Does a Margarita Taste Better With Silver or Gold Tequila?

Posted on August 30, 2021 by englishivys

One of the most popular classic cocktails among leisure-lovers all across the Americas is the margarita, as they deliver a perfect marriage of sweet, sour, and salty. Traditionally made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur, margaritas are served blended with ice or unblended and poured over ice (also known as “on the rocks”). They can be perfectly customized down to every last detail using a wide range of fruits, flavors, different quality liquors, liqueurs, and garnishes.

However, there is age-old, ongoing dispute over which type of tequila makes a better margarita; light or dark? Some will say that a true margarita is made with aged gold tequila, while many others will argue that Blanco tequila is the best.

If you love margaritas but have never understood which kind of tequila to order them with, you are not alone. Continue reading to learn the difference between silver and gold tequila, and some tips on using them to make margaritas.

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Gold Tequila is Aged Tequila

Gold tequila is colloquially referred to as dark tequila, or aged tequila. This version is made by distilling the juice from a blue agave plant and turning it into a liquor. Most dark tequila brands that are not aged are not 100% pure agave. They are usually mixes that only contain around 51% agave tequila.

Dark tequila can get its color from two different places: wood barrels or caramel additives. For instance, Reposado (rested) in 200-liter white oak barrels for at least 2 months, while Añejo (aged) tequila is aged for 12 months. Reposado and Añejo are the only tequilas that have to be aged according to regulations.

Aside from wood barrels, the dark color can also come from caramel coloring and sugar that is added to the batch before fermentation. Most of the time, these additives are for the purpose of mimicking the gold hue of high quality aged tequilas. However, they are also attributed to giving the tequila a smoother taste, which is why they are the preferred choice for taking shots.

Silver Tequila is Agave Tequila

Silver tequila is also known as light, white, or Blanco tequila since it has a clear, transparent color similar to vodka or gin. It is distilled in stainless steel containers and can be either 100% pure agave or a mix. Similar to dark tequila, it is derived from the blue agave plant and distilled into a liquor, but the rather than aging, it is usually bottled right after distillation. In fact, it is rarely ever aged, and if so, only for a very short amount of time. This makes many tequila drinkers believe that it has a harsher taste, given that it is not aged like higher quality tequilas.

Choosing a Tequila for Your Margarita

When it comes to making a great, classic margarita, the truth is that both light and dark tequilas are well-suited for the job; it really comes down to personal preference. But if you were to ask the professionals, they will likely tell you to go for the Gold. Gold tequila tends to have sweeter notes and a smoother finish, making them especially perfect for frozen margaritas.

Ready for a frosty, frothy margarita customized to your liking? Visit English Ivy’s in Downtown Indianapolis for daily food and drink specials and more! Join us every Wednesday for $4 margaritas, $7 Patrons, and $3 Coronas! We also accept takeout and call ahead orders!

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Are There Any Alcoholic Beverages That are Keto Friendly?

Posted on August 10, 2021 by englishivys

When you are on the Keto diet, strict restrictions on food and beverage options are simply a part of the process. But when you are enduring so much dietary discipline, it can be hard to ignore the temptation to have a glass of wine or a frosty bottle of beer. But will a drink or two negatively impact your keto diet? Are there any alcoholic beverages that are Keto-friendly? Continue reading for some pertinent information on alcohol nutrition to confirm which drinks you can enjoy without throwing you out of ketosis.

Beer Wine Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Alcohol Nutrition and Diet

No matter which kind of diet you are following, alcohol is not going to be a kind contribution. Not only is alcohol an appetite stimulant prompting you to eat more the more you drink, but it is also very calorie-dense, so even a little bit can add quite the punch to your daily caloric intake values. Furthermore, your body burns alcohol first before it burns any other fat or macro nutrients from food, which means whatever you put into your body aside from alcohol will be stored as fat.

With these factors in mind, there may still be some room for you to enjoy a drink or two depending on your particular ketogenic diet plan. The overall consensus among Keto enthusiasts and experts is that a person should consume no more than 50 grams of carbohydrates per day to remain in ketosis. Some prefer lower carb restrictions, while others indulge in the full allotment of carbs per day.

Wine and Keto

So long as you can enjoy it dry, red, white, or sparkling wine can absolutely be a Keto-friendly beverage! With the average 6 ounce glass of dry wine at only 2 grams of carbohydrates, you can see how you can fit a drink or two in for a special occasion or after a long day at the office. Beware of the sweeter wines however, which can have much higher quantities of sugar, and therefore, more carbohydrates, usually between 5 and 10 grams.

