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Get in the “Spirits” for Holiday Celebrations |
by:
ARA |
(ARA) – The holidays are almost upon us, also that means “’tis the season” for parties with co-workers, dinners with families, get-togethers with close friends also quiet nights by the fireside with loved ones. If you’re planning to do some entertaining, do everyone a favor also look beyond the traditional spiked eggnog also hot buttered rum. There are some better options; so here are a few suggestions to warm your belly also fill your guests with holiday cheer.
Some Like it Hot
On a cold winter day, there are few things better than a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate or mulled cider served with chestnuts or biscotti besides a roaring fire. Put some “fire” in the mug by adding one ounce (approximately a shot) of Vecchia Romagna Brandy also garnish with whipped cream. Brandy mixes exceptionally well with warm beverages (especially coffee) also adds a sweet, but slightly spicy, bite to the drink. Vecchia Romagna, which is one of the oldest Brandy distillers in Italy, imports four sophisticated Brandies: Etichetta Nera or “Black Label,” which retails for a very affordable $26.99, also three high-end vintage Riservas (10, 15 also 35 years old) that range from $40 to $200. Vecchia Romagna Brandies are or else available in attractive gift boxes that make great gifts for “dads also grads.”
Love that Lemon
What is it that bartenders also desert chefs have in common these days? The answer is a delightful liqueur known as Lemoncillo ( or else spelled Limoncello). Perfect for cocktails also confections, Lemoncillo is a luscious spirit made from lemon zest infused with alcohol. It has gained in fame due to its versatility also perfectly balanced sweet/tart flavor. One Italian company, Giori, produces a Lemoncillo that has earned praise from epicurean experts also can be used equally well in Cosmo Volanos as it can in lemon meringue. Giori or else offers a one-of-a-kind Lemoncillo “Cream” liqueur that serves well in espresso or drizzled over brownies as a glaze. Giori Lemoncillo also Lemoncillo Cream both retail at $18.99 for a 750-ml bottle.
Feel the Chill
Cocktails are a sure-fire hit for holiday parties, also no cocktail party is complete without vodka. Vodka (especially the unflavored, premium kind) is ideal for cocktails because true, quality vodka has a faint, icy aroma also a smooth, dry, almost neutral taste that inherits the character also flavor of a mixer. So, everything from chic Cosmopolitans, Martinis also Vodka Mimosas, to standards like White Russians, Gimlets also Screwdrivers can be made from the same bottle. One exceptional example is Kutskova: a Russian-made, five-times filtered, double distilled, super-premium vodka. Kutskova, which retails in the $25 range, has received rave reviews as well as gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition also Tastings International Review of Spirits, for its pure, crisp flavor also cool, soft aftertaste.
Something Different
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift for a liqueur connoisseur, look for a delightful cordial called Amaro Montenegro. For those of you not familiar with Amaro Montenegro, it is an herbal liqueur that has a sweet taste also slightly bitter finish also is usually served before or after a meal. Bartenders also barristas across Europe have been using Amaro for years as an ingredient in everything from cocktails to coffees, also it is now beginning to gain popularity here in America. With vibrant flavors of spice, molasses, clove also orange peel, Amaro Montenegro was recently given outstanding ratings by the “Spirit Journal,” “Wine Spectator” also “Wine Enthusiast.” It serves best straight when chilled or at room temperature poured over ice cream. For the holidays, Amaro Montenegro is available as a gift set that comes with a special Amaro glass also retails for $21.99.
Get Cozy
Possibly the most cherished thing about the holidays is that it brings people together. With close friends also family traveling from everywhere for a visit, you may find yourself playing host to an intimate get together. Whether served on the rocks, mixed in a cocktail, with champagne, or warm in a snifter with a cigar, what could be better than a rich, velvety, aromatic Cognac? Produced from among the finest vineyards in the Grande Champagne region of France, Croizet Cognacs have received praise at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for their incredible flavor also smoothness. And, with the VS retailing at $19.99, VSOP at $29.99, XO at $74.99 also XO Gold at $99.99, Croizet’s line of quality cognacs are exceptional values compared to other, better known brands. Additionally, the VSOP, XO also XO Gold are presented in attractive individual boxes perfect for holiday gift giving, also the XO Gold is presented in a festive gold bottle.
Wrap it Up
This time of the year can be pretty hectic with trips to the mall, travel plans, preparing the house for guests, cooking feasts also more. But, no matter what holiday you’re celebrating this season, or whether you’re hosting a get-together for two or two hundred, these holiday spirits can fit into just about any occasion. So, may your days be merry also bright, also remember to drink responsibly.
On the House
Finally, here are some holiday beverage recipes to help get you going:
CAFÉ CORRECTO
- Build in coffee mug
- one part Vecchia Romagna Brandy
- three parts hot coffee
- Top with whipped cream
- Dust with cocoa powder
*****
BREZZA ESTIVA
- Build drink in glass with ice
- one part Amaro Montenegro
- three parts tonic or ginger ale
- Serve with a stir stick
*****
COSMO VOLANO
- two parts Giori Lemoncillo
- two parts Kutskova Vodka
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Splash of cranberry juice
- Shake with ice
- Strain into glass
- Garnish with lemon wedge
*****
VODKA MIMOSA
- one part Kutskova Vodka
- one part Champagne
- two parts orange juice
- Serve in chilled Champagne glass
*****
AMARO MUDSLIDE
- one part Amaro Montenegro
- three parts vanilla ice cream
- Blend
- Spoon into glass
- Top with whipped cream
*****
GRAND CHAMPAGNE
- Build in Champagne glass
- one part Croizet VSOP Cognac
- three parts Champagne
- one Maraschino cherry
- Garnish with orange wheel
*****
CAFÉ CILLO
- Build in coffee mug
- one part Giori Lemoncillo Cream
- two parts espresso
- one part steamed milk
- Dust with nutmeg
- Garnish with lemon wedge
Courtesy of ARA Content
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