Top Recommended Cheeses For a Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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No matter how old you get, you never outgrow a classic grilled cheese sandwich. With so many cheese options and topping combinations, grilled cheese sandwiches never get old, nor do they ever get boring. But when it comes to enjoying the best grilled cheese sandwich possible, you must select the right cheese or cheese pairings. After all, the cheese is the star of the show here.

So, the next time you are craving a grilled cheese sandwich, consider using these top recommended cheeses!

Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich Indianapolis 317-822-5070

How to Select the Right Cheese for Your Grilled Cheese Sandwich

When it comes to selecting the right cheese for your grilled cheese sandwich, you want to strive for a good balance between melting points and flavor. This means sticking with soft and moist cheeses and avoiding hard or crumbly ones.

The cheese should melt well while also delivering optimal flavor. Although American cheese is the classic option for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are many other choices that can bring your grilled cheese sandwich to a new level of delicious.

Get Creative But Stick to What You Like

Really, you can use any cheese you like to create a grilled cheese sandwich. It’s all about personal preference. From a chewy cheddar and stringy mozzarella to a stinky taleggio and beyond, the options are really endless. But if you’re looking for culinary innovations, these are suggested to be the best cheeses to use when curating your ultimate grilled cheese sandwich:

🧀 American – American cheese is a classic option for grilled cheese sandwiches because it is a little salty and a little sweet, plus it melts exceptionally well. This is going to render a creamier finish to your sandwich.

🧀 Cheddar – As mentioned, cheddar cheese of any medium to sharp variety will deliver a chewy but melty consistency, leaving you satisfied after every bite. Consider jalapeno cheddar or garden vegetable cheddar cheeses for a heightened flavor profile.

🧀 Gruyère – Gruyère may seem like an off-the-wall choice for grilled cheese sandwich, but your taste buds will be pleasantly surprised and asking for more. Gruyère delivers a unique grilled cheese experience with nutty and slightly stinky flavors, and a chewy but creamy consistency. There is good reason why the French use this cheese in their famous croque monsieur!

🧀 Fontina – A popular Italian cheese, fontina delivers a great meltiness-to-flavor ratio. There are many varieties of fontina to choose from at your local deli or grocery store cheese counter, ranging in flavor from mild to a bit stinky.

🧀 Gouda – Gouda is a great option for grilled cheese sandwich if you are in the mood for a softer flavor profile. This Dutch cheese delivers a delightfully nutty and slightly sweet flavor that melts beyond perfection.

🧀 Muenster – Very similar to American cheese, muenster is mild and melts just as well as cheddar and Gouda. This is a great option for kids or for pairing other cheeses in your sandwich.

Grilled Cheese Add-On Options

Once you have your cheeses selected, consider adding some more proteins, vegetables, fruits, and condiments to really take your sandwich to the next level! Popular add-ons include bacon, ham, shredded pork, pepperoni, sliced apples, spinach, caramelized onions, peppers, jam, honey, and herbs like chives or green onion.

Are you craving a delicious and creamy grilled cheese sandwich now, but your kitchen is lacking the proper ingredients? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and order our famous grilled cheese sandwich that you customize by selecting your own cheese and bread options! Don’t forget to ask us about our daily menu specials too!

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317-822-5070

2 New Takes on the Traditional Old Fashioned

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The Old Fashioned is one of the most respected and honored cocktails that has maintained popularity for hundreds of years. Classically made with bourbon, bitters, and sugar, the Old Fashioned is admired for its depth, richness, and history. It is rumored that the drink was created at the Manhattan Club in New York City in the early 1870’s for a banquet in honor of presidential candidate, Samuel J. Tilden. So, people began calling this drink the “Manhattan cocktail” after the club.

Although the name implies that innovation is not something of interest, with such an easy foundation of ingredients it’s hard to resist the temptation to innovate and tweak the recipe just a little. You see, bourbon and sugar might be customary for making a classic Old Fashioned, but many are pleasantly discovering that you can use any base liquor and ingredients you would like, including sweet vermouth, tequila, and more!

