Sip & Synopsis - What You'll Find Here

• The History of Hoops & Hops
• Drink of the week: Point Gard Paloma
• Interesting Facts: Agave
• Play Our Cocktail Bracket!
  

The intertwined saga of basketball and brewing stands as a powerful narrative of resilience and cultural significance. This shared history not only underscores the lasting allure of these American pastimes but also their remarkable capacity to evolve and flourish through the decades. Together, they weave into the very tapestry of American life, underscoring the pivotal role sports and beer hold in uniting communities and forging collective memories.

The Birth of Basketball and Brewing in America

• Basketball's Inception: Basketball was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts, as an indoor sport to keep athletes fit during the winter months.
• The Rise of American Breweries: The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a boom in brewing in the United States, with immigrants bringing their beer-making traditions from Europe. This era laid the groundwork for the rich and diverse beer culture that thrives in the U.S. today.

Prohibition and Its Impact

• Speakeasies and Secret Games: While breweries struggled or shut down, basketball offered a wholesome form of entertainment. Interestingly, speakeasies (illegal bars) sometimes hosted secret basketball games, bringing the two worlds together in defiance of prohibition laws.

Modern-Day Connections

• Craft Beer and the NBA: The craft beer movement has exploded in recent decades, mirroring the global expansion of basketball. Today, NBA arenas often feature a wide selection of local and craft beers, catering to the tastes of a diverse fan base.

In honor of the start of March Madness we bring you The "Point Gard Paloma" with a new perspective to this beloved cocktail. Here's a recipe that adds a creative twist to the traditional ingredients, incorporating unexpected elements for a modern take. 

Join in the fun! Readers can vote on their favorites cocktails to eventually crown the ultimate cocktail champion. 

East Region:

1. Margarita vs. 16. Paloma

2. Old Fashioned vs. 15. Sazerac

3. Negroni vs. 14. Aperol Spritz

4. Mojito vs. 13. Caipirinha

West Region:

1. Manhattan vs. 16. Whiskey Sour

2. Martini vs. 15. Gibson

3. Cosmopolitan vs. 14. French 75

4. Pina Colada vs. 13. Daiquiri

How to Play:

• Round 1: Each cocktail goes head-to-head with another. Readers vote for their favorites. The cocktails with the most votes move to the next round.

• Quarterfinals: The winners from the first round face off. Again, readers vote for their favorites to advance.

• Semifinals: Down to the final four cocktails. These matchups determine who makes it to the championship round.

• Championship: The final two cocktails battle it out for the title of "Ultimate Cocktail Champion." Reader votes determine the winner.

We'll celebrate the winning cocktail with a special feature in the newsletter. There may be sum special giveaways along the way so be sure to let us know if you plan to participate in the poll below!

As the madness of March unfolds, let these cocktails and tips elevate your game day experience. Whether you're in it for the love of the game, the thrill of the bracket, or just here for the drinks, we're cheering you on every step of the way. Here's to a month filled with upsets, underdogs, and unforgettable moments. Cheers to March Madness!

~ Andrea 

P.S. Do you have a favorite cocktail? Are you a mixologist or do you want to highlight someone? If so, simply reply to this email for a chance to be featured in a future newsletter and to be entered into our monthly drawing!