Tag: Craft beer

Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 096 | Italy: Venice

The Boozy Blondes

Venice isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. A floating city of winding canals, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old history, Venice feels frozen in time in the best possible way. In this episode of The Boozy Blondes Abroad, the girls take listeners along on one of their most memorable trips yet: a Venetian adventure filled with Prosecco, planning spreadsheets, spritzes to-go, and a vow renewal inside a 16th‑century palace. And speaking of Prosecco, that is the Drink of the Episode (or “DOE” as the girls say).

The Boozy Blondes stand by it: Venice is worth the hype! Founded in the 5th century and traveled only by foot or boat, Venice’s preservation is unmatched. Narrow alleyways lead to quiet neighborhoods, bustling piazzas open up unexpectedly, and nearly every turn reveals a view that feels cinematic. It’s romantic, chaotic, overwhelming, and magical all at once, especially when experienced with a large group and a well-stocked Prosecco supply.

For the Boozy Blondes, this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It marked a major life milestone: Chrissy was celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary and vow renewal, which Molly officiated, hosted inside a jaw-dropping Venetian palace – which also doubled as the Boozy Blondes’ residence for their time in Venice. Red carpets leading to the canal, priceless art lining the walls, dramatic staircases, and strict house rules from Chrissy (no red wine allowed) made it feel less like a rental and more like living inside a museum.

Chrissy found this magical gem through Truly Venice Apartments. The pros? Privacy, incredible views, a central home base, quality time together, and the ability to stock the kitchen and play bartender. The cons? Lugging suitcases up endless stairs, navigating trash pickup schedules, limited air conditioning in historic spaces, and the constant fear of breaking something priceless. #WorthIt

For travelers considering hosting an event in Venice, the Boozy Blondes recommend focusing on budget and timing. Prices are high year‑round, but shoulder season can help with both cost and crowds. And a key tip: avoid using the word “wedding” unless you want to watch prices skyrocket. Hotels, private venues, and event planners like Love Gracefully are all solid options depending on your priorities.

Whether you are there to celebrate a special event or just take a vacation, Venice may be small, but its food and bar scene is mighty. With restaurants and bars often seating just a handful of tables, planning ahead is essential—especially with a group of eleven, which was the number of people in the Boozy Blondes squad.

Highlights included:

  • Retro Wine Bar – A Boozy Blondes favorite, known for expertly crafted cocktails, generous portions, and a cozy, vinyl‑lounge vibe that feels like a stylish living room.
  • Al Giardinetto da Severino – A relaxed courtyard dinner with great wine, espresso martinis, and an atmosphere perfect for lingering.
  • Spritz Bianco – The group favorite after learning about it on a food and wine tour (hear all about this tour in an upcoming episode!). Made with white wine or sparkling wine, soda water, and a white bitter liqueur or dry vermouth, it became the official drink of the trip.

Pro tip from the blondes: Venice is a city made for strolling with a drink in hand. Yes, open containers are allowed!

If there’s one thing the Boozy Blondes believe in, it’s planning hard so you can relax harder. This trip came with a 40‑page itinerary, spreadsheets, index cards, and color‑coded schedules. It sounds extra, but it worked. Coordinating so many people with so many places to see and so many eats and drinks, this planning helped keep everyone organized and prepared so vacation was relaxed!

But just as important as planning was building in downtime. A designated free day allowed Molly to explore hidden gems like the Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the Secret Itineraries Tour of Doge’s Palace, while Chrissy stayed back, made cocktails, and soaked up palace views from the balcony. Venice rewards both curiosity and rest.

The girls also discuss Venice transportation in this episode because if you don’t pre-plan, Venice is a monster to navigate, especially upon arrival and departure.

Top takeaways:

  • Consider flying into larger hubs like Milan or Rome, then taking a train to Venice.
  • If flying directly into Venice, splurge on a private water taxi for arrival. It’s expensive—but unforgettable. The girls recommend Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia.
  • Public water taxis are affordable but crowded and not ideal for those prone to seasickness.
  • Walking is often faster than you think – just allow enough time.
  • Train travel out of Venice requires serious planning, especially with luggage. Private water taxis to the train station are worth it.
  • Book guaranteed trains when possible, especially during strike season.
  • Always carry coins; train station restrooms aren’t free.

Some of Venice’s best moments happen away from the main tourist sites. The Boozy Blondes recommend:

  • Visiting lesser‑known churches
  • Wandering around to find quieter streets and local vibes
  • Taking evening passeggiatas after dinner
  • Exploring nearby islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido

The girls also talk about the importance of making dining reservations – especially if you are traveling with a larger group. Restaurants are small and fill quickly. Also, remember dinner will take a long time – embrace it. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

If you listened to Episode 085 | Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl (listen here), you’d know the girls have a favorite souvenir – tattoos! Venice was no different. Most of the group opted to bring home this (permanent) souvenir, and the Boozy Blondes highly recommend Underskin Studio in Venice. Roberto and Lorenzo took care of the group, and everyone had the best time at the studio. Remember if you plan to get a tattoo on your trip, plan it towards the end of your vacation and remember to bring aftercare!

Between vow renewals, palace living, spritzes, train chaos, tattoos, and unforgettable laughs, Venice left its mark on the Boozy Blondes. It was proof that thoughtful planning, the right travel companions, and a little lot of Prosecco can turn a trip into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.

Venice may challenge you—but it rewards you even more. And for the Boozy Blondes, it will always be a city worth returning to. If you’re planning a trip, reach out to the girls to help you plan, give recommendations or help you plan! Message them on Instagram or email them! Saluti!

Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 095 | St Augustine Annual Nights of Pints

The Boozy Blondes

If you love travel, festive pub crawls, the holiday season, drinking for a cause, and craft beer, this episode is for you! The Boozy Blondes introduce you to one of St. Augustine’s best holiday traditions: Nights of Pints. Think of it as the cooler, boozier cousin to the city’s famous Nights of Lights — same glowing historic streets, same festive energy, but with significantly more beer involved.

The DOE is surprisingly not beer, but mimosas! The girls recorded this episode the day after their nights of pints adventure, so they kept the party going the next morning, and also, bubbles were needed to celebrate the start of Season 5!

So Nights of Pints. Each year from late November through early January, America’s oldest city transforms into a romantic, European‑feeling holiday destination, wrapped in more than three million white lights. Balconies glow, palm trees sparkle, and centuries‑old stone buildings feel straight out of a Christmas village. Now add a craft beer scavenger hunt to that picture, and you’ve got Nights of Pints.

During Nights of Pints, the historic district becomes a walkable craft beer playground. Participating breweries and bars (which vary year to year) offer special brews, seasonal releases, and exclusive taps. All you have to do is purchase a Nights of Pints pass at one of the participating locations, grab your punch card, and start sipping.

The cost for 2025 is $40.00. Your pass includes a commemorative t‑shirt and a free pint at each participating brewery. From there, it’s a boozy choose‑your‑own‑adventure. You can knock it all out in one ambitious day, or pace yourself and spread the fun across multiple outings. The girls love that it’s as relaxed or as boozy as you want to make it.

What makes Nights of Pints special is the vibe. This isn’t a chaotic beer festival where you’re shouting over loud music and trying not to lose your friends. It’s calm, cozy, and social. You’ll see locals and visitors mingling, hopping from brewery to brewery, and soaking in the holiday magic without the shoulder‑to‑shoulder crowds.

And because you’re not limited to only punch‑card stops, you can easily pop into a restaurant for food, grab a glass of wine, or detour somewhere that catches your eye.

The girls share some tips to make the most of this festive event.

  1. Book a hotel in or near the historic district. Nothing kills the vibe faster than realizing you still have to drive after your third drink. St. Augustine is meant for wandering.
  2. Start early…like brunch early. Beat the crowds, and if possible, visit on a weekday. Weekends get busier the closer you get to Christmas.
  3. Make reservations. Restaurants are small and popular this time of year. If you do end up waiting, always have a roadie plan. (An airplane bottle of bourbon + hot tea = instant hot toddy.) But just remember, St. Augustine has strict open container laws, so roadie at your own risk!
  4. Drink with a view! Rooftops, patios, and anywhere you can admire the lights while holding a glass are always worth it.
  5. Skip the trolleys. Slow strolling through glowing streets with live music in the background is peak vacation energy…and lets you pivot to oysters, dessert, or another round whenever the mood strikes.

The girls wanted to experience Nights of Pints without the hassle of rideshares, traffic, or logistics, so they booked the St. Augustine Beer Bus. Game‑changer!!

It felt like a guided excursion that was fun, intentional, and slightly irresponsible in the best way. The girls brought snacks and roadies on the bus and hit multiple breweries in one day with the Boozy Bros and Chrissy’s original party people: her parents. The blondes also interviewed Beer Bus / St. Augustine Brewery Tours founder, Amanda Reed.

Their stops included all four Nights of Pints breweries and one bonus brewery:

Bootleggers
Bootleggers
Hornski’s
Dog Rose
Dog Rose
Ink & Barley
Ink & Barley
Ink & Barley
Bog

If you’re traveling with a group or just want a seamless, stress‑free bar crawl, a private or small‑group tour like this is absolutely worth it. Tune in to the episode to learn more about Amanda and St. Augustine Brewery Tours.

Nights of Pints runs alongside Nights of Lights and continues through January 11, 2026. If you’re reading this before then, there’s still time to experience it this season! But if not, don’t worry. It’s an annual event, so add it to your calendar for next year starting in late November.

Even outside of Nights of Pints, St. Augustine’s craft beer scene is reason enough to visit. The Boozy Blondes have multiple episodes featuring St. Augustine and its craft beer scene, so give them a listen! One of their first episodes (Episode 003 | St. Augustine Pub Pedal – listen here) covers many of the St. Augustine breweries. And Episode 062 | STA Brewer’s Fest + Behind the Booze Interview with Courtney Murr (listen here) highlights the annual St. Augustine Craft Brewers Festival, which is another must-see for craft beer lovers!

Between these episodes, the historic streets, great food, and endless bars, you might find yourself Googling “how to move to St. Augustine.” And if you’ve punched your Nights of Pints card, share a picture with the Boozy Blondes through Instagram or via email! Cheers!

Season 4

Episode 094 | Season 4 Wrap Up with Game – Play Along!

The Boozy Blondes

Holy shots! Can you believe it, lushes? The Boozy Blondes just wrapped up Season 4 of the Boozy Blondes Podcast! Mind blown emoji!

This season was packed with travel, tastings, and so many special guests. The girls are so happy to celebrate another boozy season. They created this podcast to share their travels, drinks, and stories with fellow booze travelers. Four seasons later, they’ve done just that and more! In this episode they reflect on meeting amazing people, learning about beer, wine, and spirits, and sharing adventures across the U.S. and abroad.

The DOE is Champagne, of course! The Boozy Blondes are raising a glass to each other, and to you, in gratitude for joining them these past years on this crazy, and boozy, adventure.

