As you can probably tell from the name, It’s Poppin boasts quite the array of popcorn. From savory to sweet, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a flavor that’s right up your lane. On top of their already impressive array of popcorn, It’s Poppin also boasts a number of alcohol-infused popcorn flavors. Yes, liquor and popcorn, you read that right my friend. From margarita to peach vodka-flavored popcorn, you might just find yourself wondering if your local bar and the much-loved snack aisle at your grocery store somehow joined forces. And if Apple Martini’s and Cosmo’s aren’t quite up your alley then fear not because It’s Poppin owner Ardra Tippett plans on incorporating a brew-infused popcorn to the line of airy treats.

On top of their assortment of popcorn, It’s Poppin also features a number of boozy treats including beer jelly (yep!), Irish Whiskey Truffle Butters, rum cake, the amazing margarita cheesecake (pictured in the gallery below), and much more. I had the opportunity to try the latter, which is made using Patron and Grand Marnier. And yes, it’s just as amazing as it sounds. The folks over at It’s Poppin also plan on serving wine in the near future, so that’s yet another Lushworthy addition you can look forward to.

It’s Poppin is located at 3165 Peachtree Road in Buckhead. Also, be sure to check out Cake Cafe Atlanta (It’s Poppin’s big sis) if you’re looking for a true bakery fix.

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I’m not sure if what’s being dubbed the Hennessy Lumimous bottle will be made available to the public, but if it is do you think you can see yourself dishing out a few extra bucks for the exclusive bottle?

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The event is free to the public, and if you wish to attend be sure to head over to the “Penny Candy” Eventbrite page to RSVP. You can find more info in the flyer below.

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Before I had the opportunity to cover the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival on Saturday, I was invited to a rooftop party held by 12th & Midtown, which was sponsored by Stella Artois and Rums Of Puerto Rico along with several Atlanta restaurants. The event, titled Keep The Flavors Flowing, was held on the amazing pool deck of 77 12th. On top of sips of Stella and various rum punches, attendee’s were also treated to small bites from Ri Ra, STK, and other Midtown eateries. I snapped a few pics while I was there and I’ve included a few below. Enjoy!

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After attending the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival over the weekend, when asked about the festival my first reaction was to proclaim, “I loved everything!!!” And yes, that statement would be followed by that many exclamation points. But during the festival, I was intent on finding just a handful of Lushworthy favorites to focus on. It took a minute to narrow things down, but I was able to compile a list of what I personally believe were the bet sips from the annual festival. Check it out!

Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream - Just think Baileys, but with a Southern twang. I’m a big fan of cream-based liqueurs, so I was really looking forward to tasting this latest liqueur, which is based out of Tennessee. The addition of whiskey gives Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream an added (and very welcomed) kick and it’s not as sugary sweet as your typical cream liqueur.

Patron Silver Strawberry & Herbs Popsicle – Although this technically isn’t a sip, it’s spiked with Patron and it’s damn delicious so that’s enough for me. Patron’s variety of spiked popsicles came courtesy of Atlanta favorite King Of Pops.

Ultimat Vodka’s Strawberry & Basil Lemonade – Suffice it to say that fruit and herb combo’s will be big this season as far as cocktails are concerned. I’m saddened to say that it’s been awhile since I really enjoyed a vodka cocktail, but this gem from Ultimat Vodka was perfect. It was potent and despite being a strawberry lemonade-based cocktail it wasn’t overly sweet.

Avery Brewing Company’s XX India Pale Ale (Paired with a cake doughnut featuring a Campari-infused glaze) – Among the three seminars I attended during the festival was “Beer & Doughnuts” and it was definitely a favorite along with a very informative seminar on the history of the Southern cocktail. By far one of the tastiest pairings during the “Beer & Doughnuts” seminar was the hella Lushworthy Campari-infused doughnut, which was paired with an IPA from Avery Brewing Company. The combination was heavily tart, but surprisingly tasty.

