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Reflecting on an incredible journey through 2024, I am thrilled to share a heartfelt tribute to the amazing team behind Matt and Friends Drink the Universe.

As we toast to a new year filled with possibilities, we are eager to embark on exciting new adventures in 2025. If you know of a brewery, distillery, or winery worth exploring, we'd love to connect. E-mail us at [email protected] 

Cheers to a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year, and a huge thank you to our listeners!

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Did you know that you can roller skate to church in a certain country for Christmas? Join us for a holiday-themed episode filled with laughter, trivia, and festive cheer as we, alongside our good friends Andy, Chris, Rob, and Siobhan, explore the quirkiest international Christmas traditions. Sip along with us as we try the Frosted Cranberry 75. Our trivia game challenges you to master the art of giving—in points, that is—while strategically "peeking under the tree" to dodge those pesky wrong answers.

 Discover surprising nuggets of holiday music history, like Judy Garland's unexpected contribution. As the drinks get trickier and the questions tougher, our camaraderie and banter keep the spirits high, peppered with jokes and the occasional rosemary garnish suggestion.

Ever wondered about the origins of Mrs. Claus or the history of the Yule Goat? Our discussions meander through festive lore. We cap off the episode with a light-hearted guessing game inspired by "A Christmas Carol." With joyful toasts and playful banter, we wrap up with warm holiday wishes and a nod to the true essence of the festive season—shared laughter and joyful experiences.

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Ever had an adventure sparked by a simple drink? Andy, Christa, and Rob join Matt for round of story telling to answer the question "How Did We Get Beer?"

Rob takes us on a vibrant journey with Treehouse Brewing’s Super Typhoon American Double IPA, where citrus notes from hops blend with tales of a memorable trip to Vermont. Meanwhile, the Weyerbacher’s Merry Monks triple unleashes smooth flavors and potent memories of casual rehearsals turned into memorable escapades. Alongside Andy and Christa, we reminisce on how the perfect blend of good company, great music, and exceptional brews transforms ordinary moments into cherished stories.

Switch gears with us as we indulge in the hilarious chaos of a $28 vodka tonic mystery, complete with torrential rain and unexpected bar prices.

Reflecting on the wild nights of our past, we fondly recount escapades involving parking meters and Long Island iced tea at 2 a.m. Through laughter and nostalgia, we embrace the growth into responsible adulthood, proving that even the most disorderly conduct can lead to some of the best stories. Join us for all this and more as we toast to the adventures that make life memorable.

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Josh joins Matt to introduce Matt and Friends Drink the Universe's official cocktail for 2024 holiday season! Ever wondered why the French 75 cocktail, born amidst the vibrant backdrop of Paris, still captivates cocktail enthusiasts more than a century later? Join us as we unlock the secrets of this iconic drink and explore how it became a symbol of sophistication and defiance.

This holiday season, we're thrilled to unveil our Frosted Cranberry 75, a festive take on the classic that promises to elevate your celebrations. Josh, guides the crafting of this winter delight using Koval Cranberry Gin Liqueur and Prosecco, offering a refreshing burst of flavor with a hint of sweetness. Discover our tips for creative garnishing with lemon twists and frosted cranberries, or learn how to whip up a homemade cranberry simple syrup if you're feeling adventurous. Whether you're a fan of the original or eager to try our holiday twist, this episode is a spirited toast to both tradition and innovation in cocktail-making.

The Frosted Cranberry 75

1. Add to a shaker with ice:

• 1 oz Koval Cranberry Gin Liqueur
• 1/2 oz half ounce of fresh lemon juice

2. Shake and strain in a champagne flute.
3. Top with 3 oz of Prosecco.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Feel free to use whatever sparkling wine you like best. You can also mix up the garnish with whatever festive ingredients you'd like. A sprig of rosemary or a frosted cranberry would also work great. 

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Andy, Chris, and Siobhan join Matt for some drink tasking and story telling, Matt and Friends Drink the Universe style. Imagine standing on the edge of a 70-foot cliff on the island of Lanai, feeling the adrenaline and the Hawaiian sun on your skin, just before plunging into the crystal waters below. That's the spirit behind the Gold Cliff IPA from Kona Brewing, and the spark for our storytelling adventure. In this episode, Chris takes us back to his 10th wedding anniversary in Hawaii, where he and Siobhan renewed their vows amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Kauai. 

Next Siobhan shares with us a harrowing tail of an encounter with bees. She loves to trauma dump for these episodes! This inevitably leads to all of us sharing tales of winged devils and the various times we have been terrorized by all manner of things with stingers. 

Matt then takes us to the Cayman Islands, where the iconic mudslide recipe stirred up sweet honeymoon memories and humorous tales of driving challenges. 

