The holiday weekend is almost here and we have fun drinks for the entire family. From old fashioned sodas in all kinds of classic flavors, to new sodas, and sparkling waters. We have hydration drinks that can double as mixers, non-beers, maple drink mixers, and the best Bloody Mary mixes around. July 4th cookouts and celebrations are about more than the food. They are about the cold beverages that spark some nostalgia, bring people together, or take the edge off a hot day. To help you stock your holiday cooler and bar we have gathered some of our favorites!
Refreshing Drinks, the Best Sodas & Sparkling Waters
If you have been to Calef’s you know Squamscot Old Fashioned Beverages always have a spot in our cooler. Squamscot is the last independent soda maker in New Hampshire and we can’t help but love supporting this local beverage maker. Founded in 1863 in Newfields, NH, Squamscot is now a fifth-generation, family-owned and run business. Their long history and dedication shows in the quality and uncanny ability to quench your summer thirst. The perfect soda for a July 4th celebration!
We also carry Spindrift Sparkling Water, the perfect blend of sparkling water and delicious real squeezed fruit. No need to add sugar, the high quality fruit really shines in these beverages. A refreshing light drink to add to your cooler mix. Spindrift Sparkling Waters, are also great for making mixed drinks. A fruity substitute for some of your traditional mixers.
And if you haven’t heard of Olipop, you might want to give it a try. Made with plant fiber and prebiotics, its Non-GMO, gluten-free, paleo, and vegan, with high fiber and less sugar than traditional sodas. It might just be the soda that everyone can agree on no matter their dietary restriction.
Drinks for Adults, Ciders & Non-Beer Options
Though we carry plenty of local beers and wine, our non-beers are quickly becoming customer favorites. These options really stand out at cookouts for being a different option! Like ciders. We stock Citizens Cider, made in Burlington, Vermont and Long Way Back Cider made from purely McIntosh apples, just to name a few.
For hard seltzer, we like Après, available in a variety of flavors. All made in the most natural way possible with real alcohol, real fruit and Maine Water. Together they create a naturally calorie-light hard seltzer.
Halyard Brewing Co, is another unique choice. They are the American Craft Ginger Beer, revitalizing a lost brew, ginger beer, which was first brewed during the colonial spice trade and enjoyed as one of America’s favorite beers until the 1920s prohibition. Halyard has worked to rediscover the lost art of brewing alcoholic ginger beer. It’s delicious and the perfect tribute to America this Independence Day.
Drink Mixers for Everyone
Bloody Mary’s are the go to holiday mix. These can be enjoyed any time of the day or the morning after drinking and when made right can convert even a skeptic. The Natural Blonde Golden Bloody Mary Mix and Spicy Bloody Mary Mix made with the Bloody Mary Rimmer are two great options. We also carry the Beast Feast of Maine Hair of the Beast. The original, spicy hangover remedy, Bloody Mary Mix. Mix it with your favorite liquor or right from the bottle for a non-alcoholic version.
Runamok Maple Cocktail Mixers and Bitters are a great upgrade for familiar drinks. One of our favorites is Maple Grenadine. No more artifical ingredients, they went back to basics and have combined pomegranate and lime juice with maple. This is just one of the sweet upgrades Runamok offers. Come shop their entire collection at the store!
Wood Stove Kitchen Artisanal Cocktail & Mocktail Mixers are another favorite around here. Easy mixes for no stress bartending. Select flavors available online with even more at the store! Or plan ahead and infuse some cocktails with Vena’s Fizz House. For summer, we love the Maine Margarita Spirit Sipper Cocktail Infusion (Blueberry & Apple). Vena’s Fizz House mixes can be steeped and ready in 2-3 days or mixed over heat for an infusion ready in 30 minutes. Pro Tip, mix ahead, these last up to a year!
No matter the plans, this holiday weekend, serve the good stuff. Stock up at Calef’s.