If you are a fan of the Old Fashioned, but would like a fresh take on it, continue reading for two inventive recipes that may turn into your new go-to after-work or weekend drink!

Bar Near Me Indianapolis IN 317-822-5070
Bar Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

It is Time to Change the Way You Think About an Old Fashioned

The classic recipe for an Old Fashioned is 2 ounces bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes of angostura bitters, and 1 dash of water, then garnished with a cherry on a toothpick. However, as classic as this cocktail might be, it too has been altered overtime.

Many people substitute bourbon for other types of liquor, such as whiskey or scotch. Many have also substituted sugar cubes for sweet vermouth or even a teaspoon of maple syrup. Others eliminate the dash of water altogether. Some even swap the cherry for dried fruit, orange slices, olives, and rosemary sprigs.

For most, developing a personalized recipe for an Old Fashioned take some time and some adjusting. But as mentioned, if you are tired of the same old town bourbon cocktail you been drinking for years, try out these two recipes that may change the way you think about Old Fashioned cocktails forever!

Traditional Version of an Old Fashioned

Just as a reminder for comparison purposes, to make a traditional Old Fashioned cocktail, drop a sugar cube inside a rocks glass and saturate it with 2 dashes of bitters. Then add a dash of water. Muddle the sugar cube until it is fully dissolved. Now fill the glass with ice and add 2 ounces of bourbon. Finish by garnishing it with an orange slice and a cocktail cherry on a toothpick.

🥃 The Improved Whiskey Cocktail 🥃

This recipe is not a new one. It is actually a classic cocktail that was even mentioned in “The Bar-Tender’s Guide” of 1887. Try this improved whiskey cocktail the next time you visit your favorite Downtown Indianapolis bar restaurant!

▻ 1.5 OUNCES HIGH RYE BOURBON
▻ 1 SUGAR CUBE (substitute 1 tsp. maple syrup or 1 bar spoon of granulated sugar)
▻ 1 BAR SPOON MARASCHINO LIQUEUR
▻ 1 DASH ABSINTHE
▻ 1 DASH CHERRY OR LICORICE BITTERS
▻ 1 DASH AROMATIC BITTERS
▻ GARNISH WITH CITRUS PEEL

To make this cocktail, follow the same instructions you would for a classic Old Fashioned. In your rocks glass, muddle your sugar cube or sugar option with your bitters, absinthe, and Maraschino liqueur. Next, pour in your bourbon and ice, then stir. It is recommended to use a single large block of ice for this cocktail.

🥃 The Reposado Old Fashioned 🥃

If you are a fan of tequila, then this is the new take on a classic Old Fashioned you’ve been looking for. With a different selection of bitters, a bit of agave, and a different base liquor, this rendition of an Old Fashioned will have you feeling like you’ve gone south of the border.

▻ 1.5 OUNCES AGED TEQUILA
▻ 1 BAR SPOON SIMPLE SYRUP
▻ 2 DASHES AROMATIC BITTERS
▻ GARNISH WITH AND ORANGE PEEL

To make this new version, you will start off a bit differently than a traditional Old Fashioned. Begin by using a wide vegetable peeler to peel your orange. Use the orange peel to express all of the essential oils within inside the rocks glass. Add all of your ingredients into a glass including a single block of ice, and then stir. Garnish with a new orange peel.

Are you excited for these new versions of your favorite Old Fashioned? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and place your order with the bar today! You can enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks! Be sure to check out our daily specials, too!

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Test Your Alcohol Expertise With This Fun Quiz!

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Does a Margarita Taste Better With Silver or Gold Tequila?

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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.

Downtown Indianapolis Margarita Specials
Downtown Indianapolis Margarita Specials 317-822-5070

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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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Are There Any Alcoholic Beverages That are Keto Friendly?

