from the fridge or the pantry, they can help you make a good cocktail with very little other ingredients. Upon your base liquor of choice, muddle or garnish your cocktail with herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, or ginger. White rum combined with mint, sugar, soda, and lime will give you a classic mojito. Vodka, rosemary, soda, and lemon is refreshing and satisfying take on the classic mojito. Pair bourbon and basil together, alone or with ginger beer for another great drink. Want something spicy? Muddle some jalapeños, add a Tajín rim or sprinkle in some cayenne.

Other Ideas:

► Use the juice of a fruit cup as a mixer.
► Muddle green olives and add olive juice to vodka or gin.
► Add a few drops of maple syrup into a bourbon.

✨ Try Out These Great Whiskey Cocktails
✨ Try These Low Calorie Cocktail Options
✨ Try These Iced Tea Mocktail and Cocktails

Where to Get Great Cocktails in Downtown Indianapolis

How to Cure a Halloween Hangover

Posted on October 28, 2020 by englishivys

If you are a fan of Halloween, you probably have big plans this weekend. And with all the Halloween parties, specials, and festivities you are keenly awaiting, you will likely be indulging in more way than one. Whether it’s from too much sugar, too much booze, or a combination of both, waking up the morning after Halloween feeling sluggish is never fun. But don’t let the fear of next-day malaise turn you off from celebrating this weekend!

Continue reading to learn how to cure a Halloween hangover in no time at all.

Halloween Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Hungover After Too Much Halloween Fun? Try These Remedies

🥤 Reach for the Water

Water is your best friend today. Although you should try to drink a lot of water every day of your life, when you are feeling ill from a food or alcohol hangover, you need even more. The general rule of thumb is to drink at least 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight. Typically, this averages out to be about 8 ounces, but since every human body is different, the water-to-weight ratio is more accurate. If you are a coffee or tea drinker in the morning, limit your intake to one cup. Too much caffeine can worsen hangover symptoms.

Why is water so helpful for a hangover?

Well, when you are hungover from alcohol, your body is dehydrated. This is just a common symptom of alcohol consumption, whether you have one drink or five. Replenishing the body’s water reserves will minimize headaches, body aches, fatigue, and more. It will also get your body’s internal systems working optimally, which will detox you faster and get rid of any lingering mental fog. If you are hungover from too much sugar or food, water will help with digestion issues, and flush the contents of your bowels quicker.

🍳 Eat Something Healthy

If you are hungover from overeating, whether sugar or food, get your body back on track by eating something healthy. Although you might feel like you shouldn’t eat at all after eating so much, fasting can worsen any residual stomach or digestion issues. Choose a healthy meal to counter the greasy, salty, or sugary delights you had the night before. Focus on half your plate being a lean protein, like grilled fish or chicken, and other half clean vegetables. Add a garden salad on top of that and you are really going to notice the impact on how you feel.

Now, if you have a hangover from too much drinking, then just focus on getting some food in your stomach. Sometimes, a hangover can make you feel so ill, you don’t want to eat, but you must if you want to feel better, sooner. And although it is recommended to still eat healthy when hungover, the reality is, greasy or comfort food is what we all want. Just be sure to follow up your next meal with something healthier.

💊 Take Some Medicine

Over-the-counter headache medicines and pain killers are also your friend when suffering from a hangover from alcohol. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and patiently await the relief. If you are hungover from too much food or sugar, consider anti-diarrheal medicine, gas pills, antacids, or even stool softeners to help ease symptoms of boating, diarrhea, or constipation. Be sure to consult with your primary doctor before mixing medications or taking them for the first time.

The Place to Come Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Indianapolis

English Ivy’s is open this Halloween weekend, Friday through Sunday from 5PM to Midnight!

Call 317-822-5070 to ask about our dinner and drink specials we are offering this Halloween. We serve a full lunch, dinner, and late night menu, and even brunch on Sundays! From icy cocktails and beers, to an assortment of wines, liquors, shots, and everything in between, you will find exactly what your taste buds crave this Halloween weekend at our exclusive Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Find out more about our upcoming events and announcements on our Facebook page!

The Historic Facts Behind the Beloved Beef Manhattan

Posted on October 7, 2020 by englishivys

You might know it as a Beef Manhattan, but for millions of Americans, particular hailing from the East Coast, New York regions, the rightful moniker is open-faced hot roast beef sandwich. Either way, this delicious dish has been enjoyed for many generations all over the country, and continues to please even the pickiest of palates. As for us Hoosiers, we certainly love our Beef Manhattans, and appreciate their name and history! But why exactly do we call this beloved dish a Beef Manhattan in Indiana?

