The holidays; a time when friends and family get together to reconnect, reminisce, and share in each other’s company, preferably with an accompanying warm fire and great music. All of this is typically done over the dinner table, cocktail table, or buffet table.
Whatever table you are sharing company with this holiday season, you are going to need a few good beverages to pair with your good times. Below are six must-try beverages this holiday season.
Enjoy, be safe, and celebrate flavorfully!
Nicholas Feuillate Brut
Always a wonderful pairing for a celebration, Champagne was made for holidays. Try this Brut from Nicholas Feuillate, a Champagne with beautiful notes of citrus and freshly-baked bread and a clean flavor profile.
Anchor Christmas Ale
Every year in late fall, Anchor Brewing Company releases their Christmas Ale, and every year they change up the recipe just a little bit. This year, flavors of spruce, gingerbread, caramel, and buttered toast characterize Anchor Christmas Ale. A natural match for a holiday gathering and festive meal.
Saison Dupont
Speaking of food pairing, there is not much that pairs better with a festive meal than Saison Dupont. This Belgian farmhouse-style ale bursts with notes of pepper, clove, citrus, and bread, making it a perfect pairing for your holiday meal. Saison, which translates to season in French, was traditionally brewed in the cooler months to last throughout the summer. Skip on waiting until Summer to drink this baby and enjoy it with your friends and family over dinner!
Ballast Point Peppermint Victory At Sea
Peppermint is a natural pairing for the holidays and Ballast Point has just released their Peppermint Victory at Sea. Starting with their base Victory at Sea Imperial Porter with vanilla and locally-roasted coffee, they have added peppermint to the mix, creating, essentially, a coffee and vanilla-flavored liquid peppermint patty. Need we say more?
Bourbon & Egg Nog
While we are on the subject of dessert-focused drinks, what’s a holiday season without egg nog? Spike it this year with bourbon, and see how the flavors combine. With typical flavors of caramel, vanilla, cocoa, and dried fruit, bourbon makes for an excellent addition to the smooth, creamy, character of egg nog.
For a great bourbon at a great price, try Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig, or Larceny. Mix in some nutmeg and you’re set. We love our Hollandia egg nog here in North County San Diego, but find your favorite local producer and mix in the bourbon!
Kookoo Liqueur & Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka
Mint and chocolate; It’s difficult to get enough of this combination during the holidays. Kookoo liqueur is a dark chocolate liqueur made from neutral grain spirits, which blends beautifully with the flavor of Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka. Mix one part of each, shake or stir with ice, and garnish with fresh peppermint, and you have yourself a liquid peppermint pattie!
