Ask a Bartender: What Should I Drink this September?

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Sunday, September 13, 2015

Pam Martin, GoLocalWorcester Ask A Bartender Columnist

Saying good-bye to summer shandies and watermelon kegs can be difficult, but there are so many other great drinks to take their place this month. If you still aren’t ready to immerse yourself in all things pumpkin, no one can blame you. There are other options to get you in the spirit for a new season.

Touchdown Punch

The end of summer means the beginning of football season. Football fans everywhere are rejoicing for a new reason to drink and ignore those around them three days a week for the next five months. While you are waiting for your order of wings to be delivered sip on a delicious Touchdown Punch. A local favorite, this is great for those who love a good theme, and for those who love vodka and liquid desserts. The local favorite includes calls for Three Olives Dude Vodka, but if you can’t find a bar that still carries Dude, I have used Absolut Mandarin in its place. It’s not a bad difference. If you are making this at home you will need:

• Three Olives or Pinnacle Cherry Vodka
• Three Olives Dude (or get creative with a different citrus flavor)
• Sprite
• Cranberry Juice
• Sour Mix

You can omit the sour mix if you’re looking for a skinny variety. If you’re looking for a skinny variety, though, I’d like to suggest a water in place of this drink altogether.

Apple Ales and Ciders

There’s no denying that apple cider can be enjoyed in the summer, but it’s a great choice this September as you slowly transition to fall flavors. Yes, that’s right, you don’t have to be on a gluten-free diet to enjoy a cider. After, or even instead of, apple picking, grab an apple cider. Angry Orchard (5% ABV) is the most popular crisp cider, but it can be too sugary for some palettes. Downeast Cider (5.1% ABV) and Magners Irish Cider (4.5% ABV) become increasingly popular when the leaves change color. All of these brands make a number of seasonal ciders that I highly recommend trying this season.

If you can’t quite accept that cider is not a juice, try apple ale this month. While ciders are closer to a wine, ales will satisfy the beer lover who is looking for a new, crisp flavor. Traveler Beer Co. offers their seasonal variety Forbidden Traveler (4.4% ABV). You can’t miss the aroma and after taste of apple, but the hops break up the sweetness. It’s a welcome alternative to the other crowd favorite, Redd’s Apple Ale.

Pam Martin bartends at Compass Tavern at 90 Harding Street in Worcester every Friday night and Sunday afternoon.

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