Tag: wine

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 081 | Hawaii – Maui

The Boozy Blondes

Aloha, lushes! The Boozy Blondes are taking you to Maui in this episode! Maui in known for its natural beauty, lush rain forests, the Road to Hana, abundant marine life and amazing beaches – and the girls cover their recommendations including some great boozy stops to hit while you’re there.

The DOE for this episode is a selection from Maui Brewing, Hawaii’s oldest craft brewery! Molly is drinking the OMG Hazy, a 6% IPA brewed with orange, mango, and guava while Chrissy enjoys the Coconut Hiwa, 6% Porter with hand-toasted coconut and hints of mocha.

Molly was the Boozy Blonde lucky enough to make this trip, and this episode covers things to do in Maui – what she experienced and what she wish she had experienced. The girls hope this episode helps any of you planning a trip to Maui – there is so much to do and see, planning can be a bit overwhelming!

Rent a car if you are visiting Maui. Two major attractions are the Road to Hana and Haleakala. The Road to Hana is about 65 miles of rainforests, waterfalls and the coastline. There are black sand beaches, one lane bridges and windy, scenic roads. Lots of places to pull off and explore. You can book or a tour or drive yourself.

Haleakala is a dormant volcano and is known as one of the world’s best sunrise spots. You’re basically above the clouds when the sun rises. You need to make a reservation to enter the national park and make the ascent. Haleakala means “house of the sun” in Hawaiian and Legend has it demigod Maui lassoed the sun from Haleakala’s summit on its journey across the sky slowing its descent to make the day last longer.

Molly stayed at the Grand Wailea and would highly recommend it, although it’s a bit pricey. At the time of this recording there are 10 pools, over 5 miles of beach access and 9 culinary offerings – the tenth was under construction when Molly was there. The daily resort charge includes two refillable water bottles, hula and ukulele lessons, photography session, fitness classes (it’s a huge two story fitness center), beach yoga, beach cruisers, scuba and snorkel lessons, beach chairs and wifi – there is so much to do! If you book remember the difference between “ocean view” and “ocean front” rooms. Ocean view could mean you can barely see a piece of the ocean if you hang over your balcony and crane your neck.

Molly’s favorite thing about the Grand Wailea was the Kilolani Spa. Treatments here are inspired by and follow the Hawaiian moon calendar which divides the month into three moon phases. Before or after your treatment you can enjoy the Hydrotherapy Gardens – which include high impact purification and contrast bathing circuit – hot, cold, hot, cold – which stimulates the circulatory system and stabilizes your nervous system to invigorate the body, strengthen your immune system and activate the body’s self-healing power.

The gardens include a steam room, sauna, ice bucket splash or misters, a warm waterfall shower, hot tub, heated benches, and beautiful botanicals. The co-ed area has a salt water vitality pool for a weightless floating experience, more showers, Halotherapy-infused infrared saunas in which warming light wavelengths are directly absorbed into the body, reducing pain, stiffness, and fatigue, while medical-grade salt inhalation enhances respiratory health, reduces inflammation, and improves skin function.

While waiting for your treatment there is the reflection lounge – this offers the best views on property, over looking the grounds straight to the pacific ocean. With your treatment, you get an hour to spend in the hydrotherapy gardens, but you can also buy a 2-hour pass to the gardens.

One of Maui’s most famous restaurants is Mamas Fish House. Its doors opened in 1973 on the north shores of Maui. It was named Mama’s Fish House because most Maui restaurants at the time were steakhouses and they wanted their customers to know they served fish. If you want to eat here, reservations open 6 months in advance! So plan ahead, you won’t regret it!

Molly’s favorite place on the island (aside from the Kilolani Spa) was Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery. She booked a cocktail and food pairing here and ended up spending hours enjoying the grounds, taking a tour and shopping for the best boozy swag she’s found. That’s a bold statement, and she stands by it.

Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery produces premium organic spirits, including their flagship Ocean Organic Vodka – you will recognize it from the beautiful blue spherical bottles. They also produce Ocean Espresso (pre-crafted espresso martini), Kula rum, FY gin and Brum – barrel aged rum. The distillery emphasizes sustainability by cultivating over 30 varieties of Polynesian sugar cane and utilizing deep ocean mineral water in their production process.

The views here are spectacular – panoramic views of Maui’s north and south shores. You can book tours that showcase the distillation process and the company’s commitment to organic farming – along with tastings, of course. The on-site café offers a menu featuring local ingredients. Fun fact, Ocean Organic Farm & Distillery is voted top 10% Attractions Worldwide.

Keeping with the boozy theme, Molly visited three breweries on Maui: Maui Brewing, Waikiki Brewing and Kohola Brewing.

Maui Brewing
Waikiki Brewing
Kohola Brewing

Maui Brewing is Hawaii’s largest craft brewery and was established in 2005! It has 5 locations, 3 on Maui and 2 on Oahu. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through eco-friendly practices, including solar-powered brewing facilities.

Molly visited the Kihei location just up the road from Grand Wailea. This is the brewery headquarters and has a restaurant with delicious food and 36 beers on tap! They also host a full bar. They have live music every night of the week and yard games. It’s a great space! Molly was obsessed with the Mango Stickee Rice, a 6.2% milkshake IPA with mango, rice and coconut.

