A golden happy hour on the California coast

Sponsored by TINCUP® Whiskey.

My partner and I headed out on a midweek adventure with the brand-new TINCUP Adventure Pack. With our one-year-old in tow, we set out for Muir Beach, a hidden gem nestled along the rugged California coastline. It had been quite some time since our last visit to Muir Beach, a place we used to frequent often when we first moved to the Bay Area from the East Coast; we were twenty-somethings living the California dream. We’d grab a loaf of bread and a block of cheese, then head to the beach to watch the sun dip low in the sky. Some of my fondest California memories are from those early days on the coast.

It was an unseasonably warm day which kept the typical fog (fondly named ‘Karl’) at bay and promised to be a memorable trip. Since our third musketeer came into the picture our usual rugged adventures have looked a bit different. We’ve gotten more creative and more flexible with our schedule and expectations. Late-night dinners and pop-ins at the bar are on pause and multi-day backpacking trips will have to wait until our little trainee is ready to haul his own pack. This mini adventure was just what the soul needed: a chance to break from our routine and get some much-needed time outside.

We took our TINCUP Adventure Pack along for the ride so that we could make a refreshing cocktail at the beach. Just the thought of a cocktail on the beach seemed luxurious and out of reach as we pictured ourselves constantly preventing our baby from shoveling handfuls of sand into his mouth. But, with a little bit of luck and our insulated, unbreakable canister, we were able to accomplish the first step, our whiskey survived the trek as we hauled our gear to the beach (my partner may have dropped it a few times). Next, it was time to start making the cocktail!

It had been a while since I dabbled in the craft of making a solid cocktail and I had to say having good whiskey makes all the difference when you’re getting back up to speed. TINCUP American Whiskey did not disappoint. Before this fun afternoon, I hadn’t enjoyed a real cocktail since February of 2022, I was long overdue! I’m normally a huge whiskey sour fan but wanted to keep things simple on the go and try something new. I tried out a recipe for a Gold Rush cocktail, which consisted of:

2 parts TINCUP American Whiskey

1 part honey syrup

1 part freshly squeezed lemon juice

Simply blend or shake the ingredients over ice, preferably block ice (a must, if you can!), and pour into your favorite cup. I chose a stainless steel cup since we were out in nature. The Adventure Pack made it extremely easy to get a makeshift bar set up, and it even comes with the TINCUP signature cap for easy measuring and pouring. I was pleasantly surprised that making a cocktail on the beach with the Adventure Pack was easier (and tidier) than feeding my son a smoothie pouch. The only thing that spilled on this adventure was his strawberry smoothie all over both of our outfits!

Since becoming parents, it’s like we're seeing everything for the first time again, through our son's eyes. This was only the third time he had been to the beach and the first time it was comfortable and warm enough to really sit out and enjoy the sunshine and waves. He was filled with wonder watching the waves crash on the sand and the pelicans flying overhead. It was one of those moments you knew would be a core memory. Life goes really fast these days, so being able to slow down and enjoy a delicious, refreshing cocktail on the beach at magic hour felt like a dream come true. It instilled a calming pause in my chaotic mom brain.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky and Karl the fog began creeping toward the shore, we knew it was time to bid Muir Beach farewell. With the TINCUP Adventure Pack in tow, our trip had been seamless, and a perfect midweek refresh for two sleep-deprived, albeit happy, parents. Heading home, we were filled with a sense of contentment and gratitude for a day well spent. The TINCUP canister had been more than just a container – it had been a reliable companion that allowed us to savor every moment, from the rugged trails to the soothing waves.

With the memory of a perfect Muir Beach afternoon etched in our hearts, we knew this day would be one to remember – a day of unbreakable adventures and cherished moments, all thanks to the TINCUP Adventure Pack. And the golden cocktail crafted right on the beach? It was the crowning jewel of a day filled with golden memories.

©2023 TINCUP® American Whiskey. 42% Alc./Vol. (84 proof). ©2023 TINCUP®, Denver, Colorado. Please drink TINCUP® American Whiskey responsibly.