How to Cure a Halloween Hangover

Posted on by

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
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!

317-822-5070

The Historic Facts Behind the Beloved Beef Manhattan

Posted on by

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
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!

317-822-5070

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 by

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
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!

317-822-5070

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

Posted on by

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!

317-822-5070

Quench Your Thirst This Spring With These Beer-Based Cocktails

Posted on by

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 by

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!

Fresh Downtown Indianapolis Eatery

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!

317-822-5070

English Ivy’s Has Upgraded Safety Codes and Procedures in Response to the Coronavirus Threat

Posted on by

Below is an important message regarding enhancements made to our internal safety codes and cleaning procedures in response to the current Coronavirus threat. We hope this gives you confidence in our commitment to protecting you, and encourages you to continue being a valued guest of English Ivy’s.

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery
English Ivy’s is Fully- Equipped and Prepared to Protect Our Guests.

To Our Valued Guests,

The safety and well-being of our staff and guests are of paramount importance to us. So, we are closely monitoring the developments and information surrounding the spread of the Coronavirus, and are actively taking extra precautions to ensure our restaurant is fully-prepared for any potential threat. As a rule, we follow a meticulous cleaning and sanitizing regiment every day, as we take deep pride in maintaining a clean and safe workplace.

Here are the precautionary steps we’re taking in addition to our standard cleaning program:

✅ In hourly rotations, we are using disinfectant on high-traffic surfaces and areas in both the dining room and the kitchen.

✅ We are making sure that all service tools, such as pens, menus, and check presenters, are disinfected between each use.

✅ We are sourcing and providing hand sanitizers for guest use.

Our staff continues to be thorough and thoughtful about frequent hand washing and sanitizing. Those good habits have been in place since the beginning, and will be upheld with extra vigilance during this current time of concern. Furthermore, we have spoken in depth with our team about the virus, including how it’s transmitted and common symptoms. Our existing policy prohibits employees from coming to work sick, and you can rest assure that this policy will continue to be enforced moving forward.

While we understand and share the concern about this virus, please know that we are taking every precaution to protect both staff and guests, which mean you can have confidence in the safety of English Ivy’s. We hope that this explanation about our new, strict internal safety code puts your mind at ease, and doesn’t stop you from supporting your local, favorite Downtown Indianapolis pub and eatery!

We Wish to See You All Soon!

If you have any questions regarding our recent news, menus, events, specials, or business hours, please feel free to contact us directly at 317-822-5070, anytime. Please continue to visit our website blog page every other week for new posts regarding our business and operations. We graciously thank you all!

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

Test Your Alcohol Expertise With This Fun Quiz!

Posted on by

You might be a seasoned drinker or a craft cocktail connoisseur; but just how well do you really know your alcohol facts? In spirit of Mardi Gras, and for the sake of responsible drinking, take this quiz and see how you and your friends score!

Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Drink Specials
Indianapolis Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday Drink Specials – (317) 822-5070

➀ What Kind of Alcohol is Used for Making Alcoholic Drinks?

a. Methyl
b. Ethyl Alcohol
c. Isopropyl Alcohol

➁ What Alcoholic Beverage has the Highest Percentage of Ethyl?

a. Wine
b. Beer
c. Champagne

➂ Which is NOT a Property of Alcohol?

a. Flammable
b. Denser Than Water
c. Higher Boiling Point

➃ What Area of the Brain is Affected First by Drinking Alcohol?

a. Limbic System
b. Hypothalamus
c. Cerebral Cortex

➄ Which Area of the Brain Affects Memory and Emotion Control When Drunk?

a. Medulla Obligata
b. Cerebral Cortex
c. Limbic System

➅ Which Organ(s) Breaks Down Ethanol in Alcohol?

a. Liver
b. Kidneys
c. Gallbladder

➆ How Much Alcohol Can Your Body Burn in 1 Hour?

a. 0.10 Ounces
b. 0.15 Ounces
c. 0.5 Ounces

➇ How Much Alcohol is Removed in the Bloodstream By Exhaling?

a. 1%
b. 5%
c. 10%

⑨ Which Body Tissue Will Not Dissolve Alcohol?

a. Epithelial Tissue
b. Muscle Tissue
c. Fat Tissue

⑩ Which Statement is a Common Misconception About Alcohol?

a. Drinking Alcohol Will Make You Warm
b. Drinking Alcohol Will Dehydrate You.
c. Drinking Alcohol Will Help a Hangover.