Waikiki Brewing was within walking distance from the Grand Wailea in an open air space. They had a full bar and kitchen. Molly had a mimosa flight here – pineapple, orange, cranberry and POG.

Waikiki Brewing was established in 2015 starting with just 7 barrels – which they quickly outgrew. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through practices like repurposing spent grain as livestock feed and utilizing locally sourced ingredients such as chocolate, lemongrass, honey, and coffee in their brews.

Kohola Brewing is across the street from Waikiki Brewing. Molly loved this space; it was branded so well with red accents throughout the open air bar just like in their logo. It was established in 2016 in Lahaina and sadly was destroyed by the wildfire in 2023. They reopened in Wailea with a taproom and restaurant. The brewery’s name, “Koholā,” means “whale” in Hawaiian, symbolizing their deep connection to the island’s culture and environment. The red accent in the K of Kohola is a whale tale. The taproom has live music, happy hours, and a vibrant atmosphere. Molly enjoyed the Shandy Beach which was a pilsner with paradise cider. Field drinker Tanya was with Molly and loved her IPA flight.

Molly ended her time in Maui with the Grand Wailea Grand Luau. The dancers were beautiful and the fire dancers were intense! The luau is a beautiful celebration of Hawaiian culture and the performers take you on a journey through history. This comes with an amazing feast during sunset.

The girls wrap up the episode with a few things Molly was unable to see but would recommend:

  1. Whale watching – she was there in February, which is prime whale watching season (January – March). During this time thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate from Alaska to Hawaii to breed, give birth, and nurse their young in the warm, shallow waters around the islands. Jose from 4 Ever Acres Kitchen and his wife Charlie went through PacWhale Eco Adventures.
  2. Golfing – if you’re a golfer, Wailea Golf Club has three courses with breathtaking views.
  3. Turtles and Taco Snorkel Sail – this is definitely an excursion for the Boozy Blondes!
    • guaranteed turtles
    • premium open bar
    • gourmet fresh tacos
    • photographer on board
    • whale sightings likely (December – April)

If you find yourself on Maui, 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!

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 079 | Drinks in Washington, DC

The Boozy Blondes

Watch out, America! The Boozy Blondes are headed to our nation’s capital in this episode! This trip was way overdue – neither had been to DC since they were in middle school!

The DOE is a Washington Apple Mimosa, in honor of old George. Wanna make one at home? It’s easy, just combine Prosecco (or any sparkling wine) with apple cider, a cinnamon stick and an apple slice. Easy and delicious!

The first stop on the patriotic tour was to the Old Ebbitt Grill. And bonus! Field Drinker Tanya was along for the ride too! Old Ebbitt is the oldest saloon in DC, founded in 1856. The girls enjoyed a tasty lunch and of course, some fantastic drinks. Chrissy enjoyed an espresso martini (and spoiler alert, it seems to be her DC drink of choice as you’ll learn!), Molly loved her Cloudy with a Chance of Rain (gin, orgeat, basil, lime & bitters), and Tanya ordered the exact opposite: A Lil’ Sunshine! This was a tequila based drink made with tequila, italicus rosolio, bergamotto, falernum, pineapple, lime & pepper.

From here the squad headed to Founding Farmers & Distillers. There are multiple locations in DC, with the first one opening in 2008 on Pennsylvania Ave just blocks from the White House. The girls hit up the one on Massachusetts Ave in Chinatown which is home to the distillery, Founding Spirits. They arrived just in time for happy hour and they must say, Founding Farmers offers a great happy hour menu! Chrissy drank the Founding Spirits Mule (vodka, lime and ginger beer), and Molly had the Farm Daisy (gin, green chartreuse, lemon and lemongrass), so both stayed with the same liquor base as their first drinks. (They can’t remember what Field Drinker Tanya enjoyed.)

Allegory was next, and lushes, if you’re in DC, make sure you seek out this hidden speakeasy! This was “the first bar to blend art, literature, social good, craft cocktails, and hospitality.” The bar is located in Eaton DC and once you find your way inside, you’re immersed in an Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass theme but told through the eyes of Ruby Bridges—the first Black child to desegregate the William Frantz Elementary School in Louisiana in 1960. Chrissy learned of this bar while watching an episode of Drink Masters. Kapri Robinson, who bartends at Allegory was on the show. Fun fact, she won US bartender of the year for 2024!

The Boozy Blondes fellow podcasting friends, The Bargoyles, met them here, which was a great treat! The amazing hand-crafted cocktails were flowing and they tried almost every drink on the menu!

  • Chrissy: Looking Glass: Vodka, pisco, chayote fino, yuzu, champagne sherbet, clarified and Garden of Live Flowers: rum, Agricole, gin, bitters, snap peas, cardamom, aloe, black pepper coconut, lemon
  • Molly: Unicorn: Rum, Pandan, Sesame honey, Eucalyptus & Coconut and Eyes of Flame: mezcal, rum, nixta elote, mandarin, passion fruit, palo cortado, pumpkin seed
  • Tanya:Second Hand News: Vodka, Fino, orgeat, dolin genipy, lemon and Mad Hatter: Rye whiskey, lemon, lime, simple syrup, absinthe.
  • Issac: Eden: Gin, supercharged oranges, benzoin, piloncillo, orange blossom, clarified whey (plus bubbles)
  • Nick: Looking Glass

Unfortunately after this day, the girls has to separate, but they independently found amazing places to share with you. Molly went to SPIN DC, which is a ping pong bar! As an active drinker, Molly really appreciated this action-filled, and surprisingly Instagram-able bar! The concept was created when founders Jonathan Bricklin and Franck Raharinosy dreamed of becoming members of the USA Olympic Ping Pong team. You can learn all about this duo here.

