This time of year, with all of the holiday parties and family gatherings we’re all looking for a way of dialing things up to mark this time as special. One way of signifying this is with food and drinks that are only available during this time of year. Gingerbread, candy canes, Buche de Noel and, of course, eggnog are all examples of celebratory food.
Did you know Eggnog was originally made with wine? Dating back to medieval times there was a British beverage known as posset, which was a milk beverage made with wine or beer, cream, sugar, and egg, then thickened with anything from bread to oatmeal. Thankfully in 2023 we have more options than passat.
Our Favorite 3 Wine & Cider Based Cocktails
Considering we’re talking Anderson Valley let’s start with some wine or cider-based options.
- Gowan’s Ciders, fifth generation AV apple farmers, offers cocktail recipes for any mood. From the classic hot Wassail to Mimosas, Rose Cider Mint Juleps, Snowballs and more, all made using their heirloom hard ciders.
- For more wine-based recipes check out our wine cocktail blog written by winemaker Kristy Charles of Foursight Wines. The blog references Summer Cocktails, but really when is a wine cocktail not appropriate?! A wine cobbler cocktail is just as delicious in front of a toasty fireplace as it is on a summer porch.
- For fans of sparkling who want to change things up a bit beyond a Mimosa or Kir Royale, Toulouse Vineyard and Winery has a delicious option.
Julia Child famously used to sip vermouth during her cooking shows. That makes complete sense once you taste the Vermouth and Amaro made by Toulouse. Rita’s Toulouse Vermouth is a dry aromatized wine with botanicals that include rose, chamomile, cardamom, bitter orange peel and elderflower. Vermouth isn’t just for sipping or making martinis. Blend half Rita’s Vermouth with half sparkling wine, then complete it with a citrus twist and you have yourself a holiday treat.
If you’re in the mood to go out to enjoy your cocktails, we’ve got you covered there too.
- Boonville Hotel is offering special holiday cocktails including a Huckleberry Smash, a Blonde Negroni Split and an AV inspired Brightlighter, to name just a few.
- For something a little more interactive and educational, on December 23rd, Little River Inn is hosting a Christmas Cocktail Workshop. Take in beautiful Mendocino coastal views while learning to make three different festive drinks.
Of course, with non-alcoholic grape juice from Navarro Winery and Hush Vineyards (and Gowan’s for apple juice) mocktails are always a popular option.
Buy the Grape Juice Sampler from Navarro to mix up your favorite spritzers like the “Fortuity” or “No Wake” listed on Navarro’s website. Save $12 on a six back of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Verjus (green juice from Chardonnay grapes.) !
Husch Vineyards makes a Gewurztraminer juice from their estate vineyards. Picked at the perfect sweetness, the grapes are crushed, pressed then stored at near-freezing temperatures for the duration of harvest season. Once activity in the winery slows down they bottle their non-alcoholic, non-pasteurized juice.
However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season, and look forward to seeing you in 2024! Cheers!
