Smirnoff ICE Preparadas. Photo: Chris Perez, used with permission.
Cinco de Mayo is this Friday, and if you are looking for cocktail ideas for your get together, here are two of them. (Giant Noise, 2023)
Cantina Margarita:
Austin-based CANTEEN Spirits launched a Mexican-inspired, margarita-style hard seltzer in February 2023. It is currently available throughout Texas with national distribution coming soon. Dubbed the Cantina Margarita, the new seltzer is available in three flavors — original (margarita), strawberry, and mango. Each 12-oz can contains only 110 calories, 1 gram of sugar, and 1 gram net carbs and is brewed at 6% alc/vol, higher than most big brand hard seltzers. Unlike their previous lines, the Cantina Margarita is made with alcohol produced from cane sugar, a departure from the company’s spirit-based model.
“After carefully examining the current RTD market, we saw the popularity of hard seltzers declining, with one exception: Mexican-inspired cocktails like margaritas and agua frescas are still growing, and doing so at a rapid pace. Expanding from spirit based RTDs into the hard seltzer realm was a natural evolution for CANTEEN.” said CANTEEN’s co-founder and CEO, Brandon Cason.
CANTEEN Spirits’ new Cantina Margarita-Style Hard Seltzer. Photo: CANTEEN Spirits, used with permission.
Smirnoff ICE Preparada:
The Smirnoff ICE Preparada is over-the-top, bright, and colorful, just like Cinco de Mayo. It showcases an array of ingredients and flavors and is endlessly customizable. Made from a refreshing combo of Smirnoff ICE, fresh chopped fruit, chamoy, chili salt, and spicy/sour Mexican candies, the drink was first popularized at drive-thru daiquiri shops in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley.
Preparadas skyrocketed in popularity at San Antonio’s iconic Fiesta celebrations in 2011 and have been a staple of the city-wide party ever since. They are now regularly enjoyed at bars, restaurants and festivals throughout Texas in the spring and summer months. Here is a recipe to make one of your own at home:
Ingredients
1 (one) 11.2 oz bottle of Smirnoff ICE (Original, Spicy Tamarind or Green Apple flavor)
1 oz chamoy
chili salt (for rim)
1/2 cup diced pineapple
1/2 cup diced strawberries
sour gummies, and Mexican candies
1 package dried chili mango
1 bamboo skewer
Instructions
Rim your favorite glass with chamoy and chili salt
Fill glass with ice
Add in diced pineapple and strawberry
Fill glass with your favorite flavor of Smirnoff ICE
Gift ideas for moms at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk include a Mindful Moms Retreat and more. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so if you are looking for gift ideas, consider Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk.
A spa day is one of the most rewarding Mother’s Day gifts, and this year Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is offering moms everything from luxurious spa treatments to specialty cocktails at the rooftop bar and lounge to provide them with all of the celebrations that they deserve. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)
Over Mother’s Day weekend from May 12-14, guests can enjoy the following Mother’s Day programming:
Mindful Moms Retreat: For the month of May, moms can enjoy a mindful mimosa to kick off their spa day and choose from two restorative treatments, including a 50-minute Brighten & Renew Facial, a 50-minute Sleek & Slim Body treatment, and a 50-minute pedi or 50-minute “mommy” mani. Guests can enjoy the sauna and steam room before their treatment and afterwards cheers to self-care with a complimentary glass of champagne while unwinding in the spa’s relaxation area. $275.00 (discounts cannot be applied).
Ario Launch Party: Kick off the summer at the hotel’s Cenote Pool Deck on May 13 from 2p.m. – 4p.m., where the Thompson Spawill debut its summer hydration product line.
Mother’s Day Brunch: On Sunday, May 14, families can gather at Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk’s signature restaurant, Landrace, helmed by James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh, for a special family-style Mother’s Day brunch featuring a seafood display, brisket carving station, lemon prickly pear cupcakes, banana cream parfaits, mimosas, and more.
Bad Moms Event: On May 12, moms can gather with their girlfriends for the “Bad Moms event” at the hotel’s enchanting rooftop bar and lounge, The Moon’s Daughters, for a well-deserved night out perched over the city with specialty cocktails and live DJ performance at 8p.m.
Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is hosting a block party to celebrate Fiesta in style. Photo: Google
San Antonio’s Fiesta is coming up this month and it is one of the largest festivals in the U.S., providing countless special events that showcase the city’s rich Latin heritage and culture. On April 29, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk invites guests and locals to a Fiesta Block Party with fun activities, food and drinks, live entertainment, and excellent views of the Flambeau parade, America’s largest illuminated parade. Additionally, the hotel will offer family-friendly activities on April 28 for the day parade with a coffee bar, mimosas, breakfast tacos, and more. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2023)
Fiesta San Antonio is a citywide celebration featuring locally themed culinary offerings, decorated floats, musical performances, and vibrant colors. The tradition of celebrating Fiesta started in 1891 as a parade to share memories with loved ones and honor the memory of the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. The city’s signature event, sponsored by various nonprofit organizations, returns to San Antonio for another year from April 20-30.
Opened in February 2021, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is a modern retreat soaring 20 stories above San Antonio’s celebrated River Walk – capturing the contemporary spirit of this historic Texas city. The hotel features a stylish living room bar; celebrated dining from a James Beard Award finalist; a show-stopping pool deck; and a luxurious full-service spa.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Big Country Organic Brewing Co launches three new beers in 2023 beginning in April. Photo: Big Country Organic Brewing Co., used with permission.
Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is growing with the launch of three new beers slated for 2023. The first to hit shelves is TexMex Lager, a bright, refreshing Mexican style lager made with organic ingredients. Beginning in April you will be able to find TexMex Lager in 6-packs of 12oz. cans at your local retailer, and on draft in restaurants and bars throughout Texas. (Big Country, 2023)
Following the launch of TexMex Lager, the journey to highlight beer styles from across our great big country will continue with the release of a West Coast style IPA and Hazy New England style IPA. Both certified Organic IPAs will be available in July.
Big Country® may be known for their Organic Hard Seltzer, but the team has been producing high quality, crushable beers since the inception of the company. The release of these beers into the market is bringing Big Country’s dedication to organic production to the craft beer community so everyone can enjoy what was previously only available to visitors of the Austin brewery.
“We love craft beer just as much as we love the craft seltzer we introduced in 2021. We have an outstanding and very capable brew team, we have a certified organic production facility, and we have a dedication to making world class organic beverages for adults. There are a lot of great craft beers in the market, but there aren’t enough of them meeting the high standards to qualify as organic. We want to change that.” – Bill Gillies, Founder and CEO of Big Country
There will be a launch party at Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. on Friday, April 7 from 4p.m. – 8p.m. with live music, new food truck menu items, giveaways and more. Big Country® will be a main sponsor at the inaugural Wild West Brew Fest Pflugervilleon Saturday, April 8 from 3p.m. – 9p.m., and will be sampling the TexMex Lager along with several limited release brews.
Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. beer and hard seltzer is currently available for purchase and shipment in 32 states via their online store (valid ID required, 21+ only). Big Country® is distributed statewide in Texas through Ben E. Keith Beverages, and launching statewide April 2023 in Colorado through Colorado Craft Distributors. Big Country® is available in major retailers including Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, H-E-B, and Total Wine & More.
Big Country® Organic Brewing Co. is the currently the only operating certified Organic brewery in Texas. Big Country® prides themselves in becoming pioneers in the organic movement in the alcohol industry and carries three of the most distinctive and well-respected certifications in the food & beverage industry — USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Fair Trade Certified. They first entered the craft beverage market with Big Country® Organic Hard Seltzer in the spring of 2021 becoming the first and only Fair Trade Certified™ libation of its kind in the US.
Their Fair Trade commitment means that every can puts fair wages directly into the hands that harvested its ingredients. It also ensures farmers work in safe conditions, protect the environment, build sustainable livelihoods, and earn additional money to empower and uplift their communities. Big Country® fair trade purchases have sent over $91k to the farmers since they started.
Twin Liquors’ annual The Dollar Sale returns on Thursday February 23 – February 25, 2023. Photo: Julia Keim, used with permission.
Texas’ favorite sale, The Dollar Sale, is returning this month to Twin Liquors. Featuring savings on all wine and spirits across the store, Twin Liquors drops the price to the absolute lowest, then adds $1. Shoppers can look forward to unbeatable prices on collectible wines, rare whiskies and other popular spirits like Lalo Tequila for $39.99 on sale, versus $49.99 as the regular price, and Jameson Caskmates $24.39 on sale, versus $29.99 as the regular price. (Twin Liquors, 2023)
The Dollar Sale, which began over ten years ago, was created as a way to say thank you to all Twin Liquors customers and the team is excited to bring back the sale to the community. To celebrate the kick-off of the annual three-day sale, all Marketplace locations will be offering free breakfast tacos and Deep Eddy Bloody Marys on February 23 beginning at 10a.m. until supplies last. The Dollar Sale will take place at all 100+ Twin Liquors locations, and will include Sigel’s locations across Dallas.