Molly was also lucky enough to attend the German Ambassador’s residence for a celebration in honor of the Day of German Unity, which commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany! The event had major Epcot Food & Wine Festival vibes (which by the way you can listen to Boozy Blondes Episode 016 and hear all about the girls’ favorite annual festival), and some of the food reminded Molly of that served at Buchner’s Bierhalle in Jacksonville! (The girls love Buchner’s and you can hear all about it in Episode 006 and Episode 021, Jax Ale Trail Vol. 1 and Vol. 2!)

She also visited another “active drinker bar” called Swingers Crazy Golf DC. It’s a beautiful indoor miniature golf venue where they serve you drinks while you play!

While apart, Chrissy checked off about a dozen new bars on her Bingo card. First was Yellow, which is more about the food than the drinks, but definitely worth a stop. The menu expands across baked goods, mezze, wood-fired pita sandwiches, & specialty drinks, but after 4pm, Yellow reopens as (Not)Pizza “a sourdough celebration of Levantine flavors, fired in the YELLOW wood-burning oven at 700 degrees – it looks an awful lot like pizza, but it’s not.” Chrissy went during the (Not)Pizza hours, which she learned about on a Boozy Blondes favorite, Somebody Feed Phil (catch Yellow on Season 7, episode 2). She enjoyed a “Chrissy-friendly” pizza (no dairy) and Lebanese wine, Kefraya Les Breteches.

Next stop for Chrissy was The Fountain Inn, which was established in 1783 and is one of the most important inns in American history!

  • Washington slept there
  • Jefferson drank there
  • DC was built there
  • The Fountain Inn also hosted the debate between Thomas Jefferson & John Adams during the controversial and pivotal election of 1800

Chrissy enjoyed a hot toddy (the best of her life!) then switched to wine. The Fountain Inn offers bourbon tasting experiences and cocktails tours, so be sure to check out the website when you plan your visit.

Some other notable stops during Chrissy’s time are:

  • Ilili – Incredible Lebanese food and libations on the Wharf. There’s also a location in DC. Highly recommend reservations.
  • Zaytinya – Mediterranean restaurant with small plates and creative cocktails by the legendary Chef Jose Andres. They also have locations in NY and South Beach.
  • 12 Stories – a sexy rooftop bar on the Wharf with 360 degree views of DC.
  • The Hamilton – the hippest historic happy hour in DC with some pretty awesome food and history.
  • Round Robin Bar at The Willard – Known as DC’s oval office of bars this place is dripping with history plus it’s in one of the most beautiful hotels in the States.
  • The Waldorf Astoria – a DC gem for Michelin dining and drinks. Plus the lobby bar is absolutely jaw dropping. You will drop you wallet when you go here, so be warned, but know it’s worth it.
  • Ben’s Chili Bowl – serving up a taste of history since 1958. This famous family run establishment is worth the hype. From serving food during the March on Washington in ’63 to providing food and shelter during the DC riots of ’68. They’ve done it all, including winning a James Beard Award and appearing on shows like Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. There is a bar next door called Ben’s Next Door. Ben’s has multiple locations, and Chrissy visited the original on U Street. During her time there she was graced by the chili queen herself, Miss Virginia Ali!

When the girls reunited, they visited The Vue Rooftop in the Hotel Washington which boasts amazing views of the National Mall and White House. Molly enjoyed My Flower My Nectar which was made with Grey Goose Vodka, Italicus, Pineapple, Jasmine, Roses, Lemon, and Fee Foam. Chrissy loved her Power to the Peaches: Grey Goose Essences, Cointreau, Chandon Garden Spritz, chamomile, honey, and lemon. Chrissy had been to The Vue earlier in the week and she enjoyed an espresso martini and truffle fries.

While this is a drinking podcast, the girls want to be sure to mentions some of these must-sees when you’re in DC:

These places barely crap the tip of the ice berg when it comes to all DC has to offer. The girls hope to be back soon and share a DC Volume 2 episode with you lushes! Make sure to check out the Boozy Blondes Instagram and look for reels featuring Old Ebbitt, Founding Spirts, Swingers Crazy Golf DC and the Day of German Unity event!

What’s your go-to spot in DC? Let the Boozy Blondes know! Message them on Instagram or send them an email!

6-Pack To Go, Season 4

Episode 078 | 6-Pack To Go Series: Fill Your Boat Day Cooler

The Boozy Blondes

The blondes are back with another 6-pack to go episode, and with boat season right around the corner, they debate the top six drinks to fill their cooler! If you want a successful boozy boat day, tune in and find out what the girls are packing!

Chrissy’s cooler always includes painkillers to start the day while Molly packs as many canned drinks she can fit in her cooler. Both girls love to pack Owl’s Brew – made with 100% real ingredients, these drinks are perfect for days on the water. And did you know? The Boozy Blondes interviewed Maria Littlefield, co-founder of Owl’s Brew in Season 2! Listen here!

So whose cooler do you like better? Comment under the post for this episode on the Boozy Blondes Instagram account!

Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 077 | Disney Drinking, Sangria University

The Boozy Blondes

Welcome to another magical episode brought to you by the Boozy Blondes! In this episode Molly recaps how much fun she and her mom had at Walt Disney World’s Sangria University at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. Tune in to this episode to learn what, exactly, Sangria University is, what to expect when you enroll, tips to ensure you make the most of your experience and the pros and cons of the class.

The DOE is, surprise! Sangria! The Boozy Blondes have a delicious recipe from their friend Kelly…delicious and dangerous! Here is the recipe if you’d like to indulge:

  • 750ml Red Wine (Red Blend recommended)
  • ½ cup brandy
  • ½ cup Grand Marnier
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • Squeeze juice from (1) lemon and (1) lime
  • Chop (1) apple, (1) pear or summer berries and add to sangria
  • Orange slices for garnish

Make ahead one day for alcohol to mellow. Add Grand Marnier floater on top!

Sangria University is held at Three Bridges Bar & Grill at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. It’s a 90-minute class of the history of sangria making (with a little Disney history sprinkled in) that includes four samples of a variety of sangrias and a light appetizer. You learn about each sangria on the flight – each a different variety including a red, a white, a rosé and a sparkling sangria. The class concludes with a final exam where students create their own sangrias choosing from a variety of wine bases, liquor options, enhancements and flavors.

It’s only offered on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and costs $69 – $79 per person which includes tax and gratuity. When you sign up, about $10 of your tuition goes to your instructor as a tip.

This class is catered to adults. Guests under 21 can attend, but they are charged the same price as adults and given a nonalcoholic substitute for sangria.

Molly shares a few tips in this episode to make the most of your class:

  1. Enroll early – up to 60 days out. There are only 2 classes each weekend and they fill up.
  2. Give yourself plenty of time to get to Coronado Springs – it’s kind of an outlier resort without boats or monorails or sky buckets to get you there.
  3. Wait inside at the resort until about 10-15 minutes before your class. There is nothing to protect you from the elements while you wait for the Sangria University staff to let you in Three Bridges.
  4. Take your time sampling the sangria – although the ice will melt and water down the sangrias, the history lesson is received much better while sipping on them.
  5. Same thing with your snack – it’s not a lot, so take your time, you can’t order anything else during class.
  6. Be prepared to keep yourself entertained in the time between the lesson and final exam. Your instructor must visit all the tables to get the custom orders, so if you’re not one of the first, you’ll be waiting a while.
  7. While this is a pre-paid event, be prepared to potentially spend some more day of – extra tip for your instructor, premium spirits for your final exam, extra sangria on your way out.

Be sure to listen to this episode to hear the pros and cons of the class (in Molly’s opinion) and see if you scored as well as Chrissy did on her Sangria pop quiz! To catch highlights from the class, find the Sangria University reel on the Boozy Blondes’ Instagram. Be sure to message the girls if you attend Sangria University and share what you think – especially tips for the final exam Cheers!

6-Pack To Go, Season 4

Episode 076 | 6-Pack To Go Series: Hangover Reality TV

The Boozy Blondes

Welcome to a new mini-series from the Boozy Blondes! These crushable episodes are called “6-Pack To Go” episodes because the Boozy Blondes share their top 6 in different categories. It’s a way for the girls to give you their recommendations in a wide range of boozy topics. For example, today they are debating the top 6 reality tv shows to binge when you are hungover.

The girls don’t want to give away their top 6s in this blog, so you have to go listen! They are curious to know if you share their feelings about certain MTV’s The Challenge competitors or if you’ve visited any of the bars owned by Southern Charm characters. Or how do you feel about reality shows where the contestants are looking to find love like Love is Blind or Married at First Sight?

Throughout this mini-series, the blondes will bring guests to the 6-Packs to share their expertise and recommendations as well! The girls hope these episodes bring you a new bar or city to visit or a new drink or activity to try or even some nugget to remember for the future! (Like next time you’re hungover, go check out old episodes of Laguna Beach!)

The girls love hearing from their fellow lushes, so send in your category recommendations and let them know if you match or try out any of their top 6 in any category! You can DM them on Instagram or shoot them an email. Cheers!

Season 3

Episode 074 | Boozy Blondes Season 3 Wrap Up

The Boozy Blondes

Season 3 has come to a close and the Boozy Blondes reflect on all their adventures in 2024! One of the girls’ favorite things about hosting this podcast over the past three years has been all the connections they’ve made with people all over the world!

Season 3 focuses on travel and adventures. Chrissy and Molly would be traveling regardless if the Boozy Blondes Podcast existed or not, so they’ve used this platform to bring advice you and hope you find value and entertainment in it!

The DOE is a MAN-mosa…which is a mimosa with a shot of vodka! They’ve upped their Prosecco game and have clearly built their tolerance over the seasons!

During the Season 2 Recap, the girls listed two goals to achieve in Season 3:

  1. Be a better Boozy Blonde (more for Molly)
    • She’s still growing, but little by little, she’s improving!
  2. To gain more recognition in the beverage industry and be able to attend boozy events.
    • The girls nailed this one! From craft beer festivals to magic shows, the girls really got around this season. And one major success – Chrissy attended her first Tales of the Cocktail!

What’s crazy is Chrissy’s Fast Five answers during the Season 2 Wrap Up episode came to fruition in Season 3! Her goal was to attend Tales of the Cocktail, and a city she wanted to visit in Season 3 was Nashville – check and check!