Beer and Keto

If you prefer an ice cold beer after a hard week’s work or on your fishing trip, you can do so while still remaining in ketosis. Many light beers are lower in carbs, such as Corona Premier with 2.6 carbs, Budweiser Select 55 Premium Light with an astonishing 1.8 grams of carbs, Miller Lite with 3 grams of carbs, and Michelob Ultra with 2.6 grams of carbs. Be careful with the darker or fuller bodied beers. After all, beer is known as “liquid bread” as it’s made from grains, so it can really affect a low carb diet plan.

Liquor and Keto

If you are not much of a beer or wine drinker, and instead prefer a harder cocktail, prepare to indulge as much as you like, within reason of course! Whiskey, vodka, and tequila have 0 carbohydrates. So long as you enjoy these spirits straight up or with a zero-calorie mixer (soda water is a popular choice), you are not going to throw off your ketosis. Keep in mind that these liquors still contain calories; just 1 ounce can have 70 calories. Additionally, liqueurs and cordials like Grand Marnier, triple sec, infused liqueurs, flavored liquors, simple syrups, grenadine, and similar cocktail additions are filled with sugar and carbs.

Are you looking for some great wine and beer specials in Downtown Indianapolis? Come to English Ivy’s Pub and Eatery tonight for $3 Domestics, $3 Wells, and $3 Wines! We are located on N. Alabama Street and have both lot and street parking available. Place carryout orders at 317-822-5070, anytime!

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The 4 Ingredients All Beers Have in Common

Posted on July 19, 2021 by englishivys

At its simplest, beer is a fermented beverage made with a cereal grain. As one of the oldest and most common alcoholic beverages in the world, the styles and qualities of beer have evolved greatly throughout the years. Today, you can find countless varieties of beer, including ales, lagers, stouts, pilsners, porters, and more. Regardless of your favorite style or brand, all batches of beer are brewed using 4 essential ingredients.

Do you want to know what all beers have in common? Continue reading to find out!

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Fundamental Ingredients of Beer

There are thousands of ingredients used to create beer recipes. Infinite combinations are possible, giving the brewer the capacity to make batches unique and distinctive. But within the mix of infinite recipe possibilities, virtually all batches of beer contain 4 primary ingredients. These 4 ingredients include starch, hops, yeast, and water.

Starch

A starch source is a main ingredient in beer. The most common starch source used to brew beer is malted grain. Grains include barley, wheat, rye, and rice, but barley is used the most. The starch source provides the fermentable material to brew beer, and largely influences its flavor and strength. In fact, malted grains provide color, flavor, maltose, dextrin’s, and proteins. Maltose is the fermentable sugars that are converted by yeast into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Dextrin’s are grain components that give beer its mouthfeel and viscosity. And the proteins help form and maintain beer foam.

Hops

Scientifically referred to as Humulus Lupulus, hops give beer flavor, aroma, bitterness, and stability. Hops are a flowering plant vine that grows worldwide, but as for beer brewed in the United States, most hops come from Yakima Valley, Washington. Mostly, hops are added to balance out the sweetness that comes from the malt. When hops are added early in the brewing process, the batch will be bitterer; and if hops are added later in the brewing process, the beer will be less bitter and have more flavor and fragrance.

Yeast

Yeast is a prime ingredient because it is the microorganism that ferments beer into an alcoholic beverage. Fundamentally, it converts the sugar, or maltose, into carbon dioxide and alcohol. There are two main categories of beer yeast: 1) Ale yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and 2) Lager yeast (Saccharomyces uvarum). Ale yeast is top-fermenting, while lager yeast is bottom-fermenting.

Water

Water is the main ingredient in all beer and is the basis to which all other ingredients are added. In fact, 95 percent of beer is water. Since water quality varies among regions, certain regions are better suited for brewing certain styles of beer. Many beer brands have this regional character, such as Guinness stout made from the hard waters of Dublin, or a pilsner made from the soft waters of Pilsen, Bohemia. It is not uncommon for brewers to provide additional filtration for their water supplies to ensure great-tasting batches.

Are you craving some ice cold beer at a great, neighborhood price? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious beer specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Visit us Tuesdays for $2 Domestics, Wednesdays for $3 Corona Bottles, and Thursdays for $5.35 Pitchers and $10 Beer Buckets!

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Get Your Fourth of July Cookout Lit With These Big Batch Cocktails

Posted on June 29, 2021 by englishivys

Summer is officially happening here in Indiana, and this weekend, us Hoosiers are all looking forward to celebrating Independence Day! Whether your plans have you hanging poolside, dockside, in the backyard, or next to the grill, there is no better way to ensure your Fourth of July gets started on the right track than with the perfect cocktails! Expecting a lot of people? Opt for big batch cocktail mixes so that you can enjoy the holiday and avoid being stuck bartending for everyone else!

Continue below for some top-recommended big batch cocktails that are guaranteed to have your Fourth of July cookout LIT!

