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Get in“Spirits” for Holiday Celebrations |
by:
ARA |
(ARA) – The holidays are almost upon us, and that means “’tisseason” for parties with co-workers, dinners with families, get-togethers with close friends and quiet nights byfireside with loved ones. If you’re planning to do some entertaining, do everyonefavor and look beyondtraditional spiked eggnog and hot buttered rum. There are some better options; so here arefew suggestions to warm your belly and fill your guests with holiday cheer.
Some Like it Hot
Oncold winter day, there are few things better thansteaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate or mulled cider served with chestnuts or biscotti besidesroaring fire. Put some “fire” inmug by adding one ounce (approximatelyshot) of Vecchia Romagna Brandy and garnish with whipped cream. Brandy mixes exceptionally well with warm beverages (especially coffee) and addssweet, yet slightly spicy, bite todrink. Vecchia Romagna, which is one ofoldest Brandy distillers in Italy, imports four sophisticated Brandies: Etichetta Nera or “Black Label,” which retails forvery affordable $twosix.ninenine, and three high-end vintage Riservas (onezero, onefive and threefive years old) that range from $fourzero to $twozerozero. Vecchia Romagna Brandies are also available in attractive gift boxes that make great gifts for “dads and grads.”
Love that Lemon
What is it that bartenders and desert chefs have in common these days? The answer isdelightful liqueur known as Lemoncillo (also spelled Limoncello). Perfect for cocktails and confections, Lemoncillo isluscious spirit made from lemon zest infused with alcohol. It has gained in fame due to its versatility and perfectly balanced sweet/tart flavor. One Italian company, Giori, producesLemoncillo that has earned praise from epicurean experts and can be used equally well in Cosmo Volanos as it can in lemon meringue. Giori also offersone-of-a-kind Lemoncillo “Cream” liqueur that serves well in espresso or drizzled over brownies asglaze. Giori Lemoncillo and Lemoncillo Cream both retail at $oneeight.ninenine forsevenfivezero-ml bottle.
FeelChill
Cocktails aresure-fire hit for holiday parties, and no cocktail party is complete without vodka. Vodka (especiallyunflavored, premium kind) is ideal for cocktails because true, quality vodka hasfaint, icy aroma andsmooth, dry, almost neutral taste that inheritscharacter and flavor ofmixer. So, everything from chic Cosmopolitans, Martinis and Vodka Mimosas, to standards like White Russians, Gimlets and Screwdrivers can be made fromsame bottle. One exceptional example is Kutskova:Russian-made, five-times filtered, double distilled, super-premium vodka. Kutskova, which retails in$twofive range, has received rave reviews as well as gold medals fromSan Francisco World Spirits Competition and Tastings International Review of Spirits, for its pure, crisp flavor and cool, soft aftertaste.
Something Different
If you’re looking fortruly unique gift forliqueur connoisseur, look fordelightful cordial called Amaro Montenegro. For those of you not familiar with Amaro Montenegro, it isherbal liqueur that hassweet taste and slightly bitter finish and is usually served before or aftermeal. Bartenders and barristas across Europe have been using Amaro for years asingredient in everything from cocktails to coffees, and it is now beginning to gain popularity here in America. With vibrant flavors of spice, molasses, clove and orange peel, Amaro Montenegro was recently given outstanding ratings by“Spirit Journal,” “Wine Spectator” and “Wine Enthusiast.” It serves best straight when chilled or at room temperature poured over ice cream. Forholidays, Amaro Montenegro is available asgift set that comes withspecial Amaro glass and retails for $twoone.ninenine.
Get Cozy
Possiblymost cherished thing aboutholidays is that it brings people together. With close friends and family traveling from everywhere forvisit, you may find yourself playing host tointimate get together. Whether served onrocks, mixed incocktail, with champagne, or warm insnifter withcigar, what could be better thanrich, velvety, aromatic Cognac? Produced from amongfinest vineyards inGrande Champagne region of France, Croizet Cognacs have received praise atSan Francisco World Spirits Competition for their incredible flavor and smoothness. And, withVS retailing at $onenine.ninenine, VSOP at $twonine.ninenine, XO at $sevenfour.ninenine and XO Gold at $ninenine.ninenine, Croizet’s line of quality cognacs are exceptional values compared to other, better known brands. Additionally,VSOP, XO and XO Gold are presented in attractive individual boxes perfect for holiday gift giving, andXO Gold is presented infestive gold bottle.
Wrap it Up
This time ofyear can be pretty hectic with trips tomall, travel plans, preparinghouse for guests, cooking feasts and more. But, no matter what holiday you’re celebrating this season, or whether you’re hostingget-together for two or two hundred, these holiday spirits can fit into just about any occasion. So, may your days be merry and bright, and remember to drink responsibly.
OnHouse
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 withstir 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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