I absolutely love beverages. Who doesn’t? Sure, I drink water most of the day to hydrate and prepare me for workouts, but I get really excited by new beverages or new beverage creations. From craft cocktails to coffee to coconut water, this week has been a busy one filled with new drink discoveries.

Lately I’ve been taking a super fun yet exhausting cycling workout with friends and as a reward I’ve been treating myself to an Irish Apple Martini cocktail from Eli’s Food & Cocktails’ talented bartender, Richie. This man knows how to craft a cocktail with Powers whiskey, Irish Mist liqueur, house made apple cider reduction and a splash of sour mix.

(credit: Crystal Grobe)

Taprooms are popping up all over the Twin Cities serving craft beer and the latest to open is Dangerous Man Brewing Company in Northeast Minneapolis. They had a soft opening on Saturday and served four beers, one of them being Chocolate Milk Stout. Medium bodied and a perfect winter warmer, be on the lookout for a couple of new brews from head brewer and owner, Rob Miller in the near future.

(credit: Crystal Grobe)

My favorite neighborhood coffee shop is Urban Bean Coffee, with locations on Lyndale Avenue and Bryant Avenue in Minneapolis. I ran into owner Greg Martin and he invited me to try their brand new mocha creation. What I love about Urban Bean’s coffee creations is that they offer a touch of sweetness without overdoing it like most coffee shops. This special mocha is made with real chocolate, Dutch process cocoa, and just a splash of their house made vanilla syrup. Perfection.

(credit: Crystal Grobe)