Our little brewery is growing up right before our eyes. That’s right, Four Peaks Brewery is turning 16 this year and that means we should all celebrate. Don’t worry, this will be far different from MTV’s My Super Sweet 16 garbage. On Saturday, April 20, the Four Peaks in Tempe will be having an all-day party with beer, food, and live music all from AZ. Located inside the tasting room on Wilson Street, the festivities will be going from noon to 9:00 p.m. And guess what? Admission is free. We bet we know how you’re celebrating 4/20 now.

Though it’s January, we’re going to go ahead and pretend like it’s summer again. We’ve got warm breezes and beaches on our mind. So, for this edition of the Weekender we’re going to go south of the border. From Epicurious, here is a refreshing cocktail: the Paloma.

Ingredients:

kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup mezcal or tequila
1/4 cup club soda

Method:

Salt the time rim of your glass. Combine the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sugar in the glass; stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in mezcal or tequila, add ice, and top off with club soda. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.

We’ve all had a Black and Tan (one part Guinness, one part Bass Pale Ale), and maybe you’ve had a Black and Blue (half Guinness, half Blue Moon.) The possibilites are endless in terms of beer cocktails.

Sandbar Mexican Grill will be providing new and interesting beer cocktails. Featuring local craft breweries to inspired draft mixtures, there is surely something for everyone. Sandbar will be featuring beer from AZ, like Four Peaks, Papago Brewing, Sonoran Brewing, and SanTan Brewing. Here are some of the delicious drinks. But to see them all, you’ve got to head into Sandbar.

The Dark Knight: Oskar Blues G’Knight/Guinness

BlueBerry: Blue Moon/Leinenkugel’s Berry Weiss

White Chocolate Mocha: Sonoran’s White Chocolate Ale/Papago’s Coconut Joe

Chocolate Covered Peach: Sonoran’s White Chocolate Ale/Four Peaks’ AZ Peach Ale

White Castle: Sonoran’s White Chocolate Ale/Newcastle Brown Ale

Forbidden Fruit: Angry Orchard Cider/SanTan’s Devil’s Ale

Fruit Basket: Four Peaks’ AZ Peach Ale/Papago’s Orange Blossom Wheat / Pyramid Apricot Ale

Could you imagine what it would be like to live in pre-prohibition America? Imagine no more because you’ll be mixing turn of the century cocktail in no time if you attend the Pre-Prohibition Cocktail School at Old Town Whiskey at Scottsdale’s The Saguaro.

Every month Old Town Whiskey hosts its popular Whiskey School. This month’s theme: Pre-Prohibition. So grab your guys and dolls and sign up today. The Whiskey Professor will be teaching you how to make classics like The Sazerac, The Martinez, The Champagne Cocktail, The Brandy Smash, and our favorite, The Old Fashioned.

The class is Saturday, September 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. Forty dollars per person, includes tasters and snacks. You better sign up before the G-Men start cracking down on your favorite speakeasy.

Let’s face it, if the Olympics were a drinking game and you took a shot every time you heard our national anthem, you would be in trouble. So we’ve come up with another way to honor all of the Olympians who have had the chance to stand at the top of the podium and sing along to the Star Spangled Banner. This week’s featured cocktail, the Chilean Pisco Star-Spangled Punch from The Kitchn, is dedicated to Team USA.

Ingredients

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup fresh-squeezed, strained lemon juice

1 750-ml bottle Chilean Pisco

1 quart cold water

1 star fruit, sliced into 1/4- inch thick slices

The peel of 3 lemons, each cut in a 1/2 inch wide spiral with a vegetable peeler

It might be the 4th of July today, but all anyone seems to be talking about is Mexican food. Not that we blame them – few things bring smiles to our faces like a fresh taco and a margarita on a hot summer day. So, once you’ve had your fill of hot dogs and decided to turn off your scorching hot grill, here’s a redux of this week’s happenings in our favorite food blogs:

According to EaterAZ, Big Earl’s BBQ in Scottsdale is in the midst of a Mexican revolution, from a taquitos transition to a dabble in “tacotory” to full blown Mexico City cuisine. While you’re waiting for the online menu to become officially updated, have a read, or better yet, pay Big Earl’s a visit. Whatever you do, don’t order the barbecue.

Meanwhile in Old Town, America’s Taco Shop is opening a new location, as reported by Chow Bella. Known for being “the home of the greatest carne asada in the Valley, ” this location will bring the restaurant’s count up to five (including the location in Arizona Mills Mall). Are they being franchised? Find out here.

If downtown Phoenix is more your thing, you’ll find new Mexican food there too. Chow Bella has covered opening of Tediberto’s Mexican-inspired vegan restaurant on Roosevelt Row. Get the details here … or skip the vegan joint and dig right in to some Mexican barbecue. Phoenix Bites highlights the prix fixe barbacoa tasting dinner at Distrito in Scottsdale’s Saguaro Hotel. The three-course dinner (plus dessert) is available Wednesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. Click here for details.

If we still haven’t convinced you, feast your eyes on Mouth By Southwest’s Taco Tuesday roster. Not to mention how Barrio Cafe, Bianco’s Tacos & Tequila and Sir Veza’s Taco Garage will soon change the dining game for locals and tourists alike at Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4. Stay tuned for updates.

Apparently Brady-Siegel had the right idea after all: Beer & Donuts album circa 1987.

It hardly matters what time of year it is or how much it will cost you, beer and donut enthusiasts from far and wide are rejoicing with the recent release of pairings that will be featured at Il Vinaio for this one-of-a-kind event.

From 2 to 5 p.m. on July 28 the following featured craft beers and their accompanying house-made gourmet donuts will be available:

SanTan Mr. Pineapple hefe and Lemon Poppyseed Donut

Goose Island Matilda strong pale ale and Conch Fritter

Goose Island Pepe Nero black pepper saison and Bacon Bleu Cheese Donut

Firestone Walker Double DBA and Pecan Pie Donut

Cost is $16 and donuts are limited to the first 72 people, so quit drooling and ensure you get to partake by calling (480) 649-6476 to RSVP.

Il Vinaio | 270 West Main St. | Mesa, Ariz. | 85201

Red, white and blue dipped strawberries are the perfect Summer treat for any 4th of July gathering. Photo courtesy of halfhourmeals.com.

It’s time to stop procrastinating and get busy prepping for that 4th of July gathering you’re hosting or attending. Since patriotic appetizers, drinks and party favors are so, well, patriotic and because it’s rude to show up empty-handed, we’ve taken the liberty (pun intended) of creating this holiday shopping list for you.

What to serve:

Half Hour Meals has compiled an exceptional list of recipes that pay tribute to the Red, White and Blue. Between the dessert ideas, the cocktail recipes, and the kid-friendly sweet treats you’re sure to find a uniquely edible way to salute to the USA this holiday. Don’t forget to keep these ideas tucked away for the Olympics later this Summer too.

What to buy:

It’s just not Independence Day without fireworks. Buying fireworks at tent stands and grocery stores is legal in Arizona; however, lighting them can be illegal depending on your city (as well as the date). Click here for more details.

The Grill Comb is not a grooming gadget, it’s a conversation piece. Save yourself the hassle of skewers this grilling season and get this multi-pronged grilling tool. Made from food-grade stainless steel, it’s reusable, dishwasher safe, and at a foot long, can handle plenty of food. Available at Uncrate.com for $11/2-pack.

What to wear:

No, not another commemorative Old Navy tee. We’re talking practical fashion for the triple digits. Here are some timelessly patriotic ideas, because, let’s face it, people love to rock the stars and stripes. For her and for him. Whatever your plans entail, don’t forget the lawn chairs, blankets, cooler and sun screen. Happy Independence Day.

Photo courtesy of SheKnows.com.

In the spirit of patriotism (and fireworks and paid holidays) we present a festive three-part 4th of July weekender courtesy of SheKnows.com.

Here are our colorful ambassadors of independence, perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, pool parties and any other occasion where temperatures soar above 100 degrees.

The Sparkler:

Ingredients

1 ounce raspberry vodka

1 ounce elderflower liquor

Splash of sparkling rosé wine

»READ MORE

Photo courtesy of Mastro's Restaurants.

Because June is about dads and grads, we’ve pulled out all the stops and brought back a sophisticated classic this week. The Boulevardier, courtesy of Mastro’s Restaurants, is not only a super manly cocktail with an interesting history, but also is defined as a wealthy and fashionable socialite (no joke, check Google). But hey, if the shoe fits.

Ingredients

3 count Bulliet Straight Rye Whiskey

2½ count Vya Sweet Vermouth

1 count Campari

 Looking for a posh spot for a drink and a bite, why not look up?

Located atop the luxurious Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, The Terrace Room at Different Pointe of View has introduced its new $5 at 5 happy hour along with extending business hours to seven days a week, when the full dining room is not available.

The happy hour will feature $5 well, wine and beer selections starting at 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sundays and Mondays. It will also offer appetizers including citrus-poached prawns, spicy braised Cedar River beef, and steamed Penn Cove mussels. The Terrace Room provides guests with breathtaking views of the valley that more than compliment its contemporary architecture and atmosphere.

It’s tax time, which has many of us seeing red (and those overzealous Liberty Mutual sign spinners on every street corner). When it’s all said and done, some of us will be richer and some will be poorer. Either way, a celebratory cocktail is in order. Drink your money troubles away with the Red Lotus at Ra Sushi‘s Manic Monday (which translates to happy hour all night. Excellent). Because what could be a better way to spend your hard earned rebate bucks then on alcohol? Recipe and prep below.

Ingredients:
1.25 oz Absolut Ruby Red Vodka
.75 oz X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1 oz pink grapefruit juice
.25 oz cranberry juice
.25 oz simple syrup
Squeeze of lime

In an ice filled mixing tin, add all ingredients. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon wheel on the rim.