San Patricio with Desert Door Sotol and Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
St. Patrick’s Day is next week and what better way to celebrate than with some tasty cocktails inspired by the Emerald Isle. Below are two festive cocktail recipes from Twang, the San Antonio, Texas-based producer of salts and seasonings. Twang is a family-owned and operated company based in San Antonio with product lines that include Twang-A-Rita,Beer Salt and more; these are salts and seasonings designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate your at-home alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang’s products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores, online and through Amazon. (Twang, 2021)
San Patricio with Desert Door Sotol and Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
Ingredients: Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime 2 oz. Desert Door Texas Sotol .5 oz. Agave nectar 1 oz. Lime juice 1 oz. Pineapple juice Ice Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions Rim glass with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime. In a shaker with ice, combine Desert Door Texas Sotol, agave nectar, lime juice, and pineapple juice. Shake and strain over ice, garnish with pineapple wedge.
Lucky Grapefruit Sour with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love
Ingredients: Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love 1 kiwi Ice ½ oz. simple syrup 1 oz. lime juice 2 oz. Irish whiskey Jarritos Grapefruit Soda; make sure it is cold
Instructions Rim Collins glass with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love. Cut kiwi in half and use a spoon to scoop out the fruit and put it into a shaker filled with ice, along with the lime juice. Pour into glass over ice. Top with Jarritos Grapefruit soda. Stir and garnish with a kiwi slice.
Lucky Grapefruit Sour with Twang-A-Rita Paloma Love. Photo: Twang, used with permission.
La Panaderia was one of 17 local restaurants that helped feed South Texans after devastating winter storms. Photo: La Panaderia, used with permission.
After an unprecedented winter storm devastated San Antonio in mid-February, the South Texas food and beverage community quickly organized to provide relief. To help, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance (SAFWA) collaborated with World Central Kitchen, Good Match, and Hopscotch to provide more than 8,600 free meals to neighbors in need. (San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)
The relief efforts were focused on vulnerable residents living in San Antonio’s District 5, many of whom experienced power outages for 1-4 days. Working with Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, the Alliance arranged meal delivery to 21 community sites.
“The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance stepped up when District 5 needed help the most,” said Gonzales. “When so many of our neighbors were stranded with no food, water, or electricity, we relied on the Alliance to feed our most vulnerable. Their network of selfless community members became a lifeline. Their energy was our fuel, and their quick response was our inspiration.”
Although the Alliance’s work typically focuses on its culinary grant and educational programs, it realized the city would need all hands on deck. The nonprofit utilized its network in San Antonio’s culinary community to ensure hundreds of free meals could be prepared per day. The hospitality industry is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic, but San Antonio’s food and beverage professionals were eager to join the efforts.
Meal deliveries were made possible by dozens of community volunteers, including representatives from the San Antonio Housing Authority and the San Antonio Fire Department. The initiative even drew the support of some high-profile helpers like U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro, Bexar County Commissioner Justin Rodriguez, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and actor and activist Eva Longoria.
In total, 17 local restaurants, food trucks, and caterers distributed free meals February 20-23. Participants included:
• Botika • Chelsea Catering/ Tony G’s Soul Food • Full Belly Café + Bar • The Good Kind • Grupo La Gloria • Guerrilla Gourmet • Hello Paradise • J’Dubs Burgers & Grub • La Panadería • Little Em’s Oyster Bar • Meadow Neighborhood Eatery + Bar • Naco Mexican • Pedrotti’s Ranch • Pharm Table • Southerleigh Hospitality Group • Teka Molino • Toro Kitchen + Bar
The San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance was established in 2020, following a near-decade of success with the Austin Food & Wine Alliance. Even though the organization expanded in San Antonio just last year and will focus on culinary grants, educational programs, and events, the nonprofit jumped in quickly to support the city during its time of need.
“When a crisis hits, folks who want to help go with what they know. Our expertise is in bringing people together. We have an enormous amount of gratitude for the folks who were able to help. Despite the many challenges they were facing with their own businesses and in their own lives, so many people in the hospitality industry enthusiastically lent a helping hand. It has been an incredibly inspiring thing to see.” – Mariam Parker, SAFWA executive director
SA Examiner 