Our storytelling then takes a cultural turn with Andy as he shares a taste of Lithuanian spirits, comparing the robust flavors of fermented rye mash to familiar whiskeys, and recalling a personal visit to Lithuania that was as warming as the spirits themselves. In the end, we promise not just laughter and nostalgia but a chance to connect over the universal language of good drinks and great adventures. 

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Happy Halloween! Can Chianti really tango with liver and fava beans, or is that just a culinary mismatch immortalized by pop culture? Join us as we unravel this flavorful mystery, teasing the truth behind Dr. Hannibal Lecter's infamous dinner pairing in Silence of the Lambs. This episode promises to enlighten and entertain. Travel back to the 13th century Tuscany and learn how Chianti evolved from white to the rich red icon of today, boasting the robust Sangiovese grape and a distinctive Black Rooster emblem. We’ll even share the medieval legend that put this proud rooster on the map! So pour yourself a glass, and let’s toast to Chianti’s notable place in both wine history and pop culture.

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Rob guides us on a journey to discover the fascinating legacy of the Reinheitsgebot, the historic German Beer Purity Law, and how it continues to shape brewing centuries later. What if a 500-year-old law could guarantee not just the quality of your beer, but also a slice of cultural history with every sip? Join us on for this Alcohology short as we unravel the origins of this pioneering regulation, enacted in 1516, which revolutionized beer brewing by mandating just three ingredients.

As we toast to tradition, we'll discuss how Oktoberfest honors this brewing standard, with the the beers served at the illustrious festival. Prost to exploring a bubbling history that promises both quality and fun!

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Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

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On this episode of Matt and Friends Drink the Universe, where we pit our wit and musical expertise against each other in "Think or Drink." Andy, Chris, Rob, and Siobhan join Matt for some music trivia. Each bringing their rich musical backgrounds to the table. The stakes for bragging rights are high, and the trivia is intense. Will Andy retain his crown from the infamous "Let it Eb" episode? 

We kick off by savoring the mouthwatering Cookie Monster golden stout from Funk Brewing. Its delightful blend of vanilla, chocolate, and natural flavors provides the perfect backdrop as we dive into a lively trivia game spanning the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Emo kids, you'll want to be here for the 2000s. Expect playful banter and nostalgic anecdotes as we tackle questions about Madonna's "Like a Virgin," Guns N' Roses' debut single, and the first-ever music video on MTV. The camaraderie and competitive spirit among us shine through, making for an engaging and informative session.

Finally, we take a nostalgic journey through viral internet phenomena and iconic musical moments, from the Foo Fighters to the unforgettable Numa Numa dance. Siobhan and Andy battle fiercely for trivia supremacy, while the rest of us share humorous stories and fun trivia tidbits. We reminisce about Weird Al Yankovic's hilarious parodies, Dashboard Confessional's emo anthems, and even discuss Queen's legendary Live Aid performance. Tune in for an episode brimming with laughter, nostalgia, and a deep love for music trivia that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

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Ever wondered how a molasses based spirit was born in the Caribbean? Join us as we bring to life the captivating story of rum. We promise you'll uncover the rich history that makes this Caribbean delight very unique. We also share some eye-opening tales, like the underwater discovery of Morgan's lost ships and the NFL's unexpected ban on the iconic Captain Morgan pose. This episode is filled with thrilling history, adventurous anecdotes, and the timeless allure of one of the world's most beloved spirits.

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

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Ever wondered how well you know the intricate mythology of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle Earth? Prepare for an epic journey with us as Andy, Jason, Rob, and Siobhan, join Matt for a special edition of Think or Drink trivia. We kick things off with unique "One Ring" mechanics that let players swap lore questions for movie-related ones, all while enjoying Dragon's Milk Reserve and Eagle Banana Bread beer. 

Tune in as we traverse the creation of Middle Earth and dive into the complex roles of characters like Manwë and Melkor. Our guests share their personal connections to Tolkien's works, from childhood memories of reading "The Hobbit" to the deeper complexities of "The Silmarillion." Stories of cherished collectibles and special movie screenings bring a nostalgic atmosphere to the trivia challenge, making it a heartfelt segment that any Tolkien enthusiast will appreciate.

Finally, the stakes rise with challenging Middle-Earth Trivia, featuring tough questions and strategic use of lifelines. The competition heats up with discussions about legendary creatures, punctuated with friendly banter and quick-witted humor. Whether you're a casual fan or a Tolkien scholar, this episode is packed with passion and knowledge, making it a must-listen for anyone who loves Middle Earth.

Support the show

Visit www.mattandfriendsdtu.com for links listen, support the podcast, and more!

Check out our sponsor, Poppin's Travel Company, for all of your travel needs! Their highly qualified agents are ready to book your next big adventure or dream vacation.

We'd love to hear from you on social media! Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and X.

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Cheers, and thanks for listening!