Try This French-Inspired Lager Cocktail!

Posted on October 15, 2021 by englishivys

Known as a French Monaco, you don’t have to be from France to enjoy this delicious and refreshing lager cocktail. This uniquely delicious recipe is a treat for anyone who loves a good lager and a little sweetness. Best of all, the combination of flavors makes it a perfect complement to any meal, any time of the year. So, if you have plans in Indianapolis this weekend, ask your bartender to make you a French Monaco, or simply make one yourself at home!

Continue reading to learn what’s in this tasty beer cocktail and the best place to get it in Downtown Indianapolis!

Beer Specials Downtown Indianapolis 317-822-5070

How to Make a French Monaco Beer Cocktail

There are 3 primary ingredients that make a proper French Monaco. These can be altered and adjusted to taste or depending on what you have on hand; however, if you have a chance to make a batch from scratch, it is best prepared with the traditional ingredients. These include lemonade, lager, and grenadine.

Select Any Lager You Like

Although you can use any style lager and the common red syrup you used to put in your Shirley Temples, it is meant to be constructed with a top-shelf lager and a premium grenadine made from real pomegranates. The French prefer Stella Artois, which is also the recommended lager to use for this recipe.

Use a True Grenadine

As for the grenadine, it is recommended to use a real pomegranate syrup, such as the one made by Liber & Co. You may also use a different version of pomegranate syrup, but the authentic version is made with real grenadine.

Lemonade Quality is Key

We’ve all had lemonade that was too tart to tolerate, and we’ve all had lemonade that was too sweet to enjoy. When choosing a lemonade for a French Monaco, or any cocktail for that matter, quality is key. Aim for a fresh-squeezed version. You can also choose a light lemonade drink if you want to cut back on sugar and calories!

What You Will Need:

▷ 2 Ounces of Lemonade (preferably made from scratch)
▷ 6 Ounces of Lager
▷ 1 Ounce of Real Grenadine
▷ Long Bar Spoon

➀ Start with a tall glass, such as a highball glass or a 16 oz. beer mug.
➁ Add 1 oz. of real grenadine to the glass.
➂ Add 2 oz. of lemonade.
➃ Top the glass with your lager.
➄ Gently stir your concoction one or two times.
➅ Garnish with a lemon wheel if you have one!

Ready to order your French Monaco or preferred beer cocktail this weekend? Visit English Ivy’s Downtown Pub and Eatery and order from our full bar and cocktail menu! We offer beer, wine, and liquor drink specials in Downtown Indianapolis every day of the week!

Downtown Indianapolis Bar Restaurant — 317-822-5070

2 New Takes on the Traditional Old Fashioned

Posted on September 17, 2021 by englishivys

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!

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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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Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Indy This Weekend

Posted on July 29, 2021 by englishivys

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!

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Top Events and Experiences in Downtown Indianapolis

~ Friday July 30^th – Sunday August 1^st

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 31^st 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 4^th 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 31^st, 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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If My Beer is Delivered Cold, Will it Go Bad if I Let it Get Warm?

Posted on September 11, 2020 by englishivys

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

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

Downtown Indianapolis Beer Specials 317-822-5070

Chilled Beer Stays Fresher for Longer

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

Skunk Beer is Not Caused by Temperature Changes

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

Your Beer Delivery Should Be Safe

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

Get Great Deals on Beer and Food Takeout in Downtown Indianapolis

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

Top 4 Tips for Using Cast Iron Skillets

Posted on October 29, 2019 by englishivys

Cast iron has played a major role in our world’s history, with the earliest cast-iron artifacts dating back all the way to 5th century BC. Throughout the centuries, cast iron pots and cauldrons became popular because they were highly durable, cooked meals evenly, and made food taste better. Fashioned with thick handles and long legs, they were specially designed for cooking over a hearth or fire, which was the most common form of fuel in a home during those times. But eventually, stoves were introduced into residential kitchens, logically eliminating the need for legs and handles. As a result, the flat-bottomed cast iron pot was invented, and eventually dubbed the skillet.

Today, cast iron skillets are still among the most popular methods of high-heat and heat retention cooking for these same qualities. Even better, innovative advances in the cookware industry have further improved the natural science behind cast iron cooking! There are even several sizes, colors, and shapes to choose from on the market, so there is one for every cooking need!

If you are interested in improving your cast iron cooking skills, it all starts with cast iron skillet best practices. Continue below to learn the top 4 tips for using and caring for a cast iron skillet.

