What to Drink in 2016!
Fireball Whisky
Rumchata
Cider
It’s time for these to die. You know, they had a good run, but we can do better can’t we? Yes, we can.
Here are 5 things you should start drinking to get yourself on the right track for 2016.
DRY RED WINE
I am not one to harp on people who enjoy Moscato, Riesling, Barefoot, Franzia, etc. etc. I remember experiencing those days too, but it’s time to adult, and embrace the natural flavors that red wine can bring. There’s so many health benefits ( I think it equals and hour at the gym while fighting cancer at the same time ) and the alcohol percentage is higher.
It will take some getting used to I’m sure, so start with brighter reds (brighter is one of the many terms to describe wine, Brighter means light bodied, fruity and almost juicy red wine.)
Common brighter reds I started with would be Tempranillo, California blends under $15, young Zinfrandel, Pinot Noir, wines from Portugal. To get started on wine, you shouldn’t spend more than $12 for a bottle. One, because you’re not committed to them yet, and 2 a lot of those will fit the profile you want.
Then, when you get used to those, try some young French and Italian reds, you’ll thank me later.
Of course, always accompany your wine with a snack like cheeses, meats, or roasted vegetables and dried fruit if you’re vegan/vegetarian.
Well, if you’re vegan; message me because we will have to talk. Some red wines won’t be for you. (I’ll explain on another post)
CRAFT COCKTAILS
I only drink gin and tonics when I am just looking to have some fun, and I don’t want anything complicated. However, Buffalo is booming in the craft cocktail industry and there are so many brilliant bartenders in our city that can really ignite your pallet in ways you probably didn’t think were possible. Craft cocktails use premium spirits (nothing well) at their bars which also limits the chronic feeling of death in the morning. Natural sugars, fresh fruits, and artisan liqueurs are incorporated in craft cocktails. They can be refreshing, savory, acidic, creamy you name it.
Favorite cocktails that come to mind are
Hair of the dog - Buffalo Proper
watermelon gazpacho - Hydraulic Hearth
Peacemaker - Vera Pizzeria
Anything at Hutch’s. I recommend having Alex tend the bar for ya, he’s creative.
SPEAKING OF WHICH; Another post will be my experience with Tony Rials, he’s a sommelier and bartender at Bourbon and Butter at The Hotel Lafayette. My personal agenda is to just bring $100 for that experience alone.
CHARTREUSE
It’s so good they even made a color out of it! Created by three monks who all had different components of the ingredients to make this gorgeous liqueur, it is about 55ABV, steel green, and tastes like pine cones soaked in sugar cane, anise, and rose petal. It’s fantastic. I take it in the shot quantity, and it also goes well with IPAs, Limoncello, club soda. If you’re in the mood for something powerful in flavor to sip but you’re tired of whiskey or gin, try this one.
SPARKLING WINE
Quick lesson; Andre and J. Roget is not sparkling wine. I will say though, I have found myself at Providence Social to get a great cocktail and a $1 mimosa for brunch and I wasn’t mad about it. It has a time and a purpose. However, just sitting back and watching a movie with quality sparkling wine is just great. We can start from the best to “I understand you’re on a budget” bubs.
Champagne; only made in the Champagne region of France (surprise that’s why its called Champagne), The grapes used are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Munier. Normally very dry or “Brut”. It has this lovely crisp finish with tastes of toasted pear and crackers. I love it. Sadly, its expensive. Cheapest bottle I’ve found in the states is $35. It obviously can go as expensive as $500. I’ve only had the luxury of tasting a $200 bottle, and my god; Brilliant.
Sparkling Wine (that uses the champagne method); all you need to know is that the Champagne method gives you tiny bubbles, making you a classier person ;). You can find these anywhere from California, Italy, France, Spain, New Mexico, New York! everywhere, just read the label to know what you’re looking for. $9-$30 per bottle.
Prosecco: Larger bubbles, a little more fruit forward and juicy. I don’t recommend these for cocktails because it may come off too sweet, but hey, its your drink. Relatively cheap $8-$10 per bottle.
Sweet Sparkling wine: Again, look for the label, because you may find something good! I had a sweet Torrentes once that was out of this world! It didn’t have the canister of sugar you taste from Moscato. (Disclaimer; Moscato is a Italian dessert wine, stop drinking it by the pint! lol, small sips, for traditional Moscato; put Sutter Home down.)
MAKE YOUR OWN COCKTAILS
Hey! you know what? start doing some research, and play around with your own cocktails! look up recipes and branch from there. When I’m at home if I want a gin and tonic, that’s not all I’ll put in. Maybe I’ll add and elderflower liqueur or grate some rosemary on top. I could even just splash Pimms, Mezcal.
Start making your own water infusions, simple syrups, sodas bitters. DO it all!
The possibilities are endless! Go out there explore, tell me what you decide to make :).
Have a wonderful holiday kiddos.
