Holiday Cheer Comes with Perfect Pairings

Jack Frost or a Mistletoe Martini? If you’re wondering what to pair with your appetizers, the folks at Fine Wine & Good Spirits have some suggestions. If you’re serving cheese, crackers and cured meat, opt for:

Gin: Highly botanical aromas complement rich and salty appetizers and dips containing dried fruits or garden herbs.

Cognac: Charcuterie, nuts and harder, aged cheeses pair well with aged cognacs.

Brandy: Softer, creamier cheeses pair with younger brandies or fruit brandies.

If you’re hoping to concoct some unique holiday cocktails, they can help you with that, too! Check out the recipes below for a Mistletoe Martini, Jack Frost, Merry Margarita or Tennessee Toddy.

Still need some last-minute gifts for the 21-and-over crowd? You can shop 24/7 at www.FWGS.com.

Mistletoe Martini

• 1 ½ oz Grey Goose Vodka

• ½ oz St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

• ½ oz Keep It Simple Syrup

• 1 ½ oz cranberry juice

• Cranberries and mint leaf, for garnish

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, except for garnishes.

2. Shake and strain into a martini glass.

3. Garnish with cranberries and mint.

Jack Frost

• 1 oz Bacardí Superior Rum

• 1 oz Bols Blue Curacao Liqueur

• 2 oz pineapple juice

• 1 oz cream of coconut

• ¾ c ice

• Coconut flakes, for garnish

1. Rim a glass with coconut flakes; set aside.

2. Combine all ingredients in blender, except for garnish.

3. Blend until smooth and pour into prepared glass.
   

Merry Margarita

• 1 ½ oz Familia Camarena Tequila Silver

• 1 oz Jacquin’s Triple Sec

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz cranberry juice

• 1 oz club soda

• Lime wheel and cranberries, for garnish

• Jose Cuervo Margarita Salt, for garnish

1. Rim a rocks glass with salt and fill with ice; set aside.

2. Combine first four ingredients in a shaker filled with ice.

3. Shake and strain into prepared glass.

4. Top with club soda.

5. Garnish with cranberries and lime wheel.
   

Tennessee Toddy

• 2 oz Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey

• 4 oz hot water

• ½ oz honey

• ½ oz fresh lemon juice

• Cinnamon stick, for garnish

1. Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice, except for garnishes. 􀀂. Shake and strain into a martini glass. 􀀃. Garnish with cranberries and mint.

2. Combine all ingredients into a mug, except garnish; stir.

3. Garnish with cinnamon stick.