Belle Meade Bourbon’s Charleston Ginger Tea – Bourbon and sweet tea are about as Southern as they come and the addition of Barritt’s Ginger Beer to this cocktail from Belle Meade Bourbon made for a refreshing treat while perusing the Tasting Tents at the festival.

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Rumors ran rampant about the introduction of Ciroc Watermelon to the line of flavors from Ciroc Vodka, but a recent Instagram post from Diddy has revealed that the newest flavor from the popular vodka line is in fact Ciroc Amaretto.

I want to stress that so far this news has not officially been confirmed by Ciroc or Diageo, but Diddy’s Instagram post does seem to be pretty legit and Twitter is already afire with posts about the newest Ciroc addition.

How do you guys feel about the introduction of Ciroc Amaretto? I was personally taken aback by the introduction of this particular flavor, especially since Ciroc is pretty well-known for their fruit-based flavors, but it does seem promising. Stay tuned for info on when Ciroc Amaretto will be made available.

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For all you ladies who reside in Georgia, your much-loved girls night out (or in) are about to welcome a new Lushworthy companion. This month, the Georgia-based Girls Nite Out Margaritas officially launched across the state. Created using real fruit juice, Blue Agave Tequila, and triple sec, GNO Margaritas could possibly be a worthy addition to the growing world of ready-to-serve cocktails.

Women love our options and I’m sure GNO creator and former bartender Tess Trippi was aware of that since the line of margaritas thankfully come in a variety of flavors including Blissful Blue Razz, Wild Watermelon, Mystical Mango, and Playful Pomegranate.

“We’re just thrilled that it’s finally on store shelves! Our social media has really generated a lot of attention and our followers have all been anxious to give it a try. Now that they can, we’re hoping they’ll help spread the GNO love everywhere,” said Trippi in a statement.

GNO Margaritas will retail for $15.99 a bottle (a percentage of that will be donated to Autism Speaks) and to find a list of places where you can purchase the new line of ready-to-serves, visit GNOMargaritas.com. And for all you non-Georgian’s out there, I’ll keep you posted if I hear anything about GNO launching in other states.

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I was already a big fan of the “White Russian” cocktail before I watched The Big Lebowski for the first time a few years back, but after watching The Dude whip back the cocktail like it was nothing, I have to say that I became minorly obsessed with the Kahlua and vodka-based drink. Don’t worry, my obsession probably lasted a solid week and a half. And while I’m sure The Dude was probably pretty set on the standard combination of Kahlua, vodka, and cream or milk, I’m sure there’s a few tweaked versions of the “White Russian” that he wouldn’t mind. So, without further adieu here are three versions of the “White Russian” The Dude would approve of and one he probably wouldn’t be a fan of. And yes, it’s vegan.

White Russian #3 – I’m sure The Dude wouldn’t mind this minor flip on the White Russian, which calls for the addition of Stoli’s vanilla-flavored vodka instead of regular vodka. (Via DrinksMixer.com)

INGREDIENTS

2 oz Stoli® Vanil vodka
1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/2 – 1 oz light cream

DIRECTIONS

Pour vanilla vodka and Kahlua over ice. Top off with light cream.

Irish White Russian – Thanks to the addition of vanilla vodka and Baileys this is a White Russian that’s a little more decadent than the standard cocktail.

INGREDIENTS

Ice
3/4 ounce Vanilla Vodka
3/4 ounce Kahlua
3/4 ounce Baileys
Milk

DIRECTIONS

In a low ball glass add ice until full, then add vanilla vodka, Kahlua, and Baileys. Top off with milk and stir.

Chocolate White Russian Pud’n Shots – Everyone loves pudding, especially when it’s spiked with liquor. (Via JustAPinch.com)

INGREDIENTS

16 oz cool whip
1 lg box instant chocolate pudding, dry (the kahlua & vodka are the liquid)
3/4 c kahlua (coffee liqueur)
1/4 c vodka

DIRECTIONS

Mix pudding & kahlua for a couple of minutes with an electric mixer. Add vodka & then mix well. Now it’s time to add the Cool Whip. Then all you have to do is put the pudding mix into individual serving cups with lids. You may want to provide some plastic spoons. Keep in the freezer.

