So you have been invited to a holiday gathering, holiday dinner party or just some swanky soiree, you accept the invitation and ask what should you bring.  The host says to you, “Oh, just bring a bottle!” maybe because they know you cannot cook to save your life or you don’t want to cook, whatever the case may be you are stumped and need a few suggestions well here they are!

 

I have two cocktails and bottle suggestions that will have them singing your praises!

 

While we were in Kentucky on the Bourbon tour we had a drink similar to this and I decided to recreate it with a little bit of my own flair you can feel free to change the spirit to your liking…

Holidaze

 

1 oz. chilled shot of Makers Mark

½ oz. blood orange bitters

Brut Champagne or a Prosecco

Orange twist, to garnish

 

I used an old fashioned champagne glass poured in the Makers Mark, blood orange bitters and topped it off with champagne.  If you want you can make a larger batch of this just increase the amounts and you can sit it in the fridge so that you won’t need to chill the Makers.  The color of this cocktail is perfect for the holiday and will definitely take the chill off!

 

Another suggested cocktail, which is one of my favs is the southern charmer, its light and refreshing I suggest using Finn’s not only is it a local gin the floral notes make this a wonderful smelling cocktail as well.

 

French 75

 

1 oz. Finns gin (Finns is a local favorite of mine you can buy it at their distillery on Milwaukee or at Binny’s)

½  oz. simple syrup

½  oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice

Brut Champagne or a dry sparkling white wine (Prosecco)

Lemon twist, to garnish

Don’t feel like making a signature cocktail, seems to challenging for you?  Then let’s just keep it simple, and take a bottle.

Here are a few suggested one’s…

 

REDS….

 

Casteggio Sangue di Giuda it is slightly sweet, not dry with a little bit of bubbles and I think it is wonderful chilled.  You can get this at either Pete’s Fresh Produce or Kimbark Liquors priced at $10-13 depending upon the promotion at the time.

 

19 Crimes it is a blend of Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon, it is  a dry red that got its name from 19 different crimes that could get you transported (via creaky boat) to England’s penal colony. This wine can be found at Jewel, Whole Foods, Binny’s and it is around $10

Rose Cava Segura Viudas light and slightly sweet fruit aromas of strawberry, redcurrant and pomegranate very dry, but not super dry.  I was given this cava as a gift and it has quickly became a personal fav of mine it can be found at Cost Plus World Market and Binny’s  it’s about $12

 

WHITES….

 

Conundrum is an eclectic blend of Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, Semillion, Muscat and Viognier mid-range dry white wine I love it with raw oysters but it definitely works well with poultry as well,  it is around $18 and can be found at Binny’s and Kimbark Liquors

Kim Crawford is a Sauvignon Blanc generous amount of citrus-like aromas and notes of dried herbs; bright on the palate with loads of minerals the flavor is bold but not overwhelming it is about $16 and can be found at Binny’s and Kimbark Liquors

 

Casteggio Pinot Grigio perfectly balanced fruity dry white it is not your typical pinot grigio it is very floral with hints of lavender it is about $8-10 and can be found at Petes Fresh Produce and Kimbark Liquors

Saracco Moscato d’Asti has always been a favorite of most of my girlfriends!  Fresh, light, and beautiful, the enticingly fragrant Saracco Moscato d’Asti is a delightful light sparkling/dessert treat; excellent with fresh fruit. It is about $13 and can be found at Binny’s, Kimbark Liquors, and Whole Foods

 

 

Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles! 

 

Champagne options

 

If you are looking to make a grand entrance there are many champagne options to choose  from here are a couple of my suggestions…

 

Ace of Spades Armand de Brignac Brut it is complex and full-bodied, with a bouquet that is both fresh and lively.   A superb and singular example of a Prestige Champagne it is about $300 and can be found at Binny’s.  This will surely do the trick if you are trying to make an impression.

Veuve is a staple we all love that lil yellow bottle and even the lil accessories that come with it!  You cannot go wrong with this one it is about $37 and is available at Binny’s and Kimbark Liquors

 

LaMarca Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine fresh citrus with hints of honey and white flowers. The flavor is fresh and clean, with ripe citrus, lemon, green apple, and touches of grapefruit.  It is about $13  and available at both  Binny’s and Kimbark Liquors.

 

Enjoy your Holidays and remember to drink responsibly!

 

Cheers!