The girls talk about their highlights for Season 3:

  • Tales of the Cocktail
    • Don’t miss the Season 3 mini-series covering this event! Hear interviews with influences in the beverage industry in episodes:
      • 066 | Tales of the Cocktail Overview
      • 067 | Mozart Chocolate Liqueur with Carina Planeta, Jenny Manger, Brandi Toomer, Ashely Ott
      • 068 | Moët Hennessy w/Alexis Brown
      • 069 | Quintaliza Tequila w/Iliana Partida & Mike Winters
      • 070 | Altamura Vodka with Frank Grillo and Alexandra Purcaru
      • 071 | El Tequileño Tequila with Gina Castillo Oghene
      • 072 | Tullamore D.E.W. w/Clodagh Mai O’Callaghan
      • 073 | Mijenta Tequila w/ Ana María Romero
  • NOLA Jazz Parade
  • Palatka Beer Fest
  • Nashville (x2! Molly and Chrissy went together twice!) The following episodes cover their adventures, tips and tricks:
    • 053 (Honky Tonks)
    • 054 (House of Cards)
    • 055 (Breweries & Distilleries)
    • 057 (Bonus Trip Episode!)
  • House of Cards
  • St. Augustine Craft Brewers Festival

They also have have some Season 3 shout outs including:

  • Bill and Rebecca Abbot at Magic Hideaway (hear all about Magic Hideaway in Episode 058)
  • Courtney Murr of Dog Rose Brewing Company (Hear her interview in Episode 062)
  • Magicians Mark and Shadow at House of Cards (hear all about the magic in Episode 054)
  • All those who spent time with Chrissy at Tales of the Cocktail and are now a part of the Boozy Blondes podcast

The girls close out the episode, and Chrissy predicts a place the blondes will visit in Season 4 – she says “England.” So tune in next year to see if Chrissy’s crystal ball is still in tact!

And if you’re curious about the Booze & Vinyl book the girls reference in this episode, you can find a copy here! It’s the perfect combination of booze + music + recipes.

Cheers until next year!

Season 3, Special Events

Episode 066 | Tales of the Cocktail

The Boozy Blondes

Welcome, lushes, to a multi-part mini series diving into the Tales of the Cocktail event! Tales of the Cocktail is an annual trade conference, festival, and gathering of cocktail and spirits industry professionals in New Orleans, Louisiana, and this year, Chrissy was lucky enough to attend – as an official media member! Talk about a Boozy Blondes dream come true!

Every summer representatives of the global beverage industry meet to celebrate and advance the innovations shaping this industry. They cover everything from wellness, sustainability, history and emerging trends. You can find everyone here from new Indie brands to well-known heavy hitters!

This year (2024) marked the 22nd year of Tales of the Cocktail. From July 21 – 26, 2024, representatives from 52 countries hosted 400 unique events showcasing 290 brands! How do you choose what to taste, where to go or who to meet? It’s a mystery how Chrissy narrowed down her schedule, but tune in over the next few months, because you’ll get a behind the scenes listen as to how things shaped up for her. It was a lot of work sampling spirits, interviewing legends, absorbing industry education and of course attending some badass boozy parties!

Over the next few episodes Chrissy shares her amazing experience with listeners as she features interviews with multiple brands who attended Tales of the Cocktail including Moet Hennessy, Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, Altamura, El Tequileno, Mijenta Tequila, Tullamore Dew, and Quintaliza Tequila!

While you wait for each individual episode to drop, you can follow these amazing brands on Instagram:

The girls are so excited to share this mini series with you – and be sure to keep an eye out for the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail dates which will be released this fall!

Season 3

Episode 065 | What’s Next for the Boozy Blondes

The Boozy Blondes

It’s already August – this year is flying by! The Boozy Blondes have been busy, and in this episode they are giving you a look into the future of what’s to come through the remainder of the year.

The DOE is Chrissy’s version of a Pimm’s cup – she used a shot of Pimm’s, lemon juice, and club soda mixed with a tea concoction she made with strawberries and cucumbers. It’s so refreshing and a great summer drink!

Jumping right in, the girls recall where their travels took them so far in 2024 and rattle off all the places still on their calendars! You can expect to learn more about these places in future episodes, and the girls hope you have some of these destinations scheduled for your upcoming travel plans!

One major event where Chrissy is representing the Boozy Blondes is Tales of the Cocktail, held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. This has been a bucket list event for Chrissy, and in the Season 2 Wrap Up (Episode 048) she listed this as an event she hoped to attend in Season 3 – and she made it happen!

The other major event mentioned in this episode is the upcoming “Boozy Blondes Abroad” trip! The girls are jetting to Italy for the Thanksgiving holiday this year! Episodes from this trip will release in Season 4, but make sure to follow the girls on Instagram for sneak peeks of their travels in the Eternal City!

After spending a week in Rome, Molly will head back to the states while Chrissy embarks on another transatlantic Virgin Voyage! This definitely means listeners can expect a Booze Cruise Volume 3 episode in Season 4! (Have you listened to Booze Cruise Vol. 1 Episode 013 and Booze Cruise Vol. 2 Episode 043? The girls share great tips about preparing and making the most out of your cruising expedition!)

