THE POUR

The time we all dream of is here: summertime “up at the cabin.”

That’s right – the upper Midwestern exodus to lakeside weekends, family reunions, and fun in the sun has finally arrived. That means you need to get your plan down, not just for who’s grilling burgers or competing in this year’s volleyball tournament, but what you’ll drink for cabin happy hour.

Pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunny disposition, because that’s just about all you’ll need in addition to a tasty cabin happy hour full of crisp wines, refreshing beers, and cocktail recipes for just the right summer getaway feeling.

It’s no longer news to say that Minnesota has risen to the ranks of serious wine and craft beer contenders. The people who work in the tasty beverages industry serve up so many great drinks with expansive knowledge that it can feel overwhelming to choose where to go and what drink to try.

Take the guesswork out of your beverage adventures by going to events that feature variety and offer some of the best things to fill your glass.

What’s happening around the Twin Cities while the weather is oh-so Minnesota nice? Mark your calendars with your favorites from these fine options for events big and small this summer and fall.

Moms are truly the best. Often times, they care for their family without ever expecting anything in return. And they love doing it! They're nurturing, kind, and oh-so-humble. So, this Mother's Day, do something a little extra to show your mom how much she means to you.

And we may have the perfect gift idea, a bouquet of rosé (and more). Your mom is sure to be impressed with these delectable gift baskets.

Food and drink are central to all the big holidays — including one of our favorites, Cinco de Mayo.

The instant someone mentions the holiday, you can't help but think of Cinco de Mayo margaritas, beergaritas, tequila, cocktails, tacos, salsa, and guacamole galore. Whether you're hosting a big fiesta with all your amigos or celebrating solo at home, here is your guide to Cinco de Mayo food and drinks.

What comes in sets of four hooves, goes in circles, wears big hats, and has its own special drink? (No, this is not a joke about your awkward relatives.) It’s one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country: the Kentucky Derby!

Since 1875, the Kentucky Derby has fascinated horse racing enthusiasts. Affectionately called the “Run for the Roses” and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is held on the first Saturday in May and is celebrated at “Derby Parties” from coast to coast. Tradition is key here, and one of the most celebrated traditions is the official drink of the Derby: the mighty Mint Julep.

In fact, almost 120,000 Mint Juleps are served over the two-day period of Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby weekend at Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. That’s a lot of mint and bourbon.

The two most famous grape types from the Burgundy wine region are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. But sometimes the Burgundy wine and Burgundy region (and, frankly, the color burgundy) get non-wine folks confused.

We're exploring what the Burgundy region is, why Burgundy wines are so respected, and learning a little about how Burgundian wines taste in the process. Read on or scroll down to check out the video below for a brief overview of Burgundy wines.

Spring is upon us, and the next big day on the calendar for many of us is Easter. What are your Easter family traditions?

Easter festivities have long been catered to young kids — dying eggs, photos with the Easter bunny, Easter egg hunts, and endless Instagrammable moments of children wearing bright colors. But why should kids have all the fun on this happy holiday? Here are some eggcellent Easter family traditions to start this year.

Like a wide-eyed child in a toy store — or deer in the headlights — entering the universe of wine for beginners can feel a bit overwhelming. There are red, white, rose, sparkling, and more than 10,000 types of wine grapes around the world. Where do you even start?

There’s no need to be intimidated. That’s why we're here. We want to help you feel comfortable and grow confident in the basics of different wine types, ways to enjoy them, and how to keep finding new wines you’ll love.

Here's your guide to wine for beginners.

We’re all familiar with those nagging symptoms after a night drinking with friends, buying a round, and perhaps doing a few more dance moves than usual. It’s the next morning and you’re feeling fatigued, extra thirsty, and experiencing dizziness or a grating headache as well as the general lack of motivation to do anything that involves getting out of bed even though you can’t sleep well. Yep, it’s another hangover.

It didn’t always feel like this. You were young and resilient once. But now that you’re older, you can also get wiser about hangover helpers and your patterns with alcohol in general.

Don’t worry — we’re not going to tell you to chug a glass of pickle juice like some post-workout cramp-reliever. And you can definitely do better than praying to a pot of coffee or a bottle of some supposed cure-all supplement.

For your own health and safety, we recommend hangover helper practices that have been scientifically proven. These are the simplest, most attainable ways to avoid hangover symptoms, in reference to medical studies on the National Institute of Health. And please don’t take our advice as final — check with your doctor about best practices for your body and alcohol consumption.

One tournament. Fourteen locations. Sixty-eight teams. Eighteen game days. One winner. 

The madness is back, and if this year's NCAA basketball tournament is anything like last year's bracket-busting excitement, we're in for some entertaining games. This year, we're especially excited because the tournament ends in our own backyard, at U.S. Bank Stadium. That's right! The nation's top four Division 1 teams will battle it out for a chance at the title right here in Minneapolis, April 5–8. 

Whether you're watching from your sofa, the local bar, or want to grab a drink after the game here in town, here are some cocktails based on the No. 1 seeded teams and some Minnesota craft beers to get you in the spirit.