New Year’s Eve Champagne for Every Budget

It’s almost time to toast in 2011! So here are our bubbly picks to help you ring in the New Year.

Sparkling Wine under $15

Korbel Brut Rose: Korbel offers affordable sparkling wines made in the traditional way for many decades. While most aren’t too nuanced, they are solid offerings with pleasing flavors and textures. The brut rose will bring a splash of color to your celebration along with the melon flavor and moderately … Read more

Rustic Apple Tarts Infused with SKYY Infusions Ginger

Courtesy of SKYY Vodka.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. SKYY Infusions Ginger
1/3 cup and 0.5 tablespoons sugar
½ cup apple cider or apple juice
1 tbsp cider vinegar
1 lb small gala apples (about 4; left unpeeled)
1 frozen puff pastry sheet (from a 17 ¼-oz package), thawed
3 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook 1/3 cup sugar in a dry, 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, undisturbed, until it begins to melt. … Read more

Hump Day Liquor Links

This week’s links for the New Year!

2011 will see the debut of Ron de Jeremy. Yes, Ron Jeremy has his own rum. 
GigaOm reports that we’ll be able to pay our tabs by iPhone soon.
Create a lovely flower vase out your old cocktail shaker.
2010 in cocktails according to Serious Eats’ Paul Clarke.
Jeffrey Morgenthaler talks barrel-aged cocktails.
Learn how whiskeys are rated.
The worst drinking trends of 2010.

… Read more

Peppermint Froth

This creamy, peppermint treat in cocktail form is perfect for cozy nights by the fireplace.

Ingredients

1 ½ parts vodka
1 part peppermint schnapps
½ part simple syrup
½ part cream

Instructions

Shake all ingredients vigorously in a cocktail shaker full of ice. Strain into rocks glass filled with crushed ice and garnish with chocolate or chocolate-covered peppermint sticks.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Grey Goose.… Read more

Brandy Crusta

I love a nice Cognac cocktail in the winter! Here’s a classic that you don’t see around much that’s worth a try. The Brandy Crusta is a 19th-century cocktail that was the predecessor to the Sidecar.  Like many great cocktails, it originated in New Orleans, so Peychaud’s is the perfect bitters for this concoction. Courtesy of Absolut Vodka.… Read more

Christmas Cosmopolitan

Cranberry sorbet turns a classic cocktail into a beautiful holiday treat. This Christmas Cosmo has the appeal of a traditional Cosmopolitan with the added oomph of a dessert … all without being too sweet.

Ingredients

2 oz cranberry sorbet
½-1 oz vodka
½ oz Cointreau
¼ oz freshly-squeezed lime juice

Instructions

With a shot glass, scoop out 2 ounces worth of cranberry sorbet and place in a cocktail shaker. Add vodka, Cointreau, and lime juice. … Read more

Pomegranate Grapefruit Campari Cocktail

The nice ladies at Muy Bueno whipped up this tasty holiday cocktail just in time for Christmas. In their words, “This cocktail is sweet and tangy and easy to make, and tastes ohhhh so delicious. It’s a great way to toast the holiday season!”… Read more

Gorgonzola Bites

Recipe courtesy of Campari.

Ingredients

350g puff pastry
250g gorgonzola
1 egg yolk
20g butter

Instructions

Beat the egg yolk in a bowl using a whisk until frothy. Put to one side.
Roll out the pastry dough using a rolling pin. Then, using knife, divide into eight equal rectangular pieces. Spread the gorgonzola evenly over one half of each of the rectangles then close, folding the other half over. Press the edges firmly together, moistening

… Read more

Last, Last-Minute Boozy Gifts Ideas

It’s down to the wire for holiday shopping, we’ve made it easy with these simple selections.

Highland Park 25

Recently named in the top 15 of spirits authority F. Paul Pacult’s “Best Spirits in the World” in the Scotch Whisky category, Highland Park 25 Years Old ($274.99) is a phenomenal whisky with a rich amber glow and an unmistakable taste of smokiness coupled with heather honey and a hint of peat. The remarkable complexity of … Read more

Vanilla Peppermint Martini

Courtesy of the Muy Bueno Cookbook.… Read more