Making the perfect craft gimlet shouldn’t be a challenge. Photos by James Eastman I had the recent opportunity to make drinks at a dinner party celebrating the release of Twin Cities Chef’s Table, a fabulous book you should absolutely own if you are reading this article. Each couple prepared a different dish from the book … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktail: The AKA
March 3, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Photos by James Eastman We often refer to bitters as the salt and pepper for your cocktails. So let’s add some über-literal seasoning to your cocktails this issue with a batch of black pepper bitters. You’ll want to use quality peppercorns (Penzey’s here in town is a good source, or splurge on the exceptional Tellicherry Black … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktail: The Lowry
December 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
By Erik Eastman, Easy & Oskey Photos by James Eastman Excitement abounds here at Easy & Oskey! Introducing Grapefruit, our first new bitters flavor since we launched the Make Your Own Bitters Kits in April 2013. More than just bitter citrus, this kit offers the warming spice of galangal (Thai ginger) to add depth and … [ Read more]
The Mill: Santa Crawl, I AM ST PAUL!, and more
December 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Mill is ready for a long winter’s nap. Imperial stouts, braised meats, gingersnap cookies—truly the most wonderful time of the year. What’s on your radar in The Mill? Let us know @growlermag. Upcoming Events: TUESDAY 9: Easy & Oskey are mixing up cocktails at the Guthrie this evening from 6–7:30pm. The fete will take … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktails: Autumn Spice Daiquiri
September 29, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Photos by James Eastman While many of us consume clear spirits regardless of the season, that familiar dip in the mercury can bring about a craving for richer, darker flavors. From crisp to funky, dry to sweet, smoky to clean, rum has a plethora of flavors, uses, and personalities. Rum is brilliant in a Martinez, savory … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktail: Three Easy Pieces
August 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Photos by James Eastman “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” A timeless saying that rings true in many applications, cocktails being no exception. But what happens when you begin with parts that are exceptional on their own? Deliciousness happens, in the form of what could be an instant classic—Three Easy Pieces. This cocktail … [ Read more]
3 Thoughts on Making Sour Mix
August 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Making sour mix from scratch is an easy step towards next-level home cocktailing. Herein, three thoughts on why and how. 1. It’s like those pickles. Those precious little jars of bespoke pickles in my friend’s refrigerator. “I just had sooo many cucumbers left over from the farmers’ market,” she gushes. I stare into a fridge so proper … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktails: Abeille 75
June 2, 2014 by Leave a Comment
By Erik Eastman, Easy & Oskey Photos by James Eastman Brunch is officially a thing. No longer is brunch synonymous with soggy pancakes and limp bacon in scalding hot chafing dishes at the Hotel No Name. Some of the best restaurants in our twin towns are offering a fabulous brunch experience, including The Strip Club … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktails: The Martinez
February 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment
A new take on an age-old classic by Erik Eastman, Easy & Oskey Photos by James Eastman Recently I had the chance to catch up with a friend after the holiday madness had subsided and learned said friend was not particularly fond of my favorite drink, the Martini. My companion posed this question: “Maybe I … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktails: How to Make a Mean Hot Toddy
December 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Turning an old wintertime standby into a modern craft cocktail. By Erik Eastman, Easy & Oskey Photos by James Eastman We all remember Bob Ross, right? The host of the legendary PBS series The Joy of Painting was likely the most positive fella you’d ever want to watch paint happy little footy hills with happy … [ Read more]
The Growler’s Holiday Gift Guide
December 3, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Find these items and more at The Beer Dabbler Store: 1095 7th St. W in St. Paul and store.thebeerdabbler.com By Megan Parker Easy & Oskey ‘Make Your Own’ Bitters Kit | $46 With such handsome packaging, you won’t even need to wrap this one! Inside the box, your lucky gift recipient will find just about … [ Read more]
Craft Cocktails: The Boulevardier with Cherry Vanilla Bitters
September 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment
By Erik Eastman, Easy & Oskey Photos by James Eastman The Negroni has been enjoying a moment of resurgence recently, and with good reason. What’s not to like about the combination of bitter Campari, sweet vermouth, the crisp snap of a quality gin and an orange twist. As the seasons turn, and your football viewing, … [ Read more]
Bitters, Hoodies and Winterwear: The October-November Beer Gear Roundup
September 28, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The latest Growler Beer Gear roundup comes just in time for cooler weather and the start — yep — of the holiday shopping season. by Megan Parker Make Your Own Bitters Kit / $46 http://easyandoskey.com/ Are you an aspiring mixologist? Now, in addition to crafting your own cocktails, you can make your own small batch … [ Read more]
Come “Meet the Growler” at Saturday’s Summer Beer Dabbler
July 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
St. Paul’s favorite summer beer fest has a new location. Come join us in sunny St. Paul for the 5th Annual Summer Beer Dabbler. Saturday, July 20th 1 – 5 PM (Gates at 12:30pm; Beer Pours at 1pm). Event Details at the bottom of this page… We will have a special … [ Read more]