With great domestic travels on deck as well, the Boozy Blondes are preparing valuable content for you for Season 4! The girls are so grateful to have you join them on this boozy venture and hope they continue to provide tips and tricks to make your travels more enjoyable – and boozier!

Season 3, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 063 | Boozy Blondes Happy Hour, Volume 5

The Boozy Blondes

The Boozy Blondes recently spent some time apart on different trips and meet up in this Happy Hour episode to dish about all the must-see’s they saw while apart! From Auburn, Alabama and Waco, Texas to The Florida Keys, tune in to this episode to hear about the hidden gems you can find in these random spots.

The DOE for this episode is Acid Test Volume 3, a 5.5% Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jelly Sour from Ink Factory Brewing in Jacksonville, Florida. The girls visited Ink Factory on their third leg of the Jax Ale Trail, which you can hear all about in Episode 050!

Molly took a trip to Auburn, Alabama, and found some great spots on and off campus to check out! On campus she loved Oz, Avondale and Walt’s on the Roof.

Oz is a speakeasy nestled behind the Italian Restaurant Il Forno, but if you can find the secret entrance around back, it feels much more speakeasy and underground. The fireplace is your way inside where the mixologists are mixing up some pretty fabulous cocktails. The address is “Somewhere over the rainbow, Auburn, Alabama,” and it’s open from 6pm – 1am every day except Tuesdays and Sundays. Or so they say. There is a light outside of the secret entrance, and if it’s on, game on! You can enter! Be sure to follow them on Instagram!

The Avondale Bar and Taproom was one of the first bars Molly ever visited in Auburn, and it’s got speakeasy vibes due to the secret staircase leading upstairs to the bar. This bar is an alternative to traditional college bars with plenty of soft seating where you can overlook campus. It’s “A Responsible Bar for Responsible People” and also shares “All Who Are Thirsty Are Welcome.” Follow them on Instagram to drool over the beautiful hand-crafted cocktails.

Another great spot overlooking campus is Walt’s on the Roof. It’s a rooftop bar above the Laurel Hotel and Spa. Try to make reservations because it was difficult to get in when Molly went. This spot is beautiful and surrounded by a garden where the crops are harvested for the restaurant downstairs (1856, which is a culinary school). Walt’s offers rooftop yoga, Thursday Champagne Garden, Garden Grill Sundays, and so much more, so be sure to follow them on Instagram!

Next door to Auburn is the cute town of Opelika, Alabama. Opelika has two great breweries and standout distillery.

Red Clay Brewing Company was founded by three friends and the brewery represents them: their history and the South they love and call home; “red clay” is native to this area of the south. One of Molly’s all time favorite beers is brewed here called Skinny Dippin’, a 5% Lemony Tea Sour. They also have fantastic pizza!

Resting Pulse Brewing Company strives to be a space where you can find your “resting pulse” and relax and enjoy great beers and food. The owners gave it this name to also represent their history in healthcare. Molly tried A LOT of beers when she visited, and they have a fantastic offering. Just like their neighbors, Red Clay, Resting Pulse has great pizza!

John Emerald Distilling Company is across from Red Clay and offers tours, cocktails and bottle sales inside! They offer whiskey, gin, vodka and rum. Be sure to follow them on Instagram for specials and beautiful, drool-worthy pictures of their craft cocktails!

After Auburn, Molly traveled to Waco, Texas. Waco is home to six breweries, all within a mile and a half of each other, and the first was Bare Arms Brewing Company, which opened in 2015. Appropriately, this was the first brewery Molly visited in Waco.

She ordered a flight here in the cutest cog flight board which holds six beers. Bare Arms also has a pretty extensive food menu, so it’s a great place to hang out for a while. They “honor those that roll up their sleeves, bare arms, work hard, and perfect their craft,” thus their name.

Bare Arms is open 7 days/week and host a lot of events, so follow them on Instagram to keep up with all the fun!

The other brewery Molly visited was Southern Roots Brewing Company. Another great space with awesome beers and delicious food! This brewery was founded in 2018, years after the owners started brewing beer for friends and family.

When Molly was here there were about 15 beers on tap (she had a flight, of course) and she enjoyed the pizza of the month. In May it was alfredo, pesto, tomato, arugula, chicken and balsamic drizzle (and bacon which she kept off her pie). Southern Roots is open and airy with a courtyard out back. They host live music and fun events so follow them on Instagram.

While Molly was running around these southern cities, Chrissy went as far south as possible – The Florida Keys! In this episode, she breaks down the best spots for beer, cocktails, food and music. She even shares a special hidden gem she’s discovered on the way to Key West!

BEER

Islamorada Brewing
Bearded Lady
Southernmost Pint

COCKTAILS

  • Berlin’s Speakeasy – stop in here for great waterfront views!
  • Saint Hotel – offers upscale cocktails – are you ordering one of the seven deadly sins or one of the seven heavenly virtues?
  • General Horseplay – Chrissy claims they have the best cocktails in Key West!
  • Papa Pilar Distillery – (Hemingway’s) – check out Papa Pilar’s for a chill atmosphere and great Pilar rum cocktails
  • Nine One Five – enjoy some classic cocktails on Duval Street
  • Key West First Legal Rum Distillery – More rum! Stop here for the best frozen drinks; Chrissy likes to add a coffee rum floater
  • Salute – enjoy beach front drinks at Salute! On the Beach
  • Dante’s Key West Pool Bar and Restaurant – Key West gets hot, so this a great place for poolside drinks
  • Sunset Pier – You can’t visit Key West without catching a gorgeous sunset – grab a spot to enjoy drinks here during sunset
  • El Meson de Pepe – enjoy mojitos just 90 miles from Cuba! This place also has great live music
  • Southernmost Beach Resort – If you’re lucky enough to score a cabana rental here, your day of drinking just got a whole lot boujee-er!
Saint Hotel – Burgundy Bar
General Horseplay
Papa Pilar Distillery
Nine One Five
Key West First Legal Rum
Salute!
Dante’s
Sunset Pier
Southernmost Beach Resort

