Category: Holiday themed events

Gift guide and cocktail mixes from Twang

Twang has gift ideas and cocktail mix recipes perfect for the holiday season. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Twang is a manufacturer of premium flavored salts, seasonings, cocktail mixes and more based in Texas. This year, Twang is sharing several festive holiday cocktail recipes and gift giving suggestions to make holiday preparations easy. (Twang, 2021)

The company’s line of products make perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike and can be shipped nationwide. See below for holiday-themed cocktails from Twang that can be made at home and a list of Twang’s products and where they can be purchased, including some Amazon Prime options for quick shipping.

Cocktail recipes:

Pomegranate Moscow Mule Recipe

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 oz. premium vodka
    • .5 ounce fresh lime juice
    • 3 ounces of pomegranate juice
    • Crushed ice
    • Ginger beer
    • Copper mug
    • Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime 
    • One fresh lime
    • One mint sprig
  • Preparation:
    • Rim a copper mug with Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime
    • Add crushed ice to the mug
    • Combine 1.5 oz of premium vodka, .5 oz. of fresh lime juice, and 3 oz. of pomegranate juice and add to the mug
    • Top off with ginger beer
    • Garnish with lime and mint sprig

Sugar and Spice Recipe

**recipe courtesy of Owner/Bartender Aaron Peña of Amor Eterno in San Antonio, TX

  • Ingredients:
    • Twang-A-Rita Sunrise Spice
    • 3/4 oz cranberry juice
    • 3/4 cinnamon simple syrup
    • .25 oz allspice liqueur
    • 2oz bourbon
    • Garnish with dried cranberries in the cocktail

Twang Cranberry Mimosa Recipe

  • Ingredients:
    • Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime 
    • Simple syrup
    • 1 part Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka
    • 2 parts cranberry juice
    • 1 part brut champagne
    • ½ cup fresh cranberries
  • Preparation:
    • Place Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime on a small plate. Rim glasses with simple syrup then press rims into the Twang-A-Rita.
    • Pour Deep Eddy Cranberry in a champagne flute, then pour cranberry juice and top with champagne.
    • Serve immediately. Garnish with cranberries. Enjoy wildly!

Gift ideas:

Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix – Twang’s michelada mix formula is 85% juice-based and uses all natural ingredients including a seven-vegetable blend, organic Worcestershire sauce, ancho chilies, real lime juice, and no preservatives or corn syrup. The mix comes in three flavors: Classic, Spicy and Pickle. The Spicy Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix includes notes of serrano peppers and extra hot sauce to give it an additional kick, while the Pickle Twang Reserve Michelada Cocktail Mix is made with real dill and cucumber to give it an authentic pickle flavor. 

  • Where to buy: 
  • Twang’s Price: 
  • mixes (available in all flavors): $7.00
  • Classic Michelada Mix: $13.00

Beer Salt – Inspired by the Mexican trend of salting the rim of beer bottles, cans, or glasses, the Twang family helped bring the trend to the US in the 1980s. Now anyone can add a little kick or extra flavoring to their favorite brew. Twang offers beer salt in Lemon Lime, Michelada, Pickle and Lime flavors. 

  • Where to buy: 
  • Twang’s Price: 
    • Beer Salt Variety Pack (6ct): $12.00
    • Pickle Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00
    • Lime Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00
    • Lemon-Lime Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00 
    • Michelada Beer Salt (6ct): $13.00

Twang-a-Rita – Twang-A-Rita is a line of premium cocktail rimmer blends for cocktail enthusiasts who desire a uniquely flavored, resealable and authentic product. The product is available in the following flavors: Classic, Citrusplash, Sunrise Spice, Nectarberry, Unwind Lime, Paloma Love and Safari Spice.

