|
Cooking TipsGet in the “Spirits” for Holiday Celebrations
by:
ARA
(ARA) – The holidays are about 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 admired ones. If you’re planning to do several entertaining, do everyone a favor and look on the far side
the traditional spiked punch
and hot buttered rum. There are several 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 cyder served with chestnuts or biscotti besides a roaring fire. Put several “fire” in the mug by adding one ounce (approximately a shot) of Vecchia Romagna Liquor and garnish with whipped cream. Liquor 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 Liquor distillers in Italy, imports four sophisticated Brandies: Etichetta Nera or “Black Label,” which retails for a really low-cost $26.99, and three high-end vintage Riservas (10, 15 and 35 years old) that range from $40 to $200. Vecchia Romagna Brandies are besides accessible in attractive gift boxes that do 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 delicious cordial acknowledged as Lemoncillo (also spelled Limoncello). Perfect for cocktails and confections, Lemoncillo is a luscious spirit ready-made from lemon zest infused with alcohol. It has gained in fame due to its skillfulness
and absolutely balanced sweet/tart flavor. One Italian company, Giori, produces a Lemoncillo that has attained
praise from epicurean experts and can be used equally well in Cosmo Volanos as it can in lemon meringue. Giori besides offers a one-of-a-kind Lemoncillo “Cream” cordial that serves well in coffee or drizzled over brownies as a glaze. Giori Lemoncillo and Lemoncillo Cream several 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. Liquor (especially the unflavored, premium kind) is ideal for cocktails because true, quality liquor has a faint, icy aroma and a smooth, dry, about neutral taste that inherits the character and flavor of a mixer. So, everything from chic Cosmopolitans, Martinis and Liquor Mimosas, to standards like White Russians, Gimlets and Screwdrivers can be ready-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 Earth Spirits Competition and Tastings International Review of Spirits, for its pure, crisp flavor and cool, soft aftertaste.
Something Several
If you’re looking for a truly unique gift for a cordial connoisseur, look for a delicious cordial called Amaro Montenegro. For those of you not familiar with Amaro Montenegro, it is an flavourer cordial that has a sweet taste and slightly bitter stop and is normally served before or after a meal. Bartenders and barristas across Europe have been exploitation Amaro for years as an ingredient in everything from cocktails to coffees, and it is now beginning to gain quality
here in America. With vivacious flavors of spice, molasses, clove and orange peel, Amaro Crna gora was recently given outstanding ratings by the “Spirit Journal,” “Wine Spectator” and “Wine Enthusiast.” It serves better straight once
chilled or at room temperature poured over ice cream. For the holidays, Amaro Crna gora is accessible as a gift set that comes with a special Amaro glass and retails for $21.99.
Get Cozy
Possibly the most cherished thing simply about the holidays is that it brings folk together. With close friends and family traveling from everyplace 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 brandy snifter with a cigar, what could be better than a rich, velvety, aromatic Cognac? Make from among the finest vineyards in the Grande Champagne region of France, Croizet Cognacs have received praise at the San Francisco Earth Spirits Competition for their astounding flavor and smoothness. And, with the VS selling 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 acknowledged brands. Additionally, the VSOP, XO and XO Gold are bestowed in attractive individual boxes perfect for holiday gift giving, and the XO Gold is bestowed in a gala gold bottle.
Wrap it Up
This time of the year can be pretty feverish with trips to the mall, travel plans, preparing the home for guests, cookery 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 simply just about any occasion. So, may your days be merry and bright, and remember to drink responsibly.
On the Home
Finally, here are several holiday drink recipes to help get you going:
CAFÉ CORRECTO
- Build in coffee mug
- 1 part Vecchia Romagna Liquor
- 3 parts hot coffee
- Top with whipped cream
- Dust with cocoa powder
*****
BREZZA ESTIVA
- Build drink in glass with ice
- 1 part Amaro Crna gora
- 3 parts tonic or ginger ale
- Serve with a stir stick
*****
COSMO VOLANO
- 2 parts Giori Lemoncillo
- 2 parts Kutskova Liquor
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Splash of cranberry juice
- Shake with ice
- Strain into glass
- Garnish with lemon wedge
*****
VODKA MIMOSA
- 1 part Kutskova Liquor
- 1 part Champagne
- 2 parts orange juice
- Serve in chilled Champagne glass
*****
AMARO Landslide
- 1 part Amaro Crna gora
- 3 parts vanilla ice cream
- Blend
- Spoon into glass
- Top with whipped cream
*****
GRAND CHAMPAGNE
- Build in Champagne glass
- 1 part Croizet VSOP Brandy
- 3 parts Champagne
- 1 Maraschino cherry
- Garnish with orange wheel
*****
CAFÉ CILLO
- Build in coffee mug
- 1 part Giori Lemoncillo Cream
- 2 parts coffee
- 1 part steamed milk
- Dust with nutmeg
- Garnish with lemon wedge
Courtesy of ARA Content
Just simply about the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Circulated by Article Emporium
| |
