Tag Archive for: drinks

Non-Alcoholic Drinks We’re Stocked Up On For The Summer

If we want to discuss blessings in disguise from the pandemic, here’s one: the wide variety of non- and low-alcoholic beverages that are now available to us both in-store and at the bar. If you haven’t noticed, next time you’re out for drinks with friends, look for the “Non-Alcoholic” section of the cocktail menu and you’ll likely find a variety of NA beers or even some tempting mocktail options. While we’ve always enjoyed a refreshing glass of wine or cocktail in moderation, having non-alcoholic options that not only extend past O’Doul’s, but are sometimes better than the alcohol version, that’s what we can get behind.

Interested? Below we’ve listed out some of our favorite non-alcoholic beverages that we’re stocking up on this summer. Because at the end of the day, happy hour is about spending quality relaxation time with friends, while having a refreshing beverage (regardless of the ABV.)

Beer from Athletic Brewing Company

Image credit: athleticbrewing.com

Athletic Brewing were the ones who really spearheaded the non-alcoholic beer movement and in 2023, they’re still at the top of their game. They have excellent staples like their Run Wild IPA and the Upside Dawn Golden, and introduce seasonal options like the Chelada Nada and their Lemon Radler for those of us who like a twist of citrus in our summer beverages. Their beers taste just like beers with alcohol and contain half the calories. The perfect end-of-the-weekday wind down drink, if you ask us.

Cocktails from Seedlip

Image Credit: seedlipdrinks.com

Cocktails more your thing? Sure, there’s nothing quite like a boozy margarita, but when tequila isn’t an option, we turn to the next best thing: Seedlip Spirits. You can buy bottles of their concoctions: Grove 42 (think: margarita or a gin & tonic), Spice 94 (think: espresso martini or a moscow mule) or Garden 108 (think: a ginger highball or a bloody mary). Their website provides dozens of cocktail recipes for each of their spirits, and if you’re wanting to make it even easier, they have specific cocktail kits that give you everything you need to mix up your favorite drink.

Mixers from Ghia

Image credit: drinkghia.com

Instead of creating a non-alcoholic version of a spirit, the team over at Ghia has created a unique beverage that can stand on its own as a boozy sippable cocktail (all non-alcoholic) and as a mixer for the spirit of your choice. It’s a super interesting take on a non-alcoholic cocktail because it gives you the feeling of having an old fashioned or a manhattan… without the booze. Genius, if you ask us.

 

Galentine’s Day: 5 Ways to Spoil Your Girlfriends This Month

You’re probably already aware of an immense pressure around the second week of February each year: Valentine’s Day. A stigma surrounds this holiday saying that we have to be in love, have the perfect relationship and shower our lovers with gifts. But why should extravagant love only be shared in romantic relationships, why can’t we spoil our platonic relationships as well? These are just as valuable relationships full of love. Continue reading for ideas on how to spoil your girlfriends this Valentine’s Day, they deserve it!

Food

There’s no better way to a person’s heart than through their stomach. Some say this only works for men, but we beg to differ. Whether it’s knowing your bestie’s favorite meal and cooking for her or taking her out to a hot new restaurant in town, share the gift of food this Galentine’s Day. Get dressed up, light some candles and have fun with it. Candle lit dinners are not strictly for romance, set the vibe right and indulge, it will bring you closer together and create the space for deeper conversations. See where The Bryony girls are keeping warm and well-fed on the North Shore this winter.

Crystals

Find a crystal that protects your friend based on her birth month or treat her to a reiki and crystal healing session at Bryony & Birch Different stones have different properties for protection and abundance that resonate with each zodiac sign in different ways. This way you can always be there in spirit, even when you physically aren’t. Not to mention… crystals and gems are beautiful decor to have in your home, so it’s a win-win.

Pamper Them

What better way to relax than knowing someone is gifting you the opportunity? There can never be enough self-care and a gift card for a manicure and pedicure appointment is a great place to start. If you have the budget to splurge a little more, a spa day including a massage or facial will really show your appreciation for their well-being. In our most recent holiday gift guide we cover all of our favorite ways to pamper our friends with gifts from local North Shore small businesses.

Cocktail Night

What’s more exciting than a cocktail night with the girls? Everyone comes prepared for the evening with a signature cocktail. You each take turns prepping your drink and presenting the cocktails with a grand entrance. Get creative with the themes of the drinks that are unique to your friendships. This is fun too because you can spread them out through the evening and everyone gets to be the star for an hour or so. February cabin fever setting in? Get out of the house to enjoy food and drinks at these Bryony & Birch favorites on the North Shore.

