February 6, 2018
February may seem like the dead of winter, but it's actually a month of wonderful celebrations.
Chinese New Year is February 16 and Valentine's Day is February 14th and we're here to help you toast these occasions with unique and fitting libations.
Gung Hay Fat Choi!
Chinese New Year celebrations are rich with tradition. History suggests a fearsome monster named Nian would awaken on the first of the year and rampage through villages. The only way to scare him off was to make loud noises and shine bright lights. From this legend, the traditions of firecrackers, vehement drumming, and noisy parties evolved in China as the way to ring in the new year.
Chinese New Year is also a very traditional family occasion and a huge feast is de rigueur. Chinese favorites like dumplings, noodles, rice cakes called nian gao, and fresh fruits are typically served.
Adding just the right cocktails can help make the meal memorable: but what to select?
Celebrate with Spirits
The popularity of spirits across Asia continues to soar and Cognac and Scotch Whisky lead the way.
Not many companies can boast having been around since 1765, but Hennessey can. Richard Hennessy founded the House of Hennessy in Cognac, France and built a thriving business exporting brandies. The sharp bold taste of Hennessey VS cognac has a subtle spiciness with notes of vanilla that are wonderful sipped neat after a big meal. Or add a splash to your after dinner tea.
Torres 10 brandy is another popular choice this time of year. Torres bills itself as the number one Spanish brandy worldwide. Expect "dark topaz-coloured" liquor with "an intense bouquet - more spiritual than spirituous, with warm hints of spices," like cinnamon and vanilla according to the company.
Another nice option for a new year's celebration or family dinner (and a lovely hostess gift if you're heading to a party) is a sherried scotch whisky like Glendronach. The Glendronach 21-Year-Old Parliament is kept in Pedro Ximenez Sherry barrels or Oloroso Sherry Butts, and when you sip it you'll notice essences of plums, prunes, sweet oranges and apricots.
Looking for something sweet to sip on after dinner or or for a liquor that can make sweetly sippable cocktails? Grand Marnier is an orange-flavoured liqueur made from a blend of cognac brandy, sugar, and the distilled essence of bitter orange, giving it a very distinct light but sweetly-citrus taste. First created in the 1880’s, the Grand Mernier distillery is still run by some of the descendants of the same family today — the Marnier-Lapostolles, who also established the famous Hotel Ritz Paris.
Grand Marnier mixes nicely with other liquors and is a staple in some popular cocktails, including Cosmopolitans, Sidecars and sangria, but it’s also a key ingredient in a delicious, light French dessert, Crepes Suzette, which makes a fine end to a special occasion meal.
Be Sweet About Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is typically a holiday where we focus on couples and intimate dinners for two. Even if you aren't celebrating a deux, you can still enjoy the spirit of Valentine's Day by getting together with friends and family and raising a glass.
Rosé is a natural choice for a celebration of love and friendship. Whether you choose a regular or a sparkling version, the light pink hue is perfect to set the tone for your night.
How to Pair Wine and Chocolate? Choose Chocolate Wine
Want to take things a step further and be a little adventurous? How about Chocolate Wine? Chocolate Shop Red is a USA Zinfandel that's billed as the ultimate marriage of chocolate and red wine.
The wine makers blend red wine with "a kiss of sweetness to create the perfect fruit-driven foil for the rich dark chocolate which unfolds in silken layers across the palate." Ooh la la! You might notice hints of black cherry, dark chocolate and cocoa powder as you sip.
Savour Sangria with Your Sweetie
If you’re looking for a cocktail with a bit less work, a bottle of Lolea Sangria might be just the trick. Originating from Spain, this authentic, ready-made sangria is made only with ingredients you can pronounce, as the company likes to say. Sangria is a traditional and popular drink across Spain, particularly in summer, but it’s been embraced by bars and Spanish restaurants the world over.
Spaniards guard their sangria recipes closely, but you can expect Lolea Sangria to adhere to the basic combination of quality red wine and fruit with a touch of something sparkling. Just pour and serve to kick off a romantic evening.
Whichever holidays you're celebrating this season, you can do it in style with selections from Co-op Wine Spirits Beer.
- Erin
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