Wine Country Ontario Blog
What’s happening in wine country over the next few weeks before Christmas? LOTS! Now is the perfect time to take a visit to Wine Country and to stock up on all your favourite wines and treats so you’re set for your family and friends’ festivities.
With the help of the winery’s resident sommelier, Southbrook has put together some amazing tips and recipes for breezing through the holiday chaos that we absolutely love!
Tip #1: Keeping them occupied (The Tall Ones)
As guests arrive, invite them in and hand over a warm glass of mulled wine. This comforting holiday sipper can be made ahead of time with minimal effort. No need stand over this simmering pot! Here is a simple recipe that keeps our Wine Lovers warm on The Tasting Bar (thanks to Wine Lover Michele)!
• 2 Bottles of Southbrook Cabernet Merlot Shiraz
• 2 Oranges (large) sliced
• 1 Orange stuck with Cloves
• 2 Lemons sliced
• 3-4 tbsp Honey
• 2-3 Cinnamon Sticks
• A 3 inch piece of fresh ginger root thinly sliced
• A fruit wine (Southbrook’s Cassis works well).
METHOD :
In a large saucepot combine all ingredients with the exception of a few orange slices, (reserve for garnish). Cook over medium heat until it is just before boiling. DO NOT BOIL. Steep on low heat for a minimum of twenty minutes. Taste, add more honey if needed.
Tip #2: Keeping them occupied (The Small Ones)
Now, those small guests may be harder to keep out of the kitchen, but all it takes is a favorite reindeer and a little creativity and we promise this treat will keep your kitchen clear and your guests happy! If you’re ready to bring the “wow” and be the “cool” party on the block – try this mocktail:
Rudulph’s Twinkling Nose (Serves 1):
• 4 oz. Southbrook’s Sparkling Apple Cranberry Cider
• 2oz. Pineapple Juice
• Splash of Grenadine
• 1 Maraschino Cherry (Rudolph’s nose)
METHOD:
Combine liquid ingredients in a martini shaker filled with ice. Stir martini ingredients briskly for 20 seconds and pour into stemless wine glass. Float grenadine over mocktail mixture and drop Maraschino cherry into glass to add a little Rudolph holiday cheer!
HINT – wish to make this a proper cocktail? Just add a little Southbrook Framboise to the mix!
If you get the chance to make it to Wine Country, Southbrook will be hosting Trim the Tree Event on Dec 17th, mulled wine, apple cider, gingerbread men decorating & a centre piece workshop!
If you’re going to be in the city over the next couple of weeks, don’t forget to come visit us at the Toronto Christmas Market in the Distillery over the next couple of weekends!