The Dollar Sale will take place at all 100+ Twin Liquors locations plus the Sigel’s locations in Dallas. To locate the store nearest you, visit Twin Liquors and Dallas online.
Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” family-owned company. Twin Liquors has a unique and well known reputation throughout the United States for having impeccable team members, outstanding customer service, conveniently located stores, extensive selections of fine wines and premium spirits from around the world, and substantial community involvement. There are currently 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston, and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.
Hiatus Spa + Retreat has Valentine’s Day Spa Packages available. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you need some ideas to celebrate, consider the following from Carriqui, Bakery Lorraine, San Antonio Museum of Art, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, and Hiatus Spa + Retreat:
Carriquiwill host its inaugural Valentine’s Day dinner Tuesday, February 14 from 4p.m. to 9p.m. In addition to the regular menu, a three-course tasting menu is also available for $85 per person. Romantic add-ons are available online or can be requested upon arrival at the restaurant. The add-ons include house-made chocolate truffles or long-stem chocolate covered strawberries from the Carriqui pastry team ($25), fresh cut flower bouquet from Statue of Design ($50), and a bottle of Delamotte Brut champagne ($100).
Valentine’s Day Dinner at Carriqui 239 E. Grayson, San Antonio, TX 78215 Tuesday, February 14 – 4p.m. to 9p.m.
The three-course tasting menu includes:
1st Course – Choice of avocado and tomato salad with arugula, goat cheese, Texas Black Garlic Vinaigrette or Gulf Shrimp bisque with grilled toast and chive cream. 2nd Course – Choice of Marinated Redfish with charred broccolini, avocado mousse and kale chips, Smoked grilled ribeye with crispy potatoes and horseradish cream, or Braised cauliflower with fennel-spiced corn crumble and chili butter. 3rd Course – Choice of chocolate cake with caramel mousse, and almond sesame brittle or lime cheesecake with coconut graham cracker crust.
************************************************** Valentine’s Day Sweets & Flowers for pre-order at Bakery Lorraine All San Antonio locations Pastries available from Saturday February 11 to Tuesday February 14 Pre-order Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers from Wednesday January 25to Friday February 10
For foodies looking forward to delectable Valentine’s sweets, Bakery Lorraine has pastries exclusive to the Valentine’s Day holiday at all of their San Antonio locations from Saturday, February 11 to Tuesday, February 14. The sweets include Chocolate Raspberry Tart, Grapefruit Tiramisu, Heart Moonpie, Raspberry Rose Japonaise, Strawberry Pop Heart, and Fraisier. In addition to their themed desserts, Bakery Lorraine is also partnering with Flowers by Emma Lily Flowers for guests to pre-order a set of 12pk of macarons with a bouquet for only $70 or a flower box including six macarons for only $40. Macaron flavors include raspberry, pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry rose. Preorders are available from Wednesday, January 25 until Noon on Friday, February 10, and can be ordered on the Bakery Lorraine website. Pickup for pre-orders will be on Tuesday, February 14 at the chosen location.
************************************************** Valentine’s Day Silver Trunk Showat the San Antonio Museum of Art 200 West Jones Avenue San Antonio, TX 78215 Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m.
Couples shopping for a unique gift and stunning for their Valentine can head to the shop at the San Antonio Museum of Art on February, 11, 2023 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. where the latest in silver jewelry from Sarah Roberts, Micha Gonzalez, Moose Pablos, and Spratling are waiting to be discovered. The gorgeous works will be available for purchase and will make the perfect addition to any Valentine’s day surprise.
************************************************** In celebration of Valentine’s Day, iFLY Indoor Skydiving is spreading the love by offering a special “Love Is in the Air” package for first-time flyers that will include four flights and two videos shared by two people. This package is a perfect idea for adventurous couples, friends, and families seeking a thrill this Valentine’s Day. Whether it is for a unique Valentine’s Day date night or a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day celebration, iFLY brings loved ones together for an unforgettable experience.
The exclusive package will be available for purchase online from February 2 through February 19. Flights must be purchased, booked and used at a participating U.S. iFLY Indoor Skydiving location within the promotional timeframe (2/2/23 – 2/19/23) for flights to be redeemable. Prices vary per iFLY location.
