Beverages
Why Wheat Beers Still Win for Me After All These Years
After years of drinking beer from around the world, wheat beers remain my favorite. Here’s why flavor, balance, and craft still matter.
I’ve been legally drinking beer long enough to remember when the default choice at most bars was something cold, fizzy, and forgettable. Like most people, when I turned 21, I drank what was available, what was cheap, and what everyone else was drinking.
Over time, my palate evolved—and my patience for bland, mass-produced beer disappeared.
These days, if I’m reaching for a beer, chances are it’s a wheat beer.
From “Anything Cold” to Actually Tasting Beer
Early on, I learned something important: not all beer is created equal. The big mainstream domestic brands—built for volume, shelf life, and advertising budgets—never really did it for me. They’re engineered to offend no one, which usually means they excite no one either.
Thin body. Muted flavor. A sameness that makes one brand blur into the next.
That doesn’t mean I dislike American beer. Quite the opposite.
Why Craft and Small Breweries Changed Everything
What I do appreciate are medium-sized breweries, small operations, and microbreweries that actually care about flavor, balance, and craftsmanship. Domestic brewers who treat beer like food—not just a commodity—have produced some outstanding work over the years.
The rise of craft beer proved that American brewers could compete with the best in the world when flavor came first.
Discovering Wheat Beers: Flavor Without Heaviness
My appreciation for wheat beers came naturally. Unlike many heavy ales or aggressively hopped styles, wheat beers offer complexity without exhaustion.
A great wheat beer delivers:
- A soft, rounded mouthfeel
- Notes of banana, clove, citrus, or spice
- Natural carbonation that lifts the flavor
- Balance that works whether you sip or socialize
German Hefeweizens, Weissbiers, and Weizenbocks set the standard. Breweries like Weihenstephaner, Paulaner, Franziskaner, and Schneider Weisse showed me just how expressive wheat beer can be without trying to overwhelm the drinker.
Tasting the World, Not Just the Shelf
Over the years, I’ve sampled beers from around the world—Germany, Belgium, the UK, Mexico, Japan, and beyond. Each region brings something different, but the best beers share a common thread: intention.
Once you’ve tasted beers refined over centuries, it’s hard to get excited about products designed mainly for shelf stability and mass appeal.
Yes, American Wheat Beers Can Be Great Too
To be fair, American craft brewers have done some excellent work with wheat beers. Some stay true to traditional styles, while others experiment carefully with citrus or spice.
The good ones respect the base beer instead of burying it under gimmicks.
Why Wheat Beers Still Top My List
After years of drinking, tasting, and learning, wheat beers remain my go-to for one simple reason: they deliver flavor without fatigue.
They don’t need extreme bitterness. They don’t rely on shock value. They don’t pretend to be something they’re not.
Wheat beers are confident, approachable, and honest—and that’s something I appreciate more with every passing year.
I’ll always respect a well-made beer, no matter where it’s brewed. But if you ask me what I actually enjoy drinking, what I come back to again and again, it’s wheat beers.
Not shouted through a commercial.
Further Reading & Reference
- Weihenstephan Brewery – Official site of the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery and a benchmark for German wheat beer.
- Schneider Weisse – Renowned Bavarian brewery specializing in traditional and strong wheat beer styles.
- Paulaner Brewery – One of Munich’s historic breweries, best known in the U.S. for its Hefe-Weißbier.
- Franziskaner Weissbier – Classic German wheat beer brand with a strong yeast-forward profile.
- Erdinger Weissbräu – One of the world’s largest wheat beer breweries, known for consistency and global distribution.
- CraftBeer.com: Hefeweizen Style Guide – Educational overview of wheat beer styles, ingredients, and flavor profiles.
- BJCP Beer Style Guidelines – Industry-standard reference for beer styles, including German wheat beers.
- German Foods: German Beer Traditions – Overview of Germany’s brewing heritage and traditional beer styles.
Also Good to Know Information
American Craft Wheat Beers (Style-Respecting Examples)
- Allagash White (Maine) – A benchmark American wheat beer inspired by Belgian tradition, known for balance and restraint.
- Bell’s Oberon Ale (Michigan) – A widely respected American wheat ale that helped popularize the style domestically.
