THE POUR

You know it’s almost autumn in Minnesota – not by the changing colors of leaves or kids returning to school – but by the Minnesota State Fair excitement building all over. There are animals, the rides, the games, and don't forget the people-watching. There really is something for everybody, especially when it comes to food.

The Great Minnesota Get-Together runs from August 22-September 2, and let's face it: for many of us, it's just a ten-day window to eat and drink fun stuff that wouldn’t feel quite right any other time of year. So, to get your juices flowing, we'll give you five fun food and wine (or beer) pairings that are uniquely Minnesota at our great State Fair.

Pro Tip: Take your foodie adventure to the next level by using the State Fair Food Finder, where you can filter by category and keywords to craft your own personalized menu for the Fair.

Summer in Minnesota is pure magic. If you haven’t already been hanging at the lake, taking weekend trips up to the cabin, or throwing grill-out parties in the backyard, you will be for Independence Day – and so much more.

Whether your 4th of July plans involve a summer barbecue, lazy pool lounging, yard games or just simply hanging out with family and friends, these 4th of July cocktails are sure to spark your perfect blend of American pride and joy.

Patriotic Mojito Cocktail

You’ve celebrated Independence Day many times, but you’ve never enjoyed it with this kind of 4th of July cocktail. Give the Patriotic Mojito a spin and you might have found yourself a new annual tradition that combines the sweet joy of summer and the tasty excitement of the holiday.

Wine is made from grapes, right? So, it makes sense that wine works with other fruit as well.  Add fruit and wine and you have summer in a glass – or pitcher – and we have one word for it: refreshing. We’ve found five refreshing wine recipes with fruit that take advantage of inexpensive wine, or perhaps wine that you’re not necessarily fond of but seem to have extra bottles of on hand – perhaps thanks to recent guests who brought their favorite “cheap wine find.” We say every wine has a purpose, so why not use that wine to make a killer wine cocktail?

Let’s start with a few sangria recipes.

Sangria is a popular Spanish drink, typically made with red wine, fruit juice, and fresh fruit – and spiked with brandy – though there are recipes for both red and/or white wine. While Spaniards enjoyed this fruit-infused concoction for centuries, it was formally introduced to America at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City.

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.

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.

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.