THE WAIT FOR SUMMER seems to take forever , but when it ’ s finally here , there ’ s nothing like the warm sun , long days , vacations and beach time . There are also picnics , parties , patriotic holidays and patio dining , among other celebrations to look forward to .
Cinco de Mayo , the May 5th holiday commemorating the Mexican ’ s army battle victory over the French , is a great way to kickstart the season . After all , who doesn ’ t love a good Margarita and the fresh , spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine ?
You can add spice to your Cinco celebration — and your summer — by incorporating the Mexican seasoning Tajín . The chili-limesalt flavoring frequently appears on the glass rim of tequila and mezcal cocktails , but you can do so much more with it . For a recipe that includes Tajin in a summer fruit salad , along with a few Tajinaccented drinks , see page 8 .
You ’ ll want to have plenty of ice on hand for summer drinks . Which types of ice go with what cocktails ? See page 12 to find out . And for some terrific seasonal cocktail recipes , turn to page 6 .
School may be out for the summer , but beverage education is always in ( and the homework is fun !). This issue packs in plenty of information , tips and tidbits .
For instance , if you ’ re curious about what exactly barrel aging does for wine and if wine in barrels actually “ breathes ,” check out the Vinsights column on page 11 . Have you wondered what distinguishes Cognac from other types of brandy ? See page 13 .
Want to learn how to pair sake ? Japanese chef Masa Hamaya of sushi restaurant O-Ku Atlanta provides some expert tips on page 5 . Looking for warmer-weather wine recommendations ? Our national wine panel offers ratings and reviews of some spring and summer wines on page 14 .
Celebrations and get-togethers have taken on new meaning after the turmoil of the past two years . As we continue to creep out of the pandemic , we are particularly looking forward to this summer and all that the season brings .
We hope that you have a safe and sensational summer , and we ’ ll see you in the fall . Cheers !
Melissa Dowling Editor
FUN IN THE SUN
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU !
Email your comments to mdowling @ epgmediallc . com
Summer 2022 Vol . 3 No . 2
EDITOR Melissa Dowling 763-383-4442 mdowling @ epgmediallc . com
MANAGING EDITOR Kyle Swartz 763-383-4447 kswartz @ epgmediallc . com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Jamie Stafford 763-383-4485 jstafford @ epgmediallc . com
ASSOCIATE MANAGING ART DIRECTOR Nicole Siewert nsiewert @ epgmediallc . com
SALES AND TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Kurt Eisinger 763-383-4420 keisinger @ epgmediallc . com
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Marnie Old
SR REGIIONAL SALES MANAGER Mark Marcon 763-383-4456 mmarcon @ epgmediallc . com
NATIONAL ACCOUNTS DIRECTOR Debbie Rittenberg
763-383-4455 drittenberg @ epgmediallc . com
LIST RENTAL Joanne Juda-Prainito jjuda-prainito @ epgmediallc . com 763-383-4401
REPRINTS Bernadette Wohlman bwohlman @ epgmediallc . com 763-383-4464
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