Vegan White Russian – I have nothing against those who lead a vegan lifestyle, but soy milk in a White Russian?! Bleh. The Dude would never approve of such a thing. (Via MadeJustRight.com)

INGREDIENTS 

1 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. coffee liqueur
1 1/2 oz. Organic Soy Milk

DIRECTIONS

Pour all ingredients into a shaker filled with ice and mix well. Serve on the rocks.

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Although we still have a little less than a month before summer begins, for most of us Memorial Day weekend signifies the unofficial start of the summer season. And with that unofficial start you can expect plenty of people to break out the grills, a few seasonal cocktails, and other summer pleasantries this weekend. If you’re still in the market for a great cocktail or two for your Memorial Day festivities, I’ve compiled a list of six drink recipe ideas that come courtesy of Captain Morgan, SKYY Infusions, and more, and range from the pretty standard to the enticingly intricate.

Be sure to have an enjoyable and safe weekend and let’s try not to forget about the the men and women who lost their lives in the Armed Forces because that’s in fact what Memorial Day really is all about.

Spiced Moscato Grape (Pictured Above/Created By Lindsay Nader)

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. SKYY Infusions Moscato Grape
3.4 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
3.4 oz. Orgeat Syrup
1 small slice of Serrano pepper, seeds on

DIRECTIONS

In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle Serrano slice in Orgeat. Add rest of the ingredients. Shake and finely strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an edible orchid.

Captain Morgan Wild Ginger

INGREDIENTS

1 750 mL bottle Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum
2 750 mL bottles dry white wine
24 oz. pineapple juice
6 oz. sour mix
1 2 L bottle ginger ale
3 oranges, sliced
4 lemons, sliced
1 bunch fresh mint

DIRECTIONS

Chill all ingredients. In a large punch bowl, crush the fresh fruit to extract the juices. Add Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum, wine, pineapple juice, sour mix and ginger ale. Add a large block of ice and serve the punch in wine glasses with pieces of fruit and a sprig of mint.

Summer Breeze

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 ounces Ketel One Oranje Flavored Vodka
1 1/2 ounces Fresh Orange Juice
1 1/2 ounces Cranberry Juice
Orange Wheel for Garnish

DIRECTIONS

Pour Ketel One Oranje, fresh orange juice and cranberry juice into rocks glass over ice and stir gently. Garnish with orange wheel.

Kiwi Colada

INGREDIENTS

2 ounces Shellback Spiced Rum
1 ounce Cream of Coconut
1 Kiwi – Skinned & Sliced
6 Fresh Pineapple Cubes – 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 inch roughly
3 Watermelon Cubes – 1-1/2 by 1 1/2 inch roughly
12 ounces Crushed Ice
Kiwi Slice Garnish

DIRECTIONS

Place all ingredients in blender, saving one kiwi slice for garnish. Blend until completely smooth. Pour into goblet. Garnish with kiwi and watermelon slice.

Kilbeggan Waterwheel (Created By Darren McGettigan)

INGREDIENTS

6 Fresh blueberries
1 tsp Sugar
1.25 oz Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey
2.5 oz Apple juice
1.25 oz Pineapple juice
1 dash Cherry bitters

DIRECTIONS 

In a Boston shaker, add blueberries and sugar, muddle hard. Fill the shaker with ice, and add all other ingredients. Shake well, and double strain into a tall glass filled with ice. Garnish with blueberries on a cocktail pick.

Cantaloupe Tea Daiquiri (Created By James Labe)

INGREDIENTS

1 ½ oz. Numi Emperor’s Pu-erh Tea
1 ½ oz. Van Gogh BLUE Vodka
3 oz. Frozen Cubed Cantaloupe
1 oz. Coconut Milk
Splash of Lemon Juice

DIRECTIONS

Steep tea at 4X normal strength for 2 minutes, then remove tea bag and chill liquid for later use. Combine and blend ingredients in blender, adding a splash of lemon for each serving.
Serve on the rocks, garnish with Lemon Wedge.

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