- Firestone Walker 805 Blanco – A modern American wheat beer with a lighter profile and regional influence.
- Odell American Wheat – A clean, straightforward American wheat beer emphasizing drinkability.
Academic & Historical Wheat Beer Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Wheat Beer – Historical overview of wheat beer origins, evolution, and regional styles.
- German Foods: German Beer Traditions – Context on Germany’s brewing laws and wheat beer heritage.
- BJCP Style Guidelines – Industry-standard definitions for wheat beer styles used by brewers and judges.
- Journal of the Institute of Brewing – Academic research on brewing science, including wheat malt and fermentation behavior.
Why Wheat Beer Yeast Matters
- Craft Beer & Brewing: Wheat Beer Yeast – Explains how yeast produces banana and clove flavors in wheat beers.
- White Labs: What Makes Hefeweizen Yeast Unique – Scientific breakdown of yeast strains and ester formation.
- Brülosophy: Fermentation & Hefeweizen Flavor – Experimental analysis of how fermentation affects wheat beer character.
Shopping & Availability Resources (U.S.-Friendly)
- Total Wine: Wheat Beer Selection – Broad national retailer with reliable availability of German and American wheat beers.
- BeerMenus – Useful for finding wheat beers on tap or in stores near you.
- Untappd: Top-Rated Wheat Beers – Community-driven ratings and availability insights.
For more stories exploring food, drink, and culture, visit the Food & Drink section at STM Daily News.
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Food and Beverage
Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason
Teremana Tequila and Wingstop team up for Fans of Flavor: wing-and-margarita pairings, a pairing generator, and a sweepstakes through Feb. 8.
Last Updated on January 12, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Teremana® The People’s Margarita and Wingstop Original Hot Wings
Teremana® Tequila Partners With Wingstop to Celebrate Fans of Flavor This Postseason
Teremana® Tequila is bringing the good energy to game day. In a new “Fans of Flavor” partnership announced Jan. 9, 2026, the premium tequila brand founded by Dwayne Johnson is teaming up with Wingstop—the global wing brand known for fresh, made-to-order chicken wings, bold flavors, and its iconic housemade ranch—to help fans turn watch parties into full-on flavor celebrations. The idea is simple: rival teams may split the room, but wings and margaritas are universal.
Teremana Tequila and Wingstop
Wings + Margaritas: A Game Day Pairing Worth Building Around
From now through Feb. 8, fans can explore wing-and-cocktail combinations using the new Fans of Flavor pairing generator, built to match Wingstop’s signature flavors with Teremana margarita recipes. It’s a fun way to level up the table—where the food, drinks, and people become the main event. Here are a few standout pairings highlighted in the launch:- Wingstop Original Hot wings + Teremana® The People’s Margarita for a tropical twist on a classic heat-forward flavor
- Wingstop Spicy Korean Q wings + Teremana® Spicy Margarita for heat that builds and keeps the party going
- Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings + Teremana® Strawberry Margarita for a fresh, fruity contrast against savory richness
Sweepstakes: Win the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest
The partnership also includes a nationwide sweepstakes offering fans a shot at a seriously upgraded watch party. One grand prize winner will receive the Ultimate Game Day Flavor Fest, featuring:- Wingstop gift cards
- Game day drink funds
- A 75″ TV
- Support for a private bartender and party essentials
“Mana” Meets Flavor: The Point of the Partnership
At its core, this collaboration is built around shared moments—bold taste, good company, and the kind of food-and-drink spread that makes people linger a little longer. Teremana’s brand philosophy centers on Mana—good energy that brings people together—and the pairing concept fits naturally into how fans already celebrate postseason football. “Wingstop has always delivered on bold flavor, and that spirit shows up naturally in how people enjoy Teremana on game day,” said Richard Black, CEO of Teremana® Tequila. “The best game day moments don’t happen by accident, they come from good energy, great flavor, and the people you share them with.”Three Teremana Margarita Recipes to Try at Home
If you’re hosting—or just want to bring a little “Fans of Flavor” energy to your next game day meal—Teremana shared three margarita recipes designed to pair with Wingstop favorites.Teremana® The People’s Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Original Hot Wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 1 oz pineapple juice (to taste)
- Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple leaves.