The girls discuss highlights from the season. Molly breaks down her top 4 into different categories:

  1. Most Unexpected Moment (this is a reflection from Season 3 Episode 062 The St. Augustine Craft Brewers Fest –listen here-)
  2. Fan Favorite Guest (spoiler alert, it’s Hard Cider Guy, Adrian Luna! You can hear his 6-pack To Go Episode 084 in Season 4 –listen here– or go way back and hear his initial episode in Season 2, Episode 041 –listen here-!)
  3. Most WTF Moment (Molly is mortified by her screechy voice in Episode 062 6-pack To Go with the Boozy Bros –listen here-)
  4. Biggest Educational Takeaway (Episode 080 6-pack To Go with Jose Hernandez of 4 Ever Acres Kitchen –listen here– has been a resource for tequila buying for Molly)

Chrissy shares her top 4 moments from Season 4 as well:

  1. Italy (From planning to execution, Italy was unforgettable. There are 4 episodes dedicated to Italy, so if you’re planning a trip, the girls hope those episodes are resourceful for you! Her favorite of the four is Episode 087 Wine Tour & Tasting Near Rome with Sally and Guido of Convivo Rome –listen here-)
  2. Washington, DC (This surprise trip left the girls wanting more DC! Check out Episode 078 for tips and tricks of the best places to visit –listen here-)
  3. Disney Drinking (Episode 090 Disney Drinking: Magical Monorail Pub Crawl with the themed outfits and magic of Disney always makes for a great time! –listen here-)
  4. Lebowski’s Kool-Luah (Super fun founders and super fun brand! The girls really enjoyed meeting Dave and Monica Kowalski of Lebowski’s Tap Room in Episode 091 –listen here-)

One special highlight of this episode is the game at the end! If you are familiar with the classic tv game show Password, you’ll have no trouble playing along! The girls bring back the Boozy Bros for an epic battle focused on themes of Season 4 – see how well you do!

As the girls say Arrivederci! to Season 4, they look forward to more boozy adventures in Season 5. None of this would be possible without you loyal lushes, and the girls are forever grateful for your support – without you, they would be two boozy blondes drinking alone in a closet!

Cheers!

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 090 | Disney Drinking: Magical Monorail Pub Crawl

The Boozy Blondes

The Boozy Blondes are bringing you another magical episode and this time they are including the Boozy Bros! The gang tackled a magical monorail pub crawl for Molly & Phil’s birthdays; this included stopping at bars in the Walt Disney World Monorail Resorts and as a bonus, they added the Wilderness Lodge, since they all love it there so much. Follow along and see how they attacked the challenge.

The DOE is a Dole Whip cocktail! In honor of the favorite Disney treat, Dole Whip, the gang is sucking up this delicious concoction as they recap their pub crawl journey. Molly blended Publix brand Banana Pineapple Lactose Free Ice Cream, pineapple juice and spiced rum to make the drinks.

Since there were four resorts on the adventure, each of the group members presented a resort:

Before they dive into their resorts, Molly explains the rules of a “Drink Roulette Poker” game the gang played at each stop:

  1. Each player earns one card at each lounge
  2. As a bonus, all four names go in one bag, and drink tokens, relative to each lounge, are in the other bag
    1. Bonus card: Whoever’s name is drawn, draws a drink token. If he or she orders and drinks that drink, a bonus card is awarded
    1. Bonus card: correctly predict monorail color
    1. Bonus card: other random challenges that pop up on the fly (e.g., how tall is the fireplace in the Wilderness Lodge lobby)
  3. Best poker hand wins at the end of the crawl
  4. Losing poker hand orders transportation back to home resort or hotel

In addition to the drink roulette poker challenge, the Boozy Blondes made wardrobe changes at each Resort! They had a scavenger hunt book to follow along with too, which made the visit extra fun!

Phil starts with the Wilderness Lodge, where the group visited two lounges: Geyser Point Bar & Grill and Territory Lounge. Geyser Point offers great views on the water. Here Phil drank a beer, Rainer ordered a tequila soda and the girls enjoyed Pineapple Mules. In the Territory Lounge Phil and Chrissy split a Smores Old Fashioned, Molly had the L&C G&T (lavender and cucumber gin and tonic) and Rainer sipped on a beer. The group highly recommends ordering the popcorn sampler if you’re enjoying drinks here!

When they wrapped up, the group boarded a boat and enjoyed a short ride to the Magic Kingdom, where they transferred to the Grand Floridian boat. Chrissy walks listeners through this resort, and it was extremely busy the day they were there. They put their name in at the Enchanted Rose (pro tip to put your name in because they don’t take reservations), and ran down to the quick service restaurant Gasparilla Island Grille to grab to-go drinks while they waited for their names to be called (technically, they waited for Molly’s phone to receive a text, which is nice, so visitors to this resort can enjoy it from any place on property while waiting for a callback). Once they were called, they collectively ordered Espresso Martinis and truffle fries!

From here, the Boozy Blondes and Bros took the “highway in the sky” to the Contemporary Resort. Molly introduces the Contemporary, one of two original Disney resorts! The group squeezed into the bar at Steakhouse 71, which is always a favorite. Although it was crowded, the group still enjoyed their drinks (a round of tequila sodas) and split the Stack Burger – another favorite! And bonus – the bartenders surprised the group with Champagne in honor of the birthday twins, Phil and Molly! (Pro tip – if you’re celebrating, ask for a pin! You’ll sometimes get to experience a little extra Disney magic – like complimentary Champagne.)

By this time, the Magic Kingdom fireworks had started, so the group boarded the monorail to the final destination, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Rainer walks listeners through this stop, highlighting all the lounges. He advises if you want to get a seat at the Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Speakeasy, get your name on the list early! Feeling the effects of the heat and drinks, the group decided to stop at only one lounge here, Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace, outside the back of the main lobby. You’ll typically find live music at this beautiful outdoor lounge. Rainer sipped on Reposado, Molly enjoyed Rosita’s Margarita, Chrissy loved her Spikey Pineapple (made with Dole Whip!) and Phil had the Mosquito Mojito. It was time for more food, so they shared a tuna roll (with pink rice!) and dumplings.