Flowers & Plants

Gardens and flowers raise the vibration of anyone’s home. If your girlfriend is already a green thumb, give her a new flower to plant and bring her joy. Getting in touch with our feminine energy is also getting in touch with our ability to nourish. If your friend is a little more glamorous or doesn’t enjoy gardening, a beautiful bouquet can also do the trick.

Ultimately you know your friends better than anyone else, so whatever feels sentimental to you and your crew will be special. There are so many ways to cherish love other than romance, so take a moment to celebrate all of the relationships in your life this Valentine’s Day.

 

Winter on the North Shore: Where The Bryony Girls Are Keeping Warm (and Well-Fed!)

While May through October has us quite literally dancing in Amesbury’s streets, there’s something to be said about winter on the North Shore.

As boats get docked, pools get covered and the tried and trusted ankle-length coats come out, we know it’s officially the season of warm food, soul-soothing drinks and the types of crackling fireplaces that make you instinctively break out the board games or pour a glass of wine to have a life talk with a bestie.

With that being said, we can’t hibernate forever. As lovers of all things local, we’re sharing our go-to restaurants and bars that offer exactly what you need all year round!

Scroll down to learn more.

The Best Places To Eat & Drink in Amesbury, MA

Fortune Bar

The only thing friendlier than Friend Street in Amesbury is the crew at Fortune Bar. Open seven days a week serving up beer, bar food and shots, it’s our go-to for both a post-work drink or big night on the weekend. After all, is it even possible to have a Bud Light without a shot of Fireball?

Fortune Bar
12 Friend Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-0291
Fortune Bar Website

Barking Dog Bar & Grill

Did someone say ‘Hangover Helper Burger’? The Barking Dog did! While they have a menu that can and will cure any ailment, Barking Dog Bar & Grill is a super family-friendly restaurant in the heart of Amesbury, MA. With everything from cocktails to craft beer to fine whiskey, there’s a drop for everyone.

Barking Dog Bar & Grill
21 Friend St
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-9537
Barking Dog Bar & Grill Website

Phat Cats Bistro

When you have a ‘dollar oyster night’ you pretty much have our hearts. And that, our friends, is how we fell in love with Phat Cats Bistro. We also extra love eating and drinking there because they’re passionate about supporting local businesses and use farm-fresh ingredients from many of the local producers in the Amesbury area.

Phat Cats Bistro
65A Market St
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-2777
Phat Cats Bistro Website

Market Square Bakehouse

Open seven days a week, Market Square Bakehouse is our go-to for coffee dates, breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack. Featuring a menu with loads of gluten-free and vegetarian options, they also offer specialty brews like cold brew, kombucha and local beer and cider!

Market Square Bakehouse
5 Market Square
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-5237
Market Square Bakehouse Website

Crave

Couple Crave’s cocktail menu with their selection of New England Craft Beer and Italian wines and your mouth is guaranteed a party. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturdays, Crave is both kid and adult-friendly and has total winners on the menu such as buffalo Brussel sprouts, fish tacos, crab cake sandwiches and loads of vegetarian and GF options.

We also love that while you dine, you can take in the gorgeous artwork by Paula Estey.

Crave
32 Elm Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-6075
Crave Website

Brewery Silvaticus

As lovers of craft beer, we often have to remind our hearts to be still when we walk into Silvaticus. Owned by the Head Brewer, Jay Bullen, you’ll find brews such as Classic Bavarian Hefeweizens, hoppy lagers and, of course, their award-winning sour ale.
Open Wednesday to Sunday, they have a fantastic taproom for tastings and an epic beer garden overlooking the Powow River. You can stick around for delicious food and a refreshing pint or fill up a growler (or two) to-go!

Brewery Silvaticus
9 Water Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 504-BEER
Silvaticus Website

Holiday Wine Bar

Despite the name, you get way more than wine at Holiday Wine Bar in Amesbury. On top of its epic vibe and huge selection of wines from around the world, you can pop in for a whiskey, cocktails, beer and amaro. Intimate, eclectic and a must do for date night or girls night, it’s one of the North Shore’s best bars by far. And yes! There’s food!

Holiday Wine Bar
15 Friend Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-5498

Cider Hill Farm

A must-visit all year round, Cider Hill Farm is a place you’ll want to kick back and relax in so be sure to book your day there in advance! With numerous activities on offer and super kid-friendly, you’ll get to pick tulips, grab lunch, go for a farm stroll, pick fruit, or grab a drink at their hard cider bar.