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070

❶ Do Not Wash It

Your cast iron skillet is special and more delicate than you think. It cannot withstand the astringent properties in dish detergents, let alone the abrasive textures of scrubbing pads and sponges. This means they cannot be washed in the same way as conventional cookware. You see, it gets naturally “seasoned” with a light coating of oil every time you use it. Not only does this enhance the flavor of your meals the more you use your cast iron, the congealed oil settles within the minuscule holes of the skillet, thus creating a natural seal that protects against burning, rusting, and more.

❷ Periodically Deep Clean It

Just because you are not supposed to wash your cast iron after every use does not mean you never clean it at all. Periodically clean away the caked on remnants of past meal preps by adding one cup of water to the skillet, and then putting it on high heat. This will boil off any solid debris stuck to the surface. If this does not do the trick, use kosher or sea salt and a paper towel to gently scrub the gunk away, and then repeat the process.

❸ Store Cast Iron in a Safe Spot

You do not want to dent, chip, or nick your cast iron skillet because it can cause rust formation, and negatively affect the quality of sear you get on your food. Be sure to store your cast iron skillets flat so they cannot topple over. You can also store them in between your other pots and pans so long as you use layers of felt or paper towel to prevent scratching.

❹ Avoid Using Metal Utensils

Unless using extreme care and focus, avoid using metal spatulas, spoons, and other utensils while cooking in a cast iron skillet. The metal can be too abrasive, and potentially scratch the surface of the skillet. And as mentioned before, scratches can lead to rust and uneven cooking. Instead, stick with a trusty and safe wooden spoon or plastic spatula.

Delicious Food and Great Drink Specials in Downtown Indianapolis!

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to hear about our delicious food and drink menus we’re offering this fall! 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 moment you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant! We look forward to being friends!

Do You Have a Food Allergy or a Food Intolerance?

Posted on September 9, 2019 by englishivys

When you go out to eat, it is vital to let your server know if you suffer from any food allergies or intolerances. Although the two conditions are similar, one is much more serious than the other, and can result in permanent injuries or even death. If you suspect that you have allergies or intolerances to certain foods, but you have not seen a medical professional for a diagnosis, it is strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible for your own protection.

In the meantime, refrain from any foods that you think might cause your digestive or physical complications. It will also help to prepare for your appointment by learning the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance, since so many people use the terms interchangeably, and thus, incorrectly.

Continue reading to learn the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. This knowledge will also help you more accurately notify servers at restaurants, as well as family and friends at home dinners, how to properly prepare your food for your protection.

Downtown Indianapolis Eatery 317-822-5070

Food Allergies

A food allergy is perceived as a toxin in a person’s body. It triggers an exaggerated immune system response that affects multiple organ systems in an attempt to alert the body of the toxin. This can trigger additional physiological responses that overact and cause serious or fatal symptoms.

Food allergies are serious because some can lead to severe injuries or death. Even microscopic particles of food can cause an allergic reaction, even a fatal one. The most common food allergies include peanuts, shellfish, cow’s milk, soy products, wheat, hen’s eggs, and tree nuts like almonds, Brazilian nuts, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. These are called the “big 8” in the culinary world, and are the most familiar food allergies known to the general public.

Food Allergy Symptoms:

⇾ Hives
⇾ Red Skin
⇾ Swelling (face, eyes, cheeks, hands, feet, etc.)
⇾ Itching
⇾ Vomiting
⇾ Diarrhea
⇾ Anaphylaxis
⇾ Respiratory Symptoms

Food Intolerance

In contrast to food allergies that affect the immune system, food intolerances affect the body’s digestive system. When a person consumes food they are intolerant to, the digestive system has trouble breaking it down. This can be caused by a number of reasons, primarily a lack of essential enzymes, sensitivity to food additives, and reactions to naturally-occurring chemical in food (i.e. mycotoxins).

Food intolerances are not life-threatening, but they can cause major discomfort and illness. In minor cases of food intolerance, people can consume small amounts without experiencing any digestive issues. The most common intolerances include glucose, lactose, Tyramine, food preservatives, and food additives.

Food Intolerance Symptoms:

⇾ Flatulence
⇾ Diarrhea
⇾ Bloating
⇾ Cramping
⇾ Fluid Retention
⇾ Abdominal Distention
⇾ Hives
⇾ Swelling
⇾ Migraines
⇾ Wheezing
⇾ Difficulty Breathing

A Downtown Indianapolis Pub & Eatery You Can Trust

Contact English Ivy’s at 317-822-5070 to learn all about our weekly food and drink specials in Downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. We also serve a full lunch, dinner, and late night menu, and even brunch on weekends! From iced tea cocktails and mimosas, to beer, wine, and everything in between, we have the refreshing summertime cocktails you crave on a hot day. With neighborhood prices and the nicest service around, you will enjoy every minute you spend at our Downtown Indianapolis bar and restaurant!