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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
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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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Indy This Weekend

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The kids might all be back in school now, but the summer season is still hot and going strong for us adults! So, if you are looking for some adult things to do this weekend with your pals, Downtown Indy is the place to be! Scroll below to see the top five things you should be doing this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, right here in Downtown Indianapolis!

Food Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis
Food Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Top Events and Experiences in Downtown Indianapolis

~ Friday July 30th – Sunday August 1st

Gather your friends and loved ones up for some exciting events and happenings taking place all throughout the heart of Downtown Indianapolis. From the Riverside Regional Park to the beautiful Historic Saint Joseph Neighborhood, and many in between, there is something for everyone to enjoy this weekend in Downtown Indy!

The Lume – Indianapolis Museum of Art

Visit the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields this weekend, as the new and highly-anticipated Vincent van Gogh digital art exhibit, LUME Indianapolis officially debuts this Friday! But don’t feel rushed, LUME at Newfields will be available until May 31st next year! Created by Australian-based Grande Experiences, LUME is a walk-through art exhibit that entices all of the senses, from sight and sound to taste, smell, and more! Taking up the full 4th of the Indianapolis Museum of Art, this 30,000 square foot digital art experience is set to be the largest nonstop exhibition space at Newfields since it’s commencement more than 137 years ago! Enjoy more than 3,000 moving Vincent van Gogh paintings, food and beverages, shopping, and more! Tickets: $13 – $25

Indiana State Fair

If you are a born and raised Hoosier, then you certainly know about the upcoming Indiana State Fair happening right here at our local fair grounds. Tickets are only $12, so bring all your friends for live music, food, drinks, racing, rodeo, demolition derby, a strong man show, and even the famous Beach Boys! The Tap Room will also be there providing wine and beer options, too! Enjoy 18 days of summer fun at the Indiana State Fair this weekend, and through August 22. Tickets: $12

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Are you and your friends the artsy type? If so, after you check out LUME Indianapolis, head over to Taggart Memorial Amphitheater this Friday and Saturday for the famous livestream performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! Shows start at 8PM and finish at 10 PM, during which you can enjoy the pleasures of Indy’s favorite food trucks, beverage vendors, and more! Simply register through Eventbrite for a FREE TICKET! Just be sure to bring your own picnic blanket and folding chairs, as there will not be any seating provided! Tickets: FREE!

Indy Seltzer Fest

Do you and your friends love the new seltzer trend happening all over the country? If so, then Indy Seltzer Fest at Fowling Warehouse is your go-to place of pleasure this weekend in Downtown Indianapolis! Offering more than 75 local and national brand seltzers, you are sure to find a new favorite alcoholic seltzer! At this highly- anticipated Indy event, you can also enjoy food and beverage vendors, live music, and OPEN FOWLING! Only available in two sessions this Saturday, July 31st, 1pm to 5pm and 6pm to 10pm, be sure to grab your tickets fast before they are all sold out! Tickets: $35+

English Ivy’s Weekend Dinner Specials and Sunday Brunch

After you have enjoyed all of these incredible Downtown Indianapolis events, finish the evening with a delicious dinner and drink specials at English Ivy’s Pub & Eatery. All above-mentioned events are within 11 minutes of our restaurant! This Friday, fill your belly with our famous Prime Rib Dinner Special! Hitting the town on Saturday, instead? Stop by English Ivy’s for our delicious Shrimp and Grits! We also have fantastic bar specials every day of the week, and even BRUNCH on SUNDAYS! Brunch starts at 10AM, so come in to top-off to your exciting Downtown Indy weekend!

So, what are you waiting for? Get your weekend plans in motion right now! Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, and delicious drinks all weekend long. Be sure to check out our weekly specials, too!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

The 4 Ingredients All Beers Have in Common

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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!