  • Where to buy:
  • Twang’s Price: 
    • Individual packs (all flavors): $4.00
    • Twang-a-Rita Classic tub: $4.00
    • Twang-a-Rita Fruit Pack (3ct): $10.00
    • Twang-a-Rita Cocktail Pack (3ct): $10.00

Twangerz  – Twangerz are bold, flavorful, granular blends that can be eaten by themselves as a treat or topped on an assortment of fun food and snacks. The seasoning is available in Lemon Lime, Chile Lime, Mango Chile, Pickle Punch, Hot Pickle, Sriracha, Clamato Chili-Lime, and Lime flavors.

  • Where to buy: 
  • Twang’s Price:
    • Twangerz (3ct) (Lime, Chile Lime, Mango Chile, Hot Pickle, Pickle, Lemon-Lime, Sriracha): $7.00
    • Clamato Chili-Lime Salt (3ct): $6.00
    • Twangerz Variety Pack (5ct): $10.00

Whataburger’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

Whataburger’s Snowman and Santa inflatables. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

It is that time of the year again – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here, and everyone is searching for the best gifts and even better deals. Luckily, Whataburger has them covered with new holiday items and the Whataweek of Deals. (Whataburger, 2021)

Whataburger is bringing big holiday cheer this year with the new Whataburger inflatables including a Snowman and Santa – both ready to adorn a front yard. Plus, break out the newest Whataburger holiday sweater with a design featuring Santa in his sleigh gliding over a Whataburger winter landscape. Need to bundle up even more? Fans can elevate their holiday look with matching socks and his and her beanies to complete the outfit.

Whataburger’s Whataweek of Deals include:

Wednesday November 24: 20% off all apparel
Friday November 26: 20% off stocking stuffer category purchase
Monday November 29: coupon for a free Whataburger, redeemable in restaurant, is included with every order of the Burger and Fries Brxlz Set.

The magic of Whataburger started on August 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for delicious burgers, big flavor, and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created. Today, Whataburger is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 850 locations across its 14-state footprint, and sales of more than $2.8 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than sixty million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it.

Celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with Taco Cabana’s new smothered burritos

Taco Cabana’s new smothered burritos are available while supplies last during extended holiday hours at all Texas locations. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Starting November 24, 2021, for four days only, Taco Cabana will extend its hours of operation around Thanksgiving to offer TC favorites and their new smothered burritos. The new smothered burritos will be available with the guest’s choice of ground beef or shredded chicken, wrapped in a flour tortilla and filled with refried beans, rice, pico de gallo, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and smothered in Taco Cabana’s signature queso. Ground beef burritos are available for $7.49 and the shredded chicken burrito will be available for $6.99, while supplies last. Offer available at all participating Taco Cabana locations in Texas. (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Also included with this new limited-time item is a side of TC tortilla chips. Create your own “TC hack” by mixing the chips with your chosen burrito to add a little crunch. Guests 21 years of age or older can pair the limited time smothered burritos with a selection of $2 frozen margaritas or their choice of a lime, strawberry or mango-flavored gallon margarita to really make their Holiday party a hit for only $34.99 each. Smothered burritos will be available through drive-thru or in-restaurant only.

Thanksgiving week hours:
Wednesday, November 24, 2021: 6a.m. – Midnight
Thursday, November 25, 2021: CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
Friday, November 26, 2021: 5a.m. – Midnight
Saturday, November 27, 2021: 6a.m. – Midnight
Sunday, November 28, 2021: 6a.m. – 10p.m.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of November 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Texas Food & Wine Alliance celebrating the holidays with curated Texas gift sets

Texas Food & Wine Alliance partners with LifeWorks Restaurant Groups to bring delicious joy to the holidays with curated Texas gift sets by local artisans. Photo: Texas Food & Wine Alliance, used with permission.

As a unique fundraiser, the Texas Food & Wine Alliance (TFWA) announces the nationwide release of curated holiday gift sets so foodies everywhere can get a taste of Texas. Brimming with gourmet snacks, the boxes are the perfect surprise for friends, family, or anyone else in need of holiday cheer. They are also sure to delight Texas expats looking for a taste of home. (Texas Food & Wine Alliance, 2021)

In collaboration with Munch Mail, the foodie gift boxes are available in two sizes to accommodate most holiday shoppers’ budgets. Ideal for corporate giving, the Texas Treats box ($59) includes an indulgent sampling of sweets and savories. The Ultimate Texas Treats box ($99) ups the ante with additional unique artisan treats. Orders can be placed through Munch Mail and shipped throughout the United States.