⑪ Why Does Drinking Alcohol Cause Sweaty and/or Flushed Skin?

a. Increased Body Heat
b. Increased Blood Flow
c. Dehydration

⑫ What Influences the Absorption Rate of Alcohol?

a. Level of Activity, Water In-Take, and Body Weight
b. Concentration, Age, and Body Weight
c. Concentration, Carbonation, and Food In-Take

⑬ Which Statement is a Correct Fact About Alcohol and Sex?

a. Sexual Performance is Increased
b. Sexual Performance is Reduced
c. Sexual Performance is Not Affected

⑭ Which Area of the Brain Controls Touching Your Finger to Your Nose in a Sobriety Check?

a. Limbic System
b. Cerebellum
c. Medulla Oblongata

⭐ ✨ How Did You Score? ✨ ⭐

Answer Key:

1) A – Ethanol is carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
2) C – Champagne contains 12% alcohol compared to wine, which has 11%, and beer which has 4 to 8%.
3) B – Alcohol is less dense than water and evaporates at lower temperatures. This is why it can be distilled.
4) C – This part of the brain manages speech, judgement, and perception.
5) C – This part of the brain includes the hippocampus and septal area, which deals with emotions and memory.
6) A – The process of ethanol breakdown is called oxidation, which is enabled by an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase.
7) C – A 12 ounce can of beer would take an average of 1 hour to burn off.
8) B – The lungs exhale 5% of alcohol, which is detectable by a breathalyzer.
9) C – Alcohol does not, cannot, dissolve in the water within fat tissue.
10) A – Although alcohol increases blood flow temporarily, it actually causes your body to lose heat.
11) B – Alcohol increases blood flow to the skin, which temporarily gives a warming sensation, but decreases body heat.
12) C – These three factors affect how quickly alcohol absorbs into the blood stream.
13) B – Sexual behavior may increase, but performance declines.
14) B – This part of the brain controls fine movements.

Enjoy Fat Tuesday Drink Specials 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!

317-822-5070

How to Clean Your Home With Vodka

Posted on by

Last year, we discussed the various suggested health and wellness benefits of vodka, including antiseptics, anesthetics, beauty aids, and treatment for minor ailments like bad breath, dandruff, headaches, toothaches, stress, and much more. Well as it turns out, vodka is more than a possible therapeutic and medicinal remedy, it is also an excellent cleaning agent!

That’s right; you can clean and sterilize glass, countertops, fixtures, and more using this simple, easily-accessible, store-bought cocktail base to keep your home sparkling clean. Continue reading to learn how!

Vodka Cocktails Downtown Indianapolis
Weekly Vodka Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

What Makes Vodka a Cleaner?

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

Selecting a Vodka Brand

When it comes to choosing a vodka to clean your house with, you don’t require a fancy brand. Avoid expensive options, and instead, stick with a basic, generic brand of vodka. The quality of the liquor will not have any influence on its cleaning and sterilization power, so reserve the top shelf stuff for yourself and your guests! On the other hand, organic vodka comes highly recommended for cleaning since it does not contain any residual chemicals used to grow the grains, such as corn, rye, and wheat, or other foodstuffs, like potatoes, grapes, and soybeans.

Using Vodka to Clean

To prepare your vodka solution, all you need is a clean plastic spray bottle, which you can buy at your grocery store in the cleaning aisle, or at your local home improvement store. They are also available at your local dollar store! You will also need your conventional cleaning supplies, like rags, sponges, and rubber gloves. Fill your bottle up with your vodka of choice, and get ready to clean!

✅ Mold and Mildew – Vodka will make bathroom mold and mildew removal a breeze. Just spray the affected area, wait 15 minutes, then scrub it clean. Rinse thoroughly to reveal the fruits of your labor!

✅ Glass and Mirrors – To achieve that spotless, streak-free shine on mirrors and glass (including drinking glasses), mist the surface, then wipe clean with a microfiber rag or even some bunched up newspaper.

✅ Clothing and Fabrics – To reduce or eliminate residual odors in clothing, upholstery, curtains and rugs, simply mist them with vodka and let them dry. Don’t worry; it doesn’t leave a scent behind!

✅ Sticky Adhesives – To get rid of that leftover gunk or residue left behind from stickers or labels, generously spray the area with vodka, wait a few minutes, and then see how easy it is to scrub away.