You’ll have to listen to the episode to hear who won the poker challenge! You can also hear the creative Disney-themed Fast Five questions they all ask each other! Be sure to check out their fun Disney reels on Instagram:
• See each lounge and corresponding drink
• Overview of the resorts
• Cheersing all their drinks with the Boozy Bros
• Hear the Boozy Blondes introduce each drink at each lounge as the evening progresses

Can’t get enough of Disney Drinking episodes? Check out Episode 016 | Epcot Food & Wine Festival and Episode 077 | Disney’s Sangria University! Do you have a favorite tip for Disney Drinking? Leave it in the comments below!

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 089 | Italy – Rome, What to Drink, Eat and Do in the Eternal City

The Boozy Blondes

The Boozy Blondes are wrapping up their Season 4 Italy tour with an episode all about Rome! Are you planning a trip to the Eternal City? This episode will help you plan for some of the hot spots you don’t want to miss!

First things first – the DOE. Chrissy continues to try to warm Molly up to spritzes, but it’s not going so well. Molly reluctantly sips the Campari Spritz Chrissy made because, well, “when in Rome!”

If you’re traveling by plane to Rome, chances are you’re flying into Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport. From here you can take an Uber to train to your destination. The girls stayed in the neighborhood of Trastevere, and you can hear an episode dedicated to this beautiful community in Episode 088 (listen here!).

One must-see stop when in Rome is Vatican City. Its headquarters to the Roman Catholic Church and full of cultural, religious and historical significance. The girls toured the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square and the Sistine Chapel. Understandably so, Vatican City is a popular spot and gets extremely crowded with tourists. The girls planned for the crowds and booked the earliest tour possible through The Tour Guy for about $150 per person. This 3-hour tour included:

  • Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican
  • Pio-Clementino Museum, Gallery of the Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps
  • Raphael Rooms and School of Athens
  • Entry to the Sistine Chapel
  • Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • A Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Max group size of 10

The girls highly recommend the tour, especially if it’s your first visit. There is so much to take in! One pro tip is to dress for the weather – much of the tour actually takes place outside, and the girls were not prepared for that! Other tips include:

  1. Go as early as you can to beat the largest crowds
  2. You are allowed to take pictures (no flash) everywhere except inside the Sistine Chapel
  3. Dress modestly – your shoulders and knees must be covered
  4. Bags are allowed but must be small backpacks or purses

Following your tour, there are cute restaurants close by where you can grab a cocktail (or espresso) before your next adventure! For the girls it was touring the Colosseum, but unfortunately due to the miserable weather, they skipped it. This is the tour they had booked again through The Tour Guy for you check out.

One of the best experiences the blondes had was renting e-bikes and exploring the Appian Way. Chrissy packed a picnic lunch for the group, and they took off from an e-bike rental store near Circus Maximus. Beware – there are no bike lanes, so navigating the traffic can be a little treacherous. Over the course of the ride, they stopped at:

  • Catacombe Di San Callisto – the catacombs here were built in the 2nd century around 150AD! The tour is about 10 Euros per person and lasts about 45 minutes
  • Appia Antica Caffe for spritzes and beer
  • Borghese Park
  • Church of Domine Quo Vadis – where Saint Peter was said to encounter Jesus when he initially fled Rome – you can see Jesus’ footprints here

The girls agree this was a great way to experience the Roman countryside and some history too! Having a picnic lunch alongside one of the oldest roads in the world was surreal! After biking the group enjoyed aperitivo at Da Etta and Freni e Frizioni (details in Episode 088), then had an amazing meal at Divin Ostilia Wine Bar.

Other must-sees in Rome are the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. You can listen to our Angels and Demons Pub Crawl episode (Episode 085) to get more details about those stops.

A few more tips as you plan your trip:

  1. Stop in random churches! They are full of history, art and faith, and breathtaking!
  2. Stop for aperitivo! It’s an Italian lifestyle – enjoy drinks and small snacks before dinner. Molly’s favorite was at the rooftop bar of FortySevenHotel.
  3. Beware of bathrooms – or lack of seats on toilets. BYOS! (Bring your own seat!)
  4. Make reservations in advance but leave some room for flexibility! Sometimes getting lost leads to the best adventures!
  5. If you can, add an extra day or two to your original plan – vacation goes by so fast. If you’re planning for 7 days, see if you can swing 10! Having downtime days is a blessing!

Is there a place in Rome you love that we didn’t mention? Share it with us in the comments below!

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 088 | Italy: Trastevere

The Boozy Blondes

Bentornato lushes. In this episode the girls are taking you on a tour of the cutest neighborhood in Rome, Trastevere! The girls sip Italian wine as their DOE while they reminisce about the magic this place brings.

On their trip, the Boozy Blondes wanted to stay a little outside of the craziness of center-city Rome but still within walking distance, so they found an Air B&B (check it out here!) in Trastevere. Trastevere is a funky, bohemian area of Rome that clings to its centuries-old, working-class roots. It’s known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops. From the pre-dinner passeggiata until late, a young crowd buzzes around tiny Piazzas, and mosaic-filled churches, enjoying the area’s great restaurants, pubs and nightlife. This neighborhood provides the perfect blend of history, food and art!

Staying in Trastevere allowed the girls to explore on foot rather than booking ride shares. Here are some of the gems they found through their travels:

Freni e Frizioni | translates to: brakes and clutches; a fitting name considering the bar was once a mechanic shop! This bar is highly recommended by the Boozy Blondes. Chirssy got a taste of what their legendary bartenders could do when Riccardo Rossi and Manuel Di Cecco came to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail. (Check out the girls’ mini series on the podcast to hear more about that, starting with Episode 066!) Chrissy visited Freni e Frizioni twice while she was in Italy, spinning the drink wheel and sharing shots with Manuel on her visit. On her second visit, with Molly and the Boozy Bros, they all ordered the Un-Social, which was tequila, passion fruit, coconut & Sichuan liquer, Agavecito infused with coriander, citrus and grapefruit soda. The girls (and guys) still drink about this cocktail! Freni e Frizioni has been recognized by World’s 50 Best Bars and Anthony Bourdain! This place also offers a nice buffet for those enjoying cocktails inside.