A percentage of the profits will benefit TFWA to help the nonprofit continue its mission of supporting Texas food communities through its culinary innovation grants and educational programs.

The boxes include delicacies from some of the Lone Star State’s most celebrated small-batch producers. James Beard Award-nominated Chef Anita Jaisinghani of Houston’s Pondicheri impresses with a seven-ounce Bombay snack mix while sustainable San Antonio artisan Tatemada brings the heat with a six-pack of mini salsas. Austin farmers’ market favorite The Sourdough Project contributes a six-ounce box of cold-fermented sea salt crackers, perfect for pairing with saucissson d’Alsace from Wimberley charcuterie experts Visca Charcuteria — available only in the Ultimate box.

Those with a sweet tooth will beam at the Loco for Coco bar from award-winning Dallas chocolatier Dude, Sweet Chocolate and a five-ounce bag of honey almond granola from cottage East Dallas bakery Hippos & Hashbrowns. Ultimate Texas Treats gift recipients can look forward to waking up with an 11-ounce serving of granola drizzled with a three-ounce jar of honey from Austin micro-producer and two-time Alliance grant winner Two Hives Honey.

These delectable holiday boxes are part of a new partnership between TFWA and Munch Mail’s parent company LifeWorks Restaurant Group, an organization that cares deeply about where food comes from, how it is prepared, and the impact it has on the community. From locally sourced products to scratch-made entrees, LifeWorks’ teams build food stories and share them with passion and transparency. The Alliance is proud to work with a company dedicated to working with local farmers, ranchers, CSAs, and small businesses while investing back into the community to make us all better together.

“We are thrilled to work with Munch Mail in bringing cheer to the holiday table. LifeWorks enhances our mission and understands the value of uplifting local food systems.” – Gina Burchenal, Interim Executive Director of the Texas Food & Wine Alliance.

“As we kick off our partnership with the TFWA, we are thrilled to support the Texas culinary community by partnering with them on these unique, curated holiday boxes. We look forward to many more initiatives with the alliance that will foster awareness and support local talent.” – Prentiss Hall, founder and CEO of LifeWorks Restaurant Group.

The Texas Food & Wine Alliance is a 501(c)3nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering awareness, support, and innovation in the Texas culinary community through grants, educational programming, and events. Guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and committees made up of culinary-and-community-minded professionals, the Alliance’s commitment is to promote Texas food, wine, spirits, and craft brews and to increase appreciation of Texas’ culinary impact. The Texas Food & Wine Alliance serves as the umbrella organization overseeing the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, the San Antonio Food & Wine Alliance, the Dallas Food & Wine Alliance, and the Houston Food & Wine Alliance.

LifeWorks Restaurant Group, an independently operated division of Aramark, designs custom solutions for clients looking to take amenities to the next level. Our team of forward-thinkers look at each opportunity as an experience—not a requirement—and deliver out-of-this world, truly sensory experiences, feeding your company culture.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s Black Friday exclusive package

iFLY Indoor Skydiving has an exclusive Black Friday package perfect for holiday gift giving. Photo: google

Just in time for holiday shopping, iFLY Indoor Skydiving’s Black Friday Exclusive Package features savings of 50%-off. The package is available for purchase online and will run beginning Black Friday (November 26) through Cyber Monday (November 29).

The package includes the following and is valid *Monday – Friday at participating US locations: 

  • 10 Flights Shared by 1-5 people
  • 5 Amazing High Flights
  • 5 Videos from Flight Session
  • Flight Gear Rental
  • Pre-Flight Training
  • One-on-One Flight Instruction
  • Personalized Flight Certificate

*Blackout dates include 12/20/21-1/2/22 and guests will need to fly by 5/27/2022 to redeem the offer.