Downtown Indianapolis Drink Specials 317-822-5070

The Benefits of Big Batches

Not only do big batch cocktails ensure that all guests stay quenched and energized so that you can actually enjoy your own party, but they also save you a lot of time and money. With a big batch cocktail scheme, you do not have to appoint, nor pay for, a bartender, as everyone can simply pour themselves a freshie from the available jugs on the bar cart or table!

Also, big batch cocktails allow you to optimize your alcohol purchases. Instead of buying a hundred different ingredients to accommodate a long list of traditional and modernly trendy drinks, you can simply prearrange your recipes and buy exactly what you need without wasting a thing.

One of the best parts about big batch cocktail options is they avoid a big mess. When you display a large liquor and drink station, there are bound to be spills, sticky messes, broken bottles, and maybe even some over-pouring. With a big batch option, you simply need the batch, a cup, and perhaps a garnish.

Some Great Big Batch Recipes to Try This 4^th of July

To make your big batch cocktails, grab a pitcher and dump everything inside. Allow them to rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours to get really cold, then just pour over ice for a simple but delicious drink!

🎆 Pineapple Rosé Sangria:

1 Bottle Rosé (750ml)
2 Cups 100% Pineapple Juice
1 Cup Chopped Pineapple
1 Pint Blackberries
1 Pint Raspberries
*To give it some fizz, try it with sparkling rosé or champagne!

🗽 Summertime Lime Rita:

1 Can Frozen Limeade Concentrate (Thawed)
12 Ounces Tequila
12 Ounces Light Beer
12 Ounces Water
*Garnish With a Lime Wedge

🎆 Big Batch Bloody Marys:

6 Cups Vodka
9 Cups Tomato Juice
1/4 Cup Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
2 Tbs Hot Sauce
1 Tbs Horseradish
1 Tbs Celery Seed
1 Tbs Black Pepper
Dash of Salt (optional)
*If in a hurry, replace tomato juice and seasonings with V8!

🗽 Hurricane Party Pitcher:

4 Cups Dark Rum
4 Cups White Rum
4 Cups Passion Fruit Juice
1.5 Cups Orange Juice
1.5 Cups Pineapple Juice
1/2 Cup Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 Cup Grenadine
*Garnish with Orange Wheel and Cherry

🎆 Bubbly Champagne Punch Pitcher:

1 Cup Brandy
1 Cup Triple Sec (or Grand Marnier)
1/2 Cup Raspberry Flavored Liquor (Chambord is suggested)
2 Cups No Sugar Added Pineapple Juice
1 Quart Ginger Ale (must be chilled)
2 Bottles Dry Champagne – 750ml (must be chilled)
2 Cups Raspberries
*Combine all ingredients but the champs and berries. Allow to chill for 4 hours, then add champagne. Garnish with raspberries.

🗽 Strawberry Wine Punch:

1 Bottle Moscato Wine – 750ml
1 Can Strawberry Daiquiri Mix
1 Bottle 2-Liter Sprite
Fresh Strawberries for Garnish

Are you now craving a refreshing summertime cocktail? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and check out our weekly specials! We are closed for 4^th of July, but open all day Friday and Saturday this weekend!

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Easy Tips for Infusing Your Own Vodka

Posted on April 19, 2021 by englishivys

Infusing vodka is really not complicated. Anyone can do it, and the best part is, you can customize the flavors any way you like. To get started, all you need is 750 ml of vodka (commonly referred to as a “fifth”, this equals out to just over 3 cups), your choice of produce, a strainer, and some mason jars. You can use alternative containers is you like, just be sure they have a quality seal to properly preserve your liquor.

The main objective in making your own flavored vodkas is achieving a quality taste that works well in cocktails and on its own. Fortunately, this doesn’t take months of waiting. As it’s the start of the week, you can begin now and have a quality batch ready by this weekend!

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about making infused vodka, how to do it, and where to get the best vodka cocktail specials in Downtown Indianapolis today!

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Make Your Very Own Infused Vodka

Liquor Options

It is recommended to use 80 proof vodka. Anything higher than 80 proof will have a stronger burn and bite to it, which is not always preferable for cocktails. However, if you are making your own liqueur, 100 proof vodka is better since it will be balanced with a simple syrup or sugar. If you only have 100 proof vodka, just mix it with a little water to balance it out. You can use any vodka brand you like, just try to aim for a medium shelf product for the best results.

Flavor Options

You can use fruit, vegetables, herbs, and spices to infuse vodka. The possibilities are infinite, and are only limited by your imagination and your personal taste! Virtually all fruits work well, and the riper the better. Berries work very well, but people also love peaches, pears, and even figs. Popular vegetable choices include cucumber, carrot, and even zucchini. The selection of herbs and spices are endless, but common choices include rosemary, thyme, mint, cilantro, dill, chili powder, red pepper, and specialty infused oils.