Ristorante le Mani in Pasta | translates to: hands in pasta. This restaurant was directly across the street from the girls’ Air B&B door. So convenient! This place provides a real traditional-style trattoria experience. But make sure you have a reservation, this place is always packed! The second you step inside Le Mani in Pasta you’re wrapped up in a warm and informal atmosphere, typical of a Roman osteria.  And on the same note, the food here is delicious! They serve Roman cuisine as well as seafood, meat and pasta dishes from different Italian regions. All the dishes are of high quality and extremely fresh. Le Mani in Pasta makes it its mission to order fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, home-made pasta and cheese every day. This was another double-dip stop for Chrissy. She and Phil enjoyed dinner here so much, they went again when Molly and Rainer arrived in Rome! And they had the same server both times!

They had a wide selection of wine, and the prices were incredible – each bottle was under $30! As in most of Italy, you can get a killer bottle of wine for a fraction of what you’d pay in the States, and as good Boozy Blondes, the girls certainly made the most of it at Le Mani in Pasta. Chrissy had the Kressman Monopole on her first visit which is a white Bordeaux and Sauvignon Blanc blend. Molly ordered a bottle of St. Michael- Eppan Pinot Noir. But it didn’t stop there. The group ended up drinking 4 bottles between them all. (Randomly the group ran into friends from Florida, Lloyd and Lisa, who ended up joining them for dinner!) And the best part was they only had to stumble across the street to get home.

La Punta Expendio de Agave | Molly and Rainer found this great tequila bar just around the corner from their Air B&B. Walls inside are filled with tequilas up to the ceiling! They have a menus of specialty drinks, and Molly started with a classic Paloma and then the El Grtio which was mezcal, sage, lime and agave. Rainer had the best time choosing tequilas to drink neat. The food menu is small, but with a small menu, you know they really nail the items. They had street tacos, and fun fact, it was on Thanksgiving, so definitely the most unique Thanksgiving dinner they have shared – Thanksgiving at a Mexican bar in Italy.

Taverna Trilussa | This classic has been open since 1910, operating with the same motto: we don’t care who you are, the important thing is that in the end you have eaten and drunk more than well. This is the only thing that really matters. Pasta is served straight from the pan!

Jerry Thomas Bar Room | This tiny cocktail bar is everything a speakeasy should be, right down to the little password window in the door. You can check out the Boozy Blondes Reel on Instagram highlighting their visit.

You can learn more about this amazing bar in Episode 085 – Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl (listen here!) to hear the insider information about the world-renowned cocktails the girls tried at this speakeasy’s new location in Trastevere. Just know, the hand-crafted drinks are amazing, they gave the group (and the entire bar) shots and the team there was so welcoming!

Da Etta | Boasting “an all day venue open 7 days a week from 8 am to midnight,” Da Etta has anything and everything. Part breakfast, gastro pub, restaurant, cocktail bar, pastry shop, and wine cellar the possibilities are endless. You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere inside or the large outdoor terrace.

Settled in the shadow of Tiberina Island and historic Trastevere, this little gem was perfect for the group to visit. Located in Piazza Piscinula, it was a short walk from the Air B&B. Phil and Chrissy went there for wine and light bites one evening and then the group went back for beer, wine, and espresso after surviving our biking adventure. (You can here more about that in the upcoming Rome episode!) Check out all their locations here!

There is so much to explore in Trastevere; it’s one of those places with such an original charm that it’s almost impossible to explain. There’s so much to do, like concerts, food tours, pub crawls, and more. It’s close enough to the hustle and bustle of downtown Rome but still tucked away from the major touristy areas. The girls were able to absorb the culture and let the neighborhood guide them.

Have you been to Trastevere? Is there a place you’d recommend to the Boozy Blondes? Leave a comment below!

6-Pack To Go, Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 086 | 6 Pack To-Go Series: Favorite New Orleans Bars w/ Amber Gunn of Hop Around Nola

The Boozy Blondes

Grab your 6-packs, lushes! It’s that time again – and today we’re filling them with the best bars in New Orleans, Louisiana, better known as NOLA. The Boozy Blondes chat with Amber Gunn of Hop Around Nola, who is a true expert when it comes to the New Orleans scene, especially where to get a good drink.

Amber fills her 6-pack and then the Boozy Blondes take a stab at it – and ask Amber to grade it. So tune in to see how they do!

As for Amber’s 6-pack, these are the places you need to go in New Orleans:

  1. Barrel Proof | Amber’s favorite neighborhood dive bar – “a margarita bar with a whiskey problem.” If you are looking for a bar offering an impressive variety of whiskeys and bourbon, make this place a stop on your visit! Amber claims you can get the best margarita in the city here too! And if you go on a Friday night, there is a good chance you’ll see Amber there!
  2. Chandelier Bar | This is located in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown (The Boozy Blondes actually mention this bar in Episode 059 | New Orleans, Part 1 – Jazz Parade – listen here!) – serving amazing classic cocktails and specialty cocktails by some of the best bartenders in the city!
  3. Carousel Bar | Located in Hotel Monteleone, this bar actually rotates! It takes 15 minutes to make a complete rotation. Serving great cocktails – Amber’s is the French 75 – and she recommends waiting for a seat at the bar for the full experience.
  4. Cure | This bar has a little upscale feeling with unique cocktails! Pro tip – order the deviled eggs! Fun fact – this is where Amber and Chrissy met for the first time in real life!
  5. Pigeon and Whale | This is more of a restaurant than bar, but they are serving up amazing cocktails – including the best espresso martini in the city! They also specialize in Negronis. This is also a great place to get oysters.
  6. Pepp’s Pub | This is a dive, dog bar with incredible margaritas. Very laid back and a perfect place for dog owners to bring their pups! And if you want to try Malört, they will take your picture while you try it and add your description of this scary spirit to the bottom of the photo!