Beer Specials Downtown Indianapolis
Beer Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

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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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

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

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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
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 4th 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 4th of July, but open all day Friday and Saturday this weekend!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

Support HIV Care and Prevention at Dining Out for Life Indianapolis

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Dine Out to End HIV!

Dining Out for Life is an HIV care and prevention fundraiser and charity event that is now revisiting Indianapolis for the 27th year in a row! Show your support to end HIV by becoming a volunteer, virtual ambassador, making a gift, or simply dining out in Downtown Indy this Thursday, June 17th!

Continue below to learn all the details you need to know about Dining Out for Life Indianapolis 2021, including the esteemed and honorable downtown Indy bars and restaurants partnered with them to help raise funds for this amazing initiative, and how visiting these fantastic pubs and eateries will increase the success of this important, once-a-year event!

Dine Out for Life Indianapolis English Ivy's 317-822-5070
Dine Out for Life Indianapolis English Ivy’s 317-822-5070

Dining Out for Life Indianapolis 2021 – June 17th

Returning for the 27th time here in Indianapolis, and hosted by the Damien Center, Dining Out for Life will be here this Thursday, June 17th working their efforts to raise money and promote advocacy for HIV care and prevention! In operation from 8am to 11pm, this is only a one-day event, so be sure to show your support by visiting any of the partnered bars, restaurants, and breweries, like English Ivy’s Eatery and Pub! By giving your business to these pubs and eateries, you are also donating to the Dining Out for Life cause. All proceeds raised during this amazing Dining Out for Life event goes directly to their HIV care and prevention programs.

✪ View All Bars and Restaurants Partnered With Dining Out for Life Indianapolis

The Damien Center in Downtown Indy

The Damien Center is Indiana’s largest Non-Profit AIDS service organization and resource center, and helps more than ¼ of all affected patients and their families here in the state. Their one-stop-shop approach to HIV care and prevention delivers a wide range of benefits for the surrounding Indy communities, including various programs and services to improve the health of their clients and to boost local awareness for HIV prevention. For more information about the Damien Center in Downtown Indy, contact Miro Arguijo at (317) 632-0123, or email their main office at give@damien.org.

English Ivy’s is Donating 75% of all earnings to Dining Out for Life! Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our amazing brunch, lunch, dinner, and drink specials for this Thursday, and the upcoming weekend!

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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

What You Can Do With the New and Improved Indy Attraction Pass

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Now that summer is right around the corner, and the warm weather is already here, things are finally heating up in Downtown Indianapolis! Want to take advantage of our newly-restored freedom this season and the next? Why not try the new Indy Attraction Pass? Whether male, female, kids, or no kids, anyone and everyone of all ages can enjoy what this great new app can do!

Continue below to learn all about the New Indy Attraction Pass, including what is does, how to get it, and where to get some great eats while you’re in Downtown Indianapolis enjoying everything the pass has to offer!

Food Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis
Food Drink Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

The New Indy Attraction Pass for Indianapolis Tourism and Fun

The Indy Attraction Pass is officially relaunched by the City of Indianapolis for 2021! This pass gives you instant purchasing access to more than a handful of amazing and time-honored cultural attractions, like Conner Prairie and the Indianapolis zoo! With one simple click of a button, you can buy tickets at a discounted rate to 8 different cultural attractions offered in Indianapolis. Not only are these passes easy to get and simple to use, but they also save you 15% to 50% on ticket prices!

How to Get the Pass

Getting the Indy Attraction Pass is easy! Just visit the Indianapolis Attraction Pass portal and add your desired package to your cart. Use debit, credit, or Apple Pay, or Paypal to complete your purchase. You can purchase a one-day pass, or go all out with a 3 day pass. The 1 Day Attraction Pass is $48 for adults and $37 for kids, and it is valid for 24 hours after first use. The 3 Day Attraction Pass is $75 for adults and $65 for kids, and it is valid for 72 hours after first use. For both passes, you have up to 90 days to use them, so get one now for Summer 2021!