Contact Cider Hill Farm
45 Fern Avenue
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-5525
Cider Hill Farm Website

Flatbread Co.

When it comes to pizza you can feel extra good about, the minds behind Flatbread Co. are the masters. Through their use of organic ingredients, clean & chemical-free meat and gluten-free/vegan options, they create some of the freshest, tastiest and photo-worthy food in Amesbury. Available for dine-in or takeaway, you need to eat Flatbread Co. AT LEAST once while in Amesbury!

Contact Flatbread Co.
5 Market Square
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-9800
Flatbread Co. Website

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The North Shore’s Best Food & Drinks: 5 Amesbury Must-Dos

We might be biased, but if you’re planning on visiting the North Shore, Amesbury is a non-negotiable must-do.

One of the reasons we love living here so much, and a major driving force behind starting Bryony & Birch, is the number of brewers, bakers, makers and shakers that call this beautiful pocket of Massachusetts home.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for craft beer, chocolate or a coconut lime margarita, the below five local spots have you covered!

Scroll down to discover the best places to eat and drink in Amesbury.

The North Shore’s Best Food & Drinks

Brewery Silvaticus

As lovers of craft beer, we often have to remind our hearts to be still when we walk into Silvaticus. Owned by the Head Brewer, Jay Bullen, you’ll find brews such as Classic Bavarian Hefeweizens, hoppy lagers and, of course, their award-winning sour ale.

Open Wednesday to Sunday, they have a fantastic taproom for tastings and an epic beer garden overlooking the Powow River. You can stick around for delicious food and a refreshing pint or fill up a growler (or two) to-go!

Be sure to check out the Silvaticus Events Calendar because they often host run clubs, yoga classes and even Makers Markets.

Contact Brewery Silvaticus:
9 Water Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 504-BEER
info@brewerysilvaticus.com

Click here to follow Silvaticus on Instagram!

The COOP Rotisserie

If you love food from the Caribbean and Latin America, The COOP Rotisserie is where you want to go. Chef-Owner Elvis Jimenez-Chavez is responsible for Amesbury’s best Salvadorian Pupusas, Cuban sandwiches and Coxinha!

The best part: They are amazing at catering to food sensitivities such as gluten and dairy! Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 4 pm, they offer dine-in, takeout and curbside pick up! Even their sangria, agave Margaritas, beers, and wine are available to go.

Contact The COOP Rotisserie
36 Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-6432
thecooprotisserie@gmail.com

Click here to follow the COOP Rotisserie on Instagram!

Ovedia Artisan Chocolates

Open Monday to Saturday, Ovedia is a chocolaterie and espresso bar located in the heart of Amesbury. Need we say more?

Since 2007, this little gem has been our go-to spot for soul-warming espresso coffee and life-changing chocolate. While you can totally drop in for a sip and nibble, you can also grab coffee beans to bring home as well as fantastic holiday and host gift baskets!

Contact Ovedia Artisan Chocolates
36 Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 388-7700
antoinette@ovedia.com

Click here to follow Ovedia on Instagram!

RMA Craft Beer & Wine

If your plan is to head to Amesbury for a long weekend in a cozy b&b, but want something extra special to drink: you’ll want to head to RMA Craft Beer & Wine.

Located on Main Street, you can book a tasting to try beer and wine from around the world as well as our local drops! Uncomfortable about doing it in person? Not a problem: they offer virtual tastings via here!

Open 7 days a week, RMA Craft Beer & Wine in Amesbury seriously has the best selection of craft beer on the North Shore. Did we mention they do keg hires? (They do keg hires!)

Contact RMA Craft Beer & Wine
19 Main Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 792-5634
info@rmacraftbeer.com

Click here to follow RMA on Instagram.

Crave

Try not to get too excited, but Crave has a chocolate peanut butter martini. Couple their cocktail menu with their selection of New England Craft Beer and Italian wines and your mouth is guaranteed a party.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday – Saturdays, Crave is both kid and adult-friendly and has total winners on the menu such as buffalo Brussel sprouts, fish tacos, crab cake sandwiches and loads of vegetarian and GF options.

We also love that while you dine, you can take in the gorgeous artwork by Paula Estey.

Contact Crave
32 Elm Street
Amesbury, MA 01913
(978) 834-6075
managerofcrave@gmail.com

Click here to follow Crave on Instagram.

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