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) Send your sweetheart off on a “choose your own spa adventure” only to return more rejuvenated and relaxed than ever before. They’ll get to pick any 3 of our Essential Services — The Signature Massage, The Tailor-Made Facial, The One & Only Mani/Pedi, The Body Wrap, The Body Glow,* or Acupuncture.* $299 ($350 value) *available only at specific Hiatus spa locations
The Love Birds (EarlyBird CBD Partnership) Begin with a crushed rose petal and organic sugar foot soak, heartwarming hot stone shoulder massage then relax side-by-side in a couples massage with our house-blended love potion of rose, jasmine, vetiver and coco butter. Then take flight with EarlyBird Full Spectrum CBD Gummies and float through the rest of your day feeling chill and relaxed. ($350 / $279 H-Circle Member)
The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa’s Annual Lonestar Lover’s Weekend will take place on February 10 – 12. Photo: The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
Join The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa for their Annual Lonestar Lover’s Weekend on February 10 -12. On Saturday, February 11, The LCR Culinary Team will be offering an exquisite 5-course romantic dinner for two in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Extend the celebration with your sweetheart by booking for the weekend in one of the luxury cabins or spacious guest room accommodations. To further enhance your stay for you and your special someone, take advantage of the wide assortment of activities and spa services available. Our guest service team will be happy to assist you in planning the ultimate Lonestar Lover’s Weekend experience. (The JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2023)
That special day is quickly approaching, so make sure and plan ahead. Make your reservations now to ensure you are ready to celebrate your love in luxury with The JL Bar team. To make reservations for the Lonestar Lover’s Dinner for Two or schedule activities for your weekend, email guest services or call (855) 414-3337. Seating options: 6p.m. and 8p.m. – $150 per couple. Dining menu available online.
DreamWeek with Mental Health and Identity/Representation Workshop will take place on Thursday, January 19, 2023. Photo: Google
Blue Star Contemporary and Ruby City proudly announce a collaboration for a mental health and identity/representation workshop on Thursday, January 19 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. Mental health therapist and That Gray Zine creator Erica Edmonds will be leading the workshop, which is part of DreamWeek, an annual event in San Antonio that celebrates diversity and promotes dialogue and understanding among different communities. (Blue Star Contemporary, 2023)
During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on and express their experiences with the intersections of identity, representation, and mental health through writing or image making. Responses will be shared with the community with a display in front of the Contemporary the weekend of January 20 to 22. Interested participants will also have the opportunity to publish their expressions in an upcoming volume of That Gray Zine.
The workshop is open to all members of the community, the Contemporary at Blue Star and Ruby City believe that understanding and supporting our own and others’ mental health is crucial for building strong, inclusive communities, and both organizations are excited to provide this opportunity for learning and growth.
That Gray Zine, created in 2019 by Erica Edmonds, discusses all things mental health in order to reduce stigma, foster a sense of community, advocacy, validation, and empowerment. Erica Edmonds is a mental health therapist and has a group practice in San Antonio Texas. Inclusivity, intersectionality, social justice, anti-racism, and the decolonization of mental health are important frameworks for how she navigates her group practice and the zine.
Ruby City is a contemporary art center in San Antonio, TX dedicated to providing a space for the city’s thriving creative community to experience works by both local and internationally-acclaimed artists. Envisioned in 2007 by the late collector, philanthropist and artist Linda Pace, Ruby City presents works from the Linda Pace Foundation Collection of more than 1400 paintings, sculptures, installations and video works. The new building, designed by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye OBE, is part of a campus, which also includes Chris Park, a one-acre public green space named in memory of Pace’s son, and Studio, an auxiliary exhibition space which presents curated shows and programming throughout the year.
The Contemporary at Blue Star presents exhibitions with artists from San Antonio and around the world sharing their global perspectives that encourage understanding, empathy, change, and action, fulfilling our mission to inspire, nurture, and innovate. Like most non-collecting contemporary art spaces, the Contemporary contributes fresh insights and perspectives on larger issues affecting society and culture by highlighting trends, movements, and conversations happening in art. Admission to the Contemporary is always free.