The Boozy Blondes share their 6-packs with Amber, and are very proud that they matched two of her bars! But you have to listen to hear their grades!

Molly’s 6-pack:
• Bacchanals Wine
• Chandelier Bar
• Carousel Bar
• Davenport Lounge
• Mahogany Jazz Hall
• Lafitte’s

Chrissy’s 6-pack:
• Lafitte’s
• Apple Barrel Bar
• Mahogany Jazz Hall
• Polo Club Lounge
• Carousel Bar
• Bacchanals Wine

Be sure to follow Amber on Instagram for more great NOLA content and send the Boozy Blondes a message with your favorite NOLA bars! Also…you can hear more about great New Orleans places in Episodes 059, 060, and 061!

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 085 | Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl

The Boozy Blondes

Listen here!

Whether you’re feeling angelic or sinful, this episode is for you. The Boozy Blondes embark on a full day of bar-hopping and sightseeing around the Eternal City at places referenced in Dan Brown’s popular thriller (and movie starring Tom Hanks), Angels & Demons!

The DOE is a Select spritz – the national drink of Italy!

If you’re not familiar with Angels & Demons, it’s a great read (and as mentioned, available to watch in about 2 hours) – and the references in this episode might make a little more sense. Regardless, these stops will not disappoint – Angels & Demons fan or not! In the story, the main character follows “The Path of Illumination.” In this episode, the girls follow “The Path of Intoxication!”

The first stop actually isn’t boozy, but it’s worth mentioning. Tattoos at Bad Church Tattoo in Trastevere. In Angels & Demons, some of the characters get branded, so why not really get into character…and drag the Boozy Bros with them! While lifelong ink might not be everyone’s souvenir choice, if you are looking to get a tattoo abroad, the girls list off some pro-tips:

  • Make reservations online
  • Go early so it doesn’t slow down your day.
  • Email your art ahead of time in case of language barrier.
  • Bring cash.

If you want to see behind the scenes at Bad Church Tattoo, check out the Boozy Blondes’ Instagram Reel.

From here the girls traveled to Piazza del Popolo on the north end of the city to Angolo degli Artisti. Piazza del Popolo is the largest square in Rome and an iconic site in the book. The girls loved this restaurant; they were seated outside looking across the square and enjoyed spritzes, pizza and charcuterie…adding limoncello shots to wrap up the meal.

From here, the girls crossed the square and wandered up some steps to Terrazza del Pincio. This public park offers sprawling views of the city and is one of the best places to see the sunset in Rome. Since it was early in the day, there was no sunset, but the girls still captured some beautiful pictures overlooking Piazza del Popolo!

Next, the girls headed south to see the Spanish Steps and grab espresso at Don Nino. The Spanish Steps aren’t in the book, but an iconic (and super busy) spot in Rome. Don Nino is a traditional pâtisserie chain in Rome where Chrissy had stopped just days earlier to recreate the Audrey Hepburn scene in Roman Holiday.

Next stop was the Trevi Fountain, but the girls didn’t wait in line to throw in coins. Go early! The line stretches pretty far! The girls moved on past the Trevi Fountain and around the corner to Baccano for cocktails and appetizers. The girls were seated outside along the street and absorbed the bustling ambiance will sipping spritzes and enjoying carpaccio and tartare. It was about a month before Christmas and Baccano nailed it with the decorations – it was beautiful!

From Baccano, the blondes traveled to the Pantheon. While there are different options for tours, the girls chose a self-guided one. Major Pro Tip and time saver – there’s a cash-only line at the Pantheon where there’s rarely a line, and it’s only 5 euros to get in. Make sure to find the line farthest to the left.

After spending some time soaking up the ancient history at the Pantheon, the Boozy Blondes made their way to Piazza Navona, another plaza hosting an iconic scene from Angels & Demons. While it’s only a 4-minute walk to here from the Pantheon, there are beautiful churches lining the way that the girls highly recommend you visit. The combination of history, art and faith is not to be missed in these stunning structures.

Just around the corner from Piazza Navona is a great wine bar and deli, I Pizzicaroli. Here the girls enjoyed a bottle of wine and drooled over the giant charcuterie boards. The girls found there way back here later on to grab another bottle for the road!

The final stop on the Angels & Demons tour was Castillo San Angelo. While the girls didn’t go in, you can tour Castillo San Angelo for around $20. This is basically where Angels & Demons ends, so it was the perfect finale to the day. It’s a 20 minute walk to here from I Pizzicaroli, but feeling the effects of “The Path of Intoxication” it took the Boozy Blondes way longer than that! They stopped for espresso, gelato, shopping and provisions, and enjoyed some wine overlooking Castillo San Angelo from across the river.

Technically the Angels & Demons tour ended here, but the girls had one more stop on their list: Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, frequently named one of the best 50 bars in the world! The girls found their way to the Jerry Thomas Bar Room, which is a new edition and location for the famous speakeasy. The speakeasy is just a few blocks from I Pizzicaroli, while the bar room is across the Tiber River back in Trastevere where the girls were staying. If you’d like a sneak peek inside the bar room, watch the Boozy Blondes’ reel highlighting this spot. If you want the password, you can find it on the website.

The itinerary for this day was definitely aggressive, and credit is due to Chrissy for mapping out this amazing tour. If you want a more guided, all-inclusive experience that involves little to no planning on your part, they’re out there. Reputable groups like GetYourGuide and Viator had a few different Angels & Demons tours available at the time of this recording.