Austin-based iFLY Holdings, LLC., is the world leader in the design, manufacturing, sales, and operations of wind tunnel systems for indoor skydiving. The company has flown more than 9,000,000 people in a dozen countries and at sea since launching the modern vertical wind tunnel industry in 1998. iFLY has over 81 facilities operating worldwide with 36 wholly-owned in North America. iFLY supports and utilizes the safety and training guidelines set out by the International Bodyflight Association (IBA) to ensure the safety and progression of the sport of indoor skydiving. iFLY makes the dream of flight a reality by giving their customers “wings” in a safe and reliable environment.

Photo: iFLY Indoor Skydiving, used with permission.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s holiday shopping specials

Hiatus Spa + Retreat has gift cards and Cyber Monday deals perfect for holiday shopping. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.

Looking for holiday gift shopping ideas? Hiatus Spa + Retreat’s Bright + Early Gift Card sale is now live and their Cyber Monday sale is coming up. This is the perfect time to stock up on self-care gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2021)

Bright + Early Gift Card Sale
Dates: November 15 – December 5, 2021
Offer: Buy $125 in gift cards for $99

Cyber Monday
Dates: November 28-29, 2021
Offer: 20% Off all products on eCommerce only + Free Shipping (excludes SkinCeuticals)
Online Promo Code: CYBER20

With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.

Celebrate the holiday season with Taco Cabana’s classic plates

Customers can add select tacos to any TC Plate for only $1 from November 17 through December 2021 only. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Starting tomorrow, November 17, 2021, arriving just in time for the holiday season, Taco Cabana guests can add a shredded chicken or ground beef taco to any plate for just $1 at all Texas locations. TC classic plates include Green, Queso, and Tex-Mex Cheese Enchiladas; 3-pack Chicken Flautas; Taco plates including Mixed Fajita, Chicken Fajita, Steak Fajita, Bean & Cheese, Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken; Cabana Sampler (one flauta, one crispy beef taco, one cheese enchilada, rice and beans and two flour tortillas), and Carne Guisada Taco Plate (available in San Antonio and Austin only). (Taco Cabana, 2021)

Taco Cabana plates can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App.

In addition, TC Time! ® taco offers remain available throughout the day. During breakfast hours only, guests may order two tacos for $3 choosing from Bacon, Egg & Cheese; Potato, Egg & Cheese; or Eggs a la Mexicana. Available all day, guests may order two lunch/dinner tacos for $4 choosing from Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken or Chicken Fajita. Guests can enjoy $2 TC signature margaritas all day, every day during the Holiday season as well. They make a perfect complement to any meal.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and $2 tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery and catering. As of November 1, 2021, Taco Cabana operates 142 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with pies from Bakery Lorraine

Bakery Lorraine’s pie options include Roasted Pumpkin Pie, Whiskey Pecan Pie, Dutch Apple Pie, and Cranberry Apple Pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.

With Thanksgiving coming up next week on November 25, Bakery Lorraine has the tastiest pie options that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Each of Bakery Lorraine’s nine inch holiday pies serves between 8 – 10 people and retails for only $26. Pre-orders are available now through Sunday, November 21, and pickup will begin one hour after opening on Wednesday, November 24 at all Bakery Lorraine locations. (Bakery Lorraine, 2021)

Their Thanksgiving pies come in the following festive flavors:

  • Roasted Pumpkin Pie – made with in house roasted pumpkins and topped with a shortbread maple leaf
  • Whiskey Pecan Pie – made with Jack Daniels
  • Dutch Apple Pie – made using five varieties of apples and topped with a cinnamon streusel 
  • Cranberry Apple Pie – made using a variety of apples similar to their Dutch Apple Pie but cranberries are added for a beautiful flavor and extra color and topped with a cinnamon streusel as well 

Extra pies will also be available at each store on a first come first serve basis. To order pies now, patrons can visit Bakery Lorraine or reserve theirs in-person at any of Bakery Lorraine’s three San Antonio locations (the Historic Pearl District, the Rim or the Medical Center) or at their Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine and CNN’s Eatocracyblog, as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery also serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, including items like its breakfast parfait, the quiche Lorraine, chicken potpie, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has three locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in San Antonio’s Medical Center, and one in San Antonio’s RIM shopping center, including now an Austin location at Domain NORTHSIDE.

