Drink Recs for the Upcoming Holidays
One classic staple during the holiday dinner parties are the wines. However, this article claims:
cider, craft beer, and whiskey have been on a cultural tear in America over the past few yearsand has several beverage recommendations for the holiday season like Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Japanese Whiskey, and Basque Cider.
Which alcoholic beverages do you guys drink during the holiday season? What do you guys recommend?
Should I get out of my comfort zone and try beer, whiskey, and/or cider during this holiday season? Or, should I stick with this Pinot Noir that I’ve been going to?
The blood of your enemies. Best served warm.
Same as every night. Multiple pints followed by rum and coke, with shots of tequila. Why mess with success?
Every season is a good season to branch out and try new things. If you want to take it slow at first and stay in the red wine realm maybe try something other than Pinot Noir. There are a number of nice Merlots and Cabernets out there but everyone has those. If you'd like to try a red wine that is less regularly consumed in the U.S. (assuming you're in the U.S. of course) I would point you to an Amarone. For example, this http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/gerardo+cesari+docg+amarone+della+val…</a">one. (Not specifically the 2011 though, but Cesari Amarone in general.) Amarone is a full bodied red wine that's slightly spicy. It's very nice with red meats.
If you would like to branch off into liquors maybe first try something like cognac (also called brandy), which is made from grapes. A nice cognac can be very smooth and appealing for an after dinner drink. It's my personal favorite for sitting outside with a fire. Cognacs can get expensive but if you have the money try a Courvoisier or Remy Martin VSOP or XO, XO being the more expensive one. Port (sweet, fortified wine) also makes a nice after dinner drink. It's also underappreciated these days. At least in the U.S.
My favorite realm though is scotch. If you are primarily a wine drinker, scotch will be harsh at first. Try a somewhat sweeter and less complex one like a Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban (finished in ex-port casks). Remember the Amarone from earlier? The Arran distillery also has a nice, not too expensive single malt that is finished in ex-amarone casks. It's a nice balance between a typical American oak aged scotch and a sherry cask aged or finished scotch.
codeine cough syrup, hennessey, and sprite. best pregame for any family interaction
Water. Best way to retain all the great memories you will create with your in-laws and extended family.
All the best to you and yours.