You can see the Boozy Blondes’ reel highlighting this pub crawl on their Instagram. If you’d like a map with details of the Boozy Blondes Angels & Demons Pub Crawl Tour, send them a message, and they will send you their custom plan. And remember, whether you’re feeling angelic or sinful (or both, like the young Boozy Blonde Chrissy in this picture), this day is sure to be fun! Cheers!

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 083 | Hawaii – Oahu

The Boozy Blondes

Welcome back to another episode about beautiful Hawaii! In this episode the girls dish about all the best places to go on the island of Oahu!

The DOE is none other than the famous Hawaiian Mai Tai! Everywhere you go in Hawaii, someone has “the best Mai Tai on the island.” The girls crafted a pitcher of mai tais made with light rum, gold rum, cointreau, orgeat syrup and fresh lime juice. Most have a dark rum floater on top too!

Oahu has a completely different feel from Maui. Oahu is home to the state capital, Honolulu, Waikiki beach and white sand beaches, surfers, classic Hawaiian resorts, and tons of people. There are still many beautiful places to explore outside of the city, and this episode covers it all!

Molly stayed at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach. While it’s super touristy, she enjoyed staying in the middle of the city with the ability to walk to bars, restaurants and stores. The Sheraton has a beautiful adults only infinity pool over-looking the Pacific Ocean and Diamond Head as well as great restaurants, bars and shops. Next door to the Sheraton is the Royal Hawaiian – one of Waikiki’s most historic and iconic hotels. It’s known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific” with pink accents everywhere and a delightful pink plumeria scent. This is home to the legendary Mai Tai Bar overlooking the Pacific with amazing sunset views and musicians nightly.

Molly rented a Jeep and explored the North Shore while she was here. From Waikiki Beach, it’s about an hour drive through beautiful countryside. Along with pulling off on the side of the road to enjoy the beaches and watch the surfers, below are two specific places to visit on the North Shore:

  1. Kahuku Sugar Mill – food trucks, restaurants, local shops and vendors. She ordered food from Da Bald Guy, which appeared on the tv show the great food truck race and the Netflix Street Food USA show. She had drinks at the Kahuku Beer Garden, a tap room with about 14 beers on tap, most from local breweries. Molly had a flight: Churro Cream Ale, Guava Donut Sour, Legends Hazy IPA and Shave Ice Seltzer. Rainer had Hibiscus Sunrise.
  2. Waimea Valley – this felt like going into Jurassic Park (as it should feel since some scenes were shot here from some of the more recent movies). It’s a nature preserve with a destination 3/4 mile hike to a 45-foot waterfall where you can swim. For you lushes, there is bar at the welcome center with fun specialty cocktails. Rainer had a vodka cucumber cooler and MollyI had the daily special – the Hawaiian Passion – tequila, lilikoi liqueur and ginger liqueur.

Traveling to the Southwest corner of Oahu, you’ll find Disney’s Aulani Resort. You can visit the resort even if you aren’t a guest, so Molly had small bites and cocktails at the Olelo Lounge while listening to live music. Molly drank The Old Koa Canoe (a version of an old fashioned) and Rainer had Green Sands, which was a mezcal based drink.

One popular spot scattered around the island is Leonard’s Bakery, serving up the famous malasadas (Portuguese donuts with a crispy outside, fluffy inside and coated in sugar). Chrissy enjoyed a version of these when she visited Portugal; pictured below are Portuguese tarts compared with the Portuguese-Hawaiian malasada. Leonard’s was the first place to introduce malasadas in Hawaii in 1952!

A trip to Oahu must include a visit to Pearl Harbor. At the Visitors Center there are two museums to explore, and you can make a reservation to go out to the Arizona Memorial. The USS Bowfin is also here with an audio tour. You can take a bus to Battleship Missouri, then to the Aviation Museum both located on Ford Island, which is an active military base. If you decide to visit, go as early as you possibly can; it gets extremely crowded. Take note that only clear bags are allowed here.

Time to get boozy! Molly visited Ko Hana Distillery & This Lil’ Piggy BBQ! Ko Hana Distillers specializes in agricole-style rum (French style of rum-making) made from Hawaiian sugarcane, unlike most rums, which are distilled from molasses. Ko Hana initially started making wine, but apparently sugar cane wine tastes like vinegar. They offer three different tasting adventures every 30 minutes on site. Molly had the classic flight: 2 Kea (white), 1 Koho (aged), 1 Kokoleka (cacao & honey) and Rainer had the aged rum flight: 1 Koho (aged), 1 Koa (koa wood aged), 1 Kila (cask strength), 1 Kokoleka (cacao & honey). Ko Hana offers distillery tours and farm tours and has a great shop filled with fun swag!

This Lil’ Piggy is on property serving up delicious bbq options. Molly grabbed a pre-made bottled daiquiri inside Ko Hana with cups and ice to enjoy with sliders and This Lil’ Piggy’s version of chili & rice with chopped Texas Style Beef Brisket.

After Ko Hana Molly found her way to Manoa Mead & Honey. Manoa specializes in raw, locally sourced honey and craft mead. It’s a very small space, mostly outdoors. Molly and Rainer each ordered a flight. Molly had the In Bloom Flight and Rainer enjoyed the Essential Flight. Manoa offers “bees to mead” tours, which includes an introduction into beekeeping, honey production & mead making.

Diamond Head State Monument is home to an iconic volcanic crater near Waikiki and is one of Hawaii’s most famous landmarks. It’s a popular hiking trail – 0.8 miles to the top and a little more strenuous than Molly anticipated! If you want to visit, you must make reservations to enter park if you’re not a HI resident (6AM gates open – trail closes at 4PM). Make sure to go early, it’s a narrow path that is used to go both up and down.