Celebrate Thanksgiving at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa

This Thanksgiving, give thanks to the great outdoors, Texas BBQ, and more at JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.

JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, the family owned and operated, 13,000-acre Texas Hill Country retreat in Sonora, invites families and loved ones to give thanks with outdoor experiences, world-class Texas BBQ and dining, and the chance to make long-lasting memories. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2021)

Programming and offers include:

  • Fanciful Feasts: On Thanksgiving (November 25), JL Bar Ranch’s talented Executive Chef Sergio Rico and the culinary team are hosting its annual Thanksgiving Feast, to include a Chef-attended carving station with sage brined, slow-roasted turkey with gravy, Mesquite Smoked Sirloin, and Honey Lavender Spiral Glazed Ham; a buffet featuring holiday classics like Cornbread Dressing, Pecan-crusted Sweet Potato Casserole, Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and a Balsamic Reduction; a Salad Bar; and Desserts including Pumpkin Cheesecake with Cinnamon Chantilly Cream, Bourbon Pecan Tart, Coconut Cream Tart, and more. The holiday meal will be available for three seatings (11a.m., 1p.m., and 4:30p.m.) with limited reservations. Price: $59.95 (guest rate); $79.95 (non-resort guest); half-off for kids 12 & under.
  • Take Care of Holiday Shopping Early: JL Bar Ranch’s General Store will host a Thanksgiving Day-only sale with 10% off most purchases in-store. Give the gift of JL Bar coolers, apparel, and more with this one day only
  • Outdoor Adventure: Embrace the crisp November weather with the resort’s robust outdoor activities, from hiking and horseback riding to ATV/UTV adventures and 3D archery. A complete list of activities is available online.  
  • A Multi-Gen Villa Escape: The stunning Archer’s Nest Villa is an ultra-private retreat within the Ranch: this beautiful ranch home has 7 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a swimming pool with a slide, an outdoor kitchen & BBQ pavilion, home theater and more (private chef & butler options are available). 

Twin Liquors launches entertaining guide for holiday season

Twin Liquors’ entertaining guide features cocktail combo packs, gift ideas, wine pairings, and more. Photo: Twin Liquors, used with permission.

Twin Liquors is excited to announce the launch of the new Holiday Entertaining Guide designed to provide advice on hosting this holiday season. Featuring cocktail combo packs with recipes, wine pairing suggestions, gift ideas, and more, the Entertaining Guide has something for everyone. (Twin Liquors, 2021)

In addition to cocktail combo packs conveniently packaged with recipes and available for purchase, the Holiday Entertaining Guide is jam-packed with helpful information such as: a Texas timeline highlighting local brands; a Bourbon 101; an Easy Guide to Wine & Pairing; a Taxonomy of Cocktails chart for those looking to get inspired by a new cocktail; and a home bar checklist. The guide also features classic items and new releases for gifting and sharing, like Bombay Bramble Gin, Lalo Tequila, Pierre Ferrand Memorable, and A Tout de Suite Pinot Noir. 

Complimentary bottle and bag gift wrap is always available in-store and online. 

This holiday season, Twin Liquors is continuing to offer online ordering for in-store pickup and/or delivery in all stores. Check Twin Liquors for a location near you. Customers are able to shop through the website or the Twin Liquors app, available to download on iOS and Android app stores. 

All Twin Liquors locations are open Monday – Saturday from 10a.m. to 9p.m. 

Born and raised in downtown Austin, Texas, Twin Liquors began as one small store and has developed into a successful “home-grown” Texas family-owned company. Twin Liquors’ has a unique and well-respected 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. Twin Liquors currently operates 100+ neighborhood stores from Austin to San Antonio, the Hill Country to Houston and the DFW area with their Sigel’s branded stores.