Scroll down to learn some noteworthy facts about the history and mystery behind America’s favorite hot sandwich, including where to get one on the fly in Downtown Indy after reading this blog!

Indianapolis Beef Manhattan Special 317-822-5070

The Beef Manhattan Sandwich

The Beef Manhattan is a roast beef and gravy dish served with white bread and mashed potatoes. In fact, it is not even necessarily a sandwich, as it is traditionally served open-faced, atop a bed of mashed potatoes, and with bread slices on the side. However, today, modern chefs and at-home cooking enthusiasts continually add their own innovative twists and renditions of this classic roast beef and gravy meal, so you can find it served all sorts of ways. Here in Indiana, you often see Beef Manhattan dishes served as sandwiches, with a side of mashed potatoes, and everything topped with brown gravy.

What’s With the Name?

Ironically, the name Beef Manhattan is considered an inaccurate one since the rest of the nation, outside of New York, call these dishes open-faced roast beef sandwiches. Even more ironic is the fact that the name, Beef Manhattan, is rumored to have originated right here in Indianapolis! That’s right; in the late 1940’s, a deli, now out of business, dubbed this hot roast beef and gravy sandwich dish a Beef Manhattan on their menu.

In fact, Naval Ordnance Plant Indianapolis (NOPI) workers are to thank for naming this deli’s hot roast beef sandwich menu item. You see, during World War II, these NOPI workers were trained on a replicated set of the Norden Bombsight in Manhattan, New York. They loved the meal so much, they brought the idea back to their favorite deli in Indianapolis, and gave it the name, Beef Manhattan! From that point on, the Beef Manhattan became a Hoosier staple.

Now to the Most Important Point…

Where to Get One in Indy Right Now!

Just Call English Ivy’s to Order a Deliciously Classic Beef Manhattan Meal!

Call English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery at 317-822-5070 to order our current special of the week, Beef Manhattan! Our weekly specials menu is also showcasing a spicy Boom Boom Shrimp appetizer, a savory Chicken Marsala Pasta, our classic Prime Rib Sandwich, a sticky Chicken Teriyaki Salad, and more! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully-satisfied with every moment you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We look forward to being friends!

If My Beer is Delivered Cold, Will it Go Bad if I Let it Get Warm?

Posted on September 11, 2020 by englishivys

Right now, beer delivery is not an unusual concept. In fact, it has turned into a fairly ordinary and routine service. The pleasure of having ice-cold beer delivered right to your doorstep is an experience worth every dollar spent. But many people are concerned about maintaining the quality of beer when it is delivered in a cold state. It is a common understanding that beer will go rank or rancid if it is not kept cool once it’s already cold. But not all of us can get our jugs, kegs, bottles, and cans straight into the refrigerator right away. So, does this mean we will waste our beer and our money, but worse, our beer?

Continue reading to learn the truth about cold and warm beer, including tips on storing your beer delivery to support optimal flavor and longevity.

Downtown Indianapolis Beer Specials 317-822-5070

Chilled Beer Stays Fresher for Longer

Although the practice of chilling beer serves the purpose of keeping it fresher for a longer period of time, your beer will be just fine if it cools down to room temperature and you want it cold again. It is a common misconception that if cold beer gets warm, you cannot chill it again without it having some sort of negative effect on its taste and overall quality. This is colloquially known as “skunk” or “skunked” beer. The truth is that skunk beer only occurs as a result of light exposure, not temperature fluctuations. So, re-chilling beer that was once cold will not make it taste bad or cause you any illness.

Skunk Beer is Not Caused by Temperature Changes

Skunk beer results from a reaction with sunshine known as light strike. Light strike is basically a complex chemical reaction involving blue spectrum and ultraviolet light in sunlight. These reactions cause the hops molecules to separate and produce sulfur, which causes the rank smell and taste in skunked beer. To avoid light strike, it is recommended to not store glass bottled beers near light.

Your Beer Delivery Should Be Safe

Whether you had beers delivered to your home but had to work later than you thought, you picked some up on the way home but accidentally left it on the counter, or you simply do not have enough room in the fridge, do not have to worry about it going bad. Your beer purchase should be perfectly safe, and equally delicious, even if it goes from cold, to warm, and back to cold again. Of course, there is one great way to avoid a warm beer situation, and that is to visit your local Downtown Indianapolis pub and eatery for fantastic beer specials and weekly deals!

