| (ARA) – The holidays are almost upon us, and | | | | Russian-made, five-times filtered, double distilled, |
| that means “’tis the season” for | | | | super-premium vodka. Kutskova, which retails in |
| parties with co-workers, dinners with families, | | | | the $25 range, has received rave reviews as well |
| get-togethers with close friends and quiet nights | | | | as gold medals from the San Francisco World |
| by the fireside with loved ones. If you’re | | | | Spirits Competition and Tastings International |
| planning to do some entertaining, do everyone a | | | | Review of Spirits, for its pure, crisp flavor and |
| favor and look beyond the traditional spiked | | | | cool, soft aftertaste. |
| eggnog and hot buttered rum. There are some | | | | Something Different |
| better options; so here are a few suggestions to | | | | If you’re looking for a truly unique gift for a |
| warm your belly and fill your guests with holiday | | | | liqueur connoisseur, look for a delightful cordial |
| cheer. | | | | called Amaro Montenegro. For those of you not |
| Some Like it Hot | | | | familiar with Amaro Montenegro, it is an herbal |
| On a cold winter day, there are few things better | | | | liqueur that has a sweet taste and slightly bitter |
| than a steaming mug of coffee, hot chocolate or | | | | finish and is usually served before or after a meal. |
| mulled cider served with chestnuts or biscotti | | | | Bartenders and barristas across Europe have |
| besides a roaring fire. Put some “fire” in | | | | been using Amaro for years as an ingredient in |
| the mug by adding one ounce (approximately a | | | | everything from cocktails to coffees, and it is |
| shot) of Vecchia Romagna Brandy and garnish | | | | now beginning to gain popularity here in America. |
| with whipped cream. Brandy mixes exceptionally | | | | With vibrant flavors of spice, molasses, clove and |
| well with warm beverages (especially coffee) and | | | | orange peel, Amaro Montenegro was recently |
| adds a sweet, yet slightly spicy, bite to the drink. | | | | given outstanding ratings by the “Spirit |
| Vecchia Romagna, which is one of the oldest | | | | Journal,” “Wine Spectator” and |
| Brandy distillers in Italy, imports four sophisticated | | | | “Wine Enthusiast.” It serves best straight |
| Brandies: Etichetta Nera or “Black Label,” | | | | when chilled or at room temperature poured over |
| which retails for a very affordable $26.99, and | | | | ice cream. For the holidays, Amaro Montenegro is |
| three high-end vintage Riservas (10, 15 and 35 | | | | available as a gift set that comes with a special |
| years old) that range from $40 to $200. Vecchia | | | | Amaro glass and retails for $21.99. |
| Romagna Brandies are also available in attractive | | | | Get Cozy |
| gift boxes that make great gifts for “dads | | | | Possibly the most cherished thing about the |
| and grads.” | | | | holidays is that it brings people together. With |
| Love that Lemon | | | | close friends and family traveling from |
| What is it that bartenders and desert chefs have | | | | everywhere for a visit, you may find yourself |
| in common these days? The answer is a delightful | | | | playing host to an intimate get together. Whether |
| liqueur known as Lemoncillo (also spelled | | | | served on the rocks, mixed in a cocktail, with |
| Limoncello). Perfect for cocktails and confections, | | | | champagne, or warm in a snifter with a cigar, |
| Lemoncillo is a luscious spirit made from lemon | | | | what could be better than a rich, velvety, |
| zest infused with alcohol. It has gained in fame | | | | aromatic Cognac? Produced from among the |
| due to its versatility and perfectly balanced sweet | | | | finest vineyards in the Grande Champagne region |
| tart flavor. One Italian company, Giori, produces a | | | | of France, Croizet Cognacs have received praise |
| Lemoncillo that has earned praise from epicurean | | | | at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for |
| experts and can be used equally well in Cosmo | | | | their incredible flavor and smoothness. And, with |
| Volanos as it can in lemon meringue. Giori also | | | | the VS retailing at $19.99, VSOP at $29.99, XO at |
| offers a one-of-a-kind Lemoncillo “Cream” | | | | $74.99 and XO Gold at $99.99, Croizet’s line |
| liqueur that serves well in espresso or drizzled | | | | of quality cognacs are exceptional values |
| over brownies as a glaze. Giori Lemoncillo and | | | | compared to other, better known brands. |
| Lemoncillo Cream both retail at $18.99 for a | | | | Additionally, the VSOP, XO and XO Gold are |
| 750-ml bottle. | | | | presented in attractive individual boxes perfect for |
| Feel the Chill | | | | holiday gift giving, and the XO Gold is presented in |
| Cocktails are a sure-fire hit for holiday parties, and | | | | a festive gold bottle. |
| no cocktail party is complete without vodka. | | | | Wrap it Up |
| Vodka (especially the unflavored, premium kind) is | | | | This time of the year can be pretty hectic with |
| ideal for cocktails because true, quality vodka has | | | | trips to the mall, travel plans, preparing the house |
| a faint, icy aroma and a smooth, dry, almost | | | | for guests, cooking feasts and more. But, no |
| neutral taste that inherits the character and flavor | | | | matter what holiday you’re celebrating this |
| of a mixer. So, everything from chic | | | | season, or whether you’re hosting a |
| Cosmopolitans, Martinis and Vodka Mimosas, to | | | | get-together for two or two hundred, these |
| standards like White Russians, Gimlets and | | | | holiday spirits can fit into just about any occasion. |
| Screwdrivers can be made from the same bottle. | | | | So, may your days be merry and bright, and |
| One exceptional example is Kutskova: a | | | | remember to drink responsibly. |