✅ Hardware and Fixtures – Remove fingerprints and oily marks from anything metal, such as faucets, doorknobs, and more, with a little spray of vodka. Just spray and wipe for full sterilization.

✨ Now pour yourself a vodka cocktail for all the cleaning you did!

Where to Find the Best Vodka Specials in Downtown Indianapolis

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our fabulous Downtown Indianapolis drink specials we offer all week long. Visit us on Mondays for $4 EFFEN VODKA drinks and $6 MULES! Be sure to try our Dutch Mule made with Ketel One! Or come in on Wednesdays for $5 ABSOLUT DRINKS and $6 EFFEN MARTINIS, and Fridays for $5 KETTLE ONE drinks! Visit us on Saturdays for $4 EFFEN VODKA and $5 KETTLE ONE drinks! And you can’t forget about Sunday brunch that features our famous $5 BLOODY MARY’S! So, if you need a new place to wine and dine with your group, trust English Ivy’s bar and restaurant for phenomenal food, fun, and friendship!

317-822-5070

Recommended Grocery Store Wine and Cheese Pairings

Posted on by

What’s not to love about wine and cheese? All over the world you will find various kinds of cheese and wines being produced, and with modern-day importing and exporting, we are lucky to have our pick of many right here in the United States. That’s not to say that local North American wines and cheeses are not worth the choosing. We are also benefited by local wineries and cheese farms that grace us with their passion for quality craftsmanship and value. 

But you don’t have to be an enthusiast or connoisseur to create your own wine and cheese pairings at home. Your local grocery store right around the corner is all you need to build the perfect charcuterie tray for your next night in. There are several quick and easy wine and cheese combinations you can go with to ensure you are coupling the right flavors and aromas for the perfect pairing experience.

Continue below to review some recommendations for both grocery store wines and cheeses that perfectly complement each other, and available at Kroger, Trader Joe’s, or Fresh Market locations in Indianapolis!

Downtown Indianapolis Wine Specials
Downtown Indianapolis Wine Specials 317-822-5070

Red Wines and Cheese Pairings

When choosing a red wine, be sure to store it at 60 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the flavor to fully develop. And remove cheese trays from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before serving to allow the cheeses to soften. Below are some easy red pairings to consider.

Cabernet Sauvignon:

🍷 SIMI Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 – $20
🧀 Presidente Soft-Ripened Brie Cheese – $6

Merlot:

🍷 Beringer Merlot Founders’ Estate 2010 – $16
🧀 Tillamook Medium Sharp Cheddar Cheese – $5

Pinot Noir:

🍷 Francis Coppola Pinot Noir 2014 – $16
🧀 Red Apple Smoked Gruyere Cheese – $8

Chianti:

🍷 Castello Di Gabbiano Chianti 2014 – $11
🧀 Galbani Mozzarella Fresca Marinated – $6

White Wines and Cheese Pairings

When choosing a white wine, be sure to store and serve at 45 degrees Fahrenheit for that perfect flavorful finish. And remember to remove the cheeses from the refrigerator prior to guests arriving. This will ensure every bite is gentle and pleasing. Below are some easy white pairings to consider.

Chardonnay:

🍷 Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay 2014 – $8
🧀 Dofino Creamy Havarti – $6

White Zinfandel:

🍷 Barefoot White Zinfandel 2014 – $13
🧀 Boar’s Head Muenster Cheese – $4

Riesling:

🍷 Schmitt Sohne Riesling – $14
🧀 Castello Blue Cheese – $9

Sauvignon Blanc:

🍷 Yellow Tail Sauvignon Blanc 2014 – $15
🧀 Montchevre Chevre Goat Cheese – &5

Pinot Gris:

🍷 Chateau Ste Michelle Pinot Gris – $10
🧀 Private Selection Van Gogh Gouda Cheese – $7

Where to Wine and Dine in Downtown Indy

Call English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our fresh menus and specials we offer at our Downtown Indianapolis pub and eatery! Visit us on Mondays for ½ PRICE PREMIUM WINES, or Tuesdays for our $3 HOUSE WINES! We have a full bar stocked with all your favorites, including wine, premium liquors, beer, and more. To accompany your glass of wine, you can also order some delicious appetizers and entrees from our lunch and dinner menus! So, if you need a new place to wine and dine with your group, trust English Ivy’s bar and restaurant for phenomenal food, fun, and friendship!

317-822-5070