If you hike on a Saturday, you can visit the KCC Farmer’s Market (Kapiʻolani Community College) following your venture. Every Saturday 7:30AM – 11AM you can find local produce, handmade goods, coffee, snacks, etc.

The Abhasa Spa at Royal Hawaiian is the only spa in Honolulu offering luxurious treatments in a serene tropical garden setting. Molly didn’t love it here; she thought the tropical garden setting was beautiful, but too many outside noises interfered with the serenity. She loved her service though!

Molly enjoyed a four course tasting menu dinner at the Moana Surfrider Resort at the Beachhouse. Located outside the back of the hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean you can catch amazing sunset views from your table. As a good Boozy Blonde, she ordered the wine pairing to go with her meal.

Following dinner, she attended Auana – Cirque du Solei, which was a beautiful tribute to the Hawaiian culture with incredible performers. To Molly, it seemed the show highlighted the four elements, earth, air, water, and fire, with different performances. She also thought each performer was incredibly beautiful! There is a VIP experience available which includes a 90-minute reception with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as well as opportunities to meet the performers!

To round our her trip, Molly enjoyed drinks at two local breweries, Waikiki Brewing and Maui Brewing. She had visited these breweries on Maui as well. This time she enjoyed a Mai Tai at Waikiki Brewing, and was able to enjoy her favorite, Mango Stickee Rice IPA, one more time at Maui Brewing. Maui Brewing is located in the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel, which is home to Auana. And fun fact, Maui Brewing provides the food and beverages and is the host for the VIP Experience mentioned above!

If you find yourself on Oahu, the girls guarantee you’ll enjoy your time there. One of the most beautiful places in the world with so much to enjoy – boozy or not! Have you been to any of the places the girls recommended? Send them a message, and let them know what you think! Or send them a rec for a place they missed! Cheers!

6-Pack To Go, Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 082 | 6 Pack To-Go Series: St. Augustine Bars with the Boozy Bros

The Boozy Blondes

Hello lushes! The Boozy Blondes are asking the Boozy Bros to fill their 6-packs with their favorite St. Augustine bars in this 6 Pack To-Go episode. Rainer and Phil have plenty of experience enjoying libations around their town and break down their favorites for you.

Rainer leads the episode through downtown St. Augustine and eventually moseys over the bridge. What do you think of his 6-Pack?

  1. Forgotten Tonic | upscale drinks and food with an intimate environment. Big fans of the owner John (listen to John’s interview from Season 1! It’s Episode 004) and love the holiday theming around Halloween and Christmas!
  2. Casa Reina | located right on the bay front downtown, great tequila drinks, upscale but relaxed atmosphere (if you like tequila drinks, listen to the most recent 6-pack episode with Jose of 4 Ever Acres Kitchen!)
  3. Barley Republic | Irish pub downtown with a great happy hour and live music. Bars upstairs and downstairs with music on both levels.
  4. Stogies | cigar bar with a great outdoor space. Big fans of the owner Jeff and love the amazing bands he brings in to play here! This is an OG and the group really appreciates how it’s remained a classic downtown for over 25 years!
  5. Tides Grill & Oyster Co (AKA Dunes Cracker!) | This bar is super nostalgic for Rainer from when he first lived on the beach across from here in the mid-2000s. Listen to Episode 023 | Pub Pedal: St. Augustine Beach Bars: Jack’s BBQ, Salt Life, Beachcombers, Sunset Grille, Mango Mango’s and More! for more details about Tides and other great beach bars!
  6. Conch House | Restaurant + bar + marina, this place is another classic. Between Reggae Sundays, killer painkillers and goombay smashes, tree house dining and crow’s nest bar space, Conch House always dishes out a great time.

    Rainer throws in a “bonus beer” to his pack and gives Jack’s a honorable mention – a definite group favorite. You can hear more about this episode in the above mentioned Episode 023.

Phil takes the mic next and fills his 6-pack with any place that serves beer and food.
#priorities
How do you rank his 6-Pack?

  1. Ice Plant | step back in time at the Ice Plant which shares a space with the St. Augustine Distillery. Enjoy amazing craft cocktails and delicious food in this swanky spot!
  2. Dog Rose Brewing Co | smack dab in the heart of Lincolnville, Phil loves the location full of bar games like shuffleboard and darts. Now hosting a permanent food truck, this place meets Phil’s criteria of must serve beer + food. Listen to Episode 062 | St. Augustine Craft Brewers’ Festival to hear an interview from Dog Rose owner Courtney Murr! The Boozy Blondes also dish about this spot in Episode 003 | Pub Pedal: St. Augustine Craft Breweries: Bog, Dog Rose, Ancient City and Old Coast Ales – jump in the way back machine to hear about these local haunts!
  3. Bog Brewing | The group agrees this brewery has the best logo in town – and also a great outdoor space, and of course, beer! You can hear more about Bog in the above mentioned Episode 003. Pro tip – order the torta from the permanent food truck on site, Taco My Blessing.
  4. It’s a match with Rainer! Conch House!
  5. It’s another match! Forgotten Tonic! Phil dares to say, Forgotten Tonic serves THE BEST cocktails in town! (The group agrees!)
  6. Old Coast Ales | Dog friendly and serving delicious brews, this brewery is at the top of Phil’s list. Order a “Christina!” It’s half kombucha, half light beer! The group loves Osprey Tacos next door too. Listen to Episode 003 to hear more about Old Coast and the infamous guac drop by the crew’s bestie, Elias!

So you heard it from some locals – these are the favorite bars in St. Augustine, and the Boozy Blondes agree! The boys filled great 6-packs! Have you visited their town? What are some of you favorite places to stop? Email the Boozy Blondes with your favorites!