Once you make your purchase online, you will be sent a text message or email with your pass, and it is ready to use from there. If you save your pass to your phone or home screen, you will have an instant, one-touch access for all 8 attractions covered under this amazing membership.

So, where can you buy tickets to with the New Indy Attraction Pass?

☑ Conner Prairie
☑ Indianapolis Zoo
☑ Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
☑ Indiana State Museum
☑ Eiteljorg Museum
☑ Indiana Historical Society
☑ New Fields
☑ The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Added Bonuses

Best of all, sites like the Indiana State Museum, Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, and Indiana Historical Society are all within walking distance to all the Downtown Indianapolis restaurants and hotels! So, you can your crew can plan an entire day of exploration around Circle City, grab some great eats and drinks downtown, and then retire at one of our revered hotels.

Looking for a great downtown Indianapolis restaurant and bar after exploring the city? 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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Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070

How to Toss Pizza Dough at Home

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One of the perks of visiting a local pizza place is watching the kitchen staff toss the pizza dough high into the air, spin it into shape, and stretch it into perfectly rounded foundations for your favorite pizza toppings. So, it is only natural to have the urge to learn the art yourself, just like the pros. Tossing and spinning pizza dough looks a lot easier than it is, but not to worry! You can acquire the skill in no time with a little foreknowledge and a lot of practice. Aside from learning how to toss and spin pizza dough, it is important that you first get the recipe just right if you want the best results.

Continue reading for some pizza dough making tips, including instructions on how to toss pizza dough with your own two hands!

Pizza Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070
Pizza Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

Why Tossed Dough is Better

Many pizza chains use machines to press and form their pizza dough, but the best results come from the gentle manipulation of hand tossing and spinning. Machine presses and dough sheeters are great for high-traffic operations, like fast food joints and pizza delivery chain, but they do tend to dry the dough out, which leads to a thinner, crunchier crust.

The age-old method is hand tossing, as it is the gentlest way to form pizza dough without over manipulating it or causing it to lose moisture. As a result, hand-tossed dough renders a much softer crust. Over-manipulation can cause the dough to lose moisture, have an inconsistent texture, and bake unevenly, which can all ruin your pizza before you even take it out of the oven.

Hand tossing dough is better because it…

⇢ retains more moisture in the dough.

⇢ creates an airflow that reduces stickiness and makes it easier to handle.

⇢ delivers a perfectly crispy crust that is not too soft or too crunchy.

⇢ renders a non-uniform crumb, making each crust unique.

⇢ makes a higher, lighter edge crust.

Pizza Dough Hand Tossing Guide:

➀ Use a pizza dough that contains yeast. Store bought is fine for practice sessions.

➁ Let dough come to room temperature.

➂ Prep your work area with a layer of flour. Keep a bowl of flour close by.

➃ Shape the dough into a ball. Then dust it with some flour.

➄ Using your fingers, press the dough into a rounded, 10-inch disc. Aim for a half-inch for thickness. If necessary, use a rolling pin.

➅ With one hand in a fist and the other hand with the palm facing up, drape the disc of dough over both hands. Palm up hand should be your dominant hand.

➆ Starting with the palm up hand, lift and spin the disc in the same movement. Do not toss it too high; just enough to get one full rotation in.

➇ When the dough comes down, catch it using that backs of both fists. This is the flattest surface area your hands can create.

➈ Continue tossing, spinning, and catching until your disc of dough is around 12 inches or so!

Not really in the mood to make your own pizza, but craving it right now? Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to place a carryout order, or make a reservation at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! Our delicious pizzas are made-to-order, and come in 2 sizes!

You Should Also Read:

How to Choose Between Flour Tortillas and Corn Tortillas
Tips for Cooking a Delicious Beef Roast
Why Surf and Turf is a Good Choice for Any Dinner Occasion

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant
317-822-5070