Watch above: If you’re tired of the same old festive drinks from year to year, it is easy to elevate Christmas cheer and support local at the same time. Meaghan Craig explains.
SASKATOON – If you’re tired of the same old festive drinks this holiday season, we’ve got some ideas. Experts say it’s easier than you think to elevate your Christmas cheer to a whole new level and that it’s time to rethink that same old rum and eggnog.
Adult Advent calendars have been flying off the shelves since October. The Co-op liquor store in Saskatoon ordered 300 for the season with officials saying the countdown to Christmas has never been so tasty.
“It’s totally a different beer every day, the one calendar touts that it’s a different beer but it’s from 17 different countries and six continents,” said Dawn Wreford, manager of liquor procurement at the Co-op liquor store .
Looking for stocking stuffers? Wreford suggests tossing in some cool cocktail ingredients or teeny tiny miniature liqueurs or hard liquors .
‘Naughty Or Spiced’ is also a hot seller this season; it’s a Canadian winter porter spiked with seasonal spices, cinnamon and nutmeg.
“Kahlua comes out with two seasonals every year; there’s a peppermint mocha and a gingerbread. They’re limited releases so once they’re sold out, they’re sold out,” said Wreford.
For a hot drink this holiday season, try making mulled wine.
“As guests come over, the smell of cinnamon and cloves and nutmeg and all of those spices with warm wine in weather like we’re having right now, it really gives a nice warm, holiday feel,” added Wreford.
If you really want to knock people’s socks off, experts recommend seeking out and supporting local breweries, wineries and distilleries.
“We’re a micro-distillery, LB Distillers here in Saskatoon. It’s the perfect place for handcraft spirits, liqueurs and tones of different gift ware as well,” said Cary Bowman, president of good times with LB Distillers.
The business started in 2010 and opened its doors in May 2012. Bowman explained that it took two years to perfect the company’s recipes and hone the craft.
Fast forward to today and Chai Vodka is one of their most popular products serving as a great substitute in helping to spice up that same old eggnog. According to Bowman, it was first introduced as a signature holiday item and was so well received that they decided to produce it year-round.
“It’s something new, something different. Our products are very, very unique and they always come with some sort of flare.”
Bowman says even their gin has Saskatoon berries in it and is believed to be the only one in the world to have such a unique ingredient.
“About 90 per cent of our grains come from right here in Saskatchewan, all of our fruit comes from right here in Saskatchewan, we employee people in Saskatchewan, provide to charities in Saskatchewan so we like that we try to stick to as local as possible with everything.”
Introducing a naked single malt, Bowman describes the premium product as un-aged whiskey you should try to get your hands on this Christmas or their Saskatoon Berry Liqueur that’s refreshing with champagne or soda water.
“I would say most people who have ever tried our products or walked into our store realize how small batched or control everything is,” said Bowman.
“We’re not in the business of mass producing alcohol, we’re in business of quality or quantity so every drop that we make absolutely counts as far as flavour profile, smoothness and excellence.”
Now that you have some ideas, experts say a good rule of thumb is that each guest will have two drinks their first hour and one thereafter.
Of course anyone partaking in some Christmas cheer is also reminded that if you drink don’t drive.
Mulled Wine Recipe – *Courtesy of Pinterest*
Ingredients:
- 1 large orange
- 2 cardamom pods
- 6 whole clove
- 6 allspice berries
- 6 whole black peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick, plus 4 for garnish (optional)
- 1 bottle (3 cups) fruity red wine
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup brandy
Directions:
- With a fine grater, zest, then juice the orange.
- With the flat side of a knife, press firmly on the cardamom pods to bruise them. In a large pot (not aluminum), combine zest, juice, cardamom, cloves, allspice, peppercorns, cinnamon, wine, sugar, and brandy. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until sugar dissolves, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low; simmer until flavors have melded, about 30 minutes. Pour through a fine-mesh sieve; garnish with cinnamon stick, if desired. Serve immediately.
Global News asks everyone to enjoy the holidays and please drink responsibly.
Comments