FOOD

  • The Café – Amazing Key lime pie, and also vegan options
  • Fritas – Stop in for a Cuban cigar & Cuban coffee
  • Little Pearl – Chrissy recommends the chef’s tasting menu
  • Atlas Izakaya – (stay-drink-place) EVERYTHING Japenese small plates, and great sake selection
  • Moondog – Breakfast, lunch, dinner with a huge variety of options including vegan options
  • La Crêperie French Café – So many options and delicious mimosas
Frita’s
Atlas Izakaya
La Crêperie French Café

MUSIC

Hidden Gems

  • Robert is Here – this elevated food stand serves smoothies, guac, salsa, produce, and more! It opened in 1959, by a 6 year old little boy named Robert to help sell his family’s produce. It’s still going strong and everyone from Presidents to celebrities stop by!

While these destinations are not always the easiest to get to, they offer great options for fellow boozers out there! Have you visited any of these spots before? Share your opinions and photos with the girls! DM them on Instagram or send them an email!

Cheers!

Season 3, Special Events

Episode 062 | St. Augustine Craft Brewers’ Festival

The Boozy Blondes

On May 4, 2024, the St. Augustine Craft Brewers’ Festival celebrated its 5th Anniversary at the Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine, Florida! This is basically a Boozy Blonde’s playground and the girls recap the event in this episode so you can plan for the 2025 fest!

The DOE is Dog Rose Brewing Lions Head Honey Sour which is very appropriate since Dog Rose owner Courtney Murr is the festival director! Lions Head Honey Sour (5.2%) is a Boozy Blondes favorite, and you can hear more about this beer and Dog Rose Brewing Co. in Episode 003!

The festival offers three different ticket types: General Admission, VIP and Designated Driver:

  1. General: (850)available, 1pm entry time, access to food trucks, live music and unlimited tastings – tasting glass provided by Ice Mule Coolers
  2. VIP: (100) available, get you early entry (12pm), private bathrooms, an air-conditioned pavilion and catering provided by Meehan’s Irish Pub, a local favorite. You get guaranteed parking and a private beer station plus access to everything listed in general admission ticket description.
  3. Designated Driver tickets: all proceeds benefit Epic Behavioral Healthcare, a non-profit specializing in the prevention and treatment of substance use and mental health disorders

There were almost 30 breweries on site at this event! The girls grabbed their tasting glass and tasting glass necklace (courtesy of Fishardy Fishing Carters) and took off running towards the closest brewery. They almost hit them all!

Dog Rose Brewing Co | hear Chrissy interview owner Courtney Murr in this episode who is also the Festival Director! Dog Rose is located in St. Augustine, Florida.

The Brewery at Jack’s | It’s the first St. Augustine Beach brewery!

Ancient City Brewing | Another hometown brewery with two locations – one downtown and one over by the St. Augustine outlets. You can hear more about Ancient City in Episode 003.

Ruby Beach Brewing | Located in downtown Jacksonville, the girls stopped here before a Jags game in 2023.

Hourglass Brewing | The girls interviewed Ashley aka FloridaHopMama in Season 2, and she gifted them a collaboration beer from here Episode 029. At the festival, Chrissy drank Macro-Dose and it was 19.2%! Molly had the Margs on Deck – a crushable summer gose with black sea salt, coriander, lime and blue agave nectar (6.4%).

Pareidolia Brewing | The blondes were so excited to meet owners Pete and Lynn! This brewery is located in Sebastian, Florida, so about 2 hours south of St. Augustine, and the girls recap their visit in Episode 020. At the festival Molly tried the Citra Surfer, Citra forward juicy IPA with notes of grapefruit and Chrissy had the Don’t Be Blue…Berry a 5.3% wheat beer, with blueberries obviously.

Cask | Cask was there – Cowford Ale Sharing Klub. This is a group open to all who are of legal drinking age and who wish to learn and share information about home brewing. They have monthly meetings at local breweries to share and sample their homebrews and even host their own competitions. The girls met some of the members at the Palatka Beer Fest in November 2023.

Bandwagon Brewing Co | Bandwagon came down from GA to attend the festival!

Cueni Brewing Co | Cueni is in Dunedin, Florida, and if you visit their taproom, you’ll see they have the best flight boards!

Fishweir Brewing Company | The girls love Fishweir. They stopped there on their first leg of the Jax Ale Trail (Episode 006)! Molly drank the Kush Terpene Hazy (with no THC) and Chrissy enjoyed the Gatorade Seltzer.

King Maker Brewing | Located in downtown Jacksonville, they were pouring High & Dry (5% dry cider), 100 Cursing Parrots (7.2% Cold IPA collab with Something in the Water Brewing out of Toronto!), 1913 (5% Czech dark lager) and The Wasserboy (5% Kolsch).

