Each week we seek out unique drinks made on Martha’s Vineyard and a bit about the people who make them. Times intern Naomi Pallas is on the lookout for non-alcoholic beverages, while intern Ben Williams finds creative cocktails. Email calendar@mvtimes.com with your suggestions.
Tisberry smoothie from Tisberry
Though known for frozen yogurt, Vineyard Haven’s eye-poppingly colorful and energetic Tisberry is also home to a variety of fruit smoothies that are just as vibrant as the walls.
Customers create their own blend by following the “no junk” (ice, sugar, or artificial mixes) smoothie menu and selecting two fruits and a liquid. I had the popular strawberry mango smoothie with pineapple juice, which is pink, juicy, and not too sweet – just the drink for the rising temperatures. Strawberry and mango pieces from the frozen yogurt toppings float on top for extra fruitiness. All smoothies contain a frozen banana, and frozen yogurt can be added upon request.
For a dose of vitamins and protein order a “boost,” such as whey protein, spirulina powder, green tea powder, or chia seeds which, according to the menu, will control blood sugar, relieve stress, and provide a boost of energy.
Smoothies are $5.75 plus tax, and boosts are an added $1 for one and $1.50 for two.
For more information, contact Tisberry at: 508-693-1145 or visit them at 29 Main St., Unit C2, in Vineyard Haven.
The Amity Island from Offshore Ale Co.
If you’re looking for the best pint around, try out the Amity Island beer from Offshore Ale Co. on Kennebec Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Amity Island is a light and tasty English Summer Ale brewed specifically to be the official beer of the 2012 JawsFest Tribute.
Hop Goddess, one of Offshore’s other beers, is a notoriously delicious beer for which people have been known to travel great distances; yet its heavy hoppiness, bitterness (69 international bitterness units (IBU)) and high alcohol content (6.9 percent) make it a hard drink to throw back on a summer day.
Amity Island was made to be drinkable when it’s hot, and its 4.3-percent alcohol content and medium-low bitterness (29 IBU) let you stay a while and perhaps have more than one. It’s a great go-to beer if you’re looking for something refreshing.
“I think it tastes floral, but no one agrees with me,” joked server Garret James. “You’ll have to come and discover for yourself.”
Offshore gets most of its hops from Germany and then brews and ferments all of their beer on site. They serve free peanuts and welcome customers to toss their discarded shells on the floor. Pints are $5.25, half pints are $3, and pitchers are $18.95.
For more information, visit offshoreale.com or call 508-693-2626.