Teremana® Spicy Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Spicy Korean Q Wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco or Reposado
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- 2 jalapeño slices (remove seeds)
- Muddle jalapeños in a shaker.
- Add Teremana, lime juice, and agave.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain into a chili-rimmed rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with jalapeño slices.
Teremana® Strawberry Margarita
Paired with Wingstop Garlic Parmesan wings Ingredients- 2 oz Teremana Blanco
- 1 oz strawberry puree
- ¾ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- Combine all ingredients and shake with ice in a cocktail shaker.
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice and lime wheel.
Where to Follow + Learn More
Fans can follow along for pairing inspiration and sweepstakes updates at @teremana and @wingstop. For more information—and to find a Teremana retailer near you—visit Teremana.com/FansofFlavor. Source: Teremana Tequila (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026) Resource link: Teremana Fans of Flavor Sweepstakes + Pairing Generator Learn more and find a Teremana retailer near youAt our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Beverages
Game On: Ojos Locos Sports Cantina Kicks Off 2026
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina launches Loco Rewards in 2026, plus refreshed Latin-inspired menu items, shareable taco platters, and updated cocktails.
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina Launches Loyalty Program and Refreshed Menu Innovations
With Loco Rewards and a Refreshed Menu
Ojos Locos Sports Cantina is starting 2026 with a clear message for fans of big games and bold flavors: come hungry, come often, and get rewarded for it. The culturally-rooted sports cantina just announced a new loyalty program—Loco Rewards—plus a round of menu and beverage upgrades aimed at delivering more authentic Latin flavor, stronger value, and a better overall guest experience across its Southwest footprint.Loco Rewards: A loyalty program built for regulars
At the center of the update is Loco Rewards, Ojos Locos’ new points-based program designed to recognize frequent guests. Here’s how it works:- 250 bonus points when you join
- 5 points for every $1 spent
- Rewards with no minimum purchase required
- Ability to redeem multiple rewards at once
- Access to members-only offers and early alerts on specials and menu updates
January perk: A shot at 2026 World Cup tickets
To celebrate the launch, Ojos Locos is tying its loyalty push directly to its sports DNA. Guests who sign up for Loco Rewards in January will be entered to win two free tickets to the 2026 World Cup—a timely hook as soccer fans begin looking ahead to the biggest tournament on the planet.Menu upgrades: More Latin technique, more scratch-made detail
Alongside the loyalty rollout, Ojos Locos is refining core menu items with upgraded ingredients and preparation methods that lean further into classic Latin cooking techniques. A few highlights from the refreshed lineup include:- Elote Loco: roasted and charred, finished with crema, queso fresco, Valentina, and chile en polvo
- Birria de Res: reimagined with slow-cooked brisket
- Fresh churros: made daily by a Dallas-based Mexican bakery
- Hand-pressed tortillas: now pressed daily in the cantinas
Built for groups: New platters and $10-and-under Especiales
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon (and group dining likely to spike), Ojos Locos is also leaning into shareable options. Starting in January, the brand is introducing:- A larger taco platter designed for sharing
- Expanded late-night food offerings
- A broader rollout of daily Especiales, many priced at $10 or less
Behind the bar: Updated cocktails and an expanded tequila program
The refresh isn’t just happening in the kitchen. Ojos Locos is also rolling out a revamped 2026 beverage lineup featuring:- Reworked cocktail recipes
- An expanded high-end tequila program
- Trend-forward flavors built for game-day energy
- Milagro Mexican Martini
- Cadillac Margarita
- Horchata Sin Dolor
A growing brand across the Southwest
Ojos Locos currently operates 35 locations across Texas, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, and says these January updates reflect continued investment in quality, hospitality, and the communities it serves. For guests ready to join, Loco Rewards is available through the Ojos Locos app on the App Store or Google Play.- Learn more about Loco Rewards: https://ojoslocos.com/rewards
- Explore the brand: www.ojoslocos.com
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Beverages
Real, Meaningful and Full of Mana: How to Make This Holiday Truly Your Own
holiday entertaining, authentic celebrations, holiday cocktail recipes, meaningful traditions, holiday hosting tips, festive gatherings, holiday connection, Teremana tequila, holiday drinks, margarita recipes, paloma recipe, espresso martini, imperfect holidays, holiday belonging, seasonal entertaining.