Reve Brewing Co | Reve is another Jacksonville brewery, and at the festival the blondes met the owner Eric who is also a brewer and Mike, another brewer and his wife Jennifer. They brought two beers to the festival: Light Into Ashes (6.2% hazy IPA) and Far Side of Fantasy (6% sour with cherry, lime and lactose).

Alcatraz Brewing | The girls were too late to sample their beer! So sad. They sold out quickly – another reason to get the VIP tickets. That extra hour really helps to give you a jump on all the tastings.

Ivanhoe Park Brewing Co | The girls visited Ivanhoe in Orlando, Florida, not too long ago – October 2023 and loved it! At the festival they came armed with four beers – Joyland (7% American IPA), Park Hopp’r, a 5% pilsner, Halftoberfest, a 5.42% Vienna lager and Guavacation, a 4% berliner weisse beer with guava and raspberry.

First Magnitude Brewing Co | The girls both had the Anastasia Sour here – it had the prettiest can! It was a sour beer with raspberry, hibiscus and vanilla. First Magnitude is out of Gainesville, Florida.

Walking Tree Brewing | Walking Tree is out of Vero Beach, FL, and they brought WTB IPA (7.1%), Landing Strip Lager (4.5%) and Maple Praline Brown (7%).

Old Coast Ales | This is another St. Augustine brewery you can hear more about in Episode 003. The girls love hanging out here and love Osprey Tacos next door too!

Bog Brewing Co | And Bog was also there rounding out the St. Augustine breweries! You can hear more about Bog in Episode 003.

3 Mavins Brewing | They are based out of South Florida and use simple clean ingredients in their beer like honey, agave nectar and maple syrup. They brought their Amber Lager (6.2%), Encore Session IPA (4.7%) and the Pink Lady (5.5% pale ale).

St. Augustine Home Brewers Club | This group was back passing out beers in the backyard! The blondes saw them at the Palatka Beer Fest in November as well.

Southern Swells Brewing Co | The girls visited Southern Swells on leg 3 of the Jax Ale Trail and you can hear all the details about this brewery in Episode 050!

Southern Philosophy Brewing Co | The Boozy Blondes really connected with Gallagher and Nicole at Southern Philosophy. They are located in western Georgia, and the girls really wish they were closer! They brought four beers with them: The Lagoon (4.1% lactose free sour conditioned on coconut with pineapple, clue curacao, Sicilian lemon, lime and tangerine puree), Cinco de Mustache (5.5% Mexican lager), Chipotle Smoked Porter (6.5%) and Sowega Honey Haze (8.3% IPA).

INK Factory | Another favorite of ours – you can hear all about Ink Factory in Episode 050 Jax Ale Trail Volume 3, including the amazing burger from Hard Pressed that was on site when we went. They had two beers at the festival – Surfadelic, a hazy pale ale and Triple Whip Volume 7, a smoothie sour with pineapple, mango, key lime and white chocolate!

Azalea City | Another Boozy Blondes favorite, out of Palatka, Florida. Molly had one of her faves, Fresh Squeeze Hazy IPA, and Chrissy had the Irish Coffee Stout. You can hear from Azalea City’s owner Andrea Canover in a behind the scenes interview Episode 035.

Dees Brothers Brewery | The girls were so excited to see Dees Brothers at the festival! They are located in Sanford, Florida, and the girls had just been there a couple weeks before the festival for Sanford’s Mini Masters event. And you can hear bout Dees Brothers in Episode 034 Sanford Breweries and Bars). Dees Brothers is a great brewery with amazing beer and equally amazing food. They brought Thunder & Lightning (7% American IPA), Dees Bier (5.6% Hefeweizen), Lakeside Pilsner (5.2% Czech style pilsner) and Aquadnauts (10% Belgian-style Quad).

De Bine Brewing Co | The blondes loved Zak. Zak is the head brewer and operations manager and De Bine which is located in Palm Harbor, Florida. They brought four beers with them: Safety Glasses (5% hazy IPA), Czechered Past (5.1% pilsner), Fire the Cannons (5.4% Red Ale) and Wappy Sprayberry (Mixed Berry Wheat 6-ish%).

Bold City Brewery | This brewery is in downtown Jacksonville, and brought great beer – Beer Bong Pilsner (4.4%), Jowl Blaster Fruited Sour (6%), Bold City IPA (7%), and Right on Rosselle (6% hazy IPA).

Aardwolf Brewing Co | Aardwolf is another downtown Jacksonville brewery! They brought some Star Wars themed beers with them for the event – Princess Leia Cake (vanilla and lemon hazy IPA), The Power of the Darkside (Empire stout with coconut, banana and peanut butter), C3Pilso (just beer) and This is the Way (pistachio coconut sour).

Wulfhaven Brewing Co | Wulfhaven is out of Tampa, and the girls met Joseph and Veronica. Joseph started the brewery with his dad and Veronica is the General Manager. They brought Leaning Tower of Pilsner (5.4% pilsner), Par-Tee in Paradise (6% IPA), Amaiz’n (5% Mexican Lager) and Spring Fling (5.5% Florida White Ale).

Whew! Be sure to start looking for tickets in March 2025. This beer festival lives up to the hype. It’s in a beautiful location and hosts A TON of amazing breweries serving up great craft brews! Don’t miss it!