A New Year’s Eve concert at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora is just one option for ringing in the new year. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
It is time to start making plans for the biggest party of the year: New Year’s Eve. If you are in the San Antonio area, or plan to be, here are three ideas to get you ready to ring in the new year. JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa in Sonora, Texas is hosting a concert, Carriqui at the Pearl will debut its New Year’s Eve House Party, and Thompson – San Antonio Riverwalk is celebrating the New Year in style with an epic firework show at the iconic rooftop restaurant & bar, The Moon’s Daughters. So whether you want to celebrate with a concert, at a party, or with fireworks atop a rooftop restaurant, get ready to party in style. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, Carriqui, The Moon’s Daughters; 2022)
On Saturday, December 31, guests of JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa will dust off their cowboy boots, raise a glass, and celebrate the coming of 2023 with a night to remember. The concert will begin with an opening set by local Texas band, Jukebox Preachers. Nashville powerhouse and country music star Aaron Tippin will then take the stage to wrap up 2022:
Doors/Bar Open: 6:30p.m.
Performance Times:
Jukebox Preachers, 7:30p.m.
Aaron Tippin, m.
Ticket Options:
General Admission Ticket: $75 per person
VIP Private Table (8 tickets included + 2 drink tickets per person): $1,500
For those enjoying a concert together with an overnight stay, guests can embrace the true Texas lifestyle with horseback riding, cowboy cookouts, ATV adventures, trail and bike riding, archery, and more. Guests can book their weekend stay online.
To help grant more music lovers the opportunity to attend, JL Bar has also partnered with surrounding hotels offering availability and will be providing shuttles to/from Sonora:
Quality Inn, Sonora Location – $100-110/night**
Shuttle Services to and from Sonora: $20 per person
Shuttles depart Quality Inn at 4:15pm and 6:00pm
Holiday Inn Express, Junction Location – $100/night**
Shuttle Services to and from Junction: $30 per person
Shuttles depart Holiday Inn Express at 4:00pm
**Mention the JL Bar Resort for quoted rate, limited rooms per location, first come basis.
Potluck Hospitality is excited to announce that Carriqui (239 E. Grayson St) will debut its New Year’s Eve House Party on December 31, 2022. In addition to standard dinner service (last seating at 9p.m.), the house party will kick off at 10p.m. and run until 2a.m. In anticipation of 2023, Carriqui is taking inspiration from the building’s past as Boehler’s Garden. Fifty years ago, the historic building that is now Carriqui was owned and operated by Aubrey Kline and his brothers. Kline was affectionately known as “Mr. Pearl,” entertaining and hobnobbing with movie stars, politicians, and dignitaries. Upon his retirement from Pearl in 1972, he turned his attention to making Boehler’s Garden the place for a good time.
Carriqui’s NYE House Party turns up the volume on good times and pays homage to the 1970s (period attire encouraged, but not required). Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased through Tock. The experience includes live music from beloved local favorites Buttercup and DJ Steven Lee Moya, appetizer stations, a champagne toast at midnight and breakfast tacos as a parting gift.
For the second year in a row, Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is celebrating the New Year in style with an epic firework show at the iconic rooftop restaurant & bar, The Moon’s Daughters. This year’s theme is “Celestial Ball,” paying tribute to the Goddess of the Moon, Celine. Perched on the 20th floor of the hotel floating high above the River Walk, The Moon’s Daughters dazzles with views of the twinkling city lights of the San Antonio skyline. Guests will dance the night away with celebrity performer DJ JAX, who has spun for the Latin Grammy’s WMC, UMF, and many other festivals and has recently opened for the Chainsmokers.
Several Table Packages, named after the hotel’s monthly cosmic night series, will range from $400 to $100,000; the ultimate experience includes flights and a three-night stay at any other Hyatt property in the world. From Cosmic to The Universe, select from the VIP packages to enjoy an open bar, champagne, spirits, and magnum bottles to toast the New Year.
From 10p.m. to 2a.m., the night promises to bring unforgettable firework views, a stellar atmosphere, and a celebrity DJ to match. Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite.
Celebrate the holidays with Krause’s Café & Biergarten at their ugly sweater party and contest. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergartenis excited to announce its Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Contest happening on Thursday, December 15 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. sponsored by Lone Star Brewing. Guests are encouraged to come decked out in their ugliest Christmas sweater to compete for a chance to win a Lone Star Beer swag basket. The winner will be announced at 7:15p.m. Texas-based band Midnight River Choirwill perform throughout the evening. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)
Lone Star beer specials will also be available during the event and the festivities will continue with the annual New Braunfels Farmers Market Christmas Market taking place on the property. Attendance is FREE and open to the public.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten 148 S Castell Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.
Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
SA Examiner 