Last Updated on December 23, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Real, Meaningful and Full of Mana: How to Make This Holiday Truly Your Own
(Family Features) The holidays rarely look like the glossy greeting-card version you grew up with, and that ’s a good thing. From mismatched chairs around the table to spontaneous drop-ins and burnt cookies, the festive season can be a little messy, and all the more wonderful for it. After all, the holidays are yours and the way you choose to celebrate is what gives them meaning. When it ’s time to celebrate whatever the holidays look like for you, thoughtful touches, expert tips and delicious recipes can help turn those imperfect, unforgettable moments into lasting memories. They may even help you create new traditions of your own. Whether hosting a laid-back dinner for friends, a family gathering or carving out a quiet moment with a loved one, the season is truly what you make of it. It ’s all about creating comfort, connection and meaning in ways that feel authentic to you. This year, instead of chasing someone else ’s version of “perfect,” Teremana – the premium small-batch tequila brand – has created “Recipes for Real Mana,” a seasonal moment designed to help people embrace celebrations that reflect their own lives, tastes and communities in a way that feels real and authentic.People Crave Belonging and Connection
A recent poll from the “American Psychological Association” found that half of Americans lack companionship, signaling that more and more people are craving deeper connections. When you open your doors, welcome others in and share good energy, no matter what that looks like, it offers seasonal inspiration that encourages people to come together in ways that feel real, relaxed and personal, tapping into the fundamental human need for belonging.Find Your Recipe for Real Mana
A perfect companion for any holiday gathering, Teremana Tequila makes mixing cocktails effortless and fun, while festive initiatives like Recipes for Real Mana offer seasonal inspiration that brings people together. As part of the campaign, its holiday site features an interactive Cocktail Generator. Answer a few simple questions and the tool recommends a cocktail to match your vibe – whether it’s a Pomegranate Margarita for a festive get-together, a Cranberry Paloma for family gatherings or a Mocha Espresso Martini for a cozy evening by the fire. It ’s a playful way to explore new recipes, share good energy and bring a little extra Mana to every celebration. “Mana isn ’t just a word, it ’s a way of celebrating what really matters,” says Teremana Tequila Global Brand Ambassador Alan Ruesga-Pelayo. “This season, it ’s less about perfectly set tables and more about the moments that make you smile, laugh and connect. Whether you ’re raising a glass with friends, hosting a spontaneous gathering or savoring a quiet evening at home, Teremana is there to make those moments feel intentional, meaningful and a little magical. It ’s about opening your heart and your home, on your own terms.” From festive gatherings and cozy nights in, Recipes for Real Mana is a reminder that the holidays don ’t have to be perfect to be memorable. They are yours to shape; full of laughter, warmth and connection, exactly the way you want them. To find more information, inspiration and festive cocktail recipes, visit teremana.com/holiday and follow @teremana across social media.
Pomegranate Margarita
Servings: 8-10- 2 cups Teremana Reposado
- 1 1/4 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 2/3 cup cinnamon syrup
- 3 pinches salt
- ice
- cinnamon sticks
- rosemary sprigs
- In pitcher, combine reposado, pomegranate juice, lime juice, cinnamon syrup and salt. Stir to incorporate.
- Pour into rocks glasses over fresh ice.
- Garnish with cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs.
Cranberry Paloma
Servings: 8-10- 1 1/2 cups Teremana Blanco
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- ice
- grapefruit soda
- lime wheels
- cranberries
- In pitcher, combine blanco tequila, cranberry juice and lime juice.
- Pour into salt-rimmed Collins glasses over fresh ice. Top with grapefruit soda. Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with lime wheels and cranberries.
Mocha Espresso Martini
Servings: 1- 1 1/2 ounces Teremana Anejo
- 1 ounce cold brew concentrate
- 1/2 ounce coffee liqueur
- 1/4 ounce chocolate syrup
- ice
- 3 coffee beans or shaved dark chocolate, for garnish
- In cocktail shaker, combine tequila, cold brew concentrate, coffee liqueur, chocolate syrup and ice. Shake until chilled.
- Double strain into martini glass.
- Garnish with coffee beans or shaved dark chocolate.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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