I visited the Terrapin Brewery in Athens, GA this weekend and had a blast. Beer can’t be sold legally at a brewery, so they sell you a glass for $10 with tickets that you use for pours. It’s a dang good deal! I tried Side Project, Hopsecutioner, Golden Ale, Monk’s Revenge, and ended with the Easy Rider. I’d say the favorite amongst my peeps was the Monk’s Revenge - at 9.8% ABV it is a combination of a Belgian Style Tripel and a new age American Double IPA. Holy Turtle, it hit the spot.

It’s about time I jumped on the Boozy Pops bandwagon. I was first inspired to go for it when I saw the People’s Pops: 55 Recipes from Brooklyn’s Coolest Pop Shop recipe book (which I don’t own, feel free to send me a copy!). Since the book wasn’t available yet I searched the internets and discovered a plethora of recipes, but the one that always got the best reviews was the Bittersweet Chocolate Bourbon Pop. And ya’ll know I love me some Bulleit Bourbon. The ingredients and directions are simple, but the pop is a rich chocolatey sin, with just a tease of bourbon flavor to savor.

Here’s the recipe from Finecooking.com:
+ 1/2 cup granulated sugar 
+ 3-1/2 oz. bittersweet chocolate (70% to 72%), chopped 
+ 2 Tbs. Dutch-processed cocoa powder 
+ 1/8 tsp. table salt 
+ 2 Tbs. good-quality bourbon

Directions: Put the sugar, chocolate, cocoa powder, salt, and 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Transfer to a 4-cup glass measure (or any container with a spout for easy pouring). Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Stir in the bourbon and divide the mixture among eight 3-oz. pop molds or wax-lined paper cups. Freeze until just set, about 3 hours. Insert craft sticks and freeze until completely set, about 4 hours more. When ready to serve, unmold or peel off the paper cups.

Side note : The mold I purchased was the Norpro Ice Pop Maker, which I have absolutely no complaints about. But I do recommend reading the user reviews for tips on how to use it the most efficiently.

The Porter in Little 5 Points Atlanta is certainly known for its list of 500+ beers, but don’t ignore their cocktail menu or you’ll be missing out. This is one delicious quart of The Porter’s Ginger Lemonade, with housemade lemonade, ginger, and vodka.

Photo credit: Lush Lady

A pumpkin beer is for fall, as a watermelon beer is to summer! Or that’s what we’ll be saying. This seasonal wheat beer is a unique brew incorporating watermelon flavors. The reviews on this are a mixed bunch because it a little sweet, but for me it was refreshinging-ly different.

Photo credit: Lush Lady

I was a Pimm’s virgin and now I’m not. Here is a Pimm’s Cup from DBA BBQ: Pimm’s #1, lemonade, and Boylan’s ginger ale garnished with a cucumber. So, so good.

Photo credit: Lush Lady

I don’t know about you but I can’t seem to drink enough lemonade libations this summer. This is the Bird Dog from DBA BBQ: Bird Dog Blackberry whiskey and lemonade. 

Photo credit: Lush Lady

Sick of the same ol’ mojito? Try this! A Summer Fling from Flip Burger: Hendrick’s Gin, muddled strawberries, basil, ginger syrup and fresh lime juice.

Photo credit: Lush Lady

A Bobby Jones at Six Feet Under, Grant Park, Atlanta. Sweet tea vodka and lemonade.

Photo credit: Lush Lady

A watermelon margarita from Pure Taqueria in Inman Park, Atlanta.

Photo credit: Lush Lady

After tasting the peach sweet tea vodka, I had to buy it. This stuff has summer written all over it.

Photo credit: Lush Lady