Single-Fruit Batches are Great for Beginners

If you are just started out, it is a good approach to begin with a single-fruit infused vodka. Not only do fruits have more sugar which makes them infuse quicker, they are generally more predictable in taste, making them a fail-safe first time experiment. Single fruit vodkas also mix and blend better in cocktails because they are not too complex in flavor.

Work Your Way Up to Complex Vodka Infusions

If you are interested in making something more complex, start with a single-fruit batch, taste it, and then build on more flavors by adding more ingredients. You can be as creative as you like! Think about certain cultures or regions, or perhaps certain sensations you would like your vodka to produce. If you like a drink that tingles, consider adding some cayenne. If you want something that makes your lips purse, consider a more citric-flavor. If you like a drink that offer health incentives, perhaps Matcha or Kombucha is your thing!

Here’s a Guide to Making Infused Vodka:

The General Rule of Thumb = 2 Cups of Chopped Fruit to Every 3 Cups of Vodka

➀ Chop your fruit up into medium chunks.

➁ Transfer your fruit into clean, dry mason jars, or your container of choice.

➂ Pour your vodka over the fruit and tightly seal your container. Be sure the fruit is entirely covered with liquor or else it might spoil during the infusing process.

➃ Allow the vodka to sit for 3 to 7 days, depending on how much you want the flavor infused.

➄ Taste-test your concoction after a few days to monitor the progress of the flavor.

➅ Once your vodka has reached your preferred flavor, strain it into a clean, fresh container and seal tightly.

Now you have your own flavored vodka! Your vodka is safe to drink because the liquor prevents mold and bacteria growth during the fermentation process. After you strain it, it stays good for years so long as you seal it and store it properly.

Are you looking for a great vodka cocktail at an even better price? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious Moscow Mule Monday drink specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Mondays also showcase Effen and Absolute drink specials!

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5 Ways to Use Leftover Wine

Posted on April 9, 2021 by englishivys

You love to drink wine, so naturally, you hate to waste it. Fortunately, you don’t have to sadly dump last week’s bottle down the kitchen sink ever again. Did you know there is so much more you can do with your beloved glass of red, white, or bubbly? Continue reading to learn 5 uncommon uses for leftover wine, and where you can get the best deal on a glass in Downtown Indianapolis this very evening!

Wine Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

So Many Things You Can Do With Wine!

Make Frozen Wine Cubes

If you are a lover of cooking, then you surely use wine for things like gravies, marinades, soups, sauces, and stews. The next time you have leftover wine, instead of tossing it out, just transfer it to an ice cube tray and freeze for next time! Now adding a little wine to your meal won’t be such as hassle! Even better, it is suggested that if you marinate meat in wine for six hours prior to preparation, it can reduce cancer-causing compounds commonly found in red meat.

Resolve Oil and Grease Stains

Grease and oil stains are the worst. They never seem to relent no matter which method of cleansing you choose. But if you have some leftover wine, use it to easily lift the grease from the surface of floors and pavements. You can use it on concrete driveways and sidewalks, as well as garage floors! To use, just pour the wine generously over the stain and wait an hour before rinsing away. Of course, you might have to repeat the process a couple of times to remove the entire stain.

Clean All of Your Glass Surfaces

If you have some leftover white wine, you can use it as a glass cleaner. Just like vinegar and water, mixing a 3 to 4 tablespoons of white wine with a spray bottled filled with water can both neutralize bacteria and reduce streaking. Use it on all of your hanging and wall-mounted mirrors, your windows, and even your glass table tops!

Take a Spa-Inspired Bubble Bath

It is widely agreed that a glass or two of wine in itself is enough to feel pampered. But did you know you can also use leftover wine as an actual spa treatment for your skin? Wine contains tartaric acid and resveratrol, which are both plant compounds that work as antioxidants, plus leave your skin softer, brighter, and with a more balanced tone. So, the next time you have leftover wine, treat yourself to a much-deserved spa day!

Clean Up Red Wine Spills

This may sound crazy, but if you spill red wine on the carpet, you can use white wine to cancel it out! Well, there’s a little more required effort to it than just pouring white wine on a red wine stain. First, you have to catch the stain while it’s still fresh. Then, you have to pour the white wine directly over it and immediately begin blotting the stain away with a towel. Once the red hues are no longer discernable, finish it with your regular carpet cleaning routine using water and cleaner.

Are you craving a glass of wine at a great deal in Indianapolis? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our Friday $3 house wines and delicious weekly menu specials! Come in tonight for our famous $22.00 Prime Rib Dinner too!

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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!