Get Great Deals on Beer and Food Takeout in Downtown Indianapolis

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to place a carryout order for beer and food in Downtown Indianapolis. Although our interior dining is reopened at recommended capacity, we are still offering both kitchen and bar takeout orders, and even provide delivery within a 5 mile radius for food orders! Best of all, all FOOD takeout orders are currently 20% OFF! Please support our amazing staff members during these strange times and stay healthy out there!

English Ivy’s Warmly Welcomes All Our Guests Back to Our Downtown Eatery

Posted on September 4, 2020 by englishivys

English Ivy’s is so happy to announce that, after quite some time, our doors are officially open again! We want to give a warm, generous thank you to all of your support you’ve shown us over the past two weeks we have been reopen.

Although still working on making some adjustments, we are continuing with all the English Ivy’s fun! Continue below to learn about our new restaurant hours and menus, as well as, all the great specials you can expect this season!

Bar Restaurant Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070 — Call 317-822-5070 to Hear Our Specials!

Come for a Visit or Order Carry Out!

🕚 Monday: Closed
🕚 Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
🕚 Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am
🕚 Sunday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

Let Us Introduce Our New Menu!

We are anxiously looking forward to introducing our brand new menu, full of creative renditions, original recipes, seasonal favorites, English Ivy classics, and fresh, farm-to-table inspirations! You will simply fall in love this Fall with our new English Ivy’s menu!

🍴 Weekly and Daily Specials 🍴

We are planning on weekly food and beverage specials, and continuing with our daily specials too! Tuesday through Friday, stay hungry as we have a lot to serve you! You can expect some of the same classics you’ve grown to love over the years, including our weekend brunch! But you can also expect some new surprises that will leaving you wanting seconds, and thirds!

Don’t Forget About Brunch!✨🍾

English Ivy’s is still going strong with our brunch menu, serving it EVERY SATURDAY and SUNDAY until 3PM! Be sure to order extra for those Monday morning cravings when we are closed! Walk-ins are always welcomed, but feel free to call ahead for reservations, anytime. Just be sure to remember your mask!

No time to stay in and dine with us? We also take carryout orders! As an added convenience, we have both lot and street parking available, so finding a spot is never an issue for our guests. With cheap prices and the friendliest service around, you will be fully- satisfied with every experience you have with us, whether you dine in or take out.

Get in Touch for More Info!

Contact us today at 317-822-5070 to learn more about our menus, specials, events, and more! We gladly accept wall-ins, reservations, and even carryout orders. And as an added convenience, we have both lot and street parking available, so visiting us is never a hassle. With neighborhood prices and the kindliest service around, you will be fully- satisfied with every moment you spend at our Downtown Indiana bar and restaurant! We look forward to being friends!

Quench Your Thirst This Spring With These Beer-Based Cocktails

Posted on April 9, 2020 by englishivys

The weather has certainly been unpredictable so far this spring. One minute it’s hot and sunny, and the next, high winds are causing chaos all over the place. But one steady indulgence we can always rely on in the spring is beer. Beer is the perfect springtime refreshment because it is so satisfying and smooth, and readily available. Best of all, it is very versatile. Not only can beer be brewed in infinite flavorings and notes, it can also be dressed and customized by adding ingredients of your own! In fact, beer cocktails are becoming more and more popular every year! That’s right; a little liquor or juice to your beer can magically transform it into something entirely new and exciting!

Continue below to learn the recipes to 3 delicious and simple beer-based cocktails trending this season, and treat yourself!

Irish Layered Black and Tan Beer with Lager and Stout

Irish Black and Tan

This beer cocktail is nothing new. Many people have enjoyed this layered beer option for many years. In a pint glass, pale ale is topped with an equal portion of Guinness Stout. Be creative and come up with your own layered beer concoctions!

Micheladas

If you have every taken a trip down south, you have certainly seen Micheladas on the menu. This traditional beer-based cocktail is a combination of Mexican-style beer, lime juice, soy sauce, and Worcestershire. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. If you are in a pinch with ingredients, skip the lime and sauce, and tomato juice or bloody Mary mix!

Watermelon Beer

Got some watermelon that’s a little too ripe to eat by itself? Well, it’s perfect for this beer cocktail! Just muddle your watermelon in a pint glass (sin seeds), and top with your favorite wheat beer, like Blue Moon. It is custom to add vanilla-flavored simple syrup as well, but if you do not have this, forget it altogether or replace with a teaspoon of sugar.

Summer Shandy

Although the name suggests a different season, this beer cocktail is perfect for any type of warm weather! Simply mix your beer of choice with lemonade to create this refreshing and appealing drink! It is recommended to avoid dark beers, and opt for wheat or light beer.

Trojan Horse

If you like dark beers, especially stouts, this drink is for you. It starts with a stout beer, like Guinness, and then topped off with regular cola. The sweetness and caffeine are great for spring! You can also use diet cola!

Black Velvet

This beer-based drink is perfect for anyone who prefers the fancier things in life. A equal combination of champagne and stout beer will deliver a sophisticated flavor in a classy glass!

Corrido Prohibidos

Another southern-inspired beer cocktail, the Corrido Prohibidos is a stronger choice. Combine your favorite Mexican-style beer with a shot of blanco tequila and enjoy! Just don’t pour yourself more than 1.5 ounces, otherwise you might be on the floor before your next pint!

BOOZE and FOOD Takeout in Downtown Indianapolis

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to place a carryout order for booze and food in Downtown Indianapolis. Although our interior dining is closed for the remainder of March, we are still open for both kitchen and bar takeout orders, and even provide delivery within a 5 mile radius for food orders! Best of all, all FOOD takeout orders are currently 20% OFF! Please support our amazing staff members during these strange times and stay healthy out there!

Downtown Indianapolis Beer and Food Takeout — Call 317-822-5070 to Place an Order.

A Few Simple Recipes for Homemade House Cleaners

Posted on March 26, 2020 by englishivys

Right now, everyone is looking for ways to improve health, safety, and hygiene, both at home and in the office. But not everyone prefers the harsh chemical cleaners you can buy at the store. Many homeowners live an eco-friendly lifestyle, and choose to make their own, homemade cleaning products instead. Not only are these recipes easy to make, they are much cheaper than buying OTC cleaning products. Yet, the best part about these homemade cleaners is that they are healthy for you, your family, and your furnishings. You can get all the ingredients delivered right to your house by your local grocer too!

Continue reading for a look at a few popular recipes for making your own household cleaner right from home!

Anti-Bacterial All-Purpose Cleaner

For those everyday cleaning duties, this all-purpose cleaner is great. Use on kitchen counters, floors, appliances, and porcelain to clean, disinfect, and eliminate odors.

❐ 1 Teaspoon Disinfecting Essential Oil (i.e. tea tree, lavender, lemongrass, etc.)
❐ 2 Teaspoons Sodium Borate (Borax)
❐ ½ Teaspoon Liquid Dish Soap
❐ 2 Cups Hot Water
Combine all ingredients in clean plastic spray bottle and shake well. Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes before wiping clean.

Floor Cleaner

Although you really only require the first two ingredients, consider the rest for an added cleaning boost and odor control. Apply to tile, laminate, linoleum, and wood floors.

❐ 2 Cups Hot Water
❐ 2 Cups White Distilled Vinegar
❐ 1 Cup Lemon Juice
❐ 4 Tablespoons Liquid Dish Soap
Combine all ingredients in a large bucket and apply with a clean mop or sponge.

Tile and Grout Cleaner

When grout gets dark, you know it’s time to get to work. You will need a hard bristled brush and some elbow grease, but this recipe works wonders on stained tile and grout.

❐ 4 Cups Baking Soda
❐ 1 Cup Water
❐ 1 Cup White Distilled Vinegar
Combine water and baking soda to make a paste. Add water and vinegar to a plastic spray bottle. Apply the paste liberally to grout lines, and then spray with your water/vinegar mix. When fizzing stops, scrub clean and then rinse.

Furniture Polish

Every now and then, valuable furniture requires a good polish. To avoid toxic over-the-counter, store-bought cleaning solutions, just rely on this super simple recipe instead.

❐ 1 Cup Water
❐ ¼ Cup White Distilled Vinegar
❐ 2 Teaspoons Olive Oil
❐ ½ Teaspoon Scented Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a plastic spray bottle and apply in small amounts with a microfiber cloth.

Bathroom Scrubber

Sometimes there’s a need for some serious cleaning, and bathrooms are one room where a simple wipe down won’t cut it. Use this non-toxic bathroom scrubbing cleaner on tubs, sinks, shower doors, and tile floors.

❐ 1 Cup Baking Soda
❐ 1 Tablespoon Liquid Dish Soap
Combine both ingredients to form a thick paste. You may have to add more baking soda or soap to get there. Then simply apply and scrub away!

✨ After all that cleaning, you are probably VERY HUNGRY!

Downtown Indianapolis Take Out and Delivery at 20% OFF!

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to place a carryout order in Downtown Indianapolis. Although our interior dining is closed for the remainder of March, we are still open for takeout order and providing delivery within a 5 mile radius! Best of all, all takeout orders are currently 20% OFF! Please support our amazing staff members during these strange times and stay healthy out there!