Bites Nearby: Experts Share Fourth Of July Ideas

Independence Day weekend is fast approaching, and that means getting together with family, friends and neighbors, and (we hope) spending many hours outdoors eating and drinking. 

Patch caught up with local wine shop experts Kenneth Hayes, of (Oakdale), and Thad Norlinger, of (Woodbury), for food and drink suggestions to get your party started.

“Most of us who are going to barbecue grill up the classics like chicken, burgers and pork. A really good wine pairing for these kinds of meats is the Pozzan Zinfandel ($14.99/bottle)," according to Norlinger.

It’s a medium-weight wine, making it very food-friendly. The wine has dark fruit characteristics that complement the smoky characteristics of grilled meats, barbecue sauces and s’mores.

Norlinger suggested grilling up fresh fruit like pineapple or pear.

“The perfect pairing for these grilled fruits is Bertrand Viognier ($12.89/bottle),” he said. With hints of orange blossom and almond, it's a good light, sipping wine for a hot summer day.

For those who like a little more sizzle in their drink, Norlinger recommends making a Tierras Blanco tequila ($32.99/bottle) margarita. To make these, you’ll need Tierras Blanco tequila, agave nectar and a splash of lime. (Cellars sells agave nectar at the shop, and it’s placed right next to the tequila.) Pair this margarita with tortilla chips, guacamole, and any kind of tomato or fruit based salsas.

Hayes also gave some tips for a summer party.

“A convenient and easy cocktail suggestion to take up to the lake, out on boats or to lounge out by the pool with is the Malibu Rum Ready to Drink Cocktails ($19.99),” he said.

These new, portable and disposable, ready-to-drink cocktails include: Caribbean Cosmo, Rum Punch, Sea Breeze and Tropical Mojito. 

“These cocktails are packaged in a 1.75 liter pouch with an easy to pour spout and serve about 10, making it a reasonably priced drink option for larger gatherings," Hayes said.

Slow-roasted barbecue meats, coleslaw, cornbread and chilled salads are good food pairings with these cocktails.

“A wine choice that is lower in alcohol (a big advantage when entertaining outdoors in the summer heat), is Gazella Vinho Verde or Rose ($6.99),” Hayes said. “These wines are excellent with white fish, seafood dishes and summer salads.”

You can never go wrong with beer and barbecue. At Cork and Barrel, all Samuel Adams 12-pack beer styles are $9.99.

“The Boston Lager pairs well with barbecue brisket, brats, burgers and steaks," Hayes said. "The Summer Ale is perfect with cheese, guacamole, grilled salmon and shrimp cocktail.”  

Remember to drink responsibly and always designate a driver (boat or car) before heading out to celebrations.

If you have food and drink pairing questions, Cork and Barrel (7057 10th St. N. Oakdale, 651-739-0804) or Cellars Wine and Spirits, Woodbury (651-578-7433).