As the New Year rapidly approaches, it’s the perfect timing to explore some of the top methods to fully immerse oneself in the festive mood.
If you are in need of a last-minute present for a host who is challenging to buy for, or simply want to delight in a few drinks, here are some enjoyable and elegant strategies to spread some holiday joy this season.
If you’re looking for the perfect winter warmup, you should definitely consider Zacapa Rum’s reserve collection. Handcrafted, crafted, and distilled in Guatemala, the brand offers an exclusive selection that caters to both light and dark spirits enthusiasts. Their exceptional Zacapa XO provides the perfect balance of intricate aromas and flavors resulting from a blend of their exclusive reserve rums. Each individually selected rum is aged between 10 to 25 years and then blended in barrels that previously housed whiskeys, sherries, and wines before being refined in French oak casks that previously aged cognac.
For lovers of bourbon, Brother’s Bond has introduced a new limited edition of their flagship cask expression.
The brand, co-founded by friends Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, recently unveiled the well-rounded Brother’s Bond Original Cask Strength Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Offering an ideal fusion of sweet and spicy, the bourbon encompasses aromas of caramel, vanilla, ripe banana, and flavors of warmed rye bread and honey with a hint of leather and subtle smoke.
For a refreshing way to celebrate the season, make sure to try out Brendel Young Leon Frizzante Rosé.
Leon Brendel began producing rosé over 70 years ago when it was not as widely enjoyed as it is today. Made from 100 percent organic grapes, this lightly effervescent wine combines the juicy flavors of strawberry with the zestiness of orange and pomegranate for a delightful taste.
For those with a fondness for spirits seeking a delightful twist, Alma Finca Orange Liqueur might just be the ideal option. Promising to be the “singular upscale orange liqueur made with all fresh ingredients from Mexico,” this delightful liqueur provides a fresh and delightful flavor to holiday cocktails.
Here is a simple recipe for an Alma Finca Mexican Margarita:
Ingredients:
¾ parts Alma Finca
1 ½ parts Premium Tequila
¾ parts Lime Juice
¼ parts Agave Syrup
Salt Rim (optional)
Preparation:
Mix all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake and serve over ice in a lowball glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and enjoy!
For fans of white wine, if you find it difficult to decide on which varietal to present this year, Biltmore Winery provides a Reserve Collection crafted in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.
The winery produces seven North Carolina wines along with numerous others sourced from grapes cultivated on the western coast. Notable selections from the 2022 NC Grower of Excellence’s Reserve Chardonnay collection include 2021 North Carolina Heritage Vines, 2021 North Carolina Barrel Select, and 2021 North Carolina.
To toast the New Year with some fizz, make sure to enjoy the Blanc de Blancs North Carolina 2019.
During this holiday season, Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila collaborated with Art of Sucre for an exclusive edition and festive Gold Espresso Glitter Bomb.
Crafted with hand-spun puffs of cotton candy containing edible glitter, this fun treat specifically designed for the aspiring mixologist at home, pairs perfectly with an 818 Tequila Espresso Martini.
Simply add it to the martini and stir to impress guests with a shimmering gold cocktail.
For rum enthusiasts, Equiano Rum has ingeniously turned a classic hot chocolate into an amped-up cocktail. Below is an overview of the Equiano Spiked Chocolate recipe tailored for two that can be created at home:
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups 2% milk
3 tablespoons soft muscovado sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch cinnamon
¼ cup (1 ½ ounces) semisweet or dark chocolate chips
2 ounces (¼ cup) Equiano Original Rum
Whipped Cream (Optional)
Directions:
Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the cocoa powder and ¼ cup of the milk, whisk until the cocoa is mostly liquefied. Whisk in the remaining milk until smooth. Incorporate the remaining ingredients and heat over medium heat until the chocolate dissolves, approximately 2 minutes. Avoid boiling.
Stir in the Equiano Rum. Serve right away, garnished with whipped cream.
For aspiring home mixologists, the team at Via Carota has removed all the guesswork from perfecting a cocktail. Their pre-mixed cocktails are already expertly crafted and bottled. All you need to do is pour it over ice.
Their selection includes Classic Negroni, Old Fashioned, Signature Manhattan, and Espresso Martini.
This holiday season, they introduced Negroni, Bourbon, and Martini sets that quickly sold out.
With dry January approaching, now is the time to consider the finest way to celebrate. New Brew’s Euphoric Seltzer might just be the perfect way to ease into the alcohol-free month.
The seltzer incorporates kava root, kratom leaf, and caffeine for a “mood-enhancing effect.” This non-alcoholic beverage is also designed to boost energy and alleviate anxiety.
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