THE FREEDOM PARTY
In the frequently asked questions compendium for The Great American Bar Crawl, which comes to downtown Raleigh Saturday, July 2, concerned citizens ask if the Independence Day-linked event is political. “Hell no,” the organization responds. “The only party we subscribe to is … partying.” Hey, at least in this politically charged moment, you know where they stand. For $30, participants get a branded cup (which the group sometimes calls a “chalace”) and access to drink specials at bars that brim with people sporting red, white, and blue paraphernalia. Wasting your money is one of the most time-tested ways to celebrate your freedom, right?
If you’re looking for a more low-key and thrifty way to indulge this holiday weekend, Crude Bitters will host a seasonally appropriate class on frozen cocktails Saturday for five dollars. “We’ll start with the godfather of frozen drinks, the piña colada,” Crude promises, “and move on from there!” And if you’re looking to learn even more about booze, Mystery’s regular series, Beer Church, convenes Sunday at the Hillsborough taproom with Allagash’s crisp “Little Brett.” Buy a bit of the perfect summer beer, and the glass is yours to keep. They don’t even try to call it a chalice, either.
www.greatamericanbarcrawl.comwww.crudebitters.comwww.mysterybrewing.com
CAFFEINE FIGHT
At its second location, just across the street from N.C. State’s Belltower, Jubala will offer an education in a different style of drink. At the 7:30 p.m. “Latte Art Throw Down” Thursday, June 30, some of the Triangle’s top baristas will pour their best-looking drinks. Jubala will offer some food specials and beer imported from Trophy, just a mile away. Watching is free; competing costs $5.
