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Get
in the “Spirits” for Holiday Celebrations |
by:
ARA |
(ARA)
– The holidays are almost upon us, and that
means “’tis the season” for parties with
co-workers, dinners with families, get-togethers
with close friends and quiet nights by the
fireside with loved ones. If you’re planning
to do some entertaining, do everyone a favor
and look beyond the traditional spiked eggnog
and hot buttered rum. There are some better
options; so here are a few suggestions to
warm your belly and 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 and garnish with whipped cream. Brandy
mixes exceptionally well with warm beverages
(especially coffee) and adds a sweet, yet
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,
and three high-end vintage Riservas (10,
15 and 35 years old) that range from $40
to $200. 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 is
a delightful liqueur known as Lemoncillo
(also spelled Limoncello). Perfect for cocktails
and confections, Lemoncillo is a luscious
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, produces
a Lemoncillo that has earned praise from
epicurean experts and can be used equally
well in Cosmo Volanos as it can in lemon
meringue. Giori also offers a one-of-a-kind
Lemoncillo “Cream” liqueur that serves well
in espresso or drizzled over brownies as
a glaze. Giori Lemoncillo and Lemoncillo
Cream both retail at $18.99 for a 750-ml
bottle.
Feel the Chill
Cocktails are a sure-fire hit for holiday
parties, and 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
and a smooth, dry, almost neutral taste
that inherits the character and flavor of
a mixer. So, everything from chic Cosmopolitans,
Martinis and Vodka Mimosas, to standards
like White Russians, Gimlets and 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 and Tastings International
Review of Spirits, for its pure, crisp flavor
and 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 and slightly bitter finish and is
usually served before or after a meal. Bartenders
and barristas across Europe have been using
Amaro for years as an ingredient 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
the “Spirit Journal,” “Wine Spectator” and
“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 and retails
for $21.99.
Get Cozy
Possibly the most cherished thing about
the holidays is that it brings people together.
With close friends and 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 and smoothness. And, with the VS
retailing at $19.99, VSOP at $29.99, XO
at $74.99 and XO Gold at $99.99, Croizet’s
line of quality cognacs are exceptional
values compared to other, better known brands.
Additionally, the VSOP, XO and XO Gold are
presented in attractive individual boxes
perfect for holiday gift giving, and 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 and
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 and bright, and 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
- 1 part Vecchia Romagna Brandy
- 3 parts hot coffee
- Top with whipped cream
- Dust with cocoa powder
*****
BREZZA ESTIVA
- Build drink in glass with ice
- 1 part Amaro Montenegro
- 3 parts tonic or ginger ale
- Serve with a stir stick
*****
COSMO VOLANO
- 2 parts Giori Lemoncillo
- 2 parts Kutskova Vodka
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Splash of cranberry juice
- Shake with ice
- Strain into glass
- Garnish with lemon wedge
*****
VODKA MIMOSA
- 1 part Kutskova Vodka
- 1 part Champagne
- 2 parts orange juice
- Serve in chilled Champagne glass
*****
AMARO MUDSLIDE
- 1 part Amaro Montenegro
- 3 parts vanilla ice cream
- Blend
- Spoon into glass
- Top with whipped cream
*****
GRAND CHAMPAGNE
- Build in Champagne glass
- 1 part Croizet VSOP Cognac
- 3 parts Champagne
- 1 Maraschino cherry
- Garnish with orange wheel
*****
CAFÉ CILLO
- Build in coffee mug
- 1 part Giori Lemoncillo Cream
- 2 parts espresso
- 1 part steamed milk
- Dust with nutmeg
- Garnish with lemon wedge
Courtesy of ARA Content
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
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