Photo Courtesy of Two James.
One of the best ways to spend a summer day is on the beach, enjoying some games on the sand, diving into the cool water and hanging out with friends. Bringing some adult beverages along from a Metro Detroit bar or restaurant that has to-go options will make the day even better while also supporting an eatery that needs the business.
Over the past 15 months, more Metro Detroit bar and restaurant owners have started offering carryout or to-go drink options for their thirsty customers. These options vary from canned drinks to drink mixes to prepared drinks that are ready to consume. Some are single serve while others allow you to purchase multiple drinks for a crowd. All in all, it’s a great way to get a well-poured drink without all the cleanup and precise measuring.
What should you look for in a to-go drink or prepared mix? You’ll want to make sure you order the right size for the people you’ll be serving, whether it is one or a dozen. You’ll want to make sure you have the proper ingredients on hand if you need to add or spice up the mix, like having a great accompaniment for a Bloody Mary of pickles or celery.
You’ll also want to think about how you’re going to carry or transport the to-go drinks or drink kits. Some are cold, so you’ll want to bring along a cooler so these libations come to the party ready to enjoy. Others may have a warm element, but those are likely best saved for when you’re doing a wintertime get-together. Still, if you want something warm, perhaps in the morning, then bring along the properly insulated containers for carrying.
Here are five Metro Detroit to-go drinks and kits that are ideal for beach-time enjoyment.
Pizzaplex
Southwest Detroit’s favorite pizza joint has to-go wine, beer and other cocktails to add to any meal that you order to go or for delivery. One of its tastiest of to-go drinks has to be the Ginger Gimlet. It includes your choice of Vodka or Gin, which is then paired with Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur & Fresh Squeezed Lime topped with Topo Chico. If you want something for cool nights around the fire, consider the Amaro Manhattan, which has bourbon, amaro, bitters, maraschino cherries and orange peel.
Bagley Central
When it comes to a to-go drink or carryout cocktail menu, Bagley Central has a wide array of great options. One that is fun for the beach might be the Take-Out Michelada Kit, which offers a two-person serving including a 16-ounce can of Modelo Especial, house Michelada mix, tajin and lime. Another idea is the Spacegrass, which is bottled. It makes two cocktails with Aquavit, Aperol, lemonade and ginger beer.
Two James Spirits
This Detroit distillery has a bit of everything on its cocktail kit menu, but there are some that sound like perfect fits for a day in the sun and sand. There is the Mule kit, which includes your choice of one bottle of 28 Island Vodka, Old Cockney Gin, Doctor Bird Jamaican Rum and whiskey along with lime juice, ginger beer and a lime. You also could try the fruity Painkiller kit, which comes with a bottle of Doctor Bird Jamaican Rum, Dole Pineapple Juice, Simply Orange Juice, Goya Coconut Cream and an ounce of nutmeg.
Cork & Gabel
There’s a lot to love about Cork & Gabel, especially if you like to shop local. Its owners and staff believe in serving locally sourced Michigan products from its beef to its vegetables to its cocktail mixers. “If we can get it in Michigan, believe, that is where it is coming from,” according to its website. If you’re having a crowd coming, then you can pick up one or more of its venerated C&G to-go cocktail kits, which will make sure everyone is having a good time.
Castalia at Sfumato
This unique Detroit favorite has a great bunch of to-go cocktails on its varied menu. It starts with the Sands of Time Negroni: Ginger sandalwood negroni, Cedar gin, limey gin, ginger liqueur, spice amari, licorice root extract, sandalwood. You can pair it with the Sfumato fragrance Nijananda. You also can try Iceman Cometh, which is an Herbal, bracing aquavit old fashioned only available in 4oz size. It features Alpine liqueur, aquavit, spiced amaro, fernet, house bitters. You can pair it with Sfumato fragrance Apricity.
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Remember to drink responsibly and plan ahead with a designated driver or take advantage of one of these local designated driving services.
