I was first introduced to Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer around this time last year, and immediately became obsessed. Admittedly, I am not the biggest fan of beer (sorry about it). I don’t particularly enjoy the taste, and will usually forego drinking it in favor of a glass of wine or a cocktail.
Crabbies, best served “over ice with a slice,” converted me. The beer, which is made with “four secret ingredients and seeped in ginger,” is light, refreshing, and doesn’t make me feel like I’ve gained 25 pounds after consumption. The ladies understand what I’m talking about. Unfortunately, it was only available at limited number of place in Philadelphia.
Fast forward one year: Crabbies is available at distributors and bars all over Philadelphia AND is warpping up a week-long ginger beer extravaganza in Philly! I could not have been more excited. Plus, the company just launched their newest flavor, Spiced Orange, in the United States. Score.
I attended a tasting at Growlers (736 South 8th Street), just one of the week-long Crabbie’s events happening throughout the city. I was treated to a slew of Crabbie’s cocktails and some delicious ginger-inspired dishes from the bar’s very own chef Michael Thomas.
The featured cocktails included the Rye of the Storm, which features Old Overholt Rye, bitters, lime and Crabbie’s Spiced Orange Ginger Beer and my personal favorite, the Dark & Crabbie–a divine combination of Gosling’s dark rum, lime and Crabbie’s Original Ginger Beer.
The food parings were equally delicious. Crispy braised pork belly skewers, bathed in an orange ginger sweet-and-sour sauce, were paired with a small spring onion salad. The dish, accompanied by a Crabbie’s Spiced Orange over ice, was an awesome way to kick off our evening.
Next, we noshed on seared trout topped with a honey ginger dressing. The fish’s crispy skin was cooked to perfection, but the real star of this dish was the honeydew and fennel salad that accompanied the plate. I want to eat this every day for the rest of my life. The suggested drink pairing was a Crabbie’s Original, which truly was the perfect accompaniment.
Finally, we were given amazing straw hats with the Crabbie’s logo, which will absolutely become a permanent staple in my summer wardrobe.
For more information about Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer, check out their website, follow them on Twitter